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Piplup

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Hello,

I'm posting here because I would like to get thoughts as to whether or not I should get some of the symptoms I have checked out.

I'd never heard of fibromyalgia before I started googling random pain. Thing is, I am a pretty anxious person and wonder if a lot of the symptoms I have aren't just to do with that.

A little about myself:

- 21 year old female
- Never been diagnosed with any kind of medical thing. I've seen a psychologist before because of feeling anxious and depressed but I don't think I've ever heard them give a diagnosis. I'm considering looking for a psychologist again because I've been feeling very stressed and low lately, but that's because of some stuff going on, like coping with an alcoholic family member that I live with.

So, the reason that I've been feeling a bit worried and wondering if I should see a doctor are because of these symptoms:

1) Main one is pain. I always assumed that it was totally normal to have random pains all over the body at random times (maybe it is, as long as it doesn't have a significant impact on your life?). I can remember, at least from mid high school up until now, being a bit startled by either sharp, stabbing pains or dull, throbbing pains. The pains were never as a result of hurting myself; I'd just suddenly stop for a second what I was doing and realise that I was hurting. It never worried me too much because the pain wasn't always in the same spot; so, sometimes I'll get a random pain in places like arms, legs, hands, ankles, feet, fingers, back, neck, or head. And it would usually go away within minutes although sometimes, especially lately, it either stays for at least 20 minutes, or just keeps coming and going throughout the day.

It also didn't worry me too much because it wasn't exactly incapacitating. It's still not, really. I feel like the pain has increased in intensity a bit, but maybe that's just because I've been thinking about it more?

But most of what I read about fibromyalgia indicates that the pain is really, really bad. Usually it's just irritating. Sometimes, if I'm not too busy, I'll just take some panadol and lie down. Usually it's at its worst at night, and the pain starts in one spot and feels like it's spreading all over my body. I'm not really sure I could give an indication of how bad it is; pain seems so relative, which is partly why I haven't gone to the doctor. I get worried that I'm just being a hypochondriac who needs to relax and it will go away.

2) Sensitivity - Is it normal for it to sometimes hurt if someone pokes me? Maybe I just need to toughen up :wink: Not as sure about this one.

3) Headaches - I've always gotten random, stabby pains in my head. Usually not in the same spot. Like the random pains though, they aren't incapacitating; it's usually just an acknowledgement of "ouch, that was random" and then waiting for it to go away, which is does after a minute or too. I don't really get migraines or anything like that.

As a side note, I happened to see a neurologist/get an EEG and also get an MRI because I was a little concerned about the headaches and thinking that I was smelling smells that weren't there (there's a history of epilepsy in my family and my doctor thought I should get an EEG and MRI) This was a few years ago, and the MRI showed up nothing. The EEG they did twice because they said something looked abnormal but after doing a sleep-deprived one, they didn't really find anything and weren't concerned. The headaches were exactly the same as they were then so I'm sure I don't need to worry about anything big like a brain tumour. I'm also pretty sure that headaches are a symptom of anxiety anyway, so it COULD just be that.

4) Restless legs while lying down - I sometimes have a lot of trouble getting to sleep because it feels like I have to constantly move my legs when lying down. I'm a pretty fidgety person in general though.

5) Tingles and twitching - I often get a slightly tingly feeling in my hands and feet. It's not painful or anything. It also sometimes feels like my muscles are sort of twitching, if that makes sense. Like there's this sort of ticking; the ticking feeling is usually after doing physical activity though.

I guess it's the random pains in my body that concern me the most. But I'm just not sure if it warrants getting checked out. I feel reluctant because I'm not sure if the pain warrants it. It's annoying and some days/nights I will just lie down because it hurts, but I would say as a whole it's not a huge problem. I haven't had to take time off from things like uni.

Is it possible to have a mild case of fibromyalgia? Or do you think this is just from anxiety/possible depression and I should rather try to get help for that specifically?

I don't really have anything to measure the pain against, which is why I think maybe I'm just a baby when it comes to pain and don't want to embarrass myself by going to a doctor.

I've been thinking about keeping a pain diary to see if I notice anything, like after having eaten a certain food, or if something really stressful came up that day.

Thoughts?

Thank you :)
 
Hi! I'm 20, and for the past 6 years i've been noticing very similar symptoms to yours. It started almost exactly how you're describing it, and over time it got worse. I did start having a more sedentary life, and some mild depression when the pain worsened, but nonetheless it went from random pains to aches that would last hours, radiating from my joints. I'm not saying that to scare you! I believe that some cases are more mild than others, because even now that it's gotten worse, it's not by any means debilitating, like some stories on this site describe. I was told by several doctors that they suspected I have fibromyalgia, but that there is no definitive tests for it, and at that i stopped seeing doctors. I went to doctors for two years before i finally gave up and just accepted that i would be in pain.
The sensitivity like you're talking about, is not you being a baby. I thought for years that i was just a whiner, but i notice that some places are more sensitive than other, like my arms, and just leaning against something can be painful. After reading online about it, I realized that that is not normal! Pain is pain, and it means something. You know your own body, so if you notice that something hurts, It really Hurts.
Fibromyalgia, even after it's diagnosed by a doctor, is essentially invisible. It can be so difficult to wrap your mind around hurting for no reason, but that's the way it is, and you have to find a way to deal with it. I suggest finding a pain killer that you're comfortable taking every day, like Advil twice a day, and see if you still get the random pains.
I am quite the hypochondriac too, and for a long time i didnt believe that there was anything wrong. I thought that I was finding pains to have something to hurt about, but it's been years now, and it seems like you've been going through this for quite some time too. I often felt silly, and i didnt want to tell anyone about this, because it was all so minor and sounded so made up, but dont tell yourself that you're just being silly. Honestly though, seeing doctors will only confirm or deny fibromyalgia. If you get the confirmation that it's Fibro, there wont be much you can do. As long as it isn't severe, i would suggest that you keep living your life and getting as much gentle exercise as you can.
I very much hope that you don't have fibro, but i wish you the best of luck in finding out what's going on with your body. I know how stressful it can be.
Good luck!
 
Hi you two. It does sound like fibro but anxiety can also cause lots of random symptoms including pain.

pennynbolt has great advice. getting a diagnosis won't change anything and stress will definitely exacerbate symptoms.

If the pain is tolerable and doesn't interfere too much with life carry on living it. Just be aware maybe not to go too mad frantically exercising...just keep your self well and active.

Use natural methods of pain relief like hot water bottles or ice packs for headaches.

Pain diary is a good idea...and you are defo not a baby.

I am 56 and one of those you mention with severe pain but my first symptoms of fibro started in my early 30's of profound times of fatigue where i would drive home in my lunch break to get into bed for 25 minutes!

Pain didn't start until i was in my mid 40's.

By all means get a diagnosis if you feel you need it but that initself drags you into the realms of tests and being poked about and getting various responses from different doctors that's not always a pleasant experience depending on their attitude.

I am sorry you are so young to be dealing with this...their is a young guy called Jordan who was desperately searching for younger people who are sufferers and i hope he reads your posts and you can all support each other.

We are all here to help so ask/vent anything any time. Take Care.
 
Hi,
I too think you need to get confirmation from the doctor. Keeping a pain diary is also a good idea. It sounds to me like you may have fibro you describe all the symptoms I have. This website is a great support network so keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Sending hugs x
 
Hi! I'm 20, and for the past 6 years i've been noticing very similar symptoms to yours. It started almost exactly how you're describing it, and over time it got worse. I did start having a more sedentary life, and some mild depression when the pain worsened, but nonetheless it went from random pains to aches that would last hours, radiating from my joints. I'm not saying that to scare you! I believe that some cases are more mild than others, because even now that it's gotten worse, it's not by any means debilitating, like some stories on this site describe. I was told by several doctors that they suspected I have fibromyalgia, but that there is no definitive tests for it, and at that i stopped seeing doctors. I went to doctors for two years before i finally gave up and just accepted that i would be in pain.
The sensitivity like you're talking about, is not you being a baby. I thought for years that i was just a whiner, but i notice that some places are more sensitive than other, like my arms, and just leaning against something can be painful. After reading online about it, I realized that that is not normal! Pain is pain, and it means something. You know your own body, so if you notice that something hurts, It really Hurts.
Fibromyalgia, even after it's diagnosed by a doctor, is essentially invisible. It can be so difficult to wrap your mind around hurting for no reason, but that's the way it is, and you have to find a way to deal with it. I suggest finding a pain killer that you're comfortable taking every day, like Advil twice a day, and see if you still get the random pains.
I am quite the hypochondriac too, and for a long time i didnt believe that there was anything wrong. I thought that I was finding pains to have something to hurt about, but it's been years now, and it seems like you've been going through this for quite some time too. I often felt silly, and i didnt want to tell anyone about this, because it was all so minor and sounded so made up, but dont tell yourself that you're just being silly. Honestly though, seeing doctors will only confirm or deny fibromyalgia. If you get the confirmation that it's Fibro, there wont be much you can do. As long as it isn't severe, i would suggest that you keep living your life and getting as much gentle exercise as you can.
I very much hope that you don't have fibro, but i wish you the best of luck in finding out what's going on with your body. I know how stressful it can be.
Good luck!

Hi, pennynbolt :) Thank you for the taking the time to reply.

I think I'm going to leave doctors out of it, at least for now. I started a pain diary as of today which I plan to keep using.

If it starts to feel like it's getting a lot worse, than I'll go see someone about it, but for now I'm going to try to get as healthy as possible and see how it goes.

Wish you all the best yourself!
 
Hi you two. It does sound like fibro but anxiety can also cause lots of random symptoms including pain.

pennynbolt has great advice. getting a diagnosis won't change anything and stress will definitely exacerbate symptoms.

If the pain is tolerable and doesn't interfere too much with life carry on living it. Just be aware maybe not to go too mad frantically exercising...just keep your self well and active.

Use natural methods of pain relief like hot water bottles or ice packs for headaches.

Pain diary is a good idea...and you are defo not a baby.

I am 56 and one of those you mention with severe pain but my first symptoms of fibro started in my early 30's of profound times of fatigue where i would drive home in my lunch break to get into bed for 25 minutes!

Pain didn't start until i was in my mid 40's.

By all means get a diagnosis if you feel you need it but that initself drags you into the realms of tests and being poked about and getting various responses from different doctors that's not always a pleasant experience depending on their attitude.

I am sorry you are so young to be dealing with this...their is a young guy called Jordan who was desperately searching for younger people who are sufferers and i hope he reads your posts and you can all support each other.

We are all here to help so ask/vent anything any time. Take Care.

Hi, willow :) Thank you for taking time to post a reply.

I think that given the advice that people have given I will not bother with a doctor. I feel like either I'd get a diagnosis for something, the knowledge of which would scare me, or they might make me feel like a crazy hypochondriac which would feel pretty bad too, so I think I'll wait and see how things progress :)

I think it's more frightening than interfering with my life right now. I was chatting with a friend sitting next to me before a lecture started today, and somehow it came up in the conversation that I wasn't feeling well yesterday and when I mentioned what it felt like specifically she looked at me with wide, concerned eyes. I said "You mean you don't get random pains for no reason?" and she just looked at me like she couldn't quite believe what I was saying and just said "no..." She still seemed concerned even when I mentioned that it wasn't like it was really major pain. I guess a part of me (at least up until recently) assumed that EVERYBODY got random spikes of pain every now and again, so hearing that most people I know don't have a clue as to what I'm describing made me worry for my health which may have made it worse from stress the last few days

I'm going to try to take care of myself, and maybe lessening my anxiety will help :) Keeping track of it in a pain diary though. Also making notes about things like diet and notes about the day, because who knows; maybe certain foods or stressors can trigger pain?

I hope that you are feeling okay and are finding good ways to cope and feel better

I will keep an eye out for Jordan's posts; thank you for the head's up :)
 
Hi,
I too think you need to get confirmation from the doctor. Keeping a pain diary is also a good idea. It sounds to me like you may have fibro you describe all the symptoms I have. This website is a great support network so keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Sending hugs x

Hi KiiJB, thank for taking time to post :)

I started a pain diary as of today, and will try to carefully consider if there are other factors which may contribute either entirely or at least partially to the symptoms.

It is great to see that there are websites that are so supportive around! I was initially nervous about posting but am so glad that I did now :) I feel much calmer and like I have some practical things to keep in mind, like the pain diary!

Thank you, and take care! x :)
 
Quite a lengthy post, testimony of your concern. Indications show that you could be suffering from fibromyalgia. The areas you have listed as experiencing pain are called tender points distributed in various areas of the body. It takes at least two years to be conclusively diagnosed with fibromyalgia. One strong indicator is 3 months of pain above and below the waist. Heightened intensity to normal pain (hyperglasia) and experiencing pain in non painful contact (allodinia) are also good indicators. Start with your local physician before visiting a specialist. Hope this helps.
 
Hi im mportu im new here also. i have to tell you that sounds like you also need to see a romatolagist you may have fibro your synthoms sound just like alot of people on here mine included. my romatolagist told me that Depression and Anxiety are a cause of fibro. It wouldnt hurt to go and talk to a romatolagist I also have battles with anxiety so i didnt go for the longest time i was always afraid of what they might say. but now im glad i went i can at least cross that off my list of anxieties.
 
I cannot agree with your Dr., FM is not CAUSED by depression and anxiety, they come with it.
 
I don't think I would wait, I was in a car wreck that set off excruciating pain, fibro fog and my vision started changing by the hour. I had already spent the past year in and out of the ER because my pain and numbness started on the left side after a rare type heart attack. I had spent years being treated like a hypocondric and told it was just depression and anxiety but when it started I had NO reason for for either of those. The shrinks I've been sent to would agree, I was not a hypochondriac, I did become depressed because of the symptoms I had, the lack of medical help I was getting and even worse the idea that I was making it up because the couldn't find anything in my blood work or scans that showed anything wrong. I was already scheduled with a reumotolgist be cause my ENT confirmed I had extreme dry mouth but ruled out his area of expertise, it was by the grace of God that thus apt was already in place. FINEALLY no more looking for a reason. Not only that but the pain that was triggered litterly made it impossible for me to do anything but lye in a bed of pillows with a heating pad. My husband had taken me to the obvious doctors after the wreck that had found no damaged nerves exc.
If you choose to go I recommend researching out a reumotolgist familiar with fibro. If you choose not to, I highly recommend researching supplements to start. Fibros tend to to be low on vitamen do D, magnesium also seems to be a big help, I just started a whole regimen of vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants (there is some belief that fibro pain is caused by oxidation damage). It is helping. Just don't ignore it.
 
I think it's important to see a doctor if the symptoms are persistent, meaning, I would not rush to the doctor after a couple of days, but let's say, if after a couple of weeks I still have symptoms and things aren't exactly as they used to be I'd check a doctor just to be safe or to see if there was something that could be done.
 
I also think it is important to see a doctor. Fibromyalgia symptoms tend to be pretty similar to the symptoms for many autoimmune diseases. If you have an autoimmune disease it is better to get diagnosed early because there are medications that will stop the disease progression.

Also, pain scales can be confusing, especially if they give examples of how a non-fibro person would rate pain. What has helped me is to think of pain as mild, moderate or severe. Mild pain can be tuned out (1 to 3 on the scale) . Moderate pain keeps demanding your attention (4 to 6 on the scale) . Chronic severe pain causes personality changes (7 through 9 on the scale) . Then within each of those divisions I rate the pain as "almost in the lower category", "definitely in this category", or "almost in the next category up". My pain tends to vary lot during the day, like yours, so I usually estimate what percentage of the day my pain is above mild
 
The main issue with the diagnosis of FM is that it takes at least 3 months to 2 years for diagnosis to take place. Medical scientists are developing other methods like brain scans in order to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and to lessen the time span. There are also other conditions like sciatica and sinusitis which can be confused with FM. Low levels of Vitamin D in the body also precipitate fibromyalgia. My case is a little different because it involves pain in the dental system. I have come to learn that the principles of alleviating pain are generally the same irrespective of the condition. Chemical therapy in my opinion should be commenced after other interventions have been tried.
 
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