Having Sex Endorphins are the “happy chemical.” You release a lot of them during sex, especially orgasm. The really interesting part of endorphins, when it comes to therapeutic value, is that they work on the same receptors in your brain as opiates. That’s right – they’re painkillers.

Fibromyalgia isn’t passed directly from parents to children, but the disorder does appear to cluster within families. The odds of developing fibromyalgia are several times higher in the immediate families of people with fibromyalgia than in families in which no one has fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and CFS may indeed be closely related syndromes that historically have been linked to different pathophysiologic mechanisms, i.e., fibromyalgia as a muscle disease and CFS as an infectious disease.

“Relaxation methods can calm pain, or reduce it enough so you can be intimate,” Fink says. Experiment with techniques such as yoga, meditation and guided imagery to relieve sensitivity, as well as the anxiety that often accompanies fibromyalgia, he suggests.

His lessons learned can help other partners of people with fibromyalgia.

1. Understand that it’s a real disease.
2. Get educated.
3. Find a good doctor.
4. Be flexible.
5. Expect bad days.
6. Find a support system.
7. Be independent.
8. Be patient about intimacy.

Helping a Friend or Family Member Cope With Fibromyalgia

1. Get educated.
2. Communicate openly.
3. Be flexible.
4. Encourage physical activity.
5. Urge your loved one to join a support group.
6. Ask for help yourself.

Here’s what our community wishes their loved ones said:

• “That they believe me.” “’I believe you’ would cover it.
• 2. “ That they know I’m not just being lazy.”
• “That they’re there for me.”
• “That they’re bringing me food.”
• 5. “
• “That they’ll handle things for me.”
• “What they can do to help.”
• 8. “

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain all over the body and tender points that are sensitive to the touch. It is not considered a mental illness, but many people with fibromyalgia also experience depression and/or anxiety.

Many people with fibromyalgia describe a burning pain or pins-and-needles sensation, similar to the feeling of blood rushing back into your foot after it’s fallen asleep. Others describe aching all over like they’ve been pounded by a meat tenderizer.

Understand your loved one’s emotions. People who suffer with chronic pain often feel isolated and unimportant. Recognize these emotions and help your family member work through them. Help them participate and socialize as much as possible — even if it means using a computer for a virtual visit or outing.

Helpful Things to Say to Someone in Chronic Pain

• You look well today/good, but how are youfeeling?
• I am going to be going to the store.
• I cant imagine how hard this is for you, but you seem to be handling it well and I think you are so strong.

Chronic pain is not a listed impairment in Social Security’s blue book, the listing of impairments that may automatically qualify you for disability benefits. There are some diagnoses that are often related to chronic pain, however, including: inflammatory arthritis (listing 14.09)

Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. Fibromyalgia on the other hand, is considered a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness.

MRI scans and X-rays are also used to detect CRPS, for much the same reasons as bone scans. X-rays may be able to pick up irregularities or mineral loss from bones, while MRI’s can show a number of tissue irregularities.

That is that the chronic pain condition itself will directly shorten life. For example, in CRPS, the spread of the condition to affect the internal organs and even the immune system can, it is often argued, eventually prove fatal.

Unfortunately, it has not been unusual for medical professionals to suggest that people with CRPS/RSD exaggerate their pain for psychological reasons. Trust your body and continue to seek a diagnosis. If it’s CRPS/RSD, the pain is not in your mind!