Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

My doctor thinks I may have fibromyalgia. Is there any way to be sure?

Answer

Fibromyalgia, a brain chemical disorder that must be one of medicine's least understood conditions, is not hard to diagnose if a doctor knows what to look for. The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for a formal FM diagnosis: chronic pain all over your body, and the the presence of at least 11 of 18 exquisitely tender points in specific places on the body. If you want to know if you meet the formal criteria for FM, you need to see a doctor who knows how to do a tender point examination. A phone call to the Fibromyalgia Network (800-853-2929) will get you a list of fibro-aware doctors in your area.

The criterion of 11/18 tender points is mainly for research purposes. You cannot be accepted into a clinical trial if you have fewer than 11 TPs, but you can still have FM. If you have chronic, widespread pain and any number of tender points, you would do well to adopt the "fibromyalgia lifestyle"--careful nutrition, avoidance of simple sugars, alcohol, and caffeine; a regular program of exercise; and a regimen that promotes restful and restorative sleep. These modifications will stand you in good stead if you don't have FM, and if you do have it they will change your life much for the better.

03/14/98

Richard B. Patterson is a clinical psychologist in private practice in El Paso, TX. He is the author of three books on psychology and spirituality.