Hello, I was diagnosed October 7th. I have been suffering with restless legs and body aches for a year. My primary care doctor has been treating me because she thought that it was caused from my osteoporosis medicine. The pain has gotten so bad in the last 4 months so she finally sent me to a rhemutoligist. She did her exams and determined it was fibromyalgia. I am currently on cymbalta, lyrica, requip and doing water therapy. This combination is calming things down except I am having the restless leg feeling during the day now and with this cold weather I have the worst pain in my hands, arms and from my knee down to my toes, it has gotten so bad that it is hard to walk or do anything with my hands and all I have done all weekend is lay around with a heating blanket this weekend. I go back to my doctor in a week but until then I was wondering if it is normal to have days where you hurt so bad just in certain parts of the body. . I have down loaded just about every book on this, trying to understand the cause and how to help myself. My family is wonderful and trying to understand how I feel but it’s hard to explain. They help with everything but I don’t want them to because I want to feel normal and do things for myself if that is ever possible. I am so glad I found this forum, I have been reading so much and it’s good to read what others are doing to help their selfs and that I’m not alone with this pain.
Hello Jackie and welcome again! I am sorry you are having a difficult time. Yes, many people, including myself, experience increased symptoms in some parts of the body from time to time. I can relate to the hand pain, I have hand and wrist pain at times that definitely is challenging. Regarding the restless legs, I would encourage you to bring this up with your doctor, there are medications available that sometimes help with this. Your doctor might also want to check your labs as sometimes that can be the cause of increased restlessness or muscle stiffness/cramps. You might also try taking a hot bath with Epsom salt or at least soaking your hands in warm water with Epsom salt, this might help them to feel better. It is hard for others to understand what we go thru. There are several excellent articles out there that help explain to others what life with a chronic condition is like. One is the spoon theory by Christine Miserandino (you can google "spoon theory" and it will come up) and another is an article on wikihow - www.wikihow.com/understand-someone-with-chronic-pain. Hopefully those might help you explain to others about what it is like with FMS. Please keep us updated on how you are doing and I am sure others will offer good advice as well. Hugs!!!!!
Hello-you are definitely not alone and welcome! : ) There are meds out there to help with restless leg syndrome. I'm going to talk to my doc about it on 11/11 when I have my next appointment because that has been bothering me lately too. Its a very weird and annoying feeling. It is new for me. I was diagnosed in 2010 and its been a rollercoaster but this site really helps provide support, information and guidance.
Sending good thoughts your way,
Sara
I know this might seem strange but have you ever been checked for renauds. It causes extra sensitivity to cold. A friend I know who also has fibro also has that. She has to wear gloves and especially watch out for her fingers and toes. If you ever notice them turning a slight blue when it’s really cold, ask your doc. I’m sorry you’re struggling with pain.
Hi Jackie, yes, Reynauld's is a condition that can be associated with Fibro (like IBS is). I am pretty sure I have it as well for a number of years but haven't been diagnosed - I just never brought it up to my doctor. But I encourage you to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this. Hugs!
Thank, I have a appointment with my doctor on Wednesday to discuss the pain I’m having in my arms & hands and to figure out what is best for my restless legs. I read the spoon theory and loved it. I’m going to explain it that away to my family tonight at dinner.
Auburnm said:
Hello Jackie and welcome again! I am sorry you are having a difficult time. Yes, many people, including myself, experience increased symptoms in some parts of the body from time to time. I can relate to the hand pain, I have hand and wrist pain at times that definitely is challenging. Regarding the restless legs, I would encourage you to bring this up with your doctor, there are medications available that sometimes help with this. Your doctor might also want to check your labs as sometimes that can be the cause of increased restlessness or muscle stiffness/cramps. You might also try taking a hot bath with Epsom salt or at least soaking your hands in warm water with Epsom salt, this might help them to feel better. It is hard for others to understand what we go thru. There are several excellent articles out there that help explain to others what life with a chronic condition is like. One is the spoon theory by Christine Miserandino (you can google “spoon theory” and it will come up) and another is an article on wikihow - www.wikihow.com/understand-someone-with-chronic-pain. Hopefully those might help you explain to others about what it is like with FMS. Please keep us updated on how you are doing and I am sure others will offer good advice as well. Hugs!!!
Thank you, I will bring that up with my doctor.
Jackie said:
I know this might seem strange but have you ever been checked for renauds. It causes extra sensitivity to cold. A friend I know who also has fibro also has that. She has to wear gloves and especially watch out for her fingers and toes. If you ever notice them turning a slight blue when it’s really cold, ask your doc. I’m sorry you’re struggling with pain.
Welcome Jackie and I am glad you are finding all kinds of information about this disease. I think the more you know the better you can try and help yourself including working with your doctor in a more medical technical way. What you described about certain parts of your body experiencing intense pain sounds fairly common with what others have experienced, including myself. I use heating pads, heating blankets, hot showers, and gentle stretching, to help alleviate the pain. I hope you find some relief soon and I am very happy that you have joined our family. It may take some time to find the right combo but you will. Lots of hugs to you.