Question: I have muscle pain in shoulders, upper back and neck. Polymyalgia rheumatica* has been diagnosed at me and I received methylpred (methylprednisolone) from my rheumatologist. I am taking this medicine for over 1/2 year and my problems diminished (reduced) considerably, however I have put on weight quite much during that time. I am taking proMyalgan for 2 months and it seem it is little bit better now. Can I continue taking proMyalgan?

Answer: Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory illness of the connective tissue and in contrary to fibromyalgia, which is noninflammatory connective tissue disease, it requires an intense and deffinitive anti-inflammatory treatment. Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids are first choice medicines in therapy. Not cured disease or if not treated properly may lead to permanent changes like permanent muscle spasm, mobility reduction, and disability. The therapy is maintained by physician in any case.

Question: Is it possible to get a disability pension due to the fibromyalgia? I am relatively young person, and the fibromyalgia excluded me completely from normal life. I had to resign from my studies. Job, even the light one, gives me serious problems. Is it possible to apply for disability pension because of fibromyalgia? How can I get medical certificate confirming my disability?

Answer: The diagnosis of fibromyalgia by itself, like majority of chronic diseases, does not constitute sufficient motivation for application for disability pension. Neither it is sufficient reason to issue a certificate of disability. Important is the course of illness. If the fibromyalgia causes long-time sick leave like six months or above certain time limit defined by the healthcare system of the specific country this could substitute sufficient motivation for issuing by specific body (authorised medical doctor or medical commission) a certificate of temporary or permanent disability.

It also important that the person suffering of fibromyalgia has legal rights to get disability pension because of being a member of social system e.g NHS or having appropriate health insurance. This regulation varies from country to country and depends on the domestic social system.

Our experience says that is not easy for the patient to get disability statement, particularly the permanent one, due to the severe cause of fibromyalgia. It lies probably in mental limitation of the persons issuing such certificate on the one hand, and in limited knowledge about fibromyalgia on the other hand. We have to take into consideration subjectivity of fibromyalgia symptoms and lack of objective changes in the results of lab tests and/or also lack of changes in the imaging examinations (like x-ray, ultra-sound, CT, NMR). However, the difference may cause mental problems (low mood, depression so frequent in fibromyalgia) as the motivation and background for disability.

Question: I am suffering of rest-legs syndrome* and I am taking myalgan for couple of weeks. And the problems have diminished quite much. However, I have to take 4, 6 and even more tablets daily constantly. When I am trying to reduce the daily dose the problems recurs. How long and how many tablets a day can I take safely?

Answer: The rest-leg syndrome (RLS) does not have tangible reason. The sleep disorders are quite often surmised cause. RLS has periodical symptoms improvements and deteriorations in its course. Pople who take Myalgan report that after 1 - 2 months they could manage to reduce the daily dose of supplement. If the symptoms persist (continue) one should see his/her family doctor.

The administration of anti-parkinson medicines like combination of levodopa and benserazidum might be helpful. Ropinirol also anti-parkinson medicine might be useful.

Question: I have got diagnosed fibromyalgia. I would like to exercise the sanatorium treatment because of my fibromyalgia. What kind of sanatorium would be the best in my case?

Answer: Sanatorium hospital with rheumatological profile is mostly recommended for fibromyalgia. It is important that sanatarium hospital will have well equiped utility for various forms of physiotherapy. Physical therapy focuses on the treatment, healing, and prevention of injuries or disabilities. Regular physical therapy programs may help you regain control of your fibromyalgia as you focus on lifestyle changes rather than on the chronic problems of pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

Moreover, kinesiotherapy is also very important. This deserves skilled personnel and well equipped room and for the physical exercises. Physical therapist will help patient with, allows efficient muscle function. That results in patient being able to avoid undue fatigue and pain. In addition, the therapist may use slow stretching exercises to help improve muscle flexibility. Relaxation exercises that the therapist will show patient can help reduce muscle tension.

The other valuable forms of fibromyalgia therapy in sanatorium are hydrotherapy or more broadly defined as blaneotherapy. Balneotherapy (Latin: balneum "bath") is the presumed benefit from disease by bathing, a traditional medicine technique usually practiced at spas. While it is considered distinct from hydrotherapy, there are some overlaps in practice and in underlying principles. Balneotherapy may involve hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation, or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular minerals such as silica, sulfur, selenium, and radium. Medicinal clays are also widely used, a practice known as "fangotherapy".