How to Live with Fibromyalgia

―The Power of Patient―

Abstract

Despite advances in medical science, pain including mental suffering is an eternal issue. Pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia is hardly understood. Why? Whether we are pain patients or not, we express ourselves through our bodies. Patients have to realize that they are responsible for communicating, and that knowing themselves is a first step. The author has so far researched the following : 1. what patients with fibromyalgia have on their mind, 2. poor communication between doctors and patients, and 3. the realities told by patients.

The previous research led the author to discover 5 abilities that contributed to the power of patient. This paper provides detailed thought into each ability.

1. The ability to learn about oneself as a communicator : patients need to understand that they have important information (i.e. facts) and stories to tell, and that there is not a single correct answer to life because their symptoms are the reflections of their life that is complex and diverse.

2. The ability to describe symptoms and communicate how they are experienced to a doctor.

3. The ability to explain one's condition to others and ask for help.

4. The ability to judge one's situation and overcome obstacles : it allows a patient to manage his/her symptoms. This is a growth model.

5. The ability to review one's situation constantly and live without losing sight of existential meaning : this is resilience.