For several years I was suffering from very real aches and pains and swelling in my joints that made getting up in the morning a major chore.

I was keeping my husbnd up at night, and not feeling much like going anywhere or doing anything with my family because of the pain. My kids didn't understand it, and began getting really angry that mom didn't want to do things with them.

After visits to more than one doctor, I was told the discomfort was a result of my thyroid condition, and was prescribed different doses of the medication I was on, told to watch my diet, take different vitamins, and it would all adjust itself with time. Well, that didn't happen.

About a year ago, one doctor finally did an extensive blood test, and found that I had Lyme disease that apparently had been affecting me for more than two years.

After months on the new meds prescribed I began to feel better to some degree, thinking I was on the mend. In about six months time, my pain began returning and actually grew worse.

I researched new doctors and finally found one at Yale who would listen to what I had to say. BINGO! I have Fybromyalgia, and the probable cause is Lyme disease.

Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects the body’s musculoskeletal system causing wide spread and chronic pain, according to FibroCenter.com. Experts on Fibromyalgia say the exact cause is not really known, but there are likely a number of factors that can contribute to or trigger the syndrome that affects more than 3 million Americans.

When you talk to your doctor about the possibilities of having FM, be persistent like I was. Tell him or her, “You need to listen to me, my pain is real.”

Here are a few of helpful websites on Fibromyalgia.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The National Fibromyalgia Association
• The Fibromyalgia Network

Let your doctor know you have researched the possibilities of FM and you fear it could be affecting you and your quality of life.

Since my diagnosis, I have been taking Cymbalta and the relief is amazing. I can wake up in the morning nearly free of the pain, and sleep through most of the night. I can take walks, wear closed shoes, and do things with my kids I have missed out on for such a long time.