
Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
If your feet and hands are somewhat numb it probably is nerve damage. Mine started about 6 years ago and has progressed to the point that my little toes and little fingers are almost totally numb. It seems to start on the outside and work inward.
When you go to bed do your feet burn? Advil or ibuprophen helps with the burning and the nerve pain.
I get it from the hips down at times. This is VERY common in Fibro patients.And as Paws4God said, it's due to nerve damage. This is why so many of us are put on a med called Lyrica. Do a little research online and ask your doctor about it... it was a lifesaver for me!(especially since i have Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy as well)
There's no reason that I've come across that fibro should cause nerve damage unless you have other injuries and illnesses like MS. I'm amazed at how many people are on hardcore meds for hand and foot pain that's chalked up to fibro without even having an EMG to verify it.
I was told I had nerve damage in my feet but fortunately the neurologist did an EMG and proved that I don't. It was a few months later that I learned about CMP and trigger point massage and the rest is history.
Fortunately, it's quite easy to learn to do trigger point massage on yourself. It can be time consuming and painful, but the way I see it, I can either do it knowing my pain will subside or just remain in pain.
Here are some great links to give you an idea of what CMP and TP massage are all about.
triggerpointbook.com This book has made my life bearable!!! Can't say enough good about it.
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry/myofasc/myofasc.html This site is great if you have pain in your feet or lower legs. A lot of foot pain originates in the calves so be sure and check there.
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry/myofasc/myofasc.html This is a great article with lots of diagrams of TPs and referred pain patterns. If you have headaches, be sure and check it out.
HOPE THIS HELPS
XX
Two months ago I had a muscle and nerve biopsy. The muscles show atrophy and the nerves show degeneration. The nerves are dying, which is causing the muscles to waste. My neuro wants me to go to a specialist at Baylor in Houston but I don't want to go. I may go but I don't want any more tests. It would be nice to have a diagnosis and know if there is anything to stop it or at least slow it down. I doubt that I would take any of the new drugs because they are just too strong. I work full time and just can't do my job in a drug fog.
Whyme26, it is probably just the FM causing the tingling and like someone else said only an EMG can confirm nerve damage. Ask your dr. if he will refer you to a neurologist to test you. In the meantime like I said advil or ibuprophen usually takes care of the pain.
There are several nerve medications out there, if it gets too bad to live with, but they all have side effects that can be tough too.
Lyrica was the latest one they wanted me to try. But I am not in a position right now to take it so I am just suffering or taking the vicodin. I also see a chiropractor, TENS and massage therapy.
Good Luck!