Fibromyalgia patients across Canada want to tell you what we want, what we really, really want.

Fibromyalgia patients across Canada are eager to build stronger, more empathetic relationships with their primary care providers. We envision partnerships that are rooted in active listening, mutual trust, collaborative decision-making, and respect. By working together, patients and healthcare providers can achieve better outcomes and alleviate the stress and anxiety that may accompany our medical appointments.

Positive experiences, where patients feel heard and valued, can significantly enhance trust and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. For those of us with fibromyalgia, stigma is damaging. By acknowledging the challenges of pain flares, brain fog, and symptom management, we can ensure that people with fibromyalgia feel supported and understood in their most vulnerable moments. Together, we can foster an environment where our condition is taken seriously, and every person feels empowered.

People with fibromyalgia may experience a journey where they receive a diagnosis and prescription but feel left without ongoing guidance or follow-up. Many express feelings of being “lost, alone, forgotten, and misunderstood.” This gap in support is further intensified by frequent questioning of the diagnosis, minimization of symptoms, and the stigma associated with the condition. Fibromyalgia can significantly impact lives, affecting careers, economic stability, and overall quality of life and joy. Yet, it is sometimes met with oversimplified advice like “just do yoga” or “eat healthy.” While lifestyle changes can be beneficial, they are not a cure. This approach can inadvertently silence those of us with fibromyalgia, stigmatize our condition, and hinder access to the comprehensive care and services we truly need.

By fostering a supportive environment and acknowledging the complexity of fibromyalgia, we can empower our community to receive the understanding and care we deserve. Together, we can work towards a future where every person with fibromyalgia feels heard, respected, and supported on our journey to better health.

Experiencing negative feedback from healthcare providers, such as being dismissed or labeled, can leave lasting emotional impacts.  Persons with fibromyalgia may feel unheard and disrespected, which can lead them to avoid seeking care, ultimately worsening their physical and mental health. People with fibromyalgia are frequently labeled  as “complex” or “time-consuming,” face challenges in finding primary care providers willing to accept them, leading to further feelings of marginalization.

The fibromyalgia community in Canada is advocating for positive change. We are calling for quicker diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans for both daily management and flare-ups, effective pain management, and supportive healthcare teams. We need improved communication regarding test results, prescription renewals, and referrals to community services. Above all, we seek understanding, empathy, and collaboration from our primary care providers.

By addressing these needs, we can create a healthcare environment where people with fibromyalgia feel valued and supported, paving the way for better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Together, we have the power to create a healthcare system that truly respects the lived experiences of people with fibromyalgia, offering them the care they deserve. By fostering mutual trust and enhancing communication, we can build positive relationships between the fibromyalgia community and primary care providers. This collaborative effort will not only lead to improved healthcare outcomes but also restore hope and dignity to those living with fibromyalgia.

Let’s join forces to turn this vision into reality, ensuring every person with fibromyalgia feels valued, understood, and supported on their journey to better health.

Fibromyalgia Association Canada 2025