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Fibromyalgia Questionnaire & Results

Latest Update: 11/18/2008 

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41 QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETED DATA FORMS FOR July 2008

07/31/2008
Name: ABBY
City: Pleasanton
State/Country: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oroville, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Pleasanton, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 years
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Was an executive. Not working now.
Medical History: Tonsillectomy age 5 Hepatitis from drinking contaminates spring water at age 10 endoscopy & colonoscopy in early 50s; H. Pylori discovered about 11 years ago; lost my sense of smell about same time as H.Pylori; GERD; MVP diagnosed about 1981
Does Exercise Help? stretching and walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? hot, painful lumps near knees and elbows; extreme pain around neck, shoulders, arms and lower back excessive daytime tiredness HAD to go home to sleep on my lunch hour; GERD; High BP; pain upon finishing exercising; I used to be able to run 7 miles a day.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? much worse--fibro fog is more frequent and dramatic; more pain in a variety of places, including bottoms of feet--feels like I am walking on broken glass; brain cognitive issues; cannot tolerate tight anything; vision problems; two years ago had PVD in left eye; weakness; breathing issues; still unrefreshed sleep; low thyroid etc..
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? probably the Hepatitis virus from contaminated water at age 10...I was ill for a long time...missed 1/2 school year
Any Military Service? Husband in military. had vaccines from US Army before going overseas in 80s
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Possibly pesticides when growing up on ranch; had a lot of mercury dental fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? OMG--I have been ruined!! I used to be financially independent & a Type A worker--I lost my job, even though I was keeping bosses and HR informed that I was having health issues but my Prim. Care Physician could not figure out the big picture of fibromyalgia....I was persistently going to her and complaining....finally she ordered an ANA test and when it came back positive--the same day I was laid off for good--she referred me to a rheumatologist. I also have spent last 7 years in administrative and legal battles with a large disability insurance carrier. I have drained all of my savings. I was supposed to be getting over 5000 a month in disability payments. Now I am in bankruptcy and about to lose my home. This disease has ruined me. So in addition to 'fighting' the disease, I have had to 'fight' in the legal system against a 'for profit' insurance carrier to which I made monthly payments for over 4 years to be insured. I'm exhausted.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold Weather, Stress, vigorous exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? I recently had wrist surgery and they gave me morphine just before I was discharged....for several days after that shot...I felt like I had before getting fibromyalgia...I felt like my normal self. They'd also prescribed a pain pill for home...but I never even had to take a one. The nurses and MD had called me and were amazed I did not need to take the pain pills. I told them..the surgery pain must not be very bad compared to what I live with from the fibromyalgia.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OMG--yes and it seems to cycle now...I can be clear headed for couple of hours and then suddenly...yikes...
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I think it came at same time. I was not diagnosed for sleep apnea until well into fibromyalgia over 4 years. Sometimes the CPAP machine lets me have a clear head in the morning. I highly advise inquriing with one's MD about having the sleep studies done. Many fibromyalgia patients may indeed also have sleep apnea. Brain fog seems to be getting worse in me.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, Yes, Yes. Maybe the Biaxin when they treated me for H. Pylori. Just before, almost accidentally, finding out I had to be tested for H. Pylori (I mentioned to my MD that I got a sour stomach on just drinking water...and he said 'what') I had gone to see him as I lost my sense of smell. They ran CAT scan--nothing wrong with my brain...the MD stated a 'virus could have stunned your nasal sense of smell cells' and caused you to lose your sense of smell. This has not changed..I cannot smell things...maybe on a rare occasion for a split second I can detect a strong scent..like a rose. I had been a very healty person & barely took an aspirin once a month. Well except that I started having a lot of broken bones....which was weird...this was in my mid 30s...but I used to run 7 miles a day.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO, never heard that I should try to avoid. Do know that as a child I grew up in Northern California where they did put fluoride in the water. They also used to spray a fog of probably a pesticide to eradicate mosquitos during the summer. I think they sprayed once a week.
Remedies Tried: Every anti-depressant on the market--they numb me for about 6 months then stop working and I get little relief from the pain. Mucinex (guafenisin); ETODOLAC; levothyroxin; actonel; atenolol, drugs for GERD etc..
Your Theories: Advise every fibromyalgia patient to get a copy of Dr. Garth Nicholson's book 'Project Day Lily' and read it. I firmly believe in the Mycoplasma fermentans being a causative agent. Right this week I am awaiting the results of my DNA PCR test for M. fermentans. This was a blood test, but because this germ can travel even through the blood brain barrier...it can wreak havoc all over the body--a negative blood test does not mean it is not situated in another part of the body. I may go on the long term antibiotic therapy to see if I improve or reverse the fibro symptoms that way. If it is the Mycoplasma--then it is something an antibiotic can go after.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Why doesn't somebody provide to all physicians (VIA AMA or MD journals) all the possible tests that a fibro patient should get...such as sleep studies; Mycoplasma fermentans DNA PCR..etc All the various tests came about over a period of 10 years and from multiple physicians and from my asking lots of questions and being insistent on certain medical symptoms...There should be a checklist for the MDs. They don't all seem to know what's what with fibro. As an example, both my primary care and my rheumatologist missed my sleep apnea, even though I kept complaining of how tired I was when I woke up...not until I went to see Dr. Robert Bennett in Oregon and he told me that I should tell my doctor to order the sleep studies. I did that when I got back to California and sure enough I had sleep apnea. Also, why does the US Army hold the patent on Mycoplasma fermentans? Also, does anyone else remember getting the 'swine flu vaccination' in the late 70s...like winter of 77? I got that vaccine.

 

07/30/2008
Name: Karen
City: Bowling Green
State/Country: Kentucky
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Kentucky
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? hips hurting, fatigue,
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? grocery store
Medical History: relatively healthy
Does Exercise Help? walk alot at Kroger
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle twitches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? just been diagnosed with tmj
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? sinus
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? slowed me down alot
What Makes Symptoms Worse? muscle soreness
What Makes You Feel Better? hot baths and physical therapy
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? the whole 8 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. I took celebrex and vioxx
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: trying homeopathic vitamins
Your Theories: I felt better taking holistic vitamins
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/28/2008
Name: Barbara
City: Calabasas
State/Country: United States
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? California
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No
Medical History: good health
Does Exercise Help? Yes, Stretching and aerobic
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue and pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't know, came from a blue collar town Alton Il
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? limited activity, no energy
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too much activity
What Makes You Feel Better? rest and moderate exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: endocin
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/28/2008
Name: Lisa
City: Georgetown
State/Country: TX
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Carbondale, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Georgetown, TX
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 yrs
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 19 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? symptoms started when working as a flight attendant; progressed through call center work; not working for last 10 yrs
Medical History: appendix removed; childbirth; hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? yoga used to help but now cannot sustain it for more than a few days, just too exhausted.
What Were Your First Symptoms? lower back pain, knee pain, stomach pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all 18 tender points, lower back pain, knee pain, insomnia, depression, muscle pain and weakness, skin sensitivity, weight gain, numbness in fingers and toes, numbness on back of skull, chest pain and shortness of breath, overall fatigue, plantar faciitis, today it is the hips that are very achy and tender.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mono at age 16
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not aware of any
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I just don't want to go out there much and do anything. Used to be athletic and outgoing, but now just don't have the energy most of the time. I try to stay active with volunteer groups but have trouble concentrating or following through on projects. Bursts of feeling good are always followed by several recovery days.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Standing too long. Bending over, lifting anything. Alcohol. Sugar.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much. Will feel better some days and then try to do normal stuff and suffer for it.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, I suppose. Hadn't really thought about it, but do have trouble remembering and must keep lists for everything.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Not sure, I think it has gotten gradually worse over the years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. But did not take any prescription drugs within 6 mos.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Never heard of it.
Remedies Tried: First thought was pain was from sleeping on water bed. Replaced bed, did not help. Have tried chiropractic, acupunture (seemed to alleviate symptoms during treatment, but returned shortly after treatment ended). Vitamin B12
Your Theories: Perhaps a disturbance to the central nervous system due to traumatic stress or injury. My symptoms seemed to begin shortly after a bomb threat on board a flight I was working. Didn't sleep for days after that. Perhaps from a tailbone injury. Have heard theories of immune deficiency due to mononucleosis virus.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do you feel you had a traumatic life event that preceeded the onset of symptoms? or automobile accident? Neck injury?

 

07/28/2008
Name: jacqueline
City: Manchester
State/Country: UK
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Bolton
Where Do You Live Now? Worsley
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office work
Medical History: Migraine,Ostearthritus,Viral menengitus
Does Exercise Help? Yes
What Were Your First Symptoms? Back pain when walking then spread
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Visual disturbance,Back pain,ankle pain, pain at back of knees, Calf pain,Elbow,wrist anf pain in fingers at times with knumbness,headache and kneck pain travelling down shoulders.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Makes life difficult hard to continue normally, Visual disturbance a big problem and maintaining the house is hard. Unable to do a lot of things I enjoyed before. very tired and allows feeling exhausted.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress and when I do to much
What Makes You Feel Better? Feeling happy and in control of my body. Not letting it take over
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes no but I was pregnant and under a lot of stress
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Amytriptalin and propanalol
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? When can i get rid of it for good. Managed a three year gap now its back with avengance

 

07/28/2008
Name: Debby
City: Smyrna
State/Country: Tn.
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Memphis, Tn.
Where Do You Live Now? Smyrna, Tn.
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Paraprofessionalin Sped.
Medical History: Bowel blockages 5+ thromophebitis spastic colon
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like, no energy
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tireness, dull pain in legs and feet,tenderness in tissues in arms, hands, ankle area,trouble staying asleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? when I began having symptoms it was hard to get through the day. After 2 years of searching for answers, my dr. sent me to a rhumitogist, she dignosed me and I began getting treatment. I am able to function now even though sometimes I do have bad days.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? standing for long periods, cleaning house for extended period, mowing yard, sitting for long period.
What Makes You Feel Better? HOT BATH or hot tub, massage
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes,,, No.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Predisone, methotrexate, flexeril
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

 

07/28/2008
Name: Frances
City: donegal
State/Country: ireland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? ireland
Where Do You Live Now? ireland
How Long Have You Lived There? most of my life
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7-8 years ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? artist, teaching.
Medical History: appendix removed, ovarian cysts, kidney stone blasted, glue ear continuous since childhood, arthritis, osteo and rheumatoid, hepatitis A twice, malaria, can't remember most of them.
Does Exercise Help? short walks help sometimes. Anything else paralyses me andhurts incredibly especially n my hips and neck.at menopause ages 47.
What Were Your First Symptoms? soreness, stiffness whole body bones and muscles throbbed and ached and the pain was intense. the more I moved the more pain and the stiffer my muscles got until I'd just have to stand or sit there until the pain went. It never stopped hurting day or night.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Constant pain all over, moving and resting. Cold in my upper thighs, like flu or having a temperature where you feel cold even though you are hot. Sinusitis,headaches,tiredness,depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Hepatitis A twice, malaria (not sure if that's a virus), shingles. Usual childhood viruses like chickenpox, measels, mumps, rubella,flu etc.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? can't remember.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It means I can't really work, can't concentrate, I'm stressed, forget words and schedules, names, places, brain fog, tiredness, abdominalpain in the mornings, weight gain, joint pain, muscle pain , all this just makes me feel bad all the time. When shopping, cant lift or carry anything, walking hurts,have to check temperatures when booking holidays.I drop things. Irritable,forgetful,have to rest a lot. Family and friends can't see any pain because I cover it up or work my way around it so no one notices, like find a place to sit when everyone else stands and such.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Everything, sitting standing, walking, crowds, fear, just everything. I'm always aware of it and the pain.
What Makes You Feel Better? Resting with my legs up, walking short distances like room to room, lying down for short periods, alternating in short bursts.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.a lot.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Since it started.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes within days. No drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Don't even know what that is.
Remedies Tried: Best one was oestrogen replacement. It relieved a lot of the symptoms.I take 1600mg Ibruprofen per day. am on diphene once a day now. Tried glucosamine, it made it worse if anything. Tried diets and leaving foods out, didn't work.
Your Theories: I'd go with the theory of extra calcium in the muscles. My skinin places feels lumpy like it's knotted in the tendon areas.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Don't know.

 

07/27/2008
Name: Robert
City: Manchester, NH
State/Country: USA
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Cherrypoint, NC Military AFB
Where Do You Live Now? Manchester, NH
How Long Have You Lived There? 54 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? advertising sales, still working
Medical History: As a child, scarlet fever, scarlet tina, measles, mumps, chicken pox. Torn tendon and ligaments in wrists, ankles and upper shoulder due to 3 separate accidents approximately 15 years apar
Does Exercise Help? hard to exercise, but I am supposed to
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like symptoms, extreme tiredness, swollen glands
What Are Your Current Symptoms? transitory fatigue, achey muscles and joints, sometimes narcolepsy, sometimes swollen glands
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mononucleosis I have had twice
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? N/A..... Ido have silver/mercury fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? quality of life has decreased, not able to do much as before
What Makes Symptoms Worse? physical labor, and if I get a cold or minor illness it is super magnified
What Makes You Feel Better? anything to do with being in warm water, swimming,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? They used to, but not so much now.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I developed brain fog almost immediately after...it has lessened and is very transitory
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I can cycle through symptoms quickly. No specific drugs taken
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, I have not
Remedies Tried: I now take vitamins, fish oil, D-ribose, and herbal supplements for immune system
Your Theories: I believe FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) has to do with injury along the hypothalmus/pituitary gland, due to physical and emotional trauma (I suffered severe car accident 1 year prior to onset of symptoms)
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/26/2008
Name: jillian
City: cork
State/Country: ireland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? england
Where Do You Live Now? ireland
How Long Have You Lived There? 13 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? mother, health carer, not working now
Medical History: miscarriages, hypothyroid
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? various,pain, fatigue,anxiety, depression, headaches, poor sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, after 3rd child, in 1981, very ill afterwards, lost 45 ponds in six months, then diagnosed hypothyroid.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? ??
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? wrecked it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress and exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? hot baths and heat generally.kava kava
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, absolutely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ??
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, maybe antibiotics
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, except I avoid toothpste
Remedies Tried: so many, I cant bear to list them, sorry, feeling lousy today.
Your Theories: Toxicity, spinal damage, post traumatic stress, candida, allergy, coffee?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/25/2008
Name: Cherie
City: McEwen
State/Country: TN
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Seattle, Washington
Where Do You Live Now? Tennessee
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 yrs.
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I was a dietary cook at a nursing home. Have not worked since Sept 11,2001 due to being rear ended.
Medical History: Recovering alcoholic, Depression, Panic attacks (can manage now), hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? Mild stretching.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Temperature 99, severe flu ache, increased depression, thoughts of suicide, extreme intense pain even when touched or brushed with the wind of someone passing by, the touch for cold water
What Are Your Current Symptoms? The same as above, along with severe back pain, neck, shoulder, hips, legs, jaws, arms and hands. Brain fog, painful trigger point knots throughout entire body
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't work, trying to live on one income, stress, major depression, everyday is a struggle coping with daily chores, medicines keep me drowsy, relation with husband,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather, stress, too much activity, climbing stairs with laundry, seasonal changes, being touched,
What Makes You Feel Better? heat, rest, pain medicine, trigger injections, nerve blocks in back
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? definitely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3-4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. No, my symptoms were result of an accident
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? N/A
Remedies Tried: heat, massage, therapy, Pain management, pain medicines, muscle relaxers, nerve block med., nerve block injections, trigger point injections
Your Theories: I wish there were more people willing to understand and learn how to cope with loved ones suffering from fybromialgia
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/25/2008
Name: Gwyneth
City: Toronto On
State/Country: Canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Toronto
Where Do You Live Now? Toronto
How Long Have You Lived There? 65 years
Your Age? 75
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 28
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Politics - retired
Medical History: Relatively healthy except for period of depression
Does Exercise Help? aquasize helped enormously
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain and fatigue - unable to climb stairs without stopping frequently
What Are Your Current Symptoms? malignant hyperthermia, malagic encephalomyalitis, advanced osteo arthritis in hips, spine, knees, hands. Double vision as a result of surgery on small muscles in eyes, ITA, asthma, Acid reflux, UTI and muscle pain and weakness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? viral pneumonia
Any Military Service? 10 months - 1952
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? ?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Had to stop working - have made many changes to life style and have remained open to possible treatments for these conditions
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather and stress -
What Makes You Feel Better? sunshine and warm water - living a 'normal' life and remaining politically active
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes - still find it embarassing
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 16
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? our drinking water contains fluoride - I drink spring water
Remedies Tried: I have short term memory loss and this question is difficult for me - I did go to a naturalpathic practicioner and took remedies suggested by her and removed some foods from my diet
Your Theories: We reap what we sow - or so it seems. Until we are willing to fully address the damage we have done to our enviroment we will have people suffering needlessly. Please urge all people to speak out and speak up by voting for the candidates that best address these concerns. You can make a difference.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? ?

 

07/25/2008
Name: Nancy
City: Cincinnati
State/Country: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 1953
Where Do You Live Now? Cincinnati, OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Managerial position No longer working
Medical History: Asthma Allergies & Sinus
Does Exercise Help? Water exercise helps with the pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe headaches insomnia
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Acute pain in 7 of 9 tender points Debilitating headaches Lower back and hip pain Inflamation in some joints and glands
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I was hospitalized in Nov 2005 for 24 days; my symptoms were similar to Lupus but tested negetive.
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I've had to quit work. I am limited to exercise I can do
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Standing or bending over for a period of time
What Makes You Feel Better? Exercise once I'm in the water
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 11 months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I went from
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Lyrica
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/24/2008
Name: Kelly
City: Ocean
State/Country: NJ, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? NJ
Where Do You Live Now? NJ
How Long Have You Lived There? 41 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Finance
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? don't try because I''m so tired and in so much pain I don't try
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe headache 7 knee pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? very tired, severe muscle aches, especially in my upper back between sholder blades, swollen glands, body if stiff and joints are weak. i have tested positive for RA, irregular periods, IBS, very bad knee pain and back pain & on & off severe headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? probably
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am afraid to go places because I always feel bad. All I do is sleep so I can try to get to work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I think my period may make it worse
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really but massage and sleep seem to help alittle and I will get times when I kind of feel normal but not for long. Almost like I get flare ups.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, anti depressents
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I only drink filtered water
Remedies Tried: prednisone, Soma, vitamins, plaquinil
Your Theories: I also believe it is related to hormones, age and immune system.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do other family members have it?

 

07/23/2008
Name: Amy
City: Sierra Vista
State/Country: US
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Maryland
Where Do You Live Now? Arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? US Army (Army Band)
Medical History: Thyroid, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Pelvic Reconstruction
Does Exercise Help? Yes, regular stretching, yoga and walking.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Stiffness and extreme fatigue. Pain came rolling along not much later.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Brain fog, fatigue, pain, stiffness, fatigue, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue!!
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? Yes, 20 and still going. Military Medical Review Board at 15 years in service and fought to not be medically retired.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way possible. My husband is also active duty retiring soon and we have 2 children. It is a struggle dealing with fatigue and pain every day and trying to help at home and give 150% at work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, shift work, wearing full battle rattle (puts pressure on the FMS pressure points causing major flare ups).
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest, sleep, light exercise, healthy diet, stretching, warm weather.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Can't really recall when it started.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Don't know what that is.
Remedies Tried: Used to take flexeril at night and prozac in the morning. That caused me to be super groggy all day. I started taking Ultram at night while stationed in Mannehim, Germany. It has been a very good medication for me.
Your Theories: None.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Can't think of any.

 

07/23/2008
Name: Michael
City: El Paso
State/Country: TX
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Oregon
Where Do You Live Now? Tx
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 1/2 years
Your Age? 23
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Active duty Army Medic, Yes.
Medical History: renovascular hypertenion, sleep apnea(obstructive),arthritis.
Does Exercise Help? NO! makes pain worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiff joints, knee pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic pain,sleeping problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? yes, 04'-present
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it controls me, at its mercy 24/7
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, moderate exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? dark room with no sound.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
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:
Your Theories: PTSD/stress due to deployment. treating fellow wounded, bringing back dead fellow soldiers from patrols.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/21/2008
Name: Terri
City: New Port Richey
State/Country: FL
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Florida
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 53 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: thyroid cancer, removal
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? painful wrists, fingers, arms, knee
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? hard to move sometimes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? muscle strain
What Makes You Feel Better? rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: Caused by thyroid removal! Happened immediatly following surgery, made worse by radiation treatment.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/20/2008
Name: Marie
City: New Glasgow
State/Country: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Labrador
Where Do You Live Now? Nova Scotia
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 yrs
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35 yrs
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Accounting
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Yes, Arobics
What Were Your First Symptoms? tiremess
What Are Your Current Symptoms? much the same
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? at first very useless, not as bad now
What Makes Symptoms Worse? food and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? rest and bettet food choices
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't know what that is
Remedies Tried: herbelfiber blend
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? don't know

 

07/20/2008
Name: kathy
City: north riverside
State/Country: il
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? germany
Where Do You Live Now? united states
How Long Have You Lived There? 45 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? can't
Medical History: migraines
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? could not lift my arms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? widespread pain migraines ibs neck pain trigger point pain exhaustion
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? horribly i can't do anything I once did
What Makes Symptoms Worse? almost everything
What Makes You Feel Better? not much
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes after a car accident
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: pain block, vicodin, morphine patch, pain patch
Your Theories: yes it was caused by my car accident,
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/18/2008
Name: Jessica
City: Carrollton
State/Country: TX
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Plano, TX
Where Do You Live Now? Carrollton, TX
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 months
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Writing, Management, & Marketing; I am working PT from home
Medical History: Too much to list; sickly most of my life, several surgeries
Does Exercise Help? Walking; about to begin Tai Chi
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, numbness, hair loss, rashes, knots in back, arthritis, carpal tunnel, sensitivity to temperature/ sounds/smells, headaches, pain in left side of ribs, mouth & nose sores, rashes, shakiness, lightheadedness, night sweats, edema, neurological/autonomic symptoms, fevers, sporadic sensation of fullness in right side of abdomen, constipation, weakness, muscle spasms, urinary/gynecological issues, elevated liver enzymes, enlargement of uterus & spleen, recent surgery for intussusception of small bowel (unknown cause), stiffness- especially in the morning, lack of ability to concentrate, irritability, memory loss
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, several
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Silica dust from granite engraving, but after the initial onset of symptoms
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? The constant pain & fatigue effects all aspects of my life. I can''t be the mother & wife I would like to be; I can barely keep up with my house and make it through the day. I am very frustrated & often depressed. I've always been a worker & I lost my job due to my medical issues late last year. I don't have the strength to work outside the house anymore.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of rest, overexertion; basically everything- I am never comfortable
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? Not sure, probably about five years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, but I began to deteriorate rapidly over the last few years. I have some other medical problem that cannot be diagnosed- I have even been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. They said it can't be just Fibromyalgia because the other illness is progressive
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: I am on Lyrica, Plaquenil, Voltaren, Oxycontin, Effexor, B-12 injections, and multivitamins. I was on Cymbalta, which helped some with pain & depression but it hurt my stomach too badly to continue use.
Your Theories: I think Fibromyalgia is probably part of an alternate illness that either has not been identified or is extremely difficult to diagnose.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/18/2008
Name: Sherry
City: Eugene
State/Country: OR
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? MO.
Where Do You Live Now? OR
How Long Have You Lived There? 32
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 18
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 18
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? insurance
Medical History: asthma/allergies
Does Exercise Help? yes! stretching, walking, weights
What Were Your First Symptoms? random pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? random pain in most pressure point areas quickly relieved by stretching/exercise
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I have had sinus infections almost ongoing for 26 years
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it hasn't, I have not allowed it to interfere with my life, by the grace of God
What Makes Symptoms Worse? overdoing! riding a rollar coaster & riding in cramped situation for 7 hours straight!
What Makes You Feel Better? stretching/exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? n/a
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, but it was after an accident
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: just vitamins, minerals, & herbs
Your Theories: Possitive attitude, stretch, stretch, stretch
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/16/2008
Name: Corrie
City: Johannesburg
State/Country: South Africa
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? South Africa
Where Do You Live Now? Boksburg
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 month
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Foundry Manager
Medical History: Good Health
Does Exercise Help? dont know
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in back, chest, hands, arms, shoulders, foggyness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? as above
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? Yes from 1980 to 1983
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes heavy metals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It originaly was a battle to identfy fibro and this took the best part of a year which was very difficult
What Makes Symptoms Worse? If I dont sleep well
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleeping well
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? The brain fog has been with me for about 5years now but the fibro symtoms +- 1 year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No it seems to be conistant with the morning being a bit worse
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: My doctor has put me one Cambalta 30mg a day started on the 15th July 2008
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Dont know

 

07/15/2008
Name: victoria
City: london
State/Country: ontario. canada
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? london, ontario
Where Do You Live Now? london, ontario
How Long Have You Lived There? 55 yrs
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 17
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? fevers, black outs, joint pain, migraines
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, bone pain, muscle soreness, easily stressed
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? dont know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? complete opposite to before. cant work, cant exercise cant do repeative tasks, memory loss, no dancing, limited chore work house and garden, servere back and joint pain restricts movements, unable to get rem sleep.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, repeatitive movement, insufficient sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? peace, meditation, and red wine. :)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? approx 8 - 10, dont remember.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. back then i did not take prescribed medications.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, have not heard this before
Remedies Tried: many natural and wholistic methods.
Your Theories: yes, fibro effects baby boomers and their grandmothers, causing me to question chemicles used during the 1st and 2nd world wars.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? is chronic fatigue for men related to fibro for women?

 

07/15/2008
Name: Bonnie
City: Perth Amboy
State/Country: New Jersey
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Perth Amboy
Where Do You Live Now? Monroe
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Municipal Clerk/still working
Medical History: None
Does Exercise Help? NO--takes a week to recover from after affect pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? FATIGUE; MUSCLE WEAKNESS; MIGRAINE
What Are Your Current Symptoms? FATIGUE, MUSCLE WEAKNESS; MIGRAINE; INSOMNIA;MUSCLE CRAMPS, FACIAL NUMBNESS; JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Fifth disease noted in first bloodwork with rhuematologist.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Fatigue and muscle weakness and migraione dictate the activity for the day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Over exertion of muscles; weather
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. Poor memory and reduced concentration
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 (three)
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No drugs. Migraines started immediately after birth of second child and other symptoms followed within year.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Elavil, Fexeril and Topomax
Your Theories: I believe the Fifth's Disease contributed to the initial onset of the Fibromyalgia.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/15/2008
Name: Cathy
City: Dayton
State/Country: Oh
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 49 yrs
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? legal/ still work
Medical History: Multiple Sclerosis
Does Exercise Help? ?
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain/stiffness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain/stiffness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? ?
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? hard to walk, use my arms, hands, knee problems
What Makes Symptoms Worse? tired
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? didn't know it caused that, I have MS, thought that was what was causing it
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, and no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Lyrica
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? what happened before the onset?

 

07/15/2008
Name: Martha M.
City: Los Angeles
State/Country: Los Angeles, California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Mexico
Where Do You Live Now? Los Angeles
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1992
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Real Estate Finance
Medical History: Good
Does Exercise Help? Yew Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? joint and neck pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle spasms, neck, back, hips, legs and arms burning pain, extreme internal sensitivity to odors, hot and cold, spicy food, IBS, chronic fatigue, insomnia, Blur vision, eye sensitivity , etc.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No, just regular colds and pneumonia a couple of times
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's been very hard to work I lost my job about 6mos ago and I almost lost my Marriage
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, traveling either by car or plane, Specially being sad, staying at home
What Makes You Feel Better? Staying away from home specially out of the country, being happy, walking
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3 or 4 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, Prozac
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Aything you can think of it is a long list
Your Theories: I made comments to my husband that it was my house the one that make me sicker because when we go on vacations I feel a lot better, but on our last vacation I narrow it to the water but we have a water softener system so is hard to believe my theory
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/15/2008
Name: Samantha
City: Novi
State/Country: Michigan
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Michigan
Where Do You Live Now? Michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 26 years
Your Age? 26
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? material handler. still working, have to make an income.
Medical History: Anklosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, pinched siatica nerve
Does Exercise Help? at this point nothing helps especially when I'm in alot of pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? low back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? entire back pain, knees, neck, weakness, twitching in legs arms and buttocks, difficulty sleeping, legs go numb,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? chemicals from a drycleaners
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? im unable to enjoy just the simple things cause i'm always so tired and have a hard time doing anything i know i would enjoy because i'm afraid of being in worse pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? bending and standing alot.
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, hot shower
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, on occations
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2-3 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, it all progressed quickly one thing to another over the years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: skelaxon, darvacet, napraxon, steroids, neurontin, baclofen, vicodin, ultram
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/15/2008
Name: Pat
City: Oakbrook Terrace
State/Country: IL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chicago, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Oakbrook Terrace
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 65
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1995
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retired
Medical History: Very long since 1995
Does Exercise Help? gentle and ballroom dancing
What Were Your First Symptoms? fibrofog, body pain, insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, interstitial cystitus, brittle, breaking nails
What Are Your Current Symptoms? joint pain, body pain, smaller hair loss, inability to concentrate, irritable
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Was on long term medication after cystoscopy which caused hair loss and an antibiotic which could be Cipro
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Amalgams which have all been replaced a number of years ago. I detoxed this past year after radiation for breast cancer.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? disabled 10 years before retirement, unable to function
What Makes Symptoms Worse? dampness, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Dr. St. Amand's protocol helping. Sleeping pills - over the counter type.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? from beginning
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes after back surgery and cystoscopy.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no we had well water until about 10 plus years ago, now have flouridated water.
Remedies Tried: guaifenesin since 2000, tried flexeril and sleeping meds before this for very short period of time. Did not like side effects.
Your Theories: This is a mysterious illness and I wish I could pinpoint what caused it so that I could reverse the process completely.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What are you doing to survive? Wholistic MD's, naturopaths.

 

07/14/2008
Name: Lisa
City: Marysville
State/Country: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Columbus, OH
Where Do You Live Now? Marysville, OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 8 years
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? techinal support/accounting and office admin for a small business
Medical History: healthy, rarely had to go to dr for anything except occasional sinus infection or flu
Does Exercise Help? walking seems to help some, but prior to the onset i was already walking 20+ miles a week, I don't have the opportunity to add swimming to my routine, which my dr claims to be very helpful as well
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain underneath my left shoulderblade,like a badly knotted and overworked muscle that gradually spread down my left arm, then down the left side of body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic and severe pain and tenderness on the entire left side of my body, severe pain and tenderness across my upper chest and ribs. I tire much more easily than I used to. I feel like I've been poisened, and then in a bad car accident, where my body was whipped all around, all just after running a marathon I wasn't at all prepared for.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes-herpes
Any Military Service? Yes, 1990-1994
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, worked in a shipyard with inadequate supplies most of 1991
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has caused depression, avoidance of family and friends, i've gained 30 lbs in the past 2 years because it hurts to exercise, and i had tried to use food to comfort me
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting for long periods of time, not exercising, but also too much exercing or too much yard/house work
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing. the pain is always there. but what has helped lessen the pain is i have started taking vitamins/amino acids/herbs/omega. This seems to have reduced the overall level of pain, along with walking 2-3 miles 5 days a week. I am also reading A New Earth and just finished the Power of Now. These spiritual books have atually helped because they are teaching me to be in the now, which is reducing my stress, healing my mind seems to be helping heal my body.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? definately
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? just this past year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I started taking anti-depressants after my divorce, I tried 4 different kind, none seemed to help with the depression so I stopped taking them, soon after I started having the pain underneath my shoulder blade
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, this site is the first i've heard about the link between the two.
Remedies Tried: Before I knew it was FM, I tried several different types of massage therapy and also chiropractic care. I tried Lyrica - but i needed 600 mg in order to be pain free and that caused side effects. About 4 months ago I boosted my vitamin instake that I get from a company called Advocare - along with taking amino acids (Catalyst), herbs that support muscle repair, and omega. This has reduced my pain level from an 8-9 to a 3-4. Like Lyrica it seems to be a bandage,not a cure, but without the side effects.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? My mom also has Fibromyalgia, she was around the age of 33 when she also started developing symptons, which differ from mine.

 

07/12/2008
Name: Jo
City: Wellington
State/Country: New Zealand
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Porirua
Where Do You Live Now? Paraparaumu
How Long Have You Lived There? 18 years
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 18
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Kindergarten teacher. Only working 15 hours per week now.
Medical History: Was extremely healthy and fit until the onset of FMS and CFS
Does Exercise Help? Can only tolerate a little exercise. Aqua jogging has been the best I've found for pain relief though.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Glandular fever, which just didn't go away.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Intense muscular pain, weakness, no energy, regularly migraines, and a half life as a result.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Glandular fever
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has completely changed me from being outgoing and full of energy, to feeling like I am only half alive. I'm always conscious of my pain, and the limitations that it puts on my life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? What doesnt??? Using the little energy I have, late nights, different foods, the weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Aqua jogging relieves pain symptoms for a brief period.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12 years, when I first had fibro.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I definitely did. Deliberately didn't take any Dr prescribed drugs, despite pain.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No I haven't yet, but after reading through your information on this website it definitely sounds like something I will be trying!
Remedies Tried: High doses of vit c, spirilina, echinaecea, thyroid stimulants, vit b and e.
Your Theories: Anything I try works WONDERS for around a month, and then I crash and my body rejects it.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No, don't think so.

 

07/11/2008
Name: Jenny
City: London
State/Country: United Kingdom
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? London
Where Do You Live Now? London
How Long Have You Lived There? all my live
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? only just been diagnoised
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 6 months
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? finance office. Only just returned back to work only managing to work 3 days - 4 hours per day. But my employer would like me to come back full time.
Medical History: Pretty healthy
Does Exercise Help? yoga, walking, salsa
What Were Your First Symptoms? just feeling like I have a content flu
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain all over my body.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It is very deabiliting, emotional stressful
What Makes Symptoms Worse? fatigue
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no?
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. No drugs taken
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Nothing yet, but would like to and not depend on conventational drugs to much
Your Theories: Possibility changing my diet, reducing my working hours.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/09/2008
Name: Vanessa
City: Denver
State/Country: Colorado
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pueblo, CO
Where Do You Live Now? Denver, CO
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative. Yes
Medical History: Had child at 21. No epidural. Allergic to Sulfa & Penicillain. Depression as an adolescent. Untreated post-partum depression.
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes. Walking Video and Stretching.
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, fibrofog, sleeping for 10-12 hours and feeling like I got no sleep.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, widespread pain, anxiety, depression, medication sensitivity.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had a virus when I was 5 yrs old, and it caused me to bruise easily. It lasted a few months and then went a way.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I lived in Germany during Chernoble. We weren't allowed to play outside for 6 months.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's been pretty awful. I feel like no one understands. I still have not been diagnosed, because I keep having some level of inflammation or infection and the doctors want to look into it, but they never find anything. Recently--I have had DAILY fevers for over 6 months now and no one can figure out what's causing them. I normally feel better in the summer, but this year the pain has been continuous. I break out in hives or have other bad reactions to any anxiety or depression medicine, so I'm not being treated for it. Life seems pretty hopeless.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? When I stay in the bed all day, I am really stiff and I have more pain. Stress seems to make it worse. The weather. Sometimes I feel like driving is too much because my legs hurt so bad.
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise, but I haven't done it for about a year, because I just can't seem to make myself and I'm exhausted.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I think I've learned to live with it though, because I don't usually notice it. i noticed it a lot more the first few years.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. I have never been an active person and I have battled depression since 16 years old. I feel like I have never had much energy. I started noticing the symptoms after I gave birth.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Tramadol works for the pain.
Your Theories: Untreated post partum depression. Sleeping disorder.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family History--Both of my parents had rheumatic fever. My paternal grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis.

 

07/09/2008
Name: Melanie
City: Madison
State/Country: Wi
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Madison, Wi
Where Do You Live Now? Madison, Wi
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 years
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Call center (was working coffee bar until a back injury last summer)
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Warm water swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? Sore shoulder
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in shoulder, back. Stiffness.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Every virus I catch is long lasting
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have to be creative in how I do things, I have to use physics and leverage in different ways. I had to change the design of the house I want to build.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Overworking the muscles
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot tub
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? All my life
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I've never been exactly healthy, but the pain did start relatively quickly.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: Roseroot, Shizandra, dragon's blood. I've tried more prescriptions than I can recall.
Your Theories: I think its due to a malfunction in the mechanism that control neurotransmitter levels, hence my current experiments with adaptogenic herbs. I believe there may be an emotional component as well, as every person I've met with fibro has been a loner forced to interact with lots of people whether they want to or not.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Ask a series of questions to see if a person prefers to be alone or with the company of a few, versus big noisy crowds. Then ask how many people they interact with as part of their jobs.

 

07/08/2008
Name: Kelly
City: Mannheim
State/Country: Germany
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Mannheim, Germany
How Long Have You Lived There? 1.5 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? almost 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I am on Active Duty, Army
Medical History: I was healthy and fit. I exercised nearly every day. I have had depression throughout my life.
Does Exercise Help? I have only begun excercising again because my military unit was not willing to cooperate or assist me because I am an E-4 in the Army.
What Were Your First Symptoms? My first symptoms began with Fatigue and Severe IBS symptoms. I had abdominal pain, swelling, bloating, vomiting, etc.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? I am very sick now. I have pain everywhere, neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, hips, fingers, elbows, knees, ankles, toes, feet, migrains, tired all the time, skin sensitivity, depression, vomiting, swelling, I can't think, problems remembering, panick attacks, depression, severe food allergy attacks to food I am not allergic to, plantar faciitis,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? Yes, I joined in August 2006 and it was during AIT that I began getting sick.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I am aware of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I literally have no life outside the Army. I can barely take care of my four year old daughter.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep and stress free environment
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, there are times that I cannot even finish my sentences. I have to have other people to help me. I am unable to form words and feel my IQ has dropped. I have a 4-year college degree and want to go for my Master's Degree, but I do not believe that I could concentrate enough to complete it.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I was diagnosed this year, so immediately.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? At first, I suffered with smaller symptoms such as panick attacks, inability to sleep, frequent headaches, and feeling tired. The severe pain, etc. came rolling in like an unexpected tornado.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. I do not know what that is.
Remedies Tried: Effexor 150 mg Meloxicam Neurotin Ultram Zomig Epipen Atarax
Your Theories: Even though I can barely walk upright most of the time, the Army says that I am "Fit For Duty" and able to deploy to a war zone.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/08/2008
Name: kerrie
City: deatsville
State/Country: alabama
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? montgomery, alabama
Where Do You Live Now? deatsville, al
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? mortgage loan consultant, yes with difficulty
Medical History: have osteo arthritis, fibromyalgia, adhd, bipolar disorder, high blood pressure
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my entire body, and i could not sleep
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain,fibro fog, stiffness, muscle spasms, constantly tired
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono and pneumonia many times
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that i know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am a mess. I can barely make it to work everyday, because it takes several hours for me to get my muscles to loosen up enough to get a shower or get dressed. I have a hard time concentrating at work, even though iam on adhd medication, and all kinds of other meds that are to hel me sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sleeping or not moving for a short period of time. Lack of sleep. weather, etc...
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing, except pain meds for a short while
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. I took muscle relaxers for a car accident, and I am not sure what else
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: trazadone, flexeril, relafen, cymbalta, lexapro, depakote, lyrica,shots in pressure points
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

07/06/2008
Name: Kay
City: Port Arthur
State/Country: Texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Port Arthur
Where Do You Live Now? Port Arthur
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teaching. Still working, although I have no energy left for social life. Extremely exhausted. I was disabled for 6 years for slight recovery. I am thinking about going on disability again. I cannot keep up with the work load.
Medical History: Encephalitis at 17. Pheumonia at 19. Low blood pressure. Epstein Barr, high titers to herpes 1 (fever blister & shingles virus), positive antinuclear, antibodies, myalgias, osteoarthritis, hasimoto's thyroiditis
Does Exercise Help? Not really. In fact moderate exercise can cause fatigue that lingers for days afterward. I still try to get out and walk. As long as I don't walk fast and too long, it is ok.
What Were Your First Symptoms? It's hard to remember. I remember having flu-like aches and extreme fatigue. So much so that it would bring tears. Then I developed a pain in my right hip which came about rather suddenly after sitting a couple of hours at work (was an accountant then). I also would wake up with stiff hands and feet.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Currently experiencing stiffness again (after not having it for several years), foot pain, knee pain, sinusitis
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes. I had viral encephalitis, Epstein Barr, shingles, and fever blisters. The shingles and fever blisters I have not had for the past 8 years because I took numerous prescriptions of Valtrax.
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? This area is a petrochemical area. One of the top producers of oil and gas and other types of chemicals. I don't know all of them, benzene is one. There is a higher than normal incidence of respiratory illnesses reported here. I also lived in NYC for about 10 years. The fibromyalgia, at times got worse there. High pollution and the post 911 exposure to other toxins and chemicals.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am not active and I want to be. It is difficult to work and have a life afterwards. I come home and go straight to bed and still do not wake up feeling rested. Working zaps all of my energy. I do not have energy to visit friends or my family. I do not even have the energy to talk on the phone. I am too tired to return phone calls or answer email. This continues on the weekend. I am often too tired to go to dr appointments.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Changes in weather. Especially a thunderstorm or drop in barametric pressure of usually below 30. Also, drop in temperature and a blizzard or a lot of snowfall. This seems to be worse than the coming of a heavy thunderstorm. Heavy exercise and stress also make the symptoms worsen. Certain foods will increase the pain too. Cow's milk and eggs will result in pain.
What Makes You Feel Better? Since I have been taking Armour Thyroid (210 mg) most of the pain has resolved. Technically, I do not fit the profile for someone with Thyroid problems. Conventional doctors have said that I don't have thyroid problems. But, I do fit the profile for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Also, when I took Valtrex I felt a lot better. Allergy shots also do help give me a little more energy. But it took a long time for that to happen. For pain, Ultacet is great for the pains from changes in weather. I also have Celebrex, but do not use it that often.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I have had horrible brain fog since the onset on Encephalitis. After going through a series of allergy testing, it has gotten better. But at times it was so bad I would feel like I was lost even on my driveway or on a familiar street.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? almost 25 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I was a ballet dancer and a twirler. I competed in national contests. So you could say I was an athletic type before this.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Armour Thyroid, celebrex, valtex, gamma globulin (definitely helped - can't get it now because its not available), something most people have not heard of, its called Viral Vaccine. This one definitely made a difference. I would even say it was better than gammaglobulin. I cannot get it any longer because the Dr. I used no longer lives in Texas and is not practicing medicine any longer. But it was composed of diluted flu vaccines and maybe even variacela. I'm not sure. Also, I used to take high amounts of B12 shots. This really helped too. I also took magnesium shots, which were very painful. But it did help with the achiness. And I took on a regular basis, allergy shots. I don't get allergy shots weekly as I should any longer. Also, I took histamine shots. This helped with the brain fog. I also received once, 2 IVs of Albumin. I don't think this helped me. But there are people who swore by it. It was very expensive, about $1000 a treatment. It was supposed to give me energy and make me feel normal again. But I really didn't notice any improvement. In fact, afterwards the fatigue was worse and it continued for several weeks.
Your Theories: I have studied this illness for a long time. I even host a website of information. I believe it is caused by many factors. No 2 cases of Fibromyalgia are the same. What causes my Fibromyalgia may not be the same cause for someone elses. There are so many different causes that it is mind boggling. So therefore there is not one cure that will work for everyone. I don't believe there is a "cure", because it is too difficult to figure out the culprit. I do truly believe that allergies play a part in this. But only to the extent that eliminating the allergens will see a lessening of the symptoms. They won't resolve completely. Everyone suffering from Fibromyalgia will benefit from reducing their allergen load. This will allow the immune system to rest a little. However, one must choose an allergy doctor with care. In order to get a little better, one needs to use a true allergy clinic, not just the ones offered by many GPs or ENTs. Their services are great for the average allergy patient. But someone with Fibromyalgia is not the average patient. And allergies are the only consistent immune system abnormality among Fibromyalgia patients. It is these allergies which make the symptoms worse. There area several theories. One is abnormalities in the central nervous system, hormones, hyper-active immune system, defective muscle tissue, pinpoint spots of brain inflammation, deficiencies in cortisol levels, high levels of serotonin, deficiencies in dopamine, immune system abnormalities, increased number of infection fighting white blood cells (CD8 Killer T Cells) along with a lower than normal amount of suppressor T cells, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Mycoplasma Fermentans
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

 

07/06/2008
Name: Dory
City: Freeport
State/Country: Illinois
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Freeport Where Do You Live Now? Freeport. Il.
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 30 YEARS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I taughtSpecial Education. I'm no longer working
Medical History: Depression, muscle spasms, can't sleep. High blood pressure, Thyroid problems. TMJ, etc.
Does Exercise Help? on and off. Walking, yards work, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain, on upper part of my body, couldn't sleep
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain, spasm, trouble sleeping, can't be touched most of the time,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's made me bitter and depressed. weight gain to the point I just had Gastric bypass surgery, can't do the things I'd love to do because of the pain
What Makes Symptoms Worse? humidty. on a good day I over do and need to remember to use moderation
What Makes You Feel Better? I haven't really found it.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? All the time
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? It hasn't been years it's more like hours
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It was like it was over night. I've been to so many Dr.'s and test to rule things out. I've taken pain pills and nothing seems to really help except sleep and I have to take medication for that
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, but willing to try anything
Remedies Tried: vitamins, diet, muscle relaxers, pain pills, I had to stop taking most of my meds and found out that they really weren't doing anything.
Your Theories: I refuse to let this get me down and I'll push myself and I know sometimes to much but I won't stop living.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of.

 

07/06/2008
Name: Rachel
City: Burbank
State/Country: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Florida
Where Do You Live Now? Los Angeles
How Long Have You Lived There? 21 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office, yes.
Medical History: None prior to Fibro.
Does Exercise Help? No. I get tired easily.
What Were Your First Symptoms? FATIGUE
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, body pain, brain fog, sleep problems.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I lose days to staying in bed. Can't get enough sleep.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not sure
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4-5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Don't recall.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Celebrex.
Your Theories: Caused kidney damage, so I stopped. NO relief now.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Can't think clearly enough to answer.

 

07/02/2008
Name: betty
City: jordan
State/Country: new york
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? auburn new york
Where Do You Live Now? jordan new york
How Long Have You Lived There? 22 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? engraver
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? neck shoulder pain tingling in arms and hands left si problems
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain over entire body, electric shock, tingling limbs, numbness in face and head, brain fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that i can recall
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i worked part time for 10 years but now i cannot work due to the pain and unability to sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? repetative motions standing or sitting long
What Makes You Feel Better? physical therepy, massage, tpi injections, tens unit
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes sometimes worse than others. and sometimes i can feel one side of my head numb
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 16 since the beginning
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no i felt gradually the aches and pains the dr said because of the work i did
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: i have tried just about every med out there.
Your Theories: i just cant find anything to help the pain is debilitating, the electric shock at night is driving me crazy and everytime i think a med might help i have a worse reaction from the meds.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? yes i am taking 10 mg paxil, 10 mg lipitor, lovaza, pain meds and lidoderm patches.

 

07/02/2008
Name: Isabelle
City: Carmel
State/Country: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Paris, France
Where Do You Live Now? California
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5-6 maybe
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? starting slowly around 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not able to work at the moment
Medical History: IBS, pretty good health ovewhole
Does Exercise Help? Walking. Exercise helps to fight depression and sleep at night
What Were Your First Symptoms? sensitivity to the touch
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pains all over my body, tired in general, strong neck and shoulder pains and stiffness, muscles get tired quickly
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? cold turning into bad respiratory problems many times in my life
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Had to stop working. Took almost a year to be diagnosed, heavy neck pains
What Makes Symptoms Worse? for the neck, any type of contact in this area, being depressed makes it harder to fight the pain on a daily basis.
What Makes You Feel Better? Exercise. I am going to start taking Lyrica. So we will see soon.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes at times but no doctor has never mentioned that it could be a symptom
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? More recently I guess, for a year or so, maybe two.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, drastic change in about 2 months. It went from only neck, shoulder and back pains to traveling pains, depression and muscles tired easily. No specific drug that I could remember although I received several antibiotic treatments in a row just before the symptoms started on my neck last year. I was treated for an infected spider bite. It took 6 months and several failed treatments to get rid of the infection
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Nothing yet. I will start Lyrica this week
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Could this disease affect a specific area of your body? In my case, the neck and shoulder.

 

07/02/2008
Name: claudia
City: san antonio
State/Country: texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? cook co. Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? san antonio Tx.
How Long Have You Lived There? 11 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? around 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? around 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? artist/ not working
Medical History: just about every medical condition there is.
Does Exercise Help? yes I do face exercises daily, and have been lifting weights for over 4 years. use dumb-bells and do aerobics.
What Were Your First Symptoms? sharp pains in my abdomen/knee pain/fibro-fog/arthritis/osteoporosis/all=over pains/severe shin pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? the above plus a lot more pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mononucleosis (2 weeks)
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? 5 years (paint thinner)
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? depression
What Makes Symptoms Worse? working
What Makes You Feel Better? reading & movies distraction
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES !!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I have severe ADD so I always have had some percentage
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I suffered a broken pelvis and broken arm. my health went downhill after that (on 3/18/05)
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I was fed Pablum as a baby, so I don't use toothpaste, only baking soda.
Remedies Tried: a magnetic brace
Your Theories: many, but it's late right now
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not sure

 

07/01/2008
Name: sandra
City: Dearborn Heights
State/Country: michigan
Your Sex: femal
Where Were You Born? nebraska
Where Do You Live Now? dearborn heights, michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? not sure
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? unemployment agent and yes when not on a medical leave i'm working and i go to work everyday
Medical History: diabetes, asthma hyperlipidemia, hypertension, sleep apnea tmj stroke tia's bells palsey
Does Exercise Help? no i hurt either way
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme pain in my lower back and left leg and kidney area. extreme left and right knee pain more on the left.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? extreme pain in my lower back and left leg and kidney area. extreme left and right knee pain more on the left. left kidney stent
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes. phenomia at least 5 times a year
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i'm currently on another medical leave as of 06-20-08 for extreme pain on my left side. cant climb stairs, walk around a park or mall. i used to jog 7 miles a day. in 1997 i stopped the pain was so extreme. i'm not sad or depressed i'm sick and i hate it.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? the weather. if its damp and cold i'm a mess. food makes me sleepy and makes me want to just lay down.
What Makes You Feel Better? my pain meds.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes i thought maybe i was developing alhemizersk then me and the doc related it to the fibromyaligia
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? maybe 5 years. it's now getting worse
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes my god yes. i now take tylenol 3, robaxim and lisinpril, i love my tylenol 3 that works better than vicodins, tramadol and my muscle relxers
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: i have started to see a holistic doctor, im hoping that they can help me soon with the different types of leaf remedies.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

 

 

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