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Fibro and MS?

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Posted 2/10/2013 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Has anyone been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and then later been dx with MS? I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about a year ago and I am starting to have neurological symptoms: tingling, severe numbness/cramping, electrical feeling, dizzy spells, a bit of a foot drop, etc. My GP referred me to a neurologist regarding "altered sensations" and "loss of balance," which I know are both common with MS. I'm having trouble getting any appointment at the neurologist office and I'm starting to get worried.
I'm just wondering if this is common or if anyone has had the same fears or experiences. Thank you.
Posted 2/10/2013 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi womanimal,

Welcome to the forum! I tested negative for MS during their search for Fibro and it is because many symptoms present in Fibro can mimic neurological diseases....quite honestly, everything you mentioned above, I experience with the fibromyalgia.

Don't get desperate and keep your head up, I know its hard, but right now you just need to make that appt and speak to the neurologist so they can rule out neurological issues. I understand sometimes the wait can be long, if possible, research other good neurologists in your area. We have all experienced the fear and anxiety you describe, but stay positive and strong.

Please update us!! Xoxo
Posted 2/10/2013 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Shygal - thanks for your input.
I'm not desperate..It just frightens me that my vision is affected.. I never thought that possible with fibro.

It also complicates things that I just went to see a vascular specialist for my ankle edema. I'm having trouble telling if the leg numbness is neurological or related to the vascular troubles.
Posted 2/10/2013 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it's possible to have both. I hang on a MS forum too, some symptoms are similar. I learn a lot there too. It's called optic neuritis in the MS world.


And like getting a fibro dx, it can take a long time and many tests to nail the MS dx.
Posted 2/10/2013 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Womanimal.

It is scary, wondering what could be causing what.

I have vision problems, too, even though they tell me my eyes are great. Lots of problems looking at patterns, lines in the road, certain colors of writing on certain other colors (?) They all make me so dizzy.

Could you have a disc problem? That's what causes me a ton of numbness and tingling in my foot and leg.

Debbie
Posted 2/10/2013 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't been diagnosed with MS, but my neurologist 'thought' at first that I might have it, and said there is definitely something else going on besides the fibro. He said my reflexes are "sloppy" and asked me if I had always "been klutzy." Tests so far are inconclusive and I was told it was a 'wait and see if anything happens' "diagnosis." So far, so good, and it's been about 8 years. I can't tell the difference between the fibro flares and whatever else is going on.

The most educated guess per the neurologist is that I may have mild cerebral palsy--and may have always had it. This was shocking to learn, being over 45 years old!!

Best wishes and hope you get some answers soon.

Posted 2/11/2013 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Debbie... No one has ever mentioned a disc problem. Is your numbness all over? I have the same type of vision troubles. I have 20/20 vision but it seems my depth perception is off and at times things don't appear the way they should.

Luvzminis... I have the same problems with my doctors. They mention things and then never bring it up again, which is frightening. I have also "been klutzy".. But it seems its getting worse lately. Like when I go to even speak sometimes my words get jumbled and some involuntary movements happening..
Thank you for sharing.. Good luck to you too.
Posted 2/11/2013 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Try to see an MS specialist. Also, if you are currently experiencing vision issues, see an ophthalmologist, not an optometrist. If it is Optic Neuritis an ophthalmologist can often see the nerve damage on the optic nerve. Optic neuritis is often an indicator of MS.

I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.
Posted 2/11/2013 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Gretchen. It does help. When I went to see my GP, he was particularly worried about my eyes. I told him about my perception being off, but he said if I lose vision or have eye pain at any point that I need to tell the neurologist when I see him (eventually..). I mean I get headaches right on my occipital bone but I don't know how relevant that is...

Good luck to you too.
Posted 2/16/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I have both. Fibro first and years later MS. Could have been MS from the beginning. Get additional tests done in a few years. Dont assume its only fibro.
Posted 2/16/2013 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
See an opthmalogist. Optic neuritis needs to be treated. Its not a wait and see for that.
Posted 2/16/2013 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reassurance. Sometimes I just feel like I'm being ridiculous when I go to the doctor. I should be in pain, that's what this condition is about. But when the pain feels abnormal (like with the muscle tremors) I get concerned .
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