Just wanted to chime in and say thanks to everybody who has posted info here. I was only recently diagnosed with FM and, like alot of doctors apparently, thought it was a "fake" diagnosis. But after reading all of the descriptions of symptoms suffered by people on this board (MISKC91 was particulary helpful, as alot of my stuff mirrors yours) I've come to realize it's legitimate. Just a quick rundown of mine in case it can help anyone in the future. I was watching TV one night when I had severe cramping, diarrhea, and feeling of waves of light-headedness I later described to my doctor as flushing. So I was tested first for Carcinoid Syndrome, a rare, slow-growing cancer, usually located near the appendix or in the abdomen. Two urine tests came back negative, so I was referred for an ultrasound (gallbladder, liver, etc.) I'd had alot of abdominal pain and diarrhea, and the ultrasound showed that my gallbladder had "sludge" in it, so it was removed. I didn't get better, so went to a new doctor who had been treating my family for many years and is wonderful. He ordered colonoscopy, endoscopy, and CT scan (I had and still have severe light-headedness). All were negative, except the CT found slightly enlarged lymph nodes by both of my ears. So then I think I have Hodgkins Disease or non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My ears hurt, like an infection has set in, but lab tests say no infection. So I see an ENT, who, while still wanting to follow up later to be sure, says no, it's probably not cancer. He tells me to wait and let time heal. So I wait, but my arms and legs begin to become numb and tingly, I get pressure behind my right eye, I get night sweats, heart palpitations, and I'm itchy, especially at night. I have trouble breathing at times, especially when I'm talking non-stop (like now ;-). Because of the tingling, MS (which I'm still in the process of ruling out) immediately comes to mind. So I went to Stanford Hospital, and a wonderful doctor there finally says, "hey, it's most likely you have fibromyalgia" and finally gives me a bona fide diagnosis. After reading up and seeing all of your posts, at least I know what's wrong. The worst part has been feeling symptoms that are usually associated with some very scary and deadly diseases, and having tests come back negative for anything.
One last note, another difficult part has been the fact that FM is said to be much more prevalent in women than in men. I'm a large, active guy, an ex-Marine, and don't like to see the doctor until I'm nearly dead. So thinking I had a "girl's" disease has been hard, but again this board has helped in that respect. So thanks, and I'll try to be helpful in return.

[This message has been edited by teufelhund9 (edited 06-06-2003).]

First I am glad that you have figured out what all your symptoms mean. That is half that battle for most of us. I was dx'd in November...and from what I have read, FMS can hit anyone, although you are right,it is primarily women that suffer with this. I know this will be hard for you to explain to those around you,but I wish you luck and hope you have the support of those who love you.

Did you know that FMS was the most common disorder diagnosed in soldiers after WWII? Of course, they called it by another name then, but it is still the same disorder. My brother has it too. It ain't just a girl thing!!Good luck to you.

Was that word fibrositis? I know that word was used to describe fibromyalgia symptoms (at least) in the 1970's.

Hey teufelhund9,

I've heard that it's also fairly prevalent among Gulf War veterans.. I'm not going to go as far as to state that there might've been some sort of conspiracy, but it does seem a little strange that fibromyalgia is primarily a disorder of the nervous system and certain types of chemical warfare was suspected to be used in the Gulf War which might have been damaging to the nervous system.. It's really hard to tell what kind of toxins the military has exposed their men and women to.. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

In any event, it's definitely not a girl's disease.. Until this last year, there were quite a few men on this board (at least 4 regular male posters - and that's a lot considering the inactivity of this board).. Unfortunately, most of them (and most of the regular women posters too) left the board for reasons that I'd rather not go into..

I imagine that one of the reasons that it might be more common in women is because of our ever fluctuating hormones (and because a lot of doctors out there who use it as a wastebasket diagnosis are more likely to pacify women by diagnosing them with a poorly understood and incurable disorder instead of getting to the heart of their medical problems).. I honestly don't believe that fibromyalgia is one condition, but until science understands the human brain & body a little bit better it's the only name we've got for how we feel..

Wow, I'm just full of opinions today.. And I think a lot of us probably fall/fell into the category of not wanting to see a doctor until we're nearly dead.. I kept blaming all of my symptoms on everything else (stress, allergies, back injuries) until I eventually got so sick that I thought I was on death's doorstep.. But I was also raised in a family that didn't believe in going to the doctor for the sniffles (much less the emergency room for a stubbed toe - I actually know someone who did that though)..

Anyway, I'm glad you found the board and that it helped answer some of your questions!

Take Care,
Melanie