Do the rest of you seem to have constant swelling in your lymphnodes? This is a prominent problem for me and I was wondering if any of you suffer with this. I seem to have flare-ups in the spring and fall, so I know that my most painful time is just around the corner. Any response will be helpful for my personal research, Thanks Emerald

Dear Emerald,
This is taken from Devin Starlanyl M.D. book, FIBROMYALGIA AND MYOFACIAL PAIN SYNDROME, A Survival Manuel. pg 36
The FMS/MPS Donnection: Some Theories
To understand the FMS/MPS complex, we need to look at the big picture. Most of the body's processes rely on the unobstructed movement of fluids through the system.
Blood circulates, carrying food, fuel, oxygen, and other materials. It also carries away wastes.
Lymph circulates, carrying fats, salts, proteins, white blood cells, and other substances.
On a microscopic level, every cell in the body depends on the motion of liquids from outside to inside the cell, and back. In one "Star Trek" episode, an alien called human beings "bags of dirty water." The description, while unsavory, is quite correct. Your body depends on the motion of this "dirty water" in and out of its cells.

Neurotransmitter activity determines the elasticity of the tissues, but in FMS/MPS, connective tissues become stiffened, shortened, and tightened. That means that the fluid exchange is disrupted as well. This often starts with simple FMS.

Then she goes on to tell that Myofacial is like the lining of the muscle. Like when you cut into a chicken and pull the skin off you see that membrane like substance. That is Myofacial and it is around and connected to every inside part of your body.
From this I would think that almost anything could be affected.
This was about all I could find. However, I would certainly ask a doctor about it just in case it is something not related to FM.
Hope this helps. Fibro hugs, Bonnie

Dear Emerald,
I meant to mention that lymphs that are swollen are an indication of infection, they can swell with FM because of TMJ which is a symptom to FM. My daughter has trouble with hers swelling when she isn't feeling well. She has Fibro, too. Still I would ask the doctor just to be sure.
Sincerely with prayer and gentle hugs, Bonnie

Hi Emerald

My lymp nodes in my face are always up and they get very painful, I also have them under my arms, which come and go, up when i am really tired, and they go when I am feeling good, it is a good indicator to me when I am getting bad again. I usually end up taking pain killers when it gets to bad.

I have had swollen nodes (neck and armpits) on and off since I first got sick with a "mysterious" mono-like illness about 5 (6?) years ago (I got diagnosed with Fibro early last year). I have to say that I am relieved to hear that someone else has this symptom.

It seems to flare up when I'm stressed out (which affects my sleep) and it happens alot more when I'm working (which I assume is because of the increased stress level). I become very fatigued and feel like I'm coming down with something (although I never actually seem to get sick with a cold or flu). It can last for anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, and it takes me a long time to bounce back from it and feel totally well again.

Thanks for your post. Be well.

I think the first real serious time I had swollen glands was about 10 years ago, before I had any severe symptoms of FM. The glands in the back of my head and neck were so swollen I could not turn my head. I went to the doc and he gave me some very strong antibiotics. The next day I had the worst cold/flu that I have ever had. I don't ever remember being so sick. The second day after I started taking the meds the cold symptoms were gone and most of the swelling in my head was gone. It was so strange. That was the first time I had been sick in many years, it seems like I have been nothing but sick ever since. I do get swollen glands in my neck and even on my jaw bone now and then. I get infected salavary glands that hurt so bad when you try to eat something it can be excruciating. I was on meds for the salavary glands back in the fall. The only other person that I know of that has had the infected salavary glands is my 13 year old daughter. She got them for the first time when she was 5 years old, and has had them a few times since. Even the doctor said that is an odd gland to get an infection in, and he only sees maybe 1 or 2 cases a year.

Sounds like FM to me.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Katt

Thanks for all the input, I am glad that I am not the only one. Just knowing that I am not alone in this helps so much.