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08/10/2007 23:48
Tracey
Posts: 10
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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.

I would like to get to know people here and hopefully get some insight and maybe learn enough to share with others soon.

Post edited by: Tracey, at: 08/11/2007 01:50

Post edited by: Tracey, at: 08/11/2007 01:56

Post edited by: Tracey, at: 08/11/2007 01:58

Post edited by: Tracey, at: 08/11/2007 02:02

Tracey
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10/01/2007 21:08
ponderingreality

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Hi Tracey!

welcome! i know what you mean about all the test to make sure it isn't something else... I went for 2 weeks thinking i may have lymphoma, and then there was that shcoling thing... i forget what its called, but it won't happen again!! haha. a Rheumy is a good thing, and so is your other MOm !!!! how lucky is that! all my rheumy did was confirm, and send me to a pain management dr.... but i quite him, and took control of a few things... i am sooo happy you don't have any of the terrible things that you were tested for!!!

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10/01/2007 21:12
Aunt Rinn
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Posts: 246
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I've used Elavil for a short period of time. It did help me sleep while I was taking it. It's something that you have to increase your dose until you find what works for you! That seems to be the customary starter drug for FM. At least that's my experience when I go doctor shopping, each time they try to start me on Elavil. Good luck to you, I hope it works for you and lets you get some rest. That's the most important thing! Welcome to our group, I see from your citizen status you must be posting a lot or have been here a while...either way...glad your here and you can start working towards feeling better having a diagnosis now!
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10/01/2007 22:33
MrsAmanda
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Welcome Tracey!

We are so glad to have you! We are all here whenever you need us!

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10/02/2007 18:10
Honey45
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Posts: 226
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Welcome, Welcome, Welcome, we are glad to have you with us! There are many nice and knowledgeable people here!

Honey45


Popular posts by Honey45
    Cookies Anyone?
    Hello I am new here
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12/29/2007 00:18
specialk
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Posts: 57
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I truely understand everything you are saying. After have a hysterectomy about 3yrs. ago I was never the same. I'm now 39 have had every test you have had and then some. Put on elavil didn't work for me then after finally finding a doctor that understood only to move 3months ago to TN. I feel like I'm starting all over again can't find a doctor that understand or treat fibro.I went to a neurologist last week hoping being a women she would really understand my pain. She sent me away with no med not even enough to hold me through the holidays. said that I needed a pain doctor then while leaving the office almost in tears one of her nurses said to me if you was the color of her she would have gave you something for you pain.I didn't understand until I got home.I sat on the end of my bed and cried I didn't believe what the nurse said. Then after reading a link on this site about fibro and women of color I'm even more hurt because just as the article said every doctor that I've been too since I've been here have said too me " It's all in you head" giving me zoloft.

I'm still hurt and borrowing pain med from anyone that have some. I promise I feel like a crack head when I'm trying to find somethinf for my pain. Somebody PLEASE! tell me what to do because I'm ready to give up right about now.

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12/29/2007 05:44
Annie_M1181
Purple Ribbon
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Hi...welcome to the group. I'm fairly new as well and everyone here has been great and very supportive. Hope to talk soon.

Annie

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12/29/2007 07:47
shar
Pearl Ribbon
Posts: 72
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Hi and welcome! Ive only been here a short time myself , but have found much usefull and helpfull info but most importantly, the people here are AMAZING! Hope to get to know you better.

Be well,

Shar

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