Re: [c_p]The truth about Fibro-Deb

[Guest guest]

> Deb wrote:

> to be dx with FIBRO (which is a disease of exclusion (btw this came

> out of my rheumy's mouth) you have to have normal labs.

Deb,

I have never heard you have to have normal labs either. Your abnormal labs can

be from other things.This is long but answers

all the questions you and others brought up.

The American College of Rheumotology states: (This is taken from

WIkapedia which actually has a good explanation of fibromylagia)

* A history of widespread pain lasting more than three

months—affecting all four quadrants of the body, i.e., both sides, and above and

below the waist.

* Tender points—there are 18 designated possible tender or trigger

points (although a person with the disorder may feel pain in

other areas as well). During diagnosis, four kilograms-force (39

newtons) of force is exerted at each of the 18 points; the patient must

feel pain at 11 or more of these points for fibromyalgia to be

considered.[117] Four kilograms of force is about the amount of

pressure required to blanch the thumbnail when applying pressure.

(1990)

Another article states that Vitamin D levels, RA levels, ANA, T3,

Serotonin, are hypothesized to be lab tests that help to diagnosis or

effect fibromylagia.

Another article states:

A lab test on spinal fluid that possibly can diagnose both fibromyalgia

and CFS. The test is still in the research phase, but it is a

national lab and Medicare is now covering this test. For more

information, visit Red Labs USA

This article explains it best and I believe will answer the questions

and misunderstandings. I encourage everyone to

research questionable things for themselves as sometimes Doctors say

things that may not be quite true or updated.

Dr. Reeves of CDC about CFS/ME in a press conference held on

Nov 3, 2006. (source)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread

pain and so called tender points, painful areas in certain parts

of the body. 11 such tender points are required for diagnosis. In

addition the pain must be present in both sides of the body, above and

below the waist and the axial skeleton (such as the spine).

Besides muscle and joint pain there are often headaches, chest pain and

facial pain. Allodynia or heightened pain sensitivity means

that even gentle touch can feel immensely painful. There are usually

other symptoms as well, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances,

paresthesias (abnormal sensations), morning stiffness, cognitive

problems, depression and anxiety. Migraines, restless legs and

irritable bowel are common.

There are thought to be several subgroups of fibromyalgia:

primary/idiopathic (no known cause), secondary (in the presence of

autoimmune

illnesses) and post-traumatic (caused by injury or other physical

trauma). Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with some autoimmune

diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus

erythematosus (SLE). It often occurs together with CFS/ME.

Fibromyalgia is staggeringly common: its prevalence is thought to be as

high as 5-10% of the population. This makes it one of the most

common chronic conditions, and the second most common chronic pain

disorder after osteoarthritis. Like CFS/ME it is primarily affects

women, but anyone can get it, including children. It is usually a

life-long condition, but recovery may be more likely than in CFS/ME.

Fibromyalgia has been treated as a rheumatological condition, but most

doctors now believe it is neurological in origin. Some

pathological changes suggestive of inflammation have been found in the

skin and muscle of patients, but they may originate from

neurological dysfunction. Other proposed origins include infectious

agents, autoimmunity, hormonal deficiencies such as

hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency and growth hormone deficiency.

FDA has approved two medications for the treatment of fibromyalgia: the

anticonvulsant Lyrica (pregabalin) and the SNRi

antidepressant Cymbalta (duloxetine), Several other medications are in

late-stage studies. There are no medications officially

indicated for the treatment of CFS/ME, but Ampligen (poly I:poly

C12U), an immunomodulatory/antiviral mismatched RNA drug

which is administered intravenously, is pending FDA approval.

Sorry this was long but answers the questions that were brought up.

This cannot prohibit a diagnosis of fibromylagia and since Chron's

is a bowel disease (IBS symptoms) and RA symptoms co exist with

fibromylagia and patients with fibro do have abnormal lab work (myself

being one), I question whoever told you that you cannot have fibro, you must

have normal labs or that you cannot have an auto immune

disease and fibro (which is a disorder) that co exist.

I can tell you the difference in my fibro pain and other pain. It is

triggered by not getting sleep, I have auto-immune diseases,

Vitamin D deficiencies, IBS, hypothyroidism. So I keep my fibro under control

but when it is triggered, I know what it is. Bennie