NCD Chronicles #9: “The Pain Is Like A Parasite” (Living With Fibromyalgia)

“I’m tired, and in pain all the time.” 

Words that cannot possibly sum up the debilitating and disabling effects of fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue. Even the etymology of the word in Latin (fibro meaning “fibrous tissues”, myo meaning “muscles” and algia meaning “pain”) is not able to encompass the widespread physical and psychological effects of this condition. On this episode of NCD Chronicles, we try to understand fibromyalgia through the eyes of Nur Rieya Abdullah, who has been through a difficult journey to diagnose and manage her condition. We also hear from Dr Yeap Swan Sim, Consultant Rheumatologist, about the challenges of supporting people living with fibromyalgia and why continued medical education and research are important.