The major life decisions influenced by chronic pain included whether to initiate or remain in a relationship, change jobs and/or have children. Other results from the survey include:
• Approximately 87 percent of respondents feel they are different from the person they were before they started living with chronic pain
• 95 percent of respondents who have children said their pain affects at least one of their parenting duties, such as fulfilling daily household and childcare needs, enjoying their children’s milestones or managing their children’s activities/scheduling
• Approximately 68 percent of respondents said pain limits their ability to care for their family
• Approximately 98 percent of respondents have adapted their daily routine to conduct activities and tasks; 75 percent have made three or more daily adjustments
The survey was developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association, American Pain Foundation and Pfizer, and is part of the educational initiative “The Faces of Fibromyalgia.” The initiative aims to raise awareness of the daily effects of chronic pain and encourage discussion among healthcare providers and those living with chronic pain.
Read the American Pain Foundation release on fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions (pdf).
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