ALS, MS, Lupus????

[morgan30]

Hopefully someone can help.  I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but I don't think this is what is going on now...I have headaches for years, several bulging discs in lumbar, cervical fusion at C5-C7, hysterectomy, rremoval of gallbladder, just to start.  I now have headaches all the time, fatigue (I have caught myself falling asleep at work), muscle spasms, IBS, depression, pain all over, and now (for the last 6 months) I have had SEVERE muscle tensing in my legs and arms.  I have to actually mentally relax them much of the time.  they are not twitches I have them as well, these muscles will be tense for several seconds or longer. Some cognitive issues, fogginess, hives or itchy skin, weak muscles.  I have had bloodwork done twice everything came up normal.  EEG done Monday but do not have results yet.  MRI will take place once the insurance okays it.  I have felt like crap for 5 years or longer.  I am scared.  Not sure if it is MS, Lupus, ALS, or nothing.  If anyone has a clue I would appreciate all the help you can offer.  I currently take Cymbalta, Lyrica, Vicoden, Skelexa or Baclofen (I alternate).  I hurt all over most of the time and have fogginess throughout the day.  Help!

[morgan30]

Have you been diagnosed with MS?  What are your major symtoms?

[RedFlame]

Hi morgan30,  I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult and painful time.  It is difficult when you have a diagnosis but are not sure that the didagnosis is real.  There is also a sub-group called Limbo-Land for people with neurological diseases that have yet to be diagnosed.

Fibromyalgia is a definite pain disorder as you know and attacks the muscles.  The 'tender points' as you know are part of the diagnosis.  There are people that have had that diagnosis only to be diagnosed with MS later when their symptoms intensified and changed to nerve pain etc.  That being said don't scare yourself thinking about ALS, Lupus and MS.  ALS is fatal and there is no treatment.  Lupus is identified through blood tests.  

You really have to be your own advocate if you think it is MS.  Also, keeping a log and diary is very helpful.  Since you think you have MS, try using the MS tracker and FIbro tackers.  

Also,  please break up your messages into small sections such as I have done here.  It is too difficult for us to read when it becomes a large mass of black.  We will read anything as long as we can see space inbetween
take care

[Lulu54]

Hi Morgan, Welcome to this community  - there are some very wise folks here who will be by to share with this conversation.

One thing I'm pretty sure is this doesn't sound like ALS - the symptoms of ALS progress pretty fast and you say this has been going on for at least five years.  The doctors would have been able to dx ALS in that time.

Fibro is such an uncontrolable monster - it can cause misery  and very difficult to effectively treat.  

I have to ask what has you thinking that this could be MS - has someone suggested that?  Some of the symptoms you mention could be linked to MS but it could also be something else.

If you are dealing with neuropathic pain (coming from your nerves getting the wrong signals) you need a special class of medicines to help interupt the signals.  The standard pain killers don't work on nerve pain.

It is so difficult to relax with all the pain and doubts bombarding you - I hope you get relief and answers soon.

Welcome again.

be well,
Lulu