title: Strategies used for managing symptoms by women with fibromyalgia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to describe how persons with fibromyalgia manage their lives given the multiple symptoms they experience, in particular how they use non-pharmacologic strategies, or how they incorporate these strategies along with pharmacologic agents.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Persons with fibromyalgia, a widespread chronic pain condition, often suffer from considerable fatigue, sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Medical management does not lead to a cure, and sufferers must self-manage to maintain a good quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative descriptive study used group interview methodology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were obtained from eight women with fibromyalgia. Women's mean age was 61 (range 54-81). Participants were invited to participate in a 90- minute group interview focused on symptom management. In the interview, open-ended questions allowed them to speak freely about managing multiple fibromyalgia symptoms. Content analysis by the first and second authors led to the identification of themes, which were validated by the co-authors who attended the interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported many strategies to cope with fibromyalgia symptoms and manage their lives. Main strategies included: 'pacing/planning', 'distraction techniques', 'coping with touch sensitivity', 'putting on the mask' and 'medications'. In addition, 'social support' from others with fibromyalgia and from family members was reported to be very important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study findings demonstrate that women with fibromyalgia can develop strategies that enable them to cope with a life encumbered with chronic pain and fatigue. Moreover, this study confirmed effective fibromyalgia management strategies reported in other studies. Further research is needed on risks/benefits of these and other self-management strategies used by women with fibromyalgia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that nurses should discuss the self-management strategies found with persons who have fibromyalgia in the context of individual patient experiences.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, Irvine, CA 92620-1984, USA.
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kengen Traska
authors.forename: Dana N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Rutledge
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mouttapa
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aquino
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012648:Self Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics