Fibromyalgia Awareness | Information, Tips, Support, Patient Stories

Dedicated to raise awareness about Fibromyalgia and offer online support. Find fibromyalgia information, news, interviews and tips.

Height of Forgetfulness

I had such a cool poster idea yesterday, but when I sat to create it today, I was so blank! Blame it on Fibro Fog!

Fibromyalgia: Survey results and compassion fatigue


A latest article on the website of Institute for Integrated Healthcare Studies focuses on something called compassion fatigue. The article highlights how massage therapists and practitioners dealing with Fibromyalgia patients can develop compassion fatigue as everyday they tend to so many patients and listen to their misery. While these experts treat and counsel the patients, it can affect them if they do not take of their own health. here's an excerpt from the article:

"Based on Eagan's description of compassion fatigue, it is easy to see how previously caring therapists could evolve towards apathy. Practicing good self-care is where the hard work of maintaining compassion lies."

These caregivers are the strength and support system of people with Fibromyalgia. I wonder how we would cope if these helpful therapists and practitioners develop apathy. After all, these lovely people are the ones who understand Fibromyalgia, the chronic invisible illness that has no specific lab tests for diagnosis and is misunderstood by many!

Do check out this article written by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac. for Institute for Integrated Healthcare Studies. It includes:
  1. Findings of an online survey courtesy Synovate Healthcare, National Fibromyalgia Association, the American Pain Foundation, and Pfizer Inc. 
  2. Some origins of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).
  3. Information on Compassion Fatigue.
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Fibromyalgia patients and their families come across hundreds of articles on the web. Some are too long, some repeat the same old story while others are missed and might contain crucial information, news or findings. Shortlisting and sharing important articles on Fibromyalgia via the Stay Informed section of this blog. Take Care!