confusion of conditions

Hi! I have the same problem and even think i asked the same thing on here before. Sometimes you do not know. The problem a lot of us have is blaming everything on the fibro. At least I was. My cardiologist said if in doubt, have it checked by a dr. When my arm hurts and/or chest pain, i am to go to the er as i have a history of heart attack. When i have a new symptom, i usually start with my primary dr and go on her recommendation on where to look next, if she can not help me. One of the reasons i start there is also because specialists look at and treat the symptoms from thier specialty point of view. Your primary care is more likely look at all the symptoms and know which specialist should be seen.

This is how i look at it.

 

Fibro does have symptoms that do mimic some autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Fibro does not cause any inflammation to the muscles joints or any other tissue. If my RA is flaring, my joints are swollen, feel warm and look red.
I have heart disease and monitor my blood pressure on a regular basis...I know when my stress levels are high my blood pressure will go up. Doing deep breathing exercise helps get it back down. Eating right helps with proper nutrition and that makes me feel better.

Medications are sometimes necessary and we need to be responsible for reporting side effects and any new symptoms that pop up. Doctors should do routine bloodwork if you are on any med that could raise liver enzymes or have any adverse effect on any organs. My bloodwork is checked often and that helps relieve some anxiety. Stress makes things worse.

Acceptance of my conditions has helped with the anxiety. I try not to worry about the things I cannot control and focus on what will help me...doing what I can to help myself has given me some control and that has brought my anxiety level down too. I'm also blessed because I have a great team of specialists that I know are working hard to keep me going.

Keeping our stress levels down will benefit all conditions. Getting plenty of sleep does help with pain and fatigue...exercise helps energize us and gets rid of stress. Our mind is a powerful tool when I become stressed, I take time to relax and talk myself down.

Try not to worry...if there is something you can do to make things better...do it :) Be gentle with yourself and do something you enjoy everyday...it really helps take the focus off the crummy stuff :)

We do understand...keep posting...we care!

Hugs, Robin

Hi Tearsong,

Having so many illnesses makes it so difficult to know what it what. I agree with doing something fun everyday. Go easy on yourself and take life one day at a time. It relieves a lot of anxiety. Take care and do keep posting. Incase I haven't said it yet, welcome to the forum.

Hugs, Karen

I blame everything on my lupus. :)

I usually tell my rheumy and he tells me who could treat it for me.