fibromyalgia with swollen hands

Hi Melissa

I had to reply to this, as im sitting here with hands like boxers, so my husband keeps thinking its funny to tell me!  I am 57 and have finally been diagnosed with Fibro after years and years of dreadful night pains that I couldn't explain. I started to get so many other symptoms about 8 years ago until I went to the doctor about it all, after lots of tests they diagnosed Fibromyalgia. I am glad I finally know what it is, but I can honestly say in the last 4 years it has got worse than ever. I get really bad swollen hands and feet (my shoe size has gone up one since last year) and my body swells no matter how much exercise and watching my weight. I dont think anti depressants are the answer. I think the side effects are just not worth it.  I have started going to a gym, something I absolutely hated the thought of. But I do pilates, yoga, body balance etc and although it doesnt take the pain away, it really helps to relax your body. I know what you mean about hot baths, I practically live in the bath.  My big problem is that its hard to get people to believe all this pain im in and everything as it doesnt show. Like today, Im totally exhausted, and feel just walking up the stairs is an effort, yet another day I could do anything. I cant explain the pain to my husband, one thing I say is that my body feels like that horrible sensation when youve laid on your hands all night and wake up to the numbness and pins and needles.. well im like that all over. Gentle stretching like pilates definitely helps.

I have experienced just what you are going through swollen hands also burning, numbness and only have mild carpal tunnel in one hand and I experience this in both. My knees are swollen and hurt really bad and use heat packs. It started with my feet swelling and the rheumatologist said that wasn't the Fibro but my regular doctor says it is. She immediately checked me for Hep a and b which I knew I didn't have. Totally flipping me out waiting a week for test results and had me worried. Why do these dr's do this crap! I feel your pain, I am the same. I do anything and I have pain. Started trying to exercise and of course pain. Some days I just want to give up. Besides the weight gain from all these mess. Very frustrating as you know. Can't even wear my wedding rings some days. All mine happened after 3 hernias being fixed which I thought I had one. One week later pain all over started. What about you? Do you remember anything in particular that happened? Have a good day!

Hi Melissa

My pains started in 1993 and was in my right hand. The pains came from nowhere. I thought I had knocked my hand on something and ignored it for a week but the pain was getting worse. I went to my GP and the first thing he said was that I had RSI and put me on anti-inflammatory meds as I had swelling in my hands too. Weeks went by and the pains were getting worse and GP put me on more meds. Months went by and still no relief and I started to feel low as the pains were getting worse. To cut the long story short, I have pains in boths hands and shoulders neck and back. I was only diagnosed with Fibro in Aug 2014 and still I'm suffering. Just holding a spoon is painful or even and umbrella when it's raining outside. Combing my hair and doing general day to day chores is a challenge.  I have learnt to live with it. Also underwent some Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which helped with the mindfulness in the thought process. Taking a day at a time is the best way forward.

I really do feel for you and hope you get some relief soon.  x

I'm not sure swelling is supposed to be typical of fibro at all. I think nerves can imitate the feeling of swelling but if the swelling is noticeable to look at and in more than just 1 Area I would be asking for a rheumatologist appointment asap.

Good luck

Hi Melissa, my fingers have been swollen for 8 months and was convinced I had RA, all started last May with Gastritis and havent felt the same since. Rheumatologist did X-rays and scans but all ok. Crp levels slightly high but diagnosed Fibromyalgia , so swelling is part of Fibromyalgia . I was told by the Rheumatologist the only difference between RA and fibro is Ra destroys the bones but everything else is the same . I belong to the gym but feel worse for attending it and the classes, been on loads of diets but putting on weight. I haven't found any Relief from any medication yet and some days become desperate .

Yes I have badly swollen fingers, some days worse than others. I cannot wear rings at all. Shame I can't even wear my husband's wedding ring as that is too small now too.  I use hot baths with epsom salts and biofreeze on my neck and shoulders and hypnotherapy. I have decided that drugs are not the way forward for me as it seems they all give me awful side effects so it is a case of diet, exercise hot baths etc.  All the consultant told me was have a positive mental attitude otherwise you will not get up in the morning then she discharged me back to GP.

Hi Melissa, and others;  having read all responses,  am thinking that if many of you are using Naprosan/Ibobrufen/Naproxin (all the same medication) as an anti-inflammatory, these all cause swelling in the extremeities....I started out using this, and could Actually see my feet swelling while sitting....the only Long-term anti-inflammotory is Voltaren (with the use of Pariet), if you feel the need for Joint Pain relief....however; fibro is more related to our Nerves and Muscles, and that is why I take Amitriptritylline....it helps with my emotions and the Fibro pain...I have trialed Many drugs over my journey, and have only found pain-relief from this and Gabapentin, which also Blocks the Nerve Pathways....I am really feeling for you all, as I know it takes a long, and tiresome journey, to find what really works for each sufferer..but keep up your appts (and hopefully with a knowledgeable and sympathetic dr/Rhuematologist)......till I hear more from you, I will be waiting.....Bron