I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist in 1995, since back then fibro was still mysterious and not yet realized to involve nerves. Neurologists do most of the work now. I personally prefer a rheumatologist-neuro combo for ruling out all else, and diagnosing with any certainty.

Honestly? I bhave no meds that help my fibro at the moment. Heat, ice, rest, blah blah blah blah, the usual non-prescription stuff.

That said? DDD can cause a lot of pain, and fibro shouldn't be determined until *everything else possible* is ruled out, determined to be not possibly causign it, and more. An old college friend of my husband's was told it was fibro, and it was celiac. And fibro can co-exist with other stuff, so it's best to be sure you're seeing *fibro* and not a mimic, or to see if there's fibro overlapping with, say, the DDD.

Welcome, and healing to you!

Welcome to the group! You and I could be twins. I have severe OA and just had one knee replaced in February. The other one is pending and OA has gotten into my hands too. I also have DDD with stenosis.

I agree with Leo that there can be referred pain. Like me, you have existing conditions that cause a lot of discomfort. And, you could have other issues going on that have not been diagnosed.

I would start with a complete physical including a comprehensive blood panel that includes thyroid and Vitamin D. If nothing turns up, then I'd consider seeing either a rheumatologist or neurologist. Another option for you would be a pain management specialist. I see one because of my underlying issues and needing surgery periodically. If the surgeon can't or won't manage my pain issues properly, the pain management doctor will.

You can call your local hospital and ask for the physician referral service. They can match you up with the appropriate doctors that will treat Fibromyalgia. In some areas of the country, rheumys have quit treating Fibromyalgia because it is a disorder of the central nervous system. You'll have to figure that out which is why I'm suggesting calling the hospital physician referral service.

Skin sensitivity could be nerve pain and/or allydonia. I'm fairly sensitive to pressure against my skin. Clothing can be problematic.

It sounds like you could use a fresh set of eyes on your situation. I hope that my comments are helpful. Take care.

Thank you both for replying so quickly. I'm going to make an appointment with the neurosurgeon I saw who found the DDD. He gave me voltaren but told me eventually when it gets worse the shots may help. He's at the Hospital for Joint Diseases where I had my surgeries. It's connected to NYU. I hope he's able to tell me what he thinks about this pain in my upper body. Sometimes when it happens I just want to cry from the pain then when it passes i get weak. It's so frustrating. Thanks for your opinions it means a lot.

Paula, neurosurgeon is a good start, he can if nothing else refer you, and maybe do a couple tests to see if it's coming off the DDD or (whatever). Good luck and please keep us updated!

I just recently saw both a Neurologist and a Rheumatologist. The Neurologist found that I have severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy so that's what's causing my skin sensitivity and pain, or at least that's part of the problem. He wanted me to see a Rheumatologist and I've only seen him one time so he's still "getting to know" me. He has started me on some new medicines and I hope they start working because the Lyrica made me feel to drugged up. I'm glad I'm seeing both of them and wish I had done this sooner. I've been struggling with these issues for about 20 years. I hope you can get help and start feeling better.

Susan

I just started taking Lyrica. Only 150 mg. My sister takes it fir neuropathy for her feet 300mg and it works. The Lyrica doesn't seem to help. As I'm tying my arms are getting pain. I was given Voltarten Gel for my lower back. It seems to help a little. I hope the neuro can get to the bottom of all my pain. I'm so frustrated. I slept to 12:00 today and could have slept more but forced myself out of bed. I get up every day at 8:30 because otherwise I can just stay in bed. Don't want that. I know the Fibro can also leaved you fatigued. I am so sick of being in pain. Honestly the only thing that gives me any relief is the Vicodin. Gail

Greetings, I am a 49er too and had FM my whole life. I have tried all the FM meds and none worked for me because of bad of side effects except for a med many of us are now trying called Naltrexone. It is used in tiny doses of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mg. It is an old generic med and needs to be mixed in these small dose capsules by a compounding pharmacist. Not covered by my insurance but used successfully for MS, Crones, and FM and only costs $45/month. It is really working for me on most FM symptoms, not just the pain and exhaustion. Also, give Chiropractic for your DDD a try and search for a good one who understands FM. MDs scared me off Chiropractors for many years but my lower back, upper back and neck and an old shoulder surgery are tons better after researching and finding a really knowledgeable Chiropractor. Find a neurologist who specializes in FM as many or most don't have a clue but some can be very helpful. FM is now thought to be a dysfunction of the nervous system, not a muscle and joint problem, so you will want to see a neurologist but find a FM specialist. Don't accept defeat; keep looking until you find some help! It is out there but hard to find what works for you! I will try to check back with you to see if you have more questions about FM and back problems treatment. Best of Luck!