Could this be fibromyalgia?
Posted , 6 users are following.
A few years ago symptoms built up ticking many of the Sjogern's syndrome boxes, but the test proved negative. Then followed severe bilateral frozen shoulders lasting 7+ months, Now the hips have the same symptoms. The GP thought possible Polymyalgia Rheumatica, but tests for this also proved negative. Disheartened, and with increasing immobility with pain extending to most parts, especially sore muscles in arms legs and low back, am now wondering if this could all be related to FM? The more I research FM, the more likely it seems as just about every symptom I have is mentioned. Am loath to keep pestering the GP, but although Ibuprofen help to ease the soreness a little, things seem to be getting worse. Will see the GP again of course, but would appreciate any helpful comments. Thanks
Chickabee
1 like, 22 replies
Maggers chickabee
Posted
Ask your GP for a referral to Rheumatologist as they are the people who usually diagnose fibro. It is not a quick diagnosis but made when everything else has been ruled out. To ease pain most fibro folk use epsom salts in a bath - you may find this helps. Have you had your vit D checked as low vit D is responsible for muscle cramps, pains and general aches. You definitely need to return to your GP - that's what they are there for, never feel a nuisance, if it matters to you then it should matter to your GP. There will be a few other fibro folk along to give their take soon. take care and keep us posted.
chickabee Maggers
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Am feeling a lot better knowing there are people out there willing to be supportive. Am 77...and discovered growing old is not for wimps!
Chickabee
Maggers chickabee
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chickabee Maggers
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Inspired by you, will check out 'baby cot death', as words of a divine source came to mind when my nephew's babe died moments after birth.
Chickabee
loxie Maggers
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Maggers loxie
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loxie chickabee
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I take anti inflamms (ibuprofen at first but now naproxen) for the OA but they dont do anything for the fibro type pain as its not really an inflammatory pain. I take paracetamol which helps a little but not enough and I dont want to increase the dose for fear of other damage. As Maggers has said Epsom salts (magnesium) in the bath do help a lot. My doctor also mentioned gabapentin but didnt actually prescribe it, so I'm at a loss really to determine what may help. I also go to meditation classes, which help me relax and clear the mind and try to focus away from the pain - they do help a little but the benefits dont last long. Sore muscles in arms and legs is one of the prime symptoms of fibro, along with patches of numbness, leaden limbs, inability to focus the mind, chronic fatigue and a whole range of other minor subsidiary stuff. My GP practice obviously doesn't favour a diagnosis of FM and I rather feel they're looking at placating me with options for treating individual symptoms instead of finding the root cause and treating that accordingly. Good luck with your doctor, do keep pushing for them to understand the whole picture re your problems and not just focus on one symptom, ie pain, and only get fobbed off with over the counter anti inflamms etc.
chickabee loxie
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Chickabee
valerie826 chickabee
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Hang in there & keep us posted.
Smiles & Giggles,
Valerie826
chickabee valerie826
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Glad you finally got your diagnosis sorted, now at least you know what you are dealing with, and that's a step in the right direction.
Chickabee
lisa52101 chickabee
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I completely agree with what everyone else here is saying. It's tough getting the diagnosis and your right getting to the root cause is much more beneficial than chasing the symptoms. You really have to push for that rheumatology referral and I also found getting referred to a pain clinic very useful. Like you I have other conditions that overlap and made diagnosis difficult including OA in my spine and both hips. It also seems like everybody has been vit D deficient too so well worth getting that checked.
Good luck with it all xx
chickabee lisa52101
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GP...will keep you posted
Chickabee
Flowerlady chickabee
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kaz_40 chickabee
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chickabee kaz_40
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chickabee
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Chickabee
kaz_40 chickabee
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