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Ok, so here's the "I think I have Fibro" post, but really- look at it.

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Posted 8/2/2011 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have suspected that I have Fibro for a few years now, but no official Dx.  I do have Dx for Bipolar, sleep disterbances, sleep apneia, anemia and RA. 

For about a year now I have had diffrent Drs poking at the "fibro points" to see if I jump.  I never knew what exactly was the reaction they were looking for.  "Does this hurt?"  "Yes, you are poking me."  "Does it hurt less than if I poke here?"  "No, that hurts too." Did they want me to jump off the exam table? Smack the hand away?  I am aware that exams hurt- and very often hurt more and more the rest of the day as the irritation of being poked and manipulated continues.

Anyway, back to "I think I have Fibro." I see a psychologist who deals with chronic pain patients once a week as a condition to participate in my pain management clinic.  She is convinced that I have Fibro.  But she can't Dx.

I'm not sure which of the drs I should up and ask to have the formal elimination tests started with. 

My PCP?  I think he is starting to think I am a hypocontriac (sp?).  I went to him depressed, and ended up with Bipolar. I went to him with sore elbow and knuckles and ended up with RA.  I went to him saying that i take a lot of motrin, antacidiminophen (sp) and the vicodin on any occasion that I don't need to drive.  His idea was to take less motrin and loose weight and I will have less pain.  I ended up with a pain clinic on stronger pain meds.

My Rheumatologist? I never know what to do there.  I actually just switched from on to another and had the first visit last time.  I see her next in 3 weeks.  She treats my RA.

My pain managemet dr?  He really does a good job dealing with the different Dx and working around the interfearance that my bipolar and bipolar meds have on pain meds.  he was one that poked at me last time.

I went to the fibro 101 list.  I'll list the #'s of what I had on the symptoms list: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 17, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 41, 42, 45, 51, 53, 54, 59.  See, I am really screwed up.

The pain feels like I should be black and blue all over.  Like someone hit me all over lightly with a 1" stick lots and lots of times.

Anyway, had to get it all out.  I hang around the chronic pain page, but I'll check back to see what you all have to say, and let you know how it goes.

 

Posted 8/3/2011 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like it may very well be fibro. I have been living with fibro for 10 years and I basically had to sit with my general doctor and go through all of the symptoms I was having and then go for countless tests for the next 2 years to rule out other conditions.

When the poke you they don't expect you to jump or anything, just be descriptive on what kind of pain you feel, like is it a deep throb or a sharp prick, etc.

I have written about my own fibromyalgia experience from when I was struggling to get a diagnosis and you may find it helpful. You can read it at http://www.fibromyalgiasource.com/myfibro.html

Best of luck and take care.
Posted 8/3/2011 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

When I got the tenderpoint test, I did jump off of the table. I didn't know what to expect, but it sure did hurt. But I don't think that they hurt all the time. It took me a couple of years too to get my dx. It really sounds like you could have it. I would just talk to the doc and tell him/her that you want to know and to rule everything else out. You have enough conditions for the amount of pain that you have. Do you have fatigue? I get it bad. It is worse than the pain for me. But I have a high pain tolerance. I can't stand feeling tired and my muscles feeling tired.

I hope that you find out soon what is going on.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 8/3/2011 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Christina,

Hmm. Well, you sure have a lot of the symptoms, don't you? (Sorry, I couldn't look up all the #s you listed, going back and forth would wear me out for the day!) but that's a lot, for sure.

I was actually diagnosed by an internist/allergist. He spent 2 hours the first time, looking through my big fat medical chart and asking questions before he ever proded my tender points. You just have to go with your instinct, I guess...and be lucky enough to find the right doctor. I hope you get some satisfaction soon.

Debbie
Posted 8/3/2011 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I do have a lot of fatiuge, but its always pinned on bipolar deppression and RA and its meds. I take meds that are the same as cancer pt, just at a lower dose. Fatigue and nausea are just part of the deal, its so much more fatigue than what was anticipated. .
Posted 8/3/2011 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
When they did the test on me, I was standing...so that was no fun!
My GP sent me to a Physiatrist or sports medicine dr who gave me the diagnosis.
Posted 8/3/2011 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
I noticed you mentined the doctor said to lose weight. Many people find relief exercising with fibro - is that something you feel you could try while you are waiting for a DX? I know it can be hard with joint pain, so I'm not sure if it's something you are able to do. I have joint pain as well and the easiest exercise for me is in a pool (which I know not everyone has access to).

For your joints, are you just on pain meds? I was given celebrex for my pain and will be trying some other immune suppressing drugs in the next month.
Posted 8/4/2011 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
I have tried the pool on and off, right now it is an off only because I ad fet worse and then it was summer and hard to get to the classes with the kids out of school. I fully expect to get back to th 8:30 am class once the kids start school soon.
I do take several meds for my joints. Plaqunil, sufasalizine, methotrexate, pus fulic asid, iron, and levucorun calicum for side effects. I also take a multivitamin, a digestive supplement, a stool softener, an allergy pill. Also cymbalta, lamictal, ambien, alprazolam, for bipolar issues. Plus tramadol daily and 2 types of topical gels. I ice my toes, ankle, knees, hands, elbows and sometimes shoulder for at least 20 min, at least once a day. I haven't yet figured out how to use an ice pack IN my hip where it hurts. I can take MO for nonjoint pain that tramadol doesn't cover the whole way . I wish there was more.
My last ditch effort plan is to take the ambien (stromg, not dangerous) and I feel better when I wake.
All together I take 10-13 pils 2x daily except one night (tonight) when 10 more are added. Nasty little orange methotrexate. Nausia, woozyness, fatigue, hot/cold flashes. 2 days of blah. Can't drive. Can't walk long, stumble arround when I do. Whole 2days goes to drink water, watch movies and nap. Each and every week.

Soi got into a tangent. That's the meds I take. Sleep meds taking effect.
g'night!
Posted 8/4/2011 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
I wonder if many of your symptoms are side effects of all the drugs you are taking. I'm familiar with some of the drugs, but would you mind listing the health problem you are taking them for?

Are you having any stomach issues with these? There is no way my body could tolerate all of that.

How is the cymbalta working? I took this for a while, but don't use it anymore.
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