General Chat

Linda, I think it's a good site to look at if you aren't sure of the symptoms and want to know the basics, Bev I too was treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis for 8 years, taking methotrexate for all that time in a high dose, I am now off that and have now been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and FM. Just shows that they all have very similar symptoms. Gillie xx

Ann for 10 years I was treated for Arthritis, last year they decided that although I do suffer with Arthritis, I also suffer from FM, it does tend to mimic Arthritis, and that is why it goes un-noticed for so long. Bev

Anne, hope you feel better soon, do mention fm to your doctor and ask to see a rheumatologist. Take some time to look through the thread when you can, and I am sure you will relate to some of the comments.

Thanks ladies for your input ............... interesting reading. I can't honestly say I have 100% of the symptoms and/or associated symptoms - and I know that it's not necessary to 'tick all the boxes' ......... but there are things that I am now NOT going to dismiss !! I know my GP is working on a process of elimination - and given the symptoms I described to him - it's understandable that he's going down the arthritis route initially .......... but then I didn't associate other things I have been experiencing. Many thanks again xx

hi anne certainly have some of the same , the worst bits are the pain and tiredness for me, and like dawn the legs, im having to use a chair at mo, if walking or a stick on short the pain is worse in bed too, hope you havent got it but hope they find the cause take care and good luck xxxx love puss xx

Hi Anne, I have FM and have had for many years, far longer than I've had the actual diagnosis, check this site out, it gives you the pressure points checked to see if you do suffer or not, you have to have at least 11 of the 18 specifide tender points for a proper diagnosis. I hope it helps, maybe print it off and take it to your GP to show where your having pain and that it coincisdes with the diagram. ( http://www.*fibromyalgia-symptoms.*org/fibromyalgia_diagnosis.*html ) removing * and ( ) first What Goes with Fibromyalgia? Commonly associated symptoms of fibromyalgia include: Fatigue Irritable bowel syndrome Sleep disorders Chronic headaches Jaw pain Cognitive or memory impairment Muscle pain or morning stiffness Painful menstruation Numbness and tingling in the extremities Dizziness or light headedness Skin and chemical sensitivities Gillie xx

Ann it doesnt show on blood tests. Taken me what seems like ages to get a diagnosis and after a month of knowing am now it the piecing it all together stage. I even asked if it could be FM and they said maybe but will do all other tests first. Keep going on at them. My symptons so far are (and without realising it have had them years) chronic fatigue legs like concrete and no energy pains in arms, shoulders, hips, spine, ankles, wrists knees what they call brain fog, poor concentration know whaty I want to say but doesnt come out right and this is taking ages to type cos I know where the keys are but brain isnt telling my finger the right places to go so looks like gobbled ee gook. numb hands and feet headaches and tunnel vision stomasch aches poor sleep and very vivid dreams shall I go on lol d xx

Can I please ask - what were your initial symptoms before you were diagnosed?? I ask because - I have just been to the GP yesterday, having been suffering near constant pain in both arms for about the last 2 or 3 months - can't pinpoint when it started as it has gotten worse over time. I feel like all of my joints are aching - and sometimes the muscles in my upper arms. It kicks in at no particular time - I generally wake with it tho. I'll admit that I have glanced at your threads in passing - but not read in detail - as one does if not necessarily affected by the subject matter. However - I have started to look into it further due to curiosity/worry that this might be my problem. Having read the symptoms on NHS Direct - I can now see other things I have suffered but not associated, such as ...... numbness - tingling - prickling - burning sensations in hands or feet restless legs more painful periods disturbed sleep and I have to say - extreme tiredness upon waking - weekends can take me 2 hours to feel human even after 8 or more hours sleep........... I am back on Friday to have some bloods taken - he's checking initially for Inflammatory Arthropathy. (sorry have to post and run - back about 7,30) Thanks xx

Sorry - I know there is a thread running that you all contribute to, but it IS huge and I thought this would be easier than trying to sift thru the posts for my answers ............ cont'd below