Possible fibromyalgia

[MrsNorm]

Hello

I'm new here and in need of advice.

I've done some research into fibromyalgia after talking to a friend and wanted to ask if these sounds like I may have it.

I have ripping burning pain in the base of my neck and left shoulder with pain that radiates down my left arm into my elbow, wrist and hand with tingling feelings. This pain has now become daily for hours sometimes the whole day. It has also now gone to my right shoulder arm and wrist. My left is so much worse though. I also get pain in my right hip, both legs, both ankles and feet really ache and are painful. I also get agonising pain at the bottom of my spine, spreading to the sides, top of my bum and can't sit for long without burning stabbing pain there. I get headaches, very dizzy daily and constantly exhausted. I also get kidney pain.

Long list I know but thought I'd better put it all.

Thank you all x x

 

[MrsNorm]

I also get muscular chest pain

 

[Mirador]

Pain in all of the areas you mentioned COULD be from fibromyalgia, but just as easily might be from something else. Fibromyalgia pain is generally felt on both sides of the body, not just one. Obviously we can't diagnose you here. It's challenging enough to get a diagnosis of FM from a doctor who sees you in person. However, it's concerning that you are dealing with such extensive and severe pain. Are you able to make an appointment with your doctor, or especially with a rheumatologist, for an exam? They are most likely going to want to run blood tests to help eliminate some conditions right away. I hate to think of you just suffering with this all the time. So yes, maybe it's fibromyalgia, but maybe it's not. Whatever is going on, you deserve to be diagnosed by doctors. Best of luck, and I hope you'll let us know that you've gotten some answers and some relief!

 

[Rhyl]

Agree. I have multiple symptoms and they are not all related to fibro. It is common for some things to "go along" with fibro, but treatments are often different. The burning pain could be a pinched nerve or you could have other disc issues, esp. given you are also having headaches and dizziness.

Sorry @Mirador. Meant to reply to OP.

 

[Sandian]

Unfortunately it's very easy to put any pain or discomfort down to fibro. I know that I am guilty of doing this. My husband tells me I should get it checked out but with all the difficulties getting a diagnosis a: I've had enough, b: I feel guilty that I'm taking the dr's time and c: I'm sure they will thank I'm crying wolf and just being a hypochondriac.

 

[Eff2013]

Welcome to the forum MrsNorm. This is truly a very warm and welcoming community.
I tend to agree with the posters above. Making an appointment with a rheumatologist will be extremely beneficial. They will be able to eliminate other conditions that may have similar pain to fibromyalgia. I had extensive blood work done (6 bottles) that ruled out other autoimmune diseases before I got the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
I wish you all the best and welcome again.

 

[sunkacola]

MrsNorm, it is very important not to self-diagnose. If you do, it is possible that either you will be overlooking something that is treatable and you could feel better if it were diagnosed, or on the other hand you could be remaining ignorant of something that is degenerative, and you need to get treatment for it or it will get a lot worse or reach the point where treatment son't help. See a doctor and get started on the testing procedure.

Sandian, you need to put aside your worries and go to a doctor. You are not "Taking the doctor's time", you are simply asking the doctor to do the job he or she is paid to do, and your pain is real. Equally, it is true that you might be told it is all in your head, but you have to try. We have all been through this, and your fears are no excuse for not getting a proper diagnosis. If one doctor doesn't listen to you, talk to a different one. but don't cheat yourself out of proper tests and diagnosis by jumping to a self-diagnosis that is not backed up by medical tests.

Actually, if it were all psychosomatic, that would be a good thing! Then all you'd have to do is find a really good therapist and work through whatever is causing you to feel this pain, and it would go away! I mean, if that were true. It probably isn't in the vast majority of cases. Just sayin'.

 

[JayCS]

I'd also consider a neurologist, before an orthopedist. (neck, down to shoulder, tingling feelings)
But of all specialists, and I've been to almost all in the last year, including a "House MD-clinic" (centre for rare illnesses), orthopedists are the ones who have helped me least and also acknowledged fibro least, be warned.

 

[Creola17]

I was getting alot if burning pain and found b complex vitamin helps as well as rose geranium essential oil.

 

[rhoda1972]

That sounds similar to some of my issues. among many others. I have gone to ER because of left arm pain worryingl it was a heart attack. I have had numerous Tests over last 2 years and was just dia gnoses. I agree with others - don’t self diagnose. Easier said than done. keep us posted!

 

[rhoda1972]

Thank you - will try the rose oil! I have found peppermint oil to be helpful too! Already taking vitamin b12.

 

[Creola17]

I thought for the last year I had on and off fibro pain in my hip and groin. Then it got bad after a cat scan and some other tests my doctor couldn't figure it out. I just kept using my pain lotion and taking pills. So about a week ago i couldn't take anymore so went to ER scarred to death of covid. The idiot gives me a cat scan and finds a 14mm kidney stone. Sends me home with more pills to wait and see urologist who immediately sends me back to hospital to quickly remove. So sometimes the doctors miss things too. It's been a year of hell.
I hope you have better doctors and get second opinions. Wish I had.

 

[rhoda1972]

Oh no! I am sorry! Glad they figured it out finally. That is one of my issues is hip discomfort. I have had chest and abdomen CT and head MRI. Nothing showed up.