Healthcare providers: Easy ways to support the ME, Long-COVID and FM communities Refer patients and caregivers to our free Social Support Groups Sign up for our News Updates Donate Refer patients and caregivers to our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email education series Refer patients and caregivers to our My MLA and ME Campaign Apply to participate in our Interdisciplinary Advisory Committee Refer patients, caregivers and colleagues to our website Become a Professional Member Volunteer Looking for more info? Contact us

For FM research links, click here . FM Treatment and management Getting started HealthLink BC Fibromyalgia Treatments ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Self management support and programing Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Treatment Protocol ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Living with Fibromyalgia Learn about: Symptom management & referral Steps you can take Becoming educated about FM and learning to self-manage the conditions seems, so far, to be the most successful way of dealing with its many effects. ​ If you have FM (not ME and FM), there are relevant resources available at PainBC and the Arthritis Society Canada . ​ It is important to find a helpful and supportive medical professional who understands the myriad of issues that an FM patient deals with and can help with the appropriate prescription and monitoring of medications and their effects. It is also important to seek professional help for any reactive depression that may result from dealing with a debilitating chronic illness. Lifestyle modifications are helpful to conserve energy and minimize pain. Facets of pacing may be helpful. Relaxation exercise can reduce physical and emotional stress. Balancing rest with activity may reduce fluctuations in degree of symptoms. Implementing dietary changes may also help to regulate bodily functions and support various systems in the body. Learn about our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series FM Comorbidities Fibromyalgia often coexists with other medical conditions. These comorbidities can complicate the management and treatment of fibromyalgia. Common comorbidities and conditions frequently associated with fibromyalgia include : ME/CFS, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, chronic migraines, sleep disturbances, multiple chemical sensitivities, digestive problems/irritable bowel syndrome, and/or menstrual disorders. It's essential to note that the relationship between fibromyalgia and these comorbid conditions is complex and not fully understood. Other sources of support Support from family, friends and other people is extremely valuable to those who have FM. Professional counselling may help some people to cope with the losses associated with this chronic condition and to assist with developing new coping strategies. Self-help groups can plan important role in assisting people with FM to discover local resources that can access to help them manage their condition. Contact us for more information on finding a support group in your area. Contact us

What is Fibromyalgia (FM)? See our FAQs Introduction What is FM? Fibromyalgia, FM, is a chronic illness that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping. People with FM do not experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), as seen in ME and Long-COVID. Fibro = Fibrous tissue My = Muscle Algia = Pain Who can get FM? FM can affect children and adults. However, most people are diagnosed mid-life. FM often occurs after a significant event, such as severe illness or infection, physical trauma (such as surgery or a car accident), or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Impact of FM FM symptoms, such as chronic pain, sleep and/or cognitive dysfunction, can result in disability from work-life and/or activities of daily living. Also, like ME and Long-COVID, FM greatly impacts quality of life. ​ FM pain can vary from person to person. Pain can also vary in location and intensity on a daily or hourly basis. Learn about our free Social Support Groups Overlap of FM, ME and Long-Covid There is some overlap and similarity in symptoms between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Long-COVID, and Fibromyalgia (FM), but these are distinct conditions with different diagnostic criteria. FM is also the most common comorbidity of ME, with an estimate of over 35% of Canadians with ME also having FM. ​ While ME, Long-COVID and FM can all include symptoms of fatigue, cognitive impairment and pain, FM does not usually manifest with post-exertional malaise (PEM, or worsening of symptoms with physical, cognitive or emotional exertion), one of the hallmark symptoms of ME and Long-COVID. Register for our News Updates General information Healthlink BC Tender points diagram ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital ​ Bateman Horne Centre (USA) ​Fibro-”flare” Frequently asked questions ​ Arthritis Society of Canada ​ Become a member Learn about our free Social Support Groups Treatments and resources PainBC Self management support and programing HealthLink BC Fibromyalgia Treatments ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Patient resources ​

Our advocacy: a future of equitable care The ME|FM Society of BC is committed to championing issues impacting the lives of people with ME, long-COVID and FM through community partnerships and advocacy with local, provincial and federal stakeholders and decision-makers. Over the years we have collaborated with patient organizations across the country and internationally to advance the agenda for our community. We are extremely proud of the provincial-level work of the Society's Advocacy Committee and our wonderful MLA and ME Advocates. Introduction Learn how our advocacy work has created results Provincial Advocacy The Society’s My MLA and ME Advocacy Campaign volunteers have steadily built awareness and relationships with decision makers and government representatives. In addition, the Society led broader community participation in the public consultation process. These relationships, submissions and presentations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services have resulted in an ME-specific Budget recommendation for three consecutive years. 2024 Recommendation #80 ​ "Improve supports and services for those diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis by establishing guidelines, developing specific billing codes, and training medical professionals to increase awareness." Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: Report on the Budget 2024 Consultations; August 2023 Read more ​ ​ ​ ​ 2023 Recommendation #118 “Prioritize and fund the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis-specific billing codes for BC clinicians and the development of continuing medical education credits, modules or incentives for BC physicians, medical students, and other medical professionals to attend training about myalgic encephalomyelitis.” Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: Report on the Budget 2023 Consultations; August 2022 Read more 2022 Recommendation #72 “Prioritize and fund the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis-specific billing codes for BC clinicians and the development of continuing medical education credits, modules or incentives for BC physicians, medical students, and other medical professionals to attend training about myalgic encephalomyelitis.” Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services: Report on the Budget 2022 Consultations; Dec 2021 Read more Learn more about our My MLA and ME Outreach Campaign Provincial advocacy Federal Initiatives March 2017 ME Patients and Advocates Meet with Health Canada, 23 March Our involvement in this campaign has continued since that date, and our main collaboration has been with Millions Missing Canada ​ and independent patient advocates throughout the country. July 2018 Members of our Board met with Dr. Khan, IMHA Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to continue discussions begun at the Montreal Conference, requesting much more money for ME research and to prioritize expansion of Canadian research capacity. May 2019 Our Society partners with Millions Missing Canada and ME Victoria Association for the province's first live Millions Missing action!

Medical info FAQs FAQs are reviewed and up to date as of March 2024. These FAQs will be reviewed periodically and updated accordingly. Do you have more questions? Please email us at support@mefm.bc.ca. Medical info 1. I'm looking for a doctor who knows about ME and/or FM. 3. My doctor doesn’t believe me or my symptoms. 5. Is there a cure for ME? ​ 2. I don’t have a family doctor. ​ 4. Who can help determine a diagnosis for ME? 6. What treatments are available for ME? Sign up: our free Social Support Groups FAQ 1-6 Support info Managing 7. What is pacing and how do I do it? ​ 8. What type of home support is available for people with ME and FM? See our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series FAQ 7-8 Legal, financial and other resources 9. I have to complete disability forms. How do I start? ​ 10. Where can I find a list of community and financial resources? Get free support here FAQ 9 - 10 Relationships 11. How do I explain ME to family members? ​ 12. How can I connect with others living with ME and FM? FAQ 11-12

Healthcare provider education: ME Introduction & diagnosis Getting started Canadian Consensus Criteria for diagnosis ME ​ See pages 22 and 23 for Diagnostic Protocol ​ Diagnostic checklist (from BC Women's Hospital Complex Chronic Diseases Program) ​ Bateman Horne Center (USA) resources Provider Resources for ME/CFS Provider Resources for FM ​ Introduction and Diagnosis ​ The Diagnosis and Managment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (12 minute introductory video from MEAction) ​ ​ ​ ME and Long-COVID Please read more on this emerging topic , and refer to above diagnosis and symptom support material as required. ​ To provide you with a starting point, here are several important references. A note of CAUTION around the use of FCEs for diagnosing ME/CFS From the BC Women’s CCDP (Complex Chronic Diseases Program) Functional Capacity Evaluations or FCEs are not recommended for people with ME/CFS. Many patients with ME/CFS are unable to complete the test “FCEs typically track reports of the individual’s pain but often do not track fatigue as a limiting symptom and fatigue is the primary symptom of ME/CFS. This may result in the FCE provider simply stating that the individual self-limited their efforts and interpreting this as invalid effort.” ​ The test may not work The results of FCEs are likely incorrect or invalid (will significantly overestimate functioning) in people with ME/CFS. The test may cause a crash The test itself poses a serious risk of triggering PEM (post exertional malaise, or a worsening of symptoms immediately or 12-48 hours after exertion), that may not be evident for a day or more, and therefore may not come to the attention of the FCE provider or diagnosing physician. The test may contribute to permanent worsening of the illness Triggering PEM can cause an immediate crash and triggering PEM too hard or too often may lead to a permanent or long-term worsening of ME/CFS. ​ These conclustions should apply equally to those with Long-COVID who exhibit exercise intolerance and PEM. Learn about our free Social Support Groups ME early diagnosis A number of research articles outline the importance of early diagnosis. However, many patients report it taking years to receive an ME diagnosis. Early recognition and diagnosis is critical to better care, can lessen the impact of the illness and may improve prognosis. Related articles European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE): Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis, Service Provision, and Care of People with ME/CFS in Europe . Nacul, L., et al. (2021). Identifying and diagnosing ME/CFS. National Guidelines (UK) . Evidence review, NICE Guideline, National Guideline Centre (UK). ​ ​ ​ ​ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer . Rowe, P. et al. (2017). ​ ​ Diagnosing and Treating ME/CFS Click here for the complete guide for diagnosis and treatment of ME from the US ME/CFS Clinician Coalition. Learn about our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series ME common comorbidities There are a number of conditions that can commonly occur at the same time as ME. The Canadian Consensus Criteria, used to diagnose ME, recognizes the following comorbidities for ME/CFS : fibromyalgia , myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis , Raynaud's phenomenon , prolapsed mitral valve , migraine , allergies , multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis , and sicca syndrome (Sjögren's syndrome). ​ Additional common co-conditions are: postural tachycardia syndrome (or POTS ) and other dysautonomia disorders, mast cell activation syndrome , Ehlers-Danlos syndrome , and a variety of autoimmune diseases. More research is needed to understand how these conditions are related. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ common comorbidities Additional video information Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Diagnosis, Management and Current Research An educational webinar featuring Dr. Nina Muirhead, Dr. Lucinda Bateman, Dr. Luis Nacul and Patient Voice Hilary Robertson. This webinar was developed in partnership by the ME|FM Society of BC and ICanCME to develop a webinar for the Federation of Medical Women in Canada (September, 2021). ​ A 1.25 hour video. Presentation by Lucinda Bateman, MD, Bateman Horne Center Founder and Medical Director Improving the way medical providers understand, diagnose, and treat ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia is critical to progress and a primary focus of the Bateman Horne Center (2017). ​ A 1-hour video. ​ ​ ​ ​ Presentation About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis with Dr. Nina Muirhead Diagnosis and Management of ME, ​ ​ Connection between ME and Long-COVID , ​ ​ Current and Upcoming Research (2021). ​ A 1-hour CIHR-IMHA webinar. ​ ​ ​ Sign up for our News Updates Paediatrics ME/CFS Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer Managing ME/CFS in Children: A Fact Sheet for Healthcare Professionals ME/CFS in Children: Resources from CDC (USA) ​ ​ Information for ME/CFS in Schools (for school nurses) ​ ME Action's Pacing and Management Guide for Paediatric ME/CFS and Long COVID Become a Professional Member of the ME|FM Society of BC N.I.C.E. Guidelines: evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and management of ME/CFS (2021) In October 2021, The National (UK) Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produced an updated review of the evidence for ME/CFS care. Overview | Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management Putting it into Practice: What NICE ME/CFS means for GPs - Doctors with M.E. ​ Other Resources Other resources MEPedia Primer for Doctors and Researchers A wiki resource for health care professionals on ME/CFS. Education - Doctors with M.E. ME/CFS Clinician Coalition Succinct and easy navigation to clinical resources/support. A clinician’s guide to ME/CFS

Our free support groups Social Support for people living with ME, FM and/or Long-COVID The details The details Our professionally facilitated social support groups are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month (at 1 pm Pacific Time), the 2nd and 4th Wednesday (at 2 pm Pacific Time) and the 4th Thursday of every month (at 5 or 5:30 pm Pacific Time). Our counselors also have private practices that you are welcome to access - private consultations are outside the scope of the ME|FM Society of BC. ​ We also have peer-led social hangouts and facilitated Art Therapy in the month. We aim to create at least one opportunity a week for you to connect with others in the community. These are social support groups, not intended to replace professional medical or mental health care and advice. There is no fee to attend. Registration is open to members and non-members. Group size may fluctuate and is dependent on registration numbers. You can help us plan ME|FM Society of BC Social Support Group offerings through this short 12 question survey . Art Therapy session feedback is collected here . Your comments will be kept confidential and used only for internal planning purposes within the Society. ​ Advanced registration for each session is required. Registration capped at 20. Register / See our schedule What people are saying about our Social Support Groups "It was so moving for me to be a part of this group today, I've been looking for people like me, feeling so alone in my wheelchair, trapped in bed sometimes, and with my struggles." ​ ​ "I couldn't believe there was a meeting full of people who were also housebound much of the time, using mobility aids to get around, trying to live and find meaning with so many limits just like me. I really needed that." ​ See our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series Socal Support Groups Social Support Groups, Hangouts and Art Therapy Social Hangout See calendar below for dates, details and registration. Calendar of Events Our Calendar of Events includes Social Support Groups, Social Hangouts, Art Therapy and other society activities. The calendar will be populated one month at a time. Click on each event for its details; scroll down to click on the registration link. Event legend: Social Support Groups Social Hangouts Art Therapy Society Events Calendar of Events Calendar of Events Acknowledgements We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. The ME|FM Society of BC is receiving funding from the community Gaming Grants program to assist the delivery of ME|FM social support groups and other community engagement efforts. ​ ​ We also acknowledge the generous partnership between RBC and the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society , the ME|FM Society of BC is providing social support groups for individuals impacted by what is commonly known as Long-COVID, and meeting the diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Not a Member? Join us! ​After entering in your registration request, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the online event. ​ Group size may be limited to facilitate participation. We will keep a waitlist. Dates, structure and format may change over time to suit the community’s needs. Group details Please review our Shared Understandings document prior to the session. We are collecting feedback on our social support offerings here . For any questions about this program, please email support@mefm.bc.ca . ​

Additional Healthcare education: FM Diagnosis and treatment FM is a chronic condition that can greatly impact a person's quality of life. Diagnosis, early intervention and comprehensive care can make a significant difference in managing FM and enhancing the well-being of those who have it. Getting started HealthLink BC Fibromyalgia Treatments ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Treatment Protocol ​ Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Self management support and programing Diagnosis Canadian Rheumatology Association Fibromyalgia Guidelines for Diagnosis Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Diagnosis (2 page) Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Basic work-up recommendations Become a Professional Member of the ME|FM Society of BC Treatments Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Treatment Protocol HealthLink BC Fibromyalgia Treatments Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Self management support and programing Learn about our free Social Support Groups

Resources For Phone Line Volunteers Training Manual Use this PDF as your resource Support Group Contact list In process of being updated Accessing Phone Lines Call Log Use this as a tutorial to access phone lines password Use this link to update each call received Schedule March 2022 April 2022 May 2022

How we are funded The ME|FM Society of BC finances its activities through membership fees, tax deductible donations, grants, fundraising events and bequests. While the majority of the activities of the Society are undertaken by a small, dedicated group of volunteers, we rely on all our funding sources to increase our support programs, hire consultants and meet administrative expenses. Sponsors We are profoundly grateful to the Ko family and Opera Mariposa for gifting us the proceeds of annual fundraising events, and to The Wickerson Foundation for their ongoing support of our work. ​ We also acknowledge the generous partnership between RBC and the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society. With this support, the ME|FM Society of BC is piloting a series of social support groups including individuals impacted by what is commonly known as Long-COVID, and meeting the diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Inquire about becoming a sponsor ​Recent accomplishments The Convene Project A preliminary project examining the unmet needs of British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. The My MLA and ME outreach campaign Click here for resources . ​ Support Groups The implementation and expansion of support groups for Patients, and Allies and Loved Ones. Our updated website New logo, branding, navigation and layout. Updated content. ​ Donate now Most recently, we have used funding from membership, donations and grants to accomplish the following. For up-to-date news on these and other initiatives, click here . Membership We are always seeking to grow our membership and we encourage everyone to join. Choose the membership type most suitable for you. Membership types and voting rights are explained here . Our membership year is from October 1 to September 30 of the following year. ​​​​ We manage our membership database and donations through a program called MemberPlanet. Membership types and annual fees Individual $30 Sponsored $0* Non-Profit $100 Affiliate $10 Professional $50 Corporate $250 Join us now Grants Learn about our free Social Support Groups In the last several years, the ME|FM Society of BC has received research grants from the BC Women's Hospital , The Vancouver Foundation , and the BC SUPPORT Unit Fraser Centre . In addition, program funds were received from BC Gaming . We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia. The ME|FM Society of BC is receiving funding from the Community Gaming Grants program to assist the delivery of social support groups and other community engagement efforts.

Long-COVID & ME Is there a connection between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Long-COVID? Researchers have estimated that approximately 80% of ME/CFS cases are infectious in origin, often following a virus such as Epstein Barr, West Nile or Influenza. Some now believe that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could also contribute to the development of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis . ​ Many individuals living with Long COVID report symptoms that resemble ME/CFS, most notably post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction and persistent exhaustion. Five studies (below) have estimated the prevalence of ME/CFS within Long COVID to be over 40%. A 2021 study estimates that up to 400,000 Canadians (or 80,000 British Columbians) may have newly developed ME/CFS from Long-COVID in 2022/23 alone, almost doubling the number of people with ME/CFS in Canada. See the research on the ME/Long-COVID Connection 1 Similar biomarkers 2 ½ of LC patients meet ME criteria 3 Overlap in diagnosis 4 Overlapping symptoms 5 Some people with LC also have ME Learn about our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" email series Support for those living with Long-COVID The ME|FM Society of BC supports those living with ME, Long-COVID and other post-infectious illnesses. - Sign up for our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID " email series - See our Pacing and energy management resources - Join our online support groups that welcome Long-COVID patients suffering from chronic exhaustion, worsening symptoms after mental or physical activity, cognitive dysfunction ("brain fog"), sleep troubles, pain and other symptoms. Register for our News Updates What are experts and researchers saying? Dr. Anthony Fauci (US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director and US Coronavirus Task Force member) described in several interviews that people who are not recovering after contracting COVID-19 are showing symptoms “that are highly suggestive of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome”. Dr. Alain Moreau, the Director of ICanCME (a CIHR funded research network for ME/CFS in Canada), discussed in The Scientist that “with this very severe COVID-19 disease, where we’re now dealing with millions of people suffering from it worldwide, the question is not if [some] will develop ME/CFS—it’s how many.” Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) hosted a webinar on ME/CFS and Long COVID with Dr. Nina Muirhead (UK). Dr. Muirhead comments that “ME clinicians who have been seeing ME patients for a long time can see the similarities in the Long-COVID patients coming in” and that “we do expect a subset of long COVID patients to develop post viral ME”. The NIH’s National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) published an article outlining the overlapping symptoms between Post Acute Covid Syndrome (PACS) and ME/CFS, and the connection on its COVID-19 webpage. ​ In the Media Excellent articles about COVID “long haulers” developing ME/CFS in: ​ CTV The Scientist TIME magazine New York Times Vox Magazine Globe and Mail Maclean's Scientific American Selected published research Here is a sample of the research linking ME/CFS with Long-COVID. For more research, please follow this search string to the NIH Pubmed Database: myalgic encephalomyelitis AND covid - Search Results - PubMed (nih.gov) ​ ​ Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)-A Systemic Review and Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Symptomatology - PubMed (nih.gov) ​Frontiers | Will COVID-19 Lead to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? | Medicine (frontiersin.org) ​ ​ ​Humility and Acceptance: Working Within Our Limits With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov) ​Insights from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome may help unravel the pathogenesis of postacute COVID-19 syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov) ​ ​Pediatric Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal (lww.com) Learn about our free "Living with ME/Long-COVID" series International advocacy Long COVID & ME: Understanding the Connection - #MEAction Network ME/CFS Clinician Coalition letter to US clinicians urging them to consider ME/CFS as a differential diagnosis for long haulers.

FM Symptoms & diagnosis Common FM symptoms 1/1 ​Widespread pain The widespread pain of FM is often described as aching, burning, throbbing, gnawing, shooting and tingling. It can be localized, generalized, can feel like muscle spasms and can be scattered throughout the body. It may be migratory, with pain presenting in one or more areas on one day and other areas on another day. Fatigue The fatigue of FM is much more than just being tired. People with FM have described it as feeling like all their energy has been drained away. It can be so profound that it interferes with even the simplest of daily tasks and activities. Sometimes the fatigue can come on suddenly for no apparent reason and be very debilitating. After short periods of exertion, a person may require long periods of rest to recuperate. Non - restorative sleep Sleep difficulties may be described as not being able to fall asleep, frequent night awakenings, unrefreshing sleep or waking up feeling as if you haven’t sleep at all. Sleep studies show a deep-sleep anomaly in patients with FM. Learn about our free Social Support Groups Other common symptoms Cognitive and memory problems Includes memory lapses, problems with concentration and comprehension, brain fog. Irritable bowel syndrome Frequent diarrhea and/or constipation, abdominal pain, gas and nausea. Morning stiffness Often lasts for hours. Chronic headaches and jaw and head pain Related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Join us in making a difference - Become a Member now Some other symptoms that are often reported include Muscle spasms and weakness, restless legs, disequilibrium, sensitivity to noise or other stimuli, light cold and drafts; itching skin, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, irritable bladder, clumsiness, non-cardiac chest pains and multiple chemical sensitivities. ​ What worsens symptoms? Symptoms may be aggravated by changes in the weather, stress and either too much or too little activity. Flare-ups frequently occur a day or two after an activity and may take several weeks to settle down again. It is often difficult to determine what causes the symptoms to flare, which makes the condition so unpredictable and difficult to regulate. Diagnosis Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Diagnosis (2 pages) ​ Canadian Rheumatology Association Fibromyalgia Guidelines for Diagnosis Complex Chronic Diseases Program (CCDP), BC Womens and Childrens Hospital Basic work-up recommendations ​