Fibromyalgia, like many other rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, isnt a quick and easy diagnosis, according to Dr. Gota. It is difficult to diagnose a patient with fibromyalgia if symptoms have been ongoing for less than three months. In addition to its longer duration of symptoms, what differentiates fibromyalgia from other conditions is the character of pain it inflicts. According to Dr. Gota, it starts with achiness and stiffness in one area that eventually spreads to the whole body. For other patients, she says, fibromyalgia might start in the joints. Fibromyalgia patients are always tired and experience sleep difficulties; the vast majority wake up unrefreshed, explains Dr. Gota. Sometimes they feel like theyve been hit by a truck.
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