Is this FM? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

bulie · 01-22-2002, 09:14 PM

Last summer I was diagnosed with FM but I am skeptical of this diagnosis. In fact, prior to reading all of your posts on this and other boards I was skeptical as to whether FM really exists. However, having done the research I have come to believe that it exists -- I'm simply not sure I have it. I will briefly describe the course of whatever the trouble is and then ask that you tell me what you think.

For a year or two I have had debilitating morning lower back (below waist) pain which goes away within an hour of waking up. In May 2001 my arms and legs turned red. Had fever for several days. Initially I thought it was an allergy or rash. Dermo said it was a virus. Within a week I had pain in my hands, knees and feet. My hands would swell for no apparent reason. My feet would swell when walking. I would wake up three to four times a night with tingling and numb fingers. Also numbness and tingling in hands when grasping (like reading paper or holding pen or fork) and also when typing or mousing. Then the redness began appearing on my face -- particularly on cheeks and across nose. An orthopedist friend sent me to rheumatologist.
Rheum. immediately diagnosed carpal tunnel and deternined that pain and redness was viral and would go away. He put me aleve twice daily and hand splints at night. He also did blood work.

A month later symptoms all still there. He then suspected FM along with CTS. Put me on celebrex.

By September symptoms still there. I wasn't sure celebrex was doing anything for cts which I assumed was the real problem and reason he kept having me come back (although I thought maybe it was time for an orthopedist for the problem -- figured rest of problems were just part of getting older (I have a pretty high threshold for pain and am (ok, was) generally a skeptic on these types of illnesses.

Over the next few months more severe arm, hand and back pain. tingling continues. still wake several times a night and frequently can't get back to sleep(used to sleep like a rock). Sometimes I wake up kicking my legs as if something startled me. I am always tired when I wake up. For the last six months or so people have been asking me if I am OK b/c I look tired. another symptom (which I haven't told doc about b/c I hadn't connected it) is soft stools, diarrea for no apparent reason and then constipation.
I have also had short term memory and attention problems over the last year or so.

This month doc. (rheum.) put me back on celebrex and it has helped with back pain and hand pain. This time he said definitely FM and cts is the secondary problem. (By the way, the doc is a family friend and a very caring man who treats lots of FM, RA, etc. His patients love him -- they are willing to wait four hours from the time of their appointments. I learned this after griping about waiting an hour and half.) However, I still wonder if he told FM because he knows I am the sort of person who needs a diagnosis and a time frame for getting better -- that iffy stuff drives me nuts.

I have to admit that after reviewing all of these symptoms, it doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility that this is FM. However, while these symptoms are troublesome, they are not debilitating. I have only missed a day or two of work (although I admit that I am not as effective many days). Does this sound like FM to you. (I apologize that this post was so long -- it just started growing but felt good to get it all on down.) Thanks.

korken · 01-22-2002, 11:24 PM

bulie,

Not too long. Just perfect. It does sound like FMS. We have had this fo so long and wish there were a cure. I to had a high tolerance to pain. ie: natural child birth 36 hours. Last time an emergency C-section. No more pain please, I've had enough.

Research is the key

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Take care ~Kim & Gary~

rollercoster · 01-24-2002, 07:48 AM

Bulie,

It does sound like an FM diagnosis to these non-medical profession, but personally affected ears,

Many times, the FM diagnosis happens after other things are ruled out-as my Rheumatologist told me. He said there aren't a lot syndromes that will give you the restless sleep, restless legs, and pain, without inflammation that FM gives you. Unfortunetly, no one knows what it even is. The theories that make the most sense to me show an overactive central nervous responding to external stimulus and flooding the body with chemicals. (think of butterflies in the stomach or blushing when nervous) This response, however, is obviously more pronounced causing pain and sleeplessnes. Some have had luck with excersise, stretching, heat, baths, meditation, diet and nutrition, and getting emotional/stress problems in check--the last road you should go down is pain meds, patches, and surgeries..Try the less invasive modalities first-it can make all the difference. GOOD LUCK!

korken · 01-24-2002, 01:29 PM

RR. That is true. The only time you should have surgeries is if you have to.

Pain meds and other types of treatment are a personnal choice. We have run the gambit and w/o meds we would never have made it this far.

Research, the right doctor(s) and a treatment
that you can deal with are important. You have to make the dission that is best for you.

Finding others with this dreaded thing to talk to, we find very helpful. For those that can give incouragement, research, an ear and backing is what
we found very comforting and helpful.

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Take care ~Kim & Gary~

bulie · 01-24-2002, 05:52 PM

Thanks for your input and support. I think I am having a little denial problem. However, there is some solace in knowing what the problem is and there are ways (to a certain extent) to deal with it.