Health Forums

Posted: 13 October 2008 at 7:57pm | IP Logged

Well as if I haven't got enough going on -my GP thinks I have something else going on. As you know I have SPD, Hypermobility, Osteoarthritis and Wrist instability in my left hand and now to add to the mix it looks like I have Fibromyalgia.

I went to see my GP for my usual fortnightly medication review and asked her to look at all my 'side effects' as I just had a feeling something else was going on. She looked back through my notes and asked me to explain them all. The consisted of trouble sleeping, extreme fatigue, pain in all joints, pain in other areas of my body, feeling pain for longer than normal (of for example I stub my toe it hurts for days rather than hours), Raynard's syndrome, muscle weakness and spasms throughout my body, flu like feeling, faintness, restless legs, memory problems and many others. The issue was that they have all continued through all medication trials and even when I was on low/no meds.

She has referred me to a Rheumatologist with possible Fibromyalgia. Basically (and I got this from the UK Fibromyalgia website) it is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body.

It does happen alongside Hypermobility fairly regularly so it can be confused but certain symptoms fit with it. It is hard to diagnose so basically involves looking at the cluster of symptoms and then ruling out other illnesses (like thyroid problems, Lupus etc). The other 'option is ME/Chronic Fatigue but that normally doesn't involve as much pain.

I had looked at it in my research but I wasn't convinced I had it. My GP seemed quite sure and said it would explain a lot about my problems. Its a life long illness but it can be managed if you get the right treatment. I'm still in a bit of shock and hope I don't have to wait too long to see the rheumatologist so I can find out some more.

Just thought I'd let you all know the latest.

Posted: 21 October 2008 at 4:33pm | IP Logged

Thanks guys.

Having a bad spell at the moment and the more I read on it and its symptoms i think it is something I have had for a while. It is similar to chronic fatigue in that it is always there but you have good spells and flareups. I am definately in a flare up stage at the moment and this week is even harder as DH is in America.

I am so tired and I ache all over - the pains can be awful. Plus my SPD is really bad. Still no word from the hospital but that will be a while yet. Plus poor eds is poorly so i'm having to use all my energy looking after him.

Am spending tonight at home so it will be a struggle but then moving into mum and dads tomorrow so at least I'll get some help.