Newly diagnosed... I think???

I was given a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia at my annual physical a few weeks ago, after my doctor telling me that he’s long suspected that I have it. The thing is, he just seemed so nonchalant about it. No tests or anything, although several months ago I did have an MRI confirming extensive arthritis throughout my back, a couple bulging discs, and a probable pinched nerve. Not that I don’t believe the fibromyalgia diagnosis, it would explain a lot of my other strange symptoms. I’m just surprised that he sprung a diagnosis on me like that.

I’ve been on and off Cymbalta for several years now, off of it due to two pregnancies, and most recently I was off it because my insurance didn’t cover brand name drugs so I was switched to Effexor. Now that Cymbalta is available as generic I have been able to go back on, and that’s what prompted the recent visit to my PCP. I had initially been put on Cymbalta years ago because of a myriad of symptoms: general pain, back pain, lack of energy, numbness/tingling, hot spots, IBS/chronic pelvic pain, constant stiff necks, feeling of bugs crawling on me, etc. But my PCP (a different one) at the time made it sound like my symptoms were more anxiety related. I do remember her specifically saying that the medication she was giving me helps fibromyalgia patients, but she never gave me that diagnosis. I remember thinking there was no way this medication was going to help me, but sure enough within a few weeks my physical symptoms were nearly gone, and my anxiety greatly improved. Fast forward to a year ago, I had to switch health insurance to a plan that doesn’t cover brand name drugs, so I switched to Effexor for what I thought was just anxiety. But over this past year my body felt like it aged 30 years. Week by week I felt like I was deteriorating, mainly due to my back and hip pain. I’ve always had back problems, but I was to the point where I couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes. I finally ended up at the chiropractor and got the back pain somewhat under control, but still suffering. I finally concluded myself that the Cymbalta must have been helping with my back pain, so as soon as I found out about it being generic I made an appointment with my doctor to talk about switching back. That’s when he gave me the fibromyalgia diagnosis. I’m so glad to be back on the Cymbalta. I swear, just a few days and there has been a significant improvement. I’m still hurting, but I feel like a different person.

I guess I would just like to have a more concrete diagnosis. But, if the Cymbalta helps me, does it even matter? From my brief research online it seems there really isn’t too much that can be done other than managing the symptoms. On the other hand, I don’t want to go around thinking I have an illness that maybe I don’t really have. Thoughts anyone? Has anyone else had a diagnosis with no testing?

Fibro diagnosis is usually done by ruling out other conditions through bloodwork. So, if nothing more serious has been found over the years, then welcome to the FMS club!

Glad to hear Cymbalta has helped for you.

Hi, MommytoJandO and momma J. Welcome to the forum.

There is no blood test for Fibro, it's a process of elimination, as Myself said. Docs are thinking these days that Fibro is primarily a neurological/central nervous system disfunction....there's a link about this in "Fibro 101," first thread on the list. I always think it helps (somewhat) to understand...it doesn't take the problems away, of course, but makes them easier to live with.

If Cymbalta helps, go for it! We are all very different in what helps us. I am on Gabapentin, which helps my nerve pain, and a few other things I'd rather not be, but that's another loong story...

I hope you'll both keep posting, because we're here to help. Good luck!

Debbie

Hi, Mommy, and welcome! Many of the same symptoms is shared with other illnesses...things like RA, lupus, MS, and Lyme disease. We should be run through a lot of tests to rule out these other illnesses before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is given. There are things you can do to help with the other illnesses but not a lot for fibro plus there is no good test for fibro to see if you have it. It is a diagnosis of elimination. So, I would be wondering, too.

Just like Hopeful...if changing her diet took care of her symptoms, she most likely had some food intolerances which can cause a lot of the same symptoms. As Debbie alluded to, fibro is thought to be a neurological problems...not a gut problem. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try what Hopeful suggested, though. You just never know! By the way...Hopeful, I'm so glad you found what has really helped you! That's wonderful news.

If you go to Fibro 101, there is an interview with one of the leading doctors studying fibro and he explains what they think is causing this illness. There are a lot of wonderful links about fibromyalgia and you will learn a lot there. Good starting links would be Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. Also another good one is Doctors Respond to New York Times Article.

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