Definitions (or what are those diagnoses listed in my medical chart?)

Anxiety Disorders -  Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress, however in some, it becomes excessive and can cause problems in day-to-day functioning.  Anxiety disorders can lead to insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks of events, heightened sensitivity to surroundings, and other symptoms.  

National Institute on Mental Health Link for more information


Autoimmune Conditions/Autoimmune Disease -  These conditions occur when the body's immune system attacks the body.  

Medline Link for more information
List of Autoimmune Conditions


Dysautonomia - The name for a collection of conditions that impact the function of the autonomic nervous system, and can cause problems in heart rate, blood pressure, fainting, temperature intolerance, and other symptoms.

Dysautonomia International Link for More Information


Costochondritis- The Mayo Clinic defines this condition as "an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum".  Pain can mimic that of a heart attack and can cause wide-spread rib pain.

Mayo Clinic Link for more information
eMedicine Link for more information


Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - A group of connective tissue disorders.

The Ehlers-Danlos Society Link for more information


Fibromyalgia Syndrome-  The CDC defines Fibromyalgia as "a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread pain, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbance, fatigue and often psychological distress. People with Fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms; such as Morning stiffness, Tingling or numbness in hands and feet, Headaches, including migraines, Irritable bowel syndrome, Sleep disturbances, Cognitive problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog"), Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog"), Painful menstrual periods and other pain syndromes."

CDC Link for more information

Hypermobility Syndrome- This is a condition where the joints easily move beyond what is normal for joints.  

MedicineNet Link for more information


Invisible Illness -  Illnesses, frequently including chronic pain and fatigue, that do not have any outward signs of disease or illness.

Here's a link to a great article.


Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) - The CDC defines SLE as "an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies to cells within the body leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. The causes of SLE are unknown but are believed to be linked to genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. SLE may be characterized by periods of illness and remissions. SLE has a variety of clinical manifestations and can affect joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. People with SLE may experience fatigue, pain or swelling in joints, skin rashes, and fevers."

CDC Link for more information


Major Depressive Disorder - A psychological condition characterized by periods of sadness, lack of interest in activities/interests, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia or hypersomnia, and potentially thoughts of suicide.  


National Institute on Mental Health Link for more information


Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) -  WebMD states that MCS "refers to a variety of non-specific symptoms reported by some people after possible exposure to chemical, biologic, or physical agents.  The symptoms people report are wide-ranging. They include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, congestion, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, diarrhea, bloating, gas, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes."

WebMD Link for more information
What is MCS? Link for more information


Myofascial Pain Syndrome -  The Mayo clinic describes Myofascial Pain Syndrome as a chronic pain syndrome.  "In myofascial pain syndrome, pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. This is called referred pain.  While nearly everyone has experienced muscle tension pain, the discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome persists or worsens."

Mayo Clinic Link for more information

Raynaud's Syndrome (also known as Raynaud's Phenomenon)- The Mayo clinic offers the definition of Raynaud's as causing "some areas of your body-such as fingers and toes-to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress."  It should be noted that the extremities can also turn color (such as blue and purple) with the cold.

Mayo Clinic Link for more information 


Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) -  The CDC characterizes RA as a condition that "causes premature mortality, disability and compromised quality of life in the industrialized and developing world (1). Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease which manifests itself in multiple joints of the body. The inflammatory process primarily affects the lining of the joints (synovial membrane), but can also affect other organs. The inflamed synovium leads to erosions of the cartilage and bone and sometimes joint deformity. Pain, swelling, and redness are common joint manifestations. Although the causes are unknown, RA is believed to be the result of a faulty immune response. RA can begin at any age and is associated with fatigue and prolonged stiffness after rest."

CDC Link for more information