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Fibromyalgia too????

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Posted 1/3/2008 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Almost 2 weeks ago my Rheumy told me that I also have Fibromyalgia.  Is this common among Lupus or RA or Connective tissue people?

On another note:  the Orencia DOES seem to be helping my RA pain.  It took about 4 infusions but it it is finally helping.

Now, if I can only deal with muscle and nerve pain...

Also, while at the dr 2 weeks ago - she found several swollen lymph nodes - wants to watch them for a while.  Is this common?  I am not sick or anythig like that.  

Happy New Year to all.  I am really very hopeful this will be a MUCH better than 2007.

~Laurie

Posted 1/3/2008 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Laurie,

 

Sorry to hear you have fibro too.  Yep, it's SUPER common to have both lupus and fibro together. I do.  It's hard to distinguish the lupus flares vs the fibro flares.

 

I can see you're not on prednisone for your lupus, which is handy.  Fibro and prednisone don't mix well.

 

The swollen lymph nodes might be sjogren's syndrome.  Again, very common for us.  I'm sure she has checked you for the antibody, but to make sure, just ask.  Sjogren's presents itself with swollen lymph nodes, dry mouth, and eyes, etc.  I have a mild case of it.  Hardly ever notice it.

 

I'm glad to hear that the Orencia is working for you!  That is very positive!  I hope you have a much better 2008 as well!

 

Blessings,

Ginny

Posted 1/3/2008 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Actually, I do take prednisone when needed.  I just forgot to list it.  I try not to take it too often as I don't want to build up a tolerance and I hate the all over puffiness and weight gain.  It has helped with some of the Lupus issues - but the muscle and nerve pains seem to get a bit worse - but that just may be a coincidence. 

I do not know anything about Sjogren's syndrome.  But I do have a dry mouth all of the time.  I am constantly drinking tons of water to dry to keep my mouth moist and it does not help much AT ALL.  Yesterday I kept sucking on hard candy.  But that much candy can not be good for my teeth.   tongue   

 

Posted 1/3/2008 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Laurie . . . the prednisone will make fibro worse in some Lupans with both. Ginny finds that the pred over a certain does gets her fibro hurting. Maybe she'll post about that. Sorry your are dealing with so much. Blessings!
Posted 1/3/2008 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, Laurie, the fact that your muscle pain gets worse when you're on prednisone isn't a coincidence.  That's exactly what happens to the body when pred is combined with fibro.  The only way to keep the fibro from getting out of hand is to keep your prednisone dose as low as possible.  this isn't always possible though right!  We have to treat the lupus because it can harm us.  Fibro isn't harmful to the body, although it feels like you could fall apart limb by limb at any moment, LOL!

 

DEFINITELY talk to your rheumy about your dry mouth issues.  That, combined with your swollen lymph nodes is a pretty sure indicator of sjogren's.  Also, heehee, the candy.... Prednisone makes our blood sugar higher, so adding candy to our systems is not a good thing to do!

 

Ginny

Posted 1/4/2008 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Laurie,

I also was recently diagnosed with fibro. I hope your rheumie is treating you for it. Lyrica was recently approved for treatment of fibro. Neurontin (gabapentin) is also sometimes used; antidepressants can also help. I see you are on wellbutrin so there is that piece. My rheumie also said that ultram (tramadol) should help. I take gabapentin and an antidepressant. I was on the antidepressant prior to the fibro dx. The rheumie increased my gabapentin. Between the three I think the fibro is a lot more manageable. Also exercise, mine is pretty basic, helps.

As far as the sjogrens goes, there is an OTC mouth spray by Oasis that I love! Like you said water doesn't always do the job, candy is baaad for the teeth (and dry mouth already wreaks havoc on the teeth), so I find this perfect. And it provides relief for longer than water.

Good luck!
Posted 1/4/2008 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so very, very much for your quick responses. Emmi - I will try to find the Oasis today after work. So far I am not taking anything for the Fibro - this is just so new to me. Also, to make matters a bit worse - I am allergic to SO MANY meds that it isn't funny. I am so limited on what I can ever take for relief. Thanks again.

Love and hugs to each of you.
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