Lady Gaga becomes unlikely spokesperson for fibromyalgia, part 2
Published on November 29th, 2018 by Eric Slepian
In our last post, we discussed how singer and actress Lady Gaga has shined a spotlight on fibromyalgia since the release of her Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two” and her press tour for the latest remake of “A Star is Born,” which she stars in alongside Bradley Cooper.
Lady Gaga was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago, and the star believes that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a sexual assault at the age of 19 and breaking her hip while on tour in 2013 both contributed to the onset.
Gaga spoke candidly about her experience with fibromyalgia in the Netflix documentary, saying it causes her sporadic “global and mental pain.” In an interview for last month’s issue of Vogue, Gaga explained that she wanted to do the Netflix documentary, and she continues to speak out, to help remove the stigma of the condition.
“I get so irritated with people who don’t believe fibromyalgia is real,” Gaga said.
“Chronic pain is no joke,” she continued. “And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.”
For the millions of Americans who suffer from fibromyalgia, this looming threat of disabling pain is all too familiar. In many cases, it causes sufferers to miss out on time with family and friends or to miss extensive time from work. Some fibromyalgia sufferers cannot work because of the effects.
When this is the case, Social Security Disability benefits may be available to help supplement income and provide sufferers with the financial support they need. To qualify for benefits, however, a diagnosis is essential.
If you believe that you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, see a doctor right away to get started on a treatment regimen.
Pain and fatigue are two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia; as MedPage Today reports, other symptoms include:
- Memory and thinking problems
- Sleep problems
- Stiffness in the morning
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Painful menstruation
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
- Restless leg syndrome
- Environmental sensitivities
A person with one or more symptoms should see a doctor right away. Help is available.
