I think I might have Fibro, what should I ask doc? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

jennfaery · 03-02-2006, 12:37 AM

Hello! First, off I'd just like to say that I hate that you guys have to put up with so much. I've been lurking around healthboards for some time and it is really sad to see so many in such pain. I have a couple of questions and was wondering if you guys could help me answer them. I have been having weird symptoms since I was about 16. I am 23 now and I have 3 children. I have various ailments such as migraines, endometriosis, some kind of hip problem or disease that we haven't been able to figure out yet and what I think might be Fibromyalgia. At 18, I starting noticing a dramatic decrease in energy. Now, it takes all that I have just to get up and do the basics of taking care of the house and my kids. I feel so bad because I just don't have the energy to take them to the park or to a playgroup or anythign like that. I get bouts where I am achy all over and where my hands go numb. I just feel sick. I hate feeling like this. I have also been having severe pain in my hips. It feels like my hip joints are rubbing together. I am in Pain Management and I am on the duragesic patch. I take Fioricet for migraines. Anyway, enough about my history. I was wondering what questions should I ask my doc? I go in for a physical on the 16th and wanted to see if some of these things could be addressed. I talked to a doc about feeling this way a couple of years ago but he just said it was because I was pregnant at the time. There were just so many other things to take care of that I haven't gone back to my Family doctor about these symptoms. Could this be Fibro? Or something else? I have a family history or diabetes, could it be that? I guess I will find out soon enough but I guess I'm just needing some support right now. I've been in so much pain lately and I feel so old. I hate this! I'm so sick of waking up every day and not being able to do everything I need to get done. I hate not stimulating my kids as much as I should. I hate being in such a crappy mood all the time. I'm just so tired. Sometimes I just feel so hopeless like I'm always going to feel like this and things are never going to get better. I guess I shouldn't be writing anything while I feel this way but I just need to get it out. Sorry guys if this was TMI. Anyway, I wish everyone a pain free day! Thanks guys!

jennfaery · 03-02-2006, 04:10 PM

What happened to the other post? Anyone have any info or any questions I should ask my doc? Well, I guess I'll just try research it some more. Thanks.

luv2read · 03-03-2006, 09:11 AM

Hi Jenn, Personally , I think your dr should check you for other things first. Like the diabetes. He should do a complete blood count (CBC). Rule out other things first.

My fibro symptoms started at 24 yrs old (or was it 23???

). After birth of second son. I'm 35 now...and the fatigue still is my biggest complaint. It just knocks me right off my feet.

I've just recently been experiencing hip pain on both sides. I too have endometriosis.

We have 2 boys, and I know what you mean by feeling guilty for not having the energy to be more involved.
That just gets ya right in the heart!!

Let us know what the dr says, ok? Get some other things tested and ruled out first.

elmhar · 03-10-2006, 10:48 AM

Hi Jenn,

Yes, you need a basic physical & blood chem workup first. There really is no definitive test for fibro, as far as I know, other than the tender-point criteria. So, it's sort of a diagnosis-by-exclusion of other possible causes.

It's wise to have a complete thyroid panel (free T3 & free T4 in addition to TSH) run because hypothyroid symptoms can in some cases mimic fibro.

Be sure to get a hard copy of your test results, and not to just take a verbal "it's normal" from a nurse. When you look at your hard copy results, note where your numbers lie relative to the ref. ranges (hi, mid, low) -- this can be a clue.

Also, with thyroid numbers, most labs in the USA are using old rather than the current ref ranges recommended by the American Academy of Endocrinologists in 2002. Using the new ranges, many many more people fall into the treatable hypothyroid category. If you have further questions, visit the Thyroid board here on Health Boards.

Best wishes.