Follow up

[CAM]

I recently sought a second opinion on an initial diagnosis of fibromyalgia.  All MRIs and blood work have come back ok (including tests for thyroid and B12).  My questions are as follows:  I notice an increase of symptoms approx. a week before my period. Is there any correlation between the two?    Also, each doctor that I have been to (Rheumatologist, Neurologist, and Internal Medicine) have no clue why the veins in my arms become distended and burn. I have had the veins in the backs of my hands actually burst on occasion. Any ideas?  Also, in reading on fibromyalgia most complain of dull achiness.  I do not have this but rather sharp localized pain (hips, knees, ankles, elbows).  Is this normal for fibromyaligia?  I realize I have many questions, but so far I have not had many answers.  I appreciate any direction you may be able to provide.  I am not on any meds except Zestril (10mg 1Xdaily) for blood pressure.  So long as I can deal with the pain I do not want on any other meds.  Doctors seem to note this negatively in all reports too, which I don't understand.  I have found that 20-30 minutes of exercise a day helps reduce the pain and that if I miss more than two days of exercise that I have a significant increase in pain, especially in my legs.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. It sounds like the pain is coming from the joints rather than muscles, which is not the typical presentation for fibromyalgia.  I would have to see the vein distention that you describe for myself before I can accurately comment on them. But I wonder if it could represent livedo reticularis which is a mottling type skin manifestation that is seen with diseases such as lupus or anti-phospholipid syndrome. The combination of joint symptoms with odd skin findings like the "distended veins" makes this sound more like a primary rheumatologic problem rather than fibromyalgia. Consider seeing a rheum doc for a second opinion. Best of luck.

[Lynn3]

Hi,



I'm sorry that you are having so many disturbing symptoms and no answers. I know how that feels for certain.



Though I DO have thyroid disease, I (like you) have the swollen veins, or distention and the burning sensation. Mine is worse a week before my periods also.



The vein distention for me is worse in my left hand and arm. The strange thing is, sometimes they are very swollen, yet at other times they seem unusually tight and very cold. Rarely a happy medium. Along with the burning sensation, my hands sometimes become very red.



I also have vein distention, swelling and aching on the right side of my neck. No one seems to know what it is. I even had a carotid ultrasound that thankfully turned out normal. I have been told that this is normal and that I am "focusing" too much. I KNOW that this is not true because it seemed to come on 'overnight'. Simply woke one morning seemingly swollen all over with this strange vein distention. That was almost two years ago.



I tried to put it out of my mind wondering if I possibly WAS "focusing". This summer, however, I saw a Physical Therapist due to an accident. He noticed it and kept asking my "Have you seen a doctor for that?" "I have never seen anything like that before". So, once again, I am trying to research out all I can.



I hope you can get some definitive answers.

Best Wishes,

TKD