Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue
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Fibromyalgia -causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Author: james sameul
What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a human disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia.[1] While the criteria for such an entity have not yet been thoroughly developed, the recognition that fibromyalgia involves more than just pain has led to the frequent use of the term "fibromyalgia syndrome". It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed.[2] The disorder is not directly life-threatening.
Do you have pain from head to toe? Are you tossing and turning throughout the night, unable to sleep? Do you wake up to pain and a foggy brain in the morning? These are common symptoms experienced by fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients.The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any body part can be affected. Fibromyalgia patients experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time.
Signs and symptoms
Widespread pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in specific areas of your body when pressure is applied, including the back of your head, upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees. The pain generally persists for months at a time and is often accompanied by stiffnessYou may have some degree of constant pain, but the pain may get worse in response to activity, stress, weather changes and other factors. You may have a deep ache or a burning pain. You may have muscle tightening or spasms. Many people have migratory pain (pain that moves around the body).
Risk Factors of Fibromyalgia
One study reported that 28% of the children of mothers with fibromyalgia also develop the disorder. Offspring who developed fibromyalgia were no more likely to have psychological disorders than those who did not.
Primary fibromyalgia is the most common type. Many experts believe that fibromyalgia is not a disease but rather a chronic pain condition brought on by several abnormal body responses to stress. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, or viral infections such as Epstein-Barr may be triggers of the disorder, but none have proven to be a cause of primary fibromyalgia.It is believed that individuals with FM may have low levels of certain chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Low levels of these brain chemicals can cause depression and contribute to the pain and fatigue experienced in FM.
How is it treated?
Analgesics or "pain relievers" interact with receptors in the body to stop the sensation of pain from various sources. Analgesic drugs vary in strength and addiction potential from over-the-counter Tylenol to stronger prescription medications such as propoxyphene/acetaminophen (Darvocet) and tramadol (Ultram).
Lyrica: This is the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of fibromyalgia. While this is a step forward, it is no cure. Lyrica has been shown to cut pain levels in half, but only in 30% of the people who took it.
Exercise. The emphasis is often on muscle conditioning and programs to improve aerobic fitness (such as swimming, cycling, walking and stationary cross-country ski machines) as well as physical therapy. Patients should be told that exercise is safe and effective. After an initial training period, the exercise regimen chosen should be done daily for 30 to 40 minutes.
Widely used diagnostic criteria published by the American College of Rheumatologists establish that a person has fibromyalgia if he or she has had widespread pain for at -
Has anyone tried Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue/ME/Fibromyalgia?
Hi, Just wondering if anyone has tried or is in the process of having acupuncture for the ease of symptoms of chronic fatigue and how they feel it is working, if it is?
Hi, I’m having acupuncture for ME, for about 1 1/2 years. In the beginning once every week, now once a month or so (due to finances).
It’s not gonna cure you from CFS/ME, but for me it helped in relieving symptoms. And because of that, it helped me to build up some energy again. Sometimes the symptoms itself can cost you lots of energy. Like for instance if you have trouble sleeping. But it also helped me against nausea, stomach troubles, hormonal imbalances, headache.
I can never be sure how big the influence of acupuncture has been on my health! But my health now is a lot better then a few years ago, or even then just a year ago. I still have ME, but I do work 3 to 4 days a week and last winter I have spend 10 weeks travelling through SE Asia. Only one year ago this seemed like impossible. Is it because of the acupuncture? I really would not know for sure. Maybe I am just lucky, maybe it’s the sum of more things. Like, for example, I really watch my energylevels and listen very well to my body. I try to keep a balance all the time, between being as active as is still safe (which I really had to build up very slowly), and take enough rest. But I know for sure that acupuncture does help in relieving some of the symptoms.
Could it be fibromyalgia? Chronic fatigue? Rheumatoid arthritis?
Alot of night sweats, night “jumps” (muscle twitching) and daytime fatigue. I get soreness and pain in my shoulder blades & in the muscles down my arms (bicep) and legs (thighs). Theres pressure up my spine to the base of my skull and causes migraines.
I get sudden bouts of nausea, and have severe brain fog/ confusion. Recurring conjunctivitis, swollen ears & dry vee-jay skin.
( The dr had me checked for thyroid, pheochromocytoma & wpw disease, standard CBC test- all negative.)
24 yr fem. Symptoms started when I was 19.
Chronic fatigue or Fibromyalgia?
After a few years of inexplicable exhaustion, my doctor diagnosed me with chronic fatigue. They tried a few drugs, but nothing has worked and I still feel awful. The more research I do, the more I think I actually have Fibromyalgia. Here are my symptoms, I’d love to know what you guys think: can’t fall asleep or stay asleep (sleep an average of 3 hrs per night), constant body aches, headaches, brain fog, inability to focus and concentrate and remember things (i am only 27), pure exhaustion all the time and sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights. Please let me know if any of you have experienced this, thanks!
Obviously I need a way to sleep, if only it were that easy. I have had sleep issues for a long time and I have tried everything on earth, none of it works. Sleep disorders are a big symptom of Fibro….that is why I mentioned it.
I am diagnosed with CFS/ME (after some very decent testings) and every symptom you mention is recognizable to me. These are symptoms for both CFS and Fibromyalgia. Both diseases have a lot in common and only a few differences. I think the mayor difference is the amount of pain you have, and it’s actually pretty much the same otherwise. Like a sub-group. I might be wrong there though. Anyway, I was diagnosed as CFS and not with FM.
Your problems with sleeping are a common thing in CFS and FM. And it is not making your health any better, it’s making it worse because you really need all the rest!
What helped for me is melatonin. It’s not a sleeping pill, it’s what your own body normally makes to give the signal that it;s time for sleeping. In my country you can buy it at the drugstore, and doctors prescribe the stronger version. You can also buy it online, and in your country it is probably also available in shops. For me that really works well, I sleep so much better.
It doesn’t cure CFS or Fibromyalgia, but it might help you to feel better.
Right now your body is only getting more exhausted. Which is definitely not a good thing!
Some interesting sites:
http://www.recoveryfromcfs.org/chapter1.htm
http://www.sleepydust.net/MYALGIC-ENCEPHALOPATHY-cfsme-homepage.html
http://www.supportme.co.uk/whatisme.htm
Hi Charlie, I’ve been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/w EBV, so for me it’s CFIDS and Fibromyalgia since 1993. Well, the CFIDS diagnosis was first and Fibro was added later, but that’s because I had an obvious viral component at first that docs felt sure I would get over – but never did.
My bloodwork all came back fine too, except for that virus. I did have ANA testing 3 different times, all negative. As you said, some days are good, and I just experienced several months of good. So good, I thought I was over whatever this was. All it took was 2 nights in a row of not sleeping enough to throw me back into the whole pain, tired, brain foggy syndrome. Not enough rest or emotional upset (stress of any kind) will do it to me every time. No matter how many coping skills I learn, it doesn’t seem to matter. I think I’m fine, but my body tells me differently. A Rheumatologist is where you need to be for proper diagnosis. You probably won’t have to ask for ANA testing, but if he doesn’t mention it, you should to rule Lupus out. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me. My brain fog is bad today.
Fibromyalgia? Chronic Fatigue? Need some information and symptoms?
I have been problems since the birth of my 5th child 4 yrs ago. I have good days and bad days, but I’m always over sensitive. a touch or poke that shouldn’t be painful is for me. Some days I’m extremely tired others aren’t so bad. short term memory is becoming an issue and I have 2 swollen glands on opposite sides of my neck that have been there for months. Blood work comes back fine. thyroid fine, no ra etc… I’m being referred to a rheumatologist. Some days are so good I wonder if it’s in my head except for those lymph nodes. anyone else no of anything it could be?
They did test for ana and all was normal. I’m just so frustrated!!! Thanks all
you need to go to a LYME LITERATE MD…there are a lot of false negatives with the lymes tests..and most docs don’tr know what to look for
have you had the FULL mono panel…not just the mono spot?
I have fibromyalgia, along with Rheumatoid Arthritis (hypertension, … )
I was first put on Lyrica a few months ago, 50mg, when my fibromyalgia flare-up was not too bad; the Lyrica all but kicked it right out, and I felt better almost immediately.
I’ve come into another flare-up of the fibromyaligia, much worse this time. I was put on a generic, gabapentin, I think, and it didn’t work so well. Then I was put back on Lyrica, 100mg, and it has been very helpful. The flare-up was much worse this time, so it’s taking longer, but I do notice a drastic improvement in my levels of both pain and fatigue.
God Bless!
mri for ms is often false negative
you need a spinal tap to confirm…
they should not have diagnosed you with fms until they ruled out ms based on your symptoms
it could be 2 conditions..making it harder to diagnose
Some of the symptoms sound like they could be related to fibromyalgia. I would recommend a consultation with a rheumatologist (a doctor that diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders that relate to the joints and such such as RA and Fibromyalgia) as well to see what they think could be going on.
What are the common and uncommon symptoms of Lyme Disease?
I really NEED to know! I have been sick for 3 month and I have had a full body cat scan, blood test to check for hart disease, blood clots, and any other serious problems they found nothing! I have all the Symptoms but I want to see a full list! I also have the symptoms Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Lyme Disease!
I could have got it when we went horse back riding in July there were a lot of ticks, and bugs! How do you get it tested?
HELP! I am getting scared because there finding nothing and I still feel like crap! I am 14 5’9 145 pounds(I AM NOT TO SKINNY I AM A PERFECT WEIGHT)
How is chronic fatigue/ME diagnosed?
I’m 18 and never have energy. I had glandular fever/mono when I was 15 and since then I’m always tired.
I’m being tested for rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia. But I think it’s more than that.
What are the symptoms of ME? How is it diagnosed and treated?
Chronic Fatigue is ruled in after things like a B 12 deficiency (also checked thru bloodwork) are ruled out. They also take a look at the thyroid levels to make sure there is no hypothyroidism (which means the thyroid when it functions is slow) going on because some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is also fatigue and low energy levels.
I have the link to a site that can help you find even more information. The link is at: http://chronicfatigue.about.com
This site also has information on fibromyalgia.
untreated Lyme disease can cause up to 100 different symptoms and go easy undetected because of faulty Lyme testing.. try getting a good Lyme test by a LLMD Lyme literate medical doctor they will order more sensitive tests that will prove one way or another if you have underline problem with Lyme..
Does anyone else with Fibromyalgia feel like your life has been taken away?
I have suffered for many many years since i’ve been at least 15 with severe fatigue, low energy, heaviness in the limbs, weakness, headaches- now have become migraines. Burning muscle pain in my neck,shoulders and back. numbness in my arms and legs, crawling sensations and a list a mile long. After having every test done possible, visiting every kind of specialist- all rules they can’t find anything and a dozen dr.’s say it’s fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Now 38, married with kids my symptoms have grown worse- feels like MS or Lyme but still dr.’s tell me its fibro and tests are neg.
It’s sucks so much- I do not work. couldn’t hold a job if i tried. I could sleep for days. I have no life, no friends, no one that understands what i’m suffering. I get tired very easily. Does fibromyalgia really make you feel this bad? I’m on the verge of divorce because my husband has boundless energy, is a compulsive runner, thinks i’m lazy – it’s in my head, i get no emotional support and have tried to find groups near me with no luck. My teen girls are my only friends and someone to talk to, they understand and thankfully help with household chores and they are angry with my husband’s selfishness” all about him” and his image. I guess a good way he can meet sexy women, cheat on his wife while i’m suffering with an illness and feeling so alone.
Hi Paula, I’ve had CFS and Fibro since the days they called it CFIDS. I do have an immune dysfunction component, so CFIDS fits me better than CFS, but it’s the newew catch-phrase. In ten years, they will call it something else. So 1993 for me, and yes, at first I felt like it stole my life. I had to leave my career and my hobbies and all my outside activities. My attitude was that of a total victim, and why not? It may have been deserved, but it didn’t help me. It hurt. Another friend with CFS and Fibro recommended the book Simple Abundance by Sarah von Brethnack (sp?). It helped turn my thinking around and helped me have more control over my feelings. Soon I wasn’t feeling like a victim anymore, and believe it or not, that brought more pain relief than all those meds I was prescribed. I’ve also been in A.A and N.A. for 20 years, and the 12 steps reinforced the idea of me being responsible for my feelings. They are not someone elses’s fault. They are how I choose to react. This empowered me in a way I had never felt before, and it helps in dealing with the CFS and Fibro. Don’t misunderstand. My career is still gone. My working days are over. I can’t/don’t do much housework. I cannot do so many things I would like to do, but I focus on the things I can do that I enjoy. It helps keep my spirits up. Every morning I find something that I am grateful for, and I focus on that for a while. I have a simple little program. Every day I do something to help somebody else, and every day I must laugh and do something I enjoy. I like it here at YA, and I love figure skating, so I answer questions and watch Michelle Kwan videos. I will watch Comedy Channel if I can’t find something else to laugh at.
I am fortunate in that I now have a mate who likes doing laundry and vacuuming, and he’s not a bad cook. I was married to a man who, even though he did understand my illness, he was a total slob, so when we couldn’t afford a cleaning woman, I felt guilty when the house was not clean. I also just hate a disorganized mess, even though I can’t necessarily organize anymore, so I found the right mate for me this time around. I strongly suggest you try that book Simple Abundance to start your journey into taking back your life. You will be much happier by the time you are finished the book. That’s a promise!
Has Lyrica helped anybody’s fatigue?
I’m taking lyrica (75mg/day). I don’t have any pain just chronic fatigue which is a symptom of fibromyalgia. My doctor is essentially using me as a guinea pig; which is alright because I’d rather feel drugged and fatigue than just plain fatigue and in my right mind. Has Lyrica improved anyone’s energy?
Not Fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis then what is it?
I have the pressure points for fibromyalgia and have been diagnosed as such. I was also diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Only problem is my symtoms are worrsening and i have all symptoms of Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome but also others like in and out blury vision , i can’t tell when i have to pee anymore so i make myself go pee once or twice a day. I do know when i have to poop though. I also have numbness and spasms and intense pain in extremeties. I feel bruised all over but have also lost sensation. I have worsening memory and i often drop things and lose balence. I have chronic migraines. I have tried every fibromyalgia drug known including the new ones. I have seen a Rheumatologist and had tests and scans done for arthritis, i had blood work for lupus, i am in physical therapy and i am worsening in symptoms and pain medication doesn’t help me. I see a regular therapist as well. I talked to my primary dr and she said she don’t know. I am going to see a neuro dr but i wonder whati could have if the MRI for MS comes back negative. A few dr’s suggested it could be MS but what if the MS test is negative? I am in so much pain and nothing is helping? I get so nauseated a lot too. I also see a chiroprator and i tried expensive herbs from the health food place. Nothing is helping. Anyone have any insight or adive or heard of anything like this???
Chronic fatigue worsening abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, doctors say fibromyalgia….?
Had Cat Scan for abdominal pain. Showed Low grade 10cm zone of fatty stranding involving the left mid ab mesentery with several mesenteric lymph nodes. They suspect mesenteritits/adenitis. I am 34 yrs old post hysterectomy, appendectomy, cholecystectomy. My fatigue and anxiety is getting bad, my stomach pains are every day. Curious what others thoughts are on the CT findings. The doctor don’t know why I have the fatty stranding said the prevacid I am taking for gastritis is causing the loose stool and maybe my fibro is playing into my stomach pain so he wants me to continue prevacid try metamucil to help balance the prevacid that might be causing diarrhea and try klonopin to see if it helps calm
Some of the fibro symptoms. But the more readings I do regarding the mesentery and the lymph nodes seems it can be lymphoma. Would like others thoughts. Thanks.
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