Does anyone know the symptoms for this. About a month ago I woke up with very stiff joints in my left hand and it hasn't really gone away since then. Then two days ago I woke up with the same problem in my knees. I cannot even use the treadmill at gym anymore cause of the pain. When I work it feels as if my knee joints are going to collapse. They feel tender and weak. I am 29 years old and have never suffered any of these symptoms before. I am going through quite a bit of stress at the moment and have been suffering from panic attacks. I was wondering if this could be the cause of the stiffness and pain.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Leann,
There is a fibromyalgia board on this same site. You can find out all you need to know on this. Go down to the little search box at the bottom of the page where it says hop to. Scroll down to fibromyalgia.

Jeannie

Suggest you follow dialogue on some others about arthritis on this "board."

One is "Clancy," and can't remember or see the other name yet, but I replied to both.

sorry you're hurting.

It's not a fun thing to do.

But do not be frightened -- I believe you can be well!

b

Hi lee-ann, I have two articles re: fibromyalgia which should give you enough information to help find the direction to search for help. The 1st is an overview of the disorder, with general and diagnostic info: http://www.angelfire.com/me3/coppersnutribytes/Fibromyalgia.html

The 2nd is a more in-depth report regarding medical findings and treatment: http://www.angelfire.com/me3/coppersnutribytes/Fibromyalgia2.html

Follow the previous suggestions here, too, and check out the fibro board. LOTS of info there.

Good luck!

------------------
Copper
Let Miracles Replace all Grievances

P.S. Fibro is considered (by most) to be a rheumatic disorder, and though arthritis MAY be present, it is not generally considered an arthritic disease. This is because, though it may FEEL like joints are involved, they actually are not, it is a disorder of the connective tissues. My point is that there will probably not be much info for you here, on the arthritis board. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Copper (edited 07-21-2001).]

Lee Ann, I have been having the same problem for a few months. It started with my knees and lower thighs. I had been exercising with a trainer for a few months and then all of a sudden, I couldn't walk. I could no longer use the bike. That was a few months ago and now I have horrible pain in both of my hands. They hurt in the finger joints and knuckles. If I watch a movie, or basically sit in one position for an hour, I have a hard time getting up. Ice and heat do not help. It is worse in my hands when I wake up. I just got on this board to see if I can find others with the same symptoms and here you were.

The thigh thing happened in 1996 for a short while and nobody could figure it out. I got the symptoms after playing softball (when I wasn't a regular exerciser). I have been trying to figure out anything that may have happened recently to cause this. The only thing I can figure is that I had some disgusting, dreadful virus-like thing before the knees started. I was throwing up for a week with chills and sweats. It was horrible. I thought maybe that was related. I don't exactly fit all of the symptoms of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, but some are the same. I have been checking every disorder to see if anything sounds familiar. Fibromyalgia was one, but I didn't have many of the symptoms on the standard list. My problem is limited right now to knees and hands. My left shoulder hurts sometimes, but not nearly as bad.

I'd be very curious to hear what you find out. I'd be happy to share what I find or hear, if you are interested. My doctor is on vacation until the end of August so I have to wait until then.

If you'd like to compare any future notes, my email address is hersplash@aol.com.

If anyone else can offer feedback, I would love to hear of it.

Good luck to you.