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Here are some common terms when talking about Fibromyalgia/CFIDS.
FMS - Fibromyalgia Syndrome, formerly Fibrositis, Defined as pain in 11 of 18 tender points throughout the body, with mental difficulties, sleeping problems, chronic fatigue (as diagnosed in CFS or CFIDS), and arthritis like pain in joints and muscles. Can have other symptoms not listed here.
CFIDS - Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Much the same as FMS, although the Tender points are not always used for diagnosis.
CFS - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, variation of CFIDS, Much the same as FMS, although the Tender points are not always used for diagnosis.
MPS - Myofascial Pain Syndrome, caused by trigger points causing pain that spreads to other trigger points that cause pain. Can be widespread throughout the body as successive trigger points are "set off" from pain in previous trigger points.
IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often reported with FMS Cases. Can include prolonged nausea, bloating, indegestion, etc.
Trigger Point - Point, or area of the body, that when "activated", will cause pain in a area around the point, sometimes large areas can be triggered from just one point. A trigger point differs from a tender point in that, a trigger point can cause pain even if it is not "activated" from an outside source, ex. pressure or touch.
Tender Point - an area of the body that when pressure is applied will cause pain. There are 18 possible Tender points in diagnosing FMS.
Rheumatological Diseases - The diseases and syndromes medically related to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both FMS and CFIDS are Rheumatological Diseases.
Primary Fibromyalgia - Type of fibromyalgia where an otherwise perfectly healthy person comes down with fibro.
Secondary Fibromyalgia - Type of fibromyalgia where the fibro is diagnosed after some other medical trauma (injury, surgery, etc.), Illness (such as Cancer), or other related cause.
SSRI - Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitor. Type of drug, often classified as anti-depressants, that often allow the brain to process seratonin and allow for regular sleeping habits.
"Fibro Fog" - Cognitive thinking problems associated with FMS
"Flare" - Period of disease activity
"Fibromode" - The limited state of only being able to do simple activities and having "fibro fog" when in a "flare."
"Fake Mode" - A time period (usually short, a couple of hours) that you can appear totally normal and do not seem to have any effects of FMS or CFIDS.
Plus these terms as defined by the National Institutes of Health:
Copied from: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibromyalgia/fibrofs.htm
Analgesic:
A medication or treatment that relieves pain.
Arthritis:
Literally means joint inflammation, but is often used to indicate a
group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases. These diseases affect not only the
joints but also other connective tissues of the body, including important
supporting structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the
protective covering of internal organs.
Autoimmune
disease:
One in which the immune system destroys or attacks the patient's own body
tissue.
Cartilage:
A tough, resilient tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the
bones and absorbs shock.
Chronic
disease:
An illness that lasts for a long time.
Collagen:
The main structural protein of skin, tendon, bone cartilage, and
connective tissues.
Connective
tissue:
The supporting framework of the body and its internal organs.
Fibromyalgia:
Sometimes called fibrositis, a chronic disorder that causes pain and
stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints.
Pain and localized tender points occur in the muscles, particularly those that
support the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. The disorder includes widespread
pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Fibrous
capsule:
A tough wrapping of tendons and ligaments that surrounds the joint.
Flare:
A period in which disease symptoms reappear or become worse.
Genetic
marker:
A specific tissue type or gene, similar to a blood type, that is passed on
from parents to their children. Some genetic markers are linked to certain
rheumatic diseases.
Immune
response:
The reaction of the immune system against foreign substances. When
this reaction occurs against substances or tissues within the body, it is called
an autoimmune reaction.
Immune
system:
A complex system that normally protects the body from infections. It
combines groups of cells, the chemicals that control them, and the chemicals
they release.
Inflammation:
A characteristic reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is
marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Joint:
A junction where two bones meet. Most joints are composed of
cartilage, joint space, fibrous capsule, synovium, and ligaments.
Joint
space:
The volume enclosed within the fibrous capsule and synovium.
Ligaments:
Bands of cordlike tissue that connect bone to bone.
Muscle:
A structure composed of bundles of specialized cells that, when
stimulated by nerve impulses, contract and produce movement.
Myopathies:
Inflammatory and noninflammatory diseases of muscle.
Myositis:
Inflammation of a muscle.
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
drugs
(NSAIDs):
A group of drugs, such as aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, used to reduce
inflammation that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Raynaud's
phenomenon:
A circulatory condition associated with spasms in the blood vessels
of the fingers and toes causing them to change color. After exposure to cold,
these areas turn white, then blue, and finally red.
Remission:
A period during which symptoms of disease are reduced (partial remission) or
disappear (complete remission).
Sicca
syndrome:
A
condition manifested by dry eyes and dry mouth.
Sleep
disorder:
One in which a person has difficulty achieving restful, restorative
sleep. In addition to other symptoms, patients with fibromyalgia usually have a
sleep disorder.
Synovium:
A tissue that surrounds and protects the joints. It produces synovial fluid
that nourishes and lubricates the joints.
Tender
points:
Specific locations on the body that are
painful, especially when pressed.
Tendons:
Fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone.
Vasculitis:
Inflammation in the blood vessels. It may occur throughout the body.