Do all of you believe that Fibro gets worse with age and if you do, why?

[grendslori]

I'm just curious.

[fibrotj]

I can definitely trace my Fibro back to my teens.  I can also definitely say that my Fibro has grown worse over the years...all symptoms being exaggerated and more intense!!...especially the pain!!   Also, I started having MS-type symptoms as of 2 years ago...yet to be diagnosed with anything other than Fibro, however.  

[VaBreeze]

Progressive meaning to move forward in stages...not necessairly to the degree of incapacitation or death (although both have happened with this illness).

I feel that the reason there is not sufficient documentation regarding it's progress, is more due to the fact that so many of us were sent from doctor, to doctor, to doctor without any particular physician compiling notes on symptoms.  FMS wasn't recognized at all a few years back...but as noted by the comments here, those who had it long ago are worse now because of it.

Regarding the majority of those here being in their 40-50's...perhaps it is something hormonal going on.  That is a consideration.  Also, another consideration may be that most here are older and have had previous innoculations for one thing or another (I had the Swine Flu when there was that panic in the 70's).  Strange that that coincides to my first bout of FMS.  Vaccines are made from the very things that make us ill.  Then there are programs initiated where chemicals have been sprayed (for whatever reasons) upon others.  If a simple vat of peanut butter could induce the recent outbreaks we've seen with salmonella ...what would spraying induce?  Why is it there seems to be such an increase in the 80's - 90's of these illnesses?  Perhaps it's part due to awareness and part cyclic.

There is much to consider when seeking the answers we desperately desire.  There is much we don't know, nor do the physicians who treat us.  **This is simply my views and opinion**

[wonko]

I think Caroline565 makes an astute point about terminology.

I also think that the current lack of understanding of the cause of fibro makes it impossible to define progression.  There is no known, univerally accepted laboratory evidence for tracking fibro.  In MS, the number of MRI lesions or o-bands in the CSF can be used in conjunction with symptoms to track progression.  In Lyme, the number of bands on the Western blot and other serology tests (like CD57), while imperfect, offer some means of tracking the illness.  I don't know of any such figure of merit in assessing the stages and/or progression of fibro.

I think this demonstrates the usefullness of patient-to-patient communication.  Even if your doctor tells you that fibro is considered non-progressive, having a community of experienced patients willing to share their experience can help you understand and navigate your condition.

[Caroline565]

That is a tricky question. When you use the term progressive, I think that refers to an illness that continues to progress in "stages" until you become incompacitated or die. As far as it getting "worse"--at times it feels that way. I do remember having some really severe pain at the onset but through the years, it has taken a trip around my body. Some of the affected places tend to remain problem areas, such as my shoulders, trapezius and piraformis muscles, knees, feet, and hips. These problems are not all caused by the fibro but the combination of fibro and myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points. We also have a tough time through menopause and then there are the other aches and pains and inability to sleep well that comes with normal aging. All and all--as the body ages, it certainly does feel worse!

[lil_lamb]

I believe that it does get worse with age; some reasons are noted above.  That's been my own case anyway.  I was diagnosed at around 50yrs. and have had some success with a combination of Effexor XR and Gabapentin.  Lately though, the treatment doesn't seem to be working.
Given that they still don't know enough about this condition, who can say?  I have osteoarthritis as well and my pain (that which is hardest to cope with) is in my back which also happens to be one place I have the osteoarthritis.  So, which is it?  It could be either, or both.  All I know is that it feels as though I can actually feel my spine collapsing in on itself and feel my bones slowly deteriorating.

[patsy10]

Yes I do.  In addition to what PlateletGal said above I think there are a couple other reasons as well.  First, if you look at the poll regarding how old most of us are, you will see the majority is in their 40's.  The majority  of us are also women.  I think the hormone changes we go through at this time in our lives triggers these conditions to get worse.  My friend was diagnosed with MS at age 52.  Her doctor (an MS specialist) said menopause was the triggering factor.

[PlateletGal]

I do... not only because of the many people that I have met online who have fibro, but because if you have an untreated infection, chances are it will get worse.

A link to MedHelp's discussion with our guest physician, Prof. Garth Nicolson, founder of The Institute of Molecular Medicine. You may want to read his response to his first question from our member, MEKI:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/648144

[kiddthekatt]

  I have to agree with Breeze. I've only been diagnosed with FMS/CFS a year, but I have suffered many years without knowing what was wrong. I can tell you that my Fibro has gotten worse this past year, and my Rheumy told me that it was progressive. He's been taking care of Fibro patients for over 20 years, so I guess he would know if it is r not. (IMO) Not something that I wanted to hear from him.

gentle hugs
Angel

[VaBreeze]

Considering that I can now trace the roots of mine back to my teens, I would believe that it has worsened greatly.  Of course, there are many things that play into it as well...injuries, surgeries or other health factors.  

They have said FMS isn't progressive.  Since they now know that it involves our CNS i'm not sure this holds true.