Fibromyalgia Case Studies: May 21 - July 8, 2007

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7/8/2007
Name: Belinda
City: Attica
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lafayette, Indiana
Where Do You Live Now? Staying in Loveland, Ohio till further notice
How Long Have You Lived There? 1.5 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 0r 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Have not worked since 2000.
Medical History: Hep C, MVP, Tachacardia.
Does Exercise Help? Not enough to make it a routine.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Leg and arm aches, flu symptoms and sleepless nights.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme leg and arm aches. Lower back aches, stiffness in ankles, knee and elbows. Migrains twice a month. When life becomes to stressfull my body starts to ache to the point of needing pain medication.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Do not recall.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Possibly, in college and cleaning chemicals.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? The quality of my life is at a zero level. A good day is when I can make it thur daily tasks.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Activity, sitting to long, standing to long and walking to long. Lifting also has a negative effect on me.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleeping thur the aches and pains.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OH YES. all the time
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Could not recall.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I did. The only thing I ca remember was havng a hysterectomy in 1997 finding out I had hep C in 1998. Then I moved ack to Lafayete from Birdseye, Indiana in fall of 1998. Started Interferon combination treatment in 1999 or 2000.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't think so. Not sure what that is.
Remedies Tried: Ibuprofin, flexiril, antidepressants. Getting ready to try generic mucinex
Your Theories: Nothing has worked yet.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not at this time
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7/5/2007:
Name: Lisa
City: Wantagh
State: NY
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Brooklyn, NY
Where Do You Live Now? Wantagh, NY
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 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? Registered Nurse Still Working (Part time)
Medical History: Hypertension, Mitral Valve prolapse, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Motor Vehicle Accident (whiplash, back injury, Maxillofacial surgery, Hypothyroidism, Goiter, Thyroid Nodules.
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Lower back pain, tender points, mild brain fog, fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Lower back pain, tender pintsmoderate brain fog (word finding difficulty,short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating) fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I recall
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has made life very difficult. I have a very labor intensive job that requires me to be on my feet long hours, also requires me to have a sharp mind. I f I work more than 2 8 hour days in a row, I am very fatigued the 3rd day and it is hard for me to perform my duties, or if i am home, I am on survival mode (basic needs all met, but I do not do anything extra like go grocery shopping, go to Dr. appointments,etc. i save those tasks for a day when I have been off from work a couple days in a row and more rested. I have a 9 month old and an almost 5 yr old and it impacts on how many activites I am involved in with them. Housework is difficult and takes a long time to complete because I need to take rest periods. I have difficulty sleeping and resort to occasionally taking a mild sleep aid when I know my husband will be able to get up with the children during the night if need be. my fibro symptoms went into remission (my Rheumatologist suggests this is due to pregnancy hormones) and I have noticed that after my last pregnancy that I have less tenderness than before. The brain fog and fatigue returned same as it was before. On thw whole, Fibro has impacted negatively on my life. I do not have the energy to participate fully in family events and it has prevented me from working full-time (which impacts on our finances). Fibro has robbed me of some of my self-esteem as I no longer feel as confident in my job as I used to (brain fog a big factor). Fibro makes me feel helpless :-(.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Working at my job too many days in a row (more than two), not getting enough sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? A good night's sleep, Ultram, Ibuprofen when needed, gentle massage, light work shcedule.
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? yes. I'm not sure, but believe Ultram (tramadol) and Ambien were the first meds taken when I was first diagnosed.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Ultram (Tramadol), Soma, Ibuprofen, Ambien.
Your Theories: I believe that a motorvehicle accident I was involved in (a car hit my car from behind and injured my neck and back) while in my 20's caused the onset of Fibromyalgia.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have you filed for disability related to Fibromyalgia, and if so, was your claim accepted or declined? My answer to this question is no.
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7/3/2007
Name: Adrienne
City: Keene
State: New Hampshire
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? New York
Where Do You Live Now? New Hampshire
How Long Have You Lived There? 21 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retail
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? hard to say..movement equals pain Sun T'ai Chi helps balance
What Were Your First Symptoms? shoulder pain (left)
What Are Your Current Symptoms? baseline widespread pain 7-8 shooting pain tingling numbness IBS foggy fatique constant headaches joints in vise, tightening
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? chemicals in new clothing (retail)
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way that you can possibly think of...I couldn't tollerate the pain and have to fake a smile on my face. Lifting, sitting,standing walking, existing. Severe depression, headaches.No real enjoyment left in life. Walking with a cane.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather changes, cold, dampness, humidity, doing anything repetitive, sitting too long, standing too long, stress and sometimes it seems there is nothing that I can put my finger on.
What Makes You Feel Better? Gentle nerve strokes...sometimes nothing makes it feel better.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 11 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Prozac
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Scullcap ultram trazadone zoloft ambien others I can't remember
Your Theories: No, but I think my daughter has it.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? None that I can think of.
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7/3/2007
Name: Tim
City: Arcadia
State: California
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Pasadena, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Arcadia, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 27 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 10
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? computer consultant; yes
Medical History: healthy except for the fibro
Does Exercise Help? no....i tried working out about 10 years ago and was faithful to it and it increased the pain....last year i got a dog and walk him every day and it torture (the walking, not the dog)
What Were Your First Symptoms? about 10-11 years old my heels started to hurt and ache...from there on the pain spread throughout the body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? typical symptoms...headache of the body and fibro fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? when i was around 10 i had a bad flu? cold? i was out for 5 days
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not sure
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? well i'm 100 lbs overweight....my lower back is shot because it can't hold all this weight and it's too damn hard to workout....i can't hold down a regular job because of fibro fog but my parents have been great and i work with my dad and i get a lot of "leeway" if you will
What Makes Symptoms Worse? i don't know....i've had this for so long i don't know any different so i don't know what feels good or bad
What Makes You Feel Better? dry weather...i recently discovered this...when the air is drier i tend to feel less stiff
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? always....school was really tough
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not that i can remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vitamin regimen (for ADD)....chiropractic
Your Theories: i'm glad i found this site....interesting info about flouride....
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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7/2/2007
Name: Eva
City: Wahiawa
State: HI
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Newport Beach, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Wahiawa, HI
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 yrs.
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Home School mom of 2 and a third in school
Medical History: High Blood Presure
Does Exercise Help? No.
What Were Your First Symptoms? loss of hair and numbness and aching in joints
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in extrmities, abdominal problems, fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, have one right now.
Any Military Service? Dependent
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Do not know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have had to cancel a lot of my activities
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather.(Yes it gets cold in Hawaii :)
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot baths
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Within the last year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I was pregnant with my third child. Then the symptoms started a few months after the birth.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Prozac.
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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7/2/2007:
Name: D. S.
City: Victoria
State: Texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? texas
Where Do You Live Now? texas
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 65
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? health related retirement from medical profession.
Medical History: Epstein-Barr virus, herniated disk surgery lower back.
Does Exercise Help? walking, stretching exercise and hydrotherapy.
What Were Your First Symptoms? felt like I was coming down with flu or something worse. Achy, no energy, very fatigued.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same as above with addition of senitivity to heat and cold, light and noise. Sensitive skin. Chronic shoulder and neck pain with headache and lower back and hip pain. Insomnia and lack of deep sleep. Irritability, mood swings, some depression. Just to name a few.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Epstein-Barr
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I am aware of except for DDT when I was very young.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Almost a complete reversal from former life of activity, enthusiasam and energy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I cannot pinpoint any one thing except for changing of seasons and weather. Barometric pressure changes. Overtiring. Maybe lactose intolerant.
What Makes You Feel Better? Stretching exercise when I am able (almost daily) and sleep, sleep, sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, but this is not severe.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Developed almost as soon as I was diagnosed which took almost a year.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No, I do not take prescription drugs as a rule except for one.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I was not aware of this until now. My present supplements do not contain flouride that I know of. I do take prescribed Carisoprodol (Soma) as a muscle relaxant regularly and am not aware of whether it contains flouride.
Remedies Tried: Almost any muscle relaxant and any anti- depressant you can name and many anti-inflammatory drugs or OTC anti-inflammatory. Many herbal supplements.
Your Theories: After all these years of trial and error, I now rely on a Malic Acid-Magnesium compound called "Malic Relief" from Biochem, B Complex 150 and a multi-vitamin/ multi-mineral formula (does not show flouride on the label), plus aspirin and Carisoprodol.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? A question I might ask is "do you have other family members with this condition"? There are three of us in my close family and poss four. Two have been diagnosed, one has died and one won't believe this is a problem for her. All are female.
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7/1/2007
Name: Margie
City: Baden
State: Pennsylvania
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Sewickley PA
Where Do You Live Now? Baden PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 years
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Sales, and office work. Had to stop working because of fibro. Approved for SSD 3 years ago.
Medical History: Healthy and fit. Developed fibromyalgia after hysteroctemy and bladder repair. Had UTI and catheter for 6 weeks following. Treated with several antibiotics during that 6 weeks, one of them being Cipro for 3 weeks.
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in neck, then developed TMJ, plantar faciitis in feet. Then carpal tunnel syndrome and problems with anxiety. Pain continued to spread throughout. Never felt like I recovered from surgery during which the anestheologist administered 500 mg. of caffine through my IV because I asked to have a cup of coffee when I work up so that I would not get a headache.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle and joint pain throughout. Swelling and foot pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis in both hands, daily headaches occasional migraine which has lessened over the course of my life time. Ocular migraine,stiffness, memory problems, intolerance of alcohol, cannot tolerate medications, have some reaction to most of them. Developed food allergies, burning and shooting pain throughout.TMJ, teeth clenching, mild restless leg syndrome.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I can remember. But as children every time we were sick, mom called the doctor and demanded antibiotics, penicillin, I believe. Now I am allergic to it. Also allergic to tetanus vacine.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Lived across river from a steel mill that ran 24/7. We breathed the black soot that came from the plant for several years until the plant closed in the mid 1980's.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I used to work and exercise daily. I walked 3-5 miles and worked out with weights and Nordic trac. I took care of my elderly parents before they died, kept my children,husband and home. At the age of 41, my life changed forever. I can barely walk around the block, suffer for every little bit of exertion. I had to stop working, and can no longer do anything but the very light household chores. I can't travel or sit in a car for very long, can't shop for long. I can't even sing in a choir because just sitting and holding the music caused such a flare up. I love to sing,and had to give up doing that except around the house. Intimacy with my husband became too painful, I could not attend school functions that required sitting in a bleacher, the list is endless. I have become basically sedentary and have gained 35 pounds. My chiropractor said I am his most high-functioning fibro patient, that's because I refuse to totally give in to this hellish disease and let it completely destroy my life. I enjoy my family and friends and still cook do some light gardening and entertain when I can. I long for my old energetic happy outgoing self. I felt good and loved life.My family has suffered greatly right along with me.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold damp weather, I feel much better in spring and summer. Any type of physical exertion. Stress, not sleeping well.
What Makes You Feel Better? Pacing myself, not doing too much in any given day and resting when I need to. Warm sunny, not humid weather. My hot tub and deep relaxation.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 or 8
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, drugs used during surgery and as I said earlier, different types of antibiotics used for a UTI following surgery, I was given Macrobid, ( Bad side effects)Keflex, allergic reaction, Gantrison,made me itch, Cipro for 3 weeks, made me feel awful, ringing in the ears, etc, so I had to stop taking it. The infection cleared on it's own once the catheter was removed.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Celebrex, caused racing heart and trouble breathing had to stop. The only thing I can take with no side effects or reactions is Tylenol.
Your Theories: I know for certain that my hysterectomy triggered my fibro. I was perfectly healthy, active, fit and felt great until I had that operation. I have never felt well since, 11 years later.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Any help from alternative treatments, if so which ones?
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6/30/2007
Name: Moon
City: Hurricane
State: West Virginia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Huntington WV
Where Do You Live Now? Hurricane WV
How Long Have You Lived There? 45 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? n/a
Medical History: Always had some kind of pain was accused of faking pain I just don't say much about it anymore doctors don't listen as what helps and what doesn't spent so much on junk that doesn't work or only works for a short time.
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes...Walking works best for me.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Long lasting colds and just being sore for no reason.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Tired certain spots aching really bad.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? every cold I ever had lasted over a month and many longer than that.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Tried not to let it but it does ruin you as a person or maybe it's the ones that are suppose to help but belittle you instead.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I hate to say it but lately just have to see what each day brings.
What Makes You Feel Better? Forcing myself to be active but pay for it dearly afterwards.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Lately it has but I think it's because the pain is so bad I try blocking things mentally...
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Just Recently...2002
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Oh this one is a tricky question...
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? YES ALL
Remedies Tried: What I researched and found to help doctors refuse to listen...
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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6/27/2007
Name: Lori
City: Kapaa
State: Hi
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? california
Where Do You Live Now? hi
How Long Have You Lived There? 30yrs
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10yrs?
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? ?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I was a nurse but not working now
Medical History: cranial aneurysm with stroke cholecystectomy ectopic pregnancy
Does Exercise Help? I walk about 2mi a day whether i hurt or not
What Were Your First Symptoms? neck pain arm pain migraines
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches neck, shoulder, arm ,wrist finger, thigh inside of knees back of heels
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? spinal meningitis as a baby don't know if it was bacterial or viral
Any Military Service? My Dad was in the service
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't think so
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'm tired a lot and weak
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I'm not sure
What Makes You Feel Better? warm showers on aching areas , ice pack on my neck
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? It's hard to say since I had a cranial aneurysm
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not sure after the brain surgery it took me several years to get back to a functioning person
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? the only flouride here is when you get your teeth cleaned- also i try not to eat chocolate
Remedies Tried: cymabalta, fioricet, B12 injections, plavix
Your Theories: wish there was a difinitive test to say that this is what it is
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

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6/26/2007
Name: Sandra
City: Preston
State: GA CSA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Georgia
How Long Have You Lived There? 13 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 30 +
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I am not working now, but worked as an LPN for 18 years
Medical History: In 1971 had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ( camping in NC ) was treated with large doses of Tetracycline, diagnosed with depression 1973, chronic joint which is also related to RMSF, IBS In 1978, began experiencing periods of inability to focus in 1984, 2 C-sectons,both knees have been scoped,both shoulders have tendon degeneration
Does Exercise Help? Swimming , but I cannot tolerate the chlorine I also use a stationary bike for short periods
What Were Your First Symptoms? In retrospect I realize that the depression was first, then the joint pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? I think I have everything except vulvodina ,I have days that I cannot remember if I fed my cats & dogs but I am too tired to walk out side and check. I have days that I feel like my body is sunburned on the inside and can barely stand to wear clothes.The IBS is so bad that I don't leave the house for days.I get sensations in hands and feet like an electrical shock and sometimes my hands will go ghostly white and cold .When I do go out within 4 minutes of sitting in a vehicle I become extremely stiff. I cannot sleep for longer than two hours and that is with medication I experience sharp stabbing pains that sometimes last a few seconds and others for hours I have heart palpitations and a normal EKG,I have itchy skin and scalp and no rash
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? As a young child , app 4 yrs I had Chicken Pox so bad that I was hospitalized, my mother says the Dr told her I had the lesions in my lungs,consequently the small pox vaccines we were all given in the 60's never took. I have surrered from "cold sores" on lips since 3rd grade, and had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 1971
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? My father was an entomologist for an internatioal chemical corp. involved in R&D As a child we helped with his experimental plots while he developed pesticides. He died of cancer in 2004 I haved lived on farms or in heavy agriculture areas all but two years of my life
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I feel incapitated , ther are days I can barely get out of bed
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Emotional and physical stress , extreme changes in weather causes diarrhea cold will cause knots to form in muscles in my back and bring on sciatica
What Makes You Feel Better? Moderation in everything , the only time I am pain free is after sex and that only last for 30-45 minutes
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? In 1978 a Dr told me that I had a mild case of dyslexia!! In 1998 a DR tried to assure that I did not have Alzheimer's, I had "sometimers"
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It has been a gradual decline, however in 1999 after 17 years of marriage my husband left me and our two children, my doctor feels this emptioal stress excerbated the disease
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No Only six or seven years of my life was exposed to treated water
Remedies Tried: If I have enough energy a warm shower works, we are planning to put in a tub so I can soak. My current meds are: Neurontin 800 mg daily Darvon twice a day Cymbalta 60mg twice a day Lunesta 3mg bedtime Ultram 50mg twice a day Lidocaine patches Valtrex for cold sores And I still don't sleep well and I'm in pain all the time
Your Theories: I feel that my exposure to experimental chemicals, my bout with the herpes virus and RMSF have all contributed, my mother and one sister have Lupus and fibro and I feel there is a familial connecton also
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

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6/26/2007:
Name: Aaron
City: Southgate
State: Michigan
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Wyandotte
Where Do You Live Now? Southgate
How Long Have You Lived There? Whole life
Your Age? 22
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Shipping and receiving (heavy lifting), can no longer work because of pain
Medical History: Appendix removed
Does Exercise Help? NO, it worsens the pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? Abdominal muscle spasms & trouble breathing
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Eye pain and potential for muscle spasm in the eye, stomach pain, bloating, abnormal breathing.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Lifted metal beams
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I want to commit suicide because doctors wont help me on the count of having no insurance and the state wont help me because they say I have depression and the pain is in my head.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Walking, reading, lifting is impossible, running, bike riding, roller blading, watching TV.
What Makes You Feel Better? Swimming, rubbing eyes continuously, sleeping, getting very drunk (takes away pain and spasms).
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Haven't
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It hit me in 10 minutes at the gym, I was curling light weights and my stomach spasmed putting me in the hospital... I don't use drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Ice, Heat pad, Viccodin Extra Strengh 750mg, Valium 10mg, Parafon Forte 150mg (I think), Naproxen 500mg, Paxil 25mg, Magnesium, Zoloft 25mg..Just started taking Lyrica, seems to help.
Your Theories: My theory is that there is a nerve, chemical or electrical signal that tells muscles when to energize with the nutitions flowing through the blood, with the condition I believe that the signal isn't being sent, therefore tiring mucles to the point of spasm... what causes this condition? I'm not sure, it seems to come with surgery, so it might be a allergy or side effect of anestesia, I noticed that since I had surgery at 6 years old it makes my abs spasm with only a few sit-ups, after my abs spasmed to the point of me not being able to walk for 3 days I went to the hospital where they did exploratory surgery, after that surgery I had wide spread spasms rotating throughout my body, starting from my right shoulder, through my arms to my legs, back up to my left shoulder, and finally stayng in my eyes and jaw.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Is there any hope for the uninsured like me? I can't get the help I need because I dont have the money, and in this condition I cannot work... please help me some how.

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6/22/2007
Name: ALTHEIA
City: NEW BEDFORD
State: MA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? WASHINGTON, DC
Where Do You Live Now? NEW BEDFORD, MA
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 YEARS
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? NURSE, NO
Medical History: DIABETIC, HIDRADENITIS, GALL BLADDER
Does Exercise Help? YES, WALKING
What Were Your First Symptoms? BACK PAIN
What Are Your Current Symptoms? HANDS, BACK, LEGS, KNEES, HIPS ALL OVER MY BODY HURTS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? YES
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? YES
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY ACTIVE, I AM LESS ACTIVE.. IN PAIN ALL DAY AND NIGHT....
What Makes Symptoms Worse? COLD WEATHER, OR PERCIPATATION
What Makes You Feel Better? WARMTH OF THE SUN, MEDS
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 ANTIDEPRESSION MEDS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: NEURONTIN, CYMBALTA, ZANAFLEX
Your Theories: MY CONDITION SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE VERY QUICKLY...
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO, GOOD QUESTIONAIRE

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6/19/2007
Name: Tracy
City: Beverly
State: MA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Beverly
Where Do You Live Now? Beverly
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Customer Service Phone Rep/Not working for a little over a year now.
Medical History: Good health up to the onset of the illness.
Does Exercise Help? Excerize helps sometimes. The weather affects the condition greatly. The excersizes I do are mostly stretching & a little walking.
What Were Your First Symptoms? My symptoms first started immediately after a tick was removed from my right shoulder. My right shoulder is the most painful place I experience fibromyalgia.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? My current symptoms include constant sharp pain in my right shoulder. I'm in the 4th year of this illness & the pain has spread to my left shoulder, to all my joints, & my lower back. I also have sever depression, & sever sleep disturbances from this condition.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, Lyme disease.
Any Military Service? Non-applicable.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Fibromyalgia has drastically changed my life. I was once a very happy, active individual. Now, I don't know from one day to the next how I'm going to feel.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? The cold weather is brutal on me. Physical activities, emotional stress, lifting over 5 lbs, excersize, meeting deadlines, daily routines, not getting enough sleep, and anxiety all effect me. Typing also aggravates it.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, resting, very short walks, hot showers, the heating pad on my shoulder helps a little. Sometimes having a quality beer helps relax my muscles. Sitting for brief periods in the sun helps, & 85 degree plus weather helps alot. The antidepressant I'm taking is helping my sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? The BRAIN FOG you describe is what I refer to as when your brain becomes incapatitated from tolerating so much physical pain.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I developed this BRAIN FOG about 15 months ago. My greatest brain ailment has been depression.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? My fibromyalgia was severe from onset, but localized mainly in my right shoulder. Only in the last 8 months did the pain become more severe. The symptoms started spreading beyond my right shoulder suddenly in the last month.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Non-applicable, but our water is treated with fluoride.
Remedies Tried: Ive tried tylenol, aleve, advil, muscle relaxers, NSAIDS. They do not work. I will not use a narcotic pain medication.
Your Theories: I believe my condition is a direct result of damage from lyme disease. Since I started having symptoms over 3 years ago, I've been to the doctors countless times, had blood work done many times, & all test results have been normal. Regardless I always feel very ill. Thank you for this survey!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------

6/19/2007
Name: Julie
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? National City
Where Do You Live Now? Los Angeles
How Long Have You Lived There? almost three years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? I was in elementary school
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal research, by computer
Medical History: Systemic candida affected ears, sinuses
Does Exercise Help? Walking, in-place exercises, light weights
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe congestion, tension headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe right leg spasms, continued severe congestion, migraine headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Normal environmental chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Severly. There is so much I can't do due to allergies
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Exhaustion, extreme heat or cold. Sound, light, chronic stress, hunger.
What Makes You Feel Better? A dark, quiet room with no one around.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Personally, no.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? N/A
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I went from a severe virus caught in school, out for two weeks, pressured to go back before I was well and never completely well again with repeated infections of all kinds.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have avoided all fluoride after I learned how dangerous it was.
Remedies Tried: Soma, Fiorcet, Zanax, Codine, Belladonna,
Your Theories: It's absolutely inherited. My mother, daughter and son all suffer from the condition also. I find great relief from all the Cleanses, and Immune Boosters like Shark Liver Oil.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Sleep disturbances...most of us have severe insomnia. At one point I was unable to sleep for 3 full months no matter what the doctors gave me.
----------------------

6/18/2007
Name: MONICA
City: OSHKOSH
State: WI
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? WI
Where Do You Live Now? OSHKOSH, WI
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 YEARS
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14 YEARS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT, YES
Medical History: HEALTHY
Does Exercise Help? YES, CARDIO, AEROBIC
What Were Your First Symptoms? HEADACHES
What Are Your Current Symptoms? MUSCLE TENDERNESS, SORENESS AND JOINT PAIN
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? EATING HEALTHY AND EXERCISING MORE.GRATEFUL OF THE LIFE I HAVE NOW. WISH I COULD BE A SNOWBIRD AND GO TO FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? NON-ACTIVITY, LACK OF REST AND GOOD SLEEP. COLD WISCONSIN WINTERS
What Makes You Feel Better? LIGHT EXERCISE, STRETCHING, AND REST WHEN I'M TIRED
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10+ YEARS
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, CAN'T REMEMBER
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: FLAX SEED REALLY HELPED MY IBS. EXERCISE BALL REALLY MAKES EXERSICING FUN AND LESS STRAIN ON JOINTS BUT WARMS MY MUSCLES UP REALLY GOOD.
Your Theories: STOP TAKING THE MEDS THAT DOCTORS GIVE FOR EVERY LITTLE PAIN AND OTC DRUGS, THEY JUST MAKE EVERYTHING WORSE. START EATING WHOLE GRAINS AND VEGGIES. START MOVING!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NOT EVERYONE WITH FIBRO HAS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS. WHICH ONES DO YOU EXPERIENCE?
---------------------------

6/13/2007
Name: Mary
City: Kansas City
State: Missouri
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Kansas City
Where Do You Live Now? Kansas City
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Medical records-still working
Medical History: cervical spine surgery
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe joint and muscle pain, tight muscles.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe joint and muscle pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Iodine testing and dye used for MRI.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Cannot drive very far or do much because of severe skull tightness.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold and damp weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Nothing.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? A little
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I did not have the severe symptoms until I took Ciprofloxacin in April.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes just recently.
Remedies Tried: Super Green Foods, chlorophyl, salmon oil, nortriptyline, Reliv vitamins, Neurontin, muscle relaxants, massage, Reiki.
Your Theories: I believe this started after my last spine surgery in my skull and then escalated after the exposure to Ciprofloxacin to include my arms and legs.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No.
-------------------------

6/12/2007:
Name: Denise
City: Lisle
State: IL
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Chicago,IL
Where Do You Live Now? Lisle, IL
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 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? CEO, no
Medical History: depression
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all over body pain, fatigue, obesity, edema,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am totally useless, can't cook or clean, or hardly move, excruciating pain is constant 24/7/365
What Makes Symptoms Worse? nothing, pain is worse all the time now
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? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, sleeping pills, pain pills, anti depression meds
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, drinking only reverse osmosis/ultraviolet purified water
Remedies Tried: you name it...I've tried it
Your Theories: HELP!!!!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Why doesn't homeopathics work? Doesn't homeopathics have the ability to cure viruses?
---------------------

6/12/2007
Name: lorraine
City: dublin
State: ireland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? clonmel
Where Do You Live Now? dublin
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 -3 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher /youthworker still working
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? no makes it worse swimming sometimes helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in the lower shoulder
What Are Your Current Symptoms? bad pain in fingers back neck sligt pain legs wrist face Bowel problems stiffness exhaustion and general tiredness depression anxiety can sleep for long periods
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? had an allegic reaction to a hair dye
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? affected my confidence in myself, affected my ability to do every day tasks affected my marraige
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting for two long, excercise and general overdoing it
What Makes You Feel Better? codeine based painkillers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? not sure what this means but I do feel that my brain has slowed down and i can't always remember things
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? just recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes but I cant remember if there was drugs involed
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: anti inflamation and pain killers glucosamine vitamins
Your Theories: I am really suffering and I sometimes think that people think I am making it up. no one understands and my doctor has been no help. Ihave to wait for over a year to see a specialist
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------

6/10/2007:
Name: Cyndia
City: Colorado Springs
State: CO
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Colorado Springs, CO
Where Do You Live Now? Colorado Springs, CO
How Long Have You Lived There? most of my life
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teacher. Only substituting
Medical History: Ovarian Cystectomy with incidental appendectomy 1980 Head Injury 1983
Does Exercise Help? No, makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue and pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme fatigue Pain Irritable Bowel Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation Brain Fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I recall
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not an excessive amount
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Limited social life, limited work opportunities, limited leisure
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Too much walking, standing, exercise, exposure and contagion of colds, flu, etc. Cold weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Enough sleep. Magnesium. Baths with epsom salts and vinegar - scrub skin for better absorption.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Unfortunately yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Six years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. No, I don't recall a specific drug. I figured out I had fibromyalgia from research. Had doc run an Epstein-Barre test - mine was over 200 (normal is 20).
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Flexeril. Magnesium
Your Theories: I read something on the same stuff that is in breast implants going into body and forming hard nodules. I do have hard nodules. Theory is that supplements use this substance as a filler.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can think of.
-----------------------------

6/9/2007:
Name: Dan
City: Penn Valley
State: California
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Penna
Where Do You Live Now? Calif
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 yrs
Your Age? 56
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Residential remodel. Yes
Medical History: Sciatica
Does Exercise Help? No. My work makes it flare-up.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I noticed both my shoulders aching at the same time and thigh mucles never stop aching
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Aches through-out the body, in joints and muscles.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I know of.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? If so I didn't know about it.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am self-employed in residential const. and can only work part-time.I need to rest my body and allow the imflamation to subside. This work schedule keeps my income low.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Work. I haven't really noticed any change due to weather. I've stopped doing a lot of the activities I used to do.
What Makes You Feel Better? Ibuprofen and lots of rest even though sitting causes my body to stiffen up.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I believe so. I was blaming that on the fact that I don't sleep too well. I'm tired when I get out of bed in the morning.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I would say it was about the same time as all the pain, 3 yrs. None of this has been diagnosed by a health professional. It's my diagnose from reading on the internet.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. The feeling of weakness and fatigue kind of grew over a period of five years approx. Also I wouldn't call my symptoms severe. That makes me think of someone who's completely incapacitated.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No I haven't. Just recently I switched to a natural toothpaste without fluoride. Also I live in the country and drink from a well.
Remedies Tried: None to speak of. I just try to eat right and take some supplements.
Your Theories: I've entertained the idea that it could be hormonal changes as I age but that happens to all men. Also my job is quite physical but other men my age don't seem to struggling with with the pain like I am.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes. You haven't asked if I've had any injuries through the years that may be responsible.
----------------

6/6/2007
Name: Lynnette
City: Burlingame
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? San Francisco, CA
Where Do You Live Now? San Mateo County
How Long Have You Lived There? 15+ years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 17 noticably 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Optician / Yes
Medical History: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Does Exercise Help? Yes, Walk Jogging and circuit training
What Were Your First Symptoms? arthritis @ age 17 yrs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Occasional Bouts of fatigue / back and neck stiffness / GERD
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I was never diagnosed with Fibro, only Chronic Fatigue and for a couple of year all I had the energy to do was go to work, alway felt tired and couldn't concentrate.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? overworking / over extending myself
What Makes You Feel Better? eating healthy, exercising regularily and consistent with my multi vitamins and supplements (about 8-10 daily)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes they did
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I had it for 2-3 years, it's better since I began taking my supplements
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No,
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I've switched the obvious things such a toothpaste and rarely take medication
Remedies Tried: A high quality multi vitamin / anti oxident / magnesuim calicium / L-caritine / L-acytete / flaxseed / alphalipolic /
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------

6/6/2007
Name: Mary
City: centerburg
State: Ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Athens Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Centerburg Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? RN yes
Medical History: None
Does Exercise Help? Horseback riding, yes it does help
What Were Your First Symptoms? acute onset severe leg and back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic back pain, pelvic discomfort, fibro fog,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I battle the aches and fatigue on a daily basis
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep, injury, pregnancy
What Makes You Feel Better? warm weather, regular moderate exercise, sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? don't remember, maybe 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no drugs but started working night shift.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: MSM with Glucosamine, SAMe, vitamins, try to avoid NSAIDS but have to take some ASA daily.
Your Theories: Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------

6/6/2007
Name: Sandra
City: Baraboo
State: Wisconsin
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Wisconin
Where Do You Live Now? Wisconsin
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Eleentary art teacher. I am still teaching. After 3:00 I am pretty well done for the day.
Medical History: bronchitis, pneumonia, HUGE family history of hypothyroidism.
Does Exercise Help? No, makes the pain worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Exhaustion and sleep problems. Pain followed a couple of years later.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain, sleep apnea, fibrofog, exhaustion, dry skin-hair, acid reflux, IBS.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, viral pheumonia that had me down for nearly 6 weeks.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have lost my social life. I no longer can travel, (I used to travel internationally at least once a year). I am also finding I can't keep track of what I am reading if the material is technical.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS! Too much physical activity. Not enough sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? Soaking in the hot tub. Getting enough sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I am constantly needing to write everything down.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 year.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Not really, but I think I was suffering from symptoms earlier than I remember.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: OxyContin, Cymbalta, accupuncture.
Your Theories: I am a DES child. As an adult I also had a series of years that were psychologically very stressing.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Are other individuals in your family suffering from fibromyalgia?
-------------------

6/6/2007
Name: shelley
City: grand rapids
State: michigan
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? grand rapids
Where Do You Live Now? grand rapids
How Long Have You Lived There? 47 yrs
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? probably close to 40
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 7-8
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? program manager
Medical History: mono age 16 followed by T&A childbirth x 3 vertigo persitent daytime sleepiness
Does Exercise Help? No, makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? as a young chiuld I had weak muscles & had a hard tiem keeping up with other kids also had freq. msucle aches in neck
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme fatigue, brain fog nechaches, headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono also for several winters would have rec. cold symptoms, sore throat, swollen glands, nasal congestion that would come & go repeatedly
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I was always able to multitask & go-go-go now I can barely stay up until 10 pm. I am constantly exhausted which makes me avoid doing things with family, friends. I am msierable!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Exertion-if I work in my yard my muscles will hurt for several days after
What Makes You Feel Better? right now, nothing really
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes- this was awful for the past 2 years and is a new symptom. I feel like I hear people talking but just can't concentrate. It has been all I could do to keep a job
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No- although now that I think of it the brain fog got worse after I had vertigo - I don't recall what I took at that time
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Sleep study- am on Provigil 400 mg per day which helps VERY little
Your Theories: I am going to try the flouride avoidance!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I would also be intersted in knowing how many people with this syndrome have had a strep or mono infection- maybe the drug treatment for strep is also a culprit?
------------------

6/2/2007
Name: susan
City: ararat
State: australia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? perth
Where Do You Live Now? ararat
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 40 years ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 14
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? jill of many ... no
Medical History: serious car accident at 14,liver damage followed by hepatitis after accident and hospital stay.
Does Exercise Help? mild to moderate ok but severe pain after all forms of strenuous exercise.
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiffness, muscle pain soreness, burning, shooting pains, aching
What Are Your Current Symptoms? little pain now, except after the most strenuous of exercise
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? severely in the past, an absolute misery, great financial losses trying to seek a cure
What Makes Symptoms Worse? strenuous exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? cool weather, and heat applied to muscles
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? definitely YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 16
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes after accident was prescribes brufen and cortisone
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? moving interstate to where it wasn't added to water supply
Remedies Tried: high potency colloidal minerals, chelated minerals & antioxidants
Your Theories: The results on this combination were nothing short of amazing. I still have it mildly, but put up with over 30 years of terrible suffering prior to this. Whenever I garden I am racked with pain again.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I don't think that even the best food sources are giving us the minerals we need. Although I was unable to afford to continue the treatment, I have never gone back into the severity of former times. While I thought it was something to do with my accident and illness something really puzzles me: Why does my 16 yr old daughter have it now and to a severe degree?
-----------------------

5/30/2007
Name: Linda
City: Garland
State: Maine
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Biddeford
Where Do You Live Now? Garland
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 yrs
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Paralegal-no, completely disabled
Medical History: Endometriosis, gall bladder
Does Exercise Help? somewhat, easy walking and light yoga
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in neck and shoulders
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in neck, shoulders, wrists and hands, knees, hips, headaches, brain fog, poor sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes-shingles-still suffer.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? silver fillings in teeth-none other known
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't work, miss church and family activities, can't do "normal" things
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, when I don't get needed rest/sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? hot tub, heating pads (Thermal Heat pads are GREAT!!!) Getting out with people
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? don't think so
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Antidepressants, prescription sleeping pills, massage therapy, physical therapy, criropractic, accupressure and accupuncture, sleep study, nutritional and supplements such as CoQ10, Amino acids, MSM, Malic/Magnesium
Your Theories: I truly believe that I have a virus in my system and when my immunity gets compromised I get whammied. I almost always have an outbreak of shingles or herpes when my fibro symptoms are severely present. Could also be a fungus.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Probiotics?
-------------------------

5/29/2007
Name: Jackie
City: Reston
State: VA
Your Sex: Femal
Where Were You Born? Baltimore, MD
Where Do You Live Now? Reston, VA
How Long Have You Lived There? 15+ years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Technical Support Yes
Medical History: n/a
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in neck, hips, lower spine
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in joints,swollen hands,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I've had to reduce the number of things I do. Cannot carry things well, grip is poor.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lack of sleep, too much exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? TENS, heating pad, baths, sleep, massage
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, synthroid
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care, increased sea salt/iodine in diet
Your Theories: excessive stress over long-period of time; childhood was filled with stress and fear.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
-------------------

5/28/2007
Name: Lisa
City: San Marcos
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lakewood, California
Where Do You Live Now? San Marcos, California
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Secretarial, No Not working
Medical History: Good health, Gerd, Asthma
Does Exercise Help? Have not been able to ever get enough under my belt to tell. I try to walk daily regardless of how I feel. I try to move weights on home gym/total gym
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe migraine headaches, neck and back pain, change in vision, and big loss of cognitive function. I would sit at my desk for an entire day and repeatedly attempt to start the same task over and over without ever getting it done. I could not continue to work. Period. It happened just like that.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Acute and frequesnt migraine headaches, acute pain waste down, pain in elbows & upper arms and shoulders, neck, tingling hands, Brain fog, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? When I was first diagnosised with FMS, the Lab that my physician uses soliciated me to purchase my blood for use as (and pardon my lack of specific terms) test kits for mononucleosis. Apparently I am in a continual state of "mono". I had it several times as a child.
Any Military Service? No, never served
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No, not to my knowledge
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Fibromyalgia continues to challenge my life on a daily basis. I have had many things taken from me because of it. My self esteem, and self worth.I as a reliable, self sufficient person have been debased, My lifestyle, and means of living have been put to proverty. My family unit has been broken. My credit has gone to hell. What is worse is no one believes that what is happening to me is really happening because I look Okay. No one sees the time when I am bound to my bed, recovering from a two or three day headache, or just plain can not get out of bed, because I don't invite them in to see it!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress! Cold, over exertion
What Makes You Feel Better? Lack of stress, Neat, simple, peaceful surroundings. Rest. Jacuzzi or Hot tub.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, Psychotrophic type drugs for the treatment of BiPolar which I was misdiagnosised. Lithium,Depakote, Neurontin,Gabapentin,Elavil.When finally diagnosised with FMS I was treated with numerous different anti-biotics. Cipro was one of the first.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: I continue to be treated with Colchicine transfusions which seem to be helpful. Meditation, message, Hypnotherapy, Methadone worked well, but seized my parastoltic action, Cymbalta, neurontin, too many to remember, currently taking MScontin and MSIR, Adderall, although the stomach problem seems to be reoccuring
Your Theories: I seem to have had, individually, the symptoms of FMS throughout my lifetime since about age 20-22. I have had two severe head injuries in auto accidents, and one head injury inflicted by another human. All individual symptoms seemed to really gravitate, and blossom at a tremendously stressful event in my life. The rest is history. How do I make it stop? I would give a limb to make it stop.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, the stressor event that I mentioned in the last question. This event that I mentioned made my body swell. My face swole shut, eyes, mouth closed. The joints on my wrists, elbows, fingers so swollen I could not bend them. The same for my legs, knees, ankles, toes. My face, arms, and legs were bright red. It lasted approx. 30 hrs. and just as I was to go to the ER, it went away. The only reason that I did not go to begin with was that I knew that it was a reaction to stress. I just had no reason to know that it would be the beginnig of the end. I believe that more questions in regard to stressors should be in place on your questonaire.
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5/24/2007
Name: Ruth
City: Boones Mill
State: VA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Bluefield, WV
Where Do You Live Now? Boones Mill, VA
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 yrs
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 year or less (maybe earlier and just didn't add up symptons)
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office
Medical History: hysterectomy, appendix out, kidney infections, 2 miscarriages, 3 births
Does Exercise Help? no, makes it worse, spent 6 weeks in physically therapy could not walk and therapist stopped therapy,
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in shoulder blades, lower back and hips and legs hurt constantly
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in shoulder blades, lower back, severe pain in legs, hips, arms, neck, just diagnosed with under active thyroid, depression, no energy, always tired, eyes feel like they bulge sometimes, loss of memory,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? bronchitics
Any Military Service? none, but military wife for 7 years on base in Maryland
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none known
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? was always very active person now I am lucky to get out of bed much less make it thru day of work
What Makes Symptoms Worse? movement, not enough sleep, sitting any length of time,
What Makes You Feel Better? when I hurt, nothing!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes kind of like lack of memory
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? year or less
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, only recently started Cymbalta and thyroid medicine, Loratab and advil for pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't think I have been exposed to it, I am on well water and do not take any kind of fluoride that I know of
Remedies Tried: just ones mentioned
Your Theories: at one time a doctor was doing research and case studies in our area due to the high amount of fibro patients, his research grant was stopped and the files sealed.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Hereditary?? younger sister also diagnosed with it 10 years ago
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5/23/2007
Name: Samala
City: Phoenix
State: Arizona
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 yrs.
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I worked for a Health Insurance Co., now I'm a Realtor.
Medical History: No illnesses.
Does Exercise Help? Swimming.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Migraines.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Brain Fog, Pain throughout my body, Dizziness, Migraines, Irritability, Fatigued with short spurts of energy.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Drastically.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, Constant tapping, Certain Odors, Certain Body Positions when sitting, Riding in cars when I'm not driving among others.
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest, Relaxation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I think since it all started..so 4.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes and I cannot remember a specific drug.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Dr's only want to give pain meds. I have small children and cannot afford the side effects, so I have not taken any.
Your Theories: I feel the my illness began from neck trauma. My past employment caused me to talk on the telephone and type on the computer for long hours, without appropriate breaks..therefore causing neck trauma.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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5/21/2007
Name: Andrea
City: Kettle Falls
State: WA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Washington
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 years
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: PTSD, Irratable Bowl, Gastoparises,mucsle & joint pain, weeknes. Restless leg,insomina,Rem sleep disorder,IBS numerous others throughout the years.
Does Exercise Help? no,it make it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? exstream cold, excessive sleepiness, flue like syntomes
What Are Your Current Symptoms? PTSD, Irratable Bowl, Gastoparises,mucsle & joint pain, weeknes. Restless leg,insomina,Rem sleep disorder,IBS, chronic pain, severe weight loss, feeling like I have the flu
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? recently, put on bed rest treated with antibiotics and steriods
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have no life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, over work
What Makes You Feel Better? rest no heavy work load,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? past year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. no meds that I can think of
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? WE have fresh well water, no fluride except at dental cleanings
Remedies Tried: Hve not been perscribed any except adderal for ADD. help with brain for, energy, lessens body pain
Your Theories: I belive it is a yet foud virus of some kind or an autoimmune disease that is in a class of it's own
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family histor. My mother has a lot of the same syntoms and my 18 year old daughter is showing early signs of having the same disease
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7/8/2007
Name: Laura
City: mytown
State: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? philadelphia
Where Do You Live Now? midwest
How Long Have You Lived There? 24 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working anymore
Medical History: tonsils out gallbladder out ovaries and uterus taken out
Does Exercise Help? water exercises that stretch the muscles
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe pain and stiffness in the morning
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiffness , muscle pain, fatigue, IBS and acid reflux
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? can't work any more pain everyday
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? lots of sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? at the onset of fibro
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? ? I don't know what avoiding dietary fluoride exposure is
Remedies Tried: water therapy muscle relaxers pain meds
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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