Do I have fibromyalgia? My whole body hurts all the time, but, it seems as if the pain moves around.?

Question

I have arthritis ALL OVER. My health is poor, but, more than anything, I am worried about the pain I feel all the time. I take hydrocodone and morphine, and I STILL hurt. The pain is excruciating, and I cry a lot. It is in all my joints, and in my neck, back, calves, etc....etc..... It will hurt a couple places, and then later on, I will get to thinking, "the pain MOVED on me", because i will notice that the greatest pain is somewhere ELSE in my body. It is CONSTANT pain. It keeps me housebound. Sex is too hard on me, as I am "broken down" all the next day. I need knee replacement surgery, and have a bum foot. The cartlidge is wearing down too far on two vertebrae, and I have spurs on my spine. I cannot stand for long, and I cannot sit for long (because of the pain I am in). If I go places, I have to go to the restroom and cry a while, because I hurt so badly. I have not told the doctor all of this yet. Does this sound like fibromyalgia? what is the solution?

Answer 1

You certainly have all of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. You need to see a doctor of rheumatology to get a correct diagnosis.

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.

Nutrition is very important with this condition as with any serious physical condition. Avoid caffeine products, sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is often a factor in causing the person with Fibromyalgia to feel fatigued. That is why a good nutrition program is very important, eating frequent small meals with some protein is very important in keeping the blood levels even.

Whole grains, seeds, nuts, yogurt, chicken, Turkey, organic beef, eggs, natural cheese and cottage cheese should form the base of your diet. Accompanied by Appropriate vegetables and a minimum amount of fruit.

A good quality multi-vitamin is absolutely essential with this condition. It's important to replace what the body loses daily. If a person takes no other supplement but a multi-vitamin they're helping to support their body daily.

There's no definite cure for Fibromyalagia but there are certainly many alternative methods that can help you improve the quality of your life. Physical therapy that is performed at home is very important for Fibromyalgia. Warm water stretches performed at least three times weekly can be of tremendous help keeping the joints and muscles flexible. A Jacuzzi or hot tub is without a doubt one of the best treatments you can do at home, not only does it improve circulation you can also perform warm water stretches in it. If you have access to one and can use this daily you would see a tremendous change in the body. Using a moist heating pad on areas of pain for 20 minutes can ease the pain.

I also find that chiropractic care can bring tremendous relief. I always recommend people with Fibromyalgia seek out a Chiropractor who uses the activator method for physical therapy and pain relief. If you would like to find out about a doctor of chiropractic in your area who uses this method go to http://www.activator.com

Take a proactive role in learning about fibromyalgia to help control it, and be vigilant about following your treatment plan.

Answer 2

Billie covered just about everything. Your condition is similar to my own. I have advanced degenerative joint disease as well as Fibromyalgia and Myofacial Pain Syndrome. The pain moving around is classic Fibro. When you go to the Rheumatologist she/he will probably do the 18 point exam so you should familiarize yourself with that. It is rather painful but, it's what most doctors use to make a diagnosis.

The narcotic pain releivers are not the best first choice for Fibro. I take Ultram and Zanaflex daily and keep the heavy duty narcotics for when I have a flare and the pain gets really bad.

Answer 3

yes, it might be fibromyalgia. my mom and numerous other relatives all suffer from it. I know for my mom she can take a sudden pain and be bedridden all day long, in almost severe pain. Unfortunately, there's not alot that can be done about Fibromyalgia, but you should go to your doctor for a correct diagnosis and then talk to him about what (if any) options you have.

I hope you feel better.

Answer 4

Try a Yahoo search for fibromyalgia + symptoms.

Answer 5

Body Aches All The Time

Answer 6

what things that a person does daily would effect fibromyalgia negatively?