Fibromyalgia Questionnaire & Results

Latest Update: 03/08/2010 

Click here to return the latest fibromyalgia posts.

 

35 QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETED DATA FORMS FOR May 2009

05/31/2009
First Name: Bobbie
Age: 52
Male or Female: Female
City: Bennington
State/Province: Kansas
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 15 Years
Where were you born: Palms Springs, Calif.
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Cattle rancher, and rental properties owner.
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Constant utter exaustion. Too sore to do the work needed. Have to be near a toilet constantly, so couldn't even leave the house. Too painful to use a fence stretcher, open or lift bags of grain. Too painful to get up on the tractor. Fear of falling asleep on the tractor. Fear of crashing car on way to work on rentals because my eyesight will suddenly get blurry. Too weak and tired to operate the carpet shampooer. Too tired and too painful to do cleaning on rentals
How has Fibro affected your life: I was always a very active woman, involved with competitive sports and a active life style. I can't work for anyone now. Not even myself. I don't feel I can travel anymore. I miss many functions I'm invited too, due to pain, and being tired all the time. House work is difficult. I'm missing more and more Sundays at church. I can't help but wonder sometimes if I'm going to live a long life.
What were your first symptoms: I didn't know it then, but it was symptoms of spastic colon.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 40
How fast was your rate of decline: First five years was sort of slow. Next five years it was real noticeable. The last 3 years to now have been dibilitating.
What are your current symptoms: Life altering fatique. Muscle,joint and skin pain. Eye,thyroid and colon problems. Severe "Brain Fog." Deppression off and on. Sleep problems. Bone spurs on feet.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 12
Do your symptoms include brain fog: A big YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 10
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I'd label it "Alarming." I regularly struggle with names of people I know. Loss of words is constant. I can be driving somewhere, and while in route, I forget where I'm going.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 9
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: Dissapointing, and depressing.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Removed MSG, caffene and diet sweetners from diet. Lyrica and Cymbalta
What makes you feel better: Pain pills. Floating in water.
What makes you feel worse: There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for what sets all the symptoms into a rage.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: Yes.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I'm on Levothyroxin.
Your theories or comments: For the theories that I've researched from doctors and others so far, I feel like the poster child for everything you could have done to bring this on. Diet sweetners, physical trauma, chemical exposures, use of non stick cook ware for years. I believe the scientist reports on the exposure to toxins from plastic in food and water storage could be a link to bringing on Fibro also.
Are we missing any important questions: Do you use diet sweetners? Do you cook with non stick cookware?

 

05/31/2009
First Name: DEB
Age: 56
Male or Female: F
City: TAMPA
State/Province: FL
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: ALL MY LIFE
Where were you born: INDIANA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: YES
What is Your Line of Work: BANK
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: SOMETIMES
How has Fibro affected your life: PAIN PAIN PAIN EVERYWHERE
What were your first symptoms: UNBEARABLE PAIN IN NECK,AND SHOULDERS
Your age at onset of symptoms: 51
How fast was your rate of decline: QUICKLY
What are your current symptoms: PAIN ALL OVER. NECK, SHOULDERS, LEGS, FEET,JOINTS.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 5
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3
Describe the extent of your brain fog: fORGETFULNESS
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 1
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: YES
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: I SEE A RHUEMY SO FAR I FEEL PRETTY GOOD.
Describe your experience with doctors: I TOLD HER I DON'T WANT PRESCRIPTON DRUGS .STICK TO SUPPLEMENTS SHE LISTENS WELL
What remedies or medications have you tried: MSN 4000 MGS A DAY FOR PAIN.EXCEDRIN TENSION HEADACHE HAS RELIEVED NECK PAIN . ONE IN MORNING.VITAMIN D CALCIUM.LOW VITAMIN D WILL CAUSE PAIN.
What makes you feel better: HOT SHOWER IN MORNING.GOOD DEEP SLEEP.STRETCHING EXERCISES ONLY. NO BEEF. LOTS OF VEGGIES AND FRUITS.LAUGHTER
What makes you feel worse: OVERDOING IT. STRESS. EATING BEEF .
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: YES
If so, which sources of fluoride: DRINK BOTTLED WATER ONLY
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: ORGANIC VEGGIES AND FRUITS STAY AWAY FROM SOY.SHRIMP-GOOD FOR THYROID. NEED LOTS ON IODINE.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: YES,LEVOXYL,ARMOUR THYROID,T-3 COMPOUND.AM TRYING TO GET MY T-3 AND T-4 TO WORK TOGETHER.
Your theories or comments: AM TOLD IT COMES FROM EMOTIONAL TRAMA.FOR ME YES I LOST MY HUHSBAND 5 YRS AGO. THEN ALL THE PAIN STARTED.
Are we missing any important questions: NEED CLINICAL TRIALS TO RID ALL GENERAL PAIN WHETHER IT BE FROM FIBRO,ARTHRITIS,ANY KIND OF DESEASES.

 

05/30/2009
First Name: Vicky
Age: 37
Male or Female: Female
City: Mosta
State/Province: Europe
Country: Malta
How long have you lived there: 37 years
Where were you born: Malta
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Nurse
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes
How has Fibro affected your life: I used to be so strong..now I'm helpless most of the time
What were your first symptoms: lower leg pains
Your age at onset of symptoms: 5+
How fast was your rate of decline: slow
What are your current symptoms: full blown Fibromyalgia
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 8+
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 8 +
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I get to my car and forget where I have to go
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 7
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: only last one did
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not good
What remedies or medications have you tried: all NSAIDS, anti depressants, pain killers, herbal lotions and potions
What makes you feel better: spending time with my horses
What makes you feel worse: weather, menstruation
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: In Malta, there isn't much help from the doctor aspect. Most suffers tend to find out about treatments through word of mouth. Especially physio, chiropractic, massage, swimming, etc.
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/30/2009
First Name: Jean
Age: 42
Male or Female: Female
City: Dixon
State/Province: MO
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 4 years
Where were you born: Hawaii
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Executive
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Unable to work at all now due to pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognative impairment, depression, joint stiffness, throbbing feet
How has Fibro affected your life: Unable to attend most functions, unable to commit until I know how I'll feel that day, unable to remember things, barely able to do light housework, barely able to cook, barely able to wash hair.
What were your first symptoms: throbbing pain in feet and hands. Dizzy when standing, complete exhaustion.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 28
How fast was your rate of decline: Immediately.
What are your current symptoms: Excruciating pain in arms, legs, neck, back, ribs, chest, feet, hands, joints. Fatigue, memory loss is alarming. No memory of childhood or last week. IBS, frequent urination, intolerance of cold and heat, etc. etc.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 14
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Oh Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 14
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Other people think I'm having seizures because I "zone" so much.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 20
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Doctors don't understand it.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Doctors haven't a clue.
Describe your experience with doctors: They need training.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Everything under the sun.
What makes you feel better: less stress.
What makes you feel worse: Everything stressful, lifting, working, busy days
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: toothpaste
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: yes
Your theories or comments: I think this is a virus or parasite.
Are we missing any important questions: How can we better educate doctors - What could we pass along.

 

05/29/2009
First Name: Shelle
Age: 43
Male or Female: female
City: pittsburgh
State/Province: PA
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 36 years
Where were you born: Ohio
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: sales, recruiting, and training
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: My muscles get so tight it is hard to drive. I am exhausted and cannot complete the rigors of my sales territory. Can no longer lift boxes. Difficult to remember all the details and tasks.
How has Fibro affected your life: Too tired to socialize or do activities. Not mobile enough to join in most group activities. Can no longer completely take care of family or home. Sleep problems render me useless for days at a time.
What were your first symptoms: feet hurt...then every few days it would move upward - first to ankles, then knees, then hips etc.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 42
How fast was your rate of decline: Within 6 months of first symptom I could barely carry my own purse.
What are your current symptoms: Muscle fatigue - shaking when trying to lift lightweight things, or walk up stairs at times. Muscle pain. Sleep problems, IBS, foggy brain, tremors, numbness in hands and feet, headaches and migraines.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: < 1
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: < 1
Describe the extent of your brain fog: can't remember common words - sometimes can't remember my own family's names. Get to store and forgot why I went. Forget entire conversations.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Yes they have been fairly complete.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: Primary - useless but compassionate - sent me to Rheumy. 1st Rheumy incompetent and patronizing. 2nd Rheumy wonderful but was Lupus specialist so could not help. Sent me to supposed Fibro specialist who so far has spent 6 weeks making me wait for 3 different evaluations for Psych, OT, PT and in 1 month will begin 6 week rehab program with this practice.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Colon Cleanser, Parasite Cleanse, Candida Cleanse, Magnesium & Calcium, Vit D, Celebrex (briefly because my neuro had a fit and took me off and it did nothing anyway) tramadol - did nothing, Noritryptilane for sleep - does seem to help me sleep better. Tried mucinex - no improvement. Physical Therapy - stretching seems to help. I walk 2 miles a day. Yoga helps. Chiro really helps.
What makes you feel better: Hot baths with epsom salts, lots of rest, lots of fluid. Avoid sugar & gluten, exercise & stretching. Chiropractor.
What makes you feel worse: Skipping stretching & exercise or Chiro, Stress, Eating junk
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: Armour & Synthroid.
Your theories or comments: I believe this is a virus that attacks the spinal & brain fluid. I believe it is a very small micro-organism and is not seen under normal microscopes, and most Dr's do not test brain or spinal fluid to determine, nor do we have antibiotics to treat it.
Are we missing any important questions: Have other autoimmune diseases been ruled out, and which ones?

 

05/28/2009
First Name: ralph
Age: 49
Male or Female: m
City: mt maunganui
State/Province: mt maunganui
Country: new zealand
How long have you lived there: 44 years
Where were you born: huntly new zealand
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: mechanical engineering manager
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: killed it
How has Fibro affected your life: hugely
What were your first symptoms: flu like aches and tiredness, difficulty concentrating
Your age at onset of symptoms: 41
How fast was your rate of decline: Unable to work after about 6 weeks, went downhill for 3 years
What are your current symptoms: Typical fibro. Widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, concentration problems, trouble with phisical or mental stress
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 8
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 8
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I got lost driving in my home town of 44 years. I work around it
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 15
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: generally good but I've had the odd one tell me i'm just depressed
What remedies or medications have you tried: dozens
What makes you feel better: naprosyn, magnesium, vitamin d,DHC,neurontin,melatonin,zopiclone
What makes you feel worse: any anitdepressants, amytrip
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: water, toothpaste
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: ?
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: yes. something to stimulate thyroid but no benefit. sometimes i find kelp helps
Your theories or comments: If I do alot of exercise I feel better for the day but pay for it for 2-3 days. my urine is usually almost colourless all the time, (i drink about 2Lwater/day. after exercise my urine goes dark and when I urinate it feels like i get a "cleanout" . I had high Iron and gave 500ml blood. as the blood drained out my pain etc ramped up and was bad for about a week. Not a coincidence as it happened the next time too.maybee low blood volume? Cold weather seems to flare up symptoms too. Maybee ther are better painkillers out there and something to give energy-maybee cocaine or some other frowned upon substance that should be made available coz life sucks with fibro. Heaven knows I could do with a bit of euphoria!
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/26/2009
First Name: Luci
Age: 37
Male or Female: Female
City: Milwaukee
State/Province: WI
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 25 years
Where were you born: Chicago, IL
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: Case management Supervisor
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Yes
How has Fibro affected your life: Yes
What were your first symptoms: Body aches
Your age at onset of symptoms: 28
How fast was your rate of decline:
What are your current symptoms:
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 4
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Can't think, speech is slurred, racy thoughts. Feeling like I'm in a bubble.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors:
What remedies or medications have you tried: None
What makes you feel better: Eating low carb, light exercise
What makes you feel worse: eating carbs, no exercise
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/25/2009
First Name: Valerie
Age: 57
Male or Female: Female
City: Kew Gardens
State/Province: NY
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 33 yrs
Where were you born: NYC
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: NO
What is Your Line of Work: Used to work as a legal secretary
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I have been disabled since 1998 after I was in a car accident and was then diagnosed with Fibro.
How has Fibro affected your life: No energy. In constant pain 24/7. No desire to do anything.
What were your first symptoms: Severe pain all over my back, arms, legs.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 46 yrs old
How fast was your rate of decline: Extremely fast - after car accident in 1999, I was told that it would take about 7 days for me to start feeling better since there were no broken bones and just soreness to my body due to the seat belt.
What are your current symptoms: Insomnia, severe pain to shoulders, neck, arms, legs, across lower back - shooting pains down the right side of my leg to my ankle, muscle spams in lower back, spams down right leg. Difficulty walking, weight gain.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 11 yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 5
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Will have conversation with people and dont remember the answers. If I dont write things down and keep lists of things to do or where I have to go, will not remember. I am an avid reader, but never remember the books that I have read after I have read them.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: Very bad experiences - they dont know what to do with me - been to chiropractors which only made me feel worse (one time could not even move after being treated). I stopped going to doctors - all they want to do is give medications which dont work and give me worse symptoms - including stomach ulcers.
What remedies or medications have you tried: It is around 4 yrs since I stopped taking anything at all will try to remember - ambien, muscles relaxers, pain killers - I am sorry just doing remember
What makes you feel better: 3 extra strength Tylenols sort of take the edge off - they work wonders when I get a migraine.
What makes you feel worse: The prescription medications I have been prescribed over the course of 11 yrs never worked for me. The left me drossy but not enough to put me to sleep.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: No - this is the first time that i have heard that Fibro might be linked to Fluoride poisoning.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: Would just love to be without such severe pain. It makes life living with me very difficult for my family. I am not depressed, just would like some relief that will not poison my system.
Are we missing any important questions: Not that I can think of.

 

05/23/2009
First Name: Angela
Age: 32
Male or Female: f
City: Hiltons
State/Province: va
Country: scott
How long have you lived there: 10
Where were you born: sullivan county, TN
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes
How has Fibro affected your life: I don't get out of my apt except to see the docs and grocery shopping. I don't talk to people or enjoy getting out due to pain. My life turned 180 degrees, from a happy go lucky girl enjoying any activities to just starring at the walls, upset, hurting, and confused on how to get back my life like it was or even close to it.
What were your first symptoms: 1st noticed sinsitivity when hugged, or touched (told doc after the cover was hurting me). Throbby & achy pain in joints with stiffness that never went away after my back/leg issues where getting better.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 29
How fast was your rate of decline: moderate decline within 1yr
What are your current symptoms: throbbing/achy pain all over, with sinsitivies to touch on my body (even cover bothers me at times to touch me). weakness sometimes I wasn't even able to stand long enough to brush my teeth or comb my hair, foggy/concentration problems. depression, stomach problems, acid reflux, and stiffness all over
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1yr
Describe the extent of your brain fog: hard to concentrate when listening to people,watching TV or reading. I cant remember things (instantly I now write things down all the time and still I forget).. very frustrating.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 1
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually for the most
Describe your experience with doctors: My doc says that fibro can go as quickly as it came therefore it wouldnt help to see a specialist (Reumatologist or pain clinic). He only treats the pain with meds and says diet and exercise in a warm pool (but I can't do exercises due to my back/sciatica problems. Also there is no warm pool around here! He wants to give me anti-depressants but I refuse to take any because of the side affects & right now I'm taking it day by day.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Chiropractor adjustments with therapy, Ice, Bee venom pellets to reduce stiffness/arhritis pain. Meds:Darvocet, Ultram, Ultracet, Lyrica, Relafen, Celebrex, fish oil vitamin, Chondroiten/Sulfate vitamin, other herbal suppliments
What makes you feel better: rest, massages, love and care from friends.
What makes you feel worse: walking, bending, lifting, going up/down stairs, sitting or laying too long in 1 position, any touch or pressure applied to my joints
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/23/2009
First Name: denise
Age: smith
Male or Female: female
City: farmville
State/Province: nc
Country: greene
How long have you lived there: 18 years
Where were you born: pitt county
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: home health registered nurse
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: it is hard to get up and get started thank god i can have a flexible schedule there is no way i could work a 12hr shift or even a 8-5 job
How has Fibro affected your life: i cant do the things i like to do like make wreaths, tie bows, dont have enough energy to do exercise
What were your first symptoms: pain in my shoulder blade that never went away it was a burning pain then it when to the back of my neck down my arms and now my hips and legs even the side of my breast and my ribcage
Your age at onset of symptoms: 34
How fast was your rate of decline: fast it started in november of 2008 and by january it was just unbearable
What are your current symptoms: pain in shoulders, neck, shoulder blades, chest bones, side of chest, entire arms, usually one side hurts then it will switcht to the other, hips, legs i get knots on my forearms underneath my wrist, tired, constipation, moody
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: this is my first year
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: just recently diagnosed
Describe the extent of your brain fog: hard to concentrate in the morning as the day progresses it gets better
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: it has been good they have all been very supportive and understanding and trying to help all they can
What remedies or medications have you tried: cymbalta, celexa, xanax, diazepam, lortab, ultram, flexeril,percocet,advil, fiurocet
What makes you feel better: really nothing but ice paks or muscle rubs
What makes you feel worse: activities that require the use of my neck, shoulder, and arm muscles cant pick up anything that is heavy
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: well i dont drink tap water i drink bottle water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no not yet
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: dont know that much about it
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/21/2009
First Name: Julie
Age: 38
Male or Female: Female
City: Santa Maria
State/Province: CA
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 8 years
Where were you born: Southern California
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Executive Secretary
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I have had to altar my work hours and decline assignments. I also have to write everything down, whereas before my keen recall was one of my greatest talents.
How has Fibro affected your life: I have less time with my family and doing the activites I enjoy.
What were your first symptoms: Chronic back pain.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 22
How fast was your rate of decline: After my first child was born at age 26, my condition worsened significantly.
What are your current symptoms: Chronic pain all over in joints, nuscles, and tenderpoints. Chronic fatigue, especially in the morning and evening. Some memory loss and fibro fog.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 16 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 8 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: When asked Tuesday what I did on Saturday, I had zero recollection until a whole day later after it was bugging me so much that I couldn't remember my Saturday. I finally remembered on Wednesday that I actually had a great Saturday which included a special tea party with my mother and sister, something I shouldn't have forgotten 3 days later.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Usually they will try to treat the worst symptom I'm feeling at the time.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: If the drug they prescribe helps with depression and pain then I guess you could say they treat symptoms collectively.
Describe your experience with doctors: They tend to be puzzled by my condition and are quick to prescribe the latest drug, even though we both have little faith that it will help.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Several anti-depressants, over the counter and prescription pain meds, sleeping meds, chiropractics, physical therapy, vitamin supplements, large amounts of water, mangosteen juice (XanGo brand, which I'm currently taking and does great for controlling pain and helping me sleep).
What makes you feel better: XanGo juice. I couldn't work without it. Hot showers. I start every morning with one. Balanced diet. More protein, less sugar. Lots of water and hot tea. Massage. It hurts but helps.
What makes you feel worse: Prescription meds, the side effects are extreme. Cold air or water. Emotional stress. Less than 8-10 hours of sleep. Poor diet. An activity-filled day, makes me crash the next day.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: Yes, MSG.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: I think this condition is most definitely environmentally created. I don't think this condition existed 100 years ago. The rate at which it is being diagnosed seems to lend to this.
Are we missing any important questions: When will I feel better? Thanks for working on the answer to that one!

 

05/21/2009
First Name: oscar
Age: 37
Male or Female: m
City: tijuana
State/Province: b.c.
Country: mexico
How long have you lived there: 34 years
Where were you born:
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: teaching
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: NOT THINKING CLEARLY AND VERY LOW TOLERANCE.
How has Fibro affected your life: IN EVERY WAY.
What were your first symptoms: SHOULDER TENSION AND PAIN IN FEET.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 30
How fast was your rate of decline: IN THREE MONTHS
What are your current symptoms: BRAIN FOG. TIREDNESS. PAIN IN FEET WHILE STANDING.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 8
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES!
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 8
Describe the extent of your brain fog: DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I READ.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 16
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: NO
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: INDIVIDUALLY
Describe your experience with doctors: NOT GOOD AT ALL.
What remedies or medications have you tried: ANTIDEPRESANTS, MUSCLE RELAXANTS
What makes you feel better: WALKING
What makes you feel worse: STRESS
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: NO
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: NO
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: NO
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/21/2009
First Name: beth
Age: 68
Male or Female: female
City: salisbury
State/Province: wiltshire
Country: england u.k.
How long have you lived there: 4 years
Where were you born: Wales uk
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work:
How has Fibro affected your life: It has affected my life completely I am in constant pain
What were your first symptoms: Muscle ache and pain all over my body
Your age at onset of symptoms: 66
How fast was your rate of decline: very quickly
What are your current symptoms: constant muscle ache & pain tired all the time
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 1 year
Describe the extent of your brain fog: difficulty in concentrating etc
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not too good!!!
What remedies or medications have you tried: Natural remedies ie Serrapeptase Curcumin98 Amazing arthritis relief!! Lyrica Amytriptyline Co Codemol dicloflec
What makes you feel better: none of them
What makes you feel worse:
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: Drink mineral water not from taps
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I am a vegetarian
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/20/2009
First Name: Srikishoon
Age: 64 years
Male or Female: Male
City: Durban
State/Province: K.Z.N.
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
How long have you lived there: 64 years
Where were you born: SOUTH AFRICA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: Plastic Industry
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Caused me to be mentally unfit to carry on normal duties at work
How has Fibro affected your life: Memory loss. Socialy withdrawn.Physical disabilities.Pains such as Migranes, Shoulder pains, Spinal degeneration pains, Artheritis, I.B.S. and Irritable leg pains. Stomach ulcers. Ithching skin.Blader muscle weakness.Sinusitis.
What were your first symptoms: Leaking nose. Headacres.
Your age at onset of symptoms: Childhood
How fast was your rate of decline: Gradually over a period of time.
What are your current symptoms: Sinusitis. Tastelessness.Spondolosis.Lower back pains.Ulcers.Muscle weakness.Rigged and spliting nails.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: Since childhood
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: +_ 15 Years ago
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Inability to perform normal functions at work.Incapacity to properly and safely drive motor vehicle(making mistakes and accidents while driving)
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 20 +
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: NO Most DOCTORS are unaware of Fibro
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Individually
Describe your experience with doctors: Unable to link the symptoms to Fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Tried suppliments and fruit and veg juice and eating fresh fruit .All sorts of medication including homeopathic medicines.
What makes you feel better: Freshly prepared Fruit and veg juices and eating fruits.
What makes you feel worse: Going back to eating cooked foods only and some forms of exercise such as carrying heavy stuff and physical work.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: THE BODY NEEDS TO BE SUPPLIED THE PROPER NUTRIENTS THROUGH EATING FRESHLY PREPARED FRUIT AND VEG AND ITS JUICES.OUR BODIES CANNOT OBTAIN PROPER NUTRIENT FROM COOKED FOODS ONLY.
Are we missing any important questions: WHAT DO WE BELIEVE THAT CAUSED THE SICKNESS. MY ANSWER TO THIS IS AS FOLLOWS. I WENT THROUGH A VERY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE WHEN I WAS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD BY SEEING MY MOTHER BURN ALIVE INFRONT OF ME.

 

05/20/2009
First Name: Sophie
Age: 40
Male or Female: Female
City: Seattle
State/Province: Washington
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 30 years
Where were you born: Arch Cape
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: Psychology/Consultant
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Fibromyalgia has affected my work . I feel exhausted at times and sleepy. I sometimes cut my day short. I seem hypersensative to the cold I have the heat on most of the day in my office. I also wear lots of cashmere layers . I have a hard time waking up and to get going. Sometimes I have to drink coffee or a latte to give me energy to work I really need nine hours of more of sleep to really feel good.
How has Fibro affected your life: Fibromyalgia has affected my life I've shifted my lifestyle. I feel fatique and a difficult time concentrating and at times I feel light headed. I do not go out after work to events, or even dinner . I feel anxiety overcome me if I have to go an evening event because I begin to feel overwhelming level of exhaustion.
What were your first symptoms: Exhaustion, difficulty remaining focused
Your age at onset of symptoms: 35
How fast was your rate of decline: It seems to me that the decline has been a steady decline for the last 5 years
What are your current symptoms: I'm slender built with cold feets and hands. I have excessive thirst and dry eyes. I feel sleepy , tired and poor concentration at times over long periods of time.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 5 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 6 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating and paying attention at times. Also my recall of information has declined
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Western Medical Model -individually . Chinese & Ayurvedic - collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: The traditional western model of medicine seems to be offering some band-aid solutions, which help temporarily but does not address the root cause . In my specific case Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture has offered me tremendous insight as well as addressing this issue on a deeper level
What remedies or medications have you tried: Pain killer, anti-inflammatory. and Chinese herbs.
What makes you feel better: Chinese herbs , Ayurvedic diet and acupuncture
What makes you feel worse: Anti-inflammatory, and mood stabalizer
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: Absolutely yes in everyway
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: Yes
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions: Family of orgins medical/psy history, stress (exposure x duration), addictions, diet

 

05/20/2009
First Name: Tee
Age: 41
Male or Female: Female
City: Greenville
State/Province: NC
Country: US
How long have you lived there: 41 Yrs
Where were you born: US
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: medical assisting
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: not able to stand, sit, walk for long time. Not able to lift heavy objects. If sit too long get stiff, If lay too long get stiff. If walk too long, legs, back hurt. If vacuum, chest hurt.
How has Fibro affected your life: not able to stand, sit, walk for long time. Not able to lift heavy objects. If sit too long get stiff, If lay too long get stiff. If walk too long, legs, back hurt. If vacuum, chest hurt. I really like traveling, bowling, skating with my kids but can't do a lot of that any more. I have to schedule trips around how bad off my day or week is.
What were your first symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, body constantly aching non-stop. back pain muscle stiffness in morning couldn't get out of bed without help.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 25 yo
How fast was your rate of decline: I hardly went to the doctor because i thought it was stress from on the job. so it gradually declined over some years
What are your current symptoms: Headaches/neck pain knee/hip pain shoulder/back pain ankle/feet pain irritable bowel, anxiety, body aches, joint and muscles
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: was recently diagnosed in 2008, but had been having these symptoms gradually from 1993 to present.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes, definitely
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: I think it was round 1999
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I just started forgetting things I needed to do. couldn't remember where I put things. un aware that I moved things around the house. I was in Nursing school and I would just have a brain fog so bad, it would just cause me to choke up with anxiety. I consider my self smart. But when this brain fog got in the way of my schoolwork, it really depressed me. I couldn't go to doctor because I had no insurance.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3: Family Doctor, Rheumatology, Neurologist, Physical Therapy, Chiropractor
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no, just the most painful ones i'm dealing with at the time.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Seems like they treat them individually, then some times collectively.
Describe your experience with doctors: I am very frustrated because I still feel the same pain with no significant changes being on all the meds they want me to take.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Ultram, Provigil, ambien, motrin was very first treatment. didn't help. now, ambien for sleep. lyrica for pain/sleep-it eases the achiness but does not tough the pain. Cymbalta I can't take. makes my head ache, mouth thirsty.
What makes you feel better: Lyrica helps ease the achiness flu-like symptom. I had some Botox shots in head/neck for that pain and it helped. Nothing has helped my back and leg pain which may be sciatica pain. Hot water bath or shower makes me feel great for the moment.
What makes you feel worse: I tried clonazepam for anxiety-made me feel worse. felt like my head was exploding. bad ha.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I Try to more fruits,greens, and fiber. And less fats and sweets
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No, I do get a TSH level checked. It's usually on the low but nothing is done about it.
Your theories or comments: I am in a financial bind therefor I am not able to do physical therapy, chiropractor care, or water therapy as requested. I want to but I can't get any help with my medical bills. I been out of work being a homemaker for bout 10 years and I did want to go back to work after all my children were in school. It's not looking bright for me to go back towork cause I hurt all day, everyday.
Are we missing any important questions: There is an important question I wanted someone in the medical or law profession to answer for me. I was in the Army Reserve for 6 years. I have been around units who went to Saudi and Iraq. I read that some soldiers have complained of chronic pain, fibromyalgia and all the symptoms related to fibro. I want to know if these symptoms could have possibly be related to my army experience of being around all that contaminated equipment.

 

05/18/2009
First Name: Shannon
Age: 29
Male or Female: Female
City: Lincoln
State/Province: NE
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 1 year
Where were you born: 1979
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: I am a full time student
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: no
How has Fibro affected your life: I'm in constant pain, but I push through it
What were your first symptoms: Painful knots in my back and muscle pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 15
How fast was your rate of decline: I was diagnosed at age 17.
What are your current symptoms: Achy muscles, constantly tired, sore muscles after exercise, stiffness, sleep disruption, painful trigger points
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 13
Do your symptoms include brain fog: no
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: n/a
Describe the extent of your brain fog:
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: They don't treat any of it
Describe your experience with doctors: They don't know what to do for it.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Ultram, Skelaxon, Flexaril, Sosalate
What makes you feel better: massages, stretching, muscle relaxants
What makes you feel worse: exercise, new activity in muscle groups, sitting in one place for a long time, stress
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/17/2009
First Name: teresa
Age: 50
Male or Female: f
City: atlanta
State/Province: ga
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 50 yrs
Where were you born: ga
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: am on disability because of it
How has Fibro affected your life: pain 24/7
What were your first symptoms: pain & fatigue
Your age at onset of symptoms: 48
How fast was your rate of decline: pretty fast
What are your current symptoms: pain, fatuige, brain fog, stomach problems,
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes!!
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2
Describe the extent of your brain fog: memory getting terrible, poor concentration
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 5
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectivly
Describe your experience with doctors: they don't seem to know much about it.
What remedies or medications have you tried: lyrica & pain meds
What makes you feel better: laying down & doing nothing
What makes you feel worse: walking, moving around, just about everything
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: it is a bad, bad thing, & there seems to be no hope for getting better.
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/16/2009
First Name: kay
Age: 60
Male or Female: female
City: norwich
State/Province: ny
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: all my life
Where were you born: norwich ny
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: house wife
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes
How has Fibro affected your life: i cant touch none of body with out pain
What were your first symptoms: my skin hurt real bad,dr told me i had this
Your age at onset of symptoms: 50
How fast was your rate of decline: none
What are your current symptoms: had accident in 02 i cant bareley walk as pain is so bad,pain from arthritis dont help either
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 10 yes
Do your symptoms include brain fog: no
Number of years since you developed the brain fog:
Describe the extent of your brain fog:
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: he gives me meds for it but i get so many side effects so i take nothing,except apple cider vinegar with 2 tsp honey in 16 oz of water 3x a day
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: not at all
Describe your experience with doctors: they are very good and want to help me
What remedies or medications have you tried: lycric,
What makes you feel better: nothing
What makes you feel worse: nothing
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: i take throide medacine
Your theories or comments: is oranganic apple cider vinegar good for pain?
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/14/2009
First Name: cathy
Age: 46
Male or Female: female
City: Whitier
State/Province: ca
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 12 years
Where were you born: stanton
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: accountant
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I am self employed now so If days are bad I can not work
How has Fibro affected your life: I has made life very tough and has almost ruined my marriage
What were your first symptoms: Tender areas
Your age at onset of symptoms: 31
How fast was your rate of decline: very quickly
What are your current symptoms: fatigue, deppresion, wide spreed body pain, no sleep, eye problems, gurd, Morning stiffness is the worst though
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 15
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 9
Describe the extent of your brain fog: sever
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: 2
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: some doctors still believe its all in your mind it is very hard to find good doctors
What remedies or medications have you tried: xanax, lyrica, xyrem, black coohosh, a few clinical studies meds
What makes you feel better: black coohosh
What makes you feel worse: xyrem
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: none
Are we missing any important questions: no I think its ok

 

05/14/2009
First Name: donna
Age: 57
Male or Female: female
City: sussex corner
State/Province: nb
Country: canada
How long have you lived there: 35 years
Where were you born: ns
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: clener
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: very hard
How has Fibro affected your life: i can hardly do anything any more
What were your first symptoms: pain in my hand knees arms and legs
Your age at onset of symptoms: 3
How fast was your rate of decline:
What are your current symptoms: my foot pain and leg pain ,i have this foot pain in my foot when it gets cold the pain is a 10 fels like im standing in ice cold water
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 10 yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog:
Number of years since you developed the brain fog:
Describe the extent of your brain fog: i dont what u mean by bain frog
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: i dont know
What remedies or medications have you tried: endocet,cesement,flexile,and there were more but i cant rember
What makes you feel better: rest and heat
What makes you feel worse: after im done cleaning and when i go shopping my legs cant take it
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: im just in pain the cold is worse,and any kind of wok i do takes a toll on me
Are we missing any important questions: i just want to know what other help i can get,

 

05/13/2009
First Name: Myrna
Age: 54
Male or Female: Female
City: Guaynabo
State/Province: Puerto Rico
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 54 years
Where were you born: San Juan, PR
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: medical secretary
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I was a medical technologist and had to quit my work because of the pain
How has Fibro affected your life: I am incapable of doing many things I used to do before
What were your first symptoms: TMJ dysfunction
Your age at onset of symptoms: 40
How fast was your rate of decline:
What are your current symptoms: constant pain, fatigue,
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 14
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 12
Describe the extent of your brain fog: forget things to do, forget names,
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 8
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: both
Describe your experience with doctors: Most are very supportive, one did not believe my symptoms
What remedies or medications have you tried: Elavil, Neurontin, Skelaxin, Flexeril Prozac, Klonopin, Tranxene, Toradol, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella, Lexapro, Effexor, Zoloft, Pamelor, Zolpidem, Lunesta,
What makes you feel better: accupuncture, Tai chi
What makes you feel worse: not sleeping well
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: none
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: We need a medication which can act to eliminate the pain which FM patients have. It has to function at a neurological level so that the intense pain message doesn't go through
Are we missing any important questions: no

 

05/13/2009
First Name: Lea
Age: 40
Male or Female: Female
City: Chino
State/Province: CA
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 10 years
Where were you born: Texas
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: Yes
What is Your Line of Work: General Office
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Yes
How has Fibro affected your life: Yes
What were your first symptoms: Pain in limbs, fatigue, stiff joints, trouble getting up in the morning. Very stiff.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 35
How fast was your rate of decline: Fairly normal
What are your current symptoms: pain all over, tired, brain fog, restless leg syndrome, stiff joints
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 5
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 5
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Just get very out of touch with the world around me. Can't concentrate.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: Colletively
Describe your experience with doctors: I have a wonderful pain doctor who gives me trigger point injections and medication for pain
What remedies or medications have you tried: Lyrica, Norco, Fentanyl Patch, Cymbalta, Sorequel, Trazadone,
What makes you feel better: Lyrica, Norco, Cymbalta
What makes you feel worse: getting up in the morning is the worst
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/12/2009
First Name: Norma
Age: 51
Male or Female: female
City: New London
State/Province: Wisconsin
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 16 yrs
Where were you born: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Nursing assistant
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: its hard on muscle when having to lift people all day long
How has Fibro affected your life: It hurts when I try to be active in any way
What were your first symptoms: Had lyms when pain persisted then was check for fibro
Your age at onset of symptoms: 40
How fast was your rate of decline: about 5 yrs
What are your current symptoms: stiffness in neck arms lower back and shoulders
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 10 yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 5
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I feel like a zoombie and I can focous on any long conversations
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: not at all I go to chiropractors for some relief
Describe your experience with doctors: they just want to give me pills
What remedies or medications have you tried: something to make me sleep at night that made me sick
What makes you feel better: I dont know havent yet
What makes you feel worse: doing to much work
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I take thyroid pills
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/12/2009
First Name: Barbara
Age: 58
Male or Female: female
City: Lincoln
State/Province: CA
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 4 years
Where were you born: Modesto, CA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: help my husband, who is a Pastor
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: have had pain, that limits my "going" unless taking Ibuprophen
How has Fibro affected your life: feel depleted, tired, depressed when it is active & I am in pain
What were your first symptoms: Intense pain in back, arms and legs. Difficult to even pick up a 1 pound item
Your age at onset of symptoms: not sure; diagnosed at age 37
How fast was your rate of decline: was miserable for about 12 years, then, in taking a nutritional route, have dramatically improved.
What are your current symptoms: Occasional pain in hands, butt & thighs. Painful, but not incapacitating
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 22 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 15
Describe the extent of your brain fog: fuzzy thinking; forget words; say wrong word/name (even of children)
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: no longer use Drs for FMS
Describe your experience with doctors: OK--offered Soma (muscle relaxant) Prozac (raise seratonin) Pain killers of various sorts
What remedies or medications have you tried: Soma, Prozac, Ibuprophen,
What makes you feel better: Ibuprophen (rarely use) Often use Wobenzyme/Flavenzyme (Proteolytic Enzymes) as well as Serrapeptase
What makes you feel worse: working with clorox, not getting enough sleep
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no, but have been drinking distilled water for the last year
If so, which sources of fluoride: //
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: Drs. dispute a need for Thyroid, so take one (glandular) from health food store & Iodine drops
Your theories or comments: Read something from Durk Pearson & Sandy Shaw that their research showed that FMS is related to a defective ATP cycle affecting the Krebbs cycle --something about dumping the phosphates ineffectively. I take a Mitochondrial Booster, and find it very helpful!
Are we missing any important questions: not that I can immediately think of

 

05/10/2009
First Name: MARY
Age: 31
Male or Female: FEMALE
City: JACKSON
State/Province: MI
Country: US
How long have you lived there: 30YEARS
Where were you born: YES
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: YES
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: YES
What is Your Line of Work: MEDICAL SALES
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: STIFF, TIRED, IN A FOG
How has Fibro affected your life: VERY HARD TO WAKE IN THE MORNING, BRAIN FOG, TIRED ALL THE TIME, PAINFUL JOINTS-HANDS-HIPS-BACK-KNEES.
What were your first symptoms: TIRED, MORNING FOG, FELT THE NEED TO SLEEP ALL DAY. I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP. JOINTS IN HANDS ARE VERY PAINFUL.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 30
How fast was your rate of decline: SLOW AT FIRST JUST A FEW SYMPTOMS AND RAPID IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.
What are your current symptoms: TIRED-NEVER FEEL AWAKE, JOINT PAIN, BRAIN FOG.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 1-2 YEARS
Do your symptoms include brain fog: YES
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 3-4YEARS
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I CAN'T REMEMBER THINGS, I WILL BE TALKING TO SOMEONE AND CAN'T THINK OF A WORD. I FEEL AS IF I'M IN A BUBBLE AND THE WORLD IS GOING ON AROUND ME.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: CURRENT DOCTOR DOES. OTHERS THOUGHT IT WAS DEPRESSION OR PANIC BECAUSE OF MY AGE
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: NOT REALLY TREATING ANY SYMPTOMS RIGHT NOW. DOCTOR KEEPS DOING BLOOD WORK AND WAITING.
Describe your experience with doctors: NOT WILLING TO TAKE TIME AND LISTEN. PUSH OFF MY SYMPTOMS B/C OF MY AGE.
What remedies or medications have you tried: HERBS, PAIN MEDS
What makes you feel better: NOTHING AT THIS POINT, PAIN MEDS- I DON'T TAKE THEM-MAKES THE SLEEP WORSE.
What makes you feel worse: I'M NOT SURE.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: NO
If so, which sources of fluoride: TAP WATER
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: SUGAR
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: NO
Your theories or comments: ON SET OF SYMPTOMS BECAME WORSE AFTER MRSA ATTACK. I HAVE HAD MRSA TWICE A YEAR APART.
Are we missing any important questions: NO

 

05/07/2009
First Name: Ctibor
Age: 72
Male or Female: Male
City: Edmonton
State/Province: Alberta
Country: Canada
How long have you lived there: 40 years
Where were you born: Czech Republic
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: yes
What is Your Line of Work: Office
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: No effect
How has Fibro affected your life: Difficult to walk fast, run, jump, play tennis
What were your first symptoms: Pain in knees and leg muscles
Your age at onset of symptoms: 71
How fast was your rate of decline: sudden appearance of pain
What are your current symptoms: pain in knees and leg muscles
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: one
Do your symptoms include brain fog: no
Number of years since you developed the brain fog:
Describe the extent of your brain fog:
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: one
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No, he only ordered x-rays for knees
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively:
Describe your experience with doctors: I have read about sciatica problems and I suspect this is the reason for my pain
What remedies or medications have you tried: Glucosumine sulfate, MSM, bromelaine, curcumine, grepeseed extract, vitamin D, hayluronic acid pills
What makes you feel better: often walking slowly
What makes you feel worse: running and jumping, walking fast
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins:
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: I am using synthroid, 0.125 MG
Your theories or comments: I suspected osteoarthritis but x-rays have shown that it is only mild, I assume I have a sciatica problem. I have been using glucosamine sulfate for many years when my fingers started to be painful and stiff. In this respect I have achieved a significant improvement. Since until about a year ago I did not have any joint problems I assumed that glucosamine has been helpful overall.
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/07/2009
First Name: Tina
Age: 44
Male or Female: Female
City: Stockton
State/Province: CA
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: Since Sep. 08
Where were you born: Santa Clara, CA
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Administrative
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I've been on unemployment until recently and this has been my worst season so far. I was diagnosed at the end of 07 but it has been progressively gotten worse.
How has Fibro affected your life: I try to stay upbeat but I have my days that I just don't feel like hiding it. I try to act like I am fine when I am actually in a lot of pain but I don't want to worry my family.
What were your first symptoms: Probably my neck, shoulder, back and hip. That is when my doctor tested me for the FMS trigger points.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 42
How fast was your rate of decline: It took a couple of years to get real bad.
What are your current symptoms: Bruisey all over, left side of neck is stiff and feels like I slept wrong, back is stiff and hurts really bad. I have been very bloated and tired lately.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 2 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: All of a sudden I will lose my train of thought or not know how to explain what I am trying to describe. Can't think of names, etc.
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 6
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: My accupunture doctor seems to.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: I have Kaiser so I would have to say collectively.
Describe your experience with doctors: Meds and more meds. I am trying to do it naturally.
What remedies or medications have you tried: I have been on nortiptalyne, celexa, relafen, robaxin. I am now taking vitamins to try to ease the pain.
What makes you feel better: That is a hard question this week, nothing seems to work. I would have to say that robaxin helps a little and when I self medicate it helps me to not think about it. NOTHING takes the pain away altogether.
What makes you feel worse: Stress and not pacing myself.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride: I drink filtered or bottled water.
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: Not that I know of.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: I am looking into Gastroparesis and Mitrol Valve Prolapse.
Are we missing any important questions: I'm not sure.

 

05/06/2009
First Name: kim
Age: 43
Male or Female: female
City: cedar springs
State/Province: mi
Country: us
How long have you lived there: 3 months
Where were you born: pennsylvania
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning: first time I found this site
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: nursing
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: yes
How has Fibro affected your life: I cant hardly get out of bed the pain gets so bad I cant afford the meds or the doctors so I just have to suffer
What were your first symptoms: general fatigue, chronic pain
Your age at onset of symptoms: 30
How fast was your rate of decline: 10yrs
What are your current symptoms: severe chronic pain insomnia IBS panic attacks depression
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 10yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog: ys
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 6 months
Describe the extent of your brain fog: poor shortterm memory and concentraton
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 2
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: no
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: helpfull at times but not when it gets this bad
What remedies or medications have you tried: opiods, antidepressants and anticonvulsants
What makes you feel better: heat, sleep
What makes you feel worse: walking, sitting, laying ...anything I do for a period of time. stress always makes it worse, and if the insomnia is bad then the synmptoms are worse. PMS
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: have tried eliminating grains, carbs
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments:
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/06/2009
First Name: Hannah
Age: 47
Male or Female: female
City: Prescott
State/Province: AZ
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 3 years
Where were you born: san diego ca.
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: certified nursing asst.
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I cant work in any field now the pain is excruciating!
How has Fibro affected your life: its changed every aspect of my life.
What were your first symptoms: colasped due to excruiating pain laid there for 3weeks until I could see a Doctor
Your age at onset of symptoms: 36
How fast was your rate of decline: Severe case incredibly fast felt like I was dying
What are your current symptoms: Major widespread pain daily
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 11 YEARS
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 11
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Cant concentrate,suffer from neck pain and headaches
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 15
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: NEITHER
Describe your experience with doctors: Not very good think Im an addict dont understand this condition
What remedies or medications have you tried: Antidepressants,narcotics,physical therapy,psychiatrist,physcologist
What makes you feel better: Nothing
What makes you feel worse: any type of physical labor
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: No
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: yes no artifical anything
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: NO
Your theories or comments: I wish someone would find a treatment or something for this!
Are we missing any important questions: I cant think of anything Thanks

 

05/05/2009
First Name: Jill
Age: 36
Male or Female: female
City: Portland
State/Province: OR
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 36 years
Where were you born: Portland, OR
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work: Formerly sales/operations/management.
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I wasn't able to work full time after years of doing so, cut down to part time and was still having difficulty so quit altogether.
How has Fibro affected your life: It's affected me in a huge way. I use to be athletic, fit, and had a high energy level. Now I struggle to do daily things and it takes effort to exercise, socialize, and even groom myself.
What were your first symptoms: My first mild symptoms (that I didn't connect at the time) were stomach issues (GERD), dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and inability to concentrate. My more pronounced symptoms started as a flare- I had a severe dizzy spell in which I had coordination problems and pain for two weeks.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 25, 32 (severe symptoms began)
How fast was your rate of decline: I felt very badly for the first few months, then figured out some ways of improving my symptoms and gradually have been able to live life with less pain (by not working and accomplishing less).
What are your current symptoms: extreme fatigue, pain (mostly upper back or arms), brain fog, GERD, insomnia, brittle/ loss of hair, purple/red hands and feet (during flares), constant swollen lymph glands, and consistant low temp. with occassional low grade fevers of apx. 98 degrees. Also often during flares my ears and nose turn red.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 11 years, 4 years since severe symptoms.
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 11 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: At work I'd have problems multi-tasking as I couldn't remember things that needed done without visual clues (notes for phone messages, etc). I recently read half-way through a book I'd already read years ago without remembering it. I usually have the most difficulty with dates, conversations,tasks, and specific names for things (I substitute words with the wrong ones or can't recall simple names of objects).
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 4
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: Not especially. They'll ask only if I enquire about a specific symptom individually.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: I'd say mostly individually.
Describe your experience with doctors: My first dr. assumed it was all psychological and associated with depression (I thought the opposite) and the other doctors seem to like to educate more than treat the problem (so I do a lot of listening, although I know their answers). I dread going for doctor visits as I don't like to address more symptoms that are or could possibly be tied to the fibro.
What remedies or medications have you tried: Amitryiptilline, vicodin (only during bad flares), exercise, vitamin D, more sleep, melatonin, ambien, hot baths, yoga, etc.
What makes you feel better: heat/the sun, amitryiptilline, exercise (only when I'm not in a flare), sleep, limiting activities to less than four hours at a time.
What makes you feel worse: Cold weather/rain, stress, working, lack of sleep, and in general just over extending myself either with errands or socializing for too long a period of time.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride: I've never tried avoiding as I'm hearing about flourides side effects for the first time. I took Paxil from age 25-30 apx. I did drink a lot of tap water back then as well and am not sure of other prescriptions that may have included flouride.
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I do take amitryptilline and am unsure what the ingredients are but it does help me sleep. Besides that, except for melatonin I try to avoid having to take anything.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no, although my symptoms seem to sound thyroid related. Tests have shown that I don't.
Your theories or comments: Here are the things I've suspected of somehow causing fibro or somehow relate...allergies, hormones (I flare during PMS), type A personalities (over-achievers, perfectionists, stressed types), flouride, mercury (fillings), pets/litter? (many cat lovers have FMS- I have 3 and my allergies to them have diminished by apx 80%).
Are we missing any important questions: The prescriptions people are currently taking (for everything)-Allegra, Albuteral, Advair, Amitryptilline, Nasacort, vitamin D, calcium, fish oil (merc. free), multi vitamin. Other meds taken prior...Protonix, Prevacid, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, Claritin, Acyclovir and others.

 

05/01/2009
First Name: pam
Age: 52
Male or Female: f
City: gilbert
State/Province: sc
Country: usa
How long have you lived there: 15yrs
Where were you born: sc
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: no
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: i am unable to work at all
How has Fibro affected your life: i have gone from very active to very inactive due to pain fatigue depression etc
What were your first symptoms: fatigue and pain and stiffness.
Your age at onset of symptoms: not sure. maybe in 20s
How fast was your rate of decline: very slow for a number of years and then much worse very quickly
What are your current symptoms: extreme pain fatigue and depression
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: over 15yrs
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 10or more
Describe the extent of your brain fog: cant remember without writing things down then i misplace my lists.cant concentrate or focus on someone talking for very long
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: more than ten
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: i only have one doc now and yes he does. he is very good
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: individually
Describe your experience with doctors: not willing to try anything new or not by the book
What remedies or medications have you tried: almost all of them. guaf anti-depr narcs neurontin soma lyrica reflux meds physical therapy exercise rest yoga.....
What makes you feel better: the meds i am on now. avinza soma cymbalta wellbutrin oxycodone for breakthru pain and reflux meds
What makes you feel worse: sleepless nights 2 or 3 in a row overdoing or pushing myself to hard and changes in the seasons and weather.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: yes
If so, which sources of fluoride: dont use pesticides or drugs with floride and i dont have floridated water
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: some
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: people with fibro seem to be hypersensitive to almost everything. I try to find out my main triggers are and avoid them if possible. I also have sad so i try to get enough sunlight in the fall and winter to help depression
Are we missing any important questions: i am sure you are but unfortunately so am i

 

05/01/2009
First Name: Charlyne
Age: 60
Male or Female: female
City: Denver
State/Province: CO
Country: US
How long have you lived there: 50
Where were you born: Ontario, Canada
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work:
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: Yes
How has Fibro affected your life: I used to be very strong and active. Now my life is very very limited to how I feel. I am always amazed at how weak I am.
What were your first symptoms: It is hard to pinpoint due to the back injury. They have been pretty severe for over 8+ years.
Your age at onset of symptoms: ?
How fast was your rate of decline: Rapid! Or for the last 4 years that I was able to work, the actual pain was hidden by the massive amounts of OTC pills that I took for pain.
What are your current symptoms: Cronic moderate to severe pain in my neck, back and feet. Worse in the morning, if I get cold, with some weather changes and ...... Weakness, some lack of ability to mentally focus.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 8+ years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: don't know
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Mild
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: Undiagnosed for 8 years
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No, I have chg'd insurance and doctors 2 times since my diagnosis. I haven't really talked to my current doctor about it. She is very good, but doesn't seem to be very familiar with it.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: They have offered pain meds that are stronger than OTC pills. They understand my aversion to prescriptions.
Describe your experience with doctors: It took so long to get a diagnosis
What remedies or medications have you tried: I use asprin and tylenol. Asprin works better than tylenol. I was having VERY good results with Jarrow's Co Q 10 (2- 30mg (only) per day), but that hasn't been working as well lately. The 100 mg doesn't work.
What makes you feel better: Asprin, CoQ10, warm weather, moderation in my activities.
What makes you feel worse: Standing and sitting too long and getting cold.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: no
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: no
Your theories or comments: Until my diagnosis, I thought I was deteriorating due to my back and neck injuries. My depression has let up quite a bit.
Are we missing any important questions: Don't know.

 

05/01/2009
First Name: Gilbert
Age: 55
Male or Female: Male
City: JAMESTOWN
State/Province: North Dakot
Country: United States
How long have you lived there: 33 years
Where were you born: Racine Wisconsin
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: Yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Registered Nurse
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: in constant pain and I am weak no stamina
How has Fibro affected your life: Yes. Depressed think of suicide all the time
What were your first symptoms: Pain in my calves when I worked out. I could never stretch the pain out
Your age at onset of symptoms: 52
How fast was your rate of decline: moderate rate of decline
What are your current symptoms: bicep pain and weakness, upper leg pain and weakness, calves hurt
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 4.5 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 2 years
Describe the extent of your brain fog: Difficult concentrating, memory is bad
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 3
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: yes
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: collectively
Describe your experience with doctors: I am not impressed. My realationship with my wife has deteriated. I am always in pain and depressed. I sleep way too much
What remedies or medications have you tried: Cymbalta, tramadol, soma. then prozac tramadol and flexaril. I have tried neurontin and Lyrica they both make me drowsy and unable to concentrate
What makes you feel better: Vicodin or oxycodone
What makes you feel worse: weather changes or interruption of my sleep pattern
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet: no
If so, which sources of fluoride:
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: In the process of following Dr. Fuhrman MD book eat for health
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: No
Your theories or comments: I have no theories. this is a hit or miss disease
Are we missing any important questions:

 

05/01/2009
First Name: Jeanne
Age: 61
Male or Female: female
City: Wetmore
State/Province: MI
Country: USA
How long have you lived there: 18
Where were you born: Munising MI
Is this the first time you have taken our questionnaire: yes
If not, why are you returning:
Are you still working: No
What is Your Line of Work: Service Industry and Computer Operator
How has Fibro affected your ability to work: I could work, if I knew I could get up at any time, or if I knew my boss would understand that I can not be counted on. It has left me to wonder how would I ever take care of myself if my husband died. It has left me unable to be me anymore.
How has Fibro affected your life: It has made me question my judgement about myself. It had made me Undependable (my greatest shame) It has made me so angry at my inablility to do things for myself and unable to work out that anger in a healthy way. It has left me unable to take care of my grandchildren for any long periods of time. It has made me weak and unable to count on myself.
What were your first symptoms: I woke up one morning and was in pain all over my body, at the joints but also at the fleshy parts between the joints. This lasted for years.
Your age at onset of symptoms: 12
How fast was your rate of decline: It was very bad for a few years but as I came out of puberty the symptoms became less and less. Finally by the age of 21 I had very few flares.
What are your current symptoms: All over body pain and aches, mental inabilty to concentrate, weeks at a time of 1-2 hours of sleep if I get any at all. Eye 'fuzzness' by evening time. I bruise so bad they turn blackish and large, sometimes the size of a saucer sometimes they are the size of a dime... Itchy skin and head. I have very few good days any more... I used to feel less pain in the summer but no longer. I have no memory, literally from ne minute to the next.
Number of years since you developed symptoms of fibromyalgia: 49 years
Do your symptoms include brain fog: Yes
Number of years since you developed the brain fog: 15 years of severe
Describe the extent of your brain fog: I have not been able to remember how to get home, I can see someones lips moving and can't hear the words. I feel feel my brain get like a ball of yarn and I can't find out how to untangle it... it's hard to explain. But sometimes just seeing a cluttered table is unnerving to me??
Estimate number of doctors you have seen for Fibro related symptoms: 10-15
Do your doctors tend to focus on all your Fibro symptoms: No, my current doc, the one who diagnosed me considers all my health issues. FMS, Arthritis and aging.
Do your doctors treat your symptoms individually or collectively: indididually now.
Describe your experience with doctors: Up till my current almost all of them dismissed my symptoms. I was the wife of a career military man so I had to find new doctors every 2-3 years and then I usualy got the one who could ignore me the best. I was very lucky when I had a P.A. at March AFB who actually believed me when my migrains started and that it wasn't because I had a 6 month old son... it was symptoms of TMJ and stayed with me until it was found by him and my dentist. My last Military GWN doc cried when he went in to remove my ovaries and found my entire intestines filled with endometriosis and adhesions... it was an aditional 4 hours of surgery trying to remove as much as possible. he remarked he didn't have any idea how I 'walked' into the ER and just said, 'it hurts, here, and I don't think it's in my head." He said I should have crawled in on my hands and knees becasue I was in so much pain. I just remarked, I said it hurt... I am not the fit throwing kind of girl.
What remedies or medications have you tried: so many I can't remember them all, sorry.
What makes you feel better: Warm, summy days and light pain days.
What makes you feel worse: Weather fronts, dampness, cold.
Have you tried avoiding fluoride in your diet:
If so, which sources of fluoride: tap water and drugs for urinary tract issues.
Have you made dietary changes to avoid any other neutrotoxins: I have always cooked and eaten fresh foods. I have made a point of rarely eaten processed food or take out. Here it might have been made worse by washing my veggies in tap water.
Have you tried any thyroid specific treatments: My doc tried me on low doses of 'normal' I think she said it came from pig products????
Your theories or comments: I am blank on why I got this disease. If my community water system caused this I will never understand it... or forgive them for putting others in danger. FMS seems to be partially inherited, many of us, on my dad's side have it and my mother had thyroid disease. So far my doc says my thyroid is in the normal range.
Are we missing any important questions: I can not discribe pain... I was so young when this all started that the 1-10 level is beyong my aglities. I discribe my pain as FMS is a dark, ugly pain and my Arthritis is bad pain that seems to never get overbearing, although it gets very bad. I know that makes no sense but I need help with discribing pain.

 

 

Case Studies from Previous Months...
February 2010 case studies.
January 2010 case studies.
December 2009 case studies.
November 2009 case studies.
October 2009 case studies.
September 2009 case studies.
August 2009 case studies.
July 2009 case studies.
June 2009 case studies.
May 2009 case studies.
April 2009 case studies.
March 2009 case studies.
February 2009 case studies.
January 2009 case studies.
December 2008 case studies.
November 2008 case studies.
October 2008 case studies.
September 2008 case studies.
August 2008 case studies.
July 2008 case studies.
June 2008 case studies.
May 2008 case studies.
April 2008 case studies.

 

Archived Case Studies...
March 13 - April 12, 2008
February 21 - March 11, 2008
February 2 - February 20, 2008
January 13 - January 31, 2008
December 14 - January 11, 2008
November 20 - December 13, 2007
November 4 - November 19, 2007
October 21 - November 1, 2007
October 6 - October 20, 2007
September 10 - October 5, 2007
August 26 - September 9, 2007
July 26 - August 25, 2007
July 10 - July 25, 2007
May 21 - July 8, 2007
April 25 - May 21, 2007
April 1 - April 24, 2007
March 19 - March 31, 2007
March 5 - March 19, 2007
February 13 - March 1, 2007
January, 2007 - February 12, 2007
August, 2006 - January, 2007
August 22, 2006
June - August 6, 2006
April - May, 2006
February - March, 2006
November, 2005
September - November 2005

Back to Fibromyalgia Holistic Cures

Do you or someone you know have fibromyalgia?
Please help us figure out how to cure this disease!
FILL OUT QUESTIONNAIRE