Do I Have Fibro?

[lms58]

I am worried that I might have this condition.
Symptoms I experience daily: Diarreah, headaches, skin tenderness, back pain in upper back (neck and shoulders), lower back pain, fatigue, foot pain.
I went to the dr. about three weeks ago and he mentioned this as a possible diagnosis.
I had mono back in 2002 and was out of work for 2 months bc of it.
I am only 26 years old, but I feel 80. Hehe...
Can anyone provide any expertise on this?

[coffeegirl18]

Oh and my pain started in my left foot up to my knee (now it's my whole left leg); my right shoulder (dad has the same issue though); and my left hand fingertips to elbow.
I get migraines as well when I stress; of the stay in a dark room kind.

[coffeegirl18]

You might. I'm 23 (24 in Feb). I had a mono-like virus about four times as a kid (my immune system was really awful). I looked it up and I had Epstein Barr virus (what basically causes mono). My Wii tells me I'm 43 (when I was working at it; it told me I was 35 at the youngest). The Wii measures balance/agility/memory and/or skill. Anyways my body has recently started aching even on good weather days so it's going to be crummy this winter.

I also have a few other things as well (psoriasis, allergies and hypoglycemia).

I am rather quiet about having Fibro. I just mention that I have a chronic pain disorder if anyone asks why I missed something (I've occasionally missed something important of a friend's because it ended up being rainy or something). Only close friends even know about it otherwise people would probably think I was crazy. My mom has it as well (although I'm not sure as bad as I have it) and she mentioned it once to my aunt; whom is super great about everything and she damn near sent my mom to the doc for a psych eval for depression. My mom's cheerful as heck so I was like 'auntie no...she has chronic pain'. Mom's never had mono but the stress of an alcoholic dad cause it.

I do a lot of yoga (really love the Wii for that) and it helps although I sometimes lean against a chair for support.

[lars19]

Keep going to your doctor. It took awhile for my doctor to finally diagnose me. I was going through a very stressful time and was in considerable pain it started with my legs and them other things started hurting. I would say it took multiple trips to my doctor before he diagnosed me and he was very familiar with Fibromyalgia (as a matter of fact a friend of a friend referred him to use when we had to choose a primary physician for our medical insurance) and it still took him some time but don't give up because with the right meds and just taking care of yourself you can live a normal life. Keeping your stress level under control is a major factor also I notice when I am stressed to the max I hurt alot; and there are environmental factors weather, sun, etc that you cannot control but those that you can please do.

Best wishes to you and hope you feel better.

[lms58]

Hi Heather, thank you for responding. When I went to the dr. last time, he simply mentioned fibro as a possible cause of my symptoms at the end of the appt. He wants me to get my back x-rayed (which in my opinion won't do a thing). Last night, I almost went to the ER bc I started experiencing numbness and tingling in my back that lasted continuously for three hours. I called my dr. this morning to have his nurse ask if he would still like for me to have an x-ray or if I should come in and see him. I am just really confused about this and the back pain...I also feel like I am too young to be going through this sort of thing, and am scared, honestly.

[Heather3418]

When I was first diagnosed with Fibro and CFS, along with Multiple Sclerosis, diahhrea was not and isn't a symptom for me.  The "skin tenderness" is more tenderness at "trigger points" when those areas are pressed on, or   literally "brushed up against."  The slightest touch can cause pain.

Fibromyalgia is one of those conditions that can be diffuclt to diagnose.  The CFS can "seem" like CFS, just due to the continual pain we suffer from; it literally wears us out.

With you only being 26, I have the utmost compassion for what you are going through at such an early age.  You said that you went to the doctor three weeks ago....why was he not able to do further testing to see if you indeed had Fibro and CFS, so you can be treated appropriately?  You do not have to go through living with chronic pain.  There are so many things that can help alleviate the discomfort.

If it's possible, take little "cat naps," during the day, so you don't become over tired.  Be careful of the summer weather and too much sun.  All of these things seem to aggrevate these conditions.  Don't overdo and "listen" to what your body is trying to tell you.

You have come to the right forum.  You will get good support here.  There are so many people that I have encountered in life that laugh at the words, Fibromyalgia and CFS.  I've heard many times, "it's all in your head."  The comments I give them in return, I will not repeat here...LOL

A trip BACK to the doctor or getting a second opinion from someone that deals with these disorders, day in and day out; may be in order.  Good luck to you and agan, I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this at such a young age.  At least you are young enough to hopefully see a cure happen in YOUR lifetime.

Best Wishes to you, Heather