INDIANAPOLIS -- Phyllis Talarico has lived in agony for 10 years with fibromyalgia, a debilitating syndrome that strikes mostly middle-age women.

"I get pain that is excruciating," she said. "I feel pain all over. My legs are hurting and my back. I couldn't get of bed this morning."

Pain from fibromyalgia is nearly constant. Symptoms include chronic, widespread pain; intense fatigue; sleep or memory problems; stiffness; and migraines. Many who suffer from the syndrome are misdiagnosed.

"It took over 37 doctors over a 2½-year period before I even heard the word fibromyalgia, and I started to think maybe there wasn't anything wrong with me and that I was just imagining these symptoms," said Lynne Matallan, president of the National Fibromyalgia Association.

Experts said the problem is that not all doctors are familiar with the condition, the symptoms may seem unrelated, and conventional tests typically come back normal because fibromyalgia doesn't show up on an X-ray or in a blood test.

Fibromyalgia expert Dr. Patrick Wood said the condition can be confirmed using a special test called the Manual Tenderpoints survey.

"The characteristic 18 tender points are palpated with the thumb to determine whether or not they're tender to light touch," he said.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia isn't known, but it often occurs after an acute illness or injury.

Some experts believe stress or genetics may play a role.

While it's traditionally considered a muscle and joint condition, the majority of new research, like that conducted by Wood, is focusing on the brain.

"Changes in brain chemistry and levels of chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin are believed to be implicated," said Wood.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Lyrica, the first drug to treat fibromyalgia, and Wood said he believes it is the dawn of a new era.

"I trust that the FDA will be approving a host of other medications in a time in the near future," he said

"For everyone who is experiencing fibromyalgia, I want them to know that there is great hope that things are changing," Matallan said.

Matallan said that as research brings hope, patients can help themselves through things like proper nutrition, exercise, yoga and meditation.