Diagnosed with fibro and connective tissue diease!
#228454 - 12/01/05 08:59 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Well, I finally had my appt with the rhumatologist (SP??) this morning. He was very nice and pulled up all my records. He did a complete exam and said I have fibro and I'm in the beginning stages of connective tissue diease.  It explains a lot though. The memory problems, the insomnia, the ringing in my ears, dry mouth, iritis, tendonitis, bursitis, fatigue and joint pain. He said there were a couple of blood tests that should have been done that weren't, so he did them. One is of particular concern (I forget the name of the diease now) but it crosses the placenta and can cause heart defects in unborn babies and can also cause miscarriages.
He gave me another cortisone shot in my hip for the bursitis but won't treat me until after I'm done breastfeeding. I'll see him again in 2 months just to see how I'm doing but not too much he can do right now. He said its critical that I don't get over tired. Kinda hard when you don't sleep well. They made me stop the Ambien when I got pregnant but I've been taking Unisom, more for morning sickness but the dr said to continue taking that everynight to help me sleep better. I have a lot of swelling in my joints and he was a little concerned about whats going to happen when I get REALLY pregnant with these twins because of all the added stress on my joints. He also told me to expect bed rest before this is all over.
Thats about it. I guess I can join the others here in the fibro club now  
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Hey there, that sucks but at least you know!
I REALLY recommend that you register on the message boards on www.butyoudontlooksick. There are people there with both Fibro and all kinds of connective tissue problems AND people who are or have been pg with these illnesses.
If you want any Fibro tips, just let me know! Can you take Tylenol atm? I know it's very low-key but really helps to take the edge off the pain esp. if you're taking it throughout the day. Are they keeping the bursitis diagnosis?
I have to say tho...this makes it sound like you're even more likely to be off work soon.  You'll need to be napping through the day if you can't sleep at night or you could get really ill.
Oh and Mark Pellegrino has some great tips for pg women and new mom's with Fibro in his books. 
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I'm sorry Michele but it sounds like you've had it for some time now so hopefully it's a relief to know what it is?
It's still amazes me how many ibs-ers have fibro?!! 
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Michele!!!!
Well, I'm sorry you have fibro...
But I'm glad you know.
What is connective tissue disease (if you don't mind explaining)?
Magnesium malate helps me sleep at night. If you can take that it might be beneficial.
Can you do your TENS unit while pregnant?
How are you feeling today? TRY not to worry about the future...and take it moment by moment. And take sugar out of your diet as much as possible...helps me with the pain.
And if you didn't want any advice...just kick my franny ok?? 
Ask anything Michele! We all love you and want you to be as comfy as possible! *hugs*
Feel good...sending you fantastic sleep, no pain, and loads of feel-good days *gentle hugs*
Ruch
P.S. I LOVE Linz's idea re. that website...it ROCKS! 
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Geez!
#228469 - 12/01/05 09:47 AM
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epa_ginger
Reged: 02/23/05
Posts: 1158
Loc: Chicago, IL
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Glad you finally got a diagnosis, but what a pain (literally) do have to deal with all of that, WHILE you're in your first pregnancy. Well, just do as the doc says and rest as much as you can.
No pregnancy news from me, , I thought I did really good with "trying" this month, but I sort of started to get my period Monday, which #1, was about 6 days early for me (my cycle is closer to 31 days usually, NOT 25!!), and #2, it's been really only spotting...and just barely. This is TMI, but I only notice when I wipe, and it's barely there, and I haven't worn anything. Most of the time when I wipe, nothing. So I'm utterly confused!!! 
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IBS-D. Hiatal Hernia, GERD
Unstable
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Wow honey I had no idea that you were dealing with all of those things. But I guess when you wrote them down I do remember you mentioning those problems. Well at least you got a diagnosis and bed rest is not uncommon for woman pregnant with twins. Remember how tough those babies are and how they have defied (sp?) all the odds so far! Hang in there sweetie and keep resting and thinking good thoughts!!!! Love ya!
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Um you know early spotting like that could be a sign of implantation bleeding. If you don't start a regular period soon I would take a pregnancy test! That has happened to me before!
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Ok, I just looked that up, and from the description, it sounds like what I have. Trying not to get my hopes up though, this month was my first real attempt and I know the chances of it happening are low. But I don't have my regular period symptoms...like, where was my week of intense eating? Or cramps? Or tiredness/crankiness? I'm going out of town until Tuesday and I did bring 2 tests with me, so I guess I'll see. Thanks for the tip!!
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TRY not to get your hopes up too much tho. Remember that alot of people miscarry very early on (if you're not looking for a pg it just seems like a heavy, late period).
Thinking good sticky thoughts for you tho! I can't wait to join the "trying" club!
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