Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
Hey all,
I have been struggling with seemingly random symptoms over the past year or so with no diagnosis in sight and nothing at all showing up on imaging tests/labs. They're always on/off, such as abdominal pain in various spots, upper arm tenderness/pain, burning feeling in my upper rib cage, upper back pain, tenderness in areas in scalp, anxiety, mood swings, frequent migraines/tension headaches, easy bruising, and tingling sensations in arms and legs. I don't have a ton of "pressure points" like I am seeing are generally required to diagnose fibromyalgia, but so many of my other symptoms seem to match up. All of these symptoms have been very uncomfortable, both physically and mentally, as I am constantly worried about what is wrong with me. What are your thoughts?
Many of us here cringe at the notion of offering medical opinion over the internet, especially with fibro. It can be hard to diagnose because it has an extremely diffuse symptom pattern that can vary wildly from person to person. On top of that, a lot of symptoms common to fibro are also common in a slew of other ailments, so commonality with fibro problem doesn't promise the cause.
What doctors have you seen? Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion. Since there is no definitive way to positively test for fibro, you have to be tested negative for everything under the sun that resembles fibro. A general practitioner can suspect it, but cannot diagnose it. If you haven't been referred yet to specialists, you should get referrals for a rheumatologist and a neurologist. They can continue to cross things off in the process of elimination game that is getting a fibro diagnosis.
It's very frustrating, I know. I myself and many others here were left with pain and questions for many years before we finally got pointed towards a culprit. Journal your symptoms and daily problems - what troubles you, what doesn't. What's a good day, what's a bad day. Bring those lists to your appointments so you know you won't forget anything.
With or without a diagnosis, chronic pain is not fun to have to live with. So feel free to participate on the board if you feel the need to vent on how you're feeling, or about the medical process.
Good luck, and I hope you'll have some answers soon.
It's best to leave the diagnosis to the professionals. I got mine from a rheumatologist, but you should start with your primary doc & get a recommendation. There's no easy way to diagnose fibro at this point in time, so it's best to get multiple professional opinions. You're just going to keep worrying if you don't ask for help. Sending good vibes your way! <3
I went to my PCP when I was in so much pain I couldn't stand it anymore. She immediately thought I had fibro, but sent me on to a rheumatologist who gave me many tests. In 6 months I was diagnosed with fibro. Keep searching until you have answers. Take care.