What it is
Symptoms often come and go and can be triggered by stress, poor sleep or changes in the weather.
There is no cure. Regular exercise, talking therapies, good sleep habits and some medicines can help manage it.
Common signs
- Widespread pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Problems with memory and concentration (fibro fog)
- Headaches
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms
- Blood tests to rule out other conditions
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood test results
- Rheumatology letters
- A symptom diary
- Treatments tried and their effect
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could my symptoms be caused by something else?
- What can I do to manage flare-ups?
- Which treatments are worth trying?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- New weakness, numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control: get urgent medical help, it is not caused by fibromyalgia
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.