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At a loss

Posted , 7 users are following.

pfrc582
pfrc582

Hi everybody,was just hoping for some advice..

Over the past 3yrs I've had chronic back pain,which after scans and xrays didn't show as anything but the pain still exists..on top of that I've been battling depression which at times can totally dibilitate me.

I continued to work as best as I can but in September of last year I started experiencing fatigue and long lasting pains then to top that off I was diagnosed with ibs in January this year.

I just constantly feel exhausted and in pain..I'm on a ridiculous amount of medication that doesn't seem to help any of the symptoms..surely ibs can't make you feel so god awful.

Upon doing a little research of my symptoms I noticed fibromyalgia keep coming up..now I'm starting to think that it may possibly be the case.

I just need any advice from you kind people here because quite frankly I'm at a loss what to do.

Thank you in advance

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • jeanne81532
    jeanne81532 pfrc582

    Posted

    Hi pfrc, it certainly sounds like FM. Presumably your GP hasn't mentioned it, so I would ask him what he thinks in the first instance. If you don't get any joy, then ask to be referred to a pain clinic (where I was diagnosed after my GP said he didn't think I had it) or to a rheumatologist, who I know some others on here have been diagnosed by. Good luck. x
  • cherl450
    cherl450 pfrc582

    Posted

    Hi hun like you i sufer with Ibs  and also the had terrible pain in m back and kept copllapsing everywhere well scans showed arthriris but didnt explain all the rest it was my remotologist who diagnoised fibro but know they think it might be Ms or both so keep nagging your gp or ask to see a remotologist and i wish you well hun xxx 
  • Gizmo1963
    Gizmo1963 pfrc582

    Posted

    Hi, yes I also agree it sounds very much like fibro and you really do need to be referred to a Rhuematologist who will do various blood tests to eliminate other conditions. Have you had any other illnesses which may have been a trigger? May I also ask your age if you don't mind disclosing it? Paula x
    • pfrc582
      pfrc582 Gizmo1963

      Posted

      I'm 32 and no other major illnesses

      The only real trigger I've had is losing somebody very close to me.

  • jeanne81532
    jeanne81532 pfrc582

    Posted

    Losing someone close to you could well be the trigger. :-( x
  • pfrc582
    pfrc582

    Posted

    Just want to say thank you for the replies I've had.

    I've got an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow..how should I go about discussing fibromyalgia with them?

    As stupid as it may sound I'm a little worried how it will come across if I go in there saying I think I have fibro etc..

    • jeanne81532
      jeanne81532 pfrc582

      Posted

      Well, if it were me, I would say something along the lines of ' a couple of people have suggested my symptoms sound like FM. Do you think this could be the case?'  Nothing to suggest you think you know better than him! But if he dismisses that, then you could say ' well, I would still like to be referred to a rheumatologist.' Hope this doesn't sound like I've given you a script Hun! Good luck, and report back to us after you see your GP. x
    • wendidly643
      wendidly643 pfrc582

      Posted

      Hi   Mine started immediately after I lost my dad who I cared for at home   He was all that I had left really   I can actually remember the evening of his death and my body just sort of locked up on me   Felt like I was coming down with the flu for weeks afterwards, aches and pains but no flu   Four months later I went to my GP told him of my symtpoms etc and as he knew me and what the previous two years had been like for me (stress ont op of stress) he examined me and told me I had FMS   He said that I was the perfect candidate for it with what I had been through   He started my meds which at least allow me to get some sleep   Dont be afraid to suggest FMS to your doctor  He knows what he is looking for   Good luck and dont forget we are all here for you      
    • jeanne81532
      jeanne81532 wendidly643

      Posted

      Aah Wendy, your GP sounds perfect. How lucky that he knew you and your circumstances so well, and knew his stuff about FMS as it seems many GPs don't. You only need to read these discussions to see that many, if not most of us go through years of visits to medics before being diagnosed. It must have been an awful time for you Wendy. Bless you. x
  • Maley_Bear
    Maley_Bear pfrc582

    Posted

    It really does sound like FS I also have IBS diagnosis a few years ago. I gave up lactose A while ago  which has helped, but there's alot of food with dairy in, but there are some great alternatives out there. I have to use a wheelchair because I can't walk far because of pain and the fact that my lower right leg doesn't want to work properly anymore. Which same as you nothing has shown on scans. I did have lower spinal surgery two years ago and this was part of the result. Just because they can't see anything it doesn't mean there isn't a problem. One thing though my specialist has said just because the pain is there doesn't mean the problem is there. I know this might open another can of worms but the problem might be in another part of your body. It was hard to get my head around, but it could be. If your GP isn't listening then see someone else. Do NOT let them fob you off, the only person looking out for you is you! Collect your evidence of all your symptoms what you have found out and make a double appointment with an open minded GP. Just ask the receptionist they will be able to point you towards a different GP. Keep your chin up, we are here when you need another chat.
  • pfrc582
    pfrc582

    Posted

    Just to update on this..I saw my doctor today,She didn't totally dismiss what I said about fms which was encouraging.

    She asked quite a few questions about my depression too which lately has really been effecting my life.

    I've been prescribed amitriptyline to help with my sleeping and have booked a follow up appointment for a couple of weeks time.

    One new symptom I have noticed over the weekend is I keep having a lot of twitching/spasms in my bicep muscles.

    • emlou487
      emlou487 pfrc582

      Posted

      Hi,

           please do not expect a quick diagnosis,it took me 3 years to have fibro confirmed.I had x-rays,multiple scans,tests,treatments etc,some of which have helped,others did not.

      I have actually found that since being diagnosed,I have now been left to deal with it on my own.

       I am on many different meds and try to help myself anyway I can,but thats about all you can do.When I was going back and fourth to hospital before being diagnosed,they were trying all sorts,at least I felt as though I was being helped,but since,nothing,basically have to try and deal with it.

      The Pain clinic I went to even refused to accept fibro was a medical condition at all,yet at times it can be more painfull and debilitating than arthritis!

      All I would say is make sure you argue your case with your GP,do not let them fob you off,the sooner you get a diagnosis the better,ask them to refer you to a rheumatologist,or I found a neurologist was better and see if they will allow you to have physio.

      But whatever happens,do not feel alone,I also suffer with anxiety and depression,but there are groups online to help!

    • pfrc582
      pfrc582 emlou487

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply emlou

      Sorry to hear that the pain clinic were like that with you..I can imagine that was very frustrating.

      And I kind of agree with you when It comes to being left to it after a diagnosis..After they said I had ibs I've literally been stuck on 5 kinds of meds and told to get on with it..bit difficult when you feel rotten and some days unable to do anything.

    • emlou487
      emlou487 pfrc582

      Posted

      I know,they just seem to think that if you are in meds,then all will be ok!

      This simply is not the case,some mornings it is a struggle to even get out of bed,not through laziness,but just no energy! It is difficult for others to understand,which also upsets me at times,I wish I wasn't like it and I could do everything I want too,but at times it is just impossible!

  • jeanne81532
    jeanne81532 pfrc582

    Posted

    That's encouraging. I get a lot of muscle twitching but I thought it was a side effect of my meds! I can't remember if I had it before I started on them. Amitriptyline is a good start anyway for FMS. Good luck Hun. x

     

    • pfrc582
      pfrc582 jeanne81532

      Posted

      Fingers crossed things start to get better smile

      Thank you x

    • Gizmo1963
      Gizmo1963 pfrc582

      Posted

      I also get muscle twitching and tingling in my arms legs and face. It is yet another fibro and arthritis symptom. I know quite a few people are put on amitriptyline and I hope this med works for you lol
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