can it really be Fibromyalgia

[lil_lamb]

My story is lengthy and I'm just not sure if I should 'spill my guts' yet so I'll be brief in this posting.  I'm a 55yr old female, 4'10" (and shrinking) and currently weigh 105lbs.  In 2002, I was diagnosed simultaneously with Epstein Barr and Fibromyalgia.  The Epstein Barr seemed to clear up after about 8 months (I felt more energetic).  My fibromyalgia is focused in my back, ALL of my back; upper, lower, middle, and both sides.  F.Y.I. I also have osteoarthritis and osteopenia(?) and (in case it's relevant) I had whiplash (upper back/neck) in Dec. 1987.

Now, my questions are:  Do Fibromyalgia patients typically experience 'flare ups'?  I've been on a combination of Gabapentin and EffexorXR for treatment and often the pain is manageable and under control.  Yet I experience what I call 'flare ups' and some are worse than others.  I was so delighted at first to have a diagnosis and a name for what ails me, but at the time there was very little information about Fibromyalgia.  Now, with so much additional information out there (and I'm way out of date on it), I'm beginning to wonder if it could be something else.

My other question/comment is this.  I have NOT had a cold in at least 8 years!  I have been around and in close daily contact (with people where I've worked) with people who were sick with colds and upper respiratory infections; things that went around and around the office.  Yet I seemed immune!  My gut instinct tells me there is a connection, some connection; but I have no idea what it could be.  Can you offer any information on this?

I'm really, really tired of existing this way.  I share another poster's feeling that this isn't living; it's only existing and a shabby, tired, painful existence at that.  I hope you can answer my questions.  Thanks.

[dai3symae]

I was diagnosed with fibro about 8 years ago.  I have a full time job, am very seldom sick and have flare up of the fibro.  I don't take any meds on a daily basis for the fibro but am very careful not to fall since that triggers a flare up for me.


So I would say the answer to your question is yes.

[ladygeegee]

I was diagnosed recently but have had pain for a while. I have had aa cold or two but not really bad as years earlier. I'm in a flare up now. My rheumy thinks I may have RA even though I tested negative. I 'm currently taking meloxicam, predinsone,Cymbalta,nexium,and repliva. Did I mention I have anemia? I do relate to you what a life. But I'm glad to be alive. The Spring is coming!!!!


Keep your head up!!! Remember your not alone.

[karajo]

Has your rheumy tested you for lupus.  If you also have swollen joints along with the fibromyalgia symptoms, it maybe something more.

Here is a site you could checkout to see if you might have lupus:
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/articlefiles/946-What%20I%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20How%20Lupus%20is%20Diagnosed.pdf

[karajo]

The best advice I could give you is to try and get plenty of sleep.  And good deep sleep.  Do whatever you need to do.  Cut out caffeine, don't do any exercising close to bedtime. etc.  I take melatonin.  A friend of mine takes Benadrel at night to help her sleep.  (Benadrel is too strong for me)  Lyrica was too strong for me too.  I have to be careful about medicine.  Some affect me for days and days.  No operating machinery or taking care of children for me.  

Fibromyalgia is noted for having flares.  But I've never heard of it boosting the immune system.  You maybe have built up a resistance to everything out there - kinda like drs and nurses do.  

Magnesium is a mineral that I would suggest to all fibromyalgia patients.  And just plain eating right.  All of us know deep down what we should be putting in our bodies.  Lots of good water and raw vegetables.  Cut back on sugar and fried food.  

I read somewhere about the "Marshal's Protocol".  It talked about taking Gufinisin (the ingredient in Musinix).  He has a lot of diet restrictions, but I just started adding the musinix and have honestly seen an improvement in the way I feel.  You can get the generic (which has just gufinisin).  Google "Marshal Protocol" if you like.

[lil_lamb]

I do use magnesium daily with my calcium and will return to using it at night to see if it helps me sleep (as it did in the past); I stopped taking it when I accidentally took to much and it caused diarrhea.  I only drink Fruit2o and coffee (about 3 cups a day).  Neither Guifinisin nor Benedryl helped me in any way.  I know good, deep sleep is important (even though when I went through sleep monitoring at the hospital they found nothing wrong; probably just a good night) but I do have trouble achieving uninterrupted sleep (either because of pain, puppy or toilet).  Also, I was tested long ago for Lupus which was negative although I do have many of the symptoms.
I was laid-off on Nov. 2, 2008 so am without health ins at this point, but I am wondering if once I find a job and get insurance, I can benefit by seeking a diagnostician (you know like on 'House').  It gets so difficult when people get older because there can be so much going on; it may be separate things or there my be symptoms that are related and I just don't think that the average physician is capable of putting it all together or maybe they just don't have the time or care enough.

[lil_lamb]

Sometimes (but not always), my flare-ups do seem weather related.  When there is a big change in the weather (usually like a storm) I get worse.  But I do remember having a flare up when the weather was nice too, so I just don't know.  Especially with having osteoarthritis, I can't tell if my pain is due to one or the other.  I just want it to go away.  In the past, I've tried different medications for the arthritis, none of which helped.

[kiddthekatt]

Hi there;
    I was DXed a year ago with Fibro and Chronic Fatigue. This past year has been very difficult. I also have Osteoarthritis, and I've been able to tell the difference in the pain from both, finally. My Rheumy also DXed me with RA, so I have a triple whammy. At this time I am taking Ultram ER 200mg 2 x A day, Flexeril for muscle spasms and cramps, Restoril to help  sleep.I am also taking Zoloft 150 mg a day, and my internist put me on Norco for breakthrough pain.

   If I get stressed over something I throw myself into a flare, or if I over do I go into a flare. For me tho, it's because I always over do because I try to play catch up. Cold weather really hurts me also. I hope you guys start feeling better.

gentle hugs
Angel