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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 7/19/2013 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have a multitude of problems (Just check the sig). I was recently dx with UCTD which is similar to Lupus. I also have this problem that was recently dx where enough blood does not get to my brain. Both of which can cause fatigue. I have been on Plaquinel since May 25ish. I also went off steroid for my UC on May 20. I have been going down hill ever since. I am wondering if I do not have Fibro.

I have had joint pain with the UCTD but not really swelling. But my main problem right now is muscle pain. If I was about 100 ft my legs hurt like they used to when I walked two miles. This pain does not just stop when I sit down. It hurts for hours after. If I have had to walk 100 ft three or four times and then a sit down and rest for say three hours. When I get up my muscles are so tired. They don't want to move. I walk like a little old man in a cartoon. I am only 30. I am obese and have gained weight because of some meds. I am so fatigued I can barely accomplish anything. I have to sit down to brush my teeth because of the leg pain and the fatigue. I can barely hold my arm up that long. I called my Rhemi and am going in the 29th. Does anyone know anything that can help me? Can anyone help distinguish between the two? Any tips for surviving till the appt? Thank you very much.
Posted 7/19/2013 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Some people use OTCs like naproxen, ibuprofen, tylenol... With UC, tylenol/acetaminophen is your best bet to control pain, because it is not an anti-inflammatory.

Move as much as you can! Being still causes more pain and stiffness, and causes more muscular fatigue. I know it seems counter to how you are feeling. Most people try to rest to avoid the pain, but that actually increases it. Stretch, walk, keep active slow and steady. You don't have to become a marathoner or gym-rat.

Heat helps, a hot bath or heating pad. Some people do light massage or acupuncture.

Good luck!
Posted 7/19/2013 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, teddtlove. Glad to have you aboard.

Take a look at our 1st thread, Fibro 101. There's a lot of good information there - links to a list of conditions with similar symptoms, etc. That would probably be your best starting point.

I agree with Myself, that we do have to keep moving. I know it's hard. It's REALLY hard sometimes! But even something as small as walking around the house for 5 minutes can make a big difference, rather than sitting still for 2 hours. I struggle with this, too, all the time. For me, the worst pain and fatigue are when I first start moving again - (well, and then if I actually do go too long)...and often, it's hard to know when you've gone too long.

There's nothing easy about Fibro, unfortunately, but the good thing is that we can be in some control of how bad it gets.

Keep posting, because we're here for you! Good luck.

Debbie
Posted 7/19/2013 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
hi teddtlove :) Welcome! So sorry that you are hurting.

I have MCTD and fibro and I'm able to tell the two apart. Fibro will not cause inflammation or damage any tissue. At one time I was on prednisone and plaquenil...Now I'm on MTX for MCTD. When I was first put on the prednisone, it took care of the inflammation and helped with the joint pain but I still had the all over achiness, especially in my legs.

My rheumy figured that I had fibro also because each time he checked my soft tissue tenderpoints they were always painful. It is not uncommon to have fibro with an autoimmune ctd.

You were given some great advice about moving. Gentle stretching throughout the day helps too.

Wishing you the best!

Hugs,Robin
Posted 7/22/2013 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. You have all been really helpful.
Posted 7/22/2013 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Sherrie!  Medications can cause fatigue and so can being overweight.  I was quite overweight and started counting carbs and lost 85 pounds and have kept it off.  I feel so much better now and have a lot more energy than I did when I was lugging that extra 85 pounds around.  I don't know how my body handled that.  So this might work for you.  It's easy to do, you can eat anything you want to in moderation but always count the carbs.  If you want to know more about what I did, just email me and I'll send info to you.  There is a little envelope under my name at the left of this post.  Just click on it and it sets you up to email me.

 

Another thought would be to be checked for diabetes.  That can make you exhausted, too, and feel very weak.  Being overweight can bring on early onset diabetes, too.  So, you might want to ask your doctor about checking you for that.

 

I hope you have had a chance to read Fibro 101.  There is a wealth of information in that thread and you will learn a lot there, too. 

 

Good luck with your doctor's appointment and do let us know what you find out because we do care about you!

 

Sherrine

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