Herpes Simplex and FM

Not long after finally being diagnosed with FM just over two years ago I was diagnosed with Shingles, six months later I had the same symptoms, again last year I had another outbreak and a couple of weeks ago I had another outbreak which was more severe and lasted longer than all other outbreaks. My rash was on the back of my neck and radiating towards my shoulder on all occasions and this episode it also caused eruptions on the front of my neck and the side of my face. When I saw my GP he told me that he believes that it is actually herpes simplex and not zoster. I am wondering if others with FM have suffered recurring episodes of Herpes simplex in this manner. I have not been able to find much info that mentions legions on areas other than the face.

[dustybrown]

My Rhuemy believes that Herpes and different strains of the virus plays a role in developing FM/CFS, although I myself have not had any outbreaks, this must be common since this is her belief and she is a leading Fibro Rheumatologist in my state. I think that the Epstein Barr Virus is a type of herpes virus, although I could be wrong.  Most of us who have FM/CFS have EBV as well. I know I do.

[sgolder]

Thanks for your reply, I have not had a lot of time to research any of this lately so it is appreciated. I believe that EBV is Glandular Fever and from past research that I have read it seems to be at the top of the list as possible cause for CFS, but I am not sure in regards to FM. You bring up an interesting question as to the possibility of EBV being related to one/any of the Herpes virus'. There is so much that is unknown and I always seem to come up with more questions than answers. Oh well I suppose that is what keeps life interesting and it is often a good distraction from the pain :)

[fibromite33]

i been thinkin the same weather herpes virus and fibro are connected some how, i am havin a flare up at the min of genital herpes and my whole body is really sensitive to touch, just brushin ya fingers gently over my skin is causin me severe pain but i also know this is a symptom of fibro but it alway seems worse when i have an out break???? so really not sure. as i have been diagnosed with both????

[CatcherSei]

I have a related question:  I have oral herpes, and a guy I might start dating has fibromyalgia . . . I told him about the herpes, and he said he needs to think about it because little things like that tend to have a terrible domino effect on his body.  What do you think?  Is it worth the risk if we really like each other?  Or are we only going to know for sure in hindsight?

[hopeforthehope]

Sorry to hear of your struggles.. I am 27 yrs old and have been trying to figure out the same theories since I was a pre-teen. Suffering from migraines with aura since childhood. Only to have a downward spiral of health complications. Diagnosed with Herpes simplex around age 16 (can remember having outbreaks at age 13 which we thought was sun poisoning since it comes out when I would get bad sunburn). Diagnosed with Raynaud's shortly after. Then Epstein- Barr virus. Finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a few years ago by a University Rheumatologist. Pain and fatigue have only increased with age. I am becoming very inactive and depressed. The headaches are daily and crippling. I am trying to find a doctor who will treat the underlying viral problem rather than giving me anti-depressants to help the Fibro pain.. I am worried I am sicker than just the ghost pains they say are not a progressive disease..