Karen,
I have all of the symptoms you listed, as well as several of the overlapping conditions.
I do have pain, but I think I'm more affected by fatigue than the other symptoms listed. I can barely accomplish anything anymore. My motivation level is very low, but that may be because of depression.
I worry about the cognitive dysfuction with memory problems. I don't want to end up with dementia, as my mother did.
Overlapping conditions you listed that I have include allergies, depression (and anxiety), migraine disease, restless legs syndrome, and TMJ. I also have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which adds to the sleep problems caused by fibromyalgia. I use a bi-pap machine for sleeping.
I'm concerned that my daughters may get fibro also. My older daughter is already having problems with fatigue.
Thank you for the good article and information!
patsy
I have suffered and been subjected to dozens of mis-diagnosis' for over 75% of my adult life. One of the symptoms that is a major and misunderstood condition, is what I refer to as "Fiber Fog"; the condition of poor memory, fatique, lack of motivation, inability to complete tasks (Attention Deficit)....etc.
About 2 years ago, I started seeing a Psychiatrist that is a great listener and thinks outside the box. Collectively we have had success with a couple of presciption medications; First I had to Accept the diagnosis and understand that I would need to take medications, for the rest of my life!
Adderall or Ritalin; I call this my miracle drug; I have had a significant increase in memory and clarity,as well as motivation and the ability to complete tasks.
Suboxone; Allows me to taper off and/or not take pain medication, anxiety medication on the days my symptoms are not as bad and not suffer the effects of "the withdrawal rollercoaster".
My advice is to never stop looking, reading, learning; especially seeking a medical doctor that is willing to "THINK and TREAT outside the BOX".
Thank you Karen for this concise information about what this condition may entail as far as symptoms.
I can see where fibromyalgia would be difficult to diagnose as these are symptoms of so many other illnesses and diseases. For example I have MS and have some of these same symptoms.
How long does it usually take patients to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia? How does the doctor go about ruling other diseases or illnesses out? I am sure you have written about this long ago but how were you diagnosed?
Great information...I always learn so much from visiting your site.
MM
Karen - My question is probably different. I want to know if there is a connection between FM and Neuropathy? I've been diagnosed with severe Neuropathy for years, but it has been degenerating so badly it's left me wondering at times if we got the diagnosis right? Probably did, but I always ask questions, read and make sure. My neuropathy has degenerated to a point where I've lost motor functions in both of my feet, however, having read your list here, I've got several of the other crossover issues you mentioned.
BTW, I have at least 3 forms of the neuropathy as diagnosed now. Feet up to my knnees, Hands up to my elbows, and abdomen. I have very serious sleep issues and never sleep more than about 3-4 hours at a time and there are other things as well such as the tempature issues - for instance, I wear long johns in the summer time and thermal socks to keep warm - in COLORADO. Yes, I know. It makes my wife crazy... there's more... but not here not now.
Anyway, my next physical is about 3 weeks away, but I ran across this article and had to ask. I have a great doc who I have been with for 15 years. He's an expert diabetes doc (specialist) too, which I have. I'd appreciate a quick reply, because it really never dawned on me to approach doc about FM. But, some of the symptoms you pointed out, I've described before to both doc, and my pain specialists, physical therapists, etc. But nobody ever mentioned FM.
Hi CoCowboy,
It's possible that you could have both neuropathy and FM since FM is often triggered by some other type of illness or injury. While I suspect your neuropathy is probably related to your diabetes, it's possible that the neuropathy could have triggered your FM-like symptoms.
With FM, there seems to be a malfunction of the central nervous system (CNS). One theory is that something (illness, injury, high stress, etc.) causes the CNS to kick into overdrive to cope, but then instead of returning to normal, the CNS gets stuck in overdrive, resulting in FM. That helps explain why FM so often occurs with other overlapping conditions.
It certainly couldn't hurt to discuss the possibility of FM with your doctor. Here is a link to more information on FM that you might want to look at before your appointment: Fibromyalgia
I'd love to know what your doctor says after your next appointment. – Karen
Thanks - I read the links and posts you provided. I've dabbled with information on FM before, but never really dug that deeply. I've had several serious surgeries, including multiple pancreas, hip, multiple back, etc. and to many more to list.
It could easily be that I'm just so banged up, that now in my near mid 50's, I'm paying a pretty serious price for... uhhh, miscalculations, recklessness of a teen and early "20 somthing young man", etc... you get the idea... Gee, it's nice to have grown up finally - just wish it didn't take 40 years and such a serious price... lol
Fortunately, that wisdom is/has translated to my kids but at a price of my own... They're all grown now, but, they see the agony I'm in nearly all of the time.
I'll check it out though. Thanks for your reply...
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Happy Spring Karen.
As always your posts are informative, educating, and helpful. Thank you.I am dealing with all of the above and then some.
Is there a simple reason that cervical issues were left out? My neck complaints are I belive another distinct connection and overlapping to the FM. I see this in almost all pf the women I know with FM.
I'm also very curious although a different topic but one I have been worried about. My two adult daughter's and their predisposition to FM. What do you know about this is anything?
Happy Spring to you, too, TJ.
I appreciate you asking about cervical pain issues as overlapping conditions. You're right. Cervical pain is one of many other overlapping condititons found with fibromyalgia. In my post, I listed some of the more common conditions that I hear from people about. I did link to a more complete directory of overlapping conditions on the NFMCPA site, but I can see now that the link wasn't that obvious. I've gone back and added a sentence at the end of the article that clearly directs people to the NFMCPA directory. They actually list three different cervical pain issues there.
Thank you for bringing cervical pain issues to my attention. Although I know people with FM tend to have both back and neck pain, I've always thought of them as just another part of the overall pain that is FM. Since you mentioned that you know so many people with FM who also have cervical problems, I'll have to look into it more and see if I can find more of a connection than I was aware of.
To answer your other question, unfortunately there does seem to be a genetic predisposition to FM. It occurs too often within families to think otherwise. Whether or not there is a genetic link in every case of FM, I don't think anyone knows. If you're the only person in your family to ever have FM, then perhaps in your case, there would be no genetic connection. I wish I could give you a more definitive answer, but the truth is we just don't know for sure.
I can understand your concerns, though, as I have three children and eight grandchildren that I also worry about possibly developing FM. Every time one of them has any kind of ache or pain, I hold my breath and pray it's not the beginning of FM. – Karen