Just Received My Diagnosis Today

[theamoo]

Hi all . I am new here, even though I have been lurking around for the past two weeks wondering if you kind understanding folks would end up being my future support system.

Please allow me share with you a little history... during the first week of March of this year, I had influenza. I was tested, diagnosed and treated. After a few days, I finally started feeling better; but the very next week, I felt like I had the flu all over again. I was running a low-grade fever, ached all over, and just wanted to stay in bed. Well, as luck would have it, I had to wait five long weeks before I could see my doctor (she'd had emergency gall bladder surgery). During this time, my fever went away and I felt slightly better. However, by my appointment, I was extremely draggy, my arms and legs ached constantly and I had developed a burning sensation in my arms. My internist ordered lots of blood tests on me, and when the results came back, I had two abnormal RA factors. She immediately referred me to a rheumatologist, and put me on 800mg of ibuprofen three times a day. Once again my bad luck came into play, and I had to wait another month before I could get in with the rheumy. The ibuprofen did help somewhat, but caused an upset stomach. I ended up calling my doctor and she changed my meds and put me on Voltaren. However, after only three days of this, I was experiencing severe stomach cramps, swelling of my hands and feet, and had developed a nose bleed. With just less than a week before my appointment with the rheumy, I completely stopped the pain meds due to the side effects and decided to wing it till my appointment.

Finally, today was the day! After reviewing my labs, giving my medical history, and all the poking and prodding that goes along with the exam, the rheumatologist said I definitely have Fibromyalgia. She talked about the possibility of other auto-immune syndromes such as lupus and said something about vitamin D, but quite frankly by this time, I was in shock and I think my brain had just stopped working (even though fms had been lurking in the back of my mind). She gave me two prescriptions, one for Etodolac for the pain, and Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) to help me sleep. She also ordered lots more blood work (eleven tubes worth!!!), and I'm really not sure what all that was for. I am to see her again in three weeks unless something major shows up in these latest labs.

So my questions for you all...my new support system (I hope, if you will have me?) ...are:
#1 Has anyone been on these meds? Do they work? What side effects might I expect?
#2 What's up with all the blood work? What all is she checking for?
#3 What has vitamin D got to do with fms?
#4 Has anyone else experienced this burning sensation in your arms? My wrists all the way up into my upper arm feel like there is a fire spreading under my skin.
#5 Any suggestions on reading material so I can learn more about Fibromyalgia, but is easy to understand?

Thank you for allowing me this time. I look forward to meeting you and hearing from lots of folks. Thea

[bluelakelady]

welcome thea to your new support system.
the blood work is to rule out any disease that may be there as well. mostly they give you peace of mind in that you know what is going on within.
the burning is an expression of fibro. that eases in time. i hardly ever have it now.
i am sure others will pop in to give you more info. books and such.
i don't take the meds you are on. sorry. can't help there. call your pharmacist and ask them for a print out of possible side affects, interactions, etc.
vit D. hmmm. i knew that yesterday. not today. someone else will remember.
again welcome. i hope you find this to be the place you feel safe, learn much, and find your peace.
it is normal to be in shock. your life just changed, forever. we will be here to help you in your transition. once you get used to it, it's not so bad.
peace,
bluelakelady

[theamoo]

Thanks bluelakelady for the welcome. I did get a printout from the pharmacist. It gives the same basic info that came with my previous pain med. I guess I was just wondering if anyone else used these same meds, and if either of them helped? Burning sensation = expression of fibro...I would never have thought to word it like that, but it does seem to have a life of its own. I'm really glad to know that this burning sensation is something real and not just some trick my mind is playing on me.

Well, got to finish getting ready for work. Thanks again for the welcome, and I look forward to talking with you again.

[theamoo]

I have just finished a 9 1/2 hour somewhat stressful work day...thankfully they are not all like this, but I was working against a deadline. Throughout the day, I have noticed that the palms of my hands have been itching like crazy. As the day has gone on, the itching has gotten worse, however it has not spread anywhere else.

I have had rashes due to certain meds before (such as codeine & hczt), but they tend to be all over, not localized in one particular area like this. Is itchy hands a symptom of fibro or could it possibly be a side effect of the Etodolac? I haven't taken the Flexeril yet, so it can't be that.

[Glojer]

Welcome theamoo. I will just take a minute here to comment on the itchy hands. I have had that off and on for years. Don't know if it is related to fibro or just part of a stressful time. I don't take your meds, and none of mine have ever caused the itchy palms or hands.

Another quick comment on Vit D. It seems people with auto immune issues can be low on D, and taking larger amounts to get your level back up is very helpful. I take vit D supplements, I was low on D and my rheumy had me just take a supplement but some people get prescription Vit D in high doses if needed.

Glojer