I don't know what to do :(

Hi, I am 18 years old and since the beginning of January I have had immense pain in my hips, legs, ankles, back, shoulders, arms a wrists. I thought this was due to the flu I had but I still have all of these. I get tired really really quickly and my back is the worst thing going on. I can't concentrate at college and I can't sleep at night. I do feel like I want to cry because I can't be my full self anymore. If it is or sounds like Fibromyaglia how to I position this do my doctor? please help :(

LazyUnicornz xx

Thank you xx

Hi, Lazyunicornz,

I'm glad you found us...this is a wonderful place for support. We're all hurting, but when you have people who really understand in your corner, it's easier to bear it.

We have a thread, "Fibro 101," the first thread at the top of the list, that's a great wealth of helpful information. There a list of possible symptoms, "what else could ìt be?", an explanation of what doctors think is going on with us, things that can help (it varies a lot from person to person)....and lots more.

Good luck, and I hope you'll keep posting. We care!

Debbie

Hi, Lazyunicornz, and welcome! What you are describing does sound a lot like fibro. We do feel like we have the flu. I would suggest you see a board certified rheumatologist. They will run tests to rule out other possible illnesses, like lupus and Lyme disease, that have the same symptoms. There is no good test for fibro so it has to be done this way.

I'm able to manage my pain with ibuprofen, Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin. That REALLY helped my back pain and helps me sleep. I only take half of what was prescribed so I don't get the side effects. I also walk daily, do stretching exercises, and pace myself when doing things.

I know right now this is very upsetting but once you know what you are dealing with you will get the help you need. I've had a full and enjoyable life in spite of fibro so I think you will too, whether it's fibro or another illness, once you get in control of the pain.

You've been referred to Fibro 101. Good starting links for you would be Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. You just might see yourself there. There are links about the supplements I mentioned and how they work in the body. All of Fibro 101 is good so do check it out.

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

Thank you all, I shall keep you updated on this thread on how it goes for the doctors appointment finger crossed they can do something about it or at least make some progress rather than sending me home with paracetamol and rest xx

LazyUnicornz

Hi! I just saw your post. My daughter started to have the same symptoms after she had the flu as well. Her back was the worst. As it turns out she was diagnosed with RND (reflex nuerovascular distrophy). It is in the same class as fibromyalgia, but is different because that is how they diagnose it for children and young adults. Some doctors don't even know about this yet, but awareness of it is really growing. It is usually brought on by an injury or an illness. And it's the nerves misfiring on it's way to the brain. My daughter was having a very very difficult time, and it got worse as we were trying to find out what it was. Her pain got unbearable. We went to see our regular doctor, and she sent us to a pediatric rheumatologist. If you can still get into a pediatric rheumy, they are more likely to know about RND. It can take a while to get into a rheumatologist, so don't delay.

So what they have discovered is that when you are younger you can do something about what's happening with the fibro symptoms. There is no medicine that will help you feel better. Exercise is the medicine. Even though that seems crazy because it hurts so much. They put her in a physical and occupational therapy program. She did this 2-3 days a week and had things she had to do at home every day for about 6 weeks. They are retraining the brain that things that seem to hurt, really don't. She used vibrators on her arms and legs, and soft brushes scrubbing on her skin. Bowls of hot and cold water for her hands, all kinds of more physical exercises, etc. It's really tough, but releasing the endorphins from the exercise eventually tells the brain "this feels good". My daughter is just finishing her program and she feels so MUCH BETTER. I am not sure if this is what you have, but from what you describe, it's sounds the same. It's a pain problem. If you can get to the doctors, do it as soon as you can. Read up on RND. But don't be thrown off by the kids who have an injury and get it in one spot, or have it really concentrated in one area. It's the same thing, but shows in different ways. Maybe even bring some info on RND with you in case the doctor does not know about it.
For Emily, Noone and Lazy, all of you.
If you have any questions, please ask. Any of you that are young adults, look into RND. Finding out about it for my daughter has really saved her from a life of agony. I wish you well!

Emily, do you have any sensitivity in the sun, or a rash on your face? Check out the symptoms for lupus as well. I have that. I also have chosto...it's so painful! I feel it coming on strong today. Bummer.

No I don't have sensitivity or a rash, I thought I may have lupus at first and that's what lead to me to find out about fibro. Reading the list of symptoms was like a proper lightbulb moment. Chosto is the worst thing I swear. Had it for a whole night once, was too scared to sleep! I probably am deficient in a few vitamins and minerals because I don't eat any vegetables apart from potatoes and occasional tomatoes and lettuce :'). I'll order some magnesium and vitamins. I get migraine type headaches. Not a full blown migraine but enough to make me take a lie down in a dark room. If I'm not at work that is! Thanks for your comments xx

Annabananna, that is what I was just describing! My daughter just went through a similar program that was outpatient. It's RND. I know I keep telling people about it on here, but when children and young adults have the symptoms of fibro, they are finding that this is what it usually is. I just want to tell the world, because not many people know about it. Thank you for adding about this as well.