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Is Fibromyalgia a Real Disease?

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Posted 12/19/2015 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
The answer is "yes". We have had members that have had doctors that don't believe in the existence of this illness and it makes it so difficult for those with fibro. So many have even been told it's all in their heads or they are hypochondriacs. Nope! We are not crazy! We suffer from fibromyalgia. This is a true illness. Here are a few links from excellent sites that explain this illness.

This is from the Mayo Clinic.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243

This is from the American College of Rheumatology.

www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia

This is from the World Health Organization. I didn't realize it was finally given the distinction of a disease in 2013. Before that it was just called a syndrome.

W.H.O. Defines Fibromyalgia
The World Health Organization is responsible for applied codes relating to disease/illness. This is defined for classification of a recognized disease/illness, used by physicians and for deciding disabilities. In 1992 FMS held the classification of: Rheumatism, unspecified. In 2009 they developed another International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10-CM), which will be implemented in 2013. Fibromyalgia will be classified as a disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

This is puzzling and more confusing (IMHO). Everything we have been consistently told is FMS either does not exist or is a by-product of mental illness. We have been told it is not a disease. If the WHO can recognize and state that FMS, in fact, is a disease...why is there any question whatsoever regarding its validity? If FMS is a by-product that is psychosomatic, why would the WHO continue to place it in its classification as a 'disease'? Why are physicians still denying it's existence? Are you as confused as I?

Fibromyalgia is included in the Tenth Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) published by WHO in 1992 as follows:

M79 Other soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classified
M79.0 Rheumatism, unspecified
Fibromyalgia
Fibrositis

An updated 2009 version of ICD-10-CM is now available for public viewing. However, the codes in ICD-10-CM are not currently valid for any purpose or use. There is now an anticipated implementation date for the ICD-10-CM of October 1, 2013.

CHAPTER 13
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)

M79.7 Fibromyalgia, Fibromyositis, Fibrositis, Myofibrositis

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/icd9/abticd10.htm
VaBreeze | Jun 04, 2009

This is from the National Institutes of Health.

www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/fibromyalgia/

Sherrine
Posted 12/19/2015 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Sherrine, for this information.

We need to steer clear of doctors who don't believe in fibromyalgia. I had a few of them too until I learned better. For seeing a new doctor, it's best to ask over the phone if the doctor believes that fibromyalgia is a real health condition.
Posted 12/19/2015 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherrine. I started seeking treatment for my symptoms in the late 1960's. I've met plenty of doctors who treated me as though I was nuts. Glad fibro is recognized now.
Posted 12/20/2015 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad I found a new doctor, very young and he looks like Doogie Howser, lol. (The nurse jokingly warned me on my first visit.)

He didn't doubt me for a second and practically finished my sentences when I began listing my symptoms excuse he knew what I was talking about. What a relief!

Hopefully, maybe the newer graduates have been better educated about it, who knows.

T
Posted 12/20/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
That's what I got my ssi on. In the paperwork it states that because I have it so bad is what the judge made his decision on.
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