Fibromyalgia Case Studies: April 25 - May 21, 2007

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5/21/2007
Name: Adriana
City: Hmilton
State: Ontario
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Colombia
Where Do You Live Now? Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 y
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 21 month
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? health care,no
Medical History: non
Does Exercise Help? yes,modify exercises,relaxation therapy,it helps to deal with the pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? lower,upper back pain, sleep disturbance,IBM,brain fog.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? can't sleep well,feel all the time as i have a bad flu,sore pain in all my body..i compare this as one big truck passed over me.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? ever
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? all my life have been change at 100%,i was an active person,all the time looking for something to do,now i cry and i ask God to send something that can help us.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? presure,stress,over do things,fisical work
What Makes You Feel Better? relaxation therapy,modify exercises.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? all the time ,at the first time i tough that i was developing a mental disease
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 21 moth
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: i can answer all this questions right now they are many and i can't still stting for more time, have to walk...i'm sorry
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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5/21/2007
Name: Maureen
City: Orlando
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Shreveport, Louisiana
Where Do You Live Now? Orlando, Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 24 years
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 27
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Security Guard,no
Medical History: as a child I had to have B-12 shots,I'm a DES baby,I have IBS,reflux hernia, divo,degenerative disk desease ect..
Does Exercise Help? No it makes me hust more.
What Were Your First Symptoms? cronic fatigue and all my triger points were hurting badly. My doctor said that I was so bad off that the only thing could help me would to be put in a comma for six months which was impossible.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? cronic fatigue,brain fog, triger point pain, IBS,hair loss,joint pain muscle pain,depression.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I can't recall
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I always have to stop and rest after doing simple tasks. I no longer can ride horses, play softball, football go bowling ect...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress,lack of sleep,
What Makes You Feel Better? The only time I felt better was when I was pregnant with my son in 1995
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 week
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: roboxin,amatriptaline, fexaril and many others I can't recall.I haven't taken any drugs for fibro in the last 11 years, I just struggle through it.
Your Theories: I was wondering if DES could be a cause for fibromyalgia, I have met other women over the years who also had fibromyalgia who were DES offspring, one was a doctors wife.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What antibiotics contain fluoride? I took some as a child. When I was a child my joints would lock up on me causing severe pain and no one knew why.
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5/20/2007
Name: Ginger
City: Henagar
State: Alabama
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Merrion Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Henagar, Al
How Long Have You Lived There? 29 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: three kids,breast lump,hysterectomy,
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? headache.lack of sleep ,no energy
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headache,irritable bowel,sleep problems,sinus problems.stiffness.tmj,and have found tumors and or cyst throughout my body
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Have had mono,and opper resperatory for 8 weeks now ,and have had prenazone and 3 different anitbotics
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it took my life!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, changes in temperature,weather changes someone touching sore places on me
What Makes You Feel Better? hot bathes
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I went from a young mom haveing the time of my life to some one who only wants to be left alone so I can be as still as possible
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
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5/20/2007
Name: Cindy
City: Chandler
State: Arizona
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Douglas Arizona
Where Do You Live Now? Chandler Arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 29 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? around 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Communications yes still working daily struggle to get there and stay up to expectations
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Stretching helps some but I feel worse after physical activity. I don't go shopping even for longer than an hour at the most due to the walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? painful upper back and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? upper back is all the time now some days worse than others expecially whether changes the pain is unbearable. Also now pain in hips weakness and aches in legs arms sometime shoulders
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Brochitis and phnumonia within the past 4 years. I was always sick with something when I was growing up
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I live day to day. I wake up in pain get ready for work exhausted go through the day using caffine and a heating pad at my desk then come home and try to still be a wife and mother. I hoped by now I would be feeling better and be able to enjoy my adult children and my husband but it seems that I am feeling worse than ever. Good days are few and far between.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? wheather and probably stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Just doing nothing.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes...it was horrible until my Dr put me on cymbalta it seems to be better not quite as bad.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I have probably always had it and just did not know what it was as a young adult friends would laugh and call me stupid for things I would say or do or forget to do.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? The symptoms have become much worse over the last 10 years. Before it was just now and then now it is every day
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No Chandler has fluoride in the water.
Remedies Tried: I have tried everything I have read about. I don't remember most of them: MSM, anti-inflamatories (work the best) different anti-depressents (Cymbalta works the best) green tea, black tea, relaxiation therapy with a phsychologist, chiropractor with supplements very expensive and only helped slightly.
Your Theories: This condition is very frustrating. How can anything that makes you feel so horrible not have an explaination or a cure. I am thankful it is not life-threatening or crippling.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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5/20/2007
Name: Bobbi
City: Delray Beach
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Hartford, CT
Where Do You Live Now? Delray Beach, FL
How Long Have You Lived There? 26 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 55 - as long as I remember
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? earliest memories
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Computer programmer, not working- no disability yet.
Medical History: Always highly sensitive to everything- hot, cold, pain, itchy. Hysterectomy age 48, gall bladder removed age 55. Osteoarthritis diagnosed recently, but have had it for a long time. Also have a mild case of asthma, a slight arrhythmia, high blood pressure well controlled by meds. Also have diverticulosis and have been hospitalized with diverticulitis attacks. Take fiber daily.
Does Exercise Help? don't do any
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in neck, shoulder that 'moved'. lower back pain. Very fatigued. depressed.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme back pain - sometimes across shoulders, sometimes across middle, always lower back. Everything hurts my skin - sheets, clothing, hot water. Numbness in hands, fingers, sometimes mouth area. Slur words, can't concentrate, loss of comprehension, forgetful to name a few.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I remember
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Childhood exposure to "flit" a bug spray. We used to spray it everywhere and I always suspected it was not good for the body. Also, was exposed to a chemical fire about 18 years ago and was forced to stay in the building. I remember thinking that if I got sick from this I would sue them.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Besides living with this pain all the time, I cannot work. I can't concentrate or remember things any more. My career was computer programming which involved much learning, concentrating, remembering, alertness, etc. Obviously I cannot do that anymore. I knew it was getting worse in the last real job I had - I couldn't keep up with what was going on, didn't comprehend new instructions, was always out sick (Mono, Vertigo, exhaustion). At home, I cannot keep up with housework, shopping, nap frequently.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? If I don't get the proper sleep, I cannot function. If I get woken up during the night it gets much worse. I can do many things, but always 'pay' for it afterwards, so I avoid hurting myself.
What Makes You Feel Better? Getting enough rest. Taking pain meds.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I think about 13 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. Don't recall any new drugs. 13 years ago, I got much worse after being forced to change my job hours so I had to wake up at 5 a.m. I have always been a 'night' person, and they did this to me on purpose. I proved to them that I could do it - for 6 weeks. Was laid off a month later anyway. I have never been the same since.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: No remedies - just meds: Elavil 150mg at night, Ultram 100-150 mg during the day, tylenol #3 at night, and occasional Vicodin.
Your Theories: I really think I have always had this - was called 'the princess and the pea' as a child. I was sure they wrote the story about me. Everything hurt me as I child. Mother said I was a hypochondriac because I was always complaining of some pain. I think many children are born with this but there is not way of being able to diagnose FM until later in life.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I also have Osteoarthritis which is a good deal of my back pain. It's in all my joints and along spine, neck, shoulders, knees. I had cortisone shots in my back 8 months ago that helped, then again 2 months ago that didn't help. Am supposed to be getting some kind of shots in my knees.
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5/15/2007
Name: Marion
City: Ada
State: United States
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oklahoma
Where Do You Live Now? Oklahoma
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative. Yes, still trying to work.
Medical History: Complete hysterectomy at 35.
Does Exercise Help? Water aerobics seemed to help. The doctors insist that walking will help, but I have been too fatiqued and feel too sore to walk.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Numbness in my hands, intense aches, severe fatique.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe fatigue, chronic pain, "fibro fog", IBS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Fibro has ruined my life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, rain, air conditioning, stress, grief.
What Makes You Feel Better? Lots of rest, sleep, hot tubs, warm baths, reduced stress.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Oh, yes!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Steady decline. Started off with an anti-depressent and tramadol.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Celexa, Tramadol, Tizanidine, Cymbalta, Ambien, Effexor, Hydrocodone
Your Theories: My mother had Fibro. I have a first cousin with Lupus. I have an uncle with gout. My dad had psoriasis. I think it is an auto-immune disease.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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5/13/2007
Name: Bonnie
City: edison
State: nj
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? nj
Where Do You Live Now? nj
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: hypoglycemia
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? sciatica
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle pain, headaches, shoulder pain, unrefreshing sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? ?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? disabled
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too cold weather, too hot weather, stress, perfumes, chemical smells
What Makes You Feel Better? warm weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 9
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no specific drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vitamins--all medications worsen the condition
Your Theories: my theory is that it has something to do with hormones declining or imbalanced
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? since it is predominantly a woman's illness, look into hormones issues--imbalances, menopause, etc.
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5/13/2007
Name: Susan
City: Saratoga Springs
State: New York
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? Buffalo
Where Do You Live Now? Saratoga Springs
How Long Have You Lived There? 18 years
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher
Medical History: tonsilectomy hepititis
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain brain fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I don't think so
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? asbestos removal
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? very poor quality of life, always tired
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? long, hot showers, floating in water
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: tizanidine ambien doxepin effexor lyrica tylenol aleve malic acid magnesium psychotherapy wool bed pad massage meditation yoga exercise walking swimming
Your Theories: My mother had lupus I was abused as a child I have a strange rash-like symptom on my forearms, my rheumatologist thinks it's significant
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I wish I knew.
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5/11/2007
Name: Michelle
City: Hollywood
State: U.S.A.
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Canada
Where Do You Live Now? U.S.A.
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 59
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: stroke patient
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? joint & musclepain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? yes.1965
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? tired at all times
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exercise
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? 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? antidepressant & vioxx or
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: pain medication
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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5/11/2007
Name: Kevin
City: Linton
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Linton,Indiana
Where Do You Live Now? Lioton,Indiana
How Long Have You Lived There? all but 6 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? some symptoms probably started 20 yrs ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? serious symptoms 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Coal mining,welding,ironwork,carpentry
Medical History: Usual childhood measles,chicken pox.Messentery infection at10 yrs. major depression 13yrs.ago
Does Exercise Help? Exercise hurts bad.I do crunches while on an inversion table.Short walks
What Were Your First Symptoms? Extreme low back pain,hips,shoulders,chest pains.I noticed an intolerance to alcohol(beer)
What Are Your Current Symptoms? PAIN low,mid,upper back,mental fog,insomnia,depression,knee,hip,shoulder pain,IBS,slow and frequent urination,chest pain,dizziness,double vision when I lay down at night,irratablity,slow thinking,forgetfulness,trouble swallowing at times,light sensitivity,higher blood pressure,headaches,cronic fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Maybe.Abdominal infection at age 10 yrs.of intestinal lining
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes. welding smoke.pesticides,degreasing cleaners
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has changed my life in almost every aspect.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? barometric pressure,rain,stress,the slightest over-exertion,to be in groups of people more than3-4
What Makes You Feel Better? hot baths-showers,pain meds.-vicodone,duragesic,duradrin,zanaflex,zoloft
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? lots of it
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? within 1 yr.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes.Cymbalta and Gabapentin caused extremely bad headaches and body pain.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Bad ones-cymbalta,gabapentin,lyrica Good ones Vicodone,duragesic,duradrin,zanaflex,zoloft
Your Theories: I worked very hard physically all my life.I was in pretty good shape before FMS.Grief,depression and stress could be a factor.I do not believe it is heredity,no one in my family has had this that we know of,although I have 2 deceased daughters,the first lived 3 weeks,the second was stillborn.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? The people that I have met with this desease seem to be of above average intelligence,that are very warm and sensitive and caring people.Is there a link to this?
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5/9/2007:
Name: Jennifer
City: Jacksonville
State: IL
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Jacksonville, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Jacksonville, IL
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? nurse, yes
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? a little, yoga, walking, light strength training
What Were Your First Symptoms? stabbing, throbbing muscle pain all over, burning, electric-like pain and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatige is about the same but muscle pain a little less severe
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? maybe-agricultural
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way possible. I have a hard time working full time and having any energy left over for time with family and friends. I don't have many friends for this reason. And of course people in my life just think I'm unsocialable, can't understand that you don't have energy or feel well enough to socialize.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? physical overactivity, working, stress, sometimes there is just no reason why it gets worse.
What Makes You Feel Better? relaxation/breathing exercies, yoga
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? not sure, maybe 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, it was sudden and started in certain areas of the body and quickly spread to almost every part. I was on antibiotics for acne for about 6 years before onset. But seemed to develop Fibro after head-on car accident.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Too many-many antidepressants, vicodin, darvocet, can't remember them all.
Your Theories: both my brothers developed Fibro after I did (in their 20's) So it's definitely not a woman's disease. I figure it is either something environmental (We grew up on a farm w/lots of toxic chemicals,or maybe it's hereditary. Another theory is that our drinking water growing up smelled like the neighbor's livestock, which stood in a foot of their own excriment, which was real close to our underground well.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How did you think you acquired fibro? Illness, accident, etc.
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5/9/2007
Name: Bernadette
City: San Francisco
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Healdsburg, CA
Where Do You Live Now? San Francisco, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 1
Your Age? 31
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office Manager, yes still working
Medical History: Mononucleosis
Does Exercise Help? yes, Yoga only
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, sore muscles, back pain, swollen hands, fast heartrate, strong heartbeat, shaking head, brain fog, shooting pains in head, stomach pain, digestive issues, incontinence, loss of balance
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back pain, brain fog, digestive issues, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Epstein Barr
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, amalgam fillings, thimerasol, nickel braces
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Yes, ruined it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep, alcohol, RX meds
What Makes You Feel Better? yoga, sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I was completely healthy prior, never saw a Dr. my whole life. I took a fluoroquinolone prior to the onset of my symptoms
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, from water and toothpaste
Remedies Tried: Everything, including more poisonous Rx meds.
Your Theories: I believe the Fluoroquinolone is the culprit here - the thimerasol laced vaccine may also have contributed.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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5/8/2007
Name: Terri
City: Seabrook
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Wharton, Texas
Where Do You Live Now? Seabrook Texas
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 months
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Technical Writer Yes, but struggling
Medical History: 4 live births total hysterectomy in 2002 gall bladder removed in 1999 morbidly obese severe obstructive sleep apnea hypertension chronic fatigue fibromalgia periphal neuropathy in both feet (not diabetic)
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? anxiety disorder
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe chronic fatigue weakness chronic pain in feel, hips, neck, arms, jaw. inconsistent vision
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? very frustrating, however I have pushed myself to keep going - I refuse to lay down and stop for fear I may not be able to get back up again. The most challenging part is staying away during the day - in my commute - at my job - at home. I am currently taking 200 milligrams of Provigil per day and this is no longer helping me to stay awake. It's very frightening.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? don't know - but I do have these periods of almost complete physical shutdown when I just have to stay in the house for a few days until it passes.
What Makes You Feel Better? I actually feel better when in an environment that is holding around 65 degrees.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes - I have never felt so lost - For a person who is known to be pretty shart - I'm having a hard time pulling this off lately - Sometimes I don't remember my address or phone number and I am only 49 years old.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 years ago brain fog - 11 years ago classic symptoms of fibromyalgia
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no - was gradual at first - then when seeking answers to my conditions (prior to fibromyalgia diagnosis) - I was prescribed a whole lot of pills, including antidepressants (paxil, celexa) hypertension (toprol) joint pain (naprosyn, neurontin,) I really don't remember everything - searching for the cure - I saw a lot of doctors who really didn't know what was wrong with me and I think they experimented with various drug prescriptions.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no - never heard of this
Remedies Tried: currently on 60 mgs of Cympalta (for pain) 200 mg Provigil to stay awake, Dionav HTC for hypertension, Armour Thyroid for something - can't remember.
Your Theories: Comment - I haven't had even one good day in over 10 years. I would hate to think that this is as good as it gets for me. I spend hours every day trying to figure out what I can do to feel good again. Currently in the process of preparing for bariatric surgery - my goal is to loose 120 pounds - I am thinking that this will help me - it's something I need to do anyway and maybe I'm so tired because I'm so fat. NOTE: I have gained 85 pounds in 11 years (since the onset of my fibromyalgia) - not sure it this is a related point of interest or me just sliding off the side of the mountain of life.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes - several- How does fibromyalgia effect your personal relationships (i.e. sex life - as I have no desire whatsoever to be intimate with my husband). Do you have immediate reletaves that have symptoms or have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia (my mother has severe fibromyalgia)
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5/8/2007
Name: Monica
City: Lanse
State: MI
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? Milwaukee, WI
Where Do You Live Now? Lanse, MI
How Long Have You Lived There? 6+ years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Clerical, clinic work
Medical History: alot
Does Exercise Help? sometimes
What Were Your First Symptoms? inability to raise arms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? symptom free right now
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? most likely
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't think so
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? inability, to do alot of outside activities
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold
What Makes You Feel Better? warm
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? not too often
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? don't know
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none
Your Theories: it's an autoimmune disorder
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? nope
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5/7/2007
Name: Dawn
City: Charlotte
State: mi
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Lansing,MI
Where Do You Live Now? Charlotte,MI
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 yrs
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Cena lifting and moving patients at the nursing home
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? nothing helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? shoulder pain and numbness running down my arm
What Are Your Current Symptoms? arm and sever shoulder pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? none that I can recall
Any Military Service? na
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? na
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes can't work due to sever pain and nothing is helping
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lifting and using my arm
What Makes You Feel Better? lsying on heating pad
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? some times
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? now
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, but not sure of any specific drug useage
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? na
Remedies Tried: flexiral darocet motrin
Your Theories: I am not sure that I will be able to work or do anything without having pain. which is so bad it drives me crazy
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How does someone live as if they did before this chronic pain?
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5/7/2007
Name: SHARON
City: Cynthiana
State: Kentucky
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? KY
Where Do You Live Now? KY
How Long Have You Lived There? 50 YRS
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CLERICAL, YES
Medical History: FYBROIDS IN UTERUS, HYSTERECTOMY AT AGE 41. BREAST FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE SINCE TEEN YEARS. WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE DERMATOMYOSITIS 6 YEARS AGO. CELLCEPT PRESCRIBED FOR DERMATOMYOSITIS. AM USING THE GUAI PROTOCAL FOR FIBRO.
Does Exercise Help? YOGA, WALKING
What Were Your First Symptoms? ALL OVER BODY PAIN, FATIGUE, COULD FALL ASLEEP STANDING UP, IT SEEMED TO RUN IN A CYCLE MUCH LIKE A MENSTRUAL CYCLE. ALSO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYMPTOMS.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? OCCASIONAL DAYS OF FATIGUE. SOME PAIN IN TOPS OF THIGHS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? AM CURRENTLY ON MY 6TH WEEK OF A BOUT OF SHINGLES
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'VE HAD TO CHANGE JOBS. I WENT THROUGH AN APPRENTICE PROGRAM TO BECOME A MECHANIC AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO DO THAT WORK FOR 4 YEARS AFTER COMPLETING THE PROGRAM. I NOW SIT AT A DESK AND DO COMPUTER WORK. I PLAYED SOFTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL ON RECREATIONAL TEAMS UNTIL MY BODY HURT SO BAD I COULDN'T. WAS A CLOG DANCER UNTIL PAIN STOPPED ME.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? NOT ENOUGH SLEEP. IF I DON'T SLEEP I KNOW I'M GOING TO CRASH.
What Makes You Feel Better? SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES, I CAN'T RECALL THE NAMES OF THE SIMPLEST THINGS AND FORGET WHAT I'M SAYING IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENTENCE.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 YEARS
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, IT SEEMED TO START AFTER MY HYSTERECTOMY. I TOOK HORMONE THERAPY FOR 2 YEARS AND THEN WENT OFF BECAUSE OF HEALTH CONCERNS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO AM NOT AWARE OF DANGERS OF FLUORIDE
Remedies Tried: I AM CURRENTLY USING GUAIFENESIN (SOLD AS MUCINEX OVER THE COUNTER) PROTOCOL BY DR. R. PAUL ST. AMAND. I'M ALSO TAKING WITH THE GUAI WELLBUTRIN (AM) AND CYMBALTA (PM) I HAVE FLEXERIL IF MY MUSCLES ARE STAYING CONTRACTED AND ROZEREM FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS. I ONLY USE THE FLEXERIL AND ROZEREM AS NEEDED. I HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS AND RELIEF WITH THE GUAI.
Your Theories: THE GUAI PROTOCOL HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER. I ONLY HAVE OCCASIONAL LUMPS AND BUMPS OF PAIN. MY FATIGUE IS 90% BETTER. MY FIBROFOG OCCURS OCCASIONALLY. MY IRRITABLE BOWEL IS COMPLETELY GONE.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? HOW MANY DOCTORS TOLD YOU FIBROMYALGIA WAS THE NAME FOR A GROUP OF AMBIGUOS SYMPTOMS THAT HAVE NO DIAGNOSIS.
-------------------------

5/7/2007
Name: Danielle
City: Atlanta
State: GA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Atlanta
Where Do You Live Now? Atlanta
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Maybe 10 years a go
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? not sure
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Education/Training
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Some exercise seems to hurt. Walking seems to help.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in certain areas.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in fingers, shoulder, ankles, wrist, and other locations.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I'm aware of... Although, we have just found that a house we lived in for years has black mold.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I would have to say that it does not seems to be as bad, but sometimes I think that I have just allowed myself to get use to the daily pain. There are times when I just don't want to move out the bed.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress! Going and going with out proper rest.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not quite sure, walking does help me out and a massage.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Oh, yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I really don't know because I didn't know that it was associated with Fibro. I can only say a few years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It seems like I did. It was so long a go I know that about that time I was taking Motrin 800mg, Prevacid and maybe some other things.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Physical Therapy, and right now I can't remeber the name of the medicine.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------

5/6/2007
Name: christina
City: cleveland
State: ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? cleveland
Where Do You Live Now? cleveland
How Long Have You Lived There? 43
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? medical assistant
Medical History: hoshimoto's
Does Exercise Help? stretching and walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? all over body aches, fatigue, feeling like i got run over by a truck, trouble sleeping, jumpy legs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? i have flare ups ever couple of months
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that i know of
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? lots of amalgam fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? can't hike like i used to, climbing is painful, easily fatigued, depressed
What Makes Symptoms Worse? heavy lifting, lots of exercise, poor diet choices: sugar, not enough water
What Makes You Feel Better? taking vitamins, especially magnesium with malic acid and b complex
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? off and on for a few years..can't remmeber
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, symptoms came on quickly. Can't relate it to any drug
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, from water supply
Remedies Tried: accupuncture, massage, allergy elimination treatments, heavy metal detoxing, antidepressants
Your Theories: I heard that some of the pain can be caused by an inability to process lactic acid correctly, i think the malic acid and magnesium i take help a lot.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------

5/6/2007
Name: Diane
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Baltimore
Where Do You Live Now? Baltimore
How Long Have You Lived There? 55 years
Your Age? 55 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Housewife I couldn't work if I wanted to
Medical History: chronic pain heart attack shingles viral infections
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? electric shocks,jaw,neck, back,head,joint pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? joint,nerve,muscle,head pain.constant body vibrations.sounds and smells intolerable. pains in places you can't imagine.tired all of the time
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes many. last one for 9 months
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I was once active. now I spend all day sitting,standing and pacing to try to get some relief.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? pain,the weather,housework.bending over,laying down for to long
What Makes You Feel Better? pain,muscle,joint and nerve medication.I also use a tens unit.weekly visits to the chiropractor
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 and a half years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. zithromax twice
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no. just read about this while on this site
Remedies Tried: lyrica,neurontin,robaxin,mobic,celebrex,darvocet,tylenol 3, tylox, cymbalta.just started apple cider vinegar. i must say that i feel good.I wasn't tired at all today.
Your Theories: to go to 10 doctors and not have one of them know what is wrong with you or what to do with you.my dentist and vet were more helpful.im still looking
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? what kind of doctor was more helpful and how many did you have to visit before you found the right one
-----------------------------------

5/4/2007
Name: Tiffany
City: Waterford
State: Ct
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Connecticut
Where Do You Live Now? Waterford
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 25
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I was a CNA but now I am working partime as a school bus driver since the hrs that I was working as a CNA were to much
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? yes,streching
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle aches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain all over from neck upper back,shoulders,and now to legs
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 affects my daily living,there are somedays that I am fine and others where I feel like I have been run over by a car
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cleaning,not enough sleep,weather changes especially rain
What Makes You Feel Better? I am now on cymbalta it seems to help my emotions,I also go threw the trigger point injections and they do relieve the pain.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about a year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes and no specific drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: I have been on lexapro,topomax for migranes,vicodine,cymbalta
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------

5/4/2007
Name: Brianne
City: Brooklyn
State: NY
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Brooklyn, NY
Where Do You Live Now? same place, but lived other places in between birth and now
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? about 13
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Graphic Design, yes
Medical History: Thyroid removed entirely at the age of 15 or 16, still hypothyroid
Does Exercise Help? Yoga does, general team sports helps psyche
What Were Your First Symptoms? Hip pain, trouble falling asleep but sleeping for really long times, anytime of day, depression
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, irritability, neck, shoulder, back, hip, hand and ankle pain, dry eyes, dry skin, bumps on head, cysts, dizziness, muscle burn in the morning and night, difficulty urinating at night, gas, hiccups and abdominal pain after eating, bloating, painful periods, diarrhea during period, itching, 'brain fog', food allergies and hypoglycemia, throat infections and chronically swollen lymph nodes
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not sure
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Some during college, majored in Industrial Design and used things like Bondo, blue foam, spray adhesives, etc.. to make models
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have random pain everyday that makes walking and sitting painful, commuting is nearly impossible sometimes because i am hit with such sudden and intense muscle fatigue and pain i want nothing more than to lay down on the ground and sleep, i never feel rested, the skin on my legs is thick and dry and causes numerous bumps and ingrown hairs; i haven't bared my legs in about 7 years, i cant' be outside without sunglasses, the wind and light are painful and unbearable
What Makes Symptoms Worse? My period, certain foods, ???
What Makes You Feel Better? Weekly acupuncture, weekly yoga and strict diet, nothing ever makes it go away entirely
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, i often have to take a minute or two just to remember something i just did, sometimes i speak and the words come out in reverse, feel like i've lost control of speech, sometimes my body 'forgets' how to write, how to hold a pen
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 years maybe
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, it's been a progressive thing
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, but i stopped using fluoride toothpaste because i heard it can make acne worse, especially around the mouth
Remedies Tried: Just thryoid medications, synthroid, levothyroxine, armour thyroid, and diet changes/acupuncture
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------

5/2/2007
Name: Shari
City: Fond du Lac
State: Wisconsin
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? wisconsin
Where Do You Live Now? same
How Long Have You Lived There? since birth
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Artist
Medical History: normal
Does Exercise Help? only tai chi
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue pain stinging burning
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, right befor I was diagnosed I had bothe ears bothe sinus and strep throat at once for 2 weeks
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? chemicals I worked around the printing press
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? in every way posible, physically restricting, emotional
What Makes Symptoms Worse? certain foods, strenuous activity
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? 3 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes the dr put me on ant depressents and pain pills.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I am now, non floride toothpaste and water filters
Remedies Tried: I am now trying cleanses to eliminate toxins. I don't recall all the anti depressants they tried on me but the last thing I was taking was tramadol
Your Theories: I don't believe the dr's no matter how caring have any clue what to do for this
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can think of
----------------------------------

5/2/2007
Name: patty
City: new york
State: new york
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? detroit
Where Do You Live Now? ny
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 yrs
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? kitchen design,yes
Medical History: pre diabetic
Does Exercise Help? no, most of the time it is to painfull
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain all over, each morning when i would get up it felt like i had been ran over by a bus
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in almost all my presure points, headache, muscle spasams, knee pain, short term memory loss
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 has changed me completely, i feel like i am trapped in a 80 year old body
What Makes Symptoms Worse? strees, damped weather
What Makes You Feel Better? prenatal vitamins
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, antidepressants, did not work
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: over the counter pain medication, but only works for short term
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
---------------------------

5/1/2007
Name: Louise
City: Longford
State: Ireland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ireland
Where Do You Live Now? Ireland
How Long Have You Lived There? All my life.
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Five
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? About thirty
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Clerical and I am still working at moment
Medical History: Border line Diabetic and receive B 12 (Iron) on a regular basis
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes, Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tiredness and Fatigue,
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Very bad muscle spasms in my legs, back, neck and arms. Extreme tiredness and fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Changed my personality toatlly, was very active and social person. In pain at lot lately which restricts my daily routine at lot.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold and Damp Weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Deep Tissue Massage and attending Chiropractor
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Only recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I was given, Aulin, Difene, Df 118 and Valium
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: The above but never got relief from any of them
Your Theories: Really frustrated that there is no real medication that can full time relief.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No, Dont think so
----------------

4/30/2007
Name: patty
City: indinapolis
State: indiana
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? valpo indiana
Where Do You Live Now? indianapolis
How Long Have You Lived There? fourty years
Your Age? forty five
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? nineteen
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? twenty five
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? medical office
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? some walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? ankles and neck
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in neck shoulders and hips and back
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? na
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? na
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cant do alot of the things I useto do
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress,lack of good sleep, to much activty
What Makes You Feel Better? not much, hottub
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? five
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: ansaids and musle relaxers
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------

4/29/2007
Name: Karen
City: Yakima
State: WA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Yakima
Where Do You Live Now? Yakima
How Long Have You Lived There? 21 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 24 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative Assistant. Working part-time.
Medical History: Allergies, food and airborne. GERD. Low thyroid. Sugar intolerance. Depression. Anemia
Does Exercise Help? Depends on the day. Gentle walking and light stretching is all I can take or else symptoms worsen.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Heavy, achy limbs, fatigue.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, achy joints/muscles, brain fog, GERD, blurry eyesight, occasional sore throat & swollen lymph glands, sugar intolerance. Depression.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Don't know.
Any Military Service? None.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Had my hands in photographic developing chemicals in a print shop for about four years.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Almost destroyed everything I enjoy doing in life. Affected finances since only able to work part-time.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold, damp weather. Stress, overdoing it. Most of the time...who knows!
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot, dry weather. Rest, little stress.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, big time! And I feel so stupid because sometimes when a person is explaining something to me all I hear is "blah,blah, blah". It's embarrassing. I want to to "see" life clearly again.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 25 year ago when I forgot my line on stage in two performances.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It seemed gradual. I thought I was just tired from college work. I was taking prescription Tagament at the time for GERD, but it didn't help. I also had been on anti-depressants for several months.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Too long a list to recall or innumerate. The best ones have been learning good eating habits ("The Schwarzbein Principal"), reducing stress (bio-feedback & not worrying about tomorrow), using 5-HTP & St.John's Wort, GABA, probiotics, reducing allergy symptoms through bio-inenergetic testing/homeopathy, drinking 8 cups of water per day, BioPro Pendant to protect from electro-magnetic pollution, a good hand held massager, colonics...this list is endless.
Your Theories: I have noticed that my hormones play a huge part in how I feel. All symptoms begin to subside about 5 days before my period starts, then it's all downhill from there. Using Peaceful Lady (through a naturopath), I began feeling better and anxiety/panic attacks mostly went away. Next month I will begin taking bio-identical hormones. It is my belief that these may significantly improve my symptoms. We shall see! One more comment, I began having FM/CFS symptoms after a horrific depression at age 25 -- it just wiped me out. Stress seems to play a big part in my getting this illness. I am a hypersensitive person and am easily overwhelmed by life.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-----------------

4/29/2007
Name: Karen
City: Mt Larcom
State: Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New Zealand
Where Do You Live Now? Australia
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 Years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 21
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 17
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Customer Service
Medical History: Crush Fracture L2 spine
Does Exercise Help? Not usually
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in right wrist and hand
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in hands, arms, feet, legs, lower back, general fatigue, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Not knowing what was wrong for so many years was the most frustrating. People not understanding how pain can move to different areas thinking its all in your head. Not being able to do the things I enjoy like draw and play guitar which help deal with stress.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress. Bad weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? My symptoms don't usually last to long so I wait for them to go away.
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?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Only pain killers. Had hydro-therapy after initial diagnosis
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------

4/28/2007
Name: Sylvia
City: London
State: Ontario
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Guelph
Where Do You Live Now? London
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 1/2 years now
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Accounting
Medical History: I was fine.
Does Exercise Help?
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pinched nerve in right side of neck/shoulder. Muscle Spasm.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Feet hurt, can't stand or walk to long. Sometimes burning, tingling, numbing, stabbing pain. Headaches. concentration problems. Ankles hurt and knees at times. Elbows and wrists and fingers too. Low back, mid back and upper back. Also, the centre of the back along the spine. Gained weight. Bloating and Gasy. Some ear pain, possibly TMJ. Buttocks at times and my Breasts too. Insomnia - trouble sleeping, never refreshed.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Actually, No.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Don't know.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Not working. Don't have enough energy for my kid who is 6.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? The cold really bothers me.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot shower or bath.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 1/2 same time I was diagnosed.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, I did get warning symptoms that something was not right with me. My problem was chronic stress for a long time.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Health juice which helped me with irritable bowel, mood, breathing. Now I am on vitamins and trying natural methods.
Your Theories: Chronic stress definitely causes fibro.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, acupuncture and massages help.
--------------------

4/28/2007
Name: katie
City: Ballarat, Victoria,
State: Australia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Camberwell, Melbourne, Australia
Where Do You Live Now? Rural near Ballarat,
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? on a disability pension
Medical History: multiple chemical sensitivities and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? temperomandeibulay joint syndrome. (i.e dislocated jaw). After my jaw muscle contracted and I went to a chiropractor I leny to the floor and when I went to straighten- up my upper body remained bent in and forward in the region of the clavicles. for months and I began to get excruciating, muscle spasms. also my neck became totally stiff(all the vertical neck muscles remained contracted). If I moved my neck it cracked and painful swellings appeared in the offending muscles"
What Are Your Current Symptoms? neck ,shoulder arms - muscles remains contracted causing severe pain and minute muscle tears. Also and severe fatigue, back pain -continual spinal disc dislocations. Sore painful hips, insomnia, brain fog and dry mouth.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Epstein Barr virus - Glandular fever 27 years ago.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes. mercury fillings and smoke bombs for killing spiders etc. in the home. deisel trucks when I lived in Melbourne. Blood tests showed I had mercury poisoning.I had a small mercury filling removed 3 years ago and lost my saliva the same night. I have gone from an over abundant supply of saliva to a dry mouth
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? asIcan do very I feel weal and tired and tear muscle easy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? change in weather stretching, sitting turning my head to the side or twisting my body, leaning down or extending my arms. Petrochemicals - particularly my hips.
What Makes You Feel Better? neurontine, sinnequan and mostly a very small dose of Paxam (Onazepam).Very cold weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3years, but I have suffered chemical induced brain fog for 27 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. Overdosed with dental anesthetic delivered by automatic injection.( I started to shake and get very cold).Minnerin,
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes,we are on tank water
Remedies Tried: see above under what makes you feel better?
Your Theories: I believe a chiropractor started my symptoms when she rapidly pushed my head whilst two discs in my neck were out
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? i do not think so.

----------------------------

4/28/2007
Name: Diane
City: Lowell
State: MA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now? Massachusetts
How Long Have You Lived There? 53 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Food service
Medical History: Breast lumps eczema soft teeth
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? exhaustion lack of sleep inability to fall asleep and stay asleep
What Are Your Current Symptoms? overweight tired muscle aches burning feet lower back pain tingling in fingers chronic skin rash armpit rash (puss filled clogged pores at hair follicles. deep cysts under skin on cheeks peeling fingernails
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I recall
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? played with mercury as a child, lived in a complex that was built on pesticide doused land from a farmer smoker
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Lack of energy to do things, brain fog interferes with productivity Muscle aches all day Frequent and urgent urination
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Wheat, corn, sugar, dairy, white rice
What Makes You Feel Better? cantelope sneakers with thick soles for leg pain
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes and it can be severe
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6-7
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? prednisone for skin inflammation that wouldn't go away on hands
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, water and toothpaste
Remedies Tried: Magnesium, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Mega H,
Your Theories: The combination of toxins from multiple sources that interact with each other, such as tricolsan laced soaps used in chlorinated water causing chloroform that is inhaled.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, what is the condition of your teeth?
-----------------------------

4/28/2007
Name: laura
City: upland
State: ca
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? mt. shasta, ca
Where Do You Live Now? upland
How Long Have You Lived There? off and on for 30 years
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 17
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 14
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? foodserver
Medical History: none prior to onset of illness. diagnosed w/ fibro, cfs, hypothyroidism, chronic myofascial pain, endometriosis. recently found to have HHV 5 and mycoplasma. acl reconstruction after onset of symptoms which seems to have caused a recrudescing of symptoms or at least the severity.
Does Exercise Help? i don't know. i use the stairmaster for approx. 20-30 min./day or walk for the same length of time (mild stairmaster activity). physical therapy/mild conditioning of shoulders and back seem to exacerbate pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? acute headaches, spots before eyes/in vision that are NOT floaters, mild fatigue/falling asleep in school, allergies
What Are Your Current Symptoms? you name it. pain, fatigue, autonomic nervous system dysfunction of every kind, endocrine system dysfunction, lymphatic system dysfunction, joint pain, adhesions/trigger points all over the place (more than my P.T. can fathom), dizziness/vertigo, nausea, dry eyes, tearing eyes, allergies, ibs, endometriosis, pain during intercourse or more accurately during orgasm, constant urge to urinate, sleep difficulties, ingrown hairs, strange skin sensations, brain fog, short term memory problems, and i forget the rest of my symptoms.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? i currently have hhv 5 and mycoplasma, which is not a virus. i don't know how long i've had either
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? they crop sprayed the city of upland with malathion (sorry about any spelling errors) for years
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? fms has prevented me from getting a phd in econ. i don't have the mental capacity to handle such a rigorous program anymore, nor do i have the funds since i started spending 3x my monthly income on medical services. in addition, i've had to reduce my work load substantially b/c i'm too tired and in too much pain. i have become isolated b/c no one understands or empathizes w/ my pain/fatigue
What Makes Symptoms Worse? ineffective sleep, allergies, stress, severe weather changes, and some other things that i cannot identify. however, the fluctuations in the symptoms must be being caused by something. ijust can't figure it out.
What Makes You Feel Better? good/effective massage, intense focus on something like an economics/math/statistics/biology/chemistry/etiology of fibro and cfs or related issue, laughter, alcohol, orgasm, effective deep sleep. only things that can get my mind off of my pain or fatigue for a while, but the effects are ephemeral
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? of course
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? i think slow progression at first, and then rapid progression (of new and more acute symptoms) in the last year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, rapid onset of symptoms. however, i was 14 and i don't think taking any drugs at the time.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? briefly read about it once and it didn't seem as though i was being exposed to fluoride at the time in my diet
Remedies Tried: trigger point injection (cortisone and lidocaine), iv of different vitamins, dmso(?), P.T., acupuncture, massage, pilates, yoga, vitamins, herbs, diet, exercise, hot water soakings and/or exercise, psychiatrist, counselor, relaxation techniques, medication, meditation, etc
Your Theories: pesticide exposure, genetic defects or predisposition, pathogen exposure. perhaps there is a pathogen the medical profession is unaware of that is causing the problem. dr's only found hhv 6 in the late 80's
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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4/26/2007
Name: Rose
City: Racine
State: WI
Your Sex: Fe
Where Were You Born? Racine
Where Do You Live Now? same
How Long Have You Lived There? 51 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Driver/cook no
Medical History: Flesh-eating-Bac. In2004 put on ciprofloxin for 3 months
Does Exercise Help? I just realized that this is something I should bring to my DR.s att.
What Were Your First Symptoms? very sore getting out of bed could hardly move.hypothyroidism RLS hair loss unable to think clearly Dry mouth
What Are Your Current Symptoms? sleep 14 to16 hrs.No energy. lots of meds.Still have a broken bone in my leg from 25 yrs.ago.(never healed)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? April 2003 to sept 2003 Had flesh eating bacteria
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Iworked with a clay for pottery
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Have been unable to work for the past year. lots of pain meds. depression
What Makes Symptoms Worse? winter snow cold dampness Lack of sunshine
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot sunshine
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. always have an unsureness of what to Say,Buy,Do,
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1year 6months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes Ciprofloxcin
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no And we live very close to lake mi.
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: I am going to go see my doctor soon and tell him to look at this web site I haven't seen so many of my symptoms in one place before. Thank you Rose
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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4/25/2007
Name: Robin
City: Cambridge
State: MA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Cambridge Ma
Where Do You Live Now? Cambridge MA
How Long Have You Lived There? 45
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15yr
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Supervisor YES
Medical History: Nephritis (kidney disease), Rheumatoidarthritis, erratic heart beat
Does Exercise Help? exercise is so painful
What Were Your First Symptoms? sore hips, sore ankles, so so so tired
What Are Your Current Symptoms? sore hips, sore ankles, so so so tired
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Nephritis (kidney disease)
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? was a painter may have scraped lead paint at some point
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? so so so tired. Do not want to go out on my days off. Tough climbing stairs and walking around
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Summer heat, pushing my self to far, bending down, just getting up
What Makes You Feel Better? aspirin
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES, REALLY BAD
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3yr
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES. NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? never heard of it
Remedies Tried: aspirin, MSM, antidepressants
Your Theories: would love to have my energy back
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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