I often find myself wondering if I've been misdiagnosed.
In Spring of 2013, my legs began to hurt. I felt as though I'd run a marathon, when, in fact, I had done nothing different. It lasted for weeks and was joined by a prickly feeling....as if, after running the marathon, I'd taken my legs off and laid them on top of a cactus patch to cool off. My GP diagnosed me immediately with Fibro. He prescribed Cymbalta, but my insurance wouldn't pay for it until we tried a handful of other medications. For months, nothing worked. I was referred to a specialist and got in Dec 10. He also prescribed Cymbalta, and said he'd make sure it was approved by the insurance. Almost immediately I felt relief from the muscle pain. He added Meloxicam which seemed to help with the pricklies, but caused stomach issues and I was told to stop. I started Celebrex and that seems to help.
But here is why I think I might have been diagnosed. My pain - muscle and pricklies - is only in my legs. I occaisionally have pain in my neck, but not nearly as constantly as the leg stuff, if that makes sense. All the research I've read, and I have no one to ask, is that Fibro is a widespread constant pain. It leaves me with the impression that others suffer with more then one part of their body.
Any feedback and input would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, usually in order to be diagnosed with Fibro people have chronic widespread pain on both sides of their body and above and below the waist for at least 3 months or more. That is the basic criteria on most medical websites. Did the doctor do the tender point test? That is where they push gently on 18 tender points from the neck to the knees. Some medical research shows the tender point test to not really be a defining or reliable thing but it is pretty standard practice still as far as I am aware. For me, I do have pain in most parts of my body except my lower back. The pain comes and goes and moves and changes, sometimes hourly or monthly. What type of specialist did you see? A Rheumatologist? It might be a good idea to ask them how they know you have Fibro and explain you have done some research on it and feel your symptoms don't match. Hugs.
Thank you - my specialist is a Rheumatologist; my GP did the tender point test and had me in tears and practically screaming (even though he was adamant he was barely touching me). I see my specialist again in just a couple of weeks. I think I'll talk to him again, but at one point we agreed it matter what you called it - just that he could help me live with it. Maybe that's all I can expect.
Hi avenk - thank you....my GP did the point test and had me in tears close to screaming. My constant pain is only in my legs though. Just doesn't seem to fit Fibro.....But my Rheumatologist and I did agree that it didn't matter what you call it, just that he could hep me live with it. I suppose I should just accept that and hope the meds continue to give me relief. Thanks again. :)
Hello and welcome! I agree that the tender point exam is customary for he fibro dx, did your dr do any blood work to rule out other causes? If they didnt , I would suggest them. Other wise I would ask for a second opinion. Gentle hugs, Jackie
Yes I constantly question the diagnosis, it seems to be such a random syndrome! I think if you were screaming in pain it's fairly conclusive. Actually what you call it doesn't matter as long as the symptons are treated. Good luck!