What is causing this in all of us?

From what I have researched it seems that doctors are still trying to figure it out, but there has been research to suggest that it has to do with our pain receptors transmitting to the brain, "pain magnification".

I just wanted to share my story of how I got diagnosed with it. At 23 I got my tonsils taken out, it was an awful experience and it took a huge toll on my body. 3 months later I got a bad case of swine flu (I reacted horribly to tamiflu)...followed by months of secondary respiratory infections, colds, throat infections, and bronchitis. Also while my health was poor 2 months after I had had swine flu, I started to get panic attacks and was diagnosed with with an anxiety disorder with panic attacks and eventually post traumatic stress disorder (stemming from childhood trauma). I was in bad health and having to deal with coping with panic attacks - going out in public, learning to relearn how to go on a bus. Learning mediation, positive self-talk, and trying to understand how this all happened to me. Before I was easy going, social, happy....I wasnt perfect of course, but it was a real change. Things started to improve thanks to my doctor and therapist and personal determination to do everything I was told. I was then set back again, in the hospital, with possible appendicitis....although they didnt take it out. Then a month later I got an IUD inserted (I have endometriosis) and I went into shock...although I will say the IUD is great aside from the insertion. I am 25 now and 3 months ago I was told I had fibromyalgia. It was a relief in some ways. I knew something wasn't right. I had just constantly thought I "almost" getting sick, with the body pain, fatigue, or it was medication side affects. Again, it is another hard adjustment I am a competitive athlete and I still continue to play. I struggle with this. I know it makes the pain worse, but I love it. Its my passion.

Basically, the reason I am telling my story is.....we as humans can endure much more than we realize. During these two years of illness I wrote my MA thesis and I am going on to do a Ph.D. Yes it takes me longer to write than my colleagues....most of my thesis was written lying down, but I did it! I missed out on a lot of social activity, but I can only move forward and do what I am able to. I guess my advice is to use all the resources possible to you....don't believe in mediation? Why not try it? Of course, I worry about some things. What will happen with I have children? I morn over the loss of aspects of my life prior to all of this. I will constantly fight with playing sports. I believe us with fibromyalgia walk a fine line, a line we have to constantly check and negotiate with. I know that if I play two softball games, I will hurt for three days and it will affect my emotional well-being, but while I'm out on the field that doesn't matter. Its a choice I make and deal with the days to come.

I hope that this forum will help me cope with my health, as well as offer my knowledge and experience.

Thank you for listening.

Andrea,

I was DX'd with Fibro about 6 years ago (symptoms started about 10 years ago). I can't recall any event that could have triggered it. One thing that is common to my personality is the workaholic and perfectionist I used to be.

I consider myself high functioning. This doesn't mean I don't get flares or have bad days, and I still feel pain every day, although compared to being in bed for almost a year when it first started, I would say it's manageable now. My biggest problem is I haven't learned to pace myself, I go crazy on days I feel good, and always pay for it later, whether it's the next day or next week.

As for medications, I've been on more than I can count. Currently I only take tramadol as needed. Lately I have had more bad days, but it could be because the Michigan winter is finally over and it's nice outside and I want to do more than I should. I agree with all the comments about exercise, walking is my best friend, mostly for the reason that mentally and emotionally I feel better for doing it.

My theory still remains on a physical trauma that cascaded through the years. After my severe car accident *ex fell asleep at the wheel going 100km+ right into the medium*, my tonsils started acting funny. After my tonsils, my bowels, after my bowels, my sleep and nerves, and after that..BAM...constant pain. It did not help that I also suffered through 9 months with horrendous and inconsiderate roommates while in school, and emotional trauma from 'supposed best friends/friends'. I ended up in counseling for both! Unfortunately I've had little to no success with just taking Ibuprofin or Tylenol and feel like I'm on tons of meds; lyrica, cymbalta, cesamet, marcain injections into my back and neck, and even on those drugs, there are days where I just can't get any relief.

One thing of note for me however is how well my body has been responding to Yoga and Cycling:) I came home from work today in so much pain, did some 'bedroom yoga', and now I'm feeling a little better:)

The one frustration I have with fibro is what's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. So you guys can all be telling me how great one thing is, but said body won't accept it:( I wouldn't be surprised in any way if this condition had a viral component that could mutate and leave one person less debilitated and another person more.