I think I have fibromyalgia, can I please have some advice as I am desperate.

Hi Paula, poor sweetie! So young to be in such pain. So you say that you have been to a Rheumatologist? And he has determined that you do not have Fibromyalgia? Therefore perhaps you have some type of arthritis. That is manageable.  If you feel as though your doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously enough Paula, please see another. People often treat doctors as if they were demigods or something but they are human like anyone else and can overlook something or not test adequately to get a proper diagnosis. So don't be afraid to pursue your options sweetie. The fact that your back showed some wear can be some of the cause of your pain. Another important aspect is your stress levels. Have you been under an overload of stress of late? That can tighten muscles and cause a great deal of pain in the neck and shoulders. Fears and anxiety can cause us muscular pain as well. An acidic system can also create pain in the body. A healthy diet can be very beneficial with lots of vegetables and fruit and lean meats. Junk food can strip us of vitamins and nutrients so keeping a balanced diet is beneficial for your overall wellbeing Paula. if you are under inordinate stress lately, is there someone you trust to talk it out and unload your worries and anxiety? This can help a great deal Paula since it will enable you to put some perspective on things. Health worries can be overwhelming and pain can cause us to imagine all kinds of things and think the worst. So take steps to find answers and try not to build up worry in your mind. So far your tests have come back pretty normal. That is a good sign Paula. Massage or seeing an Osteopath may help your pain since it can be more gentle than say a chiropractor. Be proactive in finding solutions sweetie and never despair. Warm hugs. Maggie xx

Well I think that you need to perhaps treat this condition you have as being Fibromyalgia. There is no cure at the moment Paula but you can do things to help ease your pain. Seeing a Pain specialist can put you on the right path. I myself cannot recommend medication because I have chosen to treat it in a more holistic way, with some supplements and diet and mild exercise like walking. Other ladies and gents here can give you more advice on medication that may have helped them cope. Magnesium as I mentioned, seems to help many Fibro patients. Epsom salts soaks in the tub can also bring some comfort. On certain days, a hot water bottle is my best friend. I think it is time to stop looking to the doctors to find your relief and to begin taking your own health under control sweetie. Read as much about Fibromyalgia as you possibly can to find ways to cope with this chronic condition. You Can manage it my dear. There are of course many varied symptoms involved and each person has some different ones to deal with. So one shoe does not necessarily fit all, so to speak. You must be proactive in finding what works for you Paula and what brings you the most relief. Also managing your stress is a Key. Stress feeds Fibromyalgia pain. It loves stress! So managing your anxiety and worry can help you tremendously. Accepting your limitations is also a key. Even though you are young and you may see your friends all active etc, don't ever compare yourself to them. That is just self defeating. You are you with your own unique issues Paula and that is what you have to contend and adapt to. And don't try to keep up with others. Acceptance is the first crucial part and then you can deal with this as each day presents itself. One day at a time sweetie. x

Hi Paula, I read the other responses and I agree. Fibromyalgia is so different for each of us. It has many feelings and aggravations. Since I have 5 bad disc in my neck my pain starts there which when I was searching for an answer to my issues I saw many Specialist. I've seen 5 different rheumatologist that gave different diagnosis. Three said fibromyalgia, one said cervical spondylosis because he didn't believe in fibromyalgia, one said that I was imagining the pain and one said Degenerative Disc Disease, so there you go. You have to see Specialist that are going to listen to you. When I was diagnosed as having fibromyalgia there wasn't a diagnosis code but now they recognize that it is something that deserves a diagnosis code. The pain can be from stabbing to burning, throbbing to aching, etc. It's hard to diagnose for some or they just don't want to recognize that it really is real and not in your head. I know that I have arthritis in my neck which is where my main pain stems from but, when my whole body aches from my neck to my feet I know thats the fibro acting up. As Magpie said, Stress exacerbates the pain so try not to stress. Magpie gave really good advice as well, I agree with everything that she said. I take pain meds for mine because I can't handle the pain as soon as I open my eyes in the morning. Oxycontin works for me and helps me get out of the bed. I was in bed for a whole year before I got the right combination of meds for all the different issues that go along with this crazy syndrome. Ambien for sleep, Cymbalta for depression ( I was taking Cymbalta last year but felt that I didn't need it anymore. Well, I did need it and I am taking it now.). I have restless leg along with the other issues. I definitely know how you feel with being so young and not being able to hang out with your friends because you don't feel well enough. You have to slow walk what you do. Brain fog, hmm. So, I take 5 different medications to help me do some things. Do as much research as you can. You have to learn how to pace yourself if Fibromyalgia is what you have. You need a really good, compassionate doctor. I pray that it will be easy for you to find that doctor to help. I'll send you some websites that you can check out. Gentle hugs...

Hi Paula, I am diagnosed with fibromyalgia and to be perfectly honest the medical profession (from my own experience) are useless at treating it. I have now started going to an osteopath. I think someone else mentioned they are much gentler than a chiropractor. That is certainly very true. I would highly recommend you see one as I think they would be able to help you. And it really doesn't matter, as such, what is causing your pain. Whether it is fibro or not, there is clearly a problem, and a good osteopath will help treat you...no matter if you have a 'named' condition or not.