Introduction and information....

[Guest guest]

Hi guys, I'm new here....Here's some of my information....I was first

diagnosed with fibro over twelve years ago. Then, they didn't know much

about it. The symptoms have been getting worse over the years, and I found

a wonderful PA who was determined to find out why. I've been through the

ringer---an MRI of the brain to rule out MS, hundreds of blood tests to

rule out lupus, Lyme disease, two thyroid ultrasounds, and finally, a full

body bone scan to rule out bone cancers. I'm now seeing a rheumatologist

who has made a definite diagnosis of fibromyalgia,and has started to

prescribe some physical therapy and light medication.

In addition, I have a high sed rate and nobody can figure out why...this

has been like that for over three years....I also have endometriosis which

lead to a bowel resection five years ago.....I'm taking hormones for that,

and I'm sure they're contributing to my fibro problems, but the

endocrinologist ignores it.

Anyway, I'm sure this sounds very familiar to lots of you! I'm glad I

found the group. Until recently, I didn't know that many of my symptoms

could be caused by the fibromyalgia....some of the symptoms, such as the

brain fog/ lack of concentration, etc., were blamed on menopause (which

isn't happening), or the allergies. I never really took the diagnosis of

fibro seriously, I guess....Now I am.

I am able to work at home as an artist, and can rest when I need to....

Bobbi C.

Central Texas

----------------------------

>Age range: 46

>

>Male/female: female

>

>What are the symptoms? all the " normal " ones---started out with the

>painful pressure points 12 years ago, has advanced to brain fog, lack of

>concentration, almost constant muscle pain, inability to sleep well, etc.

>etc. etc.

>

>Has you illness been diagnosed? yes, twice

>

>How long did you suffer before you got help? second time, about 10 years

>

>Is there a time that you can remember when it started? I think so....not

>sure.

>

>Some of us have found lack of exercise we are overweight. Have you found

>this to be a problem also?

Oh yeah!

>Are you on disability? No

>

>If you are any pointers for others trying to get on disability?

>

>What have you found that helps ease the pain, warm baths, medications

>etc.? Vioxx sometimes; Aleve sometimes; avoiding reactive foods

>

>Do you have sleep problems? How do you deal with it? Nap every day;

>prescription drug Zanaflex sometimes

>

>Do you have family that understands your illness? Some do, some don't

>

>Some have found certain foods causes problems with CFS or Fibro, have you?

>YES....I have major food sensitivities, and am allergic to almost

>everything

>

>What type of Doctor have you found that has helped you the most? A PA and

>a rheumatologist

>SEND POST TO: fibromyalgia-cfs