New Diagnosis

[brooke131]

Hi Everybody,

I just saw my doctor today to go over my test results and he said he's pretty sure that I have Fibromyalgia.  All of my blood tests (SED, ESR, CRP, ANA, Lyme disease, Rheumatoid Factor, etc.) have come back as normal and the urine tests for muscle breakdown and polymyocytis and gout were all negative.  He then said by process of elimination he believed that I had Fibromyalgia.  This is very new to me and I'm not really sure what to expect and if my symptoms are in line with Fibro.  In July I began having joint pain which gradually spread to almost all of my joints (including my jaw) and my muscles have been pretty sensitive.  In the morning it seems to be worse and the tips of my fingers and my toes have a burning feeling.  I'm also pretty stiff and I think every joint in my body cracks!  Sometimes I'll also have my pinky finger feel a little funny- nothing is ever numb- I can always feel pain, heat, and cold, but it's just a different sensation.  Although I've felt pain all over my body it seems to favor my right side.  

I'm just really wondering if this is normal?  Does the pain move around?  Is it ok if it seems to favor one area?

Also, my leg between my calf and ankle on my right leg sometimes feels "tight" almost as if it's not getting enough blood- is this feeling normal?

Is burning and a pricking feeling also normal occassionaly? It's only in my fingers and toes- not widespread.

Finally, does this sound like Fibro or is the doctor way off base?

I'm sorry for all of the questions, but I'm just really new to all of this and not sure what to expect.

[Humminbyrd]

I have had FMS for over 15 years.  All of the symptoms that you describe fit FMS.  However, they also fit MS.  Have you been tested for MS?  If not, perhaps you should be.  In the meantime, you could try a few simple things to try to reduce the inflammation and provide some comfort for yourself.  If you do have the dreaded MS read about lo-dose naltrexone.  This anti-addiction drug may have the power to stop MS in its tracks!

The first thing is "barley soup".  I went to a Chinese doc one time and she told me that barley soup would reduce my inflammation and "feed my brain".   It works for me.  I make up a big pot, eat it for lunch and dinner the first day then lunch for a couple days after.  I freeze whatever remains for future use.  

The next thing that you can try is "wild salmon".  Serve this with a salad that contains avocado and black olives.  This is also very good for inflammation.

The third thing is, believe it or not, good, old fashioned Ovaltine with "soya milk". Sweeten it with "organic cain sugar".  Drink this in mid morning when your energy levels are "non existent".  You can add a couple tablespoons of coffee if you really need some energy.  We are very sensitive to caffeine so try the Ovaltine as a substitute and keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum.  It has barley in it so should help further with the inflammation.  Barley is very good for you.  It non only has natural anti-inflammatory benefits it helps to regulate blood sugar and should lessen your chances of developing diabetes type 2.  We FMS people are susceptible to diabetes.

You should also find and sign up for " A Chronic Condition Self Management Course".  I took one of these and it changed my life.  This is, perhaps, the first thing that you should do.

I wish you all the best today and I wish you all the best in your quest to reclaim your life.  

[Jac567]

I believe there are answers out there, we just have to search a little harder.   Yes I agree and if people keep sharing what is happening wiith each other we could go a long way to at least taking the worry out of all of this condition. I mean if other people have the same symptoms then collectively we cant all be wrong. thanks for sharing

[Ree4tu]

I have been diagnosed with fibro. and get symptoms like your are describing.  It started on the right side of my neck and back then spread to all my joints including my toes.  My muscles are very stiff and I get muscle spasms (I believe that's what causes the pain and tingling sensations as the tight muscles irritate the nerves).  

My thigh and calf muscles get so tight that it's sometimes difficult to walk (this usually happens more on my right side also).  Sometimes my chest muscles get so tight that it's difficult to breathe.  I also get burning and my Chiropractor said the burning is due to muscle fatigue because the muscles are so tight and never relax.  The pain and stiffness can be different each day.

I have accepted the diagnosis of fibro. initially, then decided to pursue alternative medicine because the prescription meds just weren't helpful.  According to the natural healthcare practitioner I see, sometimes a progesterone deficiency, adrenal gland fatigue, metal toxicities and a range of other things imitate fibromyalgia. Many medical doctors don't consider these possibilities. I am still in the process of uncovering the hidden causes of fibro. So far the natural practitioner performed testing and said I had a progesterone deficiency and adrenal gland fatigue. I am also awaiting the results of a hair analysis to determine mineral deficiencies and/or toxicities.

Someone else on Medhelp pointed out to do your research if you decide to explore alternative medicine. Make sure they work in conjunction with your medical treatment and have a good reputation. I see a Rheumatologist and a Certified Natural Healthcare Practitioner.  

I know it's scary to have all of these symptoms and it's difficult to believe all the medical tests come back normal when you feel so much discomfort. I believe there are answers out there, we just have to search a little harder.  

Warmest Regards