Is it in my head or fibromyalgia?

Question

I am sure I have fibromyalgia, I have all the symptoms, and have had DR treating each one individually. I have hard bad headaches, pain in my neck, lower back, my knees, tendons, elbows, wrists, and ankles. I have reflux, and am on Nexium, I have had irregular heart rythums, tingle and numbness in my hands and arms, my upper arms hurt when touched, Had hyst.. to help with bad periods, Now, am on Hormones, still moody, up and down. I have Irrit. bowels, and bladder. I have had CT scans, Xrays, MRI, and tons of blood work done. Everything OK. Did I mention, always have low blood pressure, and am on Sythnroid for very low thyroid. I feel like I am a pill popping junky, and seems like I am just touching the surface, and still hurt.??? Dr says, well.... I will have to look into that?? Low percentage people that have it, probably not likely? What else could it be, but Fibrom.. It is not in my head... It is miserable. I am an extremely active person..

Answer 1

The pain of fibromyalgia occurs in areas where the muscles attach to bone or ligaments and is similar to the pain of arthritis. The joints themselves are not affected, however, so they are not deformed nor do they deteriorate as they may in arthritic conditions. The pain typically originates in one area, usually the neck and shoulders, and then radiates out. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time; and many describe it as "exhausting." The pain can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations; it has been described as stiffness, burning, stabbing, sudden, radiating, and aching. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep.

The other major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more debilitating than the pain. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia, due to lack of serotonin, and if these symptoms are not present, then some experts believe that physicians should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia. Up to a third of patients experience depression, and disturbances in mood and concentration are very common.

Fibromyalgia patients are also prone to tension or migraine headaches. Other symptoms include dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some patients complain of urinary frequency caused by bladder spasms. Women may have painful menstrual periods.

It affects mostly women and up to 4% of the general population. When you think of Four percent of the population that's a lot of people. This is not in your head. You have every symptom in the book. I recommend you see a doctor of rheumatology as they are the best it taking care of Fibromyalgia.

Treatment includes the following:
Change in diet and nutrition
Supplements geared toward Fibromyalagia
Exercise: Gentle stretching such as warm water stretches and light aerobic activity, if possible.
Physical Therapy under the guidance of a Chiropractor or Naturopathic
Massage Therapy
Avoidance of activities that over stress the body (Consider keeping a journal)
Regulate sleep patterns
Avoiding emotional stress

I've written an article on Fibromyalgia and have enclosed a link where you can read more specially about what you can do for yourself. If you have any further questions please let me know.

Best wishes,
Billie

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 10 years ago. Pain in the area you describe is not typical of fibromyalgia pain, but each sufferer is different. Factors you may want to consider regarding consulting a physician about this discomfort include: 1. How long has this been occurring? Weeks, months? 2. How often does this occur? Every day? Twice a week? 3. Do you sleep on your back, stomach, or side? Soft or hard pillow? Is your head turned at an angle when you sleep? 4. What medications do you take? 5. Do you exercise? 6. Describe the pain. You mentioned "shooting" and that it moves from left to right. Does it shoot once? Several times? Is is dull, sharp, tingling, slow, fast? 7. What makes it worse/better? What have you tried doing when it hurts? Pressure, heat, cold, nothing? 8. Do you have blurred vision with this? Nausea? Vomiting? Sensory disturbances (smells that aren't there, spots or lines in your vision, tastes that aren't there)? Sometimes a headache is just a headache, or it may be caused by a compressed nerve in that area (or even in another area!). If some of the answers to the above questions concern you, you may want to see your physician. Fibromyalgia does indeed cause aches, especially when you're tired and stressed, but if you've had fibromyalgia for some time you may be familiar with which aches are fibromylagia and which ones may indicate a different condition entirely. Listen to your body! It may be better for a physician to say, "It's nothing, just a compressed nerve," than for a medical condition to go untreated.

Answer 3

Diane,
I am so sorry that you are going through this. It just isn't fair. It is like I wrote this message myself.
First, no it is NOT in your head. You must never let anyone make you feel that way or let yourself believe that. It is very clear that what you are feeling and experiencing is very real.
I completely understand what you feel and what you are going through. You are not alone. I suffer from chronic pain due to multiple medical conditions...Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Hypothyroidism, etc. I went through so much trying to find out what was wrong with me and what was causing my muscle ache/pain, chronic fatigue, skin sensitivity, body ache, and Fibro Fog. It was years before I found out that I had Fibro! So I truly understand your exasperation and overwhelming feelings.
I would highly recommend you get an appointment with a Rheumatologist. A specialist is the best doctor to see to get answers, a proper diagnosis, and the best treatment. The Rheumatologist will run a blood test to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lupus, Lime's Disease, and a couple of other illnesses. To really get a diagnosis, they will need to rule out these other illnesses because there are very similar symptoms related between them. They will also do a tender point test on you.
Once you receive your diagnosis, they will start you on a regiment that might contain physical therapy, pain medication, an anti-inflammatory, Lyrica (1st medication just announced by the FDA to treat the symptoms of Fibro), heat therapy (heating pad is so very helpful), a TENS Unit, water therapy, etc.
It is so important for you to have the right doctor diagnose and treat your Fibro or what is causing you this tremendous pain/suffering. There are some physicians that do not have enough knowledge on this illness and that can also make them be not understanding.
There is a very common misconception regarding pain medication. For those who suffer from chronic pain and a chronic illness; it is necessary to continue pain medication to receive the best pain relief possible. It is not something that makes you a junky; by no means. There is a big difference between a physical dependancy and being addicted. It is very different from the medications prescribed after someone's surgery or after an injury. The medication they'd prescribe for you would be a long-acting medication that is safe to use as long as the patient is responsible. So please do not feel bad about having to take pain pills.
Reaching out to others who suffer from chronic pain and Fibro really helps. For me, when I found a Fibro support group online, I felt so much better. It really gave me so much support, understanding, and a safe place to vent. Reaching out to others who truly understand what I go through and who help me get through the bad days. I know own and run my own group and we have a page here in Yahoo. I can't tell you how much it has helped me.
Remember, you are not alone. You are so strong for going through all of this and making it through each day. I hope I was able to offer you some answers, helpful info, and support. It breaks my heart to see you suffering like this and not having proper pain relief. I really hope you can get some answers soon. I am here to help you in any way I can. You have my support.