Local Physician Presents Free Fibromyalgia Educational Session

Beavercreek, Ohio - A free Fibromyalgia educational session—entitled “Why do I hurt all over” —is being presented by Dr. Maria Thomas-John on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., at her office located at 722 North Fairfield Rd., in Beavercreek. (One-half mile south of Rt. 35.)

Board certified in Rheumatology, Dr. Thomas-John is a graduate of the Wright State University School of Medicine, and finished her fellowship at the University of Cincinnati last year. In 2007, she opened  Premier Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center under the auspices of Premier HealthNet.

Fibromyalgia is a prevalent disorder that is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness to light touch. Other symptoms are very numerous and include prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, fatigue, tingling of the skin, and chronic sleep disturbances. Not all patients have the same symptoms, and the pain might be localized.
       
Fibromyalgia has been studied since the early 1800s, and has been studied quite extensively since the 1970s. Fibromyalgia was recognized by the American Medical Association as an illness and a cause of disability in 1987. Many patients have symptoms that start in childhood that are misdiagnosed as “growing pains.” 

Fibromyalgia may also start after major surgery or a traffic accident, and some studies point to Lyme Disease as a trigger of symptoms. While not progressive or life-threatening, symptoms usually do not disappear completely. The condition may affect a person’s mood, resulting in stress and depression. Some patients experience decreased concentration, short-term memory problems, and an inability to multi-task, which may result from related sleep disturbances. 

Dr. Thomas-John’s educational session will include updated information and state-of-the-art therapies and treatments about Fibromyalgia, which can be difficult to diagnose. However, as a Rheumatologist, she is qualified to determine if a patient is suffering from Fibromyalgia, or from any one of a number of related disorders that mimic the condition. 

While there is no cost to attend the session, people are encouraged to RSVP or receive additional information by calling (937) 208-7000, and pressing option 3.

For more information, contact:

Telephone:
(937) 208-7000

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