Is this fibro pain?

I'm new here, and have not even been diagnosed--I see my rheumy on Monday.

I have a question regarding the pain that comes along with this diagnosis...my worst pain is about six inches under each armpit, where it burns and feels swollen, and then down the outer side of each breast, where the burning is especially bad.  (I've had a mammogram within the last month that came back clear). 

This feeling extends across my upper back, and in addition I have pain at my waist, which is worst right at the sides, with the burning and pain sometimes extending to the front, a little under my belly button.  I also have a burning pain on my bottom and the back of my upper thighs when I sit. 

Sometimes it even affects the cheeks on my face, or even my scalp.  I also sometimes have abdominal pain (I've just had upper and lower endoscopies, plus a gyno exam, which all came back normal.) 

My pain doesn't throb, but tends to be steady.  Does this sound like the pain anyone else has? Thanks in advance for any info/comments/advice!

Thanks for sharing your pain experience, Sherrine.  I'm glad that I already have a fifteen year relationship with my rheumy (she deals with my RA), because she knows I don't go to the doctor unless something is really wrong, so I know she'll take me seriously. 

Will post tomorrow to share how the visit went...thanks so much!

If anyone else wishes to share their fibro pain experiences, please do...

Hi, ctbs929~

Thank you for responding, for sharing your symptoms, and for the well-wishes!

Your pain sounds awful!  So, you've been to a doctor, and s/he didn't take you seriously?!  What an awful feeling, and one that I know many here have experienced.

Actually, your pain sounds more like what I've read about fibromyalgia than mine does--I have more of the burning and feeling swollen, and not the knots and cramps and shooting pains that you describe.

Do you have a visit scheduled with another doctor?  Did you see a rheumatologist?  If you have insurance, will they pay for a visit to a specialist without a referral?  It really sounds like you need medical attention, and don't ever let anyone tell you it's all in your head.

I will post the results of my visit, and I hope you keep in touch with what's happening with you--I'm truly interested.  Take care!

ctbs929~

Wow, that's a lot on your plate--finishing school and starting a job with all you've got going on physically.  Glad you liked "my" quote--I try to live by it, too, though sometimes more successfully than others!

I hope you get to a doctor as soon as you get insurance, and that it's one who takes your symptoms seriously.  What is up with the physicians you saw both referring you to a psychiatrist?!  That had to be so disheartening, but don't give up.

I try to view the adversities I face as learning opportunities, and I think some of the physical challenges I've had to deal with have made me a more empathetic person.  That being said, it would be nice if the bad stuff went away once the lesson is learned!

Good luck with school, and with finding out what is going on with you physically.  One thing I've found helpful is keeping a dated log of symptoms/new developments--it can sometimes be useful to a doctor, especially if they ask how long something has been going on, and it can show a progression.  I'm always sure to include anything that may have affected my symptoms--a change in diet, extra stress, lack of sleep, etc.  Best of luck to you!

Sometimes I think the only "benefit" of getting worse physically is that it may make it easier for the right doctor to diagnose the problem.

You have a great attitude, and will make a great nurse!