THE SYMPTOMS ARE SO CLOSE...

[Noxide]

We all know the symptoms of PA, but have you looked into Fibromyalgia? Please take the time to read the info on this link and let me know what you think, it makes you think: http://www.fmaware.org/fminfo/brochure.htm

[boundaryseeker]

Hi
My rheumy says I have PA & fibro, that its all part of the inflammatory process.

[docmks]

A fairly sizable number of us have been told that we have both PA and fibromyalgia. There are a number of similar symptoms.

mk

[SandraJean]

I also have pa and fibromylgia.

Sandy

[MikeK]

Marlene (screen name: MBowden) walked into see a rheumy armed with a preliminary diagnosis of PA from her derm. The rheumy's diagnosis? Fibromyalgia. Here's a link to the thread where she discusses her diagnosis: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7032.

I hope this helps.

Mike

[Saxmom]

My last rhuematologist insisted the fibro was a syndrome not a disease. The difference being that a syndrome does not cause damage to the body but a disease does cause damage. A syndrome also shares many similar symptoms with known diseases all of which are autoimmune diseases.

There seems to be a large disagreement among doctors as to just what fibro really is, not as to whether or not it exists. I guess for myself I don't care if it is one or the other, just make the pain stop and my body work.

[patti2957]

Hi All:
I have read about so many of you who have both and I think one of the big differences in my "issues" is that I don't have it, so I don't have that kind of pain. What I did find interesting on that site is the way fatigue is acknowledged. It does get a small mention at the top of PA symptoms, but nothing like this! And I don't think many people (outside here) understand that. Maybe if we were allowed to "own" this description. I wonder how many of you who don't have fibro with PA, have this kind of fatigue. I know I sure do. It's every bit as debilitating as the disease. Also, I wonder if PA tends to "encourage" other illnesses, like fibro, when the immune system is down? Or was the fibro there first? I'm very curious to know.

Fatigue: In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired. It is an all-encompassing exhaustion that interferes with even the simplest daily activities. It feels like every drop of energy has been drained from the body, which at times can leave the patient with a limited ability to function both mentally and physically.

patti

[Noxide]

The fatigue is usually a big problem especially when I have to lay down and I can't for whatever reason. The new drug I'm on called LYRICA.com it is suppose to help the fatigue and pain. I just started it this week so check back for updates...

Hi All:
I have read about so many of you who have both and I think one of the big differences in my "issues" is that I don't have it, so I don't have that kind of pain. What I did find interesting on that site is the way fatigue is acknowledged. It does get a small mention at the top of PA symptoms, but nothing like this! And I don't think many people (outside here) understand that. Maybe if we were allowed to "own" this description. I wonder how many of you who don't have fibro with PA, have this kind of fatigue. I know I sure do. It's every bit as debilitating as the disease. Also, I wonder if PA tends to "encourage" other illnesses, like fibro, when the immune system is down? Or was the fibro there first? I'm very curious to know.

Fatigue: In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired. It is an all-encompassing exhaustion that interferes with even the simplest daily activities. It feels like every drop of energy has been drained from the body, which at times can leave the patient with a limited ability to function both mentally and physically.

patti

[patti2957]

Was that prescribed for the PA or Fibro? Do you know about side effects? My doc gave me provigil, which is prescribed for narcolepsy and sleep apnea, and I started with half a pill but got so anxious and irritable it wasn't worth it - also, made the hot flashes worse. I don't know what to do about this darn menopause. Being on prednisone for so long launched my hormones into overdrive and I'm sweating, having trouble sleeping (except after mtx:). Another doc prescribed Effexor but I don't like the way it makes me feel and I can't take hormones. Yuck. This pharma-diet is the pits. Please post with the results of your new 'wonder pill:)'
patti

[mb2]

Just told yesterday by my rheumy that I have PA and fibro. Said the only thing I could take for the fibro was an anti-inflammatory which I'm already taking for OA--Mobic, which helps a lot.
He also injected one finger with cortisone for tenosynovitis. He said that it can be hard to tell if soft tissue pain is from fibro or PA. He seemed to base his decision on where the pain was--medial side of knee was fibro, finger was PA.
Took mtx last night for the first time and felt better today. A coincidence???? We'll see what happens next.
Mary

[SandraJean]

Mary,

Good luck. I know it's not fun having both pa and fibro. Hope things improve for you

Take care,
Sandy

[bratsareus]

My 16 year old daughter has fibro. She was dx when she was just turning 14. Has anyone ever heard of someone so young having fibro? She is a well adjusted happy girl that is in school all day this year( last year she was on flexible homebound where the teacher came to our home). Her rhumey said he has seen 11 and 12 year olds with it. Has anyone else seen or heard of someone so young having it? She is also very tired all the time. She comes home on friday and can sleep 17 hours into saturday.

Patty

[Actress]

I think fibro is something that dr's are still learning about. Just a few short years ago, most dr's would say it's a disease of the mind only. (psych) But now, more and more peole are being diagnosed with this. I belive it is real, and the dr's who deny it is, are those who just don't know the specifics behind it. Just like "P", it is just going to take alot of research, but they are doing a good job so far. twenty years ago, it didn't even have a name.