Does fibromyalgia shorten life span

[Ke007]

Can fibromyalgia shorten life span

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

it is not thought to be medically progressive so on that front no but if we did not have it would be more active and more healthy as a result. Most likely.

[RayB]

Most Dr's would probably laugh and say NO!

However when you concider the facts I think any reasonable person would have to agree that it dose. This I say before I even take into concideration all the comorbid conditions that are associated wih Fibromyalgia.

If we just take into concideration the living in pain it effects how one views life,, it has deep implications with hormones.

It would seem that most of us have high cortisol levels this has huge implications.

Worry and Anxiety are well known to impact longevity.

Then we get to the Bowel problems,, was it not Hippocrates who said the gut was the seat of all health or all disease begins in the gut,, can't remember ?

I'm sure many can add to this list but I best not leave out the medications that people are taking just to get through the day or night.

Relationships are often frought with trouble due to someone becoming ill so we have the implications of that.

Living in fear and abuse,, not being listend to and the stress of that,, the isolation,, the constantly feeling ill and not being able to enjoy the life that was given.

The list really is endless.

Try asking your Dr,,, I'll bet they laugh as something stupid falls from there lips!

Ray

[Badbessie]

From my reading of various bits of research the simple answer is no. However without being too negative as a condition it as only been recognised for in medical terms a short while. There is still much to learn so I think the honest answer to your question is I do not think any one could give a 100% answer either way.

[skit in reply to Badbessie]

Forerunner to the word Fibromyalgia is Fibrositis . The latter was recognised over a century ago. As for longevity my mother was told she had Fibrositis. She lived till 90. I never made the connection till after she had died.

[neesey1005]

I don't think about fibromyalgia shortening my life span no one knows what is around the corner - and I make a major effort to keep my stress levels down because my fibro pain increases - many things can shorten a person's life span so why worry - having fibromyalgia has made me make the most of every good day rest on bad days - I squeeze in as many opportunities I can to enjoy life - I also eat very healthy I swim and go aqua and walk my dog and socialize - I got low when first diagnosed but 5 years later (had fibromyalgia for about 10 years ) but it made my symptoms so painful - take one day at a time - there's no other way - neese. x

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I personally do not believe fibro will shorten my life more than any other health issues that may be impacted by chronic pain etc. OA for example which I have very severely along side fibro. Both effect sleep, pain, mobility and so on. But I've never in my 35 year of dealing with Fibro heard there was a direct link with shorten life expectancy.

Any chronic ill health issues may cause depression and low mood for many. While this may cause some to take their lives its the depression not the Fibro that Imo is more likely to shorten life Like OA it has not to my knowledge been known to kill you. No one has ever reportedly died off fibro as far has I know.

Momo

[Hidden]

No I don't think so after 18 years with it..you do have to make Adjustments because some bodies feel they have aged quickly..pacing and some physio input, occ therapy and hydrotherapy have helped me but I did retire at 61.?

[KateMaguire]

I don’t think it reduces your life span, it just that when you’re in constant pain it feels like you’re having to go through a week in every day! All the pain, depression that comes from it,chronic fatigue and gut problems affecting you make your life span shorter imo.

[Sarahvit]

No not directly just decreases quality of life. Now a secondary illness, for example stomach problems GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus which can lead to cancer which can shorten one’s lifespan. But fibromyalgia it’s self doesn't shorten one’s lifespan.