fibromyalgia
Read and learn more about fibromyalgia. For more, visit the Pain Q&A website FeelTheHurt.com
Q: fibromyalgia?
I have been sick for over a year now. I keep going to the doctor with no answers they keep treating the immediate problem and I am starting to think there is more of a major problem. Possibly Fibromyalgia. I have body ache, pain, disturbed sleep, exhaustion, stiffness when I wake up, tingling in my hands and legs. I know I need to see a Dr. I just want to know more about the disease and if there are any treatments to help it. Thanx Bunches!!!
A: My mom actually suffers from FMS. One of the tell tell signs is severe pain at certain pressure points, shoulders, arms, neck, all have these pressure points. From the symptoms you describe, it sounds like you may have it, but it seems like a lot of doctors are falsely diagnosing it. For example I used to work with a girl who was a hairdresser and she was told that she had it because she had stiff shoulders, but… she is a hairdresser, of course she had stiff shoulders. She had no other symptoms to go along with it. Another poster mentioned stress as a factor of flare up which is true. Sometimes the initial occurence happens after a severe injury, in my moms case, an almost fatal car accident 14 years ago. About a year after her wreck she started having unexplained symptoms and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue, depression, and others, but nothing covered all the symptoms until the past few years with the “discovery” of FMS. There are lots of doctors who don’t know very much about it.
My mom has tried a couple of the medications used to treat it, with no relief. One medication gave her nightmares, which is not good if you already have a hard time getting restful sleep. She has decided not to be a guinea pig anymore and to wait until they have a proven treatment. I feel like you should express your opinion to a doctor and don’t stop until you find an answer. It sounds to me like you have reasonable cause to suspect Fibro. Good Luck.
Q: Fibromyalgia?
If you have fibromyalgia where do you feel pain? Can anxiety/depression cause fibromyalgia, or is it more likely that fibromyalgia may cause anxiety/depression?
A: I felt it mostly first in the long muscles of the body, the lower legs, the thighs, the upper arms. then in the chest and back. now it’s every where. I’ve been on permanent disability since Oct. 2002.
Fibromyalgia depletes the brain of serotonin. And that causes depression. Add in the constant pain and the exhaustion from fibro would cause depression than depression causing fibro.
fibro also causes the body to produce more of Substance P. and substance P causes you to feel pain more acutely. since you never know when a flare will happen, it’s normal to be more anxious about life.
Q: FIBROMYALGIA???!!!???!!!???!!!???!!!???!!!???!!!?
My grandmother was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, about a year ago its a terrible disease, that destroys whoever has it and their loved ones lives. I wish everyone luck with this disease it sucks! My Question is… Because my Grandma has it Does it make my parents/sisters/ and my self more likely to get it as well???
A: Yes a family history of it increases your chances of developing it. I am 32 and I have had this stupid disease for about the past 10 years although I never knew what it was until about a year ago. I have no health insurance so I haven’t been diagnosed yet, but I fit all the symptoms, have 14 of the 18 tender points, have had severe stress my entire life and several traumatic injuries that could have triggered it, and my mother was diagnosed with it (back when it was being called Fibrositis).
I was actually happy to have discovered this disease because it meant I wasn’t just a fat, lazy, fruitcake … but then it still sucks to have it. I can’t believe how much it has affected my life, I feel like a little old lady. It is still very misunderstood and most people I have told about it kind of roll their eyes at me because I’m just too young to be feeling like this, but it is becoming more known. Hopefully they will find some better medication (so far I have tried Cymbalta with not much success).
Q: FiBroMyalGia?
How do you manage a life with this “syndrome”? I mean with the pain/dizziness/nausea/meds, how do you have a life? Work? School? Play? This is every day. It doesn’t go away or even ease up enough to do anything but lay in bed. Any suggestions? Just a month into it and am wondering how to live with it! NOT suicidal but seriously don’t know how I’m supposed to have any kind of productive life…
A: I have had this for years. My doctor has me on 24mg amptripiline at night time to help me sleep and calm the sore muscle fibres. This does help immensely. I also have to take 3 Tylenol Arthritis @ bedtime which I began taking about 3months ago. The pain in my body from just turning over in bed was waking me up each night. Getting plenty of rest is a big one and not over exerting yourself helps. Exercise is important and makes you feel better. Sitting or lying down for to long causes you to become stiff and sore. Your daily diet should consume lots of protein.When your stressed or worried about things, this makes things worse. I also have experienced that when its damp and cold outside, your symptoms will flare up. Myself I feel quite normal most days but every once in awhile I’ll have a “crash day”so I will lye down and sleep if possible. Having a great body massage also helps when your sore or have a headache from upper back muscles tightening. Don’t let this slow you down, think positive and be somewhat active everyday. Hope this gives you some insight on the subject, I do work some long hrs. which gives you self worth and a positive outlook. Cocoa
Q: What Fibromyalgia support groups are located in Plymouth UK, and the South West?
Are there any support groups in Plymouth UK, or the South West, still running please? Also, is there anyone living with Fibromyalgia, in the same area, looking for support? I would like to hear from people interested in raising awareness of FMS in the UK.
A: call
Plymouth and District ME Group
It provides information and support for people with ME/CFS, their family and friends.
Contact: 44 Skylark Rise, Woolwell, Plymouth PL6 7SN
E-mail: ruttershome@blueyonder.co.uk
Tel: 01752 214856.
Q: Is there a corelation between fibromyalgia and the consuming of carbonated soft drinks?
If I’ve got fibromyalgia (I think I do) I suspect my diet has something to do with it (prehaps other things too).
If I do have fibromyalgia, carbonated soft drinks heads my list as a possible contributor to it and/or with cafeine as a runner up and/or equal to it? Is there a corelation with either or both if they are taken together in a can or bottle of soda pop?
Thank you for any helpful input because it is getting painful.
Ed
A: Foods/driks can contibute to it for soem people-
but they do not cause it-
Diet will not cure ior releive symptomst-but may help your body compensate
FMS has been believed to be a disorder of teh central nervous system for about 10 yeasr now–and i would think caffeine affects the CNS
I would think it is less likely to be the carbonation
Q: What are good remedies for Fibromyalgia?
I have fibromyalgia and possible rheumatoid arthritis. What are some good treatments/remedies that you or someone you know has found to be helpful?
A: I’m on a number of pain medications for my Fibro, so far the new drug Lyrica is helping a lot. Different things can cause flares for different people. You should check out the books “Fibromyalgia for Dummies” and “Living Well With Chronic Fatigue
and Fibromyalgia” you should also check out about.com’s Fibro/CFS site: http://chronicfatigue.about.com/
Q: Fibromyalgia- what are others way to get relief from the pain?
I’ve had Fibromyalgia for 17 years now. I’ve been off and on Medicine for it. I was just wondering if anyone who has it , had any other methods of pain relief besides medication.
Thanks!
A: First and foremost, fibromyalgia IS a real illness. There is at least one specific test that is used as part of making a differential diagnosis. I’m shocked that the first respondant here doesn’t want to understand and accept this for a fact. Further, although it wouldn’t be used simply because of it’s cost, there are specific tests that can be done during a functional MRI that shows the differences in pain responses between an FM patient and a non-FM patient.
Have you ever seen a chiropractor for an evaluation and help? It is possible to get some help from a DC, but it’s not for everyone. I have other types of arthritis, in addition to FM, so it may be that I would get more relief from a chiro than does someone else. But it’s something to try.
Have you been referred to a pain clinic? This would be a way for you to get a more updated combination of meds and to help to find other specific management methods that will also be of assistance to you.
And when did you last see a rheumatologist? Yes, FM exists, but there are a few other types of arthritis that can mimic some of the effects of FM and that are more easily dealt with. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have FM or that you’re not in pain, it’s just a way of checking that there isn’t anything else going on. Having any one chronic illness does not make you immune from any other type of medical problem, inlcuding other chronic illnesses
Make certain that you stretch and exercise (to tolerance) every day. Doing all of this in heated pool, as a part of an arthritis aquafit program, can do wonders to help relieve some of the pain, and to increase flexibility. It’s also a way to get out on a regular basis, and that helps greatly, too.
Q: What is the best shoe for fibromyalgia sufferers?
I have fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis and my legs and feet burn from pain. I have tried many different shoes and they work for awhile and then stop. I would like some input from others on the most cushioned shoes both casual, sport and dress.
A: are you sure you don’t have Gout too??
i like New Balance (for wider feet)
very comfortable, buy the Best
Q: Are there any natural remedies for Fibromyalgia that really work?
I have Fibromyalgia and have been on a roller coaster ride of prescription drugs. I’m sick of it. It’s been a couple years, and I’m still not feeling any better. I still hurt like H**L, but I really am sick of being treated like a guinea pig!!! I’m ready to try some natural remedies. I take Elavil for the psychological aspects of the disorder. I don’t want to be one of those people who says, “oh I feel fine” and then quits the meds, but I don’t want to be reliant on any drugs.
A: some people whoa re diagnosed with FMS are cured with b12 shots (may have been misdiagnosed)
5HTP may work-it is teh natural form of SSRIs-but you can’t combine them-
musculoskeltal drugs don’t work. it has been believed taht FMS is neuro (central nervosu system) in nature for about 10 years
the drugs taht have shown promise for peopel taht truly have FMS are Lyrica and Tramadol (SSRI for pain)
Q: How do you handle someone who has fibromyalgia and addicted to pills?
I have no way of 100 % proving that she has overdosed in the past but I know she has. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1993 and its gone down hill from there. I feel that she is unstable and will take drastic measures. Is there a way to have her committed for her own good?
A: My wife was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and she is in constant pain. I don’t know if eventually she’ll need stronger doses of the medicines she takes, but we have to be understanding, it’s a very painful illness and it takes a lot of patience and empathy from all of us involved. It would be really good if she / you could find a support group. Good luck.
Q: What are some tips for Fibromyalgia sufferers?
My Mom suffers from Fibromyalgia and is frequently tired, weak and in pain everyday. She also has trouble with digesting food and often feels discomfort and bloating. Does her food issues have anything to do with her Fibromyalgia? If so/not, what are some tips she could use to ease her pain and boost her energy?
A: Here is a list of different treatment options for Fibromyalgia:
http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/modalities.cfm
And here is a list of “Tip for Managing Daily Life” with Fibromyalgia, written by people who suffer from the disease:
http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/blog/boardDetail.cfm?id=1212521
If you need help with finding an “FM friendly” doctor, this page can help:
http://www.co-cure.org/Good-Doc.htm
I hope some of this information is helpful, and that your mom starts to feel better. Best of luck.
Q: What is the best support forum online for fibromyalgia?
I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia earlier this week, and I am trying to learn everything I can about it so I can learn to manage it and feel better. I have tried google, and it’s of no help. If anybody out there has this disease and knows of some good websites and a really good support forum, please answer my question. Thanks!
A: www.ivillage.com
i tried about–and found the people to be immature and unwelcoming and territorialistic
the best treatment is to educate your self–fms is HIGHLY Over diagnosed–be sure you really have it–don’t blindly trust teh dioc–most are incompetant
another one–i thgink HEalthboards–is horrible–it is very restrictive –liek if someone asks how to apply for dsiability–you CANNOT list the www.ssa.gov website
or is someone asks for info on a drug–you can notlist the link to teh drug companys website…
Q: What is the percentage of a transplant recipient getting fibromyalgia?
I know my immune system is compromised & fibromyalgia is a auto-immune disorder.
A: Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disorder
It is believed to be a disorder of teh central nervous system for about 10 years. Previously it was believed to be amusculoskeletal condition. there was a theory taht it coudl bne autoimmune-but has been mostly discounted.
there is a differnece between autoimmune and immune dusfunction.
autoimmune is when the immune system attacks it’s own body
immune dysfunction is when the immune system under or over reacts to foreign materials.
there is some immune dysfunction in Fibromyalgia.
i could see your concern that Fibromyalgia may cause the immune system to react even more strongly to a transplanted organ and increase the risk of rejection.
I don’t know if this has ever been looked at percentage wise-
would the organ sharing network have info on things such as this?
Q: What type of bread should you eat if you have fibromyalgia?
A relative told me that I should eat white bread only if I have fibromyalgia, which I do, but I have been told wheat is healthier. Is there a website that clarifies anything? Thanks!
A: It seems quite unlikely to me that one type of bread is going to be preferable to another type of bread if you are suffering from fibromyalgia. Do you even understand what your condition is? Perhaps your doctors should have explained it better. It is, as it were, an umbrella term for muscle and joint soreness combined with fatigue. It is not a definite illness. It is also therefore not the same for any two persons. If any dietary measure is advisable, it would be to eat as varied and healthy as possible. In which case I would advise wholegrains. Anyway, despite (or perhaps in line with) what I said earlier, yours might be a form of fibro that is related to your eating pattern and metabolism. The point is: only you can work out what works for you.
With respect to a website. Your best source of information is here: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia
Good health!
