Re: I'm New to the Group & Fibromyalgia

January 29, 2008

Welcome to the FaMily, Gail. What you describe is kinda how it went for me

about 10 years ago. I was seeing the doc for upper right quadrant pain

which the cause of couldn't be detemined. My mother read a newspaper

article about FM, and gave it to me. It was like a light bulb went off. My

doc at that time was hesitant to diagnose, but after further testing, she

finally gave in. Well, I went to a rheumatologist to get the official

diagnosis, saw him for a couple years, then asked my PCP to take over my

meds.

Anyway, I've had some symptoms of FM going back to elementary school.

Sounds like you're not really " new " to FM either, just the diagnosis. This

a great group of caring and compassionate people. Hope you find it as

helpful as I do.

Jeanne in WI

> Hi everyone,

> I'm new to your group and to fibromyalgia. My name is Gail Dennis and I'm

> 56. I recently discovered that I have fibromyalgia quite by accident. It's

> funny how we can take daily aches and pains and pass them off for

> something

else at least that's what I did. After a routine visit to my gynecologist,

he told me that I have Costochondritis after a routine breast exam. I had

pain for quite some time passing it off as build-up of fluids from my

impending cycles. He told me the pain I was experiencing was coming from my

ribs as he proceeded to apply pressure around the chest area. The pain was

incredible. Once I got home I looked up Costochondritis on the internet and

was led to fibromyalgia. After reading all the symptoms I was floored, they

were describing me. I have all the symptoms and here I was suffering all

these years thinking I was crazy. What a relief to have a name put to all

this pain, exhaustion and IBS. I'm sure all of you have very similar stories

to tell. I just had to quit my job because my flare-up is so bad right now.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband who understands what I'm going through

but then again I've suffered for years without knowing it was fibromyalgia.

He's as relieved as I am to finally know what we are dealing with. As you

can imagine, I have my nose in books, searching the internet and talking

with other sufferers for tips.

I do want to thank the moderators so much for putting the tip about Salonpas

on the group's homepage. Hubby got them for me yesterday and what a help

they are. I only wished they didn't smell so that I could leave them on when

I go out. Quick way to clear a room. LOL

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