Fibromyalgia Support Group

Almost everyone can look back to a "triggering" event where their serious symptoms started, but I think those of us who have fibro had a predisposition to it and it was just waiting for that trigger. For some it's an illness, for others an accident.

For me it was a three-year emotionally and physically abusive relationship that kept me in a constant state of "fight or flight." The body is not made to sustain a constant bath of adrenalin 24/7 and systems start to break down under that kind of unrelenting stress. I have also had my symptoms get worse after three auto accidents within a relatively short time.

I just had a researcher with years of experience as a practicing physician speak to my local support group last week, and he stated that, while fibro is now regarded as a syndrome, the definition of which is a condition that has a broad spectrum of presentations and symptoms, none of which will ALL manifest in any one person, he sees in the future, once they understand the "why" better, that it will be reclassified as a distinct disease.

I have no interest in what they call it - I know what it is and all that matters is finding effective treatments.

That was a great answer Peace, thank you for this topic, and looking forward to more great answers.

I believe I all ways had it, it just wasn't dx until after my hysterectomy brought it out full force. It took about 9 years to get to the point where I couldn't work, and just trying to keep up with house work is a chore in it self. And I have no social life, what so ever to talk about. I go out probable like 4 times a year, well that isn't Dr. appt. that is, Dr. appt. can be some times 4 a month. I believe the root of my issue was growing up in a very abusive environment, and like Peace said, living in constant fear is really hard on ones body. Then through in some sexual abuse. I was taught to ignore any pains, and don't complain. So it's some times hard for me to even recognize what is wrong, let a lone explain it. I know it sounds kind of dumb. lol It weird how, being taught something wrong as a kid, can take you your whole life to change, if you can even do that. Hmmmm, well all I can do is keep trying to find a good balance, and try to live the best life I can.
Gentle hugs, Sherrall

I was under a severe amount of stress from a very bad relationship, moving to another side of town and then developed chronic bronchitis that would not go away no matter what they doc prescribed. Soon after that is when the aches and pains started; however, I had already been DX with CFS prior to this.

I had been Sick prior to Full Blown fibromyalgia...little things, some bigger things...Lost a kidney in my early 20s, had a HUGE Clot stop the flow of blood to my legs in my early 30s...no answers as to WHY these things happened...what Really kicked my FM into high Gear was 3 Stressful events..

1998- Lost both parents within a few months of each other, & daughter turned 18 & left the nest...
2004- I had a Major surgery to my Abdominal Aorta...turns out he messed it up..
2005- got married, quit working, blah blah blah...tho I have a good man...this relationship has issues...stressful ones...Like he leaves for basically 4-5 months out of the year...he does NOT believe a man should do an OUNCE of housework, nor that a Woman should work outside the home...this is TO Weird for me...I agreed only cuz I was at the End of my working ability...but this is Not Who I am...so it stresses me...

I believe STRESS to Be my Underlying Reason...Anxiety...and am Working hard to Reverse it ALL...I want some part of MY life back...right now I am basically existing as a Housekeeper & Book keeper...this is NOT at all who I am...I am a Truck driver, Construction worker...I am a Physical hands On woman...and I HATE this SHIT. it has made me Become someone I am NOT.

Great question
and great answer Peace! I think I've had this since I was 7yrs old.I was in a severe car accident with facial and head injuries.I've had bizzare symptoms my whole life that could never be explained.I can smell things other people can't.They kept testing me for Lymes Disease,RA,other problems for years.After my neck Surgery almost 7 yrs ago,I never recovered.Been full blown Fm ever since.Also Have DDD and RA did finally show up on a blood test.

Toriv I've had strange stuff all of my life too - my legs particularly were always very tender to the touch - you know how someone will kind of reach over and squeeze your leg affectionately? DO NOT DO THAT TO ME - IT HURTS!!!

I have also always since childhood had a problem with my "thermostat" and a tendency to overheat no matter how well hydrated I try to be.

I discovered on a recent doctor visit (to the spine/pain doc) that I have actually become so "accustomed" to certain things hurting that I don't visibly respond. Without warning she started running through my tender points - really fast like Poke Poke Poke Poke Poke and before I realized what she was doing, I thought "wow that hurts I wish she'd stop" but I didn't respond visibly or audibly. I'm wondering now if she thought I didn't feel it - I DID but you can't go through life yelling and wincing all the time, so I've apparently trained myself to "grin and bear it" sometimes.

I've been very interested in the post about blood pressure devices and how much they hurt. Until this came up, like a lot of other people, I didn't realize that it doesn't hurt EVERYONE LOL I thought it was just one of those things - like mammograms - that everybody hates. That's another thing I've hardened myself to - I just kind of grit my teeth knowing it will be over quickly - unless she doesn't get it right the first time and has to do it again, in which case it usually feels like she's trying to tie off my arm so it will wither and drop off!

This is the same thing I do with needles. I had blood drawn the other day in the doc's office to see if my cholesterol is going down with the new meds (it is) and I just turned my head, gritted my teeth, and without realizing it, held my breathe. So that's why I look like I'm going to pass out - didn't realize until that day that I actually stop breathing when I'm in a lot of temporary pain.

thanks for posting this.... great topic

well for me... i was a very healthy and very active person before. i joined the Marines in 2000 and was lovin it. my symptoms hit me full blown in 04 when i injured my back and right after that, came down with a 6 month horrid case of mononucleosis. even after i survived the mono, it was like the symptoms never left. and the pain went from my lower back (where the injury was) to my whole body. so i always assumed that it was triggered by the combo of both the back injury and the mono.

but the American Legion rep that was helping with my case against the VA said that he believes FM was brought on by what i was exposed to at the Pentagon during 9/11 and the toxins from the fumes.

so my newest Rheumatologist was helping me look thru my med records from when i was active duty and he found symptoms as far back as 2002. i was like "wow...maybe the American Legion guy was right". unfortunately i'm still fighting the VA for compensation, since they have denied me 2x already.

but like it's been said here, it's listed as a syndrome but probably once they find the actual cause it may be listed as a disease (it sure feels like one).

Here's my history: 1984 pregnancy and birth;
1986 miscarriage and D&C, 1988 pregnancy and birth, 1989 severe case of the flu......lots of stress on the body.

The fibro started as I was getting better from the flu...was sitting in the recliner, and my left arm and leg went chilled and numb...30 min later, same thing on right side. Poor reflexes, extreme fatigue followed, and never went away....I've had it for 20 yrs, diagnosed for 18 months...

My rheumy thinks stress sets off our body, like Peace said....makes sense to me!

HUGS from down south :)

I was emotionally abused growing up and I was predisposed because my Dad and Granny had it. Mine started in 2002 when I was working two full time jobs, adrenaline 24/7, not good for the body. I quit one job in 2003 but after that, I was not the same.

Mine started after a hysterectomy too. I have also had lots of abuse in life too. Personally I think it will end up being called an autoimmune disease as there are so many overlaps there. hugs