Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but if you think you may have fibromyalgia, or if you've recently been diagnosed, it's important to familiarize yourself with this condition so you can find ways to help yourself and your doctors deal with this challenging condition.
The word fibromyalgia is defined from "fibro" (meaning fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments), "myo" (meaning muscles) and "algia" (meaning pain).
Although the symptoms of fibromyalgia do differ from person to person, for a "formal" diagnosis, you should have had widespread pain in all four quadrants of your body (below the waist: left and right sides, and above the waist: left and right sides) for a minimum of three months, and 11 out of 18 specific tender points on your body (the picture above shows where those tender points are located).
However, you may still be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you have less than 11 tender points, as long as you have most of the commonly associated symptoms of fibromyalgia shown in this checklist:
- widespread pain
- fatigue
- "fibro fog" or brain fog
- poor memory and concentration
- chronic headaches
- stiffness
- sleep disturbances
- skin sensitivity
- environmental sensitivities (chemicals, temperature, odors, etc)
- TMJ - temporomandibular joint disorder
- muscle spasms
- numbness and tingling
- urinary frequency
- IBS - irritable bowel syndrome
- restless leg syndrome
- depression and/or anxiety
...and a host of other symptoms.
While I strongly believe that we are each ultimately responsible for our own health, do not self-diagnose if you suspect you have the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Do see your doctor, and if he or she is not knowledgeable enough to diagnose or treat you effectively, ask to be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, internal medicine doctor or fibromyalgia center/clinic.
Since other conditions or disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can have similar symptoms, and may overlap fibromyalgia, your doctor or specialist should be able to order tests to confirm or rule out other conditions.
My Story - The Short-But-Sweet Version ;-)
Although I'd been to see my doctor often to try and get some answers, it was my own persistence and research on the symptoms of fibromyalgia that finally led to my diagnosis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Yup...I got the triple whammy!
I have to say that when I was first diagnosed, I was surprised at how little my family doctor knew about fibromyalgia. She basically told me that there is no cure and there was not much she could do for me. When I talked to others who also had fibromyalgia, many told me that their family doctors had given them similar feedback.
Don't take this to heart, though: although there is no known "cure" according to the mainstream medical profession, there are things you can do to help yourself and there are doctors out there who are knowledgeable in the treatment and the symptoms of fibromyalgia, so don't ever give up hope!
Don't rely solely on your doctors or on prescription drugs to cope. Look into alternative and natural treatments for fibromyalgia as well; they are what helped me the most.
My favorite articles on treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia naturally
- Natural Fibromyalgia Treatment Gets Better, Faster Results
- A MUST-READ article by a Naturopath Mark A. Stengler on just how effective natural treatments for fibromyalgia can be!
Fibromyalgia Book Review
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition)
This book is an absolute must-have for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain sufferers!
The most important thing I learned from the author is the difference between fibromyalgia tender points and myofascial trigger points and the different types of pain they produce.
Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are actually separate conditions, although they often overlap, and most people (and practitioners) don't know this.
I can't tell you how important this book has been to me in seeking the right treatments and in helping manage my symptoms.
Join me and others with Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue on Twitter
- fibro_cfs_gal
- aka Barb
- 98 followers
- 51 following
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- The UN has declared Dec 3rd as International Day of Persons with Disabilities http://is.gd/9MAV
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- @SassyLee cool to meet you! your Twitter bio made me think we're twins! I love animals, internet, travel, learning, etc, etc, too :-)
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- @gabrielleadams you have more energy when you drink beer?? how lucky are you - LOL
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- @labaronesa oh, that's so weird! so you have less energy in the summer, more in fall? I'm opposite. I wonder why?? The mysteries of FM...
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- whew. the old bod is not taking the change of seasons very well. all it wants to do is sleep sleep sleep...
Fibromyalgia Book Review
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition
The self-treatment techniques in this book have relieved my pain on so many occasions, and have probably saved me hundreds of dollars in wasted massage therapy.
If you have myofascial pain syndrome, or even suspect you might have it, this book is a true life-saver.
Most massage therapists and physios do not understand trigger points and how to treat them properly, so educating yourself and learning to relief some of the pain on your own is, as Martha Stewart would say, "a good thing"!
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness Related Links
- National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
- National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (September 10-16) is a time in which people and organizations are encouraged to educate the general public about the impact of an invisible illness.
- USA - Weather.com's "Aches & Pains" Forecast
- I don't know about you, but I notice that my fibromyalgia symptoms, especially achiness and fatigue, get worse just before the weather changes. Check out this cool link to get a bit of a warning before the aches come on...
- Canada - Weathernetwork.com's "Aches & Pains" Forecast
- For my Canadian readers, this link's for you!
Fibromyalgia Book Review
From Fatigued to Fantastic
Dr. Teitelbaum had chronic fatigue syndrome and recovered from it. I think he's brilliant; he recommends treating all the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome at the same time, rather than one at a time, to get the best results.
You will learn tons about fibro and CFS and just how many possible treatment options there are available.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - Latest News
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The Fibromyalgia Advocate
If you are applying for disability/SSDI, or need guidance on how to find a doctor who will treat you and your fibromyalgia symptoms with respect, this book is a valuable resource and will give you a sense of empowerment, something that us "fibromites" need more of!
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - Guestbook
Here's a place to post your comments and/or questions about Fibromyalgia
Cheryl in Raytown, Mo. wrote
I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which has debilitated my life totally. I once was an energetic, ambitious person, which would take on any project of interest. Now, I find it hard just to get out of bed in the morning. I have been prescribed everything over the past few years they think helps, but nothing has. I started aquatherapy, which feels good for a minute, but the symptoms come back. For any and everyone who suffers this, I am quite sure you ask God Why? as sometimes I do, then I think how much worse others are with conditions and terminal illness, so I just thank God for not having anything worse. My point, stay encouraged spiritually, which always helps the overall problem and keep remembering, GOD is in control and he can do anytihing, but fail. Ephs 3:20 says Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us! To God I give the glory.
Posted July 09, 2009
cammie1
Yes limu is great and I also drink VMIXX. MY fibro pain was gone after about a week or so. Nutrients from drinks like limu and VMIXX are wonderful for our cells. VMIXX is bioavailable and it also has the prebiotics and probiotics that our digestive system requires to keep it all in balance. There is something about nutrition and fibro. I really believe that fibromyalgia is a warning of disease to come. I had it for 7 years before I was diagnosed with cancer. I didn't eat right, I didn't drink enough water and my body shut down. It's time for all of us to turn to nutrition and see what happens. If our body doesn't respond keep trying. Search for better products, shop the outer isles at the grocery store. Nutrition cured my fibromyalgia. If you think about it, your cells just want
nutrients. Feed them and there is a great chance that they will take care of you...
Posted July 06, 2009
Peggy wrote
[in ply to Shirley Colon]
Dear Shirley, I was diagnosed w/fibro 8 years ago. I have terrrible burning in my lower legs and feet. I am being tested for MS, and also diabetes. If these come back negative, I guess its the fibro reinventing itself
Posted July 05, 2009
cerce wrote
Yes I have been taking lyrica, for the last 6 mo's. I gained about 30 lb's. Gee's I have been suffering for 17 years. I have been taking prozac and amyltriptilin for years. I tryed to stop the lyrica and found my pain so unbearable I had to start again. I feel the quality of life ways the side effects, I can move better so I have some hope to keep going for as long as I can. I have a wonderful 20 year old daughter and a wonderful 16 year old son and my little wonderful Gabriel is 9. Dear God they have suffered right along with me and learned more patients then any adult I have ever met. I guess there is a reason for all this, but when I am laying in my bed for the 10th time befor 2pm, I have to ask god, "why me, why me"
Thanks for any support, I need friends that can understand why I can't do much or why I can't stop taking my meds.
Oh I just lost my job and my health insurance. So if anyone has any good Idea's for me don't hessitate to say something.
Posted July 03, 2009
joan ward wrote
[ihi Frank, I am so sorry to hear that you are so badly effected with FM. I know the feeling of being ridiculed and how that hurts. I have had fibro for about 30 years, It started when I was about 28 not long after having had a kidney removed, and has worsened progressively ever since. I have done every conceivable thing (physio, accupuncture, etc etc0 and they have all helped a little. Now at 68 I am almost bedridden,have just finished a course of chemo for lymphoma, and have jusst been prescribed Lyrica by a rheumatologist. The only things I can do to ease the pain is to lie still, preferably on an electric blanket and sleep. I sleep sometimes for 22 hours a day when the condition is very bad. It's a terrible thing to live with. I wish I could give you some comfort, but I cannot. God bless you anyway.
Posted June 29, 2009
Robin wrote
in reply to Diane Hi. my name is Robin in Arkansas, I do have Fibromyalgia for sure, diagnosed about 1 year ago.I hope you don't join the club too, and there would never be any offense!! Because it is not a fun thing. I took Lyrica, it went way bad, metally too, and I think I have lasting effects on me. Anyway I now list Lyrica as an allergy....YES do find out. it is usually a Rule Out situation, like rule out Lupus, and for me Lymes and so on. when those are set aside and you still have those lovely symptoms, it is usually Fibro. and possibly Chronic Fatigue...depending on the fatigue, that I don't know much about. For me here is how it goes: I have very very low energy (used to have lots) poor concentration, easily distracted, widespread pain, alot in feet! Thus I can not walk for long before it shots up to a 10 pain wise. Pain in legs, ribs, neck, hands, thumbs esp. arms,feet. you name it. OH, there is not really any specific test for Fibro. like I mentioned above is rule it out.
Posted June 22, 2009
Shirley Colon wrote
I've had fibromyalgia for years, but am experiencing something new and wonder if it's related? I've been having burning sensations in my muscles, as if they are on fire. It's really bad in the back of my legs. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted June 21, 2009
Disclaimer for Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The information contained herein is not meant to substitute the advice provided by a medical professional. In the event that you use this information for your own health, which is your right, the author of this article assumes no responsibility.
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia - Visitor Count
by fibro_cfs_gal
Hi, I'm Barb Jamesen and I have Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
I have learned some great coping strat...
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