Not sure what I have...

[mariec79]

For about the last 3 years I have had achy pains in my legs (upper and lower) arms, pelvis, wrists and ankles, back, have headaches and am ALWAYS exhausted, like the kind of tired with Mono... the pain does seem to come and go.  Last time I was to the Dr. they ran all the normal blood tests and sent me for some thyroid testing, all results were normal so they shurgged it off as a cold or flu bug causing the achyness and fatigue but now almost 3 years later is remains... could this be Fibromyalgia or am I just being a wuss??? I am 29, female, otherwise pretty healthy, and have 2 kids if that matters...

[Barb249]

I went through so many tests, sonograms, CT scan’s, Blood work, everything kept coming back fine. At first the attacks (I call them) would last a week to a week and a half it would start bad and ease up after a few days, the last time it came on it lasted two months with maybe a day or two of ease in-between.   I started to think that I was crazy.  I could not take the pain any longer.  I checked into the ER and I told my husband, you have to do the talking, I just can't go on and please don't let them send me home.  He became very stern, told them that I was never sick and they had to figure out what was going on.  They ran several tests again and to my amazement they ran a blood test to show the inflammation levels in my body, it came back extremely high so I was sent to a Rheumatologist.  As to where all the other doctors looked at me like I was crazy everything that I told him he understood, It was a chore just to walk, I felt like I had lead weights on my ankles, dizzy, nauseous, bad pain lets just say all over.  I could not think straight, (Brain Fog) which I had no idea what was going on and I developed short term memory loss.  I don’t know the name of the blood test but ask to have the blood work that shows the inflammation levels in your body.  

[VaBreeze]

Oh yes.  We do have those trigger points that cause pain, but my muscles, tendons and ligaments often ache and become stiff.  There is much that I do not know about CFS so together we will learn.  Isn't it great?

[PlateletGal]

I didn't realize fibromyalgia symptoms included muscle aches. I know CFS patients have muscle pain almost 24/7. I think fibro patients have more widespread pain, myofascial pain and muscle twitches & weakness. But then CFS patients also have weakness. So we share many of the same symptoms indeed !  

[VaBreeze]

PlateletGal...it's ironic as I have almost all of the symptoms you have listed for CFS/ME.  I think this is the reason why Fibro and CFS/ME seem to run along the same lines.  From what I understand, the difference is defined as:  Fibros largest complaint is of muscle aches and pains; CFS/MEs is typically fatigue related.  I also have dry eyes and the worse night sweats.   They aren't due to menopause because i'm not getting the face flushing that I use to have.  It's horrible.

mariec79 - You have gotten some great info. here.  The only thing I can add would be that in addition to getting your D level checked, also have your B-12 done.  Anemia can cause some serious problems and creep up on you unsuspectedly.   You may need to visit a rheumatologist in order to get a good dx.  That is the problem with Fibro/CFS...most of us have been pushed to the side with our symptoms and it takes years to get that diagnosis.  Some doctors still think it's just psychological (even though this has been proven to be incorrect).  You have suffered for 3 yrs. and you need someone who can take the time to listen to your list of symptoms.  There is definitely something amiss.

Wishing you the best of luck and keep in touch.

[mariec79]

Thank you so much for the info;  I have dry eyes, awful night sweats, headaches that were thought to be migraines but do not respond to traditional migraine treatment and jaw pain especially at night too.  I didn't think that these had anything to do with the other symptoms... Guess it's time to go Dr. Shopping and see if I can get to the bottom of this.  Thanks again for all the info!!!

[PlateletGal]

Hi ! Your symptoms could be due to CFS or fibromyalgia (or perhaps, both).

A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms include:

cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or mental exercise
unrefreshing sleep
joint pain (without redness or swelling)
persistent muscle pain
headaches of a new type or severity
tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
sore throat
Other Common Symptoms

In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequency of occurrence of these symptoms varies among patients. These symptoms include:

irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
chills and night sweats
brain fog
chest pain
shortness of breath
chronic cough
visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)
jaw pain
weight loss or gain

http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm


Before getting a CFS diagnosis, it is VERY important that many other possible conditions are ruled out. Also, remember once you have a diagnosis.... it is important to keep continuous healthcare coverage.

There are treatments for both fibro and CFS. You might want to consider checking out our Health Pages (located to the right of your screen). And if you need a physician in your area who is knowledgeable on these syndromes... I would highly recommend googling, "Co Cure's Good Doctor List". These physicians routinely diagnosis and treat these conditions.

As Kenderyl mentioned... consider getting your vitamin D level checked. Many of us have a low vitamin D level. I don't believe a low vitamin D can cause these symptoms though. IMO... it is a result of the illness.

Best,

PlateletGal

[Kenderyl]

Wow, you sound just like I did! I'd recommend being persistent with your doctor. I have had Mono more than once and have also had many ailments that were "shrugged off" by doctors and they've finally come to a head now at the age of 32. I'd also strongly recommend that you'd been "asking around" and would like to look into the possibility of ruling out Fibromyalgia. Ask your Doc too, to test your Vitamin levels - as low Vit levels can cause similar symptoms (especially Vit. D).

I'm new to these boards, and newly diagnosed as well. While I'm still learning, my experiences so far have taught me a lot about what I could have done differently along the way. Good luck, and please feel free to come here and check in!