What Is Fibromyalgia? Check it out.. - Interstitial Cystitis (ICN) Support Forum

***leelee88*** · 12-09-2009, 09:14 AM

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome—a set of symptoms that happen together but do not have a known cause. In this syndrome, the nervous system (nerves, spinal cord, and brain) is not able to control what it feels, so ordinary feelings from your muscles, joints, and soft tissues are experienced as pain. People with fibromyalgia feel pain and/or tenderness even when there is no injury or inflammation.

Fibromyalgia does not harm your muscles, joints, or organs, and there are many things you can do to control it. When it is not controlled, you may not have any energy, or you may feel depressed or have trouble sleeping. These and other symptoms can be bad enough to cause problems with your work and home life. With treatment, most people with fibromyalgia are able to continue working and participating in daily activities. Some people adjust their work duties and lifestyle if their symptoms are severe.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Experts have theories about what may cause fibromyalgia, but there is not enough evidence to support any single cause. Some think that people with fibromyalgia may have nerve cells that are too sensitive. Others think that chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may be out of balance. Or it may be related to problems with the deep phase of sleep.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is pain in the muscles, soft tissues, back, or neck. Also certain spots on the body hurt when you press directly on them. Experts call these tender points , but you may also hear them called trigger points.

Fibromyalgia also causes sleep problems and tiredness.
Less common symptoms include headaches, morning stiffness, trouble concentrating, and irritable bowel syndrome. As with many conditions that cause chronic pain, it is common for people with fibromyalgia to have anxiety and depression. These can make you feel worse.
Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting (chronic) condition with no cure. Symptoms tend to come and go. You may have times when you hurt more, followed by times when symptoms happen less often, hurt less, or are absent (remissions).
Some people find that their symptoms are worse in cold and damp weather, during times of stress, or when they try to do too much.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

Doctors can find out if you have fibromyalgia based on two things. One is widespread pain, which means the pain is on both sides of your body above and below the waist. The other is tenderness in at least 11 of 18 points when they are pressed. Your doctor will also take steps to be sure you don't have other conditions that cause pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus, or other autoimmune diseases.

How is it treated?

You may be able to control your symptoms with regular exercise and by finding better ways to handle stress. Good sleep habits are very important, too. If you have trouble sleeping, changes to your routine, schedule, and sleep surroundings can help. Counseling can help you cope with long-term (chronic) pain.
If your symptoms are troublesome, your doctor can prescribe medicines that help you feel better.
Symptoms of depression, such as a loss of interest in things you usually enjoy or changes in eating and sleeping habits, can often be successfully treated if you tell your doctor about them.
Some people with fibromyalgia also find complementary therapies helpful. These include acupuncture, massage, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques.

***leelee88*** · 12-09-2009, 04:48 PM

If anyone has any questions about Fibro, please do not hesitate to ask..

maryla · 12-10-2009, 02:57 AM

When did we get this? How cool! It's been needed for a while!

hugs and blessings

***leelee88*** · 12-10-2009, 04:58 PM

Marla, Donna and Jill decided to add it. I think it is great!! Because so many of us with IC also have fibro and need some advice and support..

curlycue · 12-10-2009, 05:50 PM

wow great info ladies, thanks

curlycue · 12-19-2009, 05:53 AM

Hi ladies how do you answer this question. When you tell people Yea I have IC and Fibro and they come back "why do you have so many illnesses"? what happend to you in your life that you would get these things? I feel ashamed that I have this conditions and they ask why cant any one cure them? are you going to the right drs? I feel kind of embaraced and ashamed? like I want to have IC FIBro and IBS.

maryla · 12-19-2009, 06:16 AM

Ruth,

People are ignorant and cruel. You or any of us here DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO BE ASHAMED of. We Did not ask to have these diseases.

I would just say, yes, I'm just special Huh? Or you could say, "that's your business because........??

Hugs and blessings

asIshallbe · 12-20-2009, 03:48 AM

It started about 3 mos ago and from there it basically just cont'd to blastoff and cause pain in my muscles, etc. I went to a center in Ft. Worth and was diagnosed with Fibro, I also had low vit. D, B, hypothyroid, low cortisol, low adrenal, high white blood cell count, and a bacteria in my blood called mycoplasma pnemoniae. We are going to work on building my immune system first, then we are going to rid of the bacteria that has invaded my body. I am so hopeful.

CloverGirl · 12-21-2009, 10:57 AM

Sometimes I wonder if I may have this. I will be sitting at work some days and I just have this general ache, especially in joints, my arms and wrists. I almost always have some kind of back pain or neck pain. I have a lot of trouble sleeping, especially the past few months. I have more when I get stressed out, and it seems to escalate when the weather is particularly unpleasant. Most of the time it feels pretty managable but there are days it feels almost sickening. It's a different kind of pain. Do I make any sense?

***leelee88*** · 12-21-2009, 01:21 PM

CloverGirl, Yes it really sounds like you could have developed Fibro, If it gets to the point where it is affecting every day life you should really talk with your Dr about it..

maryla · 12-22-2009, 06:05 AM

CG,

I agree with Ronda. I have flares. Some days being worse than others. Weather changes getting cold makes me hurt all over. I have noticed though that oxalates and sugar are a HUGE trigger for my symptoms.

I encourage you to research oxalates and how they effect the body.

hugs and blessings

curlycue · 12-23-2009, 02:04 PM

yea.... I am usually thinking that in my head but I never voice it.

kuntrygurl78 · 12-23-2009, 03:15 PM

My mom and her sister both have Fibro. With so many IC patients with IC and my family history, it is something that Ive tried to be knowledgable about.

I do know that my mom has days where even doing something like giving a hug can be very painful. Most times, I can tell just by the way she moves when she's in pain.

This is a great thread!

dianebm · 12-31-2009, 11:18 AM

My dr. presribed savella for me yesterday. I am a little nervous to start it after reading all the side effects. The worst of it is he thinks this will replace all pain control pills that I take now for both fibro and IC, elavil and vicodin, I am not too sure about this. Has anyone else taken this medication and how did it work for them. Thanks for any replys. Diane

kelly_girl · 12-31-2009, 03:56 PM

Thank you so much for posting this. I was diagnosed with IC in September and found out late November Fibromyalgia. My Dr. gave me infomration but also stressed to learn as much about it as possible.