My story so far..

I am so sorry that you have this diagnosis at such a young age. Actually, you are describing my daughter who is 28 but who doesn't yet have a diagnosis because she will not go to a doctor unless she's dying....like a few months ago when she almost bled to death. she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but then they did another ultrasound and changed their opinions---said her ultrasound was mixed up at the lab with someone else's. At least you have professionals who are helping, and trust me, that is the first step and the most important.

I am 60, and I've always been active, walking four miles with no problems, doing aerobics for years, and raising children while working full time. Now I have days when I can't walk at all except at a slow pace, for a few feet. This new symptom started in June of this year, and it's devastating to lose the ability to walk and to keep up with everyone else. I understand how hard this must be when you're 24 years old.

I am glad that you have good doctors, and that you have an early diagnosis. That will help you in the future, as you'll learn how to manage symptoms and live the best life you can. Don't forget, some times fibro goes into remission, and from what I've read, younger people are more likely to have a recovery.

I wonder if taking care of the PCOS and endometriosis first will relieve the fibro? You say the docs are not able to do anything except birth control to control your periods, but what about a D&C? Don't they usually do these to remove the endometrial tissue overgrowth? There has to be something.

'I feel like one big illness, I feel self conscious...' Wow, do I get that! I'd love to be able to give you advice, to guide you through this with wisdom and experience, but like everyone else, there are no concrete answers. We all do the best we can with an illness that doctors denied existed only a few years ago. At least now, it's recognized and we aren't all labeled 'crazy.' But remember that you have a support group, and we are in this together. Most importantly---medical science grows by leaps and bounds every year. One day there will be a cure for everything that hurts you now. there is hope.

From the age of 22-30 I dealt with overwhelming symptoms similar to yours. I was on Lyrica for muscle pain, high dose antidepressants (for muscle pain) and could barely get out of bed. I also have endometriosis and ulcerative colitis (both autoimmune). I am a RN, and have done a ton of personal research on fibro, and believe without a doubt it is an autoimmune disorder caused by inflammation in the body. About 3 years ago I was fed up and saw a naturopathic doctor. He checked my Magnesium and Vitamin D levels, which were so low he was shocked I was functioning at all. After high dose supplementation and a complete change in diet, my symptoms were GONE within 6 months to a year. The nutritional imbalance and leaky gut caused the chronic inflammation which leads to a whole string of autoimmune disease in those prone. I eat at least 5 servings of organic fruit and vegetables everyday, take high quality probiotics (or drink kefir) and supplement with high quality fish oil twice a day. All of these things eliminate the inflammation in your body. It is also important to try and identify if there are specific food allergies that could be causing inflammation, like dairy, gluten, nuts, ect.

There is definitely a hormonal component involved in fibro. Why is it women of child bearing age all get fibro? It is related to estrogen dominance which also causes inflammation. The supplement that has drastically improved by PMS and endometriosis is called DIM. I also take 2 supplements for adrenal insufficiency. In the morning I take Rhodiola and in the evening Ashwagndha. I completely agree that you need to be seen by a traditional MD to rule out other problems, but I cannot tell you how important it is to see a nutritionist or naturopath. I am joining these forums now that I am well, to share my story and hopefully help others. Good luck