Many find it difficult to make a distinction between fibromyalgia, also known as FM, and chronic fatigue syndrome, particularly because the symptoms of both illnesses are very similar. Even doctors and experts, up until now, cannot definitely say if CFS, short for chronic fatigue syndrome, and FM are two different diseases with like symptoms, separate aspects of one disorder, or two completely distinct illnesses.
Issues surrounding fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome became even murkier after an FM/CFS expert released his findings in a National Fibromyalgia Association publication in September 2002. According to the findings of Dr. Charles W Lapp, around 70% of people suffering from FM also qualify for CFS, and about the same percentage of CFS sufferers also manifest symptoms of FM.
Definition of FM and CFS
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic musculoskeletal aches (particularly in tender points such as spine, neck, hips and shoulders), insomnia, and fatigue. Although it is unclear what causes such a disease, it is believed that lack of nutrition and problems with the hypothalamic and immune functions could exacerbate or trigger the syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, on the other hand, is characterized by severe fatigue, experienced during not less than six months. Sufferers of CFS also experience muscle and joint pains, sore throat, non-restive sleep, and general malaise after performing physical activities. Sometimes, especially after a strenuous activity, CFS patients display temporary concentration, cognitive and memory lapses.
Similarities between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome
As mentioned earlier, the two conditions share quite a number of similar symptoms. If you think you are suffering from one of such illnesses, you need to consult several doctors. A physician whose expertise is in infectious disease might see your symptoms as chronic fatigue syndrome, while a pain and rehabilitation doctor could look at your symptoms as FM.
Most common indications or symptoms of both FM and CFS sufferers are joint and muscular pain, severe fatigue, inability to concentrate, memory lapses, numbness, malaise, and weakness. Meanwhile, clinical likeness of the two includes non-restive sleep or insomnia, lowering of growth hormone and serotonin levels, and diminished blood flow in certain parts of the brain.
Aside from having similar symptoms, both diseases are also more common in women than men. In FMS, women are about eight times more susceptible than men. Both diseases also occur more often in adults than in children.
Differences between CFS and FM
Although patients of both illnesses suffer muscle pain and fatigue, the degree or severity of the two symptoms will help distinguish chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers from fibromyalgia patients. People who experience predominantly debilitating fatigue suffer from CFS, while those whose main symptom is chronic pain in joints and muscles have FM. Another stark difference is that CFS is prompted or initiated by an infectious illness, such as influenza. On the hand, FM is usually triggered by injury, surgery, accident, or a type of physical trauma.
How CFS and FM are diagnosed?
Unlike in certain illnesses where laboratory, blood and x-ray findings help determine the disease, both FM and CFS can only be determined through medical history and clinical findings. If you feel that you are suffering from either one of the diseases, you should be more precise in describing what you are feeling. It is important to tell everything to your doctor, even the minutest discomfort or changes in your body, because these little things will be a great help in diagnosing the disease.
Managing FM and CFS
Since there is no known drug that could cure fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, doctors usually concentrate on treating the symptoms or the triggers or causes of the conditions. Given that there is no definite cure for both illnesses, the best that you can do, if you suffer from CFS, FM or both, is to manage the disease. Here are some tips that could help you:
Know your illness
The first thing you should do, when diagnosed with either of the two conditions, is to research and learn as much as you can about your condition. It would be easier for you and your doctor to communicate and discuss the disease and possible treatment plans or options, if you have a certain degree of knowledge about the disease. The Internet, local libraries and journals and magazines can help you with learning more about FM and CFS.
Eat healthy and have plenty of rest
It is very important for people who suffer from both CFS and FM to eat a well-balanced diet, particularly because some diseases can trigger them. Furthermore, some types of food could exacerbate your symptoms, like too much caffeine could make it difficult for you to sleep well. Adequate rest and sleep could also help alleviate some symptoms, like depression, stress and non-restive sleep.
Laugh and have fun
Stress and depression can only make matters worse. Thus, you need to be happy more often. Remember, that sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/a-guide-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-fibromyalgia-88140.html
Am I an Indigo or Chrystal child?
here’s a list of characteristics I found for Indigos on a website:
•Come into the world with a feeling of royalty (and often act like it).
•Have a feeling of "deserving to be here," and are surprised when others don’t share that.
•Do not have an issue with self-worth. They often tell the parents "who they are."
•Have difficulty with absolute authority (authority without explanation or choice). ✓
•Simply will not do certain things; for example, waiting in line is difficult for them. ✓
•Get frustrated with systems that are ritually oriented and don’t require creative thought. ✓
•Often see better ways of doing things, both at home and in school, which makes them seem like "system busters" (nonconforming to any system). ✓
•Seem antisocial unless they are with their own kind. If there are no others of like consciousness around them, they often turn inward, feeling like no other human understands them. School is often extremely difficult for them socially. ✓
•Will not respond to "guilt" discipline ("Wait till your father gets home and finds out what you did"). ✓
•Are not shy in letting you know what they need.
•Are highly intuitive – can be telepathic and show extrasensory capabilities. ✓
•Will often say seemingly ‘profound’ statements – they often seem wise beyond their years. ✓
•Are very sensitive to the environment, (can include food & additives), energy fields, electrical currents, as well as emotional sensitivity to what is happening around them. ✓
•Are strong willed – have a determination about them, often ‘warrior-like’ in their personality. ✓
•Will often ‘call them as they see them’ and won’t hold back from doing so. ✓
•Can have a fiery temper and demeanor – rarely wavers from the one-track mind.
•Can often be confused with having a defiant attitude – will often do the exact opposite of what they are told to do. ✓
•Have a strong need to help others, individually or globally. ✓
•Are often introverted and a loner. ✓
•Like to work alone most of the time or in groups where is there is mutual cooperation and respect. ✓
•Are seemingly antisocial until they meet up with others like them. ✓
• Are very technologically oriented – usually are whizzes at computers or other gadgetry. ✓
•Deal often with depression, insomnia, or bodily issues such as chronic fatigue ✓, fibromyalgia and in extreme cases – energetic mania or freneticness.
•Can be misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. ✓
And for Chrystals:
They:
•Are usually born in 1995 or later. ✓
•Possess large eyes with an intense stare. ✓
•Have magnetic personalities and are highly affectionate. ✓
•Start talking late in childhood (3-4 years old) and are very musically oriented and may sing before talking.
•Use telepathy and self-invented sign language to communicate.
•May be diagnosed with Autism or Asberger’s syndrome.
•Are even-tempered, sweet, and loving and are forgiving of others. ✓
•Are highly sensitive and empathetic. ✓
•Are very much connected to nature and animals. ✓
•Exhibit healing qualities.
•Are quite interested in crystals and rocks. ✓
•Often discuss angels, spirit guides and past-life memories.
•Are extremely artistic and creative. ✓
•Prefer vegetarian meals and juices to "regular food". ✓
•May be fearless explorers and climbers with an amazing sense of balance. ✓
· Love lots of colour – rainbows, multicoloured in the way they dress or how they see the world around them and will stand out because of it, e.g. will wear red skirt with orange socks, blue shirt with white hat. ✓
· Are very sensitive to the environment, (can include food & additives), energy fields, vaccines, chemicals & pesticides, noise, electrical currents (ie. watches will stop, etc.), as well as emotional sensitivity to what is happening around them. ✓
· Have a fragility or sense of vulnerability around them and yet very strong internally – strong will and determination when focused. ✓
·Have an affinity to rocks, crystals and stones. ✓
· Usually possess a sense of fearlessness.
· Are highly artistic and creative with a bountiful imagination ✓
· Are usually gifted in one or more areas ie. art, music, math, etc. – as a result, subjects in school can be viewed as boring and senseless – displays desire to stay focused on the gifted area in their life. ✓
· Are very comfortable being around plants, nature, animals. ✓
· Have an inherent ability to uncover people’s fear – they seem to connect and know what is in one’s head and heart. ✓
· Can be misdiagnosed as Autistic.
· Can often be delayed in speech – late talkers, impaired speech or hearing.
· Are can very gentle and forgiving – very loving and compassionate personality.
· Have natural healing abilities.
· Often have large, clear eyes – eyes are prominent in photographs or when looking at you – sometimes you can feel as if they are staring right though you.
I ticked the ones that apply to me, can someone help me? It would really help with my identit
oh and a ✓ to the last chrystal point xx
You are neither.
Indigo and Crystal children are like unicorns, clearly defined, but mythological creatures. There are no such things except in fiction.
References :
I have read a description of these many times, and quite honestly… this fits the description of most young people. We all want to feel like we are somehow more "special" or "gifted" than those around us. You are curious and intelligent my dear- not an "indigo child"
: ) Embrace just being a regular human… trust me that is far more interesting than fitting into a category!
References :