Brand Spanking New

Hi Everyone! I'm SignaturePink and I want to introduce myself. I've been navigating through the threads and then today I made a decision that its time to join. What a great and wonderful, empathizing community! A little about me:

I started having chest pains and left arm pain accompanied by difficulty breathing and a flu like feeling beginning in 2009. It lasted for three months. Then in 2010 and 2011, same symptoms surfaced with some numbing in fingers and my wrists and forearms felt so achy. Most recently, now 2012, the flare up surfaced following an intense workout. I came home and had trouble breathing. The next day my doc diagnosed me with and upper respiratory infection. Trouble breathing lasted for 3 weeks and then I began having chest pains that radiated to my back, leg and foot aches, stiff achy neck...pretty much the entire left side. Now the pain has gravitated to my right hand, wrist, foot and ribs. The irony is that my CRP level has been above normal range...ranged from 16 (consistently w/o the flair for nearly 2 months) to now 50. I am convinced I have an underlaying inflammation perhaps in an organ, and I have co-morbid fibromyalgia dx. I have had anal fissures that bleed and are so painful during bowel movements....so painful that my vaginal wall hurts at times. So perhaps the inflammation resides in my digestive area. I notice that most of the community has many diagnosis. I presently have polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism and Epstein Barr Virus. However, all of my levels via blood work are stable so we know its not a thyroid issue, etc. The only symptoms I have are the ones above.

I have been to most "ologists" and no heart issues, neurology nor lung issues. I have a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy scheduled in May and I'm due to see a rheumy at Mayo in May also. I am so fearful that I will have to live with this and not knowing what I have. I've been to 18 doctors and specialists and all are stumped. My present doc has tested me for Valley Fever, Lyme...you name it. I'm hoping that Mayo will give me an answer. Any experiences of good results at Mayo?

Last question, do you think it sounds like I have fibro symptoms. Thanks for your help in advance.

SignaturePink

Hello, Signature Pink,

Welcome! You certainly do have a lot going on, a lot that sounds like no fun to deal with. I'm glad you found us, because as you said, we are a very empathizing community, and always glad to have new members (not as in glad you have to be here, but - well, I'm sure you understand!)

You know, people's Fibro symptoms are so all over the board, I don't feel qualified to tell you whether or not your symptoms match. But you are suffering from widespread pain, and I believe that's the most universal one. You've probably already checked out the "Fibro 101" thread, but if not, it's very enlightening. Chest pain is there, as well as a flu-like feeling, numbness, stiffness...to me it sounds very plausible.

Through my many years with Fibro, probably 95% of my pain has also been on my left side, which used to mystify me. I just had surgery for a ruptured disc on that side, so it finally makes sense.

Can you tell me what your "co-morbid Fibro dx" means? That's something I've never heard of. Good luck with your appt at the Mayo. I've heard great things about it.

Debbie

Hello Signature Pink

Do you know which method was used to test you for Lyme disease. It appears that all the tests currently employed are known for being inaccurate. You may wish to read this: http://www.canlyme.com/labtests.html

Also here is the story of a woman who's tests were negative for Lyme's. http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/lyme-disease-support-forums/general-support/3599595-my-lyme-disease-story-2012

Take care...

Hi Packrat,

I had the western Blot Reflex done. I read forum and lab test information. What can I do to make sure it isn't Lyme? Do you struggle with Lyme Disease? What was it about my symptoms that made you feel it could be Lyme's? Thank you for your info and input. Greatly appreciated!

SignaturePink

Thank you Kimliz59! I will take a look at both of those areas. You're the best!

Hi, SignaturePink, and welcome!  I'm so glad you decided to join the family!  Did you have tests to rule out heart problems?  Having chest pain with pain down  your arm really needs to be addressed.  When I developed heart palpatations, my doctor gave me an electorocardiogram, and echocardiogram, an untrasound of my heart, checked the carotid arteries, and had me wear a monitor for 24 hours...just to make sure everything was fine.  It was.  So, I hope your doctor has been thorough, too.

 

I have had vaginal fistulas but I also have Crohn's disease.  You don't get fistulas for no reason.  Have you seen a gastroenterologist to rule out digestive diseases?  These are inflammatory and could be causing your tests to be high, too. 

 

Fibro isn't an inflammatory illness.  I have high levels of inflammation in my body so they went on a hunt to see what was causing it...since my Crohn's is under control.  It turned out I have arthritis in my neck and lower spine and possibly an illness called ankylosing spondylitls.  It's just too easy to put your aches and pains under the heading of fibro!  So, please get checked out thoroughly.  I'm really glad you are seeing a rheumy and also going to the Mayo Clinic.  They should be able to find what is going on with  you.

 

Feeling like you have the flu is very common with fibro.  multiple aches, pains, tingling, burning, buzzing....weird stuff....happens with fibro.  It happens in all four quandrants of your body...from head to toe.  Neat, huh? 

 

I see that Debbie directed you to Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  Do read that.  There is a wealth of info in there and you will learn a lot about fibro and this could help you, too.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine