Judy Stevens has a heart for helping patients with fibromyalgia.
“It affects men and women, but is more prevalent in women. Five thousand Americans at any given time have fibromyalgia in the U.S. Most of them are undiagnosed, which means they’re undertreated,” said Stevens, an advanced practice registered nurse, family nurse practitioner and owner of HealthFirst Family Clinic. “Their families don’t believe them and think they’re lazy. Once they have the diagnosis, that validates their condition and their symptoms so that they don’t think they’re crazy or a hypochondriac.”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic neuropathic pain that can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as depression, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and sleep disturbances, said Dr. Neha Pansuria, a rheumatologist at Graves-Gilbert Clinic.
“It’s distinct from other types of pain,” she said.
Stevens agreed.
“It’s widespread chronic pain all over the body. These patients have a heightened sense of pain,” she said. “Their pain receptors are nonfunctioning. A handshake and pat on the shoulder would be painful for them where it would not be painful for us. Some have a lot of difficulty turning in bed because it’s so painful.”
The other conditions that can accompany fibromyalgia can make life difficult.
“They can have problems with relationships because of their mood or because of fatigue. Even something like preparing a meal is difficult,” Stevens said. “If it goes undiagnosed and untreated, they could lose work, stop doing things enjoyable to them and get depressed. It affects quality of life significantly.”
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and there are no specific tests for it, Pansuria said. Instead, medical professionals rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis.
“It’s a diagnosis of exclusions,” she said.
Stevens said there may be associated conditions with the fibromyalgia. For example, a person who has been in an automobile accident or someone who has been a victim of domestic violence may develop it because of injuries and stress.
“There are a myriad of issues involved,” she said. “You have to look at the big picture overall.”
Because fibromyalgia presents itself in different ways in different people, there are a variety of ways to treat the pain and other symptoms.
“Education is important,” Stevens said. “When patients have knowledge of this condition and how it’s affecting them, then they’re empowered to become a partner in health care.”
Treatment may include regular exercise; medication such as Lyrica, Cymbalta or Savella; or daily deep sleep hygiene, Pansuria said.
“Going to bed at a regular time, using calm music or light, some people like to read – that helps put them to sleep,” she said.
Stress can also be a factor, Pansuria said.
“They should avoid stressful situations that can exacerbate their pain response,” she said.
Stevens helps patients with fibromyalgia obtain intermittent leave from their jobs if necessary.
“I work with employers because I want them to remain employed. They could miss as many as one to three days of work at any given time,” she said. “During that time I want their jobs to be protected. That’s another stressor. We know that stress impacts their pain.”
Talking to others in similar situations may also help. Stevens is a facilitator for a new support group for people with fibromyalgia and their family and friends. The group meets from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at The Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Center at Greenwood Mall.
“The support group is not only going to target the patient and help them understand the disease process and what they can do to help themselves, but also friends who suspect a friend may have fibromyalgia,” she said. “When families are involved, the patients tend to do better. They respond so favorably it changes their lives.”
