4thof4
03-03-2006, 12:22 PM
I have been experiencing many different symptoms over the last (almost) 2 yrs. and each are slowly getting diagnosed but everyone keeps telling me that it's stress, or nothing that can be resolved beyond what I'm already doing. I am not seeing much improvement and I think I may have fibro. I'm just so sick and tired of everyone telling me it's nothing or "just stress". Can you all give me your thoughts, please!?
Here is what I've been experiencing, specialists I've seen, and the med I am taking:
Starting in Aug 04, all in the same month, WHAM! I had:
pain in my lower right pelvic area (later found it was an ovarian cyst...had never had one before). Denied birth control pills because I can't tolerate them (melasma, weight gain, irritability). The pain got worse and finally was referred to OBGYN 6 months ago. Had lap surgery 2 weeks ago and they found endometriosis. Now have been diagnosed with such....they removed the cyst and tied my tubes.
undiagnosed (so far) skin rash: Started out with hive like places after I would eat....red welt like blotchy places all over my body. Saw an allergist who did some food allergy testing. Didn't show conclusive results because my skin reacted to the control! They put me on Claritin and that helped. Went off of it for the allergy testing and then went back on it. Didn't work anymore so he put me on Zyrtec. That seems to help keep it away. Since my endo surgery 2 weeks ago, however, the GYN said I've developed an allergic reaction to the glue they used on the incisions. My abdomen is itching and rash-like (comes and goes). Told me to use hydrocortisone cream (doesn't help). Since my surgery, I've also had breakthrough places of the rash on my legs and abdomen and arms. Rash appears, now, whether I eat or not. Seems my skin is very very sensitive? I couldn't wear my wedding rings (yellow gold) for almost 2 years but just recently put them back on to try again and so far there is very little rash under my rings. I have no idea what is causing the reaction to everything! I continue to take Zyrtec.
Had gallbladder pain also. Had my gallbladder removed in Feb 05.
Had a cyst on the back on my neck. Had been out one day with my kids and had several mosquito bites. Just assumed the cyst on my neck was a bug bite but it didn't itch. The cyst got bigger and more painful, finally in April of 05 (8 months later), I had it drained. They cultured it and it came back as Nocardia! Something not usually seen in people unless they are immuno-compromised, which at the time, I had not been diagnosed as such. They asked me if I had an immunity problem or if I'd been out of the country. Apparently nocardia is VERY rare. Saw ID dr's for that. Took Septra (antibiotic) for 3 months, had to go in 2 xs a month to have it drained and it went away. The dr's were treating me like a freak of nature as I was not at risk, according to my past health. However, at the time, I didn't think much of it so now I am wondering......hmmmm......
Suddenly experienced anxiety and depression. After almost a year of that, I went to my dr and now I am on Zoloft for that. It helps.
In May of 05 I suddenly had weakness on the right side of my body. Saw a Neuro and the exam was completely normal. It finally went away but I don't know why I had that. I occasionally get weakness in my muscles but not all on one side like that. He did an MRI and it was normal.
That's what I had happen to me all at once. Of course it took a long time (years) to get each of these diagnosed but I still do not feel well....VERY tired....I am able to do my daily routine (I'm a stay at home mom to 2 kids who are 5 and 4 yrs old) but I don't do much more than the minimum. I am also experiencing chronic low back pain for the last 4 years. I dislocated my tailbone during childbirth of my son and have had chronic low back pain since. I have gone thru 2 different PT's for that. One to put the tailbone back in place and the other to address my low back pain. The PT for low back pain didn't help. I have had a lot of stress in my life the last 3 years. My husband did a very demanding residency and basically raised the kids on my own for 3 years, while I was experiencing these symptoms. But, he's out of the residency now and I feel like I'm not as stressed anymore. That part of my life has gotten much better!!
I have seen the following specialists: GYN, ID, Allergist, Neurologist, Orthopedic Dr (Had MRI done of my back, was ok). I currently take Zoloft and Zyrtec and at night I take Tylenol PM because my back hurts too much at night if I don't take it. I've had 3 surgeries: Gallbladder, endo and brain surgery (in 1990) for seizures. That issue is resolved now and has been for at least 15 years. My primary dr has ruled out lyme disease, thyroid issues, blood work is normal, no anemia, tested for autoimmune disorders and it was neg. Can you still have it even though the result was ok? Basically, they have ruled out everything possible. I'm going to see a Rheumatologist soon. I have to call next week and schedule the appt. My dr was reluctant to put the referral in as he doesn't think I have an autoimmune disorder. I also have tingling in my muscles (neck and shoulder area), my upper back just kills me as well as my lower back, at times, my muscles sometimes twitch in my thigh, arm and eye. I generally feel unwell and feel cold a lot too. I hate feeling so lousy and I'm only 34!
Sorry this is so long but can you all please tell me it's not all in my head and it's not "just stress"? Could it be FM?
Thanks so much!!!
4th
Here is what I've been experiencing, specialists I've seen, and the med I am taking:
Starting in Aug 04, all in the same month, WHAM! I had:
pain in my lower right pelvic area (later found it was an ovarian cyst...had never had one before). Denied birth control pills because I can't tolerate them (melasma, weight gain, irritability). The pain got worse and finally was referred to OBGYN 6 months ago. Had lap surgery 2 weeks ago and they found endometriosis. Now have been diagnosed with such....they removed the cyst and tied my tubes.
undiagnosed (so far) skin rash: Started out with hive like places after I would eat....red welt like blotchy places all over my body. Saw an allergist who did some food allergy testing. Didn't show conclusive results because my skin reacted to the control! They put me on Claritin and that helped. Went off of it for the allergy testing and then went back on it. Didn't work anymore so he put me on Zyrtec. That seems to help keep it away. Since my endo surgery 2 weeks ago, however, the GYN said I've developed an allergic reaction to the glue they used on the incisions. My abdomen is itching and rash-like (comes and goes). Told me to use hydrocortisone cream (doesn't help). Since my surgery, I've also had breakthrough places of the rash on my legs and abdomen and arms. Rash appears, now, whether I eat or not. Seems my skin is very very sensitive? I couldn't wear my wedding rings (yellow gold) for almost 2 years but just recently put them back on to try again and so far there is very little rash under my rings. I have no idea what is causing the reaction to everything! I continue to take Zyrtec.
Had gallbladder pain also. Had my gallbladder removed in Feb 05.
Had a cyst on the back on my neck. Had been out one day with my kids and had several mosquito bites. Just assumed the cyst on my neck was a bug bite but it didn't itch. The cyst got bigger and more painful, finally in April of 05 (8 months later), I had it drained. They cultured it and it came back as Nocardia! Something not usually seen in people unless they are immuno-compromised, which at the time, I had not been diagnosed as such. They asked me if I had an immunity problem or if I'd been out of the country. Apparently nocardia is VERY rare. Saw ID dr's for that. Took Septra (antibiotic) for 3 months, had to go in 2 xs a month to have it drained and it went away. The dr's were treating me like a freak of nature as I was not at risk, according to my past health. However, at the time, I didn't think much of it so now I am wondering......hmmmm......
Suddenly experienced anxiety and depression. After almost a year of that, I went to my dr and now I am on Zoloft for that. It helps.
In May of 05 I suddenly had weakness on the right side of my body. Saw a Neuro and the exam was completely normal. It finally went away but I don't know why I had that. I occasionally get weakness in my muscles but not all on one side like that. He did an MRI and it was normal.
That's what I had happen to me all at once. Of course it took a long time (years) to get each of these diagnosed but I still do not feel well....VERY tired....I am able to do my daily routine (I'm a stay at home mom to 2 kids who are 5 and 4 yrs old) but I don't do much more than the minimum. I am also experiencing chronic low back pain for the last 4 years. I dislocated my tailbone during childbirth of my son and have had chronic low back pain since. I have gone thru 2 different PT's for that. One to put the tailbone back in place and the other to address my low back pain. The PT for low back pain didn't help. I have had a lot of stress in my life the last 3 years. My husband did a very demanding residency and basically raised the kids on my own for 3 years, while I was experiencing these symptoms. But, he's out of the residency now and I feel like I'm not as stressed anymore. That part of my life has gotten much better!!
I have seen the following specialists: GYN, ID, Allergist, Neurologist, Orthopedic Dr (Had MRI done of my back, was ok). I currently take Zoloft and Zyrtec and at night I take Tylenol PM because my back hurts too much at night if I don't take it. I've had 3 surgeries: Gallbladder, endo and brain surgery (in 1990) for seizures. That issue is resolved now and has been for at least 15 years. My primary dr has ruled out lyme disease, thyroid issues, blood work is normal, no anemia, tested for autoimmune disorders and it was neg. Can you still have it even though the result was ok? Basically, they have ruled out everything possible. I'm going to see a Rheumatologist soon. I have to call next week and schedule the appt. My dr was reluctant to put the referral in as he doesn't think I have an autoimmune disorder. I also have tingling in my muscles (neck and shoulder area), my upper back just kills me as well as my lower back, at times, my muscles sometimes twitch in my thigh, arm and eye. I generally feel unwell and feel cold a lot too. I hate feeling so lousy and I'm only 34!
Sorry this is so long but can you all please tell me it's not all in my head and it's not "just stress"? Could it be FM?
Thanks so much!!!
4th
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luv2read
03-03-2006, 03:29 PM
I'm probably not a very good one to tell you this, but....
Stress and an all out family fued after the birth of my second baby is what started all this mess for me. Before that...I was perfectly fine...no pain...no fatigue...no endometriosis...no tmj....no tremors....no stiffness...
And I honestly do believe that if the family fued wouldn't of happened....I'd still be fine....
Stress can do lots of nasty things to a body....I wouldn't be surprised if many very serious diseases were brought on by stress in some people.
So, for me anyways....I'm left with a body of a 80 yr old and I'm only 35....and whoever said that fibro is not progressive---obviously does NOT have fibro.
Stress and an all out family fued after the birth of my second baby is what started all this mess for me. Before that...I was perfectly fine...no pain...no fatigue...no endometriosis...no tmj....no tremors....no stiffness...
And I honestly do believe that if the family fued wouldn't of happened....I'd still be fine....
Stress can do lots of nasty things to a body....I wouldn't be surprised if many very serious diseases were brought on by stress in some people.
So, for me anyways....I'm left with a body of a 80 yr old and I'm only 35....and whoever said that fibro is not progressive---obviously does NOT have fibro.
4thof4
03-03-2006, 05:39 PM
Thanks so much for replying! I do believe stress is a factor but others seem to think it's the only factor. I think it's much more than that and feel it could be FM. I, too, was perfectly fine before Aug. of 04, besides the occasional low back ache from having my son. The fatigue is just horrible....it gets worse as the day goes on. I wake up exhausted and by bedtime, I'm just beyond fatigued. Ugh.
I also have these symptoms: an achey type feeling I get on my skin...sensitive to the touch, in certain areas..usually the groin or face. It's the best way I can describe it but I don't know what it is. Just feels achey...uncomfortable....not necessarily painful. Worse when it's touched but also aches when not touched. It's annoying too. :) Anyone have any idea what that could be? It seems nerve related. It comes on for a day or 2 and then goes away on it's own. I notice it mostly around hormone changes with my cycle.
Anyone else?!
Thanks! :)
I also have these symptoms: an achey type feeling I get on my skin...sensitive to the touch, in certain areas..usually the groin or face. It's the best way I can describe it but I don't know what it is. Just feels achey...uncomfortable....not necessarily painful. Worse when it's touched but also aches when not touched. It's annoying too. :) Anyone have any idea what that could be? It seems nerve related. It comes on for a day or 2 and then goes away on it's own. I notice it mostly around hormone changes with my cycle.
Anyone else?!
Thanks! :)
mimgregg
03-04-2006, 01:51 AM
It sure sounds like fibromyalgia. A stressful/painful event has been suggested as to "setting off" fibromyalgia, but not causing it. There are many knowledgable people here that can offer a more well-read opinion than mine, and perhaps you can get a little comfort in knowing that whatever it is this is a supportive environment to seek answers in. Good luck, and I hope you feel comfort soon.
~ Mim :wave:
~ Mim :wave:
moonspirit
03-05-2006, 12:22 AM
4thof4 can't relate but know what you mean about nerve type pain as i have some nerve impringement from the neck area and vibration can set it off.
i'd advise you and others to keep going back to your docs. i ignored symptoms for many years for fear of being tagged a hypochondriac. of course i know better now.
for stress, i have only one opinion, that is that when a person is fit and healthy they bounce off stress, when a person has health problems and stress comes along it makes those health problems worse. i have a friend who has a job which means she has to drive frequently, before she had a back problem she could jump into the car at short notice, travel to her destination and get on with her job. since her back problem she finds getting into the car at short notice stressful, she finds driving stressful, she finds hurrying stressful and of course her job now stressful, why...because of the pain which becomes worse when she has to hurry, when she has to bend, has to climb stairs, has to try to use her mind over matter. painkillers and anti inflammatories go only so far to helping the pain and have side effects that can add to the stress. she has been diagnosed with fibro and is waiting for an opinion on an operation for her back.
i'm sure i speak for everyone, if there was a magic pill, solution which would take all these things away and make us feel normal and human again, as we once did, we would all be lining up for it and paying whatever it costs. but, in reality, there isnt one, yet, as i never give up the hope, but i know i wont find that magic until its blazed all over the newspapers and on the tv, stating they have found a cure. roll on that day for those coming along behind us.
i'd advise you and others to keep going back to your docs. i ignored symptoms for many years for fear of being tagged a hypochondriac. of course i know better now.
for stress, i have only one opinion, that is that when a person is fit and healthy they bounce off stress, when a person has health problems and stress comes along it makes those health problems worse. i have a friend who has a job which means she has to drive frequently, before she had a back problem she could jump into the car at short notice, travel to her destination and get on with her job. since her back problem she finds getting into the car at short notice stressful, she finds driving stressful, she finds hurrying stressful and of course her job now stressful, why...because of the pain which becomes worse when she has to hurry, when she has to bend, has to climb stairs, has to try to use her mind over matter. painkillers and anti inflammatories go only so far to helping the pain and have side effects that can add to the stress. she has been diagnosed with fibro and is waiting for an opinion on an operation for her back.
i'm sure i speak for everyone, if there was a magic pill, solution which would take all these things away and make us feel normal and human again, as we once did, we would all be lining up for it and paying whatever it costs. but, in reality, there isnt one, yet, as i never give up the hope, but i know i wont find that magic until its blazed all over the newspapers and on the tv, stating they have found a cure. roll on that day for those coming along behind us.
4thof4
03-05-2006, 10:17 PM
Mim-Thanks for the gracious comments! I am really enjoying this board too! I have not been more uncomfortable before. It's terrible. I hate it that some think it's all in my head or that they can't find a reason. Like Moon said, I'll keep going back to the dr until I know. :)
Moon- I couldn't agree more with you about exercising. I used to be in tiptop shape in my younger days (early 20s). I was a runner and ran 4 miles/day and did weights etc. But, to be honest, I don't think I have enough energy to even walk (for exercise) on my treadmill. I can barely get through my daily routine without nearly crying or wanting to go to bed.
For me, if I had any kind of correct diagnosis, it would help me a lot. I hope to do accomplish that soon when I see the Rheum. I'm calling tomorrow to make the appt. Is that the right dr to see? Is that also the arthritis dr?
Are heart palpitations a symptom also? I've also been having those off and on since '04. Had them today, actually. Ugh.
Thanks! :)
4th
Moon- I couldn't agree more with you about exercising. I used to be in tiptop shape in my younger days (early 20s). I was a runner and ran 4 miles/day and did weights etc. But, to be honest, I don't think I have enough energy to even walk (for exercise) on my treadmill. I can barely get through my daily routine without nearly crying or wanting to go to bed.
For me, if I had any kind of correct diagnosis, it would help me a lot. I hope to do accomplish that soon when I see the Rheum. I'm calling tomorrow to make the appt. Is that the right dr to see? Is that also the arthritis dr?
Are heart palpitations a symptom also? I've also been having those off and on since '04. Had them today, actually. Ugh.
Thanks! :)
4th
mimgregg
03-05-2006, 10:39 PM
You are welcome, and yes Moon is right stay on the drs til you get some peace of mind. In the past, I was told it was stress, hypochondria, you name it. I am a "steady", reliable kind of person, and always was offended when someone tried to basically say there was no reason or no way I could hurt the way I did and do. I have come to the conclusion that there are people/doctors/others that when they don't have the answer, then it must be the patients fault or issues. So very not true! However, the stress increases as we are put off which does in fact really make things so much worse for us physically. Peace to you!
~ Mim :wave:
~ Mim :wave: