Your doctors can only do tests that rule out other diseases that fibro mimics such as MS, Lupus & Thyroid problems.
If blood tests come back "normal", then they usually diagnose you with fibro.
Good luck & I hope this helps.

Sorry this is happening to you.
Before I was diagnose with fibro. I also seen many different Doctors and went for many tests. But you need to Google Fibromyalgia and read as much on it and the symptoms and the treatments. Also ask these Doctors if they are familiar with fibro and see what they say. Fibro has no known cure at this time. Sadly. And does not show proof of its existence from test. That's why it is important you see someone who has knowledge in this evil Illness. Unless you have other Illnesses that need different care?? You will only be waisting your time and money.

Hi Drea,

You sound like my mirror image! I have been feeling exactly like that. When I lay down at night, my back and hips, and down both sides of my legs, to my ankles hurt so bad, I can't get comfortable. And my skin and even hair hurts. I take tramadol, and Lortab. I recently was experementing with my meds and decided the tramadol was causing all kinds of weird things, most of all excessive sweating. Even in the 25 degree weather we have been experiencing here in NY this last week.

I have to get back to the Dr. I want him to refer me to a neurologist, or rheumy soon. I think they may be more capable of getting to the gist of what is going on all of the sudden.

I've been dx'd for 4 years, but it took 3 years to get that. A rhuemotologist dx'd me. I wish they would find a good way to help us. I tried Lyrica and it didn't help me, like it helps some here.

Prayers for you, Hon!
Laurie

There is a five minute test you can take on www.biotoxin.info that can tell you if you have a biotoxin illness. I have one from mold exposure but you can also have one from many other sources. The two most common are Lyme disease and Mold Exposure.

The test is cheap but mine came back negative online and highly positive in the doctor's office. I think it was operator error lol.

Part of the reason you're so sensitive to touch is because the neurotransmitters in your brain are out of wack preventing it from being able to filter out extraneous stimuli like your clothing laying against your skin.

The neurotransmitter Substance P that is responsible for pain is probably elavated amplifying every sensation making it seem painful when it shouldn't.

The neurotransmitter serotonin is probably low as it keeps substance P in check.

The thing I've found that helps the most is taking amino acids to regulate your brain chemistry. 5-HTP is used by the brain to produce serotonin and has made a world of difference in my life.

Serotonin is feel good neurotransmitter as it reduces pain, improves sleep, lessens morning stiffness, helps the GI tract function properly and controls depression.

Here's an article on the role of neurotransmitters in fibro along with a brain function questionare about symptoms associated with each neurotransmitter:

http://www.drmurphreestore.com/newsletters_letters/arefmspatcrazy.html

http://store.drmurphreestore.com/brfuqu.html

Since adding amino acids to my treatment protocol, I'm actually starting to feel normal for the first time in 25 very l-o-n-g years. I attribute it to them allowing my brain to function properly.

I take Effexor ER for depression and it's supposed to help the seratonin levels. My Dr. upped my dosage a month ago.

I think if you are going to add anything like 5-HTP , you need to check with Dr first, to make sure it won't interact with other meds you are currently taking.

I know my Fibro came on after a very bad infection in my system after a hytserectomy that nearly killed me. E-coli bacteria was in my whi=ole abdomen from an abcess caused by my surgery. My Doctors told me thats probably what brought on my FM diagnosis. Every one is differnt, and can just about pinpoint the onset of FM. If they think hard enough about it. Just my opinion, as everyone is so different.

Rheumatologists deal with a lot of autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal pains. I haven't heard the skin sensitivity being part of fibro, but I have heard it being part of other autoimmune diseases. I think it's good you're going to go to a rheumy because he can properly diagnose you.

I am pretty new to all of this, but I recently bought a book that I have found to be very wonderful. I am still reading it but I keep shaking my head because I identify with so much of what is in there. I had no idea that all of the things that were happening were related to one diagnosis, Fibromyalgia.

The book is Fibromyalgia for Dummies, by Dr. Roland Staud. He is a Rheumatologist. I have found this very helpful, especially in not thinking I am crazy or that I am a hypochondriac.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Thank you for all your help and advice. I do have hypothyroidism that is being controlled by medication alas the need for the Endocrinologist.
I am mentally worn down and I am just wanting this pain to end because I can't stand it anymore. I am taking Neurontin as well as percocet for the pain but it seems to barely touch it.

I am so sorry you are haveing so much Pain right now...
you have already been given some good advise...so I am just letting you know I am with you...I have hip/lower back/legs pain everyday...I get the sensative skin thing...to me it feels like my hair folicles are irratated or something...I have also had a bad neck/right shoulder and shoulder blade...this must be where I carry my stress....at any rate Physical Therapy done in a warm {but not hot} Pool has done Wanders for all my Upper pain....once everything else is ruled out and you get to the point of discussing Treament Options....you may want to ask your Dr.s to refer you to a PT...so your Insurance will pick it up...I have not had a headache since the Friday After Thanxgiveing....and I was plagued with them almost daily...severe dabilitateing headaches....I have to take the more natural approach since I have at some point developed a sensativity to meds....
A prayer for you that you find the right Combinations of treament that will help you to live as pain free a life as you can...
ur friend, Bonnie

When my skin hurt years ago, it was diagnosed as myofascial pain. None of the Rx drugs really helped. But, I also have permanent damage in the same area, muscles are like stone due to a repetitive motion job. Massage helped some, but not enough to renew the Rx for it.

FM commonly accompanies diabetes, thyroid and other auto-immune disorders. There is a good chance it is FM. The good news is that all that stuff the rheumatologist will hopefully rule out (lupus, etc) will kill you. FM wont. Be aware you might get the diagnosis and then be told that rheumatologist doesnt treat it (happened to me). If that is the case, get a referral.

It does sound like you have Fibromyalgia too. Please find a new doctor that can diagnose you properly and work with you to obtain relief. Your doctor should also run as many tests to rule out other possibilities.

Neurontin did NOTHING for my FMS pain. I take Voltoren (anti-inflammatory), Melatonin for sleeping and a herbal mix of magnesium, malic acid, fish oil and celadrin.

I also get a nightly massage, treat myself to pro massages and want to start aquatherapy.

Hi Drea, You got a lot of good advice. I was very deficient in Vitamin D when I got tested for fibro. They had to put me on a script for it until it came up. A side effect of Vitamin D deficiency is pain. You may want to have them check it for you. Good Luck, Hugs, Keleee :)

Sounds like fibro, especially with the family history, ,,the Rhummy will rule out other stuff, you may or may not be diagnosed with Fibro, in any case, my best advice is to read , read , and read about this condition, focus on getting comfortable , whatever that take,s some docotors are very good, with Fibro, and most are not, that is the truth , Im sorry to say, it may be a long road for you to get the help you need. Your best chance is to educate yourself , so that you can be clear with your docs when u are asking for referrrals, med s, or other therapies. Above All...remember this IT IS REAL , and YOU ARE NOT ALONE< come back herea as often as you need to....I went thru 12 years of h*ll and about 14 docs before I got help, dont give up !!