FM???

[opus88]

I was dx'd with FM abt 12 yrs ago....I always wondered if it was just an easy out for my doctor who couldn't find any thing on the numerous tests, muscle pain ESPECIALLY LEGS and constantly tired...I just lived with it aft trying almost everything recommended by others. I also developed sciatica which I thought was FM and have been on gabapentin for last 5 yrs(works good)...I found out this is totally unrelated to FM...but rather neuropathy from degenerative disk disease.
and was put on oxycontin.
my leg muscles have become progressively worse lately...they are so stiff and painful I walk straight legged and waddle, they ache constantly.
Is this a worsening of FM? and if so what do people use that really works?
I know gaba and lyrica are both anticonvulsants and I can't stop the gaba d/t my sciatica(excruciating) therefor I can't add the lyrica(which was recommended)...are there any other suggestions if this is even FM?

[VaBreeze]

You are very welcome.  I can empathize as I have neuropathy from nerve damage and it is difficult to treat.  It's very painful to live each day with this...I so understand.

I have degenerative disc in my lower back, which they say isn't very bad...but it effects my hips and now my leg.  If you talk with your physician and feel that this could be due to your sciatica or the disc, you may be a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator.  The tiredness could well be from enduring pain 24/7.

I'm not a doc., but I do think you have more going on and they are too quick to toss out FMS as a dx. when they can't find anything else wrong.  Have you ever considered a chiropractor?  My husband goes for extreme lower back pain and swears by it.

I hope you feel better soon.  Please keep in touch and let me know how everything goes.

Take care.

[opus88]

thx for the reply
You are right...thats why I've always questioned the dx of FM, as terrible pain in legs only have been my only symptom(also tiredness)..I was seen by a rhuematologist a number of yrs ago for this dx.
By my pain doc. I've been told the leg pain is neuropathy..which has many causes. so I really question the FM dx so I read and ask questions.
again thx for the suggestions I will do more reading on those sites b4 I discount it.

[VaBreeze]

You do not mention feeling pain anywhere else outside of your legs.  If this is the case I don't feel it would be FMS.  FMS effects different areas on the whole body, although it can seem worse in one area.  Please check out the Newly Diagnosed message in our Health Pages and see other medical conditions that can mimic FMS.  These should be ruled out prior to this dx.  Also, if you have not been tested for Lyme Disease it would be a good place to start.  Honestly, having the degenerative disc disease can likely be causing the issues with your legs.  Those with FMS also have many other symptoms which vary...you can view this in the Health Pages as well.

I hope you can get some answers soon as to what is causing this pain.  You may try posting your question on the Expert Forum in Neurology and see what the physicians thoughts are.

Take care.