Anyone know about Fibromyalgia???

[Constant Pain]

Does anyone have fibromyalgia in the London area? I would like toknow the signs and symptoms. I have been having a great deal of pain, and someone suggested it could be fibromyalgia. Are there any support groups in the area and how is this treated? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Lady In Pain]

Someone told me that I may have that too. Would like to know more about it.

[location location]

I have a friend whom has this but I really don't know any details other that it is very painful.

[Becky]

I was diagnosed when I was 22 years old. I am 27 now. It is very painful and it is hard to find a doctor around here who knows anything about it. Best bet is to go to Lexington...

[URnotalone]

I have found out that I too have it...Any info would b greatly appec too

[Lady In Pain]

Fibromyalgia Overview

Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body. Fibromyalgia pain and other symptoms can be relieved through medications, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other fibromyalgia treatment

[Lady In Pain]

Fibromyalgia Causes
What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause of fibromyalgia is not known. Patients experience pain in response to stimuli that are normally not perceived as painful. Researchers have found elevated levels of a nerve chemical signal, called substance P, and nerve growth factor in the spinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients. The brain nerve chemical serotonin is also relatively low in patients with fibromyalgia. Studies of pain in fibromyalgia have suggested that the central nervous system (brain) may be somehow supersensitive. Scientists note that there seems to be a diffuse disturbance of pain perception in patients with fibromyalgia.

Also, patients with fibromyalgia have impaired non-Rapid-Eye-Movement, or non-REM, sleep phase (which likely explains the common feature of waking up fatigued and unrefreshed in these patients). The onset of fibromyalgia has been associated with psychological distress, trauma, and infection.

[Lady In Pain]

Fibromyalgia is the most common arthritis-related illness after osteoarthritis. Still, it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.

In this overview of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), we'll explain the symptoms. We'll talk about diagnosis and treatment. We'll also explain the impact fibromyalgia has on lives. The impact comes from the tremendous physical and psychological strains that come with FMS. Those strains can lead to loss of work hours, reduced income, and even loss of a job.

What is fibromyalgia syndrome?
A syndrome is a set of symptoms. When they exist together, they imply the presence of a specific disease or a greater chance of developing the disease. With FMS, the following symptoms commonly occur together:

anxiety or depression
decreased pain threshold or tender points
incapacitating fatigue
widespread pain


Are women more likely to get fibromyalgia than men?
More than 12 million Americans have FMS. Most of them are women ranging in age from 25 to 60. The truth is women are 10 times more likely to get this disease than men.

What are fibromyalgia symptoms?
Fibromyalgia causes you to ache all over. You may have symptoms of crippling fatigue -- even on arising. Specific trigger points or tender points on the body may be painful to touch. You may experience swelling, disturbances in deep-level or restful sleep, and mood disturbances or depression.

Your muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. They'll feel that way even without exercise or another cause. Sometimes, your muscles twitch, burn, or have deep stabbing pain.

Some patients with FMS have pain and achiness around the joints in the neck, shoulder, back, and hips. This makes it difficult for them to sleep or exercise. Other fibromyalgia symptoms include:

abdominal pain
anxiety and depression
chronic headaches
difficulty maintaining sleep or light sleep
dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
fatigue upon arising
hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
inability to concentrate (called "fibro fog")
incontinence
irritable bowel syndrome
numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
painful menstrual cramps
poor circulation in hands and feet (called Raynaud's phenomenon)
restless legs syndrome
stiffness
Fibromyalgia can cause signs and feelings similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Some experts include it in this group of arthritis and related disorders. But the pain of bursitis or tendinitis is localized to a specific area. The feelings of pain and stiffness with fibromyalgia are widespread.

What tests are used to diagnose fibromyalgia?
There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will rely on a comprehensive physical examination and your medical history. Your doctor will also use a diagnosis of exclusion. That means the doctor will rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

[LondonGal]

My mother has Fibro. She was diagnosed probably about 10 years ago. Her doctor really didn't know how to treat her and continued to put her on various narcotics until she reached the point that she was doped up all of the time. She has finally found a doctor that is successfully treating her without just doping her up. I know for years she has been in constant pain, which seems to get worse when she has not slept well.

I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with it myself. About 2 years ago I started experiencing a lot of the same symptoms; IBS, Chronic Fatigue, RLS, Depression, Anxiety. The doctor has me on Lyrica (mom is on it too) and it has helped tremendously.

My best recommendation to you if you think you have fibromyalgia is to find a doctor who will listen to your concerns and not blow you off as a Hypochondriac.

[paineveryday]

Ive been dealing with it for 2 years. Very painful theyve had me on lyrica for a year but doesnt help anymore. Tanning bed helps some. Just move slow and do your best to deal with the pain. Im looking for a new Dr who will help. Good Luck

[watching it happen]

My daughter suffers horribly. She is 19 and was diagnosed at 16. They (doctors) say she is one of the most definitive cases that they have seen. She has found two local doctors that make her life bearable. Her family practitioner is Nikhil Parulekar in Corbin. Her chiropractor is Larry Smith in London.

[paineveryday]

thanks Ill try them.

[Doris Jackson]

I have had fibro for the last 12 years, and it is increasingly difficult to go about everyday activities. I see a doctor here in london, also a specialist in lexington. It has been more manageable in the last six months due to medication, I have taken lyrica to no avail, and now i am currently taking - Methocarbamol 750MG Twice daily/ Lortab 10/650 3 times daily/ Tramadol 50MG as needed/ Relpax 40Mg for Migraine- And Trazadone 50Mg at bedtime for sleep.
Hope this info helps!

[It is]

hard to diagnose. Some prominent MD's say there isn't such a thing.

[paineveryday]

they tred me on lyrica it didnt do anything. Im at the point I lay around and cry and dont want to move. cant find a dr who will help. Ive had three Drs say its in your head

[finally]

i have been suffering with this for the past 4 years. Going to so many doctors, having so many tests run. I was prescribed sarvella, but without any insurance i can not afford the medicine. does anyone know how i can get any help with doctor expenses and medicines? i only work part time for barely above minimum wage. I tried to get medical help and they actually said i do not qualify. If they did not consider gross pay, i'd might have a chance. Even when i do work, i sometimes work in pain, because i have to, and others do not understand the pain i am in, because the pain is always located in a different of my body. The pain can change its origin at any minute. it is so frustrating.

[worth a try]

finally wrote:

i have been suffering with this for the past 4 years. Going to so many doctors, having so many tests run. I was prescribed sarvella, but without any insurance i can not afford the medicine. does anyone know how i can get any help with doctor expenses and medicines? i only work part time for barely above minimum wage. I tried to get medical help and they actually said i do not qualify. If they did not consider gross pay, i'd might have a chance. Even when i do work, i sometimes work in pain, because i have to, and others do not understand the pain i am in, because the pain is always located in a different of my body. The pain can change its origin at any minute. it is so frustrating.

Red Bird Clinic in Beverly used to help people get meds. They have a program. You might try calling them and asking. It's worth a try. Wish you the best!

[Hmmm]

finally wrote:

i have been suffering with this for the past 4 years. Going to so many doctors, having so many tests run. I was prescribed sarvella, but without any insurance i can not afford the medicine. does anyone know how i can get any help with doctor expenses and medicines? i only work part time for barely above minimum wage. I tried to get medical help and they actually said i do not qualify. If they did not consider gross pay, i'd might have a chance. Even when i do work, i sometimes work in pain, because i have to, and others do not understand the pain i am in, because the pain is always located in a different of my body. The pain can change its origin at any minute. it is so frustrating.

Several of the local doctors often will offer samples of several medications--try that route--the only sure thing that has helped has been exercise--I know it is extremely painful at the time but it often makes the next day more bearable. I had more of a problem with the sudden "flare ups"--would be fine one day and the next couldn't get out of bed.

[Paula]

It is very much real, I suffer from it daily, it generally stays in my neck and across the back of my left shoulder. Sometimes it does move around to my hips etc. It is very grueling. I have had this for about 5 years now. I am 39 and there is days I feel like I am 99.

Stress makes it worse, lack of sleep does also. It is very much real.

[Suffering]

Paula wrote:

It is very much real, I suffer from it daily, it generally stays in my neck and across the back of my left shoulder. Sometimes it does move around to my hips etc. It is very grueling. I have had this for about 5 years now. I am 39 and there is days I feel like I am 99.
Stress makes it worse, lack of sleep does also. It is very much real.

I have it throughout my entire body. I am having a flare up and for the past several days have barely been able to get out of bed but the pressure of laying in the bed hurts so bad but I don't have the energy to sit up. The Dr. doubled the dosage of my medicine a few days ago and I keep hoping it will help but so far it has just made me feel "wonky".