Fibromyalgia Questionnaire & Results

Latest Update: 11/18/2008

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54 QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETED DATA FORMS FOR May 2008

05/31/2008
Name: diane h.
City: emerald isle
State/Country: north carolina
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? rochester new york
Where Do You Live Now? north carolina
How Long Have You Lived There? 3yrs
Your Age? 64
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? diagnosed at 39 yrs 27 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39 yrs
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired waitress barmaid
Medical History: normal
Does Exercise Help? absolutely not
What Were Your First Symptoms? dizziness joint pain muscle spasms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? everything mentioned in your article
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? scarlet fever at 7 yrs old
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? just tooth fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? made it limitd
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing sometimes pain pills or muscle relaxers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes ever since menopause at age 41
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 25 yrs since age 41 at the onset of menopause
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes only antibiotics for tooth pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: chiropractic care muscle relaxers hydrocodone
Your Theories: none i dont know what made me go from the very energetic working mother of 5 children to this shell of myself
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

05/31/2008
Name: missy
City: Beech Grove
State/Country: Indiana
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Bremerton Washington
Where Do You Live Now? Indiana
How Long Have You Lived There? off on all my life
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? none
Medical History: had blood disorders and yeast problems, bowl problems and stomach..asthma
Does Exercise Help? yes, swiming weights
What Were Your First Symptoms? joints in neck shoulders hurt so bad couldnt lift a sm purse are plate
What Are Your Current Symptoms? every joint hurts, stiff muscle pain tired sometimes knuckles swell i cant hold small glass of water
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no?
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i dont have a life. pain so bad i cant do normal every day things. i have put on weight cause i cant move much i have become addicted to pain pills
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sugar,fastfood..pop..stress
What Makes You Feel Better? vegean eatting
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not sure?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? dont know what that is..like tooth paste?
Remedies Tried: vegean eating, medation..try to get sleep but like now i been up 24 hours cause of pain which makes it way worse!
Your Theories: i need help! i do strongly believe diet can make it better are worse!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no dont think so? oh, can yeast in body cause this?

05/31/2008
Name: Regina
City: Wantage
State/Country: NJ
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New Jersey
Where Do You Live Now? New Jersey
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 17 years of various symptoms I didn't know were related
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I have always been in the administrative field. I am no longer able to work.
Medical History: Hypoglycemia, TMJ, allergies
Does Exercise Help? somewhat, walking, yoga/stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? I suffered with hypoglycemia for many years along with allergies. Then other symptoms cropped up along the years.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Hypoglycemia, allergies, muscle/joint pains, numbness/tingling in hands and feet, restless leg, muscle twitches, brain fog, extreme tiredness, poor sleep, depression, OCD, tendonitis, light/sound/chemical sensitivities, skin rashes, no energy, IBS, tenderpoints/triggerpoints
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? had undiagnosed allergies as a small child that were treated as sinus infections with antibiotics. Had recurrning sinus infections treated with antibiotics as an adult. One lasted 6 months and required surgery for drainage.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I did administrative work in a pharmaceutical company.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can no longer do the things I did before. I can't keep up with children/housework/work outside the home. I can no longer handle the weather changes of the North East. Relationships are difficult because I'm just not the person I once was. I feel like the Princess and the Pea; everything has to be just right or I am miserable.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold/wet weather, stress, any repetative motions, overexertion in any activity, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Heating pad, hot tub, sauna/steam room, yoga/stretching, rest, chiropractic
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely. I can walk in a room and forget why I am there. I can drive a familiar route and suddenly not know where I am. It's very scary
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I had brain fog from the beginning.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, Celebrex and various cortisone injections for tendonitis. I had surgery on the tendon and I feel that spurred the onset. I seemed to be recovering from surgery and then went downhill.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not particularly
Remedies Tried: Elavil, muscle relaxers, OTC and prescription pain medications which I am allergic to and didn't do anything anyway, prescription anti-inflammatories, UltraClear, antioxidant drink, Lyrica, which helped at first and now I don't think is doing anything, Ambien, herbal products, injections from a pain management specialist. Now trying Malic acid and Magnesium and psychotherapy
Your Theories: I think it's something in our food and/or water that is poisoning us.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/31/2008
Name: Carole
City: Livonia
State/Country: MI
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Boston, MA
Where Do You Live Now? Livonia, MI
How Long Have You Lived There? 20+ years
Your Age? 69
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? at least 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53-55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retired from owning and running my own business
Medical History: IBS and some arthritis
Does Exercise Help? no...not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, achiness, IBS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? too many to list
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mononucleosis in college
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? smoked previously
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? unable to do most things that I was able to do. Even those things that I can still do my staying power is limited
What Makes Symptoms Worse? unable to tell
What Makes You Feel Better? can't tell that either but will feel better suddenly
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? don't recall
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: can only take Tylenol for pain. React badly to all aspirin based products
Your Theories: I don't like having this syndrome but when I see others with much more serious illnesses I am grateful with my lot in life
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/29/2008
Name: Wayne
City: Waukesha
State/Country: WI
Your Sex: male
Where Were You Born? Waukesha, WI
Where Do You Live Now? Waukesha
How Long Have You Lived There? 59 yrs
Your Age? 59
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 30
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Paralegal
Medical History: severe fatigue, headaches, aches entire body, eye pressure severe at times. 2 liver transplants, removed Gallbladder & spleen. Asthma, obstructed airway
Does Exercise Help? streching
What Were Your First Symptoms? pressure in forehead felt like haven't slept in 3 days
What Are Your Current Symptoms? the head along with cramps and body aches all over. severe fatigue, frustrating memory problems, wake 3 to 5 times thru eve vision blurs and gets strange. very stiif and tight body muscles, jaw aches, joints really painful, lately terrible gas constant for 2 or 3 days and more
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? pneumonia regular over last 5 years
Any Military Service? 1967-68
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? severly restricts ability to work due to concentration, memory and fatigue. Unable to finish things when I get bad bout.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? seems like over exerting one day leads to terrible couple days thereafter
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really but sleep helps in that I am not awake but sometimes I have felt better after a coupkle hour nap
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? absolutely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? very beginning for me but when younger the feelings came and went less often
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I recalle having a bad car accident and had sevwere head trauma where head split open. Lungs collapsed. Also, I got into a mess right after army with taking little white speed pills to help keep me awake. I started that because i was getting tired so oftebn and a friend who drove truck said he used them to help drive.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't know what this is???
Remedies Tried: None, trouble with getting a doctor who either knows , understands or even buys into Fibromyalgia. My liver specialist GI docvtor calls it "voodoo" medicine
Your Theories: I wonder if trauma has a relationship to setting off so many odd health problems. It seems to me this is very much like arthritis onlty everywhere and much more serious. I am told I have Gout, Rhumatoid Arthris, and Osteo-arthritis. also have sleep apnea and what I am told may be irritable bowel syndrome whichj is relatively new for me. It is quite uncomfortable.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What about, have you seen any specialits or family physician? Have you had any problems or trouble with a doctor believeing in Fibromyalgia? What have you done to get help and understand what/if you have Fibromyalgia?

05/29/2008
Name: Jan
City: Jonesboro
State/Country: Georgia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Metter, Georgia
Where Do You Live Now? Jonesboro, Georgia
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Human Resourses Manager
Medical History: None
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes - Pilates
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle and bone aches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Swelling, joint pain, all over body aches, sleeplessness, fatigue, constant pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I no longer have a social life. There are days that I literally can't get out of bed for hours.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress. Sitting for long periods of time.
What Makes You Feel Better? Moving. Exercies.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OH YES!!!! Unreal.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? A couple of years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. It progressed very quickly. I started with Requip because they thought I had RLS until it moved to my upper body.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? What is dietary fluoride?
Remedies Tried: Pamlor, Cymbolta, tramidole, Lyrcia, Ultram
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/28/2008
Name: Marie
City: Coquille
State/Country: Oregon
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Coos County
Where Do You Live Now? Coos County
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14 1/2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office Assistant, working part-time
Medical History: Sinusitis, allergies, prior to FMS, diagnosed with cronic fatigue, depression
Does Exercise Help? No, always makes it worse. Cannot even stretch without hurting for 3 to 5 days.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Sharp intense pain in the back of my head and neck. Fatigue, muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and stiffness, nerve spasms and twitches, pain and pressure in head and neck, anxiety, depression, inability to focus eyes, pains in joints, and more.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? sinusitis, on antibiotics frequently before major symptoms hit.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Work in sterile processing facility in medical field with ethlene oxycide gas, cidex liquid sterilization, and high powered disenfectants.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Down to working only part-time, rarely get even the necessities of daily life done. Have to carefully balance all activity. Do not have any fun anymore- everything hurts to much.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, to much activity, to little activity, PMS aggrievates severely.
What Makes You Feel Better? Eating well and keeping my activities in check seem to help a little, but not much.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, it can get very bad, feel stupid frequently and do not have much of a memory left.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Very quickly, woke up in the middle of the night screaming from sharp, intense pain in the back of my head, lasted over 3 hours, never got better, originally thought the fatigue and soreness was a result of not getting sleep that night, but it hasn't changed in 14 years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, I will look into though.
Remedies Tried: I use the chemical free diet and lifestyle, tried herbal remedies without any success, anti-depressants-don't work, over the counter pain medications, etc.
Your Theories: There is a lot of different possibilities: even a viral infection of some kind can cause your body to be to weak to handle other toxins, and irritating substances.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Has anyone else developed FMS before giving birth. My son has problems as well, not labeled with FMS so far but has ADHD and other issues.

05/26/2008
Name: Melinda
City: Valdosta
State/Country: Georgia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? dallas, texas
Where Do You Live Now? valdosta, georgia
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? unknown
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? high school
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? 2 years ago I had to stop working. Fatigue and pain overcame me.
Medical History: CFS diagnosed in 1986; severe endometriosis
Does Exercise Help? none as of yet
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? leg pain, arm pain, severe fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, light sensitivity, muscle fatigue/weakness, brain fog, TMJ, menieres, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? CMV, epstein barr
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Lost my job, can't hardly walk, can't sleep due to waking up in pain, husband has had to take on the role of a caregiver, and i have to fight everyday to get out of bed to do something contructive
What Makes Symptoms Worse? overdoing, sadness, heat!, not taking medicine on time, stress of having to act normal when around others who don't understand, exposure to chemicals,
What Makes You Feel Better? apples (10/day.. adds in oxygen to the blood supply); cold wraps on legs, cold house, lyrica (although trying to ween off because of side effects), vicodin, hydrogen peroxide therapy, swtiched to: non-toxic cleaners, shampoo, soap, conditioner; no longer use CFL, quit flouride
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3 years ago. I can't find the right words to say so conversations are difficult and full of anxiety. Two years ago is when I became severely ill and I could no longer do the logic for progamming on the computer.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Paxil
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Drinking water without fluoride, no fluoride in toothpastes, I still have yet to go off of Paxil which contains fluoride (seeing psych in 2 weeks)
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, physical therapy, Nasacort (for TMJ.. works well!), hydrogen peroxide therapy, about to get cpap, Effexor (pain + fatigue got better when I quit this medication), Robaxin,
Your Theories: Although my family focuses on the Epstein Barr which led to the CFS, my leg pain goes back farther. One theory I think about is the "swine flue" vaccine I got in 1976. I stood beside my mother as she got hers. She was sick with symptoms similar to FM for 2-3 years after the shot.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/26/2008
Name: jeanine
City: hopkinsville
State/Country: usa
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? memphis
Where Do You Live Now? hopkinsville
How Long Have You Lived There? 13 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? nurse aide
Medical History: lupus
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? rest less sress
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: no
Your Theories: I think I got my fribo after surgery
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

05/26/2008
Name: Gidget
City: Churubusco
State/Country: IN
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Tampa,FL
Where Do You Live Now? Churubusco,IN
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 + years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 8 + years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I'm not working
Medical History: High blood pressure allergies
Does Exercise Help? I was walking 2 miles a day now I walk maybe 1/3 of a mile twice a week. walking hurts so much
What Were Your First Symptoms? feeling wore out all the time, memory loss, I hurt somewhere different everyday it felt like
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain from head to toe, I can trip over nothing, I either sleep all the time or I'm up for days.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? 3-6 weeks
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? n/a
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I don't work. I love to quilt and it hurts so bad that I hardly do that. I'm a photographer and I cann't do that either.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? anything
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I tried lyrica with not luck. Pain pills, antidepression meds.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no. well it help
Remedies Tried: anything the dr gives me i have tried.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/25/2008
Name: mavis
City: coos bay
State/Country: oregon
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? myrtle point oregon
Where Do You Live Now? coos bay oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? coos county all my life
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? severe symptoms - 1990
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? mild symptoms - 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? laborer until 1990 - retraining then - office work intermittent until 2000
Medical History: no doctors until 1994 -
Does Exercise Help? stretching helps - yoga
What Were Your First Symptoms? weakness and muscle pain in arms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe pain - spine full of spurs and stenosis - brain fog - neck reversal of normal lordosis - weight gain - 50 lbs - diabetes - sleep disturbance - totally disabled
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no - but had some virus twice in one year when 18 and flu 2 years in a row when 30
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? who knows - moved to coos bay in 1980 flouridated water
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? all goals unmet - in poverty
What Makes Symptoms Worse? poor sleep - weather change - too much or too little activity
What Makes You Feel Better? good sleep - stretching
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 20 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? took antibiotics but i dont remember which ones - in the 90s it was common for docs to give antibiotics for pms - no medical coverage before early 90s
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: i take gabapentin and hydro and oxycodone for pain
Your Theories: polio vaccines - i remember when they first started - took sugar cubes w vaccine in it early 60s
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? cant think right now

05/25/2008
Name: heather
City: glendale
State/Country: ca
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? pittsburgh, PA
Where Do You Live Now? Glendale, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 YEARS
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14 YEARS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CUSTOMER SERVICE & RENTAL MANAGER
Medical History: bronchitis, asthma, neck and back problems,
Does Exercise Help? walking, swimming, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? pins in my neck, shoulders and back
What Are Your Current Symptoms? migrianes, neck, back and shoulders ache, numbness in my arms and hands, stomach issues, always tired and no energy, RLS, clumbsy
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, as a kid I was chronically sick
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have a hard time getting to work, lifting my child, I can't sleep well and it is a daily struggle to keep going
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lifting, not sleeping
What Makes You Feel Better? massages..
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? last year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? sleeping pills seemed to make it worse
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: loriset, muscle relaxers, vicodine, etc
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/24/2008
Name: Linda
City: Ravenna
State/Country: Ohio
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Bedford
Where Do You Live Now? RAVENNA
How Long Have You Lived There? 32yrs
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? daycare-kitchen
Medical History: Rhemitiod Arthritis
Does Exercise Help? ??
What Were Your First Symptoms? tired and sore
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back pain,rist,ankles
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes,it has made me tired,can't work long hours,can't vacume
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cleaning,using my hands alot
What Makes You Feel Better? rest,vitamins
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2-4yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vitamins,malic acid,massager
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/24/2008
Name: Kat
City: McDowell
State/Country: Florida, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New York
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? VP at a Bank, barely working
Medical History: too much to explain
Does Exercise Help? yes, usually cardio and stretching, yoga
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue, back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic fatigue, muscle spasms, trigger points, achy body and joints, back pain, jaw pain, irritable bowel, depression, weight gain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, herpes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? devasted
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lack of exercise and chiroproctic treatment, too much work
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, drugs, epidurals,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5-6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I remember going on several antidepressants when I went through a divorce, then symptoms started then
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: special diets, yoga, acupuncture, herbalists, soma, hydrocodone, effexor, cymbalta, celebrex,trazadone, zanax, chripractic, massage therapy, infrared sauna, rief machine, tens unit, trigger point injections, exercise, stretching,etc, etc, etc
Your Theories: ??
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What is the answer????????

05/22/2008
Name: MO
City: Wigan
State/Country: UK
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Warrington UK
Where Do You Live Now? Wigan UK
How Long Have You Lived There? 23 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Use to be PA Secretary, now unable to work
Medical History: Hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? No it makes it worse apart from slowly walking that seems sometimes help
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu type feeling
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle pain, fatigue, exhaustion, IBS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I thought when I first became ill I had flu that never got better
Any Military Service? Not served inthe military but lived on military bases as a child
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't think so but not sure
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has taken my social life, career, don't see some friends because of it, very isolating
What Makes Symptoms Worse? overdoing things, lack of sleep, too cold or too hot weather
What Makes You Feel Better? Taking Pregabalin 600mg per day, resting, reading
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 15
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, was taking antibiotics
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: nortripytline, amitryptiline and also nutritional therapies
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/22/2008
Name: Stella
City: OH
State/Country: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? OH
Where Do You Live Now? OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 yrs
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Last major episode started over 4 yrs ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Had low energy, headaches & muscle cramps as young as 6yrs
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? 11 yr waitress & 10 yr administration, not working now.
Medical History: painful menstrual, vitamin def. tooth trauma age 5, almost drowning experience age 2
Does Exercise Help? Walking, stretching, massage
What Were Your First Symptoms? Dizzy, lightheaded, fatigue, skin issues, depression, migrains, forgetfulness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, migrains, chemical sensitivities, ear aches, sensitive to sounds & smells, feeling of being poisened, shoulder, neck, back, legs & joint pain. But I have had bouts of major improvement for 6 months now.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? cat scratch fever , mono , possible herpes
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mold in childhood home, lived near electric company, now live in a toxic city that smells, pesticides in home
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I Have been diagnosed with many things like depression, add, vit def, cfs, fibro.Have taken many meds to no relief. Have been exhausted just trying to keep up with responsibilities & stresses of life & marriage. Exhausted from having to justify my health issues and not feeling understood, validated or supported. Have been very sad at the fact that I Never Wanted to be like this I have passions, desires and pent up creative energy, just like everyone else. at many times feeling helpless & hopeless. I had to learn to let go and give it all to God.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, life & marriage issues, stressfull jobs, taking on too much, overthinking, bad food, chaos, talking on the cell phone, tv & noise, sick pets. Cold
What Makes You Feel Better? Prayer, a bath, letting go,love, connection with others, keeping it simple, simple surroundings especially in the bedroom is very soothing & helps me feel better. My pets make me laugh. Not focusing on my issues, validation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12 yrs ago, i know the exact moment it worsened at a time of major major stress i was waitressing & all of a sudden my brain stopped working I couldn't remember table orders i felt like i lost my mind and it has not completely returned yet. I had to quit my job of 11 yrs. and take a less stressful job.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have had a pattern of getting better then worse, then better, then worse. Over the yrs the symptoms have become more disabling i have developed allergies & sensitivies to just about everything. I do think 6 yrs on adderall helped to poison my body. I am now & have been prescription(drug) free. and It feels Damn Good!
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, I never knew about that until earthclinic
Remedies Tried: zoloft, prosac, wellbutrin, provigil, effexor, adderall. A natural suppliment program from holistic DR., psycotherapy, diet changes, environment changes & product changes to almost chemical free
Your Theories: One thing I know for sure is that environmental toxins exaggerate existing syptoms as well as bring out new ones. I believe there are undiscovered toxins maybe even mold in my home(all homes) & neighborhoods. Where can we go for support? it seems there is support & support groups for other health issues but i have yet to find any for CFS/FIBRO/MCS
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How the hell are we still breathing?

05/22/2008
Name: Justin
City: Newport Beach
State/Country: CA
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? CA
Where Do You Live Now? Newport Beach
How Long Have You Lived There? whole life 26 years
Your Age? 26
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Managment, Franchise development
Medical History: Panic Attacks since about 15
Does Exercise Help? Walking when I have the energy does help
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain, Foggy head, Pain, Tiredness, Stiffness did i mention PAIN !
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain especcially Back and hip
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Scotch
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Lost Work And Friends Un Able to work for over a year.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep, irregular excersise, Cold weather, Rain and Laying or sitting incorectly
What Makes You Feel Better? Stretching, Walking regulary and drugs
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? last year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Symptoms formed with in about 3 months and eventually were very painfull and crippling. Started about 6 months after shingles outbrake.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, as well as gluten, all sugars, yeast, and starch
Remedies Tried: Topomax, Zanaflex, Oxycontin, neurontin, klonopin, xanax, ADD Meds, Ultram, Ultracet, Percoset, and morophine.
Your Theories: Zanaflex and Oxycontin worked very well but I dont recomend it as you will become addicted. My pain used to be so bad I wanted to die they kept trying med after med after med nothing worked finally was given narcotics that worked very well. I could be in bed basically crippled take a pill and an hour later do 100 jumping jacks. I recently got off of that kind of medication and that was hell. Now taking add medication (low dose stimulant) with zanaflex at night with alot of herbal supplements. In pain at times but not as bad as before thank god.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Any other family with fibro ? Is it inherited ?

05/22/2008
Name: Prea
City: Victorville
State/Country: Ca, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? NC
Where Do You Live Now? CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 20+ years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5-6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? about 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? at the time, socialworker, notin that line of work any longer, I'm now a Real Estate Sales Consultant.
Medical History: Cronic daily migrains.
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Any.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Soreness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, soreness,numbness in fingers, reatlessness, head gog, vison problems, headachs, mouth sores, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? two weeks ago
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No????
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I had to retire from prior job, didn't work for two years, now working job that I can "set my own schedule"
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, rain, over-cast skys, wind,
What Makes You Feel Better? The sun, being warm
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ????? I'm in a fog all the time.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Fen-Phen around 1996
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not sure
Remedies Tried: No
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/21/2008
Name: Janet
City: Eldon
State/Country: Missouri
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Enid, OK
Where Do You Live Now? Eldon, MO
How Long Have You Lived There? 2
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Project Management Yes, in another field. After two medical leaves of absence I determined it would be my responsiblity to fix my health then return to business
Medical History: Very fit, worked out 5 days a week and played softball & volleyball. I have had IBS most of my life, it has just been worse in the last several years.
Does Exercise Help? I have not been able to consistantly excercise but Yoga helps.
What Were Your First Symptoms? blacking out (I could hear but not move for approx 2 minutes) then fatigue, exhaustion. Initially many days if I was awake 4 hours that was a good day. Walking from Bedroom to Kitchen would exhaust me so I would nap in front room before fixing breakfast.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Occasionaly muscle soreness, still have memory issues, and IBS.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I value/appreciate my health. I miss being active.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? When my body is non daily issues - cold, monthly cycles, etc
What Makes You Feel Better? Knowing I control my options; feel better or eat meat :) Meditation/relaxation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, depacote and another seisure medication. I don't remember all of them, it was approx 8 -10 total before I decided to go natural.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Raw foods only - worked wonderfully if I had time to do it. Multiple series of vitamin treatment from natural healers on web. Currently I see a nutrition who uses natural supplements. Working OK
Your Theories: I believe that my onset was caused by a severe fall to my neck/head. It lead to symptoms that was determined 5 years later to be fibromyalgia. My journey has been lllllong and difficult but what I found is wonderful ME... The challenges of slowing down has given me time to get to know me. That has been wonderful.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Hope, what kept you trying new sources?

05/21/2008
Name: Carolyn
City: Southampton
State/Country: England
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ramsgate, England
Where Do You Live Now? Southampton, England
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? been feeling awful for years and only recently been diagnosed
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33 approx
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? working part time in an offfice
Medical History: High Blood Pressure Migraines heavy Periods Lower back pain
Does Exercise Help? not yet discovered what helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? Migrains and IBS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Tiredness headaches all over stiffness IBS forgetfulness depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not aware of this
Any Military Service? NONE
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NONE
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? find it hard to get moving or motivated usually always something hurting
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? not found this yet!!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3-4 - put it down to the menopause
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I started to feel ill shortly after giving birth to twins in 1991 and been given birth control injections, depro provera (SP?)
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: anti depressants
Your Theories: not at the moment - have hospital appointment next month
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? cant think of anything at this time

05/21/2008
Name: BILLIE JO
City: ELY
State/Country: MN
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? ELY
Where Do You Live Now? ELY
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 YEARS
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? NURSE...YES
Medical History: OVER WEIGHT WAS IN A MVA 6 MONTHS BEFORE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS
Does Exercise Help? YES AEROBIC WEIGHT LIFTING
What Were Your First Symptoms? SHOULDER BACK AND LEG PAIN FATIGUE
What Are Your Current Symptoms? FATIGUE PRESSURE POINT TENDERNESS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? DONT HAVE ENERGY TO DO THINGS I WANT AT TIMES
What Makes Symptoms Worse? LACK OF SLEEP, STRESS
What Makes You Feel Better? WELL BALANCED SLEEP EXERCISE AND NUTRITION
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I'M NOT SURE
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? FEN PHEN
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: ANTI DEPRESSANTS
Your Theories: I WAS TOLD WHEN I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE MVA THAT TRIGGERED THE FIBRO
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/20/2008
Name: Mable
City: Palatka
State/Country: Fl.
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? New Jersey
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 71 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 63 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? registered Nurse Retired
Medical History: Asthma Hypertension
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tightness and heaviness in front of my thighs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? heaviness tightness in thighs, Hips and buttocks muscles achey pain on standing and walking. Also Stiffness Stiffness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? not able to walk or stand more than a few minutes before having to sit
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Walking, or Standing
What Makes You Feel Better? sitting hot soaks
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I would say a little but it has never been diagnosed by a Dr.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? a few months ago I noticed
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Ibruphophen 800 mg q 4 h
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: skelexion celecrex Lyrica melexicam
Your Theories: I have been hearing that accupunture is very helpful for fibrmyalgia but then I heard it was helpful only in newly diagnosed cases I am willing to try it If it will help. I know medicare will not pay for this, I am frusted at being limited in ADLs and other funtions
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/19/2008
Name: debbie
City: laurel
State/Country: montana
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? douglas wyoming
Where Do You Live Now? laurel montana
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 yrs
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? business owner yes
Medical History: ectopic pregnancy gallbladder removed two back surgeries hysterctomy high cholesterol
Does Exercise Help? no to painful
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain severe pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain fatigue stiffness can't sleep brain fog extreme sensitivity to lights sounds and extreme sensitivity to touch tmj
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? seem to have strep throat freqeuntly also had mono when 17 yrs old out of school for a month
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? greatly daily no relief
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress weather to much activity
What Makes You Feel Better? not much i take up to 10 hydrocordone a day fo pain
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? seven
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes can't recall
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: paxill nuerontin lyrica/oxycontin ambian efexor
Your Theories: it is all about budgeting energy for me and i am always at between 7 to 9 on the pain scale not unusual to lose 2 to 3 days a week to being in bed all day
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? how do i continue to live with this and how does weather affect it

05/19/2008
Name: P.K.
City: Norwalk
State/Country: CT USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Boston, MA
Where Do You Live Now? CT
How Long Have You Lived There? whole life
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? several
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Baker, unable to work.
Medical History: Heathy as a child. Suffered tremendous amount of stress in thirties. Adrenal exhaustion, postpartum depression, divorce.
Does Exercise Help? Not really. Yoga just helps get it off your mind.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Extreme fatigue, burning and aching in legs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme fatigue and emotional exhaustion, aching burning in legs especially at night, frequent urination, tingling in fingertips, ringing in ears, brain fog, very poor short term memory, depressed from never feeling well, irritability. Don't feel like doing anything.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Epstein-Barr, hepatitis.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? They always sprayed overhead when I was a child. We used to run inside.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Unable to work and live a productive life. Guilt over not being able to do things with and for my children. Heartbreak over missing out on life. Extreme financial stress in marriage over being unable to support myself. Isolation because no one understands.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, getting chilled, doing too much. Feeling like I have no help!
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, healthy food, meditation, shiatsu treatments. Emotional and physical support. Grocery delivery and my kids doing the vacuuming!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Two.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes and No. I never took any drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't eat sugar, white flour or anything processed, ever! I consume very little caffeine. Eat lots of organic produce.
Remedies Tried: Homeopathy did nothing, Chinese medicine didn't work. Now taking vitamins and antioxidants and chlorella.
Your Theories: It is real and IT SUCKS.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No.

05/19/2008
Name: Christy
City: High Point
State/Country: NC
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? High Point NC
Where Do You Live Now? High Point NC
How Long Have You Lived There? 41 yrs
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I.T. analyst, yes
Medical History: Asthma, allergies, ADD, hypothyroid, high bp, depressed, alcoholic
Does Exercise Help? When i can do it, walking.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue and unable to 'get going'
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme fatigue, brain fog, unable to clean house or exercise or do anything i want to
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? mercury fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? its brought it to a stand still. all i can do to work anymore.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, poor diet/nutrition, too much junk food, not taking my vites and supplements
What Makes You Feel Better? Following dr. rodger murphree's protocol for FMS
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2-3 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. no drugs i can recall
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Everything I've ever read, warm baths, stress reduction, meds, etc.
Your Theories: The ONLY thing that has ever helped me is Dr. Rodger Murphree's FMS/CFS protocol. He is a specialist in orthomolecular medicine and absolutely knows his stuff. I found Dr. Willen in Greensboro NC who got me on this program and its helped more than i ever anticipated. However I need to do more to clean up my diet bc i can tell a big difference (that i'm not doing my part). This book about Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia is the -Best- book i've ever found on the disease and his treatments have made a huge difference. Please try it and see for yourself (and no, i'm not getting a kickback for recommending him! lol) http://store.drmurphreestore.com/fimopo.html
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/19/2008
Name: Paula
City: Everett
State/Country: wash
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? washington
Where Do You Live Now? washington
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? five
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? safety I am still working
Medical History: carpal tunnell, tennis elbow , surgeries to fix... high colestrol, fatigue , thyroid,
Does Exercise Help? Water exersice, streching sometimes helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain all over
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Most of the time
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have gained weight and I am so tired all the time and in pain ,,,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too much physical activity
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot tubes,,,, pain pills, warm weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had a totaly my ovaries removed and within I month I had all the pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: tramadol
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/19/2008
Name: Debi
City: Snyder
State/Country: Texas
Your Sex: Femsle
Where Were You Born? Snyder, Tx
Where Do You Live Now? Snyder, Tx
How Long Have You Lived There? 51 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Registered Nurse Applying for Disability
Medical History: Hypertension
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Extreme fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, muscle pain and burning, brain fog, Restless legs, insomnia, excessive sweating, depression, anxiety, urine incontinence
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Genital Herpes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has made me a 90 year old woman at the age of 50. My mother has it. My 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with it this year. It stops me from living the way I want to live.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Heat, working, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Medrol Dose Pak once every 3 months makes me feel alive for about 2 weeks. Everything else just helps a little. NSAIDS, hot baths, rest, rubs and creams, rest,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I've just noticed that for the last 5 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had a series of Hepatitis B vaccine at the time I developed this.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Elavil, Prozac, Magnesium, Guifenasin, Multi Vitamins and Minerals of all sorts, B6 and 12, Lyrica, Medrol Dose Pak
Your Theories: Viral??? Vaccines????
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I don't know.

05/19/2008
Name: Sarah
City: Pittston
State/Country: Maine
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Maine
Where Do You Live Now? Maine
How Long Have You Lived There? Mos of my life
Your Age? 24
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 or more
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 12
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Cleaning at local Inn. Yes.
Medical History: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Severely painful Periods, Never feel rested. anxiety, Depression , Constant muscle and body pain, Foggy thinking, Horrible short term memory, Abdominal pain. Sugar and carb cravings ADD, Reynaud%uFFFDs syndrome, Painful intercourse and a variety of pains and sensations that never revealed any infection, Ear pain, skin twitching, itching, molting , discolored, excessive hair growth, Growing pains as a kid, constant feeling of needing to urinate, eyelashes that fall out and grow in at odd angles, Tight swollen like sensations to different areas. Balance, clumsiness, trouble speaking simple words, and more.
Does Exercise Help? The job that I have involves a lot of walking. up and down halls sometimes while pushing laundry buckets, up and down stairs. Its helped a bit but leaves me unable to do much actualy exercice.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Id say the J.R.A but the sleep problems and PMS ( started at 12) seem to be what started the roulette wheel of symptoms.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, Feeling unrested. Body wide pain, Stifness, Multi skin issues, Dry, molting, rashes, discoloration Reynaud%uFFFDs syndrome, Dysmenera, skin pain itching throbbing twitching, Dry mouth, eyes, nose, Memory,speech balance and vision problems, and as stated above a roulette wheel of other symptoms, That frustratingly I can't list all off at the moment.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mercury as a kid. From a broken glass thermometor. I work with cleaning chemicals daily.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am at the disagnosis stage. I am anrgy and scared and angry again. My Job is taking toll and im starting to falter alot. NO one understands, even my sister who just now tells me her doctor mentiond it to her years ago, My aunt also has it, My sister in law also has it. I can't even hold my neice or go to a moive. Iv wasted time years being labled crazy and dismissed, medicated and not listened to. It hasnt affect my life its destroyed it and I'm just starting to try and built something now.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, certain food, sitting for long periods or over activie periods, Sitting is a chair like I am now, the weather, Rain Oh do I have Rain and cold, Stress, To bright a light, To cold, eating certin things
What Makes You Feel Better? Working on that one
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I had leaning problems ( Spacing out bad memory, confusion, ) Since childhood
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not yet
Remedies Tried: Thought I had not Fibro diagnosis at the time, I was on Lexapro, cymbala, paxil, Kilonopin,
Your Theories: Edcuating Med students! I live in Maine. Not to be mean but the doctors here are already SO undereducated the older usualy Male doctors more then a few with the Shovinistic shes imaginig it or shes depress syndrome. To but it lightly a friend of mines mother had gotten suddenly very sick. Sever weightloss and such. My friend went for an appointment with the family doc (The same man treating her mother) She wanted a test for Mono. She worked at a college and with her symptoms it was likly. She couldnt risk contamination obviously. The doc said she was depressed and she basicaly had to beg for the test. She had to work a week and then call for the results. Not only did she have mono but she had to call about the results. She took her mother to a new doctor the next week and within a month her mother was better. If we have doctors like this here? How can we ever get help? Before I have gramdkids ( If) Why arent they teashing the students!??
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family history maybe?

05/19/2008
Name: Donna
City: Lynchburg
State/Country: Virginia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lynchburg
Where Do You Live Now? Lynchburg
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 maybe more
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? n/a
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? sore soles, hair loss, morning stiffness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, stiffness, hair loss,muscle twitching, frequent low grade fevers, headaches, neck and back pain, gritty eyes, mouth problems, memory problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? unable to live a normal life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? menstruation, doing to much, weather
What Makes You Feel Better? rest helps some, ultram helps alot
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? atleast 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: st johns wort, L-tryptophan, lyrica, cymbalta, effexor, lexapro, ultram
Your Theories: n/a
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

05/18/2008
Name: Patricia B.
City: Ringtown
State/Country: pa
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? lavelle pa
Where Do You Live Now? Ringtown
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 yrs
Your Age? 70
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired
Medical History: stomach problems Heart palutations
Does Exercise Help? No makes pain worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue brain fog
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain fatigue and somre brain fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? 0
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? was always active now I can only go 2-3 hrs a day...then I need to lay now..that is when the fatigue and deep sleep begins and I'm on the couch till bed time
What Makes Symptoms Worse? any kind of activity stress
What Makes You Feel Better? just laying around
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Was very bad I took Malic Acid and it helped
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 yr
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I believe I have it for several years it was when I retired from a job where I sat all day..To becoming more active when retiring. Plus I moved from a large city ,from condo living , working 10 hr days...to a very country setting..to buying and managing a house on my own...and nothing to do...Which I became very unhappy...So from city to country from condo..from work to no work seemed to really trigger it all.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: immunity vitamins B vitamins malic acid Drs say I eed to go on a anti depressent...but I'm afraid . I'm VERY sensitive to all medicine.
Your Theories: I wish I tried weekly swimming therapy for 6 months would feel better the next day but then the pain would get worse for the rest of the week...Out here in the country they think Fibro is only pain (because thats all they seems to advertise on the Lyrica commericals) They don't seem to know about the fatigue or brain fog .
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do you become depressed from all the fatigue...

05/17/2008
Name: Charlene
City: Muncy
State/Country: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Clevland, OH
Where Do You Live Now? PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Took care of Profoundy Mentally Retarded Man in my home, Pilot Car Escort for super oversized loads. I am not working now and have been fighting for disability for 5 years.
Medical History: Chronic ear infections, Tubes in ears from age 10 to 18. Repairative surgery on ear in 1980 when I was 18. Healthy, trim, active. Gained 60 pounds in 4 months. Was diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism. After thyroid replacement meds, still fat, symptoms worsened and seem to be progressive except I hear that they say it isn't. Fell and had a cuncussion at age 3 or 4. I have two children.
Does Exercise Help? Excersize exacerbates my pain. Light streatching in the morning for 20 to 30 minutes before I can think about getting out of bed. I must streatch frequently throughout the day to keep from getting stiff.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain and fatigue, chronic constipation, weight gain, dizziness, changes in vision, acid reflux. Insomnia
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All of the above but also burning skin sensation, stabbing, shooting, burning, bonecrushing pain, depression, anxiety attacks, tingling sensations in fingers and toes, muscle spasms, lack of co-ordination, weakness, dizziness, lack of concentration, forgetful, Insomnia.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no except if you count a mouth full of the bad kind of fillings. I have since lost all my teeth.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? My marriage has been strained almost to the point of divorce, family support almost non-existant. Can't work. Words used to be my life...but now i can't find the word I want, especially trying to have a conversation. I lose my thought a lot, walk into door jams, walk like I'm drunk because I am so dizzy, depression to the point of suicidal thoughts, I can't go camping, hiking, fishing like I used to do. I was very active and loved the outdoors. Now all I do is crochet and watch TV. I barely have enough energy to make it through the day. I sometimes forget to eat. I am living alone most of the time and basically don't cook much any more. My house is dirty, I can't keep up with the housework. I have no one to help me unless I pay them. I have no job to make money to pay them. I seldom feel like leaving the house or have the energy to do so. Everything I loved about being me is gone. Eleven years of piano lessons and a passion for music of all kinds...but I don't feel like playing. Arthritis in my hands and back make it painful to play my piano.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Overdoing myself, finantial, family,and all kinds of other stress. Too much activity, too little activity, twilight til dawn, when I can't sleep, rainy days, being cold, forgetting my meds. Playing with my grandchildren.
What Makes You Feel Better? My dog, my bed, a good book to help keep my mind off the pain and depression, seeing my grandchildren talking to my Mom.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES, Definately!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, the hypothyroidism and Fibro have many overlapping symptoms and it was dificult to get a proper diagnosis. I didn't have any changes in meds since I wasn't taking any, but my Father had recently died from Lung Cancer and I quit smoking.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have well water. No flouride. I took flouride tablets when I was in grade school.
Remedies Tried: Ultram, Celebrex, acetaminoophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, trazadone, prozac, nortriptaline, amytriptoline, flexeril, gabapentin (neurontin), antivert, multivitamins, various herbals,
Your Theories: I recently got a book called "The Makers Diet" that suggests the lack of nutritions and increased chemicals in food and the atmosphere. I'm going to try going organic (no hormones or chemicals or pestisides) food only. Much less sugar, more herbs, and natural and organic soaps, shampoos, cleaning suppies, etc.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What about traumatic experiences both old and new. My father was an abusive alchoholic who touched me inappropriately many times from early childhood until my teens when I no longer tolerated it. I was afraid of him while growing up. After I grew up and talked with my father, forgave him, got him to go to AA and began a new relationship all over with him, he got Cancer and I helped to care for him as he was dying. This was very emotional since I was the only one of 4 who forgave him and was on speaking terms with him before he got sick. I don't know if this has anything to do with it. I've just seen on other questionaires that they ask about emotional trauma as well as physical.

05/17/2008
Name: Kelly
City: Red Oak
State/Country: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Houston, TX
Where Do You Live Now? Red Oak, TX
How Long Have You Lived There? 2.5 years
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Photographer, part-time
Medical History: none before a bout of viral Meningitis Sept. 1991, then the onset of FMS symptoms began
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking on the treadmill...feeling well enough to do it comes in spurts.
What Were Your First Symptoms? drastic fatigue and pain in every joint
What Are Your Current Symptoms? irritable bowel, hypothyroid, brain fog, depression, anxiety fatigue, pain, weakness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? meningitis Sept 1991, seemed to take a long time to feel "awake" agai.
Any Military Service? Husband served for 21 years, we were married for the entire time...are still married!
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am unable to keep up with household chores, seems once we were done with the military, my body isn't running on adrenaline anymore and I am tired and sore much more often. Quality of life (that I have to give others) is low.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? abrupt changes in weather, too many commitments in a short amount of time, sleeplessness
What Makes You Feel Better? good sleep schedule, good diet of fruits and vegetables, lots of rest during the day
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Oh YES! There are days that if I don't write something down immediately, it is gone! I find it hard to get a word that I am trying to say, I certainly don't feel sharp witted!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10ish
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/12/2008
Name: Kathi
City: Burlington
State/Country: Ontario, Canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Southern Ontario
Where Do You Live Now? Burlington
How Long Have You Lived There? life
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? was retail, no longer able to work
Medical History: depression, hysterectomy, gallbladder, endometriosis
Does Exercise Help? no, cannot do any
What Were Your First Symptoms? twitching all over, jolty pain all over, jumped all around body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? head to toe muscle and tendon pain, oddly no back pain, weird sensations when tendons touched
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no, but had a stomach virus of some sort right before symptoms got really bad
Any Military Service? nope
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no doubt, haven't we all, lived near a steel company for few years
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? completely housebound, 180degree turnaround socially, and professionally, and as mom
What Makes Symptoms Worse? nothing in particular, no rhyme or reason
What Makes You Feel Better? being around people, pain meds,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, very badly esp on weekends for some reason, worse when i sleep in i think
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? very bad for about a year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes fairly quickly, was on drugs for depression but nothing new, had restarted topomax and wondered about that
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no,where would one find this?
Remedies Tried: just pain meds, muscle relaxers etc...recently synthetic t3 has been helping even though thyroid measured normal
Your Theories: strongly believe this is related to surgery that i had to remove fibroids. never felt right following that.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? perhaps more about womens issues, hormones taken etc...like birthcontrol pill etc... thx for your work!!!!

05/11/2008
Name: Gale
City: HOUSTON
State/Country: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oklahoma City
Where Do You Live Now? Houston
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4-5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office Manager
Medical History: Hysterectomy 12 years ago
Does Exercise Help? Don't have the energy for exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tiredness, numbing of limbs when riding in a car
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, pain over all of body, pain to the touch of any part of body, numbness, foggy head, lack of focus
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? have had the flu twice in my life lasting about 1 week
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? lived in California by Cotton fields that were exfoliated each season
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? no, maybe just slowed me a little
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? have found a relief yet
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? within the past year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, I have been suffering from fatique and overall pain. It has just been the last few months that I have associagted all this with Fibromyalgia
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: ibuprofen. Exfoliating my skin for toxins, ginger packs
Your Theories: Just read the Oil Pulling site. Am going to try that
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

05/11/2008
Name: Kim
City: Catawissa
State/Country: PA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Berwick,pa
Where Do You Live Now? Numidia,PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 7years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? hairdresser,yes
Medical History: nome
Does Exercise Help? yes, any kind
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue and overall achiness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue,sore hands,headaches,stomache problems. A huge varity of symptoms
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? starches,carbs,sugars,not enough sleep,stress
What Makes You Feel Better? watching what i eat,exercise, getting a good nights sleep but that is hard
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4-5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: currently seeing a iradologist (not sure on spelling).She looks in my eyes.I am alot of hebs,and it's helping ALOT.
Your Theories: I don't like telling people or Doctors I have fibro because not many believe in it.They think it's all in my head.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? yes. Do you have the feeling of swollen extremities but they don't appear swollen?

05/11/2008
Name: Earnestine
City: Aurora
State/Country: Colorado
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Tennessee
Where Do You Live Now? Colorado
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 yrs.
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Air Craft Appearence. No.
Medical History: Osteoarthritis, and Osteoporosis in spine
Does Exercise Help? No. Leg and back strengthing exercises
What Were Your First Symptoms? Back and leg pain, then fatigue and pain all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back pain, sometimes legs, hand and neck pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I can remember, but I did have rocky mountain spotted tick fever at age eleven.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes, I worked at the airport for eight years. TOXIC CHEMICALS. my PROBLEMS STARTED three YEAR AFTER I started working at the airport
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am mostly confined to my home. About 75-80% of the time I'm in bed
What Makes Symptoms Worse? over excertion. sitting , standing, or walking over an hour.
What Makes You Feel Better? infarred heat, rest and massage
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, I have left home and forgot where I was going before I got there.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? About three years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Elavil, trammadol hcl.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Trammadol - after five years of taking this medication, I started to have an allergic reaction to it. So I stopped taking it.
Your Theories: I now use herbs, a tea made from calendula dried flower, twice a day. It helps my pain and is good for inflammation
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Nothing that I can think of at the moment.

05/09/2008
Name: kerrie
City: canby
State/Country: or
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? spokane wa
Where Do You Live Now? canby or
How Long Have You Lived There? 31 yrs
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 ish
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? own retail store
Medical History: 2 child births enymia Hysteroctmy kidney stones 3 x's gsll bladder gone migraines depression fibromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? na
What Were Your First Symptoms? i think depression and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle aches fatigue depression shooting pains
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono ? not sure
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? on anti depressants afraid to excercise need alot of sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress barimetric pressure changes
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? when i have a flare up YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? i noticed it about 9 yrs ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: guyfenasen it helped or else it was all in my mind :)
Your Theories: When i feel anxious i can feel the pain increasing under my skin. Effexor helps 10 hrs sleep absolutly must
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/09/2008
Name: Marcie
City: Calabasas
State/Country: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Detroit, MI
Where Do You Live Now? Calabasas, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? most of my life (leaving for college)
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I take care of my 5 year old and 3 year old
Medical History: migraines as a child. They went away for 17 years. 2 c sections. Mono at 18.
Does Exercise Help? yoga
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg aches in calves like I was getting the flu
What Are Your Current Symptoms? leg aches all over my legs, migraines, spots in my vision for 5 months, positive ana, positive ssa, fatigue, irritability, problems with sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono (high levels of epstein barr igg and igm in my bloodwork)
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am in chronic pain. I feel it is unfair to my children. It often puts me in a very bad mood.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? yoga
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no, but the topamax for migraines did!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I went to a relatively severe state immediately when my 2nd child was 4 months old.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, but I would like to know more about this.
Remedies Tried: lyrica, human growth hormone, thyroid meds, zanax, clonopin,melatonin, valerian, now trying sentra am, sentra pm, cq 10, b2, beta blocker
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/09/2008
Name: Pat
City: St. Louis
State/Country: MO
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Tampa Florida
Where Do You Live Now? St. Louis
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 64
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 44 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? graphic designer
Medical History: 5 surguries, chronic sinus infections, 3 pregnancies
Does Exercise Help? Too painful to exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? After birth of first child: Knees hurt, then hyoid area hurt, the sternum, then legs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? trigger points, connective tissue restrictions all over body, chronic fatigue, leaky gut, muscle spasms, low thyroid,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Probably as a child
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? The usual for the US: lead, asbestos in household products in the 50's, DDT and other insecticides, solvents
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? At one time I walked 5 miles a day, now I can only walk about a block and a half. Cannot sleep in a bed due to back pain, must sleep in a recliner, so much pain and fatigue,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Doing too much, not enough water, cold weather, any kind of injury or bruise can set off a full blown flare up.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, codien, Excedrin, sun and warmth, myofacial relief, physical therapy
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, yes, yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I have had it so long I don't remember when it started
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, always after child birth. Don't know what meds they gave.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, drinking water.
Remedies Tried: Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, steroid injections, heat/vibrational therapy, physical therapy, energy therapy, healing touch, Reiki, crystal therapy, myofacial unwinding
Your Theories: My body seems to want to curl in on itself. The myofacial tissue and shortening muscles seem to be always contracting. Sometimes all of my teeth hurt. If I could afford to go to physical therapy every week of my life, it would help so much. No health insurance, too expensive. I don't think rich people get this, or if they do they have the resources to treat it properly. The poor don't stand a chance.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No

05/08/2008
Name: Carla
City: Chicago
State/Country: IL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chicago
Where Do You Live Now? Chicago
How Long Have You Lived There? always
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Emergency Services and yes still working
Medical History: Lots of weird things. Gastric issues- IBS, acid reflux and esophageal spasms..elevated liver enzymes...
Does Exercise Help? Yes...any kind of movement
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue...can sleep for hours and hours during the day but restless sleep at night. Joint pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue. Horrible joint pain, tension, spasm and trembling in upper body. TMJ, IBS, anxiety and depression (fromt he pain) forgetful and can't always spit out my words.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? mo
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Yes...doing the smallest things are difficult so it's easy to not do them. Don't feel like going out like I used to.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Being sedentary.
What Makes You Feel Better? Moving around, although getting started seems impossible sometimes. Jacuzzi, massage therapy...muscle relaxers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Not to bad. Over the past two years I am always forgetting small stuff, like where I put things or remembering things. I also have had a few instances of not being able to get my sentences out...I NEVER had that problem before.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: lexipro, prozac, amitriptyline, zoloft, valium and tremedol
Your Theories: The trick is to rest when you feel good and move when you feel bad. Keep potassium and vitamin D levels up.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/08/2008
Name: elizabeth
City: mishawaka
State/Country: in usa
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? indiana
Where Do You Live Now? mishawaka
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 yrs
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? cna and yes
Medical History: diabetic, asthma, allerties
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? leg pain, arm pain, fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? epstein barr
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it hurts daily with no support from family members at all
What Makes Symptoms Worse? change of weather, not enough sleep, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes bad
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: ibuprofen, tylenol, darvocet, percocet
Your Theories: nope
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? nope

05/08/2008
Name: Linda
City: Moreno Valley
State/Country: Ca

Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Racine, Wisconsin
Where Do You Live Now? Moreno Valley, Ca
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? House cleaning yes
Medical History: Was healthy until fibbromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? I keep real busy. It takes my mind off it all
What Were Your First Symptoms? Insomnia,stiffness, pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? insomnia,pain, dizziness, dry eyes, irritable bowel,stiffness, heart palpitations, brain fog fatigue, headaches, stiff neck aweful neck pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I might have. The Dr. said it was stress because they couldn't find a cause for my symptoms.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Just cleaning products
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I never feel good. Not for about 10 years. sometimes I feel ok. But never good Fatigue is aweful
What Makes Symptoms Worse? resting.
What Makes You Feel Better? keeping busy
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? It started 2 years ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I didn't go to the Dr. for a long tiime for this. I didn't know what it was. I just knew that I hurt all the time. When diagnosed, was given anti depressants. I am sensitive to a lot of meds. I don't take any right now. I try to use Herbs which helps some.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No never heard of this
Remedies Tried: calcium, and other minerals,Ibprophen, tylenol, tylenol PM, emf jewelry, Herbs, Many kinds,I was given several sleep aids that didn't work, accupuncture, antidepressants made me a zombie. Didn't like the side effects. Healing taps, prayer. It's been 10 years I have probably forgotten some.
Your Theories: Melatonin tea helps me get to sleep most nights. I still wake up all night long. really tired in the morning, not as bad as before Melatonin tea. Work keeps my mind busy off my pain and misery
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

05/07/2008
Name: Mary ("Mare") M.
City: Windsor, ON
State/Country: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Windsor, ON, Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Windsor, ON, Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? approx 48 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Was a nurse back in the 70s then did ladies' retail for a few years followed by office clerk 'til stopped working in '96, 8 months after my Mom died from colon cancer at age 66.
Medical History: Born 2 months premature in 1954 to a father in end-stage leukemia (died when I was 10 months old) and a chronically underweight, over-stressed mother who'd already given birth to one live sone 3 1/2 years before me but then lost 3 full-term babies in the 3 years prior to me. Sickly since birth, chronically underweight 'til age 30 (looking back, probably had some kind of malabsorption syndrome), suffered debilitating menstrual migraines migraines that were principally responsible for me never being able to successfully complete anything I tried career-wise since graduating high school in '72. Have always had allergies which have gotten worse since the fibro set in, used to have chronic sinus infections, chronic bronchitis every fall...never diagnosed with anything 'serious' 'til late 30s/early 40s - branded as having 'borderline personality disorder' and 'clinical depression'...attempted suicide, fought my way back and off of all psychg meds in 2003/fibro hit in 2000 within 6 months of having surgically-induced menopause (complete hysterectomy with both ovaries removed. Chronically fatigued yet have difficulty sleeping. Take a LOT of supplements so as to not longer get frequent colds & flus and UR infctions anymore but am limited in what I can eat as blood-testing showed food allergies, esp to wheat and dairy.
Does Exercise Help? Yes, I try to walk every single day. I felt better when I attended a fibro-swim class a few years back but I lost my ride and haven't been able to attend since.
What Were Your First Symptoms? All over body pain. I remember telling my doc that even my toes hurt and it hurt to have my husband hug me or touch me.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Little energy, if I eat things I'm not supposed the pain worsens, if I miss my supplements, same thing, if I overdue, same thing. Recently had to pack and move all furniture out of the living room and kitchen in preparation for complete renovation in those rooms right back to the studs...this caused a severe fibro-flare up of several weeks in duration which I am still not over yet, likely compounded by stress of living with in-laws and caring plus ongoing care of my sickly, elderly, but much-loved 14 yr old Airedale Terrier.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? It sure feels like it sometimes.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Probably yes, esp from mercury in my fillings.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? My life has been in a holding pattern for the last 8 years. Sometimes I feel like I am about 85% better then something happens and I have a relapse. I can't work due to the constant fatigue, I have no sex life, it is an effort just to live, pushing myself through each and every hour of each and every day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Eating things I am not supposed to, pushing myself too much, not getting enough sleep or quality sleep, stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? Doing nothing. Being out in nature, being pampered and taken care of by someone else.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Seems like it's always been there since the beginning right alongside the all-over muscle pain and fatigue.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Whatever drugs that were given during and after the hysto I guess.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, I try to not drink not use tap water in my cooking but instead use and drink filtered water
Remedies Tried: The list of daily vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements is endless. Was offered Oxycontin by rheumatologist when he first diagnosed me in fall of 2004 but I declined, preferring instead a more natural approach with my supplements, most of which are from Shaklee. Only meds I take are OTC ibuprofen PRN and a prescription muscle relaxant also taken PRN called 'Norflex'.
Your Theories: I believe I was doomed from the start with an under-developed/under-functioning immune system from conception considering the poor health of my parents at the time what with my father dying of leukemia and my mother mal-nourished/underweight/over stressed due to husband dying, losing 3 full-term babies in as many years plus facing an uncertain future with no husband, 2 live children to support and only a grade 8 education at a time when there was no such thing as welfare or mother's allowance. I was a chronicaly under-weight but always hungry, sickly child growing up. Then debilitating migraines with the onset of menarche, then I was bitten by a bug whilst camping the summer I was 17 and from the description of the head remaing attached after it was pulled off my neck, it may have been a tick so who knows, maybe

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Fibromyalgia Questionnaire & Results