Weakness. Is it fibro?

[Confused]

Hi guys,

I have been having issues since I had my first Caesarian back in November 2011 and it's been getting progressively worse. My mom had Fibromyalgia and is convinced that's my issue but I'm not so sure.

I don't get a lot of pain which is primarily what fibro is, as far as I know. I do get pain in my legs which I call "dead legs" because it feels like the tissue is dying or something. And I do get random pains in my back, elbows and knees. But nothing major. I have had chronic headaches for 3 months now, as well. I get pain and tingling in my hands, it started in the right hand and moved to both hands and finally sometimes my feet. The most troubling thing I'm experiencing is just the last 2 weeks, I've been having weakness or muscle fatigue in just my left arm and left leg. They can perform just as well, but feel tired or shaky.

I've had blood tests for iron, b12, thyroid, kidney function and liver enzymes, diabetes and all have come back normal. I've had ECGs because I sometimes have chest pains. I've had EMGs which showed my nerves are all intact and functioning fine. I've had an MRI and neurological exam which came back normal aside from some minor compression between my C4 and C5 vertebrae. I've had a Doppler study done on my arteries in my legs and feet because my feet were starting to hurt and my nails were bluish, it came back perfectly normal.

I'm completely lost! I hate walking into the doctors office because he thinks I'm a hypochondriac for sure. Last time I saw him he said I am perfectly healthy aside from idiopathic neuropathy (despite the EMG coming back normal and that specialist telling me it's not neuropathy).

Does any of this sound like fibromyalgia? I'm often forgetful and have trouble sleeping, waking many times per night. I'm only 29 and these new symptoms have me worried but it's so hard to face my doctor when everything comes back normal.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trenee]

You are still very young.i had symptoms even as a child that went unexplained and it wasn't all the time usually it was after a situation where i experienced stress and anxiety.i had all over achyness,and loos of muscle control,however I was a very active child.They never talked about muscular problems,but were determined I was learning disabled,when really I had test anxiety.all the way up through my early 20's after a big exam I would hurt all over and sleep for a very long time.i would always stretch and try to pop my back.

The anxiety and depression got worse as I got older as well as my aches and pains,stiff joints,sensitivity to loud noise and temperature and some Dr's associated this with my hormones.i was on and off of anti depressants and birth control pills,and I would try aids for my muscles like glucosamine (which caused hair growth,but in places I didn't want)and there were side effects of all of them so I would quit taking.it wasn't too major until I had gone back to college in my late 30's when my symptoms became more frequent and more extreme.after exams I would sleep for days,and would hurt all over.i tried working with a psychiatrist because I thought that was the only issue.we tried so many different drugs(all of which had side effects)so I associated my head aches,ibs,with that.over the years the drugs got stronger and my muscular symptoms got worse.couldnt walk to class,or even get out of bed.Honestly,I drank more than usual to deal with my symptoms so people didn't know I had an illness.

That was a problem,self medicating is not recommended.i never did that before school or work ever though.medicines were also a problem making me like a zombie.one day my muscles just locked up!!had to crawl to the bathroom because I couldn't walk.i started sleeping on the couch to be closer to the kitchen,bathroom,front door.

i was then diagnosed with fibromyalgia and other mental illnesses and had to go on disability.you may have it and it just hasn't progressed.i have neuropathy in my hands legs and feet still.ive had carple tunnel and corpal tunnel surgery and it has helped some.i am now on cymbalta,lyrica,and clonazepam (which for me and my anxiety is mild)I have been trying physical therapy,but after I feel worse for days.i also have good days and that's when I choose to do my shopping and running errands.i get some social interaction which most of the time is nice,sometimes not and I vent to myself in the car and at home where I'm presumed to be in private.

this forum is very helpful though.i just recently found it and it has made me feel not so alone in my struggles with this chronic and debilitating illness.you may try seeing a neurologist,or another Dr who can lead you in the right direction.my neurosurgeon told me it's all connected,its real and just finally hearing that comforted me and he is a very good surgeon.

i still have a lot of symptoms and pain despite all of my meds.so I take hot Epsom salt baths, and still use over the counter pain relief meds and creams.i have changed my diet for the most part,cut out "most" caffien and sugar (but I do treat my tastebuds every now and then).

It is definitely a tough journey.yours may be something else or it just hasn't progressed as much as mine has,but everybody is different.the important thing for you right now is to find a good doctor who will listen and proactively address all of your symptoms.good luck and take care of yourself!

 

[Karen44]

Hi Confused,
Yes, yours symptoms sound very much like mine. About five years ago when I started having fatigue issues,weakness in my left arm and leg were some of my first symptoms. Neurologist tested me for myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune illnesses but all the tests came back negative. As symptoms kept on
popping up, all tests came back negative for over 4 more years.
The neurologist finally mentioned fibromyalgia as a possibility. I was diagnosed in November. This forum is a great place for questions. Good luck.

 

[bluesky13]

Hi Confused,

My symptoms started out with fatigue, sensitive skin and achiness all over. I went to my PCP and was directed to Rheumy and was diagnosed with RA.....they were wrong. Then the Rheumy thought it was PA.....wrong again. I was giving myself Enbrel injection and developed an allergic reaction to the medication. Had to stop them. They did not help any of my symptoms anyway. I transferred to a new Rheumy and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. He has prescribed me the right medications to maintain it so far.

I would suggest you seek out a Rheumatologist to hopefully get your diagnosis right. Unfortunately, most doctors out there do not believe that Fibromyalgia is a real condition.

Good luck and Have a Happy New Year.