Fibromyalgia, what are the signs?

Hi Mary. I have Fibromyalgia, but I don't think its as bad as some get it, but its still pretty painful.

I started out about 20 yrs ago,I was the middle car in a three car smash, so got it from front and back. Got a bad whiplash, this pain then progressed down my arm, just felt like siatica does when it runs down your leg. B-A-D.

Then I progressed to pains in my 'long ' bones, thighs and upper arms, the muscles were on fire, really sharp throbbing pains.

Then I got  Glandular Fever, which was very prolonged, I  was jaundiced for about a month, and then it was diagnosed as  M.E., which then changed its name to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and as I kept on and on at my GP I kept getting re- evaluations, and some wise chap said it was now Fibromyalgia.

To get to this diagnoses I had to have blood tests and x rays to eliminate most other things they could think of, and a curious test where he pressed various 'pressure points' mainly on my head, neck and back. I think they have to press 18 places, and if 10 make you yelp then hey presto! its Fibromyalgia.

I think  all these 3 diseases are one and the same thing, its just everyone seems to get it in different forms, and at different levels. Some people are pretty much bed ridden, and some, like me, CAN work thru it, it just bloody well hurts all the time !!! (when you come in from work you just go to sleep)

It  feels a very muscle-y type pain, all the time, you also feel flu-y and fatigue-y quite a lot of the time, and the 'brain fog' drives you mad. I take pain killers most days, I do try and cut them down, if I can, and put up with it, just because I don't want to be constantly stuffing painkillers down my throat.

I know there are a lot much worse off than me, and there isn't really an answer at all. Quite often in the tests they kept on doing they kept sort of suggesting it could be 'all in the mind' If I could have passed it on to them for just a day they wouldn't have said that!!

Its quite a long job to get a diagnosis, but its been worth it for me. Without the consultants say-so I wouldn't be able to get an easy parking badge, and a 25% reduction in my local taxes....every little helps !!

I must say I have noticed on this board quite a fair number of us  saying they have Fibromyalgia, can't see a link with bc, but anything is possible with this disease !! Hope you find an answer. 

Isabella.

Dear Friend, I was told my pain in my legs are lymphedema from all the surgerys I have had and now I have to wrap them. I hope you are able to find out and get the pain under control. Also I a on a hormone that makes me hurt worse. (But if it help my fight, Ill take it)  Good luck to you, I will be praying for you. Luv, Debbie