Could this be Fibromyalgia?

[Liverpatient]

About me: man, 45 years old, with known chronic hepatitis B infection. I've the following symptoms that I would like to know if they could be due to fibromyalgia:
-Aches and pains basically on entire body; worst in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, and lower legs
-Some pain on almost all joints, feels more when I move my joints.
-My joints feel they are missing some lubrication, they make cracking sounds when I move them
-Burning sensation on feet when I walk and hands especially during the night. This sensation is so troublesome that it wakes me up from my sleep and I've to bathe my feet wit
h cold water to get some relief that doesn't last long
-Lack of energy, becomes quickly tired and pain increases if I try to do some simple physical work
-The body aches are particularly pronounced when I wake up in the morning. My body feels as if it is held tight
-I feel that I was beaten in my entire body, the annoying pain is constant and debilitating
-There are some days when the pain subsides, and other days when it comes back in force
-My body tremors and I get internal disturbance, esp. when I wake up in the morning, accompanied with anxiety
Thanks, please help me figure this out, because my doctor just ignores my issues, and doesn't seem to care

[SassyLassie]

Hello~Your symptoms certainly do point towards fibromyalgia. The criteria for having it is, the pains must have been with you for at least 3 months, there are 11 trigger points that will hurt when pressed, and other illnesses such as arthritis and MS, etc, should be ruled out as they can mimic Fibro and Fibro can mimic them.

Unfortunately, so many doctors are like yours, they don't take this seriously.

As is said, however, your symptoms do sound fibro related and/or chronic fatigue syndrome, this is very similar to fibro, but again, the doctor would need to test you for that one, it is done by a simple blood test.

I suggest maybe seeing another doctor if you are able, and, also, see a chiropractor. They can help with fibro issues as well. They will take some x-rays, go over them with you, take your history and then give you a adjustment. You should start to feel some improvement after a few treatments. If the chiropractor doesn't think they can help, they will certainly refer you to a doctor that will be knowledgeable in those areas.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Liverpatient]

Thanks a lot for taking your time to reply to my question. As you suggested, I will see my doctor with the aim of finding any fibro diagnosis. I know there is no cure or treatment for this disease as well but, at least it helps to know what is wrong.
You seem to suggest some treatment, but from what I read, the only thing that might help is exercise; is there any medication for this disease?
There could be various issues that lead to fibromyalgia, in my case I suspect it is because I've chronic hepatitis B infection. So dealing with the casue may be the right thing to do, unfortunately, there is also no cure for chronic hepatitis B.

[SassyLassie]

There are no drugs to help, but certain vitamins such as the "B" , "D" and "C" can help. Also, a good,multi mineral supplement. Sometimes soaking in a nice hot bath with Epsom salt helps as well.

[Kekome]

I have had fibromyalgia diagnosed for over 11 years. There are treatments that help improve quality of daily life for sure, including medication. Medicines such as Lyrica and Gabapentin (both I’m allergic to) are helpful and so is topomax. Anti-depressants help in multiple ways, help fight depression from having the disease, help with intestinal issues linked to fibromyalgia, can help with lack of sleep, and can help with nerve pain. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and water aquatic therapy all help. I’ve purchased a hot tub with my RX for water therapy and wrote it off on my taxes. I can’t trll you how beneficial it is! Especially because I’m allergic to lots of medicines and I’m currently breastfeeding so I’m limited on what meds I can take anyway. As soon as I’m done nursing I’m going to get on Topomax. I also get Botox for my migraines and neck pain. There’s lots of help out there , the key is finding the right physician to help you and listen. The worst thing I’ve found is when no one listens or believes me.

[Kekome]

Also, I know it’s super painful, but narcotics just don’t help. The highest I keep at home now is merely Tylenol 3. When I was first diagnosed, they had me on all kinds of pain pills all the way up to OxyContin. My body would quickly adjust and it would no longer work anymore! So I basically had to detox myself. It was a painful and depressing time in my life. But after a few years, now I can literally feel in my body as soon as plain OTC Tylenol has taken affect in my system. It’s may not always work but usually that or Tylenol 3 and rest, warm hot soak, and something de stressing helps recharge me until the next day. I forgot to mention Ultram. It is an excellent pain medication that they had me on prior to pregnancy and breastfeeding. I’d look into that too. Your symptoms do point towards fibromyalgia but it’ll be a waiting game until diagnosis. It’s dishear to have tons of tests all come back normal but don’t worry that’s a part of the fibromyalgia diagnosis. It’s only when things start coming back positive that dr start to question. That’s where I’m at now and they’ve decided I need to be fully retested, because they are worried it is fibromyalgia AND something else like lupus or MS.
Good luck!