fibrymyalgia?
#265019 - 05/23/06 12:15 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've been diagnosed with IBS (usually D), acid reflux, hiatal hernia, anxiety, etc. I've noticed that I always feel blah--not depressed--just sick. I'm usually sore somewhere on my body and am often very tight (neck, back, chest, joints, etc.). I'm tired of feeling like this. I'm pretty used to the IBS, but the fatigue, sleeplessness, and pain are wearing me down. I'm trying to work on my stress and eating habits, am seeing a therapist, and am looking into a less demanding career.
I've been doing a lot of research on fibromyalgia and think that it matches up with my symptoms (pain, sleep issues, sensitivities, ibs, concentration, ...). I am not diagnosing myself, but I'm wondering if it's worth going to the doctor to find out more. I know there's no cure or real test for it. I'm prepared for self/alternative treatments.
I guess part of me feels like it would be somewhat empowering to get a diagnosis so I know that this is all connected. I've always thought that my health issues are connected somehow, and this is the first thing that makes sense.
I'm also wondering if it's important to rule out any other possible health issues. My dr. has tried to help with the ibs, but I don't think she knows about all of my symptoms together. I never even thought of them that way until recently.
Sorry this was so long. Should I contact my doctor or just continue to work on my wellness on my own?
Thank you!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
emily, that does sound like some of your symptoms match up. i'd see a doctor. my best friend has fibro, and there are treatments that help - physical therapy and some other things have helped her. and also, if it is fibro, even if there's no cure, knowing what it is helps, so you know how to take care of yourself. good luck!
--------------------
jaime
ibs-a (mostly d) // vegetarian
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
It sounds like the symptoms of fibromyalgia but if I were you I would go to the doctor's to make sure you don't have something else.
With that said if they do diagnose don't expect much. I have fibro and although it helps to have a name to group all quirks and syptoms under there is no cure or for me even any releif. The fatigue is the worst for me and I am so miserable about now due to lack of sleep. I have IBS D which flares when the fibro acts up. So I am tired, have diarhea, feel achey and sick, sinus problems, etc. I am just really tired of being tired and it is hard to function on daily basis at work and home.
I hope you don't have fibro or anything else yucky. Good Luck! Keep us updated.
--------------------
Christie
~Hoping and Praying for Sleep!~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you both for the posts. I called for an appointment with my dr. When they asked why, I said I wanted to discuss various symptoms and to see if I need tests for fibromyalgia or anything else related.
I've been in a lot of pain (forgot to add: I have TMJ, horrible allergies, sensitivities to light, cold, scents, etc., and more). I kind of always feel sick--either pain, allergies, IBS, and always fatigue. I used to have so much energy, and now I feel like a lump most of the time. I'm somewhat hoping for a diagnosis just so it'll all make sense.
I'll post back after I see what the dr. says.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Your symptoms sound like a text book case of fibro but yeh get to a doc and get checked out.
I know what you mean about the energy part! I used to pride myself on the amount of energy I had and the ability to multi-task and now I am exhausted constantly and can barely focus.
--------------------
Christie
~Hoping and Praying for Sleep!~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
i just want to pipe up that fibro, though not curable, *is* treatable, and a diagnosis isn't a death sentence, isn't a guarantee of pain and fatigue forever. if you can find a treatment that works for you, you can really lessen and control the attacks, and you'll also come to understand what brings them on, so you can be more prepared. also, advances are being made in treating fibro all the time, and new techniques are being come up with.
--------------------
jaime
ibs-a (mostly d) // vegetarian
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I am not trying to be a downer about Fibro just realistic.
When I first was diagnosed I read all that info about how although it is not curable it is treatable and basically everthing you just stated. And I thought oh this won't be so bad. And there are short periods of time when I feel semi normal but they don't last for long.
I follow the diet I am supposed to and do light exercise as recommended. I did take all the meds they recommended but they were not working and had side effects that were worse then the symptoms they were treating.I now do natural alternatives to treat my symptoms and like I said I do have short periods of time when not a symptom rears it's ugly head but they don't last long. The majority of the time I am exhausted and feel foggy. And fibro is different for each individual, is can be dibilitating for one and not so bad for others.
I have had a fibro diagnosis for 2 years now but before that I do remember a time when I had loads of energy and could multi-task like nobodys business. I have always had some mild symptoms that could have been the fibro in the background but these days it is definitely in the foreground. So since I know how "normal" and "fibro" feel I can truthfully say it sucks. You just don't know until you experience it yourself, because it is different for everyone.
Imagine no sound sleep for six months or longer. Imagine how your body turns on itself from lack of restoration. It ain't no picnic. I am very thankful that I don't have cancer or anything worse then the fibro. But that doesn't mean that I am going to pretend that the lack of stage 4 sleep isn't effecting me. What I wouldn't do for sleep right now, so that I could be more involved with my children, at work, at home, just in life in general. So that I wouldn't ache from head to toe and have debilitating headaches.
It is not a death sentence by all means but it certainly puts a damper on things.
--------------------
Christie
~Hoping and Praying for Sleep!~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks again everyone. I saw my dr., and she said I probably do have fibromyalgia based on my history and symptoms. She recommended that I change my diet, take an antidepressant, and she gave me Elavil to help with sleeping/muscle pains. I'm also working on lifestyle changes and trying to cut down on my stress.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Posts
