I think I might have Fibro, need advice

I am not a Dr but I was first(18) mnths ago finally diagnosed with ankylosing Spondyloarthritis and discovered not 6 months ago that I also have fibromyalgia:- I knew there was more to it than AS...since I'd suffered many years with Candida (we inherit from parent/s)started many years ago, and have since been getting fibro flares 1-2 times a day...check on your family history re arthritis and other things that are on the fibro list..I had all but cirrhosis, but hair dresser told me last we I now have patch on my head..anyway check and you may have enough info to persuade Dr to do more tests and perhaps refer you to rheumatologist. My AS started in my hips sacroiliac hip joint and recently spread to shoulder and neck now. Some people's As starts in shoulder/neck. Hopefully you don't have AS. Fibro- you will have to reduce stress a lot and make lifestyle changes..

Hi, Amanda:

I'm sorry to tell you, sweetie, but you may have Fibro because I have the same symptoms.  I'm 68 yrs. old and my whole life I have been tired and I have aches and pain where I didn't even know you could have aches and pains..lol...

My periods were horrible, so I had an emergency hysterectemy in 2001.  My lower back hurts so badly, and now the pain goes down both legs, making it very hard to sleep.

Ask you doctor about Lyrica..That is the only pill that really helps me, even more than Tramadol...There are a few side effects, but your doctor can tell you if it's right for you..Good luck, sweetie...I hope you find relief from this terrible disease...HUGs.

Hello Amanda,

quite a lot of the symptoms you mention, could point to it being Fibromyalgia, most of them I suffer myself.  

However I really think you need to talk to your doctor, see another one if you don't feel that he / she is listening to you and ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist.  I think you probably need to have some tests carried out to eliminate certain conditions.  Good luck with it. x

Go see a rheumatologist. After doing some blood work and nerve conductor test that all came back good. I met all the criteria for fibromialga. I told my doctor right off the bat I did not want pain meds. I manage mine with exercise. I'm trying Cymbalta but it not working as of now. It does get frustrating but I just power through. Just been trying to read positive info and trying to keep a positive attitude. Carla

Good advice and comments from the ladies Amanda. Poor sweetie! What I would add myself Amanda is that you would need to manage your stress as well. Being a college student, you would have many pressures put upon you, both academically and socially. Personal emotional health is very important in managing any kind of pain condition. Are there any big issues troubling you at the moment? How is your self esteem sweetie? I cannot stress enough how thoughts and emotions can play a crucial part in our over all health. First up, get to your doctor sweetie and get an overall check up and ask if you could see a Rheumatologist. And talk with a trusted friend, family member or even a psychologist if necessary, regarding any fears, worries, resentment or any other issues that may be playing on your mind and health. I speak from experience sweetie, since I have had FM for over 30 years. Take care of yourself little one! Maggie xx

Good advice and comments from the ladies Amanda. Poor sweetie! What I would add myself Amanda is that you would need to manage your stress as well. Being a college student, you would have many pressures put upon you, both academically and socially. Personal emotional health is very important in managing any kind of pain condition. Are there any big issues troubling you at the moment? How is your self esteem sweetie? I always recommend journaling which can help get out the worries, fears and or resentment or any other troubling emotion that may be playing on your mind and causing great stress in your body. I cannot stress enough how important it is for women to manage their emotions and get the help they need whether it be from a psychologist or talking it out with a trusted friend or family member. Our thoughts and emotions are crucially linked to our physical health. Never underestimate this important aspect of your overall health sweetie. I speak from experience. I have had FM for over 30 years. Get to your doctor and get a thorough check up as a first step. Seeing a Rheumatologist is a must as well. Take care of yourself sweetie. Maggie xx

Sorry for the two comments Amanda. The first did not seem to be going through so I thought it was lost and wrote it again.❤️ xx

Hi Sounds like fibro but you must get it checked out.... my daughter has had it for 10 years after a horseriding accident we tried lots of different meds an finally found Lyrica was a huge help.... she won't drink pain pills with codeine as they cause worse rebound pain.... it makes a vicious circle.... she had terrible migraines too but Lyrica, Trepiline was good for her but everyone different you must find wht works for you....stress definitely makes fibro worse.....goodluck

I think you should tell your dr. all your symptoms.  Ask for something nonaddictive for the pain.  Antidepressents with a painkiller help. Also the antidepressent cymbalta is used for fibro because it helps with nerve pain. If the dr. perscribes something hard on the stomach make sure he perscribes a stomach guard medication.  I hope you start to feel better real soon!!  Take care  Also learn about stretches and exercise that help with fibro.