V. Prognosis A. Poor prognostic indicators. Management A. Firm diagnosis ruling out other possible causes of symptoms. 1.Patients are often relieved to learn that their symptoms are not caused by a progressive, crippling or fatal disease. 2.Obtain a panel of laboratory tests to-rule out other diagnostic possibilities. B. Patient education and support.
Patient cooperation is important for a good therapeutic outcome.
FMS is not progressive, is not crippling and is not fatal. Encourage patient to continue working and keep physically active. Outcome is in patient's hands - try to minimize dependence on physician. Educate patient about the pathophysiology of FMS and its treatment. Importance of restorative sleep.