tina1966
03-05-2004, 05:37 PM
Hi,
My name is Tina and I am a TMJ Sufferer. When I first got diagnosed with this
it was so bad doc's thought I had MS or Lupus. Those tests came back negative, however, I have myofascial pain as well. I am just scared this pain
could be fibro,,now my doc says it is, my physical therapist says no, that its
just my muscles pinching nerves and causing me pain, Its like a "piercing" that
I have, in my arms, hips, legs and feet. Its really bad if I am active or drive alot. I do strectching and walk every day. Also, I take Xanan and paxcil due to the TMJ pain. I am in my 7th month with TMJ. My splint I wear has helped alot. But still I have pain. Sometimes its a shooting pain, like down my legs.
I also have been having bad night sweats for a couple of months now. I thought it was menopause, I am only 37, but it runs in my family,(EarlyMenopause). My periods are also messed up, more bleeding and they last longer than ususal. So, I am very confused, do I have fibro or not? Could someone please tell me what the MAJOR symptoms are?? Also, when i sleep or take a shower I feel absolutely no pain. Its like I can control the pain level.
Thanks so much! All replys are really appreciated! Tina
My name is Tina and I am a TMJ Sufferer. When I first got diagnosed with this
it was so bad doc's thought I had MS or Lupus. Those tests came back negative, however, I have myofascial pain as well. I am just scared this pain
could be fibro,,now my doc says it is, my physical therapist says no, that its
just my muscles pinching nerves and causing me pain, Its like a "piercing" that
I have, in my arms, hips, legs and feet. Its really bad if I am active or drive alot. I do strectching and walk every day. Also, I take Xanan and paxcil due to the TMJ pain. I am in my 7th month with TMJ. My splint I wear has helped alot. But still I have pain. Sometimes its a shooting pain, like down my legs.
I also have been having bad night sweats for a couple of months now. I thought it was menopause, I am only 37, but it runs in my family,(EarlyMenopause). My periods are also messed up, more bleeding and they last longer than ususal. So, I am very confused, do I have fibro or not? Could someone please tell me what the MAJOR symptoms are?? Also, when i sleep or take a shower I feel absolutely no pain. Its like I can control the pain level.
Thanks so much! All replys are really appreciated! Tina
Sponsor
Copper
03-07-2004, 02:39 PM
Hi,
My name is Tina and I am a TMJ Sufferer. When I first got diagnosed with this
it was so bad doc's thought I had MS or Lupus. Those tests came back negative, however, I have myofascial pain as well. I am just scared this pain
could be fibro,,now my doc says it is, my physical therapist says no, that its
just my muscles pinching nerves and causing me pain, Its like a "piercing" that
I have, in my arms, hips, legs and feet. Its really bad if I am active or drive alot. I do strectching and walk every day. Also, I take Xanan and paxcil due to the TMJ pain. I am in my 7th month with TMJ. My splint I wear has helped alot. But still I have pain. Sometimes its a shooting pain, like down my legs.
I also have been having bad night sweats for a couple of months now. I thought it was menopause, I am only 37, but it runs in my family,(EarlyMenopause). My periods are also messed up, more bleeding and they last longer than ususal. So, I am very confused, do I have fibro or not? Could someone please tell me what the MAJOR symptoms are?? Also, when i sleep or take a shower I feel absolutely no pain. Its like I can control the pain level.
Thanks so much! All replys are really appreciated! Tina
Hi Tina,
Here are some excerpts from an article I wrote back in 2000. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions. Hope so! Good luck! :
"The more frequently experienced symptoms are insomnia, extreme exhaustion and/or fatigue, hormonal dysfunction, irritable bowel and bladder, blurred vision, thermal regulation dysfunction, dysmenorrhea, TMJ, food and environmental allergies, unrefreshing sleep, mitral valve prolapse, muscle pain and spasms, (apparent) joint pain, myofascial pain, depression, anxiety, sugar cravings, excessive thirst, confusion, memory loss, chest pain, irritability, acne, diarrhea, gum disease, oral inflammation, and headaches [Starlanyl; Casura; Yue; Roderick]. The list goes on and on, yet, comparing one patient to another will produce two entirely different sets of symptoms [Yue]. This, in itself, can impede the diagnostic process as numerous illnesses and disorders share these symptoms.
....Diagnosis
In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established diagnostic criteria [S of W], which aids in distinguishing FMS from other disorders. This criteria must include, but is not limited to [et al]:
Widespread, generalized, persistent muscle/joint pain, not explained by an inflammatory or degenerative musculoskeletal disorder, for 3 or more months (though many doctors insist on 6 months)
Ongoing fatigue for a similar time period
Tenderness in at least 11 or 12 of 18 tender points, referred to as (TrPs), on digital palpation:
suboccipital muscle insertions at occiput
lower cervical paraspinals
trapezius at midpoint of the upper border
supraspinatus at its origin above medial scapular spine
2nd costochondral junction
2 cm distal to lateral epicondyle in forearm
upper outer quadrant of buttock
greater trochanter
knee just proximal to the medial joint line
(Goldenburg)
Some clinicians also specify the degree of palpative pressure applied, varying between two & 10 pounds...."
My name is Tina and I am a TMJ Sufferer. When I first got diagnosed with this
it was so bad doc's thought I had MS or Lupus. Those tests came back negative, however, I have myofascial pain as well. I am just scared this pain
could be fibro,,now my doc says it is, my physical therapist says no, that its
just my muscles pinching nerves and causing me pain, Its like a "piercing" that
I have, in my arms, hips, legs and feet. Its really bad if I am active or drive alot. I do strectching and walk every day. Also, I take Xanan and paxcil due to the TMJ pain. I am in my 7th month with TMJ. My splint I wear has helped alot. But still I have pain. Sometimes its a shooting pain, like down my legs.
I also have been having bad night sweats for a couple of months now. I thought it was menopause, I am only 37, but it runs in my family,(EarlyMenopause). My periods are also messed up, more bleeding and they last longer than ususal. So, I am very confused, do I have fibro or not? Could someone please tell me what the MAJOR symptoms are?? Also, when i sleep or take a shower I feel absolutely no pain. Its like I can control the pain level.
Thanks so much! All replys are really appreciated! Tina
Hi Tina,
Here are some excerpts from an article I wrote back in 2000. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions. Hope so! Good luck! :
"The more frequently experienced symptoms are insomnia, extreme exhaustion and/or fatigue, hormonal dysfunction, irritable bowel and bladder, blurred vision, thermal regulation dysfunction, dysmenorrhea, TMJ, food and environmental allergies, unrefreshing sleep, mitral valve prolapse, muscle pain and spasms, (apparent) joint pain, myofascial pain, depression, anxiety, sugar cravings, excessive thirst, confusion, memory loss, chest pain, irritability, acne, diarrhea, gum disease, oral inflammation, and headaches [Starlanyl; Casura; Yue; Roderick]. The list goes on and on, yet, comparing one patient to another will produce two entirely different sets of symptoms [Yue]. This, in itself, can impede the diagnostic process as numerous illnesses and disorders share these symptoms.
....Diagnosis
In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology established diagnostic criteria [S of W], which aids in distinguishing FMS from other disorders. This criteria must include, but is not limited to [et al]:
Widespread, generalized, persistent muscle/joint pain, not explained by an inflammatory or degenerative musculoskeletal disorder, for 3 or more months (though many doctors insist on 6 months)
Ongoing fatigue for a similar time period
Tenderness in at least 11 or 12 of 18 tender points, referred to as (TrPs), on digital palpation:
suboccipital muscle insertions at occiput
lower cervical paraspinals
trapezius at midpoint of the upper border
supraspinatus at its origin above medial scapular spine
2nd costochondral junction
2 cm distal to lateral epicondyle in forearm
upper outer quadrant of buttock
greater trochanter
knee just proximal to the medial joint line
(Goldenburg)
Some clinicians also specify the degree of palpative pressure applied, varying between two & 10 pounds...."
painsucks
03-08-2004, 01:00 PM
Copper,
Could you please explain some of these symptoms in English? ;) I've had fibro for over 10 years and I haven't heard of some of the things you've mentioned, perhaps it is just because I am not familiar with the terms.
Could you please explain some of these symptoms in English? ;) I've had fibro for over 10 years and I haven't heard of some of the things you've mentioned, perhaps it is just because I am not familiar with the terms.
Charlyssa
03-08-2004, 04:43 PM
Hi painsucks :wave:
Sorry you have so much pain, but pain is sooo typical of fm, of course. TMJ, along with a host of other problems/symptoms, which Copper outlined to you, affect us too, either in whole, or part. I have most every single one of them, and like you, had the heavy bleeding and longer periods at the same age you did. It was described to me by my gyne as due to 'fluctuating hormonal levels' and COULD be the beginning of perimenopause. It was for me, and by age 46, I was in complete menopause.
Have you been to a Rheumatologist? Often they are the Doctors who are able to be most accurate in diagnosing FM. One of the guidelines is to use the 'tender points test', and Copper was describing to you where these points are found on the body. Usually they just press VERY hard on these spots, and if you jump thru the ceiling when this is done, more than likely you have fm :) as it's very painful. I have sensitivity to the touch just about everywhere on my body, anyway, so this was very painful for me when he 'tested' me. I have TMJ, too and usually just take ibuprofen when it's bad, as it's an anti-inflammatory. It can upset the stomach so I make sure to take it with food, and you should make sure it's OK to take by asking your Dr. first.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Char :wave:
Sorry you have so much pain, but pain is sooo typical of fm, of course. TMJ, along with a host of other problems/symptoms, which Copper outlined to you, affect us too, either in whole, or part. I have most every single one of them, and like you, had the heavy bleeding and longer periods at the same age you did. It was described to me by my gyne as due to 'fluctuating hormonal levels' and COULD be the beginning of perimenopause. It was for me, and by age 46, I was in complete menopause.
Have you been to a Rheumatologist? Often they are the Doctors who are able to be most accurate in diagnosing FM. One of the guidelines is to use the 'tender points test', and Copper was describing to you where these points are found on the body. Usually they just press VERY hard on these spots, and if you jump thru the ceiling when this is done, more than likely you have fm :) as it's very painful. I have sensitivity to the touch just about everywhere on my body, anyway, so this was very painful for me when he 'tested' me. I have TMJ, too and usually just take ibuprofen when it's bad, as it's an anti-inflammatory. It can upset the stomach so I make sure to take it with food, and you should make sure it's OK to take by asking your Dr. first.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Char :wave:
Copper
03-09-2004, 03:03 PM
Copper,
Could you please explain some of these symptoms in English? ;) I've had fibro for over 10 years and I haven't heard of some of the things you've mentioned, perhaps it is just because I am not familiar with the terms.
Hi painsucks,
Sorry! Sure, I can try and break it down for you:
The more frequently experienced symptoms are insomnia = can't sleep, extreme exhaustion and/or fatigue = I THINK, self-explainitory, hormonal dysfunction = difficult periods, sweats and chills, menopause-type symptoms, irritable bowel and bladder = frequent stomach discomfort, nausea, back and forth between diahrrea (sorry, I can't spell today! :confused: ) and constipation, blurred vision, thermal regulation dysfunction = opposite body reactions to what the weather is, i.e. cold when it's hot, vice-versa, dysmenorrhea = difficult/ painful menses, TMJ, food and environmental allergies, unrefreshing sleep, mitral valve prolapse = dysfunction of a particular heart valve, muscle pain and spasms, (apparent) joint pain = apparent, because the pain is not actually in the joints, just feels that way, myofascial pain = the fascia is that membraneous tissue that surrounds muscles, and IT HURTS! this is one of our MAIN symptoms, depression, anxiety, sugar cravings, excessive thirst, confusion, memory loss, chest pain, irritability, acne, diarrhea, gum disease, oral inflammation, and headaches ....
as for all the technical terms listed in the diagnostics, these are specific points on the body that are palpated (pushed on) by the dr. to determine if, indeed, FMS is present. The previous post explains this pretty weel. I don't have the physical energy to back track and explain each one. Sorry. But, if you do a web search, you can find an actual chart showing each of these points on a diagram.
hope this helps,
Could you please explain some of these symptoms in English? ;) I've had fibro for over 10 years and I haven't heard of some of the things you've mentioned, perhaps it is just because I am not familiar with the terms.
Hi painsucks,
Sorry! Sure, I can try and break it down for you:
The more frequently experienced symptoms are insomnia = can't sleep, extreme exhaustion and/or fatigue = I THINK, self-explainitory, hormonal dysfunction = difficult periods, sweats and chills, menopause-type symptoms, irritable bowel and bladder = frequent stomach discomfort, nausea, back and forth between diahrrea (sorry, I can't spell today! :confused: ) and constipation, blurred vision, thermal regulation dysfunction = opposite body reactions to what the weather is, i.e. cold when it's hot, vice-versa, dysmenorrhea = difficult/ painful menses, TMJ, food and environmental allergies, unrefreshing sleep, mitral valve prolapse = dysfunction of a particular heart valve, muscle pain and spasms, (apparent) joint pain = apparent, because the pain is not actually in the joints, just feels that way, myofascial pain = the fascia is that membraneous tissue that surrounds muscles, and IT HURTS! this is one of our MAIN symptoms, depression, anxiety, sugar cravings, excessive thirst, confusion, memory loss, chest pain, irritability, acne, diarrhea, gum disease, oral inflammation, and headaches ....
as for all the technical terms listed in the diagnostics, these are specific points on the body that are palpated (pushed on) by the dr. to determine if, indeed, FMS is present. The previous post explains this pretty weel. I don't have the physical energy to back track and explain each one. Sorry. But, if you do a web search, you can find an actual chart showing each of these points on a diagram.
hope this helps,
Beca
03-10-2004, 12:32 PM
Tina,
Usually FMS is the answer they give to people with unexplainable neck or muscle pain, especially when tests don't turn up anything unusual.
I had an EEG an EMG, blood tests, x-rays, and a sleep study and nothing unusual turned up. Then a rheumotologist gave me an FMS exam where he tries touching all 18 of the tender points and see if you have pain there. You have to have 11 of the 18 tender places, they have to be widespread which means above and below the waist, they have to have equal tender points on both sides of the body (meaning not just your right knee or your left butt cheek but both knees hurt in the same place. Both arms in the same place etc.), and the pain has to last at least 3 months. Feel free to ask me any other questions. I have been researching it everyday since I was diagnosed on the 18th and I have a lot of information now, and if I don't know it will give me something else to look for.
And by the way I suffer from TMJ too. It's annoying isn't it! ;)
TTYL,
Beca
Usually FMS is the answer they give to people with unexplainable neck or muscle pain, especially when tests don't turn up anything unusual.
I had an EEG an EMG, blood tests, x-rays, and a sleep study and nothing unusual turned up. Then a rheumotologist gave me an FMS exam where he tries touching all 18 of the tender points and see if you have pain there. You have to have 11 of the 18 tender places, they have to be widespread which means above and below the waist, they have to have equal tender points on both sides of the body (meaning not just your right knee or your left butt cheek but both knees hurt in the same place. Both arms in the same place etc.), and the pain has to last at least 3 months. Feel free to ask me any other questions. I have been researching it everyday since I was diagnosed on the 18th and I have a lot of information now, and if I don't know it will give me something else to look for.
And by the way I suffer from TMJ too. It's annoying isn't it! ;)
TTYL,
Beca
tina1966
03-12-2004, 04:35 PM
:wave: Hi to everyone who replied!
Thanks for all the info. I do appreciate it. I do not have the tender spots on my body at all. So does this mean I definitely do not have fibro?? That it
could be just myofascial pain?? PLease reply. Thanks so much! Tina
Thanks for all the info. I do appreciate it. I do not have the tender spots on my body at all. So does this mean I definitely do not have fibro?? That it
could be just myofascial pain?? PLease reply. Thanks so much! Tina
mere
03-12-2004, 05:43 PM
Hi Tina --
I have FMS and I did not always have tender spots. I had alot of symmetric pain (shoulders, wrists, hips, legs, neck and back) and all of the other symptoms but no tender spots. This went on for years - probably 17. Everything else was excluded as a cause of my symptoms, so I think it was suspected that I did have FMS.
When I went to the Rheum. in January, I did have all of the tender points - so it was a difinitive diagnosis.
My point being, I feel it is possible to have FMS and not necessarily have the tender spots. Perhaps the tender spots are intermittent, or, 'develop' as the FMS progresses. Just a theory.
Mere --
edited to say: There are still alot that is unknown about this disease. Therefore, the criteria for FMS may still allow for even more criteria other than the current criteria. - (If that makes any sense at all!)
I have FMS and I did not always have tender spots. I had alot of symmetric pain (shoulders, wrists, hips, legs, neck and back) and all of the other symptoms but no tender spots. This went on for years - probably 17. Everything else was excluded as a cause of my symptoms, so I think it was suspected that I did have FMS.
When I went to the Rheum. in January, I did have all of the tender points - so it was a difinitive diagnosis.
My point being, I feel it is possible to have FMS and not necessarily have the tender spots. Perhaps the tender spots are intermittent, or, 'develop' as the FMS progresses. Just a theory.
Mere --
edited to say: There are still alot that is unknown about this disease. Therefore, the criteria for FMS may still allow for even more criteria other than the current criteria. - (If that makes any sense at all!)