The FM/a® Blood Test and Campaign 250: Participation in Fibromyalgia Exome and Treatment Study

The FM/a® Test, is real, and it is making a huge impact on the way fibromyalgia is diagnosed. So, what is it? And, how might it affect you?

My July 2016 blog, FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results, has been trending on social media and my fibro-friends have told me they have found it very helpful. The following is one excerpt from that blog that sums it up.

“FM/a® is a multi-biomarker-based test which concerns immune system white blood chemokine and cytokine patterns. Patients with fibromyalgia have a significantly dysregulated pattern regarding these proteins.

I am often asked why I had the blood test done. Wasn’t I afraid the results might be negative? Of course I had concerns, but for me it was worth the risk since, like all of us, I have suffered the physical and emotional agony of living with an invisible illness. If there was a blood test that would confirm my symptoms were not all in my head, I wanted it. It was worth it, because now I have affirmation that I have a biological test that confirms I have fibromyalgia, and I can participate in important research, making a difference in the lives of people worldwide.

I am happy to share other important news that might influence your decision.

“The FM/a® Test is a recognized diagnostic tool that provides an objective diagnosis of fibromyalgia for Gulf War veterans with this disorder who are seeking to qualify for disability coverage. Additionally, the FM/a® Test is now covered for veterans by CHAMPVA insurance, as well as Medicare and most PPO insurance plans.” (Business Wire, accessed November 21, 2017)

In my April 2017 blog, I shared “Breaking News" regarding sequencing of exomes (fibromyalgia disease-specific gene markers) that will improve the diagnosis of fibromyalgia through the application of the FM/a® Test. (Press release). In that blog, I also shared the announcement of “Campaign 250”. Following is an excerpt.

Breaking News

Under contract with researchers from both UCLA and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Campaign 250 will conduct Whole-Exome genetic testing on up to 250,000 patients who have received a positive FM/a® fibromyalgia diagnosis… Based upon the findings of this testing and once treatment protocols have received regulatory and institutional approvals, FM/a® Test positive patients will be invited to participate in a fibromyalgia-specific vaccine clinical trial to reverse the biology of fibromyalgia…

That time is NOW!

I am honored to say, “I am officially a participant in Campaign 250”. I signed the consent form, which is straightforward, and I submitted my blood, one tube is all it takes. The only qualification is to have tested positive with the FM/a Test. The genomics draw test kit came with detailed instructions. 

I am also happy to share that FM/a® testing is now offered to patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Turkey, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

Would you like to participate?

 PLEASE VISIT

https://fmtest.com  

The website provides information you can share with others and your healthcare providers. You will find answers to frequently asked questions, a brochure to download, personal testimonies, access to peer-reviewed medical publications, and a scrolling list of insurance companies known to cover the test (at the bottom of the page). In addition, there are videos to guide you through the process, such as why me, how to get the test, how can I be sure, how can I join, exploring effective treatment, how to get the FM/a blood test, and more. If you have more questions, you are encouraged to give their staff a call.

"From what we get, we can make a living;

what we give, however, makes a life."

~Arthur Ashe

Follow @TheFMTest on Facebook

Additional Information:

FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” – for a detailed account of the process

Blood Test for Fibromyalgia: FM/a Test ® Is Real, Q&A

EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches

 (Signature line appended July 2018)

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others. 

Casting Light on the Shadow of Fibromyalgia: Finding the cause

Radiating the Shadow of Light

As suggested in my article for ProHealth, there is a problem with research on fibromyalgia. It is all over the place. The reason for this is partly due to how research is funded—sad, but true.

Drug Research

Several drugs have been suggested for treating fibromyalgia  but are they helping?

The FDA *Voice of the Patient (October 2014) said:

“According to the polling, nearly all in-person and web participants reported taking or having taken a prescription medication to treat their fibromyalgia symptoms. Prescription drug therapies were described as having widely varying degrees of effectiveness, and many participants noted limited benefits or decreased benefit over time. Additionally, even if effective, many participants described that they could not sustain treatment because they were unable to tolerate their side effects.”

*A polling of FDA approved Lyrica®, Cymbalta®, Savella® and other commonly prescribed medications.

 

Also in 2014, The Cochran Library database said while it seems helpful in those who tolerate it, the number who benefit from Pregabalin (Lyrica) is very small. Only one person in ten will have any benefits. (Pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia in adults, accessed April 29, 2017) That is underwhelming evidence compared to the reported clinical trials on which the FDA based their approval.

Getting Unstuck

In our books I write about the importance of critical thinking and problem solving, i.e. determining what we think we want or need then go about finding ways to achieve it. But, when we change the goal, or even our interpretation of the goal, so changes the way we get there. Simply masking our symptoms so we can learn to live with it isn’t a lofty goal to me. Instead, we should be looking at the cause, the necessary step to finding a cure. That said, I support any medication, treatment, or therapy you and your doctor work together to find, but we can’t get stuck in thinking that’s all there is. We need to know how to treat fibromyalgia as a disease and manage it as we do diabetes, thyroid disease, etc.

The Biology of Body Matter

I began reviewing research, commentaries, and reports on fibromyalgia in 2001 when I first started writing our book, Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, 2010. And, I have seen evidence in small studies and large that fibromyalgia is biological.

As years pass by, we see a recurring theme regarding the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involvement in fibromyalgia. And as we advance, we learn more about how this might work. You see, the HPA axis is constantly recalculating based on stress signals from the mind or body. For instance, if it receives feedback that there is an imbalance in the immune system this intricate system activates to restore order. 

Immune Cells

Behm FG, et al. found specific immune cells in FM using a specific method. That is what led to the FM/a® blood test. This finding doesn't necessarily negate previous studies on the HPA response in fibromyalgia. Instead, this and other “Peer-reviewed Medical Publications” (below), support immune system involvement in fibromyalgia, which could be upsetting the body's ability to achieve balance. When we treat the root cause in any disease, it makes the job of the HPA much easier.

Newsworthy Hope for the Future

Dynamic, well-respected scientists and medical research institutions will be collecting data from those of us who have tested positive with the FM/a® blood test. 

“We seek a potential set of explanations for why FM patients have their immunological abnormalities and that is why we have contracted with the genomic facilities at two major university medical centers(University of Illinois and UCLA) so we utilize their immense expertise and databases.” (Dr. Bruce Gillis, personal correspondence)

It’s important that you know this will “Take Time”. This is the first step to help scientists find treatment that is specific to the cause of fibromyalgia.

“Things Take Time (TTT).

Get this engraved on your watch crystal or the back of your cell phone.

The Grand Canyon started as a run-off problem.”

~Jeff Miller, PhD (My co-author)

You can read about the BREAKING NEWS shared in my blog, EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches.

Participation 

The FM/a® test “Campaign 250” is devoted to answering the basic three questions: Do I have it? What caused it? How do I treat it? If you would like to be one of the 250,0000 participates in this important research, you first need to have the FM/a® test. Start the process at http://fmtest.com/ and contact them if you can’t find answers to any of your questions. They are a wonderful bunch of folks. And, you can read my blog, FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results, which clearly explains my experience. 

In hope and healing,,Celeste

Related reading:

·        FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results.

·        EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches.

Following are downloadable peer-reviewed medical publications: (accessed, 2017)

BMC Clinical Pathology-Unique immunologic patterns in fibromyalgia

Rheumatology International-Cytokine and chemokine profiles in fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a potentially useful tool in differential diagnosis

Journal of Innate Immunity-Long-Lasting Effects of BCG Vaccination on Both Heterologous Th1/Th17 Responses and Innate Trained Immunity

Molecular Immunology-Induction of transcription factors, miRNAs and cytokines involved in T lymphocyte differentiation in BCG-vaccinated subjects

PNAS-Bacille Calmette-Guérin induces NOD2-dependent nonspecific protection from reinfection via epigenetic reprogramming of monocytes

The Journal of Immunology-Bacillus Calmette-Guérien (BCG) Revaccination of Adults with Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Induces Long-Lived BCG-Reactive NK Cell Responses

Vaccine-Complex cytokine profiles induced by BCG vaccination in UK infants

Vaccine-Interferon-gamma production by mononuclear cells in BacilleCalmette-Guérin-revaccinated healthy volunteers predicted long-termantimycobacterial responses in a randomized controlled trial

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches

Press release:

EpicGenetics, with the Assistance of Leading Medical Centers, Expands Clinical Study of FM/a® Test to Diagnose Fibromyalgia, Identify Genetic Markers Unique to the Disorder and Explore Direct Treatment Approaches

- Provides Research Gift to the Faustman Immunobiology Lab at

Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School to

Support Research on Fibromyalgia Treatments -

In February of 2016, I wrote a blog on the importance of a well-designed study on fibromyalgia, Are Fibromyalgia Researchers on a Common Path?

In June of 2016, I wrote a blog on my personal experience with the FM/a® blood test providing a detailed guideline on how the process worked for me, and my results.

In an article that will be published soon by ProHealth, I write about the chaos surrounding concrete diagnostic criteria and the disparaging consequences.

Breaking News

And now I am excited to write about new research that could very well provide us with a true understanding of a “disease” called fibromyalgia.

I have been waiting for permission to share what you are about to read.

LOS ANGELES – April 19, 2017 – EpicGenetics, a privately held biomedical company dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, today announced that it has engaged the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)* and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago (UIC). Both university research centers will be sequencing the exomes of patients to improve the diagnosis of fibromyalgia through the application of the FM/a® Test and to allow EpicGenetics to detect fibromyalgia disease-specific gene markers. Additionally, Bruce Gillis, M.D., CEO of EpicGenetics, has made a research gift to the Immunobiology Laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital directed by Denise Faustman, M.D., Ph.D., to continue its robust clinical research regarding a direct treatment for fibromyalgia. 

The FM/a® Test is an FDA-compliant blood test that diagnoses fibromyalgia by identifying the presence of specific white blood cell abnormalities that have been documented to exist in these patients. The FM/a® Test accurately and objectively diagnoses this chronic disorder that afflicts millions of men, women and children.

Full press release

Committment

I have been committed to understanding and educating my peers on fibromyalgia over the past two decades, but I have never been as excited as I am right now. To be part of a study that has the potential to prove fibromyalgia as a disease with definite treatments is probably the pinnacle of my work.

Dr. Gillis Is Committed

About this announcement, Dr. Gillis told me, “We are hoping to finally bring our understanding of fibromyalgia out of the Dark Ages. Millions of women, men and children suffer from fibromyalgia, yet our understanding and acknowledgement of this as a legitimate medical condition is still so limited and has not advanced in a meaningful way in decades. With the clinical efforts being initiated as part of today’s announcement, we hope to finally change this and, ultimately, we are seeking to provide answers and better solutions for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.”

Follow @TheFMTest on Facebook

What is “Campaign 250?”

According to Epicgenetics, Campaign 250 represents the largest and most ambitious study to investigate fibromyalgia’s genetic origins, as well as develop a treatment protocol addressing the underlying biology of the disease.

Download PDF at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6iFloW6MyVwakttOHFGUWpRNkk/view?usp=sharing

Under contract with researchers from both UCLA* and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Campaign 250 will conduct Whole-Exome genetic testing on up to 250,000 patients who have received a positive FM/a® fibromyalgia diagnosis. All direct testing costs will be covered by EpicGenetics**. Based upon the findings of this testing and once treatment protocols have received regulatory and institutional approvals, FM/a® Test positive patients will be invited to participate in a fibromyalgia-specific vaccine clinical trial to reverse the biology of fibromyalgia. The vaccine trial will be conducted in cooperation with The Faustman Lab and Dr. Denise Faustman at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard School of Medicine, the clinical trial will seek to alleviate fibromyalgia-related symptoms…

* The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has been engaged to sequence the exomes of research subjects
**The genetic tests will require a $45 administration fee to cover the processing of the test, which is a $2,500+ cost being provided at no charge. 

Participation

I am anxious to see if I carry the fibromyalgia gene and I am honored to participate in providing information that can make a difference in the lives of people all over the world who live with fibromyalgia. I hope you can join me on this next chapter.

“The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.”

--Unknown

Additional Information:

FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” – My detailed account of the process

Download the brochure

Learn More, including taking the first steps, information about the FM/a® Test and Frequently Asked Questions.

(Signature line appended July 2018)

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others. 

ACR Responds to Inquiry on Fibromyalgia Criteria

As many of you know, I wrote a letter to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). You can find my letter at Criteria for Fibromyalgia on My Radar AGAIN!

Following is the reply from the senior director of quality at the ACR and my response to her is after that.

Reply from ACR Senior Director:

Ms. Cooper,

Thanks for your inquiry.  My apologies for the delay in getting back to you this week; I am away and trying to catch up on email responses.

As you and Jocelyn have correctly noted, the ACR did provide preliminary endorsement of the Wolfe et al criteria in 2010.  This endorsement was published and cannot be “undone,”  so readers can and will continue to see that endorsement online and in print.  However, since that endorsement was made, the ACR has decided to no longer endorse diagnostic criteria for any disease, for reasons Jocelyn explained.  So readers won’t see a new or updated endorsement from the ACR online or in print.

For every criteria the ACR endorses, science continues to progress after the endorsed publication, and different things are published over time.  This means readers can always find more recent information than something published 6 years ago – and that is the case here.  An evaluation of the newer publications and whether they are better than the older ones should be done by readers and experts in the field, but at this time, the ACR does not plan to do it, given the ACR’s decision to no longer review diagnostic criteria for ACR endorsement.

I hope this helps clarify things.

Best regards,

My response:

Thank you so much for answering in such a timely manner. I am eager to share with my colleagues and fellow patients. 

I am sure those at the ACR understand my concerns that many rheumatologists (and general practitioners) are unaware of the ACR position on the fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Many articles come across my desk that suggest clinicians embrace the Preliminary Proposed Criteria, even though the ACR has not endorsed it.

In light of newer research, as you say, the criteria are a dinosaur. Yet, because of the strong emphasis on somatic complaints without probable cause, fibromyalgia is now becoming a catchall diagnosis again. I have had more than one patient tell me their physician now says fibromyalgia is a psychosomatic illness. I am certain you would agree that this is a travesty for the some five million Americans with this painful and disorienting syndrome. My some 5,000+ contacts report they do have another pain disorder, such as CRPS, EDS, Migraine, spinal disease, chronic pelvic pain, or other rheumatic conditions. I am sure the ACR is aware of the autonomic effects that have been studied by many different groups of researchers with consistent results, in particular heart rate variability. I appreciate that the ACR does recognize that FM often co-occurs with other rheumatic disorders, thumbs up! I would take it a step further and say it co-occurs with other pain conditions, as stated in the Alternative Criteria led by Dr. Robert Bennett.

I truly appreciate that the American College of Rheumatology has decided not to take a position on diagnostic criteria at this time. I appreciate that we need a biomarker such as the FM/a test, or loss of heart rate variability. But in the meantime, I have concerns that patients will not receive the appropriate treatments because their complaints will be dismissed as just, more fibromyalgia. And when other conditions have been ruled out, clinicians should understand that there are objective tests to investigate the common complaints of fibromyalgia. Those include surface EMG for muscle spasticity and muscle tension or thermal changes in the periphery. Ultrasound to locate and treat myofascial trigger points which cause peripheral pain in many chronic pain disorders , a sleep study to evaluate sleep competency, a neurocognitive exam to evaluate cognitive disturbances, and a nocturnal EKG, which can be done with a sleep study to evaluate heart rate variability. These are all things that may be contributing factors to fibromyalgia and can be addressed and treated appropriately.

Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully, Celeste

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Criteria for Fibromyalgia on My Radar AGAIN!

Today, I am posting my letter to “Senior Specialist, Public Relations, American College of Rheumatology”. She and I have corresponded in the past on this issue, and I was assured that the ACR was not endorsing any diagnostic criteria now or in the future. Read on and you will see why I felt a need to contact her once again.

Good morning Joyce.

I am writing you because in December of 2014, you sent me a letter stating that the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) was not going to endorse any fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Today while researching for a freelance article, I stumbled upon the website for ACR-endorsed Criteria for Rheumatic Diseases (1) demonstrating that the ACR has endorsed the Preliminary Criteria, 2010, Wolfe F, et al. (2)

I am concerned, especially when there are other criteria better befitting the patient, i.e. the Alternative Criteria by Dr. Robert Bennett, et al. (3)  Medscape (4) and Network Rheumatology(5), and many others agree. However, there are clinicians that have been led to believe Dr. Wolfe, et al. criteria are approved, including the CDC (6). Dr. Wolfe also has a checklist on his website, ACR FM 2010 diagnostic criteria questionnaire modified for direct patient administration (7), which is misleading. And, in a Google search I find many articles stating, “How to Use the New ACR Diagnostic Criteria”.

If the criteria are not endorsed, then why was it published in a peer-reviewed journal with such a title, Preliminary Proposed, and why is it on the ACR website, Endorsed Criteria for Rheumatic Diseases? This is extremely important, because clinicians who use these criteria believe it is approved by the ACR, and people are being misdiagnosed. We are back to square one! It’s all in your head, because of these criteria. The ACR needs to take a stance on this. There is sufficient evidence to suggest there is an autonomic effect, loss of heart-rate variability, and an upset in the sympathetic nervous system response in fibromyalgia. There is much more, but suffice it to say, the ACR can search Pub Med.

I appreciate your response to my concerns and appreciate our previous correspondence. As a freelance writer for online health organizations, an author, and advocate, it is important I share accurate information. I am sure you understand.

Thank you in advance for your kind consideration. Celeste Cooper, http://CelesteCooper.com

Resources:

(1) ACR-endorsed Criteria forRheumatic Diseases

(2) Dr. Wolfe, et al.criteria

(3) Bennett R, et al. Arthritis Care & Research (2014) DOI: 10.1002/acr.22301.

(4) Fibromyalgia: NewCriteria Improve Diagnosis-Medscape

(5) Network Rheumatology

(6) CDC – Fibromyalgia

(7) Frederick Wolfe - ACR FM2010 diagnostic criteria questionnaire modified for direct patient administration.

Following is the letter I received from you in December, 2014:

…the ACR has chosen not to endorse newly developed or validated diagnostic criteria now or in the future.

You can read the full letter here or on ProHealth 

Other Reading:

• My correspondence with Dr. Frederick Wolfe. Concerns for the PPDC, DSM-5, and disregard for comorbid conditions in FM.  Are we judged by the company we keep?
• The 2013 Alternative Criteria Dr. Robert Bennett, et al. – Interpretation for patients and providers. Also available on ProHealth 

When a Peek at Chronic Pelvic Pain Isn't Enough

Chronic pelvic pain comes in many forms and there are different symptoms and diagnoses to consider. Following are links to my three part series as contributing chronic pain pro at Health Central.




1 - Essential Elements of Pelvic Pain in Men and Women 

Pelvic pain can originate from different sources and it can be acute or chronic. Regardless, there are contributing factors to consider. Some are very treatable and others can be more difficult to manage. Acute pelvic pain is a warning sign that comes on suddenly lasting a few minutes to a few days depending on the cause. Chronic pelvic pain can be constant or come flares and symptoms can vary in character and intensity. Knowing what and when to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor is important, because some causes of pelvic pain when left untreated can cause permanent damage that could be avoided when we know what to do…

2 - The Secret to Pelvic Pain and the Myofascia 

If you have chronic pelvic pain (CPP), you know the symptoms. What you may not know is that myofascial trigger points, shortened pieces of muscle fiber that form a knot and shorten the muscle involved, play a role of their own in this painful disorder... 

3 - Why knowing the cause of pelvic pain is essential to treatment

Chronic pelvic pain can be constant or come and go with a flare up of symptoms. Symptoms can be mild to severe and can vary in intensity during the day or with a flare. The character of pelvic pain can be different too. For instance, someone with painful bladder syndrome or prostatitis has a symptom in common, burning with urination (dysuria), but pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome is described as cramping or churning. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause of their pain. That’s why it is important to know how to report your symptoms... 

 (Signature line appended, March 2018)

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Germans Suggest Only Medication for Depression is for Fibromyalgia by Celeste Cooper

As Suspected

Using the “Preliminary ACR” diagnostic criteria is taking us down the wrong road. As I was perusing Pub Med, I found many papers, some pro and some con, on this supposed unapproved diagnostic criteria developed by Dr. Frederick Wolfe as principle investigator. (See the letter I received from the American College of Rheumatology, here.)

Interestingly, those studying fibromyalgia in cancer patients do not agree. This is a sampling that speaks to my concerns as drafted in my last blog. Hey! American College of Rheumatology, What’s the Deal?

Dreher T, Häuser W, Schiltenwolf M.

 [Fibromyalgiasyndrome - updated s3 guidelines]. Z Orthop Unfall. 2013 Dec;151(6):603-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1350985. Epub 2013 Dec 17. [Article in German]

According to the modified ACR criteria, 2010, chronic widespread pain and accompanying sleep disturbances and a physical as well as mental state of exhaustion lead to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. It is not mandatory to check tender points (ACR 1990 criteria). A graduated treatment approach depending on the severity level of the fibromyalgia syndrome in the individual patient is recommended. Active treatment options (aerobic training, meditative movement therapies, strength training) should be preferred to any drug therapy in the long-term treatment of fibromyalgia. If indicated, amitryptiline or duloxetine may be used to treat accompanying depressive or generalised anxiety disorder. Muscle relaxant medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and strong opioids should be avoided. The multimodal pain therapy considering all psycho-social aspects is a promising treatment option for fibromyalgia syndrome of moderate to high severity. {So it’s back to all in our head. All these treatment modalities would be recommended to anyone with chronic pain, they are not specific to FM. Interestingly, Hauser and Wolfe have done studies together. And hey! these criteria have NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE ACR. Cc]

Change Perspectives

You will find the following study very interesting from an entirely different perspective.

Tanriverdi O.

Is a new perspectivefor definition and diagnostic criteria of fibromyalgia in early stage cancerpatients necessary? Med Hypotheses. 2014 Apr;82(4):433-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.01.018. Epub 2014 Jan 27.

Fibromyalgia is a most common pain syndrome characterized by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tenderness with manual palpation. However there is no enough data about frequent of fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with cancer. How often FM is being used in oncological practice and how we are managing this case by medical oncologists. Widespread pain index and symptom severity scale are not clear enough in patients with cancer when ACR-2010 diagnostic criteria for FM are considered. In conclusion, there is it may more prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with cancer. For the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, be new diagnostic criteria for early-stage cancer patients.

Criteria that Affects the Future of Fibromyalgia

As most of you know, I support the Bennett, et al critieria for obvious reasons and they are given in my my blog “The 2013 Alternative Criteria Dr. Robert Bennett, et al. – Interpretation for patients and providers by Celeste Cooper, here.

I would like to see how it performs in the real world. My suspicions are that it will outperform, there will be fewer gray areas, and answer the questions asked by Dr. Tanriverdi.

A Sampling - Collaboration between Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Häuser

Fibromyalgia prevalence, somatic symptom reporting,and the dimensionality of polysymptomatic distress:results from a survey of the general population.

Wolfe F¹, Brähler E, Hinz A, Häuser W.

Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2013 May;65(5):777-85. doi: 10.1002/acr.21931.

See the interview on this paper here. 

Fibromyalgia and physical trauma:the concepts we invent.

 Abstract

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite weak to nonexistent evidence regarding the causal association of trauma and fibromyalgia (FM), literature and court testimony continue to point out the association as if it were a strong and true association. The only data that appear unequivocally to support the notion that trauma causes FM are case reports, cases series, and studies that rely on patients' recall and attribution - very low-quality data that do not constitute scientific evidence. Five research studies have contributed evidence to the FM-trauma association. There is no scientific support for the idea that trauma overall causes FM, and evidence in regard to an effect of motor vehicle accidents on FM is weak or null. In some instances effect may be seen to precede cause. Alternative causal models that propose that trauma causes "stress" that leads to FM are unfalsifiable and unmeasurable.

Wolfe F¹, Häuser W², Walitt BT², Katz RS², Rasker JJ², Russell AS².

J Rheumatol. 2014 Sep;41(9):1737-45. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.140268. Epub 2014 Aug 1.

Symptoms, the nature of fibromyalgia,and diagnostic and statistical manual 5 (DSM-5) defined mental illness inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

 Abstract

CONCLUSIONS:

All patients with fibromyalgia will satisfy the DSM-5 "A" criterion for distressing somatic symptoms, and most would seem to satisfy DSM-5 "B" criterion because symptom impact is life-disturbing or associated with substantial impairment of function and quality of life. But the "B" designation requires special knowledge that symptoms are "disproportionate" or "excessive," something that is uncertain and controversial. The reliability and validity of DSM-5 criteria in this population is likely to be low.

Wolfe F¹, Walitt BT², Katz RS³, Häuser W⁴.

PLoS One. 2014 Feb 14;9(2):e88740. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088740. eCollection 2014.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Update 2015

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

New Website

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.