Should fibromyalgia be treated different in seniors than in adults?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Fibromyalgia is normally diagnosed during middle age, but some symptoms - such as morning stiffness -- can become more of an issue with age.
People with rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis may be more likely to have fibromyalgia, and arthritis is more common in seniors. At any age, if you have concerns about your fibromyalgia treatment plan, talk with your doctor. He or she should help you find solutions that will help manage your fibromyalgia symptoms over time.
Fibromyalgia is normally diagnosed during middle age, but some symptoms - such as morning stiffness -- can become more of an issue with age. People with rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis may be more likely to have fibromyalgia,... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Fibromyalgia isn't any different in seniors than it is in younger people, but your doctor should treat you a little differently. As we age, we process medications differently, so a prescription that works for someone who is 30 may act differently for someone who is 70. Seniors may also have other medical conditions, such as arthritis or heart problems, so it's important to make sure that your doctor knows about everything you are being treated for. You don't want to take too many different medications, when fewer ones might work.
Fibromyalgia can also cause cognitive problems, so-called "fibro fog." It's important to make sure that any confusion or problems concentrating you have are due to fibromyalgia, and not other causes. A doctor who has experience working with seniors can help you with that.Fibromyalgia isn't any different in seniors than it is in younger people, but your doctor should treat you a little differently. As we age, we process medications differently, so a prescription that works for someone who is 30 may act... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:Considerations for seniors with fibromyalgia should be the same as it is for any aging adult with a chronic disorder. Medication and exercise tolerance, and sleep patterns change and all of these things should be well thought-out when recommendations are made.
Fibromyalgia treatments and therapies may need to be modified to meet the patient's needs and abilities. Presence of a coexisting condition/s common to the aging process, such as slower metabolism, joint problems, cardiovascular issues, and arthritic conditions can be a factor.
Addressing problems with pain, sleep and common comorbid conditions are primary in treating FM and should not change with age.
All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com
Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD http://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=121_0_1_59
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Considerations for seniors with fibromyalgia should be the same as it is for any aging adult with a chronic disorder. Medication and exercise tolerance, and sleep patterns change and all of these things should be well thought-out when... More
