Investigating Fibromyalgia, Digestion and the microbiome of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract
The FIDGIT Study
Investigating Fibromyalgia, Digestion and the microbiome of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract
The FIDGIT Study is the PhD project of Auckland clinician and researcher Sharon Erdrich. The study aims to examine this chronic pain condition, providing answers that can guide future work. Whether you have fibromyalgia, or want to contribute money or time, read more about our project and learn how you can get involved.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is an Idiopathic Condition (meaning it has no known cause). It is characterised by Chronic Widespread Body Pain and an array of Other Symptoms.
To date, fibromyalgia has no defined cause and there few treatment options, with limited effectiveness.
People suffering this condition commonly have significant fatigue, headaches, depression, bladder problems and almost all have some kind of digestive disturbance.
This high incidence of digestive problems in people with fibromyalgia is the driver for this research.
Living with Fibromyalgia. One woman's story
"Chronic pain is no joke. It's every day waking up not knowing how you're going to feel"
Lady Gaga
About the Study
The FIDGIT Study has been approved by the Health & Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC) of New Zealand. It is registered with the Australia & NZ Clinicial Trials Registry (ANZCTR).
House of Health in Auckland, New Zealand, is the study site. The overall supervision of the project is by a team of academics and clinicians in Australia.
Together we aim to improve the lives of everyone with fibromyalgia by gaining deep insights into the microbiome connection.
The FIDGIT Study Overview
This short video gives an animated summary of fibromyalgia and overview of the study project.
Support Fibromyalgia
Interview with Melissa Talwar
Melissa is a tireless advocate for people with chronic pain. She interviewed Sharon about The FIDGIT Study.
What Does the Research Involve?
The FIDGIT Study is an Investigation into Relationships between the Gut Microbiome and Chronic Pain
The research tasks can be categorised into three main areas.
Gut Microbiome Testing
Shotgun Metagenomics of Stool & Saliva Samples forms the basis of the Microbiome testing.
Who is Supporting this Research?
Generous collaborators and donors are helping to make this study possible.
We’re on the lookout for people who are able to support this project - every little bit of support helps.
Donations from Crowdfunding
Every Dollar Counts.
Whatever You Can Contribute Gratefully Accepted
Equipment on Loan
Provided Testing Equipment and Disposabls for Blood Testing. This Helped Keep Costs Down.
RECRUITMENT IS COMPLETE
We have recruited over 100 adult women with fibromyalgia and more than 50 healthy controls.
This study does not involve any treatments.
Find out what is involved in participating in this study.
Do You Have Fibromyalgia?
If you have been told you have fibromyalgia, or think you have it, keep an eye on this website for updates.
Did You Volunteer as a Healthy Control?
We aim to match each study participant with a healthy female of a similar age to form a control group. Every healthy control helps us to understand fibromyalgia.
Can You Give A Little?
Without a grant, crowdfunding is important to help us cover some of the costs associated with this study. The link below will take you to our crowdfunding page.