BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Do I have fibromyalgia??

Hello--

I'm in need of someone who might be able to guide me on if I have fibromyalgia or not. I have been to an OB/GYN to rule out female problems. My story basically is that my Mom died unexpectedly in July and I have been saddened and stressed of course since then. My symptoms basically started severly in October when I was camping in the cold. I now have lower back pain all the time--sometimes severe, sometimes not. I also will have cramping, some bloating feeling. I think I also have IBS. I also have trouble sleeping and am tired alot. I will get numbness and tingling in my arms at times. Some soreness in my middle back and neck sporatically. The main pain though seems to always be in my lower back, hip area and around my lower front. Can someone guide me on what to do and if these symptoms sound like it could possibly be Fibromyalgia?? I'm concerned and confused and am not even sure that a doctor can help me. Thank you for your time when responding----

I have a friend who has that, and she takes a ton of prescription drugs. She also has depression and takes a prescription for that. She is in pain all the time when she doesnt take her medicine. The pills help, but it is expensive. The power of prayer is free if that is something you are interested in. There is a lady at my church who has this, she was unable to walk, and then after a powerful prayer session, she got better little by litte. Hope you get feeling better soon. ~Christi

I have fibromyalgia but I am not going to try to diagnois you. The best thing to do is see a neurologist and let him talk to you about it just in case something else is going on.

I am sorry that I hadn't responded to this sooner. Although I am not a doctor and can not diagnose you, I would urge you to check your symptoms against a checklist like this one:

http://groups.msn.com/fibrowhat/witchysn...502290159531268

It's pretty comprehensive.

Then, I would suggest seeing your internist and getting a referral to a specialist, preferably a rheumatologist as fibro is an arthritis-like disease and that's what rheumatologists specialize in.

To get a diagnosis of this condition, you'll have the "tender points" test. Here's a chart and a brief explanation of where the tender points are & how one gets diagnosed with FMS:

http://www.fmpartnership.org/tender_points.htm

Hello Blondie,

EXCELLENT refferal list to check out from Deanna !!!

IF your primary sends you to a Rheumy be ABSOLUTELY SURE by asking if he has and treats FMS patients. NOT ALL Rheumy's believe in it as I have found to be the case after being hit with a $ 176.00 bill and 3 mins. in the exam room to be told by a Professional ?? - that its "all in my head" - "to get out and exercise and get off my lazy butt" -- those exact words.

You SHOULD have a primary to start with the back pain with xrays or MRI to rule out something actually going on with that - possibly "something" for your depression IF you feel you cannot cope and KNOW you ARE depressed.

Then I would ask for a refferal ( if needed ) to a caring, knowledgable and believing Rheumy and Neurologist to cover every single issue you have.

GOOD LUCK -- the answers ARE out there for you - and help too but its YOU that has to take the first baby step.

I agree to start with your regular G.P Doctor have
everthing else ruled out first. It cost less and your feelings do not get hurt has bad. (LOL) Then
you can start the wonderful "Specialist". Blessings and good luck!!
Rhonda