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08/11/2007 08:46
Tracey
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A few days ago I was reading a MayoClinic Article on Fibro. I found ME !!

Most of the symptoms I read applied, though not all did. Neuropathy/Neuritis/Neuralgia (I refer to this at the N's)is the diagnosis I have at the time. When I first started having ALL my problems.3 1/2 years ago. I was checked because the neuro suspected I might have Multiple Sclerosis.. and I didn't. He also checked for a brain tumor (none there).

I'm 36 (37 next month). All the N's were diagnosed officially about a year or so ago... but all the symptoms started about 3 to 3 1/2 years ago.. I just read a few days ago that Fibro usually occurs in your early to mid adulthood.. and more likely in women and IS hereditary... and can be affected by the weather.. I just, a few weeks ago, told my PCP that I feel sure my pain is worse during bad weather and she blew me off.. I have had many, many test to rule out all sorts of stuff..EEG's EKG's, 5 MRI's, CT Scans, whatever the test is to check for Carpal Tunel Syndrome, General X-rays.. lots of test in the doc office checking my nerve endings and responses... so many different test I don't remember what they all were...

My first Neuro sent me to check for the Carpal Tunel... when that was not the case he decided it must be MS or I had a brain tumor. Turned out not to be the case.. He finally decided I had a stroke ...at 33... I went to two other neuro who said that after reviewing all the test and records they do not believe I had a stroke... That is when I changed to the neuro I have been seeing for about 3 yrs. I ended up with a diagnosis of Migraine w/aura (OK, I do have that too) and then more recently when I kept telling the neuro all about this pain (every time I go in there) and how it has never GONE AWAY.. I got the N's diagnosis (about a year or so ago)..

UPDATE:

I went to my neuro today. I told him ALL my symptoms (in detail). I gave him all the info... what I feel, how I feel, when I feel and what brings it on. Med problems, as in Ibuprofen doesn't work anymore.... He asked me tons of questions... including tired, fatigued, trouble sleeping, etc ... He told me he wants me to try Elavil.. and come back in 6 weeks.. I never attempted to diagnose myself.. I just told him the facts.

He then told me "Listen to me, Tracey" ... "I have been treating you for several years now.. We have done every test under the sun... I know your history... we have ruled out many things... and with the symptoms you have been describing to me for a while and with what you are telling me now... I feel pretty sure you have something called Fibromayalgia !!!!"

He wants me to please try this med and when I come back he wants to send me to the Rheumatoligist down the hall. He called his name and told me he specializes with Fibro patients...

He also sent me for bloodwork just to be sure I am in overall good health otherwise... I was floored, but very happy that maybe I won't have to fight to get treated....

I was telling one of my best girlfriends this info today... Her mother who is like a 2nd mom to me is a massage therapist... She works with several Fibro patients.. I didn't realize her specialty is deep tissue and pressure points !!! Yay ...

Today I rec'd a preliminary diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.. and will be going to a Rheumy in a few weeks for clarification.

Does anyone have any information or experience with Elavil

Tracey
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08/12/2007 16:38
grandmacarol
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Dear Tracey,,, I found this sight today, felt I needed support and someone who knows what fibromyalgia is and knows what it feels like,, I know what you went through to even get your answer as to what was causing all your pain. I am much older than you are I am 53, and I have had Fibro for over 5 years now,, there are days when I cannot even get out of bed. I just wanted you to know if you ever need to talk or need someone just to listen, I am here, I know your pain,,, I have never taken the meds your are taking now so I cannot speak on that,,, my Dr. has me on Moraphine, and there are days when that does not even help..... God Bless you Tracey and hope to hear from you ........ take care,,,,,,Carol

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08/13/2007 18:04
Tracey
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Carol, Thank you so much for your reply and letting me know you are available for "conversation". I really appreicate at it. The only person that has acknowledged my being here is C.J. (the forum leader). I think this board must be rather new.

I don't know alot in the sense of what I have researched although I am very experienced in my pain and discomfort. I hope to locate good information and people that I can relate to and understand what it is I'm going through.

My mom just sent me a url she saw advertised on tv today. I'm about to head over there. I will enter it at the bottom of the page.

Thank you again and I hope to see you here soon,

Tracey

[/url]http://www.fibrohope.org/[url]

Tracey
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08/13/2007 21:28
LeanneT
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Hi Tracey, I've just found this site and joined up. I was officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia by my rhuematologist this month however I started seeing him end 2004 beginning 2005. At that time he wasnt convinced I had fibro however when I saw him this month he said that all my symptoms particularly the pain, fatigue, headaches, sleep problems were fibro, he also thinks I have some neurological problems. I also see a neurologist due to migraines and clumsiness, pin/needles and sensation issues. I've had MRI's to rule out brain tumours however I do have an arachnoid cyst, they found I have unexplained white spots on my brain and thought it was MS but I saw an MS specialist who said I didn't. this has been going on for 3 years but I'm happy that I have a diagnosis at last. My rheumatologist is trialling me on Lyrica which is apparently a new drug they are using in the US, I've only just started using it and it is helping with the pain, sleep is a little improved so it might be a drug that is working. I've tried Endep and some others that are like anti depressants (sorry cant remember the names). As I'm in Australia I'm not familiar with the drugs you are discussing, they might be called a different name here. It was good to read your story. cheers Leanne

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08/14/2007 05:05
Tracey
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Hello LeAnne, So nice to have a new "friend" from "Down Under".. Lyrica is the drug just approved by the FDA for the treatment of Fibro. Seems that it has been in circulation for a while but just approved for Fibro. I understand it is similiar to Neurontin. I did not like the side effects of Neurontin. It was the first med ever given to me for my symptoms. I know of a few people that are trying it (Lyrica). I certainly hope it works for you. Keep me updated. Check this website out. My mom saw a commercial for it. www.fibrohope.org.

Post edited by: Tracey, at: 08/14/2007 07:06

Tracey
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08/15/2007 20:12
Doris
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Hi Leann, I'm going on my third week taking Lyrica and so far I think it's 'wonderful' I am having no side effects at all now and not having the disire for munchies anymore. I take 75 mil. twice a day and have slept better than I have in 3 years. So far I am not having the pain in joints that I was having. I hope I keep feeling as good as I do right now. Good luck to you, keep us posted. Oh BTY, I had the pins and needles in my fingers and toes for many years after taking chemo and radiation. I have not had that lately, either.

Doris

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08/15/2007 22:37
rhonda
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my name is rhonda and i wantto try this drug. does anyone know if it has alot of interactions with say, bipolar,depresion?
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