Shared by ProHealth is Dr. Peter Lowe’s assessment of joint
hypermobility in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Is The Physical Examination Normal in CFS? Part 2: Joint Hypermobility, here.
As you will see, I too made this connection in our book “Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, ChronicFatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection (rated in the
top 100 books on Diseases & Physical Ailments on Amazon in 2013) if you read more about joint hypermobility and Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome on my website here.
How coincidental could this be?
Another study suggests this phenomenon goes undiagnosed in
irritable bowel syndrome, a common comorbid disorder to fibromyalgia, which
often overlaps with CFS.
Fikree A, Grahame R, Aktar R, Farmer AD, Hakim AJ, Morris JK, Knowles CH, Aziz Q.. A Prospective Evaluation of Undiagnosed Joint Hypermobility Syndrome in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. [Jan 15 Epub ahead of print.]
“Many upper and lower GI symptoms increased with increasing severity of JHS phenotype. Upper GI symptoms were dependent on autonomic and chronic pain factors. JHS is common in GI clinics, with increased burden of upper GI and extraintestinal symptoms and poorer quality of life. Recognition of JHS will facilitate multidisciplinary management of GI and extra-GI manifestations.”
French investigators noted some stark realities in
fibromyalgia patients.
“Some patients suffering from fibromyalgia present with clinical signs and alterations in the histopathology, immunohistochemistry and ultrastructure of the dermis similar to the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobile type (EDSH). Some types of fibromyalgia possibly represent an undiagnosed EDSH.”
Hermanns-Lê T, Piérard GE, Angenot P. [Fibromyalgia: an unrecognized Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobile type?] Rev Med Liege. 2013 Jan;68(1):22-4.
I can only speak from what I found in my literature review for the 434 page book and my own personal experiences. A stark reality for me is that my own skin is that of someone on long term steroid therapy, but
I don’t even tolerate steroids. My wounds heal so slowly that one of my doctors
said I should always have a wound care specialist. My skin connective tissue tears like paper and
bruises from a feather touch. I have had four shoulder surgeries, one complete
reconstruction because it would not stay put, and the other three because of
tendon and cuff tears. My hips still pop in and out at will, only contributing
to fall risk and aggravation and development of more trigger points,
piriformis and sacroiliac pain, and hip bursitis. I have suffered many severe joint sprains throughout my life. I can still put my hands flat on the
floor and my therapists are amazed at my flexibility in light of my age and the
severe myofascial pain syndrome. And yes, before arthritis, I was what many
referred to as double-jointed.
Are our doctors giving this connection serious
consideration?
Could this explain why so many FM and CFS patients
are susceptible
to myofascial pain syndrome?
Keep up the good work Dr. Rowe and fellow astute
investigators. A physician should never underestimate the value of a skilled
physical exam. We salute you.
~ •
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
"Adversity
is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."
Celeste
Cooper, RN
Author, patient/ advocate, fibromyalgia
health expert
Books:
Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See Saw of
Chronic Pain [Four book series]
Integrative
Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain
Advocacy:
All
answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not
meant to replace medical advice.
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