Fibromialgia?

Question

My doctor just told me that I have the early stages of Fibromialgia. I just hurt in random places all the time. All my labs came back fine. I also have many of the depression and fatigue symtoms. So I think the diagnosis is fitting. However, my mom told me that she doesn't think that FB is a real disorder. Why would she say that? I'm feeling real pain!

I meant to say mild. I guess I said early because I just found out. I can't imagine it being worse than mild. I'm sorry that you guys suffer so much from this. I hope to stay mild. I pray for those of you that are so dibilitated by FB.

Answer 1

I'm enclosing a great deal of information I have researched and have written about for you to read and to give to your mother. I've also enclosed a link to the entire article I have written for you to read it and give to your mother. Fibromyalgia is real and devastating many people's lives.

Muscular pain, tingling, burning, and numbness are common symptoms of a repetitive strain injury. However, these symptoms are also common in a condition called Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia basically means pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It affects mostly women and up to 4% of the general population.

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.

Several years ago Fibromyalgia was a disability categorized as "psychological". It's hard to understand how it feels to be told you are mentally having a problem when your body will not perform what you are asking it to do. How can that possibly be mental? Patients were, in effect, being told it was "all in your head". Fortunately, the medical field has produced enough research to re-classify it as a true physical disability that is often paired with studies and treatments for arthritis and rheumatism.

People with FMS have the additional stress and frustration in their lives of trying to explain (all the time) why today they can do almost anything and the next day they can barely get out of bed. Depression is a frequent side-effect of FMS and who can question it? Living with a body-wide toothache-like pain constantly is something only fellow sufferers can truly understand. When we have "bad days" the pain can feel like there are hot curling irons jammed into our muscles. Can you even imagine that? Also imagine the fatigue of your muscles being so bad that it feels like they have turned to Jell-O. And no matter how much you try to exercise your muscles never feel normal again. It's always like battling Jell-O to make your body perform.

Spouses, family and others in your life have a hard time figuring out how you feel when you have FMS or chronic fatigue syndrome. There are times when you were accused of not pulling your own weight, or just plain sand bagging it. Many are accused of wanting extra attention. After a while the Fibromyalgic doesn't like talking about it and they sure don't care for having to make excuses (can't go to a restaurant (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), can't go hiking; horseback riding; to the fairgrounds; the park and so on - while SOMETIMES the Fibromyalgic can't be stopped!). This is why I strongly recommend support groups where you can feel that you are not alone in this condition.

Answer 2

First of all, there are no EARLY stages of fibromyalgia. If your doctor told you that, I'd find a new doctor. Fibromyalgia is real. It is a chronic illness that you cannot get rid of. There are many different types of medications that can help. Also, some people get help through exercise, chiropractic care, massages, and ancupuncture. A lot of people believe that fibromyalgia is not real. I can tell you that if THEY were the ones hurting, they'd believe it. I hurt SO bad all the time that I had to quit my job as a hairstylist (I've been a stylist for 10 years). I loved my job and never wanted to quit. When I have a flare, I can't even get out of bed or walk to the restroom. I have a three year old daughter who I can't pick up when I'm hurting. Some people with this condition only have mild pain and others have excrutiating pain. That's one reason some don't believe in it. It seems that everyone with fibro has different symptoms. Doctors have found that they're all related though. I'm sorry to hear that you have this illness because I can tell you that it has made my life VERY hard. I hope you have a lot of people to give you love and support. You need to tell your mom to look up fibromyalgia on the internet and see what she finds. She'll change her mind with a little learning.

Answer 3

It is a real disorder. It takes 4 years or so to come to the diagnosis of Fibro. It is a grouping of symptoms. Make sure you receive a diagnosis. Write everything down. Track your symptoms. It takes time. Many diseases can cause your symptoms unfortunately. Be pleasant with the doctors. Communicate clearly and ask for help. If you don't get answers see another. Do not try to self diagnose it will only stress you and make it more difficult for your doctors. Try to get a positive blood test if possible. If you are an outdoorsy person and have had a rash report this to the doctor right away. I'm sorry. Good luck.

Answer 4

WOW! Billie77 That's some great info!! Thank you for your input.
I was diagnosed with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), almost 20 years ago. Since FMS has come into the picture, it has completely pushed diagnosis aside for CFS sufferers. I don't get it. These are two very real and very misunderstood disorders. They also, almost parallel each other in many areas. Especially, the "one day your up, the next day your down". It's equally frustrating to make your loved ones understand something the sufferer doesn't even understand, let alone the medical industry.
Tell your mom to get educated. She needs to, to be able to support you through the tough times.

Answer 5

My daughter, now 18, was just diagnosed with that after years of medical tests. Honestly, I felt the same as your mom. Fibromyglasia seems to be something the medical community came up with to brand patients with multiple symptoms. Even though now, with the treatment and diet plan, my daughter is "better", I still have my reservations about the diagnosis.