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fibromyalgia???

My doc says that I have fibromyalgia and not to worry. But I have so many lumps throughout my body I do worry. I first noticed a few tender lumps on my right rib after having an ultrasound 9 months ago. (I thought the tech was rough but over time the pain gets better then comes back.) I have many more squishy tender lumps now.(I did notice that in both of my thighs they also had small bumps but now its more like a hard, tender rope.) I have wicked acid reflux and I take 40 mg of protonix everyday. In june rib and extreme breastbone pain forced me to a surgeon. He checked my pancreas and other organs via bloodwork, then sent me for a barium swallow upper GI series. Everything checked out. We decided to take out the gallbladder, no stones just a polyp. For a while the breastbone pain was gone and the rib tenderness was much better, almost gone. Chest x-rays have come back negative also. And I have had a series of bloodwork come back fine also.(I was also checked for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well.) Almost all of my pain, stiffness,tender spots are symmetrical so my doc. is not concerned. I have not had any official mapping done. In Sept. I had such pain that I actually went to the ER where they gave me a "cocktail" because I had not taken my protonix in two months they figured that I was suffering from heartburn/acid reflux. A bloodtest for Hpylori came back negative, they also did EKGs since my chest hurt.Again that was great. Then the pain almost went away again and now my sternum and my ribs and lumps are bothering me again. Can you please shed some insight on the matter? THANKS.
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Difficult to say without examination.  It seems like a comprehensive set of tests have been done.

Any skin lumps that don't resolve should be evaluated by a dermatologist or surgeon to determine whether they need to be biopsied.  

Generalized pain can be a sign of rheumatologic disease, as well as fibromyalgia.  The latter is a diagnosis of exclusion, and tests for rheumatoid factor and ANA level should be done first before settling on fibromyalgia.

Regarding the sternal discomfort, musculoskeletal causes should be ruled out.  A physiatrist (rehabilitation MD) evaluation can be considered if this is suspected.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
Helpful - 1
462566 tn?1206618592
A related discussion, Fibro,spinal stenosis and cancer pain was started.
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year.  Since I have been a child I have dealt with severe leg aches and pains.  At 27 I had "fibrocystic" breast disease and bilat. breast biopsies for large benign tumors.  At that time I had the surgeon remove a "fatty lipoma" from my left thigh.  I had a large "fatty lipoma" removed from my bra-line in the 1990's. Over my adult life I have identified several lumps both squishy and pebble-like but in the past year they have grown everywhere.  I am currently searching for answers.  I have come across a disease called Dercum's.  I think you should look into it.  I have many of the symptoms found in this disease.(many of which I haven't mentioned).
I am trying to find a Dr. with experience.  My rheumatologist has never heard of it, but since there is a Dercum's Society on the internet, it reports this disease is rare.

Good luck.

MB


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214544 tn?1201147390
sorry about that address. I keep forgetting about the block outs.
that was dlhigh at med help.
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214544 tn?1201147390
I have Fibromyalgia and also have been experiencing noticable tender lumps on my ribs w/ extreme acid reflux/indegestion burning pain, severe abdominal/back/leg pain and now severe migranes.  I'm not sure if this is just how this illness goes or if we are a couple of the really unlucky ones.  I've had almost every test out there and there's one thing I can recommend, get a thoracic MRI- they will require x-rays first however.  This revealed disc herniations that were pulling on the muscles going around my ribcage and is actually causing knots to form.  
There's usually an underlying reason that triggers Fibromyalgia from the extended pain or stress.
Also be sure to get a mamogram to rule out anything from the breasts.
They will probably tell you that they are harmless fatty deposits if nothing else is discovered.
Best of luck and keep me posted!
***@****
Helpful - 0

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