Looking for answers....

[blalock]

Hello everyone, and thank you for your time in reading my post. I am a 28 yr old female who has always had leg cramps. I have suffered with them since I can remember. I have always been able to take a hot bath, and apply a little absorbine jr, and find myself to sleep. Recently though this trick does not work. Now I not only get these cramps around bedtime in my legs I am getting them in my forearms at the exact same time. They hurt so bad its near impossible to bear. I have to constantly move my legs and arms when this pain occurs. After a little research on fibromyalgia I found alot of things I can relate to as far as symptoms. I have always had issues with irritable bowel sydrome. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. It comes in spurts. My Dr. put me on celexa and it has worked great. I actually have weened myself from it and no longer even take it. The celexa came after many other meds I tried.
As far as the irritable bowel sydrome I have some days my bowel movements are fine, and others where I have constart diarhea, feelings of hemroids, side pain around the colon which goes away with a bowel movement, constipation, and gas. I have never been one to get sick alot, but here lately it seems I keep some sickness. Most being upper respitory, and bronchitis. I also suffer from sever menstrual cramps, and always have.
This morning I found myself vomiting while having these pains in my legs and arms. I am not sure if this is more of maybe a stress related issue, or maybe a nerve issue, but I thought I would share my background a bit with you all. I believe the patients know more about it than most doctors in my exp. with anxiety attacks. So I like to ask someone who has been through the rough times of it and see what you all think. Any input is GREATLY appreciated and I wish you all the best of luck.
Thanks :)

[Phtartist]

Do not fear Ultram, it is not a narcotic pain reliever. It works in the brain as a pain receptor blocker. It slightly affects serotonin and norepinephrine, very slightly. Do take the med strictly as directed.

[PlateletGal]

Hi blalock,

I'm glad to hear that you've been finding some great info on your condition. I think if you are one of the unlucky ones with a "fibromyalgia" or "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" diagnosis.... then you need to keep up to date on the latest research and/or treatments. I was just mentioning in the EBV forum how a physician was on my local news station and she made a comment that made my blood boil. She claimed that there were no treatments for CFS ! And this woman said she frequently sees CFS patients !

To answer your question about whether or not your father's autoimmune disease is related to your fibromyalgia... I believe it is. There are several theories about genetic predisposition... but also consider that bacteria alters our gene expressions and that pathogens can be spread in families. New research found that HPV could be passed along through breast milk to an infant.

Here are some links that may be of interest to you:

http://bacteriality.com/2007/10/31/family/ ---- Bacteria vs. genetic predisposition: the spread of chronic disease in families

http://bacteriality.com/2007/11/13/eyes/ ---- Eye inflammation, vision, and bacteria

http://bacteriality.com/2008/07/31/hpv/ --- HPV found in breast milk, clarifying yet another way in which pathogens likely spread from parent to child

[blalock]

Thank you all for your comforting words. I am sure going to stick around the board and help others the best I can and take a little help for myself. I have been researching lots and came across some great info.
Tonight while reading some articles through google I found that FM can be brought on by a connective tissue disorder. My father had
(PXE)  Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum which is The connective tissues are the structural portions of the body that essentially hold the body cells together. These tissues form a framework or matrix for the body. The connective tissues are composed of two major structural molecules, collagen and elastin. There are many different collagen protein types which vary in abundance depending on body area. Elastin is another protein which has the capability of stretching and returning to original length like a spring.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare disorder of degeneration of the elastic fibers with tiny areas of calcification in the skin, back of the eyes (retinae), and blood vessels. Interestingly, while elastin is the major component of ligaments (tissues which attach bone to bone), the ligaments are not apparently affected by PXE. ..

So I had to wonder myself if all of this isnt related. Its hard to say I might have PXE as it is diagnosed by a series of test. I do not have insurance so as you know its hard to just run up and get these test done. I would only be doing it more of a research way to see if maybe mine was branched off from this. But I do not feel at this time I would care to carry forward with that. I am comfortable as I can be with the fact I have FM, and I am taking all necessary actions to help bring my health to higher grounds in order to keep me healthy

[begga79]

blalock, Ultram is a derivitive of an opiate. This med is very unlikely to have addiction issue, if taken correctly. Hope this helps!

[VaBreeze]

I'm glad you got to your physician about your symptoms.  I know how difficult it must be to struggle with the pain killers after having a parent go through such a horrible experience.  Ultram, when taken as prescribed, will help your pain.  Most people who have to use pain medications will not abuse them.  We don't get the 'pleasure principal' from them, taking only what is necessary to cope.  Those in chronic pain are the least likely to abuse pain medications.  However, if you can manage without them that would the best and i'm so glad you now have an answer.  

Please keep us updated and we are here if you have any questions or just want to share your experience.  Take care of yourself.

[PlateletGal]

Hi ! I'm glad you were able to get a diagnosis and treatment !  Just so you know, we have some treatments and other helpful information on the Health Pages (to the right of your screen).

I hope that you will stick around... we have a great support system here, if you need it !

[blalock]

Thanks everyone for your help. I seen my Dr Friday and was diagnosed with Firbomyalgia. I was put on a few meds..One to name first was Ultram..I am very much against narcotic pain pills after watching my parent suffer an addiction with them so I wont take them, but after suffering the last two nights I sure could use one. But I have found relief in my ambien. I can take it go to sleep and be better...So I am learning the ropes of what my body needs to feel better..Thank you all again

[VaBreeze]

Please check out the symptoms of Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.  This frequently comes along with RLS.  

Cited - "As described above, people with RLS feel uncomfortable sensations in their legs, especially when sitting or lying down, accompanied by an irresistible urge to move about. These sensations usually occur deep inside the leg, between the knee and ankle; more rarely, they occur in the feet, thighs, arms, and hands. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides".

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm

I have had periods where it effects my arm and my upper body.  It is rare, but it can take place.  

You are quite welcome and I hope all goes well with your next doctor visit.

[blalock]

Thank you so much for the information you shared, and your help. I had talk with my Dr. about coming off of the med. It was actually his ideal I just managed to work it out on my own. He advised if I needed help with it to let him know but he advised me on how to and when to do it, and I was able to succefully complete it.
As far as the restless leg syndrome, I have researched and cannot find any way that its involved with the forearm pain at the same time. Its like the restless leg syndrome is in my arms also, but it may well be that. I just cannot seem to find anywhere it states it can be of pain in the forearms to. That is what got me to researching. The vomiting part I was adding in there thinking it could all just be stress related..Again I thank you so very much for your reply, and I plan on seeing my Dr this week. I just was down and needed a little support, and you brought it.. :) Thank you so much. All replies are more than welcome.

[VaBreeze]

Hi blalock and welcome to the Fibro/CFS Community.  I'm glad that you are here with us.  

What you are describing with your legs sound like Restless Leg Syndrome.  This is typically worse at bedtime and often keeps one awake with movement of the legs, cramping, restlessness and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.  You may want to Google these symptoms and read about them to become more familiar with them and see if they apply to your situation.

Vomiting is not a symptom of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, however, stress can make you have stomach distress which can cause vomiting.  

From what you have described here, I think you may fare well by visiting a rheumatologist to see if you indeed have RLS/PLMD.  I have had a horrible time with it and now take Trazadone for sleeping.  Otherwise, i'd never get a nights rest due to these symptoms.

A note about your Celexa...you mentioned you have weaned yourself from it.  Did you speak with your physician before doing so?   If you are suffering from a depression/anxiety disorder, going off of your antidepressant may not be beneficial to you.  This can result in your symptoms returning and possibly being worse than before.  Please speak with the doctor who prescribed these medications to you.  I also suffer from anxiety and depression disorder and I take a maintenance dosage now.

I hope this will help you and please take care of yourself.