Fibromyalga

[tgp]

I had compained to my Dr. about having trouble with my knees and hurting in my neck and shoulders. She didn't really say anything then but she did put me on amitriptyline...(ya'll will have to look over my spelling..lol) Well when I had to go back, I had to see a different Dr. because mine wasn't in. She was going over the things that I was being treated for and one of them was fibromyalga. I don't know exactly how this is diagnosed but I never had any tests. Does anybody know anything about this? I was also wondering if it was hereditary because there is some people in my family that has it.

[Lady_Amethyst]

Hi TGP

Firstly i'd like to say i'm not a doctor and can only offer what knowledge i have (be wrong or right) from having fibromyalgia myself.

Amitriptyline is a common prescription for fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia dosen't have any 'specific' test for it such as blood tests, doctors tend to look at your overal symptoms and look for clusters of things like - poor sleep, sore muscles, ibs etc. amd no ones experience of fibro is the same as the next!

There is one 'test' that doctors do use (that i know of) and that is where a doctor presses on certain areas of your body and if they hurt in more than 11-14 specific places out of approximately 18 then your more than likely to be diagnosed as fibromyalgiac. There is also a suspicion that fibro may be hereditary but no proof, very little is known about fibro really.

I hope this has helped somewhat

Kia Kaha

[Lessa001]

Hi, I also have fibromyalgia also. there are many theorys on the causes of it. There are several good web sites that give good info on it. personally I like fibrohugs.com It has a great support system.
There are many symtoms of fibro: muscle and joint pain, flu like symptoms, fibro fog ( foggy thinking, I forget everything so I write a lot of stuff down), lack of sleep. Some docs think the lack of sleep is the main cause. I have 2 sleep disorders. Thre are many other things that go along with it also. Many different treatments. Personally I stay away from antidepressents because they make me depressed.
There are also many good books out there. The main thing you need to do is educate yourself and learn to tell what your body is telling you. And don't let the doctor push you around. Remember they work for you. I've had many tell me it was all in my head.
Good luck
Lessa001

[jannmc]

HI LADIES,

I too have fibromyalgia and from the beginning was put on all kinds of meds including antidepressants and vioxx. They made me feel worse. I now take motrin 800mg only when the pain is really unbearable. Flareups can occur anytime but I find that cold temperatures usually makes the pain worse. You can request to see a rheumatologist. They are the specialists for fibro but some of them won't see you because they don't think it is a real problem..As Lessa001 said, some will make you think it is in your head.
Good luck
jannmc

[burgandye]

I have suffered from Fibro for a few years now, it took forever to be "diagnosed" with it. I have flare ups a lot of the time, and when my depression gets bad the Fibro gets worse. It takes a lot of time and reading to understand this "syndrome". I am not able to work because of it it's that bad.

Suzanne

[lavenderladybug]

Hi--- I have FM also. I was diagnosed almost 10 years ago. I am now being treated with Lyrica. It is a new drug for FM and it treats both depression and sleeplessness. I dont feel 100%( I dont think I ever will) but I feel better. Good luck
~~~~ LL

[SweetOceanBlue]

Hello Ladies, I also have Fibromyaligia and actually there's no lab or x-ray testing to help diagnose FM, However I can give some details on my experience which I saw a Rheumatolgist and my symptoms were chronic pain constantly all over my body which lasted over 3 mos. I also experienced depression, muscle stiffness, IBS, headaches & other symptoms. The pain in Fibro is widespread which the doctors refer to it as tender-point sites. I was given various anti-depressants along with anti-inflamatory meds which to no avail didn't work. Currently I'm using the Duragesic Fentyl 100mg patches & Aquatic Therapy. Unfortunately Fibro isn't taken serios by many including some doctors, family, etc. Also having a Immune Deficiency does complicate symptoms, which I'm currently seeing an Infectious Disease Specialist, together he's working with my Rheum for further options for my treatment. Know that you're not alone and I certainly can relate. There's certain days when I feel better than other, but all I can do is take it one day at a time. Good-Luck with your doctors and I hope that you'll find relief soon. Respectfully Michelle

[Miss Ladybug]

I have Fibromyalgia and am being treated with Cymbalta. It's been on the market for about 2 years. It's an SSNRI that was being tested as an anti-depressant but the discovered that those in their test group with diabetic neurapathy were reporting significant improvement, so they widened their test group. Many Rheumatologists/Pain Specialists are starting to Rx for those with Fibromyalgia. It's been a godsend for me.

HTH,
Rhonda

[SweetOceanBlue]

[B]Hello Rhonda,
I was on Cymbalta which it didn't work for me at all. My tolerance too medications are very high, which requires me to have such an increase in many of the medications I take. Previously my Rheum prescribed me Bextra, Baclofen, Elavil,Flexeril, among many others which wasn't successful for me. I'm very happy for you that the Cymbalta is working for you.

Michelle

[Miss Ladybug]

[B]Hello Rhonda,
I was on Cymbalta which it didn't work for me at all. My tolerance too medications are very high, which requires me to have such an increase in many of the medications I take. Previously my Rheum prescribed me Bextra, Baclofen, Elavil,Flexeril, among many others which wasn't successful for me. I'm very happy for you that the Cymbalta is working for you.

Michelle

Wow, that's a bummer. I didn't see it listed by anyone, so I posted it as an another option in case someone hadn't heard about it.

I hope that you find something to work for you. :hugs

Rhonda

[CocoinTX]

I hope you find something that works for you. Relaxing will help wonders. Yoga is also good.

I feared that was what I had for months. A Rheumatologists finally ruled it out and told me I have a Muskuloskeletal condition. I believe him to be correct, since I'm getting a little better over a period of 6 mths. I've been bad for a year and had to change my lifestyle. I was tested for Rhuematoid arthritis and Lupus also.

I feel for you. Good luck! :)