I'm new.

Hello.

I just got back from my apt with the rheumy.  He says he is convinced it is Fibro.  I was surprised, but grateful to have talked to him and found out that I am not going crazy!  So many little aches and pains, some intense, some just annoying.  The symptoms have definately flared up since a miscarriage last month, which is what prompted me to push my MD for a referral.  The worst is the neck pain, upper back tension, lower back pain. The feet aren't too good either, nor the hips.  LOL _ It's easier to just mention what doesn't ache. My elbows are pretty good!  So now I have a prescription for amitryptoline, so I am hoping that will help with the trouble sleeping.  The rheumy was surprised that it took me so long to go see him, since many of my symptoms began so many years ago.  In hindsight, I agree, but going through it, no one ever stopped to put my various complaints together. I would see my doc about the neck pain one month, the next about this constant hip pain. Another trip for the pains and numbness in my hands. Not until I wrote down a list of all 30 symptoms and presented it to him did he really think about them all being connected.  Well, that's about it. Just wanted to say hi.  And share my story.  I am staying upbeat about this for the most part. Relieved to have a diagnosis.  And feeling fortunate that so far my pain isn't as bad as some people have it.  And feeling happy that I can go to forums like this and find compassion and understanding, because it seems so hard to find it among well-meaning but clueless friends and family!!

Hi Jamies.mom,

I also had symptoms for about 10 years, but didn't get a conclusive diagnosis from a rheumy until about 4 years ago. The flares, the uncertainy, the pains---it's like my body is schizophrenic! Luckily I've been on pain meds for an unrelated condition which, of course, is helping the fibro pain.

Exercise is crucial. I walk every day...if I don't, all the muscles in my legs and hips seem to seize up in spasms. I also work out with free weights. The BEST exercise IMO is swimming---and I don't mean it needs to be "real" swimming--the best I can do is a mean dog paddle and that works just fine.

Yankee girl

Thanks for the welcomes. Yes, I am lucky my pain is not worse. I can walk, after a few limping steps to get me going. It does hurt a lot, but I have been coping with it for a wile so I am getting better at not disturbing it too much. It is hard with the two girls, as my three year old has a loud sharp voice, and I am afraid I am very sound sensitive. So now I have to work on getting her to speak quieter. But at elast now I know why I have been losing my temper with her so much lately, and now I can work on getting better control over it.