lj-111

Ash,

I never knew a sore throat was "common" with FM. I never have one unless I have the flu, sinus infections or something. There was a flu going around a month or so ago here, that gave me & my husband and most of our friends a sore throat for 3-4 weeks and longer for some. I don't know anything else to tell you about a sore throat & FM. I'd get a culture done if it doesn't go away. It could be strep or tinsilitis too. If you smoke it could be that and allergies & sinus infections can give you a sore throat as well as certain medications, & even an infected tooth. Once I had an infected tooth and it gave me a sore throat for 2 months until I finally got it out. (wisdom tooth).. I was in such pain after the surgery, I'll not do that again. lol.. Stupid me.. And I thought it hurt before they jerked it out. OWWWWWWW.. But a sore throat for a long period of time (more than 2 weeks) could be a sign of something serious and I believe you should get it checked out.

What I am about to say is not directed to any particular person on this board, so please don't follow up in such a manner. I just have a very strong opinion I would like to state for the record....The problem I have with FM & what I notice about a lot of people even on this board, is that we all feel so crappy and we have many of the same symptoms, that we tend to forget that we are still "INDIVIDUALS" and what is a symptom for you may not be for the next person. I am very against blowing something off because it seems to be a common symptom with FM...

A sore throat may very well be a symptom for many FM sufferers, but I have never experienced it (knock on wood)and I have talked with many people who haven't either. I am sure it is bothersome for many of us.. BUT, a sore throat for weeks at a time would scare me. And after 35 years of physical & mental hell in one form or the other, I am not easily scared. You could very well be experiencing just another symptom of FM, but considering what a sympom like that could actually be a result of, "IS YOUR HEALTH REALLY WORTH the risk in not finding out? A simple $30.00 throat culture could rule out many serious illnesses associated with prolonged throat pain.. Just think about it, ok? I would hate to think that you, me, or anyone else are overlooking things that could be danger signs of other health problems because we are so wrapped up in FM, or because "other people have it too"..

I think too, that you need a different physician. There are other doctors that will care about your comfort level. You just have to keep looking until you find one. Ask around about the doctor and how good he is at treating pain, and if he has any experience with FM patients before you even bother seeing him the first time. Every doctor I have (4 in all)has all told me that a doctor that does not know anything about FM or treating patients with FM are horrible to such patients. They also said, there are many like that. I know from experience and working closely with many docotors in my medical profession (I'm an at home Med transcriptionist & part-time triage nurse), that there are many, many doctors that are lousy at treating pain for any kind of illness, especially one so mysterious as FM..

Keep trying until you find one.. And you will.. Good luck and God Bless you.. I am praying for you..

Lisa

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Lisa J.