The Cost of Having Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition marked by widespread pain and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is costly in that people try many things to ease their pain. Sufferers tend to visit doctors more frequently and try new medicines in search of relief. Some with this syndrome can no longer function on their jobs, and for many it robs them of quality family time.

Personal Financial Cost

• According to the National Fibromyalgia Foundation, a 2007 study showed that 34 percent of people with fibromyalgia spent well above what their insurance covered each month seeking medical help. For some it is hard to get a true diagnosis, thus requiring multiple medical visits beforehand. After the syndrome is diagnosed, seeing a health professional continues as the affected person seeks relief for pain and chronic fatigue. Many go over their limit of sick days at work, and this loss of pay adds to their financial burden, as well.

Employer Cost

• Employers are often faced with financial strain after an employee has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. As the employee seeks medical help and misses work time and time again, the employer will be burdened with direct and indirect costs, such as a decline in productivity. Morale issues may arise when other workers are forced to step in and add to their workload to compensate for the recurring absence of the afflicted employee.

Social Economic Cost

• A 2003 study published in the Journal of Rheumatology stated that insurance claims for fibromyalgia sufferers were more than twice as high as those without the syndrome. Disability claims were also twice as high.

Loss of Family Time

• Many people with fibromyalgia have learned to manage the syndrome and can function with little discomfort, realizing that they will have good days and bad days. On bad days the person may experience widespread pain and exhausting fatigue, according to the WebMD. During this flareup, quality family time is lost. If the sufferer has small children at home, this is a heartbreaking cost.

Personal Cost

• Personal cost to someone suffering from fibromyalgia cannot be determined in dollars. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the chronic pain and sleep disturbance of fibromyalgia can bring on depression and a lack of sexual desire. Also, the condition known as "fibro fog," which makes it very difficult to concentrate, can be embarrassing as well as job-limiting.

Tip

• A strong support system for a fibromyalgia sufferer is a must. The Fibromyalgia Network suggests explaining the condition to your family and friends as having the symptoms of a very bad flu; muscle aches, malaise and overall pain. With foreknowledge comes the advantage of not being blindsided when a bad day occurs, thus enabling personal cost to be minimized.