USA
"Kids with fibromyalgia say a happy childhood is possible. It takes the right combination of medications and therapies, topped with a healthy dose of
positive attitude."
Article Review from Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine (Feb-May 2003)
by Diana Karol Nagy
Author Becky Bergman tells the stories of 14-year-old Andrew Halpern, 13-year-old Becky Switzer and 12-year-old Megan Robinson, each of whom have Juvenile FM.
Andrew was diagnosed in July 2002 after a bout with high fever, back pain, headache and muscle soreness. At first his family thought he had a life-threatening illness, so they were actually relieved when he was diagnosed with FM. His mother has FM, so the family knew what they were dealing with. However, the treatment options for JFM are as complex as the illness, according to Dr. David Bell.
The co-founder of the Pediatric Network, Rebecca Moore, is quoted as saying, "A critical aspect of managing adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and FM seems to be recognizing that each patient may have their own unique combination of symptoms and co-existing conditions. Recognizing all of those factors and tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient can lead to better symptom management."
Dr. Bell recommends ibuprofen for pain relief. Dr. Michael Joseph cautions against the over-use of prescribed medications. Joseph suggests that 1-6% of children under the age of 18 have JFM, but it is more common in children ages 9-18. "The good news is that FM patients under 18 typically have a better prognosis than do adults."
Becky Switzer was first diagnosed with JFM at the age of 8. Now 13, many of her symptoms have decreased. Becky says she got good results from acupuncture treatments and hypnotherapy. Becky also uses music, art and meditation to relieve stress.
When Becky is flared, she takes hot baths and uses a heating pad. Mornings are hardest for her. Becky and Andrew both say that it is important for their friends to understand what is going on with them. In addition, experts say that a positive attitude is key to dealing with JFM and its daily challenges.
Dr. Joseph feels that children respond to treatment better than adults do, because it's easier to change a child's thought process and take the focus off of their pain. However, telling a child it's all in their head can be a big mistake. Megan Robinson says that's the hardest part of coping with JFM. Once a doctor told her it was all in her head and that was devastating to her.
JFM is a family illness. This means that the family of a child with JFM has to be their primary support system. It is also important to take things one day at a time. Andrew reminds us, "Don't give up. It does get better."
For more information on Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine or to subscribe, see the National Fibromyalgia Association's website at: www.fmaware.org
Article Review from Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine (Feb-May 2003)
by Diana Karol Nagy
Author Becky Bergman tells the stories of 14-year-old Andrew Halpern, 13-year-old Becky Switzer and 12-year-old Megan Robinson, each of whom have Juvenile FM.
Andrew was diagnosed in July 2002 after a bout with high fever, back pain, headache and muscle soreness. At first his family thought he had a life-threatening illness, so they were actually relieved when he was diagnosed with FM. His mother has FM, so the family knew what they were dealing with. However, the treatment options for JFM are as complex as the illness, according to Dr. David Bell.
The co-founder of the Pediatric Network, Rebecca Moore, is quoted as saying, "A critical aspect of managing adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and FM seems to be recognizing that each patient may have their own unique combination of symptoms and co-existing conditions. Recognizing all of those factors and tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient can lead to better symptom management."
Dr. Bell recommends ibuprofen for pain relief. Dr. Michael Joseph cautions against the over-use of prescribed medications. Joseph suggests that 1-6% of children under the age of 18 have JFM, but it is more common in children ages 9-18. "The good news is that FM patients under 18 typically have a better prognosis than do adults."
Becky Switzer was first diagnosed with JFM at the age of 8. Now 13, many of her symptoms have decreased. Becky says she got good results from acupuncture treatments and hypnotherapy. Becky also uses music, art and meditation to relieve stress.
When Becky is flared, she takes hot baths and uses a heating pad. Mornings are hardest for her. Becky and Andrew both say that it is important for their friends to understand what is going on with them. In addition, experts say that a positive attitude is key to dealing with JFM and its daily challenges.
Dr. Joseph feels that children respond to treatment better than adults do, because it's easier to change a child's thought process and take the focus off of their pain. However, telling a child it's all in their head can be a big mistake. Megan Robinson says that's the hardest part of coping with JFM. Once a doctor told her it was all in her head and that was devastating to her.
JFM is a family illness. This means that the family of a child with JFM has to be their primary support system. It is also important to take things one day at a time. Andrew reminds us, "Don't give up. It does get better."
For more information on Fibromyalgia AWARE Magazine or to subscribe, see the National Fibromyalgia Association's website at: www.fmaware.org
