I've been hesitant to say this, as I am still sort of denying the fact/possibility.

The doc was asking questions about my pain and where Im "sore" and things as such, and between the two of us we realized that alot of the time I am "sore all over" and "muscle achy" and such.

So he comments that there is some chance it MAY be fibro.

If we look at the symptoms :

Those affected may also experience heightened sensitivity of the skin (also called allodynia),(I get this sometimes) tingling of the skin (often needle-like),(thought this was normal and just my back compressing nerves) achiness in the muscle tissues,(yep) prolonged muscle spasms,(yepo) weakness in the limbs,(YES! I thought it was related to breathing/anxiety/high blood pressure) and nerve pain. (not sure?)

Fibromyalgia patients are often affected by a number of symptoms other than pain, including debilitating fatigue,( I Am ALWAYS tired) abnormal sleep architecture,(since I was like six months old.. [13] (meaning the brain does not reach all the restorative levels of sleep necessary for overall health), functional bowel disturbances,(go from constipated to the other side of the spectrum within days[14] and a variety of neuropsychiatric problems including cognitive dysfunction, [15] which can mean short and/or long term memory problems, slowed information processing ability, diminished attention span and anxiety and depressive symptoms(absolutely)

In addition, many patients experience cognitive dysfunction (known as "brain fog" or "fibrofog"), which may be characterized by impaired concentration and short-term memory consolidation, impaired speed of performance, inability to multi-task, and cognitive overload.[17][18] Many experts suspect that "brain fog" is directly related to the sleep disturbances experienced by sufferers of fibromyalgia.(yep, ive had this since id say about five years now.)

So although it sure would explain alot of how I have felt physically for years, Im kind of worried and a bit freaked out by the whole thing.

[bebop]

my hubby suggested that might be my problem too. not sure how they come up with a definite diagnosis. good luck hon. yes I think it is scarey too. (((hugs)))

[CedarS]

Here is a good thing to read about fibromyalgia: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20001001/1575.html

I have fibromyalgia, it isn't fun, but it isn't fatal either. Getting a diagnosis can be upsetting yet at the same time some of us feel relieved to at least have some sort of answer to the question of our symptoms.

If you have access to a public library you will probably find some good books, reading can be helpful, I especially like Katrina H. Berne's Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and other invisible illnesses the comprehensive guide, Alameda, CA:Hunter House, 2002.

There might even be a support group in your area.

Lifestyle changes, moderation in most everything, learning how to pace yourself - these things and more can help a lot.

I extra extra extra love this http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/index.htm that includes lots of education and support for fibro folks. They have online classes, I really like them.

I'm disabled with fibromyalgia, not able to work outside the home, yet I am managing to have a good life.

My personal favorite pain relief includes:

distraction, fun novels, anything that distracts me from the pain somewhat and gives me a break

hot baths

menthol muscle rub liniment

pacing myself energy wise, not pushing myself

keeping myself educated about the latest understanding of this illness

humor

and more hot baths