21 with pain since i was 15....
brittney.21 - Jul 22nd, 2009 8:33 PM
[ Original Post ]

Im 21 and Ive had pain in my lower back, ankles, knees, hips, non-stop headaches, chest pain, im sleep deprived, and well pain has just been everywhere since i was 15 or 16 years old. everywhere i went they told me i had arthritis or anxiety but the medicine they gave me worked for a week and then stopped and when id go back an tell them they didnt do anything about it and said it was all in my head. ive been to two physicians and a psychiatrist about to go to my fourth physician. could this be fibromyalgia or am i crazy like they think i am?

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Fantod - Jul 22nd, 2009 10:31 PM

Hello brittney21- I am so sorry that you have been treated badly by so many medical professionals.

You need to see a rheumotologist to get a firm diagnosis for Fibromyalgia (FMS). There are a few things that can mimic FMS ( like a thyroid problem). If you have copies of recent tests/bloodwork take them with you to save time. Before your appointment keep a daily list of the level of pain you are experiencing and any other symptoms so you can show them what happens to you on an ongoing basis.

To find someone competent you can do a couple of things. Call your local hospital physician referral service and see if they can recommend a rheumotologist with an interest in FMS. You should also consider asking about a pain specialist too. I have both and they work in tandem with one another.

The other thing that you can do is go to the National Fibromyaliga Association website and register. Then you will be able to view a list of FMS friendly healthcare professionals in your area.

Unfortunately, FMS is still regarded by many physicians as a figment of our collective imaginations. You have to be your own best advocate to get proper care. Good luck and let us know how you are doing. Take care.


L Light - Jul 23rd, 2009 2:42 AM

Sweetheart, you are NOT crazy! What a horrible time for you. When you say "they" are you referring to doctors? Doctors are not easy to find, especially when it comes to fibromyalgia (FM). Certainly sounds like you may have this unpleasant condition, so I'll start you off with this. FM causes awful anxiety, insomnia, etc. which unfortunately only increases the further amount of symptoms involved. The more you learn to understand what is going on with your body, the more in control you will feel with yourself. Where you are right now is just down right scary and many of us have been there...

Trying to get the anxiety in some control will be the most beneficial initially (there are great herbs for this). From there you can work so much better with the rest of the issues. Let me know if I can help you further with herbs to calm the circumstances a tad, thus enabling you to make clearer decisions...

You are not alone ... there is much wonderful support here on this site. Take care and again, don't hesitate to write.

With heart,
Laurel (L Light)


brittney.21 - Jul 29th, 2009 9:33 AM

Thank you so much for your wonderful advice. I wont be able to get into my new dr til next week and I would love and welcome any help or advice you can give to help me deal with the pain, sleeplessness and anxiety until then, because with a two year old and school, i dont know how im going to make it til then. Thank you so much again. ~Brittney