It’s good to know that the health outcomes for people with fibromyalgia are not universally disastrous or serious. This is true even if symptoms persist and fluctuate over time. Based on recorded durations of up to seven years, changes in the course of the condition can occur.
However, for some people, FM affects their health-related quality of life from multiple perspectives such as their:
- physical functioning;
- emotional and psychological health.
In addition, certain factors are likely to compromise the health outcome of a person with FM. These include:
- mood disorders;
- extreme obesity.
In such cases, it’s important to give people the tools they need to manage their condition properly.
Impact on Daily Life
People react to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in different ways.
Some are relieved to finally know the nature of their illness. They want to act and manage FM as effectively as possible. They will find out what resources are available in their community and work with their doctor to find the most appropriate treatments for their condition.
But for others, acceptance is more difficult. It’s common to hear people who have just been diagnosed say: “My days aren’t as full as they used to be”; “I do half of what I’d like to do”; “I can’t concentrate”; or “I have to take breaks during the day.”
New Realities That Demand Integration Time and Adjustments
These new realities can lead to feelings of sadness, powerlessness, discouragement, anger, and irritability. Some people want to isolate themselves from their friends, feeling that they can no longer enjoy the same activities.
They may also feel that they are losing control of their lives, which can lead to episodes of depression.
Some people find that even simple household chores can add to their stress, especially when they’re no longer able to do them as they used to. The condition can also affect the couple and the family, and lead to a reassessment of how household tasks are divided up to ensure a smooth-running household.
People with fibromyalgia need to learn to make choices, take breaks, set limits, and cope with their new energy reserves. For instance, spacing out daily activities can make it easier to function on a daily basis. People can also rethink their social involvement, to focus their energy on family and friends.
Impact on Work Life
The ability of people with FM to work is often contentious, as subjective reports of functional impairment are difficult to reconcile with a mostly healthy-looking person. In the United States, up to 35% of people with FM receive disability benefits.
Adjustments Required of the Employer
Employers must develop and implement supportive practices to facilitate the recovery, return to work, and job retention of people who have taken sick leave due to health issues such as fibromyalgia. Accommodations may be necessary during the return-to-work process or whenever the employee’s disability necessitates a modification to their job.
Schedule regularity can also help people with FM by allowing them to adopt a consistent routine for their activities and sleep patterns.
Adjustments Needed by the Person with FM
The attitude of people with FM and their ability to influence work parameters are factors that contribute to job retention. Those with more severe symptoms may need to incorporate rest periods into their work schedule, which may not align with the productivity expectations of companies.
Doctors can help people with FM maintain employment by setting limitations on activities that could exacerbate their condition.
In addition, disclosing their condition to colleagues can help FM patients avoid negative judgments.