Wow, I guess I am very lucky to have had two different doctors that had attended sponsored conferences on fibromyalgia and how to effectively treat us. And it taught that it is a Neuro Muscular disease. Or Brain, Nerves and Muscle disease that can also effect connective tissue. Because I cannot take nsaids pain control or 90% of narcotics they put me on immune suppressants. They help a bit when its winter and about 75% the rest of the year.
My family considers it a virus that you can catch like a cold or the flu, with the exception of two of my aunts that contacted the Fibromyalgia Treatment Group in Boise Idaho and asked for educational materials so the could learn about and be more supportive of me

My aunt had fibro. I am not sure when she was diagnosed. But when I was starting with symptoms, i remember people saying she was a hypocondriac and complained all the time. I knew she was telling the truth. Even when I was struggling to accept my dragnosis, I came across several people who had it. I accepted them quicker than my collegues.

No I knew absolutely no one who had Fibromyalgia from what I know Now most people don't tell people that they have Fibromyalgia because so many people don't understand at all.

Kimberly, so sorry that you don't have control over your pain. I never knew anyone with fibro, but now know many. I also have IBS osteoarthritis and now a new diagnosis of PLS. Some fibro people appear normal, but you don't see them when they get home. I try to do things but may pay for it the next day. Gabapentin has really helped my sciatic pain. Good luck.

I absolutely do not know anyone who had fibromyalgia and I never even heard of it actually. Once I was diagnosed then I had a few people at my church tell me they had it. They do not appear to have it as bad as I do seeing all the activities they are able to do. 2 of them said they only had Fibro. Everyone that told me they had it are in their late 70's and I wondered if their issues are really only from being older. Thru medical tests I found I have many different things wrong with me. Even these women have told me get more exercise, take naps & eat better. They weigh more than me! But even when I lost weight and wore a size 4, my symptoms never eased up. Due to a herniated disk in lower spine, I can not walk very long or my sciatica will act up and then I can barely walk and can not sit upright.