Getting fibro at a young age is a lot less common, but it definitely happens. I was a very young adult at age 22 when mine started (although it took a few years to get properly diagnosed...probably in part because of my age!) So while I was considerably older than your daughter, there was the issue of juggling demanding course work while having fibro, plus the frustration of having to learn to limit my social life. The best thing you can do is help her understand that she HAS limits, and as much as it sucks to not be able to do things she wants to do, it will be WORSE if she doesn't take care of herself, and she won't be able to do more things in the long run. If you want more specific advice with things like keeping on track with school work, let me know!

*hugs*

-YB

I would keep an eye on her for RA anyway..... People can get mis dx'd so easily, especially young IMO!!! But yeah, Yellowbunny is right, just help her find coping mechanisms, and be there with the hugs;-)

Thanks so much YB. She's out of school..right now. But will be starting in August on her first year of high school. O.o
Thank you for the offer of advice on keeping track, I may very well need to ask you a few questions once we see what her schedule is like.

It is going to be a tough road to begin with, as she has Asperger's. But I am sure we will make it. ^._^

Now that I think about it really hard, a lot of my symptoms started well before I was diagnosed. I can remember as a teen coming home from school just so worn out that I was lucky to muddle through homework and a lot of times would just crash before dinner and wouldn't get up until my alarm (or mom) would get me up. And I remember (not fondly I might add) mornings of feeling like I wasn't gonna make it to the breakfast table, much less the bus stop, and can't count how many times the bus driver would have to wake me up once we got to school.
Now I do realize that some of my symptoms came from having a terribly messed up lower back that required 2 major surgeries later on in life to correct, but a lot of them just didn't have anything to do with my back at all. The muddled thinking, not being able to concentrate, feeling like I couldn't get out of my own way some days...stuff like that.
Thanks so much for the reply YB!

Thanks to you too Leo. ^._^
I will be keeping an eye out on the RA anyways. We haven't gotten her blood work back yet or her x rays. Her GP did a blood panel on her and her sed. rate was normal, and her RH factor was only 1 point higher than normal (normal being up to 20 and hers was 21), so I'm still keeping an eye out because I know how easily it is to misdiagnose young children/teens (heck young people in general) dealing with a condition that causes chronic pain.

I honestly believe that my fibro started at birth because I had a very difficult delivery that left me with issues. I can't remember not feeling bad. My son also started at a young age and even though he's not been officially diagnosed, I am sure he has it. I think he started complaining of bad pain around the age of 9. He has always suffered with migraines, IBS, bladder issues, anxiety, etc. since then.

Mine started full-force at 15 after a car accident where we were rear-ended by a drunk driver. But I remember having minor symptoms as early as 8-9? My 10 year old daughter is starting to show signs already and I worry she's going to end up just like me. :o( I would suggest what others have. Keep the family history of RA in mind, and make sure those drs aren't overlooking the fact that it runs in your family! Help her to find as many ways as possible to get some relief. Watch for signs of depression (I'm sure you already know how fibro and depression can go hand in hand!) I know how it can affect a young person when they aren't able to do the things they want to do. Or how upsetting it is to constantly watch the clock to see when you can take more medicine when you're out with friends. It really sucks, but she's lucky she has your support and can look to you for advice. She's also fortunate to have a diagnosis without having to be "blown off" by dr after dr, as most of us have.

Good luck and I hope you can find ways for her to live as normal of a life as possible. :o)

My daughter just recently turned 17. She has had some health issues since January of this year. Her cardiac doctor thinks she has fibro. He has sent her to a rheumy and a neuro. The neuro ruled out everything. Her cardiac has tested her everything. It all comes back fine. The rheumy has not said fibro. yet. She said that she does not want to say fibro just yet. My daughter has all the symptoms and also has most of the tender points. We have not found a medicine or a combination of medicines to help the pain. It has been very difficult for her. Make sure you are there for her. She has to limit her activities and she has stopped driving all together because she has vertigo/dizziness issues. When she was in school, I kept all of her teachers and the principal updated on her condition. They worked with her with all the make up work. It is so hard on them. I am still trying to figure out things myself on helping my daughter. I hope you and your daughter all the best. I am here if you need to talk. Please keep me informed on how things are going.

I was diagnosed at 19. My mom has it as well.

Just reading these responses scares me to death. I pray everyday that my children don't get this monster. But my 15 yr old daughter is so much like me. An she has been diagnosed with orthostatic hypotention. My oldest son has had IBS, back problems and stays sick with this and that for yrs. Then my 10 yr old son has ADHD, ODD and complains alot with body pain. Guess all we can do is pray for the cure to happen soon.

Shannon I hope that your daughter makes it well through high school and I will say a prayer for her.

Hugs

Honestly, with joint pain and a low-grade fever, I wouldn't accept a fibro diagnosis easily, even with someone older.

I'd get a second opinion as there are SO many things that could be causing those symptoms, including viral issues.

I wasn't diagnosed until my 40's but I feel I have had FM since at least 17. I just had longer remissions and shorter relapses. Now it is the other way around.

Me too rdms!

ShannonA,

I am 19about years old, but eas diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 15that and have been having symptoms of it since I was a lot younger, but I had noticed more of the symptoms between 11 and 12. My parents have sometimes just used a back massager on me to help ease some of the pain. It may hut at first, but it does eventually relieve some of the pain. Also try putting pain creams on her to see how they help and definitely just stay supportive and make sure she knows your there for her.

I became sick at 20 and I am now severely sick at 25. Its more likely to affect females than male and the likely age they say is 15 to 27 years of age for the young ladies.. What tests did they run if I may ask?