Authors

Mercedes Martínez Marcos

Position

Diplomada en Enfermería. Licenciada en Sociología. Escuela de Enfermería Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Contact address

Escuela de Enfermería Puerta de Hierro. C/ Manuel de Falla, 1. 28222 Majadahonda (Madrid).

Contact email: mmartinez.hpth.@salud.madrid.org

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalised chronic pain in the locomotive system, among other symptoms. The aetiology of the disease is unknown and its prevalence in our setting is 2.4%. The quality of life of the people affected by the disease is deteriorated and the treatment must include multiple strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. An understanding of the experiences lived by fibromyalgia sufferers permit to design an ad hoc therapeutic plan. The paper depicts a bibliographic review to analyse the experiences, the living experiences and what the disease means for women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The review was carried out using national and international databases covering the period between 1995 and 2006. The results from the review analysis yielded areas of relevance to understand the phenomenon: to be diagnosed with the disease; pain, fatigue, and sep disorders; concentration problems, depression; a fear not to be understood, and relationship changes. This systematic review provides a further insight into the process of this disease and its consequences and contributes towards the development of new care strategies.

Keywords:

fibromyalgia; woman; experiences; living experiences; meanings of the disease; pain; fatigue; diagnosis; sleep; bibliographic reviewqualitative review

Versión en Español

Título:

Experiencias y vivencias de mujeres con fibromialgia