Could this be fibro?

Hello,
I think I may have fibromyalgia. I am 36, other than severe degenerative disc disease between l5 and s1 I am healthy. I have these tender spots located on my abdomen, thighs, upper arms and right at the elbow crease on the inside of my arm. They feel like little bruises on the muscle wall. They are very specific in place, and when I find that "spot" it hurts! Bad nerve or bruise pain. I do suffer from ibs (oops forgot that) and I feel like I stay tired most of the time. Fatique comes and goes. I do have headaches some lead to migraines. I have now noticed that I am having some pin pricks all over (single pricks). The tender spots don't go away has for a long time. I can't see a specialist until may... He is booked. My gastro md said it sounds like it. I have had a ct with contrast, ultrasound and upper gi all negative. Thanks for your input!!
Karen

Hi Karen!

And welcome to the Fibro Family! This is a wonderfully caring place for those of us with fibro or even it you haven't been diagnosed you can get some great ideas and a dose of compassion on the side. I agree with Debbie, your symptoms do coincide with fibro. As long as your doctors are eliminating other things that have similar symptoms then you can be pretty sure your diagnosis is a good one.

What type of specialist are you going to see? A rheumatologist is the one who usually either diagnoses or confirms fibro. My PCP was sure that's what I had but he sent me to a rheumy to confirm. I'm guessing part of this might be for insurance reasons and part because he's a great doc and wants to make sure he has it right.

It's hard to wait when all you want is to know what's going on, but at least fibro isn't life threatening. Delaying won't cause your body any harm but it might delay some treatment that would make your pain less intense.

Have you read the Fibro 101 topic at the top of the list? It has great information on lots of topic related to fibro and in there you can find an article on how fibro is diagnosed. Give it a read and see what you think. But I must say you're following right along with what most of us have felt at one time or another.

Be gentle on yourself, keep those muscles warm and don't over do it. Keep moving but no running any marathons or working in the yard for 8 hours straight. These things will serve to increase your pain and we certainly don't need that. Pace your activities and then rest. None of us like doing it that way but it sure does improve our quality of life.

Keep in touch!
Chutz