Fibromyalgia AND PA?

[MaryJean713]

Well, went to the rheumy today and told her that the enbrel was not helping my PA.

She did a test, she basically poked on some pressure points on my body- which hurt like hell, and said that I have developed fibromyalgia.

Given my history, she said that it was very probable.
My history:
-chronic pain in joints, muscles, tendons
-migraine
-IBS
-Overractive bladder
-insomnia
-depression

Isn't one chronic disease enough?? I am feeling so down, I pretty much feel bad all the time. She said the arthrits can cause fybromyalgia.

Basically fibromyalgia has no treatment, only pain management.

Please tell me I am not the only one with both of these.

[GitOverIt]

Hi MaryJean I just posted an article here:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22745

about this M.D.

Dr. Teitelbaum is the Director of The Annapolis Center For Effective CFS/Fibromyalgia (FMS) Therapies. He has had first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by patients with CFS/FMS. After coming down with CFS/FMS in medical school in 1975, Dr. Teitelbaum learned how to effectively treat it and has dedicated over 25 years of his career to treating and researching these devastating illnesses. As his treatment protocol for CFS/FMS continues to evolve, Dr. Teitelbaum is continually recognized as a leader in his field. He is frequently quoted as an expert in medical and other mass media including USA Today, Redbook, First For Women, Womens Day, Womens World and dozens of other major periodicals.

hope you read it....there is also a web site on how you can read about him but also down load protocols on specific tretments....


I lost the site after having read it the other day....so maybe you'll feel guilty when I say it took me quite a while to find it, and therefore make the effort to read it.... ;) :p

never say never!

[docmks]

Hi MaryJean,

Welcome to the boards. I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and have developed fibromyalgia. You are most certainly not alone. There are a number of us who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in addition to PA. Most times, it's hard for me to tell the difference when something hurts. I think of PA as basically inflammation or an inflammatory response that is triggered in the body and fibromyalgia as the pain in the muscles that sometimes accompanies PA and other autoimmune diseases. I, too, have migraine as well, and chronic sinus infections. It is really hard to manage so many conditions, as you are finding out, but you can do it. And you've come to a good place here, where you'll find lots of support and good information. Please be sure to try and find a doctor who will work with you to help you manage your pain in the best possible way. Also, anything that you can do to manage your stress level and get rest and take care of yourself is really, really important (difficult to do, but really essential). Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing and post any questions that you have. Take good care,
MK

[MaryJean713]

I lost the site after having read it the other day....so maybe you'll feel guilty when I say it took me quite a while to find it, and therefore make the effort to read it.... ;) :p

never say never!

Thanks alot, I read it and found his website:
www.endfatigue.com

I am getting his new book

"Pain-free 1 2 3"

It is suppossed to be a holistic approach to the pain management of arthritis, fibro, hyperthyroidism, migraine, and lots of other stuff.

It got really good reviews, I will keep you updated on how it works.

Thanks again! All your advice is much appreciated!!

MJ

[MaryJean713]

Hi MaryJean,

Welcome to the boards. I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and have developed fibromyalgia. You are most certainly not alone. There are a number of us who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in addition to PA. Most times, it's hard for me to tell the difference when something hurts. I think of PA as basically inflammation or an inflammatory response that is triggered in the body and fibromyalgia as the pain in the muscles that sometimes accompanies PA and other autoimmune diseases. I, too, have migraine as well, and chronic sinus infections. It is really hard to manage so many conditions, as you are finding out, but you can do it. And you've come to a good place here, where you'll find lots of support and good information. Please be sure to try and find a doctor who will work with you to help you manage your pain in the best possible way. Also, anything that you can do to manage your stress level and get rest and take care of yourself is really, really important (difficult to do, but really essential). Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing and post any questions that you have. Take good care,
MK

Thanks so much for the encouragement, I really need it right now. I have recently left my job- I was a hair dresser, and I owned my own shop. It was just too much to handle (along with being a full time student.)

I am starting to learn how to manage stress and pain. The past few months I have gotten blindsided by PA, a major flare in my P, some kind of nerve damage in my left side (seeing a neuro monday), a super inflamed knee (seeing my GP wednesday), superficial thrombosis (which I can't seem to get rid of) and now the fibromyalgia.

All of this hit about 3 months ago- it has been pretty overwhelming. I am just focusing on not getting really depressed. I am staying busy, and trying to ignore the pain.

Outside of the pain, the hardest thing has been my personality changes. I have gotten very irritable (I snap at my family when I don't mean too), I have a really hard time concetrating, and my brain just doesn't seem to work anymore.

I have already made dietary changes, I just need to focus on getting enough rest, managing my stress, and coping. I am not very good at coping! I read the fibro booklet my rheumy gave me and it suggested learning to cope and deal with pain. Changing job description, ect.... I don't want to cope and deal, I want to be well!

So I am just dealing with accepting this as part of my life- and I am trying to educate myself on all of my options (I am getting the chronic pain book mentioned in my previous post) My rheumy suggested massage therapy, and I am looking into that.

Again thanks for the encouragement, I need it!

MJ

[Gemstar]

Here is a good site about Fibromyalgia. They also have a great active chat room and message board.
http://www.fibrohugs.com/

I have had fibromyalgia for 30 years along with p and psa.
I have found that the best form of massage therapy is myofascial release if you can find a therapist in your area.

[NPFLaura]

Mary Jean,
I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Pain and symptoms do all come at the same time much of the time. I, too, have p, pa, fibromyalgia and a bunch of other stuff. I know what you mean about the exam, I swear I've almost fell of the table a few times when they hit those spots. You say you're staying busy - keep your mind busy but don't over do it if you're flaring. Take time to rest too! Feel better and know you're not alone.
Laura