Well Woman Blog

we thin of disabilities, we think of things like wheelchairs, crutches and white canes. But there are other disabilities, just as real and just as debilitating , that aren't immediately evident. The list includes attention deficit disorder, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and numerous other illnesses.

Another invisible disability is fibromyalgia. In fact, it s often referred to as the invisible illness. KOMU Missouri talks about Elizabeth Box and her problems with fibromyalgia:

Thirteen years ago Box was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, sometimes called the invisible illness because doctors can't see the disease. Sufferers like Box, though, can feel the disease because of symptoms ranging from constant pain, to sleeping disorders and something called "fibro fog" that causes memory problems.

What can you do about fibromyalgia? The Managing My Fibromyalgia Blog, along with lists of medications and other methods of treatment, has this bit of sage advice:

Education This is half the battle. People with fibromyalgia must understand that this condition is not life threatening, deforming or paralyzing, and it is a valid medical condition. The more one learns about fibromyalgia, the more it is understood and the less frightening it becomes.

• Hope for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
• Anti-inflammatory Proteins and Pain
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
• Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia Pain
• Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia and Sensitivity