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Fibromyalgia, once called an “invisible disability,” is a chronic condition afflicting millions of people with pain, discomfort and unfortunately, there is no known cure. On this episode of Patient Power, Dr. Daniel Clauw joins Andrew to address some of the controversy surrounding the legitimate disagreement about whether fibromyalgia is a “medical condition” or psychiatric condition. Dr. Clauw is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Michigan Health System. He serves as Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center and Director of the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. Recently, news reports have questioned whether fibromyalgia is real, despite the fact that the FDA has approved three medications since 2007. Martha Beck, who suffers from fibromyalgia, joins the hour to share her personal journey and to help shine a spotlight on a disorder. We’ll also hear from President and Founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA), Lynn Matallana.
Ms. Beck, who has a Masters degree and a Ph.D. from Harvard University in sociology, suffered for 12 years through a cycle of pain, fatigue, emotional changes and memory problems before being diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the age of 31. She then developed skills for coping with the disorder while achieving her personal goals. Lynne Matallana also suffered for many years and was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia after seeing 37 doctors. After her difficult journey to diagnosis, she became dedicated to raising awareness for this condition. She talks about the economics behind the illness and the importance of having an effective dialogue with your health care provider.
Hear Dr. Clauw as he debunks some of the myths about fibromyalgia and emphasizes the importance of not looking at fibromyalgia as “a one-size-fits-all disease." If you are looking for the latest fibromyalgia treatment information, this program offers both clinical and patient perspectives.
Guests:
Daniel Clauw, M.D., Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan Health System
Martha Beck, Ph.D., Diagnosed with fibromyalgia
Lynne Matallana, President and Founder, National Fibromyalgia Association
