Fibromyalgia: Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television for Women
Sunday, February 5 and March 19

Show 305

"I went on disability because of the constant pain I was in," says Nancy Derby who came down with fibromyalgia 16 years ago. "At the time, doctors told me I was depressed," Nancy adds. For many years fibromyalgia was misdiagnosed even though five million people suffer from fibromyalgia. "Fibromyalgia is an abnormality of the nervous system," says Dr. Robert Bennett, Professor of Medicine. Lynne Matallana, President of the National Fibromyalgia Association says, "MRIs can show how much pain a person is feeling." There are new drugs and better treatments according to Dr. Bennett. Nancy found a combination of medication, light exercise and massage really eased her pain so much so that she can live a normal life. "What is most important is spacing and pacing, giving myself enough rest," says Nancy.