In a documentary presented at the Toronto Film Festival on September 8, 2017, singer Lady Gaga revealed suffering from a disease that has been eating her for years.
It was finally through a tweet, published on September 12, that the "Mother Monster" announced to her fans that it was fibromyalgia: "In our documentary, I face fibromyalgia. I wish to contribute to the awareness and the connection between the people who have it. "
This syndrome shows no apparent clinical signs , which is why many doctors do not understand the permanent pains , chronic fatigue and mood disorders characteristic of this pathology.
Between 1.4% and 2.2% of the French population is suffering from fibromyalgia, according to the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS).
Result: the diagnosis is often late, on average 6 years after the appearance of the first symptoms according to the national survey conducted in May 2014 by the association FibromyalgieSOS.
Fibromyalgia, a physical illness in its own right
No, fibromyalgia is not "in the head". Although still perceived as a psychiatric disorder, it has been recognized since 1992 by the World Health Organization as a physical illness in its own right.
It is certainly sometimes associated with significant anxiety or depression because suffering day and night eventually get on your nerves. But the perpetual muscular and joint pains , especially in the neck, shoulders, forearms, knees and buttocks, are real.
They appear to result from a neurological dysfunction that disrupts the production of brain hormones - especially serotonin - and decreases the threshold of pain perception. "Brain imaging studies have shown abnormal blood flow in the brain," says Nadine Randon, president of FibromyalgieSOS.
A long and difficult diagnosis
"No biological or radiological examination can identify fibromyalgia, hence the wandering of many patients," says Ghyslaine Baron, vice president of FibromyalgieSOS. But a diagnosis is possible when the doctor is listening to the patient and knows fibromyalgia.
In case of pain and fatigue for more than six months, "it must begin by eliminating the existence of another disease whose symptoms may be similar: Ankylosing spondylitis , rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Lyme disease, etc ...", explains Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, medical director of a chain of American clinics specializing in fibromyalgia.
The diagnosis is then established by means of a clinical examination and pain assessment questionnaires, developed on the basis of the new criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
Treatments to improve the quality of life
The management of the disease is inevitably multidisciplinary, insofar as it is necessary to reduce the pains and to readjust gradually to the effort. Indeed, by dint of fatigue and suffering, many fibromyalgics isolate themselves and limit their movements.
"Deconditioning with the effort is one of the major risks, notes Ghyslaine Baron, because it worsens the symptoms in an endless spiral". Antalgic drugs can overcome crises, but are not enough.
According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Research in 2014, the relief provided by hydrotherapy care is far superior. The benefits last for 3 to 6 months.
Several spas offer Fibromyalgia treatments , with water treatments, relaxation workshops, soft gymnastics in the pool and psychological support: Balaruc-les-Bains, Jonzac, Barbotan-les-Thermes, Cambo-les-Bains , Aix-les-Bains ... The goal is not to heal but to improve the quality of life.
A first victory.
