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The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The two key symptoms of fibromyalgia are widespread body pain (meaning it affects both sides of the body and above and below the waist) and tender points, or areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to pressure. However, you may not realize you have tender points until your doctor presses on them in an exam.

A fibromyalgia symptoms checklist includes sleep disturbances, severe fatigue, depression and anxiety, cognitive difficulties, headaches, bladder irritability and spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw problems and painful menstruation.

Pam

18 Nov 2009, 10:25

To GG in April of 08-you hit the nail on the head! I get so sick of people thinking I am faking my pain to get sympathy or over reacting to "hard work" (aka being lazy). I would hope that they would be able to experience the pain, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, depression, etc, etc, etc that goes with fibro...walk a mile in MY shoes then come tell me that I am being a whiner.

GMR

16 Nov 2009, 20:57

To Sherri, Sept 3

What I have begun to learn about fibro is that stress is an important trigger, and it sounds like that is a big part of what you're going through--multiple stressors. We all deserve compassion, and I didn't have much else to offer except to say that you are worth being surrounded by caring people--and it's important to be our own best friend and teach people how to treat us (fibro or no fibro). It sounds like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and that simply is not good for you, given what we are told about this condition. It's always easier said than done when folks tell us to "reduce" or "avoid" stress--especially with all that is going on around us (and in most jobs). I hope folks around you will stop (perhaps) taking for granted their good health and in doing so, see the tremendous effort and contribution you are making to their lives. good luck!

mary kopf

12 Nov 2009, 22:54

Please check out Dr. Sandra Cabot's website. She has helped me and thousands of others. www.liverdoctor.com It could literally change your life!

shannon

12 Nov 2009, 15:31

hi, i posted name wrong.. sorry it is spelling waiora...like i said it is expensive but she says she has not felt this good since she was 20 and she is in her 40's...

shannon

12 Nov 2009, 15:28

i have dealt with widespread pain for some years and my doctor and i both are looking into fibro as the cause...that said my friend has had fibro for 20+ yrs and has never really been out of pain for long...she is now taking something natural call wiora that she swears by...it is expensive but all natural...hope this helps

Lorie

03 Nov 2009, 19:22

Hello, I to have Fiber. I often experience chest pain, in addition to all the other aches, I havent seen to many say anything about chest pain so I was wondering if anyone else gets that as well. I have tried many of the medications and they seem to work for awhile but after awhile it seems as if your body gets to use to them. I do take vitamin D and have tried the new megared (omega) vitamins and this has seemed to given me a little extra energy.
Can anyone tell me do the experience the chest pains as well?

wanda

30 Oct 2009, 20:12

Hi I am having terrible pains in my arm wit numbness in my fingers headaches ibs symptoms bad periods my feet ache heart palpatations xtreme fatigue have not been diagnosed wit anything as I have no insurance my body aches so bad I cry plz help I don't know what to do

Barbara

16 Oct 2009, 11:39

I was diagnosed with RA 1.5 yrs ago but was having symptoms x several years. In addition, I experience tingling and numbness in my hands. Over the years I've been experiencing increasingly sensitive skin to the point where the stitching on sleeve hems is irritating. Is this a fibro symptom? Anyone else with this problem?

Debra

08 Oct 2009, 22:17

In reference to R. Terry 30,Sept,2009. I too suffered blurry vision while taking Lyrica among other negative symptons. I quit taking it which brought my eyesight back. However I need the Lyrica for major nerve pain from a recent back surgery; therefore tried taking a lower dose which erased the blurry vison, swelling etc.

I have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but recently have been waking during the night with pain at different sights. I do have pressure point pain and have for quiet awhile; it feels as bruises all over. Fatigue and depression have been a part of my life for many years. From what I hear about no cure and medications not helping would it really be worth seeking a professional diagnosis; or can it even be diagnosed exactly?

Glasseye67

02 Oct 2009, 13:47

I have just recently been diagnosed by a rheumatoid specialist who has been diagnosing fibromyalgia and other similar diseases for many a year. I am a 47 year old male who has continual bone and muscle pain.

It started for me with syatica and has slowly developed into something far more serious. My sleeping has been poor and I find myself becoming excessively tired at least two or three times throughout the day almost falling into a complete sleep, sitting, standing, or while doing work.

I have been taking botoxin needles in my neck for dystonia and shoulder and collar pain.

I have recently stopped my medicines due to other medical problems that I have been having and discovered just how severe the pain was in my ankles and wrists. A severe soreness that on a scale of 1-10 border on an 8 to 9. WIthout pain medicine I am in pretty bad shape.

I contacted my physician and she sent me to the rheumatoid specialist. After the examination which was actually borderline due to the botoxin needles I have been taking, she diagnosed that it was indeed fibromyalgia.

I have had irritable sleep for as long as I can remember tossing back and forth and waking up several times completely in the night. I ended up in the hospital once from lack of sleep causing me to have severe pains in my chest and labeled as a minor heart attack. Currently I am taking prescribed sleeping pills and antidepressants that help very much with the pain and my sleeping problems.

On the outside I appear very normal but at times I feel as if I am drained of energy for no apparent reason.

I have no idea where this is going when it comes to any career and continuing work. Currently I am unemployed.

I wanted to post this here so that maybe my story and experiences can help other people who may have fibromyalgia.

R. Terry

30 Sep 2009, 18:46

Hello Everyone:
I'm sorry everyone is feeling so badly. I can understand, I have many of the same issues. I had psoriasis for about 20 years. The Psoraisis turned into Psoriatic Arthiritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis-Doctors are not sure. The arthritis is causing my fybromalgia. It's like a downward spiral. One thing causes another. I take ibupropen, methotraxate, Humira injections, folic acid, prednisone, alluprinol,gabapentin,and a sleeping pill every night. I also have central sleep apnea and I have had gout. I think I will be having hip replacment surgery, soon. I wonder a little about what good it does to have good hips if you have bad ankles and knees. I also have an opthamologist appointment next week. I think I will be diagnosed with glaucoma or ivitis. I'm getting blurry eye sight. I thought it was caused by the medication. I stopped taking my medication and my eye sight did not get better, so I started my medication again. I hate taking all this medicine, but it does help a little. I have issues like many of you about trying to explain how I feel, so people in my life will understand that I cannot do things I used to do. I think they think it's just a matter of will and toughness. I have reduced my hours at work slowly from 40 hours to 8 hours, now. I'm fortunate to have a job I can do a few hours from home. Well-LOL- to everyone.

Jinx

28 Sep 2009, 20:35

I am now on Robaxasil - a prescribed anti-inflammatory with codeine. I suffered from brutal side effects with Lyrica and my body got used to the Naproxin and norflex so we switched my meds to Prozac and Tylenol 2 and like i said now I am on this new prescription which has no side effects and works great for now. I also do accupuncture and massage. I am getting worse despite the meds because they only act as a bandaid.

Sherri

03 Sep 2009, 18:02

I have a question. I have had fibro for about five years and I have been able to work even though it wasn't always easy.
But for the last 4 or 5 months, my fibro has been unbearable. I still have a job; but daily I am having to face the fact that I am not able to work any longer. I have no quality of life because it takes all I can give to just get thru 4 days of work each week. By about 1pm each day, I am in so much pain and fibro fog that I can't remember what I've done or what I need to do.
I've noticed that many of you are on disability. How do you know when it's time? And what do you do if your family (of 6) depends on your income to pay the bills?
I am humbled by my current level of pain and fatigue. I don't know how much more I can take - and my boss and husband are both pretty demanding of me.
It's as if they want me to "snap out of it" and go back to my productive former self. I try and try; but I can't seem to get on top of my pain and fatigue like I used to.
Any thought?
Thanks for listening to me. It feels good to be able to be honest and say "I feel like crap and I don't know what to do!"
Sherri

Not sure

05 Aug 2009, 01:57

Hi all..

I've been reading through some of these posts and wondering if anyone can explain to me if I am just crazy, or if I may have something similar.

Most recently I was given a MRI for a head injury at work. Come to find out, my doctor told me that I have arthritis in my neck and upper back, and possibly my lower back too. He told me that it was probably more than I should have for 35 years old.

I have been suffering from all kinds of pains, especially after the head injury. I currently am being treated by a doctor my the injury and in the office, see a massage therepist. The therapist does trigger point on me and in some areas of my body I am tender to the point that I almost jump off the table. Also, I have constant pain in my mid-back area, head, neck and spine. Oh yeah and I have been having major nerve issues and have twice now had an anxiety attack, thinking I was having a heart attack. I also always feel like I always need a massage. Over the past year I have seemed to become more tired than usual every day and have gained some weight.

I am not taking any medications, other than basic stuff like tylenol or advil (to ease the pain).

I have no idea what is going on with me. I just really need some advice on what the next step is. I have never had to deal with anything like this and have always been active playing sports and such....so this is all foreign to me.

Any advice?

Marilu Hagen

04 Aug 2009, 10:42

Hi, I'm new to this this site, I'm glad I found it. I too have Fybro also Hypothyroidism,
Lupus and Arthritis in lower back and hips. I too get looks when I mention I'm on disability because there is no outward sign of sickness except the pain look on your face. I have been on all kinds of medications and nothing helps. I'm trying to look into natural remedies. If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know. Thanks

03 Aug 2009, 02:48

I was diagnosed with Fibro about 2 weeks ago but I'm still scared that it might be something serious. I have pain all over, arms-most especially my left bicep like i just did a hundred reps of bicep curls, sometime my right, my right leg feels like i pulled a mucsle, neck, upper and lower back pains. Not only I have this symptoms, they also diagnosed me with Acid Reflux. So as you can see, when my left arm pain, acid reflux and tingling feeling in my fingers and toes all happen at the same time...i'm always thinking that i'm having a heart attack - i've been to the ER twice and the EKG are all normal as also my blood test..then comes anxiety attack where i get shortness of breath and chest pain. I get really scared. Im so new to this whole thing that i feel like crying thinking about it. I don't know know what to do but I know that I have to cope with it mentally...that was an advised given to me but it's hard to do.

Beth

13 Jul 2009, 06:12

Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 13 years ago...I was only 30 years old. As a doctor myself, I was able to find another doctor that knew what it was All about even back then and believed it was a true illness.
Over the years, I have found the sleep quality has been the key to my ablility to function the best. Stay away from sleep aids that are benzodiazepines if you can....they help you fall asleep, but inhibit the deep stage 4 sleep that is so importants. As adults, stage 4 sleep is the only time we produce Growth Hormone...a vital endocrine hormone in fibromyalgia.
I have found the using a low dose of cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant) helps me get the best quality of sleep without being groggy the next day. But everyone responds to medications differently...so ask your doctor first of course. Also, some mild exercise is so important..find a balance between too little and too much. I also sing in a barbershop group....it helpsme breath deeply an completely and fully and for me, at the same time, is my a passion.
Good luck! Beth

Kelly

11 Jul 2009, 20:26

I was diagnosed a couple weeks ago with FM after almost 3 years of excruciating pain, fatigue, migraines, confusion, ...well most of you know the laundry list of symptoms. The doctors I've seen included internists, gynecologists, a back surgeon. The rheumatologist who diagnosed me was lucky number 7 and by the time I saw him, I'd had so many x-rays and tests performed, I dreaded a doctor's visit. It felt good to finally have a name put to these crazy symptoms, but in the same instance, I've never felt more scared and alone. Some days I'm still in shock, other days I'm angry at the world, but most of the time I feel overwhelmed. People just can't understand what we go through and I find we live in an unsympathetic society. Before the pain, fatigue, forgetfulness - - I would've been described as an educated, motivated wife & mother. I always took care of everything and tried to help everybody. Since, I've been sick, all that has changed. I don't know who I am since this disease. I can't do most of the things I used to do. It's so hard to mourn the loss of good health and the person you used to be while trying to come up with the best game plan to fight this illness. There are days when I feel like I've accomplished a lot just by getting dressed! Sometimes I feel like my family is tired of hearing about it and they just want to ignore it. That only makes it worse. There are no local support groups for FM where I live. I stumbled across this website in search for more info. on FM. It's nice to hear from people who truly understand. To each of you who've shared your story and for those who take the time to read mine, thanks so much!

Sylvia

19 Jun 2009, 19:10

I have had fibromyalgia symptoms since 2002. I have taken several types of test (scans), all negative. My blood test has shown a very low amount of vitamin D and I have been taking 62,000 units each week for 6 months. Results from taking the D have not change my pain nor other symptoms, but has made my hair faster and my nail tougher than ever.

My symptoms have been reduced since I started taking vitamin supplements. I am able to get out of bed and do some house work and even cook dinner without a problem. I am not totally pain free, but doing allot better.

Alana

28 May 2009, 23:41

I have been having symptoms for many years and all they could tell me is that I was suffering from anxiety and depression..... I was not. 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus.....my levels have always been too low to treat but high enough to say I have it.... over the years I have been getting worse almost to a point where I could barely walk....I wake up in the mornings with all extremities on fire and swollen....can not put weight on my feet for at least 20 minutes after I wake up and can not use my hands at all for about that long also.... I am 35 years old and can not do any of the things I used to do 3 years ago.... I was a runner.....I attempted that again after 2 years of not and was unable to use my left leg for about 3 weeks.....that is when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Everyone I talk to about this tells me that I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia because they really do not know what is wrong with me.... It is very upsetting. I have every single sympton and have had them all of my life.... the migraines, the abdominal problems, sleep disorder, severe menstrual bleeding and cramping, head to toe constant tingling which causes tension then turns to pain..... they have tried me on the Lyrica and I had severe side effects to that.... I am now on the Neurontin.... It seemed to help for a few days make things a little tolerable.... but now am starting to feel the same as before......what should i do???? I have so many questions..... thanks for whomever reads this and understands.

Kimberly

26 May 2009, 13:51

Angie-
I would love to "converse" but I have not been diagnosed....would love to hear how yours was pinned down.I'm changing jobs soon and don't want any dx on my "record." I described my "fog" to a linquist who said it was aphasia which scared me (actually, I think it specifically "anomia"). I'm tired of recounting all my pains to my husband when he asks how I feel- I feel like I'm complaining. He wants to buy me a whirlpool but I have no idea if it is even good for my pain....it is very lonely!
If you want to converse let me know and I'll post my gmail. best- Kimberly

angie

26 May 2009, 06:50

I have just been diagnosed with having fibromyalgia after many trips to the docs loads of bloodtests ecgs and loads of other tests.I saw a rehumatoligist and upon examing me and asking me questions i was diagnosed with having this extremely painful and disabiling illness.I am in constant pain all over my body have real bad migraines blurred vision dizziness and sllep problems along with loads of other symptoms.Would any one on here that is suffering like i am like to be in touch as i feel that at the moment i am so alone with having this horrible illness.

Kimberly

19 May 2009, 11:25

Can anyone who has been diagnosed tell me specifically where you get pains? How long do they stay in one place? Are they similar to muscle or nerve pain? I have so many that come and go and, occasionally , very specific areas are hit hard for weeks. I'm tired of going to the doctor for more tests and no dx....

OlgaM

04 May 2009, 18:07

GG I hear you.
Thats what sometimes I say also if they would feel it for a day.And what makes it worse is that sone day your in bed in horrible pain and then the next day you could be like if nothing happened,and it makes it hardfor people to understand it.

Question to Emmana:
Where can I find info on the alkaline diet. My grandmother was talking to me about it,but she was saying I should eat potatoes and you say not to? Im confused

Brittany

21 Apr 2009, 04:22

I am 26 years old and I became ill about 2 years ago, right after giving birth to my second child. I have experienced symtoms from what started as a horrible sore throat and dizziness to extreme muscle pain to IBS to a heart arithmia. I also had the burning sensation on the skin and occasional numbness and pins and needles. My body was breaking down. The worst part was I felt so scared and so alone. Doctors could not physically find anything wrong so they told me I was postpartum. One even said that maybe having two kids was just too much for me to handle. My family even started to believe the doctors. It hurt but I knew my body and I was determined to find what was wrong. It took countless doctors and a lot of my own research to lead me to a Rheumatologist who told me that I had Fibromyalgia. He was very nice but like so many doctors just wanted to give me a prescription which is okay but not what I wanted. I already was put on pills for my heart. I wanted an all natural approach so I began taking a product called Body Balance which has really helped me. If anyone is interested in learning about it take a look at www.lifeforcehealthsite.com

Emmana

14 Apr 2009, 02:21

Oh forgot really important point. Drinking even on cup of coffee is like drinking pure acid. it also removes 2 cups of body fluids as it is tremendous diuretic and incredibly toxic. using spouse and or children as excuse is not viable. My husband eats and drinks everything i cannot and after 3 years eating the way i do the last thing i want is to eat his stinky food!! Ha! Even just giving up coffee and eating more raw green foods will help immensely. the current mode of eating for most of the civilized world is dead food without anything for the body to rebuild healthy vital cells to heal the body so it just falls further into degeneration. The food you eat causes the disease therefore you can change the way you eat and heal your self as i did. Am 59 and looking great according to everyone who sees me! Lot's of pure water is essential too. If you must have one cup of coffee per day then at least drink 2 cups of water straight after it to replace the fluids you will lose.

Emmana

14 Apr 2009, 02:13

Been coping with RA and fibromyalgia for several years now. Was crippled from RA 3.5 years ago to the point that i could not draw, paint or key in these words. I deal with these naturally to good effect. I eat a high alkaline diet as close to 80% alkaline as i can. No wheat, meat, sugar, dairy or fast foods. Nightshade family such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, tobacco and peppers bring back the pain over night so i do not take any of these. you may discover that eliminating these foods will assist in pain and anti-inflammation. Also take hemp oil and hemp protein &/or hemp seeds daily. Lost 70 pounds in 1 year and have diabetes II completely under control now. If i eat the old way am flattened by searing, burning, agonizing pain for 2-3 weeks so not worth it. Also look 10 years older during an episode and must give up aerobics and tai chi until back on the program. I do not do any drugs whatsoever. NSAIDS erode the cartilage and make the body more acid:: this is what brings on the pain:; high body acids! Make and drink fresh juiced green drinks: celery, cucumber, parsley, zucchini, cilantro each day. This neutralizes the body acids. Even one cucumber blended then drink alkalizes the body and reduces body acids therefore pain is reduced. Heaven!! When i adhere to the strict but life promoting diet i am well. Try it for a month to find how you feel. Self love and self-respect is a huge help too. Bromelain great for inflammation and boswellia and mangosteen.

Susie

11 Apr 2009, 22:52

I often feel like I have acid running thru my body-burning, stinging along with numbness and tingling.

I often feel that I'm just getting old and I'm sick & tired of a body that is hard to get to move like it used to and endless pain!

You are so right - no one seems to understand the disease and often not believed.

Has anyone found any meds that really work?

Anonymous

10 Apr 2009, 09:47

14 years ago I was diagnosed with sero-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis by a rheumatologist. He treated me with Plaquenil and NSAID's all of this time. I had not shown a significant amount of swelling in all of these years but I have had a tremendous amount of pain and fatigue throughout the whole time. My doctor retired last June and another doctor took over his practice. When I first saw the new doctor in October, he seemed to be questioning the diagnosis of RA and asking about my sleep patterns and anxiety levels. I was a little taken aback that he was questioning my long-standing diagnosis of RA but I did some research on my own about fibromyalgia. After reading several articles, I began to see the light that my symptoms were more closely described by fibromyalgia than RA. After seeing the new doctor again yesterday, I am comfortable with my new diagnosis of fibromyalgia and hopeful that I will be able to relieve some of the pain, fatigue, burning, aching, and anxiety by changing my sleep habits and increasing my exercise. I also hope to eliminate some of the meds I have been taking for about 14 years.

08 Apr 2009, 16:58

Sometimes I wish that the pain of Fibro could be seen on the outside, in order that people could have a little more sensitivity to the fact that pain changes everything( maybe friends could understand that if you are not working due to the pain, it does not mean this is a babysitting opportunity, or an invite to something where you are going to be sitting or standing too long, or that your motivated exercise buddy thinks this is the time to push you to walk around the block where there are steep areas, no sidewalks, uneven surfaces, grass whatever, or you would not be pulled into reading someone's graduate research project- because you are such a good writer.
I have not been prepared adequately to deal with this pain and other conditions related to it, like RA, and Osteo. I wonder if special Ops traing in the Military would be enough. Sorry for the downer- just would like to leave the pain in some triple titanium sealed vault with a non breakable code as the lock and thrown in the bottom of the sea of Antartica.
gg

Julie

07 Apr 2009, 16:31

I also have the burning sensation and often numbness & tingling in my arms and legs. I've talked to others with fibro who have the same thing, but you should definitely talk to your dr about it.

Heller

30 Mar 2009, 18:19

I often experience a burning sensation in my extremeties, especially upon awakening. Is this/could it be another symptom of fibro?
Thanks

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The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

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