Fibromyalgia Symptoms HOME

my guess is yes. But I'm interested in reading what others have said.

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The first few months i felt fantastic now i'm 7 months and i can hardly breath, i feel dreadfull, i ache all over and i can't wait till it is all over.

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I'm surprised to hear that you are in so much pain, are you sure that it has to do with having FMS or do you think it's just due to being pregnant? I'm asking this only cause I've heard that most women with FMS go through remission during pregnancy and only begin to suffer again AFTER the baby is born.

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My experience has beeen similar to Emma's. My FMS has flared up now that I'm in my 7th month. The circulation in my hands and arms has been poor. All day I have tingling, achiness, stiffness, and burning sensations in my hands and arms. I wake up several times through the night, not use the bathroom, but because my hands are in excruciating pain. I understand that swelling is very common in this point in pregnancy--actually a good sign that my baby's growing. However, I think the swelling is aggrevating my FMS. The most frustrating part is that I can't take any of the medications that are effective for me and I have yet to find suggestions on how to cope with FMS during pregnancy.

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try tiger balm and get massages and talk to your dr about if the baby is large enough premature c section. Any one have any input after the baby is born on how they feel?

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I was just about to ask about this. :) I had a baby 4 1/2 months ago (my second), and my FMS seems to be SO much worse now. I had all the regular pregnancy symptoms, and they got pretty bad (aches, breathing problems, fatigue, etc.) (Jeannie, watch that swelling, though--make sure to tell your doc so that they can make sure you're not developing some hypertension...)
But anyway, before this baby I had I had daily symptoms but only had bad flareups every few months. Now it seems like every other week, something attacks me. This week it is bowel syptoms--abdominal pains, terrible gas/bloating, etc. A couple months ago, I went to the emergency room because I was having chest symptoms--not pain, but a sort of fluttery, twitchy feeling. Plus I just felt like doodoo. :) Spent 5 hours there, got ekg, blood tests only to be told all's normal, it's either acid reflux or stress. It finally dawned on me, after I started getting pain and the tinglies, that this was just another lovely fibro symptom I hadn't experienced yet.
I really hope that this starts to ease up soon. It is getting awfully difficult to function, I am getting depressed and anxious, and it's making it hard to raise my girls with the quality and care I'd like to.
Anyone else had this post-partum difficulty? Does it get better?!

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I am now in my second pregnancy and having a lot of difficulties, during my first my fibro was not present at all...I find that I get really bad flare ups when I don't get enough sleep, and as we with children know, you get less sleep when you have kids. I have found that chiropratic treatment and massage has worked well for me, **be sure to notify the people that give you treatment that you have fibro because you can end up hurting more after...It is relaxing and quite. I had many massages durning my first pregnancy, and it was wonderful, this time I haven't had the time but the pain I am in is making me find the time to relax...

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I have had 5 children before and 3 after diagnosis. Every pregnancy after the 7th month it became increasingly worse. by my 9th month I was begging for a c section. I couldn't walk. My husband had to help me do everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING. Then after my 6th child I almost bled to death. They said it was because my uterous was stiff like a cramping muscle. It wouldn't contract anymore. I had to have a DNC to stop the bleeding. Same with my 7th pregnancy. My 8th never saw the light of day. My uterous clamped down in my 8th month. I thank God that I'm still here. My suggestion is don't have more than 2 children if you have any simptoms of fibromyalgia. I love my childen and would never go back. But my pain is more frequent now and is more severe. I've had to have a nanny since my 3rd, I am unable to care for my children without her. xiddolophin@kadidle.net xiddolphin@yahoo.com

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Can anyone advise me I was dx with fibro/cosstcochondritis. Am also considering getting pregnant is that a really bad idea having a baby?

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Hi, I am not pregnant, but have had FMS for 20 years, and my daughter now 33, who has FMS since she was a teenager, maybe pregnant now. She is just begining all day nausea. For those with hand and arm pain, I reccomend wrist braces you can find in most drug stores, especially at night, they help stop pain in fingers and hand, also helps to alleviate possible corpal tunnel syndrome which is common with fbromites. Hope this helps some of you a little. Also for the tinglies and numbness or pain there is a topical lotion available by the name of Dibetaid that can help. Be sure to wash your hand and nails throughly, I do twice to make sure it is all off, because it can cause burning if you rub your eyes or near mouth.

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Hi. I am 23 years old and have had Fibro since a car accident in 99. It hit me very fast! within 2 years I lost all the jobs I tried, was no longer allowed to drive a bike or rollerblade or work. So I tried doing a course @ home, they are being charged so that didn't work out.I have been on disability now for a year and my Fibro seems to be getting even worse. The night sweats wake me up all night, the restless leg is now a restless body the feeling of bugs all over me when I lay down is worse. I am experiencing new feelings and symptoms of Fibro. I want to know if anyone has any suggestions to help me decide what to do about having a baby. Like I said I am 23 years old and I feel that if this is Fibro, what will I be like in 3 years? Will I even be able to carry a child for 9 months? Or should I not wait any longer and try to concieve a baby soon? Me and my partner are willing to do what we have to to concieve a child as soon as possible if we know that it is just not worth the risk of waiting. Please someone help me I don't know what to do. I am so scared that if I wait 3 years to have have a baby even 2 years that something may happen that I don't get to even have a baby at all in my life! I only want one!

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Hello. I’ve had FM since I was a teenager. Probably since, I was 12 and got hit in the face with a surfboard. I have a 7 month old who was born at 29 weeks. He’s good now.
The first 5 months I had morning sickness. I was ok after that, didn’t really have any major symptoms until 7 months. Around 7 months I swelled up and my FM symptoms came back in full force. For 3 weeks I looked like I was 9 months and felt like it too. Swollen ankles, aches, brakston hicks and a lot of pain. I put myself on bed rest because I didn’t feel so good. The whole time I was going to the chiropractor, which did help some. My water broke early and my son was 10 weeks premature. My contractions were about 5 minutes apart the entire labor, even at the end when I was pushing. Afterwards I was soar and achy again. My FM came back full force and I couldn’t take any meds because I was breastfeeding. It was definitely tough on me and I’m really glad that my husband helped out so much. Now, my FM is about the same as it’s always been.
I probably will only have 1 more child. It is worth it, but it’s really tough and you’ll need a good support system. I’m not sure if my FM was the reason for my early delivery, but so far the doctors haven’t found another reason. I don’t mean to scare you, just prepare you for all eventualities. Good luck.

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I have been suffering from Fibromyalgia for 14 years. I am only 32. I am now in the very early stages of my third pregnancy. Both previous pregnancies went very easily, my symptoms all but disappear, with the exception of a little achiness (to be expected when your joints are expanding for a baby) and migraines. For the last two years I was kept on numerous medications to treat the fibro. Let me tell you, it was not cheap, nor did it TREAT. It covers your symptoms. Fibro is actually caused by a lack of seratonin. The same as migraines. If you replace the seratonin, it greatly reduces your symptoms, without the SSRIs the heavy sedatives, and it lets you SLEEP, to restore muscles and mental health. Use 5-htp...it's sold at GNC's and most drug stores in the vitamin section. It's safe to take during pregnancy, I used it with my second child after it was ok'd by the dr. Do some research, don't simply rely on doctors that want your money, but don't offer REAL solutions.

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You ladies are all so BRAVE. I'm 37 and have had FM since I was 23. Been trying to have a baby for 2 years and have had 2 miscarriages. I am so scared that I will NEVER have a baby due to my history of miscarriages and then I have the whole FM factor to add to the mix. Has anybody been in similiar circumstances? Feeling really alone.

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Maryann, I am right there with you. I have had 1 miscarriage and 3 surgeries due to female problems. The FMS came up last year and I know how you feel. I am 35 and it is scary. Just remember that because you may not be able to get pregnant, you could still be a mother. There are a lot of children that need love. I know that it isn't the same but love comes in several ways. Take care of yourself and God bless!

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Maryann, don't give up and try not to stress too much. I've had fibro for almost 20 years but didn't get diagnosed until 5 years ago. I was 39 when I had my first daughter, and 42 with my second. It took us 10 years of trying off and on (couldn't afford fertility treatment, insurance didnt cover that), had several early miscarriages, but one day it just happened (and once you have the first, the second seems to conceive easier). As I wrote above, my fibro got a lot worse for awhile after the second, but it seems to have let up on me a bit. :) I'm still having problems, but not nearly so bad. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I met be getting back to "normal" (haha) I can handle that, been doing it for lots of years.
You're right, it's scary, but my girls are SOOO worth it! And like tonyab says, there are lots of kids out there that need love if you can't have your own. Good luck and love to you!

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Hi. Im 36 with a 13 yr old son. I have had FMS for about 11 years after a car accident. I am now pregnant for the second time- im 6 weeks along- I have noticed a huge flare up of my FMS as far as the aches, pains, sweats, hot/cold flashes, dizziness etc... The flare up started a few months before i became pregnant but hit like a ton of bricks after... I'm wondering about specific names of medications or vitamins... Something i can show my doctor. Also- were you guys able to have the chiro and massage covered under your insurance or pay out of pocket? How should i word my massage and chiro so that it gets covered? i know at my age theres supposedly a 1 in 3 chance of miscarraige, not including the FMS factor, and i intend to increase my odds in my favor!!

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I am 42 and 14 weeks pregnant. I stopped all meds in February and started taking a natural approach to feeling better. Lots of sleep and yoga made me feel human again. I have not felt any of my fibro symptoms till the last week. I have been unable to exercise due to morning sickness. I'm very disheartened because I was feeling so good and we wanted this pregnancy so bad.

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Nicole, not to be rude but you should know just so you don't have your hopes resting on only that, that a lack of seratonin is not the ONLY THING that causes fibro...if that were the case we could all be well practically instantly. It does cause depression and other common symptoms of fibro, and can certainly exaccerbate some of them... but I've had FMS since I was 17 and done a lot of research about it. I have some AWESOME doctors... I agree not to trust them all though! Knowledge is power. Everyone, This is my first pregnancy and i'm just starting the 2nd trimester...so far I still feel sick every day (neasous) and am really tired and achy... I do hope that it actually GOES away, even if it does reappear in the 7th month. ...Thanks for all the input, those of you that have been pragnant before!

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Just this past summer I have been diagnosed with MFPD and FMS. I know I have had it since my accident in 2001 and it runs in my family. But my symptoms have gotten alot worse. I can't breath, I can't do much around my house, the weather has me in bed for days, I can't sleep because I wake my self up because I stop breathing in my sleep and my hands and legs are in pain and the list goes on. I can only do dishes and I am done for the day. By my fault is on my good days I do to much, which is only clean the house, and laundry. But my question is, My fiance and I have been trying to have a baby, is it true that it is harder to get pregnant with fms? I know when I am ovulating because my flare ups get really bad. We also talked about adopting just because I know that this runs in my family and I don't want to take the chance of having a daughter and her having to go through this. But I also see how bad my sister is and she can't even take care of her kids, or she can't even go see them play sports because she hurts to much, and I am not far behind her with pain and not being able to do ANYTHING. So in away I would feel guilty not being able to take care of my own kids. I guess you can call me confused on what to do! I love kids and I can't amagine my life without them, but do I have them only because I want them. Or do I not and think of how well off they would be because I couldn't be there fully for them?

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I am presently 16w pregnant. My first trimester I did not have any FMS symptoms at all, but am now having a lot of aching that I initally thought might be just pregnancy symptoms but am now thinking are more fibro-esque. I am terribly sore in my low, mid and upper back and am aching in my bones. I am already doing prenatal yoga and am looking into some prenatal massage. What else can I do?

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My fms has totally disappeared I am 19 weeks pregnant. My fms was so bad before my pregnancy that I was on morphine for pain.
My fms started though following the birth of my first child - 8 yrs ago.

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Nicole, I have to tell you that I am with Lisa on this one. Fibro is not only caused by lack of seratonin. As a matter of fact the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. I found on a website called www.talkaboutsleep.com where a specialist in fibromyalgia, Dr. Peter J. Pellegrino says all medications need to be weaned off of early in pregnancy if not before. Just a little information that I came across.

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I left a big part out of my last answer. Dr. Pellegrino says particuarly anti-depressants and seratonin-type medications need to be weaned off of.

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If you are pregnant the medications used for Fibro better be kept on the shelf for the saftey of your unborn. Ask your doctor about this. Hugs

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how much pain was everyone in before they fell pregnant? is it worse? for example my pain is based in my legs. does it go to other parts or the body? or does it just get worse and worse the later the pregnancy goes on?

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I've had fm for 2 years now and now im pregnant with my third child. My FM has been alot worse since i got pregnant. I was diagnosed after my daughter was born in October of 2003. While i was pregnant with her i went through a lot of pain that i dint go through with my son. After she was born it got worse and worse. it seemed like i just couldnt get ahead of the fatigue and the pain. Now im pregnant again and its 3 times as worse and i work a full time job. Did anyone have to quit their job because of the FM while pregnant?

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I was just diagnosed with Fribromyalgia. I'm 34 and am planning to have my first child. I'm a little nervous since this is my first child and my doctor has told me about genetic disorders. Plus the complications with Fibromyalgia makes me a little more nervous. I found a helpful website. www.pregnancy-info.net/fibromyalgia. It seems there are some things that women can do to manage there Fibromyalgia while being pregnant. I suppose it's just finding out what works for you.

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I am 33 and I was just diagnosed with FMS on Monday, and now it all makes sense. I had a baby 4 1/2 months ago, my second child. And let me tell you, I was in pain for all of the third trimester and in the doctor's office constantly for this problem or that problem. We finally decided to induce 2 weeks early because I was in so much pain and I could barely walk. I thought I was just getting "old," but now I know what was wrong with me. I cried in the doctor's office when I got my diagnosis because all these years I had one pain after another and I was beginning to think I was a hypochondriac. For anyone who cares, here are all my symptoms. See if you can relate: excruciating headaches, pain in almost all of my joints, especially my hands, feet and neck, an inability even to shake hands with someone because of the pain; exhaustion, irritability, carpel tunnel syndrome while pregnant, constant pain in my feet no matter what shoes I'm wearing, mood changes, a weird fuzzy sensation in my brain, memory problems, even hypoglycemia my doctor now tells me is caused by FMS. The list goes on and on and on. But I am so grateful that it finally has a name! I do not think that I will have another child because I can't stand to go through that again. For the first time in my life I'm going to concentrate on taking care of me and my body.

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Michelle, I know exactly how you feel! I was diagnosed with FM about a year ago. I am 32 and pregnant with my 2nd child. I suspect I have had FM for many years because of the pain I have had even in my 20's which is not normal for a healthy person. I was on lexapro and sleeping pills and told to exercise daily to alleviate the symptoms. I felt much better, even just housecleaning was enough to ease most of my pain. I was just told I have a subchorionic bleed with my pregnancy and put on bed rest. It has been 2 weeks now and I feel like I am going to die. I have had horrible headaches especially in the evening, I cannot sleep at night anymore and cannot take anything for it. My hands and arms go numb at night and I limp around when i do get up because my joints hurt so bad. I also have memory problems and hypglycemia but had no idea it was related to FM. To be honest I all but forgot I even had it until I was put on bedrest. I was just getting into going to the gym a few times a week and trying to lose weight when I found out I was pregnant. I just realized today that all my pains are probably due to FM. I didn't think I would find any info on the net about pregnancy and FM but I'm so glad I found this site. I found a forum about the subchorionic bleed as well and all this info has helped me more than any Dr has ever explained to me. Good luck to all of you!

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I'm 10 weeks and so far the morning sickness has been intense. And since I decided to taper down some of my drugs, Effexor, Neurontin, I find the muscle pain and fatigue has definetly increased. So I don't know if its from the taper or the pregnancy...

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