Hi LadyDeb,
I seem to have most of my pain under control at the moment (knock on wood!) but it is the fatigue and fog that stops me from working.

That said, fibromyalgia is a condition diagnosed by ruling out everything else so you should have blood work (and every other test) completed before accepting your diagnosis.

That's just my thoughts. Anyone else?

FM is not usually dxd by PM docs but my beuros or rheumys, after testing tomrule out other causes, ranging from arthritis to MS to RA etc.

i would get second, third and fifteenth opinions ro be sure. FM is similar enough to other issues, some of which are not easily seen on first or third look.... celiac is another one.... that it is better to rule out at financial cost than to not rule out and get one nasty freaking medical surprise down the line.

bloodwork can be extensive but worth it.. some underlying conditions that cause acjes and fatigue are remedied with vitamin supps because your body may have some issue with proper absorption.

good luck, leo

sorry, ipad keypad is glitchy. That is NEURO, not beuro.... wth is a beuro, LOL

Hi LadyDeb, I was diagnosed by my GP and then referred to a Dr. Of Internal Medicine for a second opinion who also said Fibro. I have been exhausted for years and the pain slowly progressed over the past two or three. Everyone seems to function at different levels. I am able to work but anything extra is very limited. My housework is always behind and I never go out unless it is to see family. I can't host get together a anymore and our house used to he the centre of everything in our family. I have an office job and it is very flexible as I work in our family business. Some people cannot work and are on disability. Fibro affects people differently and I think it may be progressive but it is believed not to be.

One thing I'm going to say is don't compare your pain to how other people's pain. I have done that and its not at all helpful or relevant to you. I have doubted my diagnosis before because of this very thing...and have had other people with fibro also doubt that I have fibro. Friday night I walked/ran a 5k...yesterday I walked/ran a 10k....but two weeks ago I came home from work in so much pain I was laying in bed just shaking the pain was that bad. Every one of us have different pain tolerances....different reactions to meds...some are able to work some not.

Have no ideas about the different opinions here... But as I've stated before, I doubt I have Fibro..... My hubby just spent about 10 minutes trying to straighten out three toes on my left foot that had curled under causing so much pain I was in tears. He had a heck of a time, they were so tightly curled. I call the pains cramps or charley horses. I was diagnosed by a Rhumetologist (sp) about a year and a half ago and am taking 100Mg of Gabapentin daily. A couple of weeks ago, my Chiropractor suggested I try a daily multiple mineral supplement. The brand is "Nature's Plus Ultra-Mins." I can't say they are helping. I'd had every test imaginable before I was diagnosed and am at the point of believing it's something I'm just going to have to live with. I still function in between the episodes of being awakened two to three times per night with leg or foot cramps. Most I can walk off, but the toes I need help with. Today was the third time with my toes, always on my left foot, and hubby said it was the worst. Someone said "fibromyalgia is a condition diagnosed by ruling out everything else," I think it is a diagnosis when they don't know what the real problem is. I wish you all peace and Gods love.

Going to ignore the immediate previous comment except to say you have exceedingly poor choice in friends. I'll take anything else with a big grain of salt based on that.

Ladydeb, I agree with everyone who said don't compare. It won't get you any useful information. It sounds like you haven't had great treatment - I would get another opinion not only to confirm your diagnosis (which is probably correct) but also to get more aggressive treatment.

Thank you all. I will get to my regular dr soon because I need a check-up, but I'm asking for a referral to a rheumatologist.

I see that fibro really does affect everyone in different ways and to different degrees.

Oh and I spoke too soon about not having a lot of pain. Yesterday it was really bad. It started on the right side of my face (sinuses, I think) and quickly spread to the back of my neck, down to my tailbone and into my upper back. I took 2 ibuprofen which helped relieve the intensity. Whew!

Again thank you all. :)

Hi LadyDeb,
I have been demanding for over a year for my Doctors to run more tests. I couldn't believe that it was just Fibromyalgia, the pain was so bad and runs from my head to my toes. I have just come to realize that it is Fibromyalgia. I go to bed in pain and wake up in pain and occasionally I might have a day when I can actually get something done around my house but is limited to one chore a day. I think that until everyone including doctors understands this disease it us hard for us to accept it.

Yes, bnice4m2, I believe you're right. It is hard for me to accept...but I think I need more tests done, too.

PeaceN2You, did I say something I should not have? The below quote was posted directly under my original post and I am quite confused and also a bit hurt if it was intended for me. Could you please put my mind at ease?

" Going to ignore the immediate previous comment except to say you have exceedingly poor choice in friends. I'll take anything else with a big grain of salt based on that."

LolaBabe you should try Epsom salts soak in hot water, I put plug in tub & do it even for a shower! You should check out muscle rel;axants too! Works great on crampyness!!!!!
**** LadyDeb Try a Pain Clinic referral, too that rescued me= less pain, better sleep!
xxxooo's all!

Also get checked for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, & Multiple Chemical Sensitivities they sometimes go hand in hand with Fibromyalgia! Good luck. A Pain Clinic can prescribe pain meds too, so a better, Pain Clinic might help!

LadyDeb,

I totally understand your doubt. I don't have much pain on a daily basis, and when I do, it's mostly joint. Occasionally I'll have head to toe pain that usually lasts a day or 2. Anyway, if you are doubting, I would get a second opinion. I did and a third and a fourth. Three of them were GP's and one from a rhuemy. They all pushed on those dang tender points which were extremely painful and that, along with the fatigue is what brought them to the diagnosis. I also have chronic fatigue. I have always been tired, even as a child so it's not surprising. Also, blood work is a good idea.

Thank you all for your input & advice. :)