Is there any evidence of a connection of Crohn's and Fibromyalgia?

Is there any evidence of a connection of Crohn's and Fibromyalgia?
I have both. I am SO tired! I have a light case of crohn's, but instead of attacking me itself, it seems to be attacking me in the break down of my immune system. I lost my job of 7 years because I get sick too easy. I am having a hard time finding a job. I am guessing it is because I miss too much work. Last night, my husband and I were at a wedding. We danced a slow dance , but the whole time we danced, I was distracted by the pain I was getting from him just holding me. It felt like he was giving me a bear hug, but he was holding me gently. I couldn't tell him, because we don't get to dance much, so I suffered through it. My six-year-old son doesn't understand the pain. He likes to roll on my back (log roll me). I have to remind him everyday. I am fortunate enough that my Crohn's is so light, my only pains are when I push on certain parts of my abdomen. I am also suffering with insomnia, exhaustion, and depression. My dr isn't really that helpful when I do go. I don't go unless I have to, because my medical bills are outstanding. Between my back and neck injury and my being sick all of the time, and no job, we have fallen behind in medical bills. On paper, my husband makes too much money for assistance. I don't take my med either, because of the cost. I have Lyrica Rx to me but I can't afford it. I hope my next posting is more light hearted. Thank you for reading this one. I know things will get better, but I am impatient.

Here is a website for you to look at: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_crohns.html according to them there is.

there is such a thing as an autoimmune cascade...

A rheumatologist told me that a study had been done by the Mayo Clinic, and they found that people who had been treated (in their teens, from memory) with high doses of pred for long periods had an increased likelihood of developing fibro.

I was pretty drugged up at the time so don't remember more than that, and haven't been able to find any such studies on the internet, so I'm guessing the research was printed rather than put online. Still, I was a highly predded teen so it made sense to me.

Sorry you're feeling so tired.

I.

Magnesium does exactly the same thing as Lyrica, but costs waaaay less. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to symptoms of Fibromyalgia, also. I was dx with Fibromyalgia and then when I upped my magnesium intake, the symptoms went away. If one form gives you "D" then try a different form. Some with Fibromyalgia find malic acid combined with magnesium to be helpful.

Take care,

Ivy I think I just read something about that on Health Talk(?). I had put in my search engine joint pain and Crohns Disease and read that same thing that Fibro happens to alot of folks who took alot Pred in there teens. I was diagnosed at 18 and had two really big flares and was on Pred alot the first four years after my diagnosis and my Rheumy says she thinks I have Fibro, but I am starting to think its something else.

Karendee does the Soma help much? I am suffering something fierce with joint pain right now and even my Percoset is not helping much.

I was dx with FMS in 03 before I really got sick with Crohn's. At one point it was so bad that my arms were completely going numb at random times...not good while driving or working with small children as I was at the time. I took Motrin (800mg daily) along with 30mg of Flexrall (sp?) which helped. Someting that is KEY to helping with pain and muscle spasms is controlling stress and getting enough sleep at night. I went from 2004 until 2008 with no FMS meds and felt great (with the exception of my crohn's issues which complicate things) but now that I'm 26 weeks pregnant and not sleeping well at all, my FMS is acting up. Even when I do get sleep, it's restless sleep and I never get to that important deep level of rest which is when your body rebuilds or restrengthens itself daily. I am having MAJOR muscle spasms in my back which bring me to my knees some days. It sucks!!! But I'm dealing with it until the baby is born and I can get back on track with taking something to help me sleep (something strong that is). GOODLUCK!!!!

Razzle- what is the daily recommended dose for magnesium and malic acid? I'm new to the Fibro & could ask this on that board but since the topic came up.....

Nanners-I can tell you the tramadol (ultracet) for pain works soooo much better for me than the percocet. My rheumy told me that the percocet isn't as effective. I know it's nice not being "stoned" all the time from the percocet. He is also considering Cymbalta for me which is used for diabetic nerve pain in the feet as well as depression. I'm sure I'll have to take it at night cause I would be a terrible drug addict. If I took it in the day...somebody would have to wipe the drool off my desk!

I do know that long therapies of steriods can cause muscle atrophy (spelling? muscle wasting) over time. I would assume this is true for prednisone as well. I believe fibro is a result of the prednisone for us crohnnies not neccessary a secondary disease because we have crohns...IMHO.

Broomhilda wish I could take the Tramadol but that stuff really upsets my stomach. I am one of those Crohnies with very sensitive stomach.

I would like to hear more about the Malic Acid/Magnesium dosages others are taking. How much of each?

Here's a connection I found. Since getting well again from following an antifungal diet, I am a big believer in fungus being a cause of a lot of our problems. I guess you'd need to read it and decide for yourself.

http://www.candidafree.net/resource_40.htm

Kim

That's great info, Razzle. Thanks.

Don't have Fribro but a product I came across a few months ago at a trade show was designed specifically for someone who does. My wife and I as well as many of our friends and family now use it as a safe alternative to pain meds for just about any pain/ache.

Muscle Mist from www.aromasensations.com

Other suggestions would be their Lavender and Ylang to help fall asleep and stay asleep.

Also recommend EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) from www.emofree.com, www.tapping.com & www.tryitoneverything.com for, as the web site name suggests, just about any/everything. It's free, self-administered in minutes, has no side effects & it really works. Who could ask for more?