How did your Fibromyalgia start?

I believe mine started when I fell off a horse when I was very young. I have also had several other things that could have helped it along but I have been in pain for as long as I can remember.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Mine started August 09 when I was put in the hospital with chest pain and panic attacks was sent home with no diagnosis. Then in Oct of 09 i started having leg/hip pain, twitching and burning and could not sleep at all...My doc at that time said it was not fibromyalgia. Finally, I was sent to a Rheumatologist and she diagnosed me with fibro.

Mine started 4 years ago. My first symptom was sudden numbness and tingling in my left arm. Went to the ER and they thought it was a pinched nerve. Went for Physical Therapy and they wouldn't treat me without confirmation of it being a pinched nerve. Had an MRI, no pinched nerve. Went for an EMG, it was fine. Right after the EMG numbness and tingling began in my leg (like literally within hours). Went for a brain scan it was fine. Began being treated by a holistic/chiropractor. Things continued to get worse, chest pain, heart issues - heart checked out and cardiologist wanted to dx me with panic disorder but my PCP didn't believe it. Then came on the anxiety, acid relux, ibs, loss of appetite, pain everywhere, foggy head. Saw 2 neurologists, after already seeing a peripheral nerve specialist. Tested for all autoimmune, lyme, rare family diseases, basically 10 blood tests every week for 2 months - even genetic testing! Finally one day my brother poked my back and I screamed bloody murder. Went to my Dr the next day for the exam and she diagnosed it but sent me to a rheumatologist for official dx - in total from beginning of symptoms to dx it took 8 months. The onset of my symptoms were so close together and some so severe, they believe it was a virus that caused my onset.

Can't tell you when it started. Not even sure it's what I have. My doctors tell me that I've abused my joints over the years and there's nothing that can be done but to take meds for the pain. Looking for a new doctor but that's not so easy. Been unemployeed for 2 yrs. and not everyone takes my husbands insurance. My sister said that she thought I had it about 4 yrs. ago so I started looking into it. I do have hypothyroid. I have read that they can some times go together. I am 51 yrs. and have been told I have tennis elbow in both elbows and carpal tunnel in both wrists by a rhemotoid doctor after about a 5 minute exam. lol Besides that my neck, knees, ankles and upper and lower back are painful. I also have numbness of my pinky finger part of ring finger and side of hand to my wrist. I think it comes from my elbow. Right now my right knee is very painful when I get up from sitting and only get a little better when I walk.  I don't have time to sit and relax much, my mother in law is in the last stage of dementia and I am up and down the stairs caring for her. What is the best over the counter meds for pain if any. I have been taking advil but it is not even touching the pain now. I am tired all the time and my mood swings can be bad at times. Mostly 3 weeks prior to my peroid until after. Just wanted to vent and see what others think. Thanks

Thank you very much. I going to get asap.

Runckle, I was watching television when I was hit with this illness.  I had no trauma, no virus, no accident, no surgery, no nothing!  Like you, Boom!, I went to being healthy to being in extreme pain...in a 45 minute period.  This is part of the problem with fibro.  People remember when it started but there are various reasons.  Plus, what works for one for pain doesn't necessarily work for another.  It's so confusing, not only to us but also to the doctors studying this illness.  The most advanced studies are now leaning towards this being a neurological illness.  I hope they find the cause soon.  At least they are looking now!  For years, this wan't considered an illness. 

 

Sherrine

Mine came on like a ton of bricks as well. Everything was fine. Then, my best friend died. Shortly after, the love of my life died. I was living in the Pacific NorthWest. It was cold, damp, horrible... My car broke down. I was walking to the bus stop when a sharp shooting pain jolted up my right leg and into my lower back, sending me to the sidewalk. I just laid like that in the rain for a very long time until a man picked me up. I'm just thankful he was a soccer-dad and not a serial killer/rapist! I couldn't use the bathroom for three days. I couldn't move. I went to the emergency room three times - and they prescribed anti-biotics (Doctors can be really stupid/careless). It took me nearly 8 months, losing my whole house, all my furniture/antiques, using up all my savings on rent, moving into my car, driving down the coast to get away from the damp climate, living in the woods for a month, and then living in a hostel, etc. before I was ever able to get a diagnosis. It's actually a much longer, more horrible story than this... but I think I'll save it for the book! ;P

Mine seemed to come on gradually, starting in high school...then with each of my 3 pregnancies came more symptoms. I really started seeking answers after my last child was born and I was on the floor in tears every night with back pain. Finally found a decent doctor who diagnosed me about 1992.

Debbie

I think my fibro started in relation to my Crohns. My oldest daughter also suffers with Fibro, and she thinks a rollover crash she was in in her teens is what triggered hers. She is on Savella now, and finding alot of relief from it. Mine isn't as bad as hers, but I am pretty careful on what I do, so as not to trigger it. Hugs!

You know, Nanners, I have Crohn's too and it never occured to me that there could be a relationship there!  I had problems with Crohn's for over a decade before fibro hit but two years after fibro, I ended up having major surgery because of the Crohn's.  Hmmm....you just might be on to something.  I could never figure out what happened!

 

Sherrine

Im in the process of getting it officially diagnosed. I want paper work.ive been having issues with my docotr for over 10 years. Ive gone to an arthritis specialist 10 years ago and he said i had the arly signs of it.I have fought it for so long,having foggy head,pms anxiety,pain chest arm ,wrist, pain. Im having a heck of a time grooming now,im going to have troubles this Christmas i know that for a fact.
Iv had tender points,soft tissue ,painrestless nights for years,dont sleep all night. Im having consant pain in my right side of the shouldermpain down the arm in my left breast. Both sides hurt but my left sides the worst. I want to be fully diagnosed,so id get some help for it.If its something ,i want/need to know so i do waht i can and not diagnose myself all the time!
I need a doctor to help me, so far mine wont!!!!

My fibromyalgia started in 2007. I was working for the City of Livingston (Montana). I drove a 15 passenger van taking senior citizens and disabled people to and from their desired destinations. I had parked the van, got everybody out and I was still standing inside the van. The only thing bigger then me was a motor home parked in front of me. I had given it sufficient space to back up and leave, but obviously they didn't think so. The driver backed up into the bus. At this rate it was not a huge impact by any means, but it caused the fibromyalgia.

Note to Vannie: This works for me it might work for you. The burning and swelling pain caused by the fibro...I use MSM cream, which can be bought at a health food store or online and it takes that pain away in seconds! I get the pinky and skin pain you talking about. I just gave a bottle to my aunt, she couldn't believe how fast it worked! She went online and bought 5 bottles!