Dr. Susko's Corner

• The most common cause of generalized, musculoskeletal pain in women between the ages of 20 and 55
• 80-90% are women; 6 times more common in women
• >2% of the population, increases with age

FM treatment: patient education

• Patient education about the disorder
• Reassurance that FM is a real illness and that it is not life -threatening or progressive
• There is no evidence FM is related to infection
• Sleep hygiene
• Role of exercise
• Prognosis: most people will lead normal and active lives

• Brain fog ("fibro-fog")
• Pain in muscles all over the body
• Muscular aches
• Abdominal pain and irritable bowel symptoms (alternating diarrhea and constipation)

Take charge!

• One of the most important factors in how a person does long-term is their ability to take charge
• Avoid "catastrophizing"
• Remain as active as possible