A simple explanation of Fibromyalgia is that we have three times more Substance P which relays pain messages, and have half as much Substance H which "helps" by sending endorphins, etc. There for, do the math! We feel three times more pain, but half the relief. That's why I get crazy when articles say we have a lower pain threshold! No, we FEEL MORE PAIN!! I would say instead that we have a higher endurance because we keep trudging through life living in an unbelievable amount of pain. Give us a freaking medal!!

I have had Fibro for over 25 years - at first I was relieved to find an answer for all the weird things that were happening to my body. But since there never seems to be a way to deal with it completely, it is mentally exhausting. Mainly because no one else understands. I look like I am fine. So therefore, I must be fine right? When I work alongside my husband for a shared chore - he gets sore muscles.... but my pain is so much more and so widespread and never-ending. He just shrugs his shoulders in a dismissive attitude when I say Im still hurting and cant do things and need more rest - as if I am being a baby. I hate this crappy disease and it is taking my joy on many days. I am also tired of all the talking heads that tell us we may have caused this somehow ourselves!!!!!! ????? What the heck? I don't even try to explain it to anyone anymore... they cannot possible understand. Its is a waste of time. I am becoming more selfish though... I use to push through to keep up with others - but now I just bow out when I am over my head. I still get the same looks - but Im becoming numb to them as well. I just roll my eyes at their response to my decision to sit down when I need to or say no to an innocent walk they may put me over the edge because Im already treading water!

Having a voice here is helpful because it reminds me that I am not crazy! Thanks for being there team!!

I end with this... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Amen!!

Causes
Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but some think it's a problem with how your brain and spinal cord process pain signals from your nerves.

We do know certain things suggest you're more likely to get it:

You're a woman. (but men can get it too)
You have another painful disease, such as arthritis, or an infection.
You have a mood disorder, like anxiety or depression.
You were physically or emotionally abused or have PTSD.
You rarely exercise.
Other family members have it.
Fibromyalgia can feel similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But rather than hurting in a specific area, the pain and stiffness could be throughout your body.

Other fibro symptoms can include:

Belly pain, bloating, queasiness, constipation, and diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Headaches
Dry mouth, nose, and eyes
Sensitivity to cold, heat, light, or sound
Peeing more often
Numbness or tingling in your face, arms, hands, legs, or feet

Another way to explain the pain & fatigue is to compare it to a bad case of the flu. Everyone knows how bad they feel with the flu for 24 hrs or whatever. I tell them it is like that or worse all the time, worse yet with a flare.

My doc explained to hubby that my nerves are like guitar strings pulled too tight so they are always "thrumming". And any little thing can cause that "thrum"to get louder/hurt. He kinda understands now.