No tender points/ lots of symptoms
vcasas - Jul 27th, 2009 8:28 PM
[ Original Post ]

I was just diagnosed 3 wks ago with fibromyalgia. My biggest complaint is my chest and shoulder blades hurting. I also have a feeling of not being able to take a deep breath. My skin sometimes feel like it burns and I have to take my bra off. I've been given inhalers, to no avail. I had a CT scan of my chest, an MRI of my spine (which came back with lower back problems) , a stress test, they checked my gall bladder and some fancy heart test. All were negative. In search of more, I began to research what one of the doctors tells me I might have. I found that there are 18 tender points. I don't feel pain on these points. However, I'm the one applying the pressure on these points. Should someone else do it in order to feel it? Could someone out there let me know something. I'm confused. Should I keep getting additional tests?

V. Casas

Comment


 

Fantod - Jul 27th, 2009 11:55 PM

Did you see a rheumotologist to confirm your diagnosis? Were any other tests run such as thyroid which can mimic fibromyalgia (FMS)?

People with FMS are shallow breathers and have difficulty with deep breathing. The burning sensation that you describe is nerve pain. Inhalers are not going to help either. For nerve pain, you need medication like gabapentin.

I think you should get a second opinion from a rheumotologist. Most of us will tell you that we don;t always have pain on all of the tender points. FMS varies from day to day which makes it so difficult to treat.

If you want to find a fibro-friendly rheumy in your area, go to the National Fibromyalgia Association website and reqister. Then you will be able to see a list of healthcare providers in your area. Good luck and let us know the outcome. Take care.