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Please make this just be Fibro...

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Posted 4/15/2009 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
I've written before and I could update there but I don't feel like. I also felt like just ranting/venting/complaining in a new thread. So here goes...

I haven't gone to the doctor yet because 1. In additional to having Fibro, I'm a hypochondriac and am terrified they'll find something wrong... 2. Refer to 1.

I was diagnoised officially with Fibro a few years ago but haven't really taken anything for it. I've had it since I was about 15. I'm 28 now. Lately I've been experiencing tingling, numb sensations in a specific spot in the middle of my back (right below my bra...basically my rib cage I guess.) There's pain as well and it's like it's "spreading"...I've been experiencing pain and stuff for past month or so. It's in my sides too and kind of numb and tingling in my legs and arms and fingers...toes sometimes too.

Well...me being the person that I am...I googled the symptoms and the first thing that came up was Bone Cancer. God help me...so now I'm even more terrified, paranoid, anxious...etc etc.

I'm hoping there's someone out there that can be another explanation for this and can calm me down enough so that I can actually go into the doctor and get this looked at. 

I also have IBS and possibly IC (though that hasn't exactly been confirmed). I currently do not have a GP or medical insurance so you can just imagine...

I don't exercise at all or sleep well...so I'm wondering if this is also playing a factor in my increased symptoms. I'm just totally freaked out. I had no business googling that stuff but when the C word came up well....UGHHH. My stomach has been hurting more lately and I'm just a complete mess.

Like I said, the pain is basically my rib cage...the back and the front...sometimes dull achiness to some cramps or pin prick sensations. I'm also experiencing some pin prick sensations in my legs and knees.

God...I'm just...*tries to calm down* I've never really liked doctors but my phobia of them has increased since my twin sister's death.

Anyway, I'm sorry to ramble on here. I'm hoping that someone can talk me out of the worst case scenario and into something much more logical...someone that actual has fibro. A few of my friends keep telling me it's probably just a really bad fibro flair up but I just don't know...I'd like to believe that of course.

I'm hoping I'm not the only one that jumps to illogical conclusions here.

Rachel

 

Posted 4/15/2009 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rachael!

And welcome to our family! I'm very glad you have decided to post and feel comfortable enough to share how you are feeling. You do sound frightened but you know what??? Everything you described I've heard or experienced myself as fibromyalgia. OK? If it was cancer then many other things would have shown up also. Please do go to your doctor and tell him/her about it but it would be extremely rare for it to be cancer of any kind.

Also, I would suggest you use a Pain Journal for a while. I did and it really helped me see when my pain was worse, what increased or decreased the pain and lots of other things about my fibro. Here's a link to a journal page you can copy. Print one out for each day and fill them out carefully. THEN...next trip to the doc take them along and ask him to review it. Do this for several months and it will help the doc to treat you more effectively.

If you need help or have more questions please just ask, or you can email me by clicking the little envelope under my name over there. <---

Hugs,
Chutzie
Posted 4/15/2009 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
I get that all the time. I have learned not to google symptoms anymore. I ended up with every disease there was listed. Its okay, have it checked if you think you should. : )
Posted 4/15/2009 2:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Rachel...my first suggestion is to never ever ever ever Google symptoms.  Doing that almost put me in the looney bin.  The worst case scenario always pops up first.  All of your symptoms are consistent with fibro...all of them.  I have every one of them that you mentioned and yes...I have thought about all kinds of horrible disease this could be.  I have 'numb' sensations everywhere...and tingling, crawling, pin prick...bee sting sensations...you name it.  My hips ache so badly I limp.  And I can't rotate my left shoulder.  By any chance do you have scoliosis?  I do and that causes the numb/tingling in my back because of my posture...right where the bra (if I wore one) would be.

I'm no doctor but I think this is just fibro.  Take a deep breath. I had a friend with bone C that didn't have any pain so you can't base it on that.

Huggies

Donna

Posted 4/15/2009 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, everyone! You've actually made me feel a little better. :) This Saturday, I'm going to get a massage from a friend of a friend. She's been in the field for about 20 years and I think that might help me. After that, I may see my Chiropractor. I currently do not have a GP but I'll have to get one soon. I had one a few years back and she was reallly nice but she quit her practice and I just haven't found another one because good doctors are hard to come by...plus there's my phobia of them.

Donna: As far as I know, I do not have Scoliosis. about 5 years ago, my Chiropractor took an x-ray of my back and said that posture was horrible (yeah tell me something I don't know) and that my spine is straight and that just shouldn't be.

Chutz: The pain journal is a good idea and something I think I'll start doing.

Baloo: After yesterday's 19th nervous upset, I don't think I'll ever google symptoms again. *shakes head*

I'll keep you all updated. A few months ago, I had these horrific tensions headaches every single day but that went away then there was the throat thing and that went away...so whatever this thing is probably will too. It's just...I think this is the absolute worst I've ever felt.

Rachel

Posted 4/15/2009 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I am glad you mention Scoliosis. I have that two, and I never think that is part of my pain.
Posted 4/15/2009 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Blueroses, and welcome.  I have scoliosis and have pain from it, too.  What you described sounds like it is fibro and maybe even costochondritis.  That causes the ribs and chest to be sore.  I can be painful but not life-threatening.

 

Check out the Fibro 101 thread...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibromyalgia, including a list of symptoms.  These are possible symptoms.  I have never met anyone that had all the symptoms.

 

I use ibuprofen with food and extra strength Tylenol for my pain and malic acid/magnesium supplements for pain and fatigue.  These have helped me keep the pain under control.  I haven't needed the more powerful meds so far and I hope I don't either.  (I've had fibro for 22 years.)  I do have chronic pain but have learned to control it and live a full and enjoyable life with fibro.  We can help you in that area, too.  So, try to relax. 

 

The best thing you can do is really find out what the problem is so you can take care of it instead of worrying about it.  I used to be just like you.  I would read symptoms and think I definitely had them and talked myself into many illnesses that, by the way, I NEVER had!  It's frightening and that is a miserable feeling.  Really, try not to have fear control you.  I know that's easier said than done but I have managed to beat that monster.  People are very strong and are able to adapt and continue to have a good life.  Once I escorted Fear to the door, I've felt sooo much better.  I still can have my bouts with anxiety but I recognize it now and kick it to the curb.  Focus on the good things in life and try not to focus on your health constantly.  But do see a good doctor and get a diagnosis.  I think you will feel 100% better!

 

Sherrine 

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