Could this be fibromyalgia?

Question

This really makes me mad. I've always been an active person. Now, everything hurts! In the mornings I feel like I've been hit by a truck. at night I can't sleep because of body pain. If I sit too long, it hurts to get up and move around, like I've frozen. I can't throw a football to my son anymore. I can't reach to wash my back anymore. Working in the yard is painful after a few minutes, as is standing, sitting, walking...even typing, my hands hurt. All labs have been normal, including RA, Lupus, Hep C, and about 20 other ones, plus xrays. The doctors "don't know" what's causing the pain, like it's some big mystery. Waaah! What's happening to me? I know, I sound like a big baby, but this sucks.

I'm 53, and this all started getting worse about six months ago. I know people get aches & pains with aging, but this is just ridiculous.

I'm a female - I guess this happens more often with us statistically.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. I experienced the same symptoms about 5 years ago and also had 11 tubes of blood drawn for them to check everything. I received the same info that you did when they gve me the results. I am assuming by your screen name that you are female, so if I am wrong, please forgive me. The research that I have done on this shows that it is more likely for a female to cotract fibromyalgia than males, so with me being a 33 yr. old male, at the time, it really caught the doctor and me off guard. I completely understand what you are going through, but there are ways to get it under control. You will need to work with your doctor to figure out the proper medication and treatment options that will work for you. I hope that I have been able to help.

Answer 2

You don't list your age, so the folks who answer will have to guess. I am 49 and was diagnosed with FMS over 10 years ago. Your story DOES sound alot like mine, but I caution you, it could just be "normal" aging. (I hate that term!) The only way to get a better idea is to go to a rheumatologist and have your pain points tested. If the percentage of hot spots is high enough, you may have FMS. There is no blood test or xray that can prove or disprove. FMS is usually a rule-out diagnosis. They "rule-out" other diseases and conditions through testing.

If you find you do have FMS, rest assured, you will learn to cope and live a basically normal and full life. Although you will have it for the rest of your life, you are NOT facing a terminal illness. So thank your lucky stars and learn some mechanisms to cope. One of my faves...on those days when you can't lift both arms to wash your hair, brace one elbow on the shower wall and lay your head into the hand. Use your other hand to wash the head. The hair gets clean and you feel good that you managed to do it! Good luck and keep a positive attitude!

Answer 3

Have you had a thyroid test yet? You'd want a morning only TSH, free t4, free t3, and an antibody test. Many people who are hypothyroid have nuscle and joint aches, which can often be helped by a thyroid med like Armour.

After getting these tests, ask for a copy of the lab results. Many labs are going by outdated lab ranges on thyroid tests, especially TSH. A TSH over 2.0 with symptoms such as; muscle and joint aches, constipation, feeling cold all the time, dry skin, dry thinning hair, ridged fingernails with no moons, sensitivity to light, fatigue, depression, and cold hands/feet can indicate something is going on with the thyroid

Answer 4

I'm going thru the same thing. I have pain in hips and sholders for six months. I've been to six different doctors and they can't find anything. I'm only 38.

Answer 5

fibromyalgia is like arthritis except it attacks the muscles,and it sounds very much like you do have it.I have a family member who has it and you sound like her as far as your pain.Since everythig else has checked out fine I would be willing to bet thats what you have....There are medications for this,and I would suggest you go to your doctor and tell him what you are telling us,and he should be able to give you something to help with the pain...don,t be afraid to take medications,you cannot get hooked on medication unless you abuse it...I know it hurts and I can understand ,however you can get treatment....You can also look up fibromyalgia on the internet,or ask your druggest to give you information about it...good luck to you.....

Answer 6

You've just been to the wrong doctors. Get to a rheumatologist who will test your 21 trigger points for fibro....among other tests. I have it and it's manageable if you actually know what's wrong and how to manage it. T'aint fatal - just feels that way sometimes.