Is Fibro real? Questions about diet and exercise.

This is probably the most offensive thing I could ask on this forum, and I'm sorry. I have been diagnosed with fibro by a few doctors, and told by others that it doesn't exist (including my brother who is an MD).

I am really confused and constantly wondering what else could cause these things. I have these symptoms like fatigue, EXTREME TENDERNESS mostly on my thighs, upper arms and back, and some varying joint pains. My boyfriend has to be really delicate with me because his fingertips can really hurt. That's definitely not normal!!!!!!!!

I have other problems too: Crohn's, hives, Seborrheic Dermatitis, migraine.

Sometimes I can't tell which symptoms go with which issue.

What do you all think? Even if I do accept I have fibro, what then? I am not really interested in trying Lyrica and that seems to be the only treatment.

Have any of you had success with a particular type of diet or exercise? Please share! Would I benefit from seeing a rheumatologist?

Post Edited (meowese) : 11/24/2011 1:16:11 PM (GMT-7)

There are some drs who are knowledgeable about fibro and some who just dismiss it. I was told years ago by a pain doctor that he didn't believe in fibro. He said I have chronic pain and prescibed a med.

Rheumatologists are generally knowledgeable about fibro but they like many other doctors prescribe a lot of meds. I would recommend that along with seeing a knowledgeable specialist like a rheumatologist that you do what you can for yourself. I do prescribed stretches (prescribed by a physical therapist years ago) twice a day otherwise I get very tight and could find myself getting tighter and tighter.... If you're in a lot of pain I would recommend a good physical therapist.

I also walk everyday. If I sit around too much my pain increases so I find myself bouncing around from sitting to walking....

I take supplements everyday and I eat very nutritiously: no fatty foods, no sugar, no white foods like white bread and white rice, and no caffiene.

Finally try to keep your stress to a minimum and listen to your body.

Good luck to you.

Hi, and welcome!  Well, the doctors that don't think this is a true illness need to get a dose of it!  Most doctors are aware of fibro as a illness.  It was first recognized as a true illness and a cause for disability in 1987 by the American Medical Association.  It is also recognized by the National Institutes of Health, the American College of Rheumatology, and the World Health Organization....to name just a few.  Social security has this listed as a cause of disability, too, and you know that wouldn't happen if it truly didn't exist!  Any doctors that think this isn't a true illness, need to go back and do a little more studying. 

 

Be sure to check out Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  Good starting links are called Symptoms and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia.  You just might see yourself there. 

 

There is another article in Fibro 101 that  you might want to print out for your brother called Doctors Respond to New York Times Article.  Someone implied that fibro wasn't a true illness and got MANY responses from learned doctors who have spent their career studying this illness.  It might be a real eye-opener for him.

 

You do need to keep moving with fibro.  If you don't, you will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  I, too, walk daily as a form of gentle exercise.  Swimming and yoga are some other gentle exercises for fibromites. 

 

Many members do see a rheumatologist.  I see a board certified Internist.  But, whoever you see, make sure they treat fibro patients.  There are still a few out there, including a very few rheumatologists, that don't believe this exists.  Always ask before you make your appointment.  You don't want to waste your time and money on a doctor that isn't knowledgeable about fibro.

 

In concluding, I want to say that I personally think doctors are taught about how to diagnose illnesses and what medications to use to treat them.  Many are not open to new ideas.  Doctors are not sure what is causing this illness and there is no test to determine if you have fibro.  They just have to rule out other illnesses that have the same symptoms before the diagnosis is given.  Because of this, a few doctors don't believe in it.  I love my doctor but he has been taught that pharmaceuticals are the way to go with illnesses and sloughs off any discussion of alternative things.  It doesn't mean he isn't a good doctor but I sure don't think he is open minded!  See what I mean?  We have to study and learn all we can about fibro because we have to be our own advocates with this illness.  So, don't let ANYONE tell you it doesn't exist.

 

I'm so glad you found us and joined in!  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