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Fibromyalgia Link

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Trogford
Trogford

I have a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis for some 30 years and a fairly recent diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis of approximately 18 months ago.  I read a scholarly article recently that there is a strong corrilation between psoriatic arthritis patients and fibromyalgia.  Since I read it I have convinced myself I have fibro as it would explain so many things.  I have a serious problem with jerks and spasms in my body as such that it is starting to affect my sleep and day to day things like driving.  I have been finding that I cannot sleep for long periods at night and sleep is often interupted.  During the day I have a all consuming fatigue whereby I have to sleep 4-5 hours a day.  On waking I am weak and still tired.  I have dry eyes and a dry nose and I have developed sores in my mouth.  I developed a unique "weird" pain that runs across my shoulders and down the arm and nothing I do will make it go away.  One of the most worrying things is I cant remember stuff, I forget events that happened only a few hours ago and further back.  It happens all the time and I am getting good at losing stuff like bank cards because of this.

I have acute depression off and on, I have had this for many years and I always assumed this was connected to my anky spond.  Now I am wondering if I have had fibro for a long time but it has never been diagnosed.  Can anyone tell me how fibro is diagnosed, is there a blood test or is it something more complicated?

1 like, 11 replies

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  • tiswas24537
    tiswas24537 Trogford

    Posted

    one of the first things they test is the pain points with finger tip

    pressure .

    you can find fibro pain chart on line 

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  • jeanne81532
    jeanne81532 Trogford

    Posted

    As tiswas says, there is a chart of pain trigger points which a doctor can use to test you. I think I was positive to all of them when I was tested. There is no blood test for FM, they tend to do blood tests to exclude other conditions.  As you already have a known condition, beware the docs telling you your symptoms are due to that, as happened with me, as I have Osteoarthritis. Just because you have one condition, it does not exclude others. It certainly sounds like it could be FM, but obviously you need to be properly diagnosed by your docs. Good luck xx
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    • Trogford
      Trogford jeanne81532

      Posted

      Yeah I can relate to your point about problems being linked to already diagnosed conditions.  I tend to find myself doing a lot of research online because I feel like I am being palmed off.  Mind you, sometimes its not always a good thing researching on line, you end up convincing yourself of a thousand illnesses.
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  • Bee70
    Bee70 Trogford

    Posted

    Hi Trogford

    Poor you, Fibro is not an easy diagnosis and the pains do vary from person to person.  Sleep has been a problem for me for many years now and I also feel so tired most of the time but taking rest periods whenever possible does seem to help slightly.

    Have you been to see a rheumatogist? With various blood test and pressing of pressure points they can determine if is Fibro.

    Hope you get some answers soon.

    Take care and gentle hugs wink x

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    • Trogford
      Trogford Bee70

      Posted

      Hi Bee, yes I am under the care of a Rheumatologist, a Dermatologist, and Ophthalmogist.  I have also seen in the past a psychiatrist (for acute depression), a neurologist and a neuropathic specialist.  I am determined to do a full tour of the specialities - hoping of course to avoid anything nasty like Oncology.  I get more time for these appointments since I lost my job to illness a month ago.  When I see my rheumy in June I will ask about fibro.
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    • Bee70
      Bee70 Trogford

      Posted

      Hi Trogford

      Wow...I truly understand going almost every department in the Health service but do stay calm and positive. Like Christine has mentioned you can only control your pains and not to let the pains control you.

      Every day is a new day and hope today is even a better day for us all.

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    • Trogford
      Trogford Bee70

      Posted

      Thank you Bee, I do try to keep positive, sometimes I fail but I tell myself it wont always be bad.  I often find myself mourning the life I once had and wonder what could have been. 
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  • christine26761
    christine26761 Trogford

    Posted

    I also have Fibro, Psoriatic Arthritis and just fir a bonus Sjorens Syndrome..lol

    ive had SS for 23 years, Fibro dir 21 yrs..and the arthritis I've had sooo long I can't remember, but they all have one link.they are all .AUOTOIMUNE issues.  I get really fatigued and dry eyes, mouth, ear fluid crystalizing/making me very off balance and dizzy 24/7 had that symptom for over 11 years..specialist said it would go just as quick as it come.mmmmm...still waiting.....no exercise worked and definitely no meds..but I'm alive and living with it very well, thanks to a very caring husband, great church friends, walking stick and walker..a lot I'd Symtoms we get seem to cross over with other autoimmune issues..like SS and Fibro...I had such bad  spasms in my leg muscles last night in bed..but this morning it's great...I've had these conditions now for soo very long now..be encouraged. Trogford, there is some light at the end of the tunnel..my experience   anyway...just get flare ups now of the Fibro.and off course the PA just worsens but hey...thank God..the only med I rake is 25mg of Amitriptlyne, many of us do...at bed time...16 years and never been increased..I say that, as many do have to have it increased..it's great..really works well for me..hope you have a lovely day Trogford..be blessed..:-) xxx

    not forgetting " less stress is the key to living with Fiibro" stay positive...whatever your diagnosis is, be in control of it and not visa versa...

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    • Trogford
      Trogford christine26761

      Posted

      Yeah I got one of those super fabby supportive husbands.  He is great and always looks after me.  I worry sometimes because he does so much particularly now he is scheduled to have a knee replacement.  We get through somehow and we laugh about how we have become a couple of ole crocks.

      By the way I get the dry eyes and nose a lot.  I have some steroid cream for my nose and for the eyes my doc prescribed some kind of gel (Systane eye gel).  It doesnt drip all over like normal eye drops and lasts a hell of a lot longer.  What do you get prescribed for yours?

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    • christine26761
      christine26761 Trogford

      Posted

      My meds are over the counter at the pharmacist, he gives me drops/gel ..for dry eyes-very sticky-really good,too and for the dry mouth I yes either an artificial saliva or Biotene Mouth Soay-moisturiser...it certainly tastes better than the other, but there just over the counter meds too, they are both excellent..my doc monitors it all of course..but, thank God no prescription meds for it....I do hope  you find extra strength when your husband has his knee op...my husband took gravely ill just over a tear ago..he is very blessed to be here, I honestly still look back in amazement at how good I was.it was really quite miraculous...I looked after him for once..it was really good medicine for me too...I somehow managed to do things I never thought were possible..I really hope you will find this inner strength too...I know what you mean about laughing at becoming a pair if ole crocks.....we do the same too...I guess it keeps us positive about life......be blessed Trogford..:-) xx
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