Fibro because its not all about the Zzzs… except when it is…

Fibro folk, tell me I’m not alone, you’re out, having some fun with friends, one of them out of the handful that are around, knows about your Fibro and inquires about your health. You thank them for their genuine concern, pleased to know someone is listening, when another one says ‘Oh is that the sleeping one? I got some (insert name of sleep supplement here) from facebook/tiktok/my sister’s brother in law’s father’s uncle said it works for all those and it knocks me right out’ while you are looking down so that fire doesnt shoot out of your eye holes you remember you’re too tired to argue with this person that you hardly know about what the different kinds of tireds there are. Let her be her dumb ass self and hope that she never has any type of chronic illness, because you wouldnt wish any of it on your worst enemy let alone this obnoxiously oblivious woman.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia are both chronic conditions characterized by symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but they differ in their primary symptoms and diagnostic criteria. “Just being tired,” on the other hand, typically refers to a temporary state of fatigue that can be alleviated by rest and does not meet the criteria for either CFS or Fibromyalgia.

CFS, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is primarily characterized by profound fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and persists for at least six months. This fatigue is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cognitive difficulties (often referred to as “brain fog”), muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. The exact cause of CFS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors including viral infections, immune dysfunction, and psychological stressors.

Fibromyalgia, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The pain associated with fibromyalgia typically affects specific tender points in the body, and the condition is thought to involve abnormalities in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, as well as factors such as genetics, infections, and trauma.

“Just being tired,” or transient fatigue, is a common experience that everyone encounters at some point in their lives due to factors such as inadequate sleep, physical exertion, stress, or illness. Unlike CFS and Fibromyalgia, transient fatigue typically resolves with rest and does not persist for an extended period of time. While it may share some symptoms with CFS and Fibromyalgia, such as fatigue, it lacks the severity, duration, and accompanying symptoms necessary for a diagnosis of either condition.

Til tomorrow folks, be kind to yourself and one another.