Fibromyalgia, or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a chronic condition that is accompanied by body-wide pain that can be debilitating. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are not limited to just pain. More symptoms that can occur include fatigue, insomnia, issues with memory and concentration, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches, muscle stiffness, and increase sensitivity to pain. New and alternative diagnostic criteria for FMS are constantly being developed to properly assess the condition.
According to the NHS, in the UK, although the figures are not quite clear at this point in time, they estimate that at least 1 in 20 people might be affected by FMS to varying degrees. The conditions may appear in people of any age, but mostly develop between 30 – 40 years of age. Furthermore, FMS seems to effect women 7 times more than men. The difficulty in providing clarity in a proper occurrence rate is that FMS can be difficult to diagnose as there are no specific tests, and the condition’s symptoms are similar to many other diseases.
An exact cause for FMS has yet to be discovered, but the consensus at this point in time is, FMS is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and a change in the process of messaging regarding pain in the central nervous system. These imbalances and changes seem to be triggered by stressors which may be physical, emotional, or both. There is also no cure, so the only option for those who suffer from FMS, are to treat the varying symptoms. These treatments include a mixture of medications such as anti-depressants for chemical imbalances and painkillers for the physical pain. Lifestyle changes and therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapies can also assist in helping a person with FMS improve their quality of life.
Care.Wallet is a powerful tool that has the ability to have everything patients may need for successfully managing their health. If experiencing unexpected symptoms, a patient can book an appointment with a few clicks directly in the App. If a patient needs a ride to the facility, Care.Wallet has got them covered with a medical transportation solution embedded. If it’s not possible to have an in-office visit, Care.Wallet allows for booking online appointments via Global Telehealth Exchange.
With Care.Wallet the patient doesn’t have to worry about preparing for the appointment, as all their previous medical records are securely stored in their Care.Wallet and can be shared with all members of their care team in real-time. On top of that, Care.Wallet allows for symptom recording and management. Armed with all the necessary information, medical professionals can better evaluate the health condition of the patient and diagnose the problem. Prescriptions and referrals can be easily managed within the App as well. Care.Wallet has a comprehensive feedback function, called “How Are You Feeling Today” (HAYFT) Cards, that allows the patient to stay in touch with their care provider and report any changes to their health condition. In addition, the Care.Circle functionality provides an opportunity for the patient to have health information exchanged between all care professionals involved in their treatment. Family and friends can be invited to join their Care.Circle, as well to support the patient in their recovery and stay updated about their current health situation.
Care.Wallet is a powerful health management tool designed to offer a new improved standard of care and will improve the way healthcare works by putting patients in control of their health management. If you enjoyed this article, do take a look at our previous article Hypertension in Canada.
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