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Fibromyalgia

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Living with CHRONIC PAIN and FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia or FMS
What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in the fibrous tissues in your muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Previously, the condition was known by other names, including Fibrositis, Chronic Muscle Pain Syndrome, Psychogenic Rheumatism and Tension Myalgias.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
* Overwhelming Body Fatigue
* Pain, widespread in muscles, and also localized in back/neck/rib area. (Excrutiating pain when certain muscles are touched
* Multiple Tender Points
* Muscle spasms
* Sleeplessness & Restless sleep
* Reactive Hypoglycemia (Feeling shaky,hot/cold flashes, sweaty & dizzy)
* Numbness and tingling in my arms, forearms, wrists, neck, back
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Depression (this doesn't necessarily mean just feeling sad. Depression can manifest itself in irritability, feeling overwhelmed, afraid, anxious, angry and from severe pain)
* Poor concentration and forgetfulness (also known as Fibro Foggies)
* Pain in the entire body
* Increased sensitivity to heat and cold. High humidity intensifies the pain
* Increased sensitivity to pain.
* Jaw pain which can mask itself as TMJ.
* Wrist and arm pain which can mask itself as carpal tunnel syndrome
* Hair Loss.
* Unexplained Clumsiness such as falling down for no particular reason
* Headaches or Migraines
* Irritable Bladder
* Mood Swings and Anxiety
* Dry mouth, watery eyes
  

Possible Causes

 * A Virus
* Taken too many antibiotics over the years
* Major trauma to the spine.

Physician aren't exactly sure what causes this disease and there is still no cure. There are ways to control Fibromyalgia such as exercise (even though it is very difficult and painful), eating a healthier diet and pain medications.

The severe trauma to my spine is what gave me Fibromyalgia.

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Disease, Herniated Disc,2 Disc Buldges, Twisted Vertabrae, Bent Tailbone, My left hip is over an inch higher than my right hip,TMJ, Lumbar Radiculopathy,Muscularskeletal Disease, Chronic Pain, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

All of the above is due to an accident that I had on Labor Day Weekend of 1997.

It is very difficult to live a normal life with such chronic pain. The pain is so unbearable and so difficult to do normal activities.

I was out of work on a Medical Leave of Absense following the accident until March of 1998. I tried to go back to work, but it was very painful and hard to even walk, stand, sit or do anything.
I went on another Medical Leave of Absense for a few more months and attempted to work again in October of 1998 and in November, my doctor made me stop working.

I have not been able to work ever since. My doctor's have declared me permanently disabled from these injuries.

I have been tested for MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Lupus and a variety of other disease which are close to Fibromyalgia, symptom wise.

I have been through Physical Therapy, Chiropractor, numerous amounts of pain medication and muscle relaxers as well as anti-depressants. Nothing seems to help. My current medication has been the best so far, but does not help as much as I would like it to.

I will be starting a Pain Management Program and pray that it helps me.Its so difficult when you are so limited on what you can do. I cannot sit very long, stand very long or walk to far without the assistance of a cane, crutches or the baby stroller. I loose balance very easily and constantly loose muscle control and fall down.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful, loving and supportive husband who has been such an angel through all of this.

The problem with this type of illness is that not alot of people understand it. I look totally normal and people just cannot realize the true impact of the injuries and pain I go through. Its so hard to wake up in the morning (IF I can actually fall asleep for more than a few hours a night). It takes me a few hours to be able to get out of bed and start moving. Then even longer to try and get showered, dressed and ready to go out if we have to.

This is so difficult to live with and I continue to get worse. I have alot of faith that the doctors will come up with new research and new medicines to make life easier.

I could not get through all of this without the loving support of my husband, sweet little girls, family and friends. Thank you all for your prayers, friendship and support!

I have found the most wonderful, loving, caring and supportive group of friends on the AOL forum called PRC (Pain Relief Center). I love this area so much that I decided to be a Chat Host, so I could help others as they help me so very much. This wonderful forum has closed down but another forum will soon be up and running and I will be the Host Team Leader in the new forum.


  


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Last on November 3, 2002