Is this Fibro?

[Robbie48]

Last year I was diagnosed with high Cholesterol, the Dr put me onto 40mg of Lipitor. Of course he did not advise of any side effects, about 2 weeks after taking the medication I noticed that I was hurting all over. Some days I could hardly get out of bed. Chronic Myalgia. To cut a long story short, I got onto the website and discovered that one of the side effects of Statins could be muscle damage. Fortunately I found this information in time, returned to the Dr who agreed that I had an intolerence to statins. Its been awhile since I stopped taking the Lipitor, but seem to be experiencing the same symptoms as many of your postings on this board. How do you get a doctor to diagnose Fibro? Currently I went to another doctor who was hopefully a little more empathetic with my symptoms, I had begun self medication taking an anti-inflamatory together with codeine phosphate. I felt that taking 2 of these pills 3 times a day, did help, but some days were definitely worse than other days. She told me that codeine is addictive and to wean myself off them. I have started, but today, my arms are so sore, I am getting stabbing pains. Now I don't know if these are withdrawals or my 'intolerence to statins' has triggered something else. My muscle enzyme test showed quite high. But I am not sure what that means. I am to return to this new doctor in two weeks. Once I have weaned myself off the codeine, she was going to reassess the situation. Fibro does not appear to be something doctors test for. Is there such a test? Should I ask for this to be done?
Anyone else out there than can identify with this.
I too get creepy crawlies on my back, although upper back, I have a fork which I keep at work, so that I can scratch my back which feels like its alive with nats.
Mostly the pains in my muscles take turns, perhaps for today it will be my arms, then in a couple of days it will be my legs.
It would be good to know what is wrong so I can deal with it.
Thanks

[stick2013]

HI Robbie,

Welcome to the board! First.... there is no REAL test for fibro. It's a process of eliminating EVERYTHING else, along with having 11 out of the 18 tender points on areas of your body. You should probably go see a rhuemy as they are usually the ones who deal with fibro more than other dr's.

Your symptoms do sound alot like fibro, but they also could be caused from the withdrawl of codeine. Coming of a drug that is addictive can cause many weird and unpleasant side affects and symptoms. Even anti depressant withdrawl is AWFUL!!!!! Really try to come off of it, and if things don't get better, seek out a rhuemy.

Sid

[Robbie48]

Thanks Sid firstly for the welcome and secondly for the advice.
I will give the withdrawal a couple of weeks, apart from a headache this morning, I am feeling okey, I think the dependency has been more emotional, taking comfort in popping a pain pill to try and alleviate the soreness than it actually working.
I am not sure what you mean by a Rheumy, sorry am I being a bit thick?

Robbie

[bluelakelady]

hi robbie,
welcome to the boards. you will like it here. a rheumy is a rheumatologist. they specialize in arthritis and many care for fibro patients too. mine does.
best wishes as you get off the codeine. there are weaning off meds your doc can give you to get thru this with minimal pain and side effects.
peace,
bluelakelady

[Robbie48]

Thank you so much for your well wishes
Thank you for your explanation on what a Rheumy is. lololol.
I am definitely doing okey with the withdrawal from codeine, I honestly expected it to be much worse. Today, apart from a headache, (like coffee withdrawal), minimal pain in my arms I hope it is quick. I believe usually 4 to 5 days, today is my second day.

Just by the way, was talking to a friend this morning, she called me because she knows I have High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, advised me that her doctor had just put her on the meds to treat this, but warned her that the HB medicine could cause terrible tiredness and lethargy. She asked me whether I was aware of these side effects. I looked up my medication on the web and guess what, I have most of these side effects. Why is it that doctors tell you about the danger of Codeine, but never mention side effects to prescribed medication. Look at this,

Other side effects are less serious. Continue to take Avapro and talk to your doctor if you experience
diarrhea or upset stomach;
swelling; muscle pain, cramps, or backache; dizziness; headache; insomnia; or congestion or cough (very unlikely).

Can you believe that? Muscle pain, cramps, so on top of my Cholesterol meds which also caused sore muscles, I am now convinced that I don't have Fibro, but am suffering from all the side effects from prescription medication. Ooooh I get so annoyed....

Again, thank you for your kind words, I am going to continue reading the board because even though I may not have Fibro, I am finding it very interesting.
Take care
Robbie