I just don't know anymore...
harmonettes posted:
OK, so this type of discussion is new to me, so hopefully I will be able to relate my experiences clearly. (This is pretty long, but I really need some opinions, so please read it all if you can.)
I am 37, married (happily!) for almost 18 years, and the mother of 5 children: girl-15, twin girls-13 1/2, boy-11 1/2, girl 8 1/2. I have struggled with major clinical depression for about 11 years. In that time, I have been hospitalized (suicidal) 4 times, and had 2 rounds of ECT (shock therapy). I am on medication for -
depression - Wellbutrin 450mg daily; Prozac 80 mg daily
anxiety - Xanax, .5-1 mg 3 times per day and 2 mg at night
insomnia - Trazodone 225 mg nightly
cholesterol - Lipitor 20 mg daily
ulcerative gastritis/esophageal erosions - Nexium 40mg daily
I take 800-2400mg of ibuprofen daily and at least 3 Excedrin tablets daily.
I had a wreck about 20 years ago that knocked my hips about an inch out of place to one side and gave me whiplash. I have had low back pain for as long as I can remember, but it has gotten worse with pregnancies and age.
Over the past 6 or 7 years, I have noticed that parts of my body are very tender to the touch, for example, my upper arms, the upper area of my chest, my thighs, parts of my face, etc. I have a strange almost-numb feeling on the outsides of my thighs, and when I lie on my right side, sometimes the area will tingle.
For the past few weeks, my neck and upper back have been killing me. My husband is a massage therapist, and has said my traps are the muscle group hurting. When he puts pressure on a spot between my shoulder blade and spine, pain streaks up to the top of my shoulder, and then up my neck to a point on the back of my head. I am seeing a new chiropractor, and am getting some relief, but not enough. I am taking Flexeril almost every day. I saw an orthopedist today about my low back and hips. He said all of my bones look healthy. (I do have a couple spots of osteoarthritis in other places.)
I am under what I consider to be a large amount of stress currently. I was in my 3rd semester as a chemistry major this fall when I had to withdraw. One of my daughters is experiencing constant joint pain, and we are scheduled to see a rheumatologist Tuesday. Lupus is a possible diagnosis. My husband works 1 full time and 3 part time jobs. (he's not home much, but is amazingly helpful when he is.) Anyway, add all that to my pain and daily stressors, and it's kind of a big mess.
I have always thought I just had a low pain tolerance, or that my pain was kind of an effect of depression.
Aside from my back and neck, I don't have a lot of chronic pain. The thing I really don't understand is how tender to the touch parts of me are.
So, anyone have any theories? If it could be fibromyalgia, why have I not been diagnosed? I have seen family practitioners, internists, orthopedists, chiropractors, and psychiatrists. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks for your time reading my novel!
I am 37, married (happily!) for almost 18 years, and the mother of 5 children: girl-15, twin girls-13 1/2, boy-11 1/2, girl 8 1/2. I have struggled with major clinical depression for about 11 years. In that time, I have been hospitalized (suicidal) 4 times, and had 2 rounds of ECT (shock therapy). I am on medication for -
depression - Wellbutrin 450mg daily; Prozac 80 mg daily
anxiety - Xanax, .5-1 mg 3 times per day and 2 mg at night
insomnia - Trazodone 225 mg nightly
cholesterol - Lipitor 20 mg daily
ulcerative gastritis/esophageal erosions - Nexium 40mg daily
I take 800-2400mg of ibuprofen daily and at least 3 Excedrin tablets daily.
I had a wreck about 20 years ago that knocked my hips about an inch out of place to one side and gave me whiplash. I have had low back pain for as long as I can remember, but it has gotten worse with pregnancies and age.
Over the past 6 or 7 years, I have noticed that parts of my body are very tender to the touch, for example, my upper arms, the upper area of my chest, my thighs, parts of my face, etc. I have a strange almost-numb feeling on the outsides of my thighs, and when I lie on my right side, sometimes the area will tingle.
For the past few weeks, my neck and upper back have been killing me. My husband is a massage therapist, and has said my traps are the muscle group hurting. When he puts pressure on a spot between my shoulder blade and spine, pain streaks up to the top of my shoulder, and then up my neck to a point on the back of my head. I am seeing a new chiropractor, and am getting some relief, but not enough. I am taking Flexeril almost every day. I saw an orthopedist today about my low back and hips. He said all of my bones look healthy. (I do have a couple spots of osteoarthritis in other places.)
I am under what I consider to be a large amount of stress currently. I was in my 3rd semester as a chemistry major this fall when I had to withdraw. One of my daughters is experiencing constant joint pain, and we are scheduled to see a rheumatologist Tuesday. Lupus is a possible diagnosis. My husband works 1 full time and 3 part time jobs. (he's not home much, but is amazingly helpful when he is.) Anyway, add all that to my pain and daily stressors, and it's kind of a big mess.
I have always thought I just had a low pain tolerance, or that my pain was kind of an effect of depression.
Aside from my back and neck, I don't have a lot of chronic pain. The thing I really don't understand is how tender to the touch parts of me are.
So, anyone have any theories? If it could be fibromyalgia, why have I not been diagnosed? I have seen family practitioners, internists, orthopedists, chiropractors, and psychiatrists. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks for your time reading my novel!
5 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...OK, so this type of discussion is new to me, so hopefully I will be able to relate my experiences clearly. (This is pretty long, but I really need some opinions, so please read it all if you can.)<br />I am 37, married (happily!) for almost 18 years, and the mother of 5 children: girl-15, twin girls-13 1/2, boy-11 1/2, girl 8 1/2. I have struggled with major clinical depression for about 11 years. In that time, I have been hospitalized (suicidal) 4 times, and had 2 rounds of ECT (shock therapy). I am on medication for - <br />depression - Wellbutrin 450mg daily; Prozac 80 mg daily<br />anxiety - Xanax, .5-1 mg 3 times per day and 2 mg at night<br />insomnia - Trazodone 225 mg nightly<br />cholesterol - Lipitor 20 mg daily<br />ulcerative gastritis/esophageal erosions - Nexium 40mg daily<br />I take 800-2400mg of ibuprofen daily and at least 3 Excedrin tablets daily. <br />I had a wreck about 20 years ago that knocked my hips about an inch out of place to one side and gave me whiplash. I have had low back pain for as long as I can remember, but it has gotten worse with pregnancies and age.<br />Over the past 6 or 7 years, I have noticed that parts of my body are very tender to the touch, for example, my upper arms, the upper area of my chest, my thighs, parts of my face, etc. I have a strange almost-numb feeling on the outsides of my thighs, and when I lie on my right side, sometimes the area will tingle.<br />For the past few weeks, my neck and upper back have been killing me. My husband is a massage therapist, and has said my traps are the muscle group hurting. When he puts pressure on a spot between my shoulder blade and spine, pain streaks up to the top of my shoulder, and then up my neck to a point on the back of my head. I am seeing a new chiropractor, and am getting some relief, but not enough. I am taking Flexeril almost every day. I saw an orthopedist today about my low back and hips. He said all of my bones look healthy. (I do have a couple spots of osteoarthritis in other places.)<br />I am under what I consider to be a large amount of stress currently. I was in my 3rd semester as a chemistry major this fall when I had to withdraw. One of my daughters is experiencing constant joint pain, and we are scheduled to see a rheumatologist Tuesday. Lupus is a possible diagnosis. My husband works 1 full time and 3 part time jobs. (he's not home much, but is amazingly helpful when he is.) Anyway, add all that to my pain and daily stressors, and it's kind of a big mess. <br />I have always thought I just had a low pain tolerance, or that my pain was kind of an effect of depression.<br />Aside from my back and neck, I don't have a lot of chronic pain. The thing I really don't understand is how tender to the touch parts of me are.<br />So, anyone have any theories? If it could be fibromyalgia, why have I not been diagnosed? I have seen family practitioners, internists, orthopedists, chiropractors, and psychiatrists. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks for your time reading my novel! <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
Anon_10089 responded:
Hello-
Many doctors either don't believe in fibromyalgia, or don't want to give it as a diagnosis until all other things are ruled out.
Have you researched myofascial syndrome? That may be more what you're dealing with. Often that can cause the referred pain you're talking about--where you push in one place, and feel pain somewhere else. It is closely related to FM and many people here have both. FM can also cause very tender spots.
Stress, depression, and pain can all be closely related. You're obivously going through a stressful time so it can help to pace yourself and try to get as much rest as you can. Way easier said than done!
People here with myofascial syndrome get trigger point injections that seem to do them a lot of good. I have more plain ole FM, so I don't personally. Hopefully the people that do will respond or you can read through old posts.
Diet is important. For me, the best thing I do for my body is to avoid sugar and grains. That helps me have more energy and helps me mentally.
This forum is one of the best resources I've found for FM. Maybe you could read through some of it and hear from many people what their symptoms are like. See if that sounds like you. If you truly think you have FM or myofascial syndrome, then bring it up to your doctor.
I hope you can figure things out and I hope you get some answers for you and your daughter!
Many doctors either don't believe in fibromyalgia, or don't want to give it as a diagnosis until all other things are ruled out.
Have you researched myofascial syndrome? That may be more what you're dealing with. Often that can cause the referred pain you're talking about--where you push in one place, and feel pain somewhere else. It is closely related to FM and many people here have both. FM can also cause very tender spots.
Stress, depression, and pain can all be closely related. You're obivously going through a stressful time so it can help to pace yourself and try to get as much rest as you can. Way easier said than done!
People here with myofascial syndrome get trigger point injections that seem to do them a lot of good. I have more plain ole FM, so I don't personally. Hopefully the people that do will respond or you can read through old posts.
Diet is important. For me, the best thing I do for my body is to avoid sugar and grains. That helps me have more energy and helps me mentally.
This forum is one of the best resources I've found for FM. Maybe you could read through some of it and hear from many people what their symptoms are like. See if that sounds like you. If you truly think you have FM or myofascial syndrome, then bring it up to your doctor.
I hope you can figure things out and I hope you get some answers for you and your daughter!
Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...Hello-<br /> <br />Many doctors either don't believe in fibromyalgia, or don't want to give it as a diagnosis until all other things are ruled out. <br /> <br />Have you researched myofascial syndrome? That may be more what you're dealing with. Often that can cause the referred pain you're talking about--where you push in one place, and feel pain somewhere else. It is closely related to FM and many people here have both. FM can also cause very tender spots. <br /> <br />Stress, depression, and pain can all be closely related. You're obivously going through a stressful time so it can help to pace yourself and try to get as much rest as you can. Way easier said than done!<br /> <br />People here with myofascial syndrome get trigger point injections that seem to do them a lot of good. I have more plain ole FM, so I don't personally. Hopefully the people that do will respond or you can read through old posts. <br /> <br />Diet is important. For me, the best thing I do for my body is to avoid sugar and grains. That helps me have more energy and helps me mentally. <br /> <br />This forum is one of the best resources I've found for FM. Maybe you could read through some of it and hear from many people what their symptoms are like. See if that sounds like you. If you truly think you have FM or myofascial syndrome, then bring it up to your doctor. <br /> <br />I hope you can figure things out and I hope you get some answers for you and your daughter!
1wareaglefan responded:
I am certainly not a doctor, but the tender the the touch symptom does sound like fibro. Rheumatologists have typically been the doctors to dx fibro. I'd suggest seeing one.
They'll do blood tests and xrays to rule out other illnesses. Then they'll do the "tender point exam." This is where they press on specific points on the body to see if they hurt. You can google fibro and find a diagram that shows where those points are. When I saw that diagram, I knew right away that's what I had, b/c I never understood why those places hurt on me.
Good luck!
They'll do blood tests and xrays to rule out other illnesses. Then they'll do the "tender point exam." This is where they press on specific points on the body to see if they hurt. You can google fibro and find a diagram that shows where those points are. When I saw that diagram, I knew right away that's what I had, b/c I never understood why those places hurt on me.
Good luck!
Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...I am certainly not a doctor, but the tender the the touch symptom does sound like fibro. Rheumatologists have typically been the doctors to dx fibro. I'd suggest seeing one. <br /> <br /> They'll do blood tests and xrays to rule out other illnesses. Then they'll do the "tender point exam." This is where they press on specific points on the body to see if they hurt. You can google fibro and find a diagram that shows where those points are. When I saw that diagram, I knew right away that's what I had, b/c I never understood why those places hurt on me. <br /> <br />Good luck!
harmonettes replied to Anon_10089's response:
Thank you so much for your response! This is indeed a stressful time for my family. I have been absolutely craving sugar/candy/cookies, which is strange for me. I will try to get the name of a good adult rheumatologist from my daughter's on Tuesday.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...Thank you so much for your response! This is indeed a stressful time for my family. I have been absolutely craving sugar/candy/cookies, which is strange for me. I will try to get the name of a good adult rheumatologist from my daughter's on Tuesday.<br />Thanks again!
harmonettes replied to 1wareaglefan's response:
I saw that diagram, too, and was very surprised how many of them fit my symptoms! I will definitely see a rheumatologist... when will all depend on my daughter's diagnosis. 
Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...I saw that diagram, too, and was very surprised how many of them fit my symptoms! I will definitely see a rheumatologist... when will all depend on my daughter's diagnosis. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/neutral.gif" align="top" border="0">
gdsjoy responded:
Wow, that is a lot! How did you give birth with your hips and inch out of place? Wow.
Okay, so does all the ibuprofen and excedrin help? That is one thing my doc pointed out with me. Way back when I first started seeing her, a long time ago, she pointed out with Fibro, those medications really don't help the pain.
I don't know how close you are to Cleavland, Ohio, but I've been told that the Cleavland Clinic is amazing. They will have a team of doctors, each specialized in their own area, and will do a battery of tests of a day or two. Then they meet, one day a week they don't take any appointments so they can work on diagnosis and treatments. I am seriously thinking of flying out there, even though the cost of the plane ticket alone would be a hardship. But to have a TEAM of specialists working together for your treatment would be SO worth it.
My rheomotoligist ran every test that fit any of my symptoms to rule everything out. I have so many symptoms of Fibro that he made the diagnosis right away, but I did go in telling him I had it, but to see if there was anything else it could be, or that I might have that could be treated.
Perhaps you could call around and ask Doctors offices how many patients they see with fibro. Then make an appointment with one.
Okay, so does all the ibuprofen and excedrin help? That is one thing my doc pointed out with me. Way back when I first started seeing her, a long time ago, she pointed out with Fibro, those medications really don't help the pain.
I don't know how close you are to Cleavland, Ohio, but I've been told that the Cleavland Clinic is amazing. They will have a team of doctors, each specialized in their own area, and will do a battery of tests of a day or two. Then they meet, one day a week they don't take any appointments so they can work on diagnosis and treatments. I am seriously thinking of flying out there, even though the cost of the plane ticket alone would be a hardship. But to have a TEAM of specialists working together for your treatment would be SO worth it.
My rheomotoligist ran every test that fit any of my symptoms to rule everything out. I have so many symptoms of Fibro that he made the diagnosis right away, but I did go in telling him I had it, but to see if there was anything else it could be, or that I might have that could be treated.
Perhaps you could call around and ask Doctors offices how many patients they see with fibro. Then make an appointment with one.
Report This| Share this:I just don't know anymore...Wow, that is a lot! How did you give birth with your hips and inch out of place? Wow.<br /><br />Okay, so does all the ibuprofen and excedrin help? That is one thing my doc pointed out with me. Way back when I first started seeing her, a long time ago, she pointed out with Fibro, those medications really don't help the pain. <br /><br />I don't know how close you are to Cleavland, Ohio, but I've been told that the Cleavland Clinic is amazing. They will have a team of doctors, each specialized in their own area, and will do a battery of tests of a day or two. Then they meet, one day a week they don't take any appointments so they can work on diagnosis and treatments. I am seriously thinking of flying out there, even though the cost of the plane ticket alone would be a hardship. But to have a TEAM of specialists working together for your treatment would be SO worth it.<br /><br />My rheomotoligist ran every test that fit any of my symptoms to rule everything out. I have so many symptoms of Fibro that he made the diagnosis right away, but I did go in telling him I had it, but to see if there was anything else it could be, or that I might have that could be treated. <br /><br />Perhaps you could call around and ask Doctors offices how many patients they see with fibro. Then make an appointment with one.
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