I'm sorry you're in so much pain right now. Are you currently being treated by a doctor? You say you think they may be missing something, do you have any suspicion as to what you think it may be? I ask you that because we need to be our own advocates with this illness. If you really think you need to have other things ruled out, then speak up or see another doctor. You didn't say if you ever were able to manage your FMS symptoms. I also wonder why you are taking steriods as it is my understanding that those with fibro should avoid them. If you do nothing else, get another opinion of another doctor, but first be certain he/she has experience in treating FMS/MPS. As far as exercise goes, I would wait until you feel you have a correct diagnosis/treatment. If you're having a lot of pain, it may be due to TrP's and they should be worked on first. It is helpful to start out with PT to address some of these issues, and with a therapist that is familiar with fibro. Addressing the pain issues, learning proper stretching techniques and a gradual increase in time and repetion, I believe, is the best way to start exercising, then you can continue at home with what you've learned. I hope you get the answers you need and that your pain levels decrease soon.

I dont know how long you have had fibro but it may be part of the fibro symptoms. You need to have a check up anyway. I have had fibro for many years. My skin will sting to the touch. Especially in my legs. I had a P.A.D. test done and the circulation is okay so it is the fibro. Yesterday was one of my worst day's ever, every fibro point hurt, not dull pain but throbbing. My legs and feet cramp at night and today I am very stiff. Walking is hard, some day's harder than other day's. I have two places on my legs that are what you are describing. They are numb sometimes and sting other times, I mentioned it to the doctor , she thought it was fibro related . If it continues to bother you seek another opinion.

If you're like most fibro patients, you also have chronic myofascial pain syndrome where your muscles get knots in [them known as trigger points] that refer pain to other parts of your body. These trigger points have to be deactivated for the pain to subside. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to do on yourself by learning trigger point massage.

A great book on the subject is the one featured at triggerpointbook.com. Before I bought this book, I was in agony almost 24/7 in one way or another. I had a headache in the lower back of my head that lasted on and off--mostly on--for close to 10 years and made my head feel like I needed a halo used on head injuries just to hold my head up it was so heavy. Once I found out that the headache was caused by a trigger point in my neck, I massaged it and it was gone within a half hour and hasn't been a problem since. I could go on and on about all the various pains I had from burning feet that were diagnosed as nerve damage to breathing difficulties that was diagnosed as asthma that ALL turned out to be caused by myofascial trigger points and aren't a problem any longer.

I use a percussion massager to do trigger point massage simply because I had it when I learned about it and it works well gliding over clothing.

As far as you pain level increasing, you might want to research the role of the neurotransmitters serotonin and substance P in controlling pain.

Substance P is the pain neurotransmitter and is often overproduced in fibro patients as our brain chemistry is out of wack. Serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps control mood also keeps substance P in check. The problem in most fibro patients is that our brains don't produce enough of it, especially if you're on antidepressants which ultimately deplete it.

Here are two exceptionally good articles on the role of neurotransmitters in fibro:

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

http://www.drmurphreestore.com/newsletters_letters/healthnews3_21_07.html