HELP!!!

[ellen20]

I have recently been diagnosed with fibro. How can I be sure that is what it is? I am so scared of ALS and it is hard for me to believe that I have all of these things going on in my body and there is no known reason for them. My feet are cold and cramping all the time, especially in the toes and arches. My left leg feels like it is not attached. I don't even know if that is how to describe it. It feels really heavy. My fingers hurt when I bend them, Hips, knees, and I could go on and on. I just need to know that all of these things go with fibro, also muscle twitching. I felt like I had rubberbands around my legs and arm the other day. I have had EMG of legs and left arm (all normal). I am waiting on results of another set of bloodwork from rheumatologist. I have had 4 mri's of back over the last year. Bulging disc - L4-5, 3 cervical disc herniations. I went to physical therapy for them. I guess my concern is, how do I know that these symptoms are not really something else. I am just scared.  

[karajo]

Hi Ellen,

How long have you had these symptoms?

[ellen20]

I have had them off and on for over a year (probably even longer). I had surgery 15 years ago on the disc that is bulging. Through the years I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, tmj, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, gerd, etc... The tingling, burning, numbness, weakness, twitching, and pain have really become noticeable in the last nine months, but I probably have had some of it through the years. It is just now almost daily somewhere in my body. I am just thankful that I can get up and walk and move slowly. Thanks for responding.

[ozzy66]

Hi Ellen:  Like you I am new to this.  I have the exact same question.  I want to know definitively but as you know that's not possible!  Right now I'm waiting for spinal tap results to rule out ms, lymes and as the neuro says "other things".  It is a tough dx to accept as there is no true test............good luck....I know exactly how you feel!

[patsy10]

To diagnose fibro eveything else needs to be ruled out like lyme, autoimmune disease etc....The tenderpoints also have to be present (11 out of 18).  Many people get the diagnosis of FMS without proper testing.