Girls creator Lena Dunham reveals she suffers fibromyalgia – and opens up about links between trauma and chronic pain

The Girls star revealed how she suffers from stiff joints, weakness and shooting pains – and she's not alone.

Around one in 20 people suffer from the chronic pain condition, according to the NHS.

Anyone can develop the chronic condition, but it affects more seven times more women than men.

Revealing she suffers the painful illness in an emotional Instagram post, Lena said: "This is a post about chronic pain. I have it. I bet a lot of you do too.

"Some of us talk about it. Others are afraid to, as it could cost them their jobs or their relationships or their sense of control in a chaotic world."

Lena explained the condition can be linked to trauma and, like sexual trauma, people feel worried to talk about it.

Her post came a day after Dr Christine Blasley Ford testimony against Brett Kavanaugh, accusing him of sexually assaulting her at a high school party in Washington in 1982.

Despite her testimony, Kavanaugh was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice on Saturday.

"In this way it’s very analogous to sexual trauma. There is also (as @ladygaga so wisely shared this week) a proven connection between chronic pain and trauma," Lena said.

"Therefore, a lot of people- a lot of women- find their pain is activated by weeks like this one.

"On the day after Dr. Ford’s testimony I awoke with a start at 3am. It felt like every cell in my neck was singing. My ankles and wrists were weak and my fingers didn’t do their assigned job.

"Yesterday I felt like I was suspended in gel, and when I meditated a line of pain zipped from my neck to my foot."


FIND OUT MORE What is fibromyalgia, what are the symptoms and how is it treated?


Not only does fibromyalgia leave sufferers in constant pain, it also effects your career, social life and mental health, Lena added.

"I’m sorry if I don’t answer your text or email, or if I can’t show up the way someone else would," she wrote.

"I appear to be totally able bodied but it’s complex, and I am just trying to do everything required to maintain a life of joy and service.

"My work costs everything I have. This is fibromyalgia.

"It’s little understood and so even though I have a lot of knowledge and support it’s hard to shake the feeling I am crazy.

"But I’m not (at least not this way!) and you’re not. Your pain, whatever shape it takes, is yours and so it is real. I believe you when you say you hurt. I have learned time and time again how important it is to believe."

Lena, who underwent a hysterectomy to manage her pain from endometriosis earlier this year, is not the only star to reveal her battle with the chronic pain condition.

Last year Lady Gaga spoke about her struggle with fibromyalgia.

The pop star was forced to cancel the remainder of her world tour earlier this year due to her “severe pain” caused by fibromyalgia.

The Born This Way singer shocked fans with the news she suffers from the chronic pain condition in her Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two.

In the trailer for the documentary – which was filmed over eight months last year – Gaga can be seen wincing in pain as a physician works on her shoulder.

As well as chronic pain, fibromyalgia can cause increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue and muscle stiffness, according to the NHS.

Sufferers can also have difficulty sleeping, as well as memory loss, concentration problems, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome.

According to the NHS there is no cure for fibromyalgia, but some treatments can help manage the condition and make it easier to live with.

Medications like antidepressants and painkillers are often prescribed, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling.

Some patients may find it easier to manage with lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques, and one study found that tai chi may help.



 

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