The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic on Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, offers comprehensive evaluation by doctors with expertise in caring for people with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). You will need a referral from your doctor to schedule an appointment at the clinic.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body, and it can amplify existing pain generators, such as arthritis. People with fibromyalgia often have widespread, migratory muscle aches without any underlying muscle injury, and they generally experience pain more intensely than others. People with this condition may also experience other problems, including fatigue, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and emotional and mental distress.
If you think you may have fibromyalgia, it's important to be evaluated by an expert in this disorder. Fibromyalgia can be hard to distinguish from other conditions. Getting the diagnosis right the first time can help avoid unneeded tests as you track down the cause of your severe and chronic pain.
The diagnosis is based on specific symptoms, and fibromyalgia often coexists with other chronic pain disorders. If you receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, you may need a comprehensive assessment to evaluate for other underlying conditions, as that information will guide an effective treatment plan. For many, the condition can become so debilitating that it disrupts daily life significantly.
Fibromyalgia pain is experienced differently by each person with the condition. Your Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to develop a care plan based on your needs and goals. It may involve ongoing education, medication and pain management strategies.
What can you expect?
Your clinic appointment begins with a one-hour evaluation with a nurse followed by a 90-minute consultation with a doctor. This enables the care team to confirm a diagnosis and determine if you will benefit from the self-management session.
Self-management sessions
If you receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or another chronic pain condition, you may be offered an opportunity to participate in a self-management session. These group sessions are taught by the clinic's nurses in a group setting.
People who have gone through this program report having a better understanding of their conditions and have self-management plans to help them regain control of their lives and return to regular daily activities.
The goal of these sessions is to empower participants to:
- Reduce reliance on pain medications
- Improve self-awareness
- Set goals for managing their conditions and returning to daily activities
- Develop healthy work-life balance
- Resume leisure and recreational activities
- Improve personal relationships
- Develop confidence to change
- Make healthy choices
- Better manage stress
- Improve physical strength, stamina and flexibility