A Tokyo woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia after more than a decade of undiagnosed symptoms is raising awareness about the challenges faced by patients with the condition in Japan. Fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by widespread bodily pain and other symptoms, affects an estimated 2 million people in the country, many of whom face difficulties obtaining a timely diagnosis and adequate support.

Reina Serikayaku, a 30-year-old certified care worker, first experienced unexplained chest pains as a junior high school student on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Although she was hospitalized and underwent tests, including blood work and electrocardiograms, no abnormalities were found. After moving to Tokyo for further education, her pain intensified and spread throughout her body. Despite consulting numerous medical professionals, the cause of her symptoms remained unidentified for years.

Serikayaku described encountering skepticism from some doctors, with one reportedly dismissing her complaints as imaginary. This response led her to gradually stop seeking medical attention. It was not until approximately a year and a half ago that she was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia at a specialized medical institution, which her husband helped her find.

“I’ve finally made it to the starting point to face the disease,” Serikayaku said, reflecting on the relief and validation the diagnosis provided.

Fibromyalgia diagnosis typically involves assessing widespread pain and other clinical criteria while excluding other conditions with similar manifestations. The Japanese Society of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain has identified around 130 medical facilities staffed with trained specialists, although these centers are unevenly distributed across Japan.

Even after diagnosis, patients often face considerable challenges, including difficulties maintaining employment and consequent financial problems. To address these issues, a petition advocating for necessary support for fibromyalgia and other chronic pain patients was submitted during this year’s special parliamentary session. Serikayaku was among the petition signatories.

Serikayaku actively engages with others affected by fibromyalgia through social media, offering advice and support to those struggling to find diagnoses or facing a lack of understanding from family members. “I was also lonely until I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia,” she said, underscoring the isolation that many patients experience. By sharing her story, she hopes to improve access to medical care and enhance public awareness of this often misunderstood condition.