Fibromyalgia Case Studies: November 4 - 19, 2007

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11/19/2007
Name: Patricia
City: Aberdeen
State: Scotland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 11/08/51
Where Do You Live Now? Aberdeen
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 months
Your Age? 56
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: ava in head
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? thyroide, blood pressure, sinus, irritable bowel, spine pain, mussle weakness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe congestion, ringing in the ears. tired, depressed
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? in 2005 i had herpies sauster, a form of shingles in the head
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that i am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? in everyway possible
What Makes Symptoms Worse? the severe tiredlness and ringing in both my ears
What Makes You Feel Better? no noise in my head
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes all day long
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 years now
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? dont really know
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? dont realy understand this question
Remedies Tried: i am on citalopram, cozar, thyroxine
Your Theories: none
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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11/18/2007
Name: C
City: Palos Park
State: IL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Blue Island, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Palos Park, IL
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? secretarial, not working now
Medical History: clean, but did lose 90 pounds over 6 years ago from very low carb diet & got sick
Does Exercise Help? somewhat, stiffness seems to lessen
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, extreme body aches and muscle weakness, constipation
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness and pains, severe lower back pain/disc inflammation, many fungus infections/athletes foot, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no, but did suffer repeated severe bouts of chronic bronchitis 20 years ago
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? only silver fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? stopped it in its tracks. i've been in complete limbo, and unable to sustain any stamina or mental focus to accomplish anything
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sugar, white flour, and refined or processed carbs, definitely
What Makes You Feel Better? cutting out sugar, low carb diet, lots of water, iodoral
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, absolutely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? five
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, but no drugs, as I avoid allopathic doctors and pharma
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, but that is my next planned step. i bought a water purifier to distill my water.
Remedies Tried: st. john's wort and 5-htp for the depression; malic acid, magnesium, and B vitamins, high vitamin C intake. believe it or not, exedrin works great for the pain, but I only take it rarely. Iodoral now.
Your Theories: I believe it's caused by a chronic systemic Candida infection. I also was severely depressed. Sugar & flour definitely aggrevate my problem.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/18/2007
Name: Nan
City: Northbrook
State: IL
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? 1946
Where Do You Live Now? IL
How Long Have You Lived There? 16
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? paralegal
Medical History: allergies
Does Exercise Help? Yes Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue muscle sorenbess
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? unknown
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 15
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vitamins, herbs
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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11/17/2007
Name: carol coons
City: fishkill
State: new york, usa
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? beacon, new york usa
Where Do You Live Now? fishkill, new york usa
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 67
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no longer work
Medical History: graves disease at age 26 subtotal thyroidectemy, high cholesterol, and treated high bp
Does Exercise Help? no doesn't seem too, can't do much try to swim in heated pool
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in back of head and neck and shoulder muscles and armpits and muscles under buttocks and inner elbows depression and anxiety, sleep problems and overwhelming fatique
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in neck and shoulder, inner elbows and limited use of right arm due to burning sensation in shoulder, have developed irritible bowel and irritible bladder but may be due to meds and/or fibro, sleep problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No but did have shingles just prior to onset and also menopause
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, 8 years in a clean room at IBM
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Had to file for disability and leave a job I loved. I am so discouraged that I had to go into therapy to keep up my spirits, I cannot do many things but try to...has curtailed my marital situation as far as intimacy...Cannot walk very far or long and has curtailed all thought of vacations.....
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather, fatigue and lack of sleep and sometimes no rhyme or reason as to why a flair starts
What Makes You Feel Better? a good stiff martini but one cannot do that on a regular basis. Alcohol does work unfortunately there is not a pill that can do the same thing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes I believe so; ;I am only 67 so I attribute it to fibro
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? at least four
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, at the time I was put on too high a dose of synthroid medication and also menopause started and there it was
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: almost all but due to my inability to handle drugs well most were discarded in favor of a lo dose antidepressant (lexapro) and advil
Your Theories: I believe that this disorder is not just one thing. I also believe that emotional trauma contributes to it...I feel my body just gave out with coping. I also think there is a hormone component and I believe the shingles played a part.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, I feel doctors need to become more aware and less judgemental towards this disorder. I have been insulted by male doctors and refuse to see them anymore. My important question would be" why can't the medical community take this seriously and the scientific and pharmaceutical community come up with an answer?
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11/17/2007
Name: Jeannie
City: Oakridge
State: Oregon
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Delta, Colorado
Where Do You Live Now? Oakridge, Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 30
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Clerical
Medical History: Good
Does Exercise Help? Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in arms and shoulders
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All over pain, IBS,CFS brain fog, trouble sleeping, lethergy
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I don't take long walks anymore, I don't enjoy large crowds. I am always too tired to stay up much beyond 8:00 PM
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Activity, cold damp weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Vicodin and sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, short retention of important items.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I was treated for arthritis with Motrin. I had a servere reaction to the ibuprophen
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, drinking water.
Remedies Tried: Flexerol, Trazadone, Vicodin, Ultram Guaifenesin
Your Theories: I have had no traumas such as traumatic injury. Mental and physical abuse from my first husband.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? My state of mind as I fill out this questionaire.
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11/17/2007
Name: Julia
City: Toronto
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 18 years
Your Age? 18
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 15
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? School
Medical History: ...
Does Exercise Help? eleptical..but I feel tired after. But much healthier in the long run.
What Were Your First Symptoms? A flu
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic fatigue Brain fog Joint and muscle pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mononucleosis
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? tired ALL the time
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lots of activities
What Makes You Feel Better? vacation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/17/2007
Name: Peggy
City: Jeffersonville
State: KY
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Albion,Michigan
Where Do You Live Now? Jeffersonville,KY
How Long Have You Lived There? 10+ years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? It seemed I was having symptoms when I was 15,but more certain about 12 years.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No longer working-on disability.
Medical History: Two car accidents,Chronic Fatigue ia,Depression,Fibromyalgia.
Does Exercise Help? Yes-yoga,walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Complete exhaustion in mornings,Weakness in my arms.Trying to brush the hair of my then 3-4 year old daughter,and couldn't.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle pain, brain fog, exhaustion,weakness, IBS, mouth sores, constant sore throat, depression, anxiety, dizziness, achiness, dry mouth,overall feel crapy-all the time.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Diagnosed with high Epstien Barr Virus.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Didn't know until I read your information of floride,now I'm SURE.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way possible.Pushing my daughter off me because it hurt so much when she needed to be held.Had to stop working,being intimate with my husband,house work,social life.Everyday life things become such a challenge.Fibromyalgia hasn't only affected my life,but my family's lives,too.There are so many things we want to do that we dont because I just dont have the energy to expend.I miss the interaction with my friends.I just dont have the energy to put forth the effort to go anywhere.By the time I get myself presentable,I'm exhausted,and dont feel like going anymore.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather,humidity in the air,pushing myself with too much activity.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot showers,taking my pain meds,massage.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 12 years-from the beginning.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No.I seemed to progressively get worse on the past 12 years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No,I had never heard of this until today when I read it on your website.
Remedies Tried: Ultacet,Ultram,Robaxin, Ibuprofen.I also take Wellbutrin,and Ambien.
Your Theories: I learned so much from your website about the causes of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.I remember in elementary school of being in a line and given a little dixie cup of flouride to swish.With flouride in so much of the everyday items we use,I absolutely will be more proactive in cutting this out of my familiy's diet.If I can do anything to prevent my 15 years old daughter from developing Fibromyalgia,I will!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of.
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11/16/2007
Name: Toni
City: Trabuco Canyon
State: California USA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Montebello, California
Where Do You Live Now? Trabuco Canyon, California
How Long Have You Lived There? my whole life
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30\'s
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? office work. No, I am unable to work.
Medical History: anemia with transfusions pulmonary embolism endometriosis hashimoto's goiter w/nodules
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue aches pains, bladder infections
What Are Your Current Symptoms? suppressed immune system, chronic fatigue, sleep difficulties, frequent infections, thyroid problems, muscle pain, very low energy level
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, epstein barr
Any Military Service? NA
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? YES
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too many activities, stress, illness
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep, aleve, motrin, aspirin
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10-15 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no, I don't recall
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: diet, exercise, otc pain meds
Your Theories: diet, thyroid, immune dysfunction, virus
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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11/16/2007
Name: Dawn
City: Spokane
State: WA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Spokane Washington
Where Do You Live Now? Spokane Washington
How Long Have You Lived There? Lifetime
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Registered Nurse, Not working
Medical History: previously healthy
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, pain, sleeplessness, itching, vertigo, stiffness, poor memory,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Affected every bit of my life, my hobbies, my work, my family. No longer able to work, used to ski, hike, bike. Had good job now unable to work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, overdoing
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? 6 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: vit B, removing yeast, Sam E, High Vitamin, High protein, low dairy, low sugar diet, Swimming, massage, physical therapy, Also a few antidepressants, provigil, trazadone, benadryl, rozerem, ultram, celebrex,
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/15/2007
Name: V-
City: Panama
State: Florida
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? west germany
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? since sept 98
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disabled/no
Medical History: depression, ptsd, displastic cervical cells,
Does Exercise Help? yes/stretching and walking, slow stationary bike
What Were Your First Symptoms? I lost the ability to use my right hand for a few moments and terrible skin pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? skin pain, muscle soreness, fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, mono
Any Military Service? yes, 1987-2005
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, abspestos (sp?)
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, my fibro was so severe I had to voluntarily turn primary custody of my children to their father
What Makes Symptoms Worse? thinking I can do anything in the world and forgetting I do have this causes me to overwork and I pay dearly for that mistake and it is costly to my health
What Makes You Feel Better? meditation, relaxation, visualization
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, mildly causing me some life issues in the process.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? This fog started when the doctors put me on 27 pills a day to controll the symptoms. So, I guess about 3 years ago. I since have quit the pills and still have problems mildly.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, my symptoms worsened with the more medications and the different types I was put on. I don't remember what med correlated to what symptom.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, floride is everywhere in the military as it is added to the water.
Remedies Tried: Neurontin, Vioxx, Bextra, Robaxin, a relatively new anti depressant (I can't remember the name), Trazadone, Provigal, and another new joint pain reliever because vioxx and bextra where removed..the new one started with a "M" I think.
Your Theories: I didn't deal with this well and I had finally had enough one day. After gaining 52 pounds on the meds, I was walking with a cane, I was using my TENS unit all the time, I gave my kids to my ex, I couldn't work, I tried to off myself, couldn't clean my house by myself, I had bars installed so I could take a shower.....Last year July 2006, I threw out all the meds, this year I have been hospitalized 3 times for complications, but I am doing it, I am surviving. I continue to look for cures naturally like on this site. BTW I found this as I was trying to look for a cure for yeast...lol I thought I would let you know the rest of the story;)
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, It would be nice if you asked about Reynauds syndrome,,,my skin still hurts and my one arm or one hand gets cold while the other is hot.
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11/15/2007
Name: Diana
City: Fishers
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Indiana
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? some date back to childhood
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? early 20\'s
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Writer - yes from home
Medical History: Too lengthy to list. Takes up four typewritten pages. 13 major surgeries, IBS, GERD, MCS, elevated ANA, degenerating spinal disks, (surgeries L-S1, C4-5 - herniations C1 to C8, L4-5, scar tissue wrapping around the thecal sac L5-S1, unfused BAK cage C5-6), Allergies, chronic fatigue, chronic flu-like symptoms with low-grade fevers, trigger points, overall muscle pain
Does Exercise Help? Yoga for geriatrics
What Were Your First Symptoms? Clavical trigger point pain as a child whenever ill - first unusual thing I remember, sensitivity to smells as a child, endometriosis dx at age 15 first surgery
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Sensitive to smell, loud noise, certain patterns, reactions to multiple medications including most antibiotics, highly sensitive to pain meds and muscle relaxers, must take fraction of nromal dose, extreme nausea with narcotics so don't take those at all. muscle spams/ cramps, joint pain, spine pain, fatigue, the list goes on
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? In my 20's I was diagnosed with a virus I remember they said it was "like meningiits" but I was young and had no clue what they were talking about. Severe allergies as a child I thought were related to my parents smoking.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Parents and co-workers smoke - never smoked myself. Have never drank alcohol or taken illicit drugs.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has slowed me down, but I don't let it stop me!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, barometric pressure, I think it is linked to certain foods. I have eliminated almost all chemical exposure in terms of cleaners, personal products, etc.
What Makes You Feel Better? I have eliminated almost all chemical exposure in terms of cleaners, personal products, etc. I started taking Relaxin in May and felt much better in terms of overall pain (though not spine pain) and was able to discontinue the Skelaxin and ultram. I take a Gaia Garden herbal supplment (Sound Sleep) at night to help with the cramps. I used to rely on the Skelaxin taken with Benadryl but the Benadryl causes increased heart rate, so now I am off of both of those too!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Some days more than others
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Hard to pinpoint, definitely noticed in my 30's.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? The symptoms wax and wane in their intensity. I notice more weather related shifts. Though I do think improving my diet and forgoing soft drinks helps.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Our water contains fluoride of course, but we have an osmosis system that is supposed to remove 99% of the contaminates. I tried to not drink other water except for bottled water when away from home.
Remedies Tried: Ultram (1/2 pill each morning, sometimes twice a day) and Skelaxin (1/2 pill at night, sometimes more often for the spine-inducced spasms. Do not really stop the pain, but moderate the awareness of it. Since starting the Relaxin I have not needed them unless I have a disk slip out. I feel better off of those two medications than on. the Sound Sleep herbal remedy seems to help regulate my sleep patterns and help with the muscle cramps.
Your Theories: I was amazed to learn that Skelaxin does not actually relax the smooth muscle. It just deadens the CNS. That seems to be the medical approach right now. Deaden the CNS to cope with the pain. But I don't think that is the solution. It just makes the patient more sluggish and less able to cope. Same with Lyrica and Neurontin. The last thing we need is something to make our brains foggier. I would be willing to undergo tests for serotonin, norepinephrine etc. to see what is actually out of whack with my neurochemistry but no one is interested in that. They just keep trying to give me Vicodin or Oxycontin which would hijack my reward system and turn me into an addict - not in my best interest. I am willing to wait for a better answer to the problem. So far, the Relaxin is the only one in the running in my opinion.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Focus on the root cause - how do you get the muscle to not spasm (obviously muscle relaxers aren't real answers). What is causing the increased sensitive to pain stimuli in the brain? It somehow all connected the increased sensitivity to smell, migraines, visual patterns, loud noises, scratchy clothing tags. Obviously our over-stressed bodies are in a state of mutiny over too much input. Why us and not everyone else? What makes us so unique? Or all we all headed there because of the toxins in our environment, food, clothing, houses? Are we the proverbial "canaries in the mine?"
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11/15/2007
Name: Shannon
City: West Palm Beach
State: FL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Portland, OR
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal Administrative Assistant
Medical History: Healthy
Does Exercise Help? Yoga, Cycling. YES!
What Were Your First Symptoms? slurring speech, swollen tongue, fried brain, cognitive problems
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same. Now my joints and muscles hurt after sitting and compressing them too long.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes.
Any Military Service? none.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none. just aspartame during my diet programs
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? tea
What Makes You Feel Better? yoga
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? very quickly. no drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? now I do! from green tea (recently) to various food products and certain waters
Remedies Tried: yoga
Your Theories: stop the fluoride exposure and the symptoms go away. I thought I had MS but the symptoms went away as soon as I started going to Whole Foods market for my groceries and started reading labels.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? don't know. I'm sure you are as this is a very complex disease.
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11/14/2007
Name: S
City: Litchfield
State: NH
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Bridgeport, CT
Where Do You Live Now? NH
How Long Have You Lived There? 39 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Proofreader, Writer, Author, Disabled
Medical History: Scoliosis, structural and functional back problems
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Chronic aches, pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Widespread Pain Morning Stiffness Fatigue Vision Problems Sleep Disorders Weight Gain Chronic Headaches Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diabetes Diabetic Neuropathy Cold Symptoms Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndromes "Fibrofog": Cognitive or Memory Impairment Skin Complaints including pain, swelling, edema Anxiety Depression Dysmenorrhea Myofascial Pain Syndrome Muscle Twitches and Weakness Memory Loss Menstrual Cycle
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mono
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes--in both areas I've lived: Nashua, NH & Utica, NY
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? YES
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exercise, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ongoing to the point of being severe now
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Prozac & Elavil
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Utica, NY (10 years) had flouride in their water; Litchfield, NH water from artesian wells--known to have arsenic at higher than optimum levels when we first moved here
Remedies Tried: currently on 9+ medications
Your Theories: This sucks!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/14/2007
Name: Gill
City: New Plymouth
State: New Zealand
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oamaru
Where Do You Live Now? New Plymouth
How Long Have You Lived There? 8 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administration Yes
Medical History: Diagnosed with MS in 1997, confirmed by MRI
Does Exercise Help? I have intolerance for exercise but perservere on stationary bike
What Were Your First Symptoms? Both arms and hands extremely painful no strength, couldn't even pick up the remote control
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in both upper arms, fatigue, sleep problems, stiffness when beginning to walk but better once I start moving. Heavy legs, sore feet
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No, Autoimmune disease MS. Interesting that Husband had CFS a few years ago and still suffers from fatigue, now has diabetes, daughter has chrohns disease diagnosed at age 9, she is in remission
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Husband used to use chemical sprays in his job
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I work full time but at home I rest, can't get basic chores done, housework is very hard, can't hang the washing up, do anything for longer than 10 mins
What Makes Symptoms Worse? My weight I think, I have only just found out what I have and am changing my diet which I hope will help
What Makes You Feel Better? Eating whole unprocessed food, rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, although mostly memory, I can still think if I have time, not on my feet though, have to go away and think about a subject
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Newly diagnosed, haven't got really bad yet
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had MS that is in remission so I thought it was getting worse, similar heavy feelings, it was difficult to differentiate at first. MRI confirmed no change in MS in 6 months so I thought it had to be something else so I did extensive research and finally found the right words - migratory pain - that has now put a name to what I have.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Fluoride is in our water and I do not drink it, but still use it to boil things in. Filtered water I drink and also bottled. It is also in the toothpaste, I haven;t tried avoiding it.
Remedies Tried: MSM cream helps pain in arms I think.
Your Theories: Changing my diet from processed food to unprocessed will help I am sure, together with food combining that separates the carbs, protein etc. I can't quite bring myself to eliminate my 1 coffee but it will come.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have there been any major stressful incidents in your life prior to the onset of symptoms?
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11/14/2007
Name: Karen
City: Cape Town
State: South Africa
Your Sex: Femail
Where Were You Born? Zimbabwe
Where Do You Live Now? South Africa
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 known but suffered pain 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Call Centre Supervisor
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? neck & back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? ALL known symptoms
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Immensely.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold weather & stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Still experimenting different things but avoiding all wheat helps IBS & fatigue
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? DEFINITELY - most embarrassing in a working environment
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No drugs taken
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, first time Ive heard that. South Africa has flouride in water & I drink 2 litres/day!!!
Remedies Tried: Sorry, cant recall name - stopped taking coz I dont like tablets & made me put on weight.
Your Theories: I believe it could be hormone related. I also get seizures
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Irregular periods?
----------------------------------

11/11/2007
Name: capt. larry
City: Barnegat Light
State: nj
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Phila.,Pa.
Where Do You Live Now? Barnegat Light
How Long Have You Lived There? 35yrs
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2yrs, but maybe as many as 5 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? ex-commercial swordfish capt.now an engineer and welder, also volunteer EMT
Medical History: near fatal fall in '98. 40+ fractures in 25y commercial fishing.
Does Exercise Help? hiking,cycling+kayaking when I can manage.
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue and pain for no reason. pain that seems to bounce around
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain,fatigue,headaches, gnawing leg pain. bouncing+pressing pain,feverish headaches that last for days.grouchiness and spacy feelings . and these are my good days.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? too many to think about in the marine + shipyard industries.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? without a doubt.can't make plans because I never know how I'm going to feel in a few hours much less a couple of weeks.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress. weather,it seems like a rapid rise or fall of barometric pressure. also people that piss me off.
What Makes You Feel Better? very hot showers+ avoiding people that piss me off.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? absolutely.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6months to a year since I've really noticed it.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? 2 years. I was put on Lipitor 2 yrs ago.I stopped taking it against the advice of my ex-doctor' because the pain was so ferocious.This bozo also had me on Cipro thinking I had a low grade full body infection.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? not yet, I just read about it on this site. very interesting.
Remedies Tried: tramadol er vicadin alleve meloxicam ionic foot bath once a week for removing toxins.this is working very well.
Your Theories: I believe the fall I took in '98 may be the initial cause to this ,but the Lipitor was the catalyst that set it off.I have not been the same since I started taking that poison.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not now, but I'm sure I'll come up with something.
-------------------------------------------------

11/11/2007
Name: Megan
City: Celina
State: Tn
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? San Diego, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Celina, TN
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 months
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 19
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? counselor not working
Medical History: 1 bad auto wreck; 2 times horses fell on me; osteoporosis
Does Exercise Help? walking, biking both in moderation; swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? acheing all over body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tiredness, joint and tissue tenderness and general soreness, especially on awakening, interrupted sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? solvents used in refinishing furniture
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? affected energy level significantly
What Makes Symptoms Worse? doing hard physical work; sleeping over 5 hours at a time
What Makes You Feel Better? eating fresh produce
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? i don't think so
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: acetemenophine, ibuprophen, guafenecin
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------------

11/10/2007
Name: toni
City: Medford
State: OR
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? CA
Where Do You Live Now? OR
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 18 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? System's Engineer. Not working
Medical History: unremarkable; easily broken bones
Does Exercise Help? no, hurts
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? too long to list
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? maybe
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exertion, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? resting, slow stretching, massage
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: tons of SSRIs
Your Theories: Drugs make one more ill
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can think of
-------------------------------

11/10/2007
Name: deborah
City: magnolia
State: texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? ft. worth
Where Do You Live Now? magnolia
How Long Have You Lived There? 32 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1996
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working?
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help?
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? 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? has slowed me down
What Makes Symptoms Worse? moving
What Makes You Feel Better? taking my meds and going to 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 beging
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? have always been in bad health eve at birth
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: my prescribed medications
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------------------

11/10/2007
Name: Hannah
City: Vancouver
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Comox, BC
Where Do You Live Now? Vancouver
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 y
Your Age? 22
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7 y
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Sales representative. Yes.
Medical History: Low immune system, ever since 14 y sick all the time.
Does Exercise Help? No. Makes it worse. Walking does help.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Horrible pain in the upper chest area.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All over pain, fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mono
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Don't know. Lived in Eastern Europe. Might have been.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have a lot more limitations then others my age.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Random.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot baths is the only thing I have found the temporarily work. I have tried everything!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Five
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Post dramatic stress.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Too long a list to mention.
Your Theories: Phytoplankton seems to really work.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
--------------------------------------------

11/09/2007
Name: Michelle
City: West Palm Beach
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Framingham, Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 years
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal Assistant, Mom now!
Medical History: Two serious car accidents, age 14 and 16.
Does Exercise Help? Yes, walking more energy. Too much really bad.
What Were Your First Symptoms? All over muscle ache. Headaches.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, pain, headaches, wierd sensations in extremities.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, Mono
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Vaccinated as a child, live and breath in America
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can be devistating. Always guessing how much pain I would be in if I do something.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Eating wrong foods, over-doing it.
What Makes You Feel Better? Supplements, eating organic foods. Walking
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, after car accident.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, filtered water, no-flouride toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: Co-Q-10, L-Carnitine, Guiffenisin (Plain Robotussin or Musinex) ACV, Oregano Oil, No wheat, flour, sugar, organic food, no chemicals or MSG, no artificial sweeteners Natural vitamins and minerals.
Your Theories: I think it may be a fungus or virus stuck in soft tissue
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Exposure to moldy environment? Yes! Family History of similar conditions? MS, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Arthritis
----------------------------------------

11/09/2007
Name: Bonnie
City: Coquille
State: Oregon
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? San Jose, California
Where Do You Live Now? Coquille, Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 yrs
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No longer working. Was last working as a teachers aide, previous to that, administrative work.
Medical History: Mononucleosis (age 16), TMJ, Parvovirus B19/ Erythema infectiosum
Does Exercise Help? Belly Dancing - the slow, flowy, stetchy moves.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Incredible fatigue, and muscle weakness/heavy limbs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, muscle stiffness, deep muscle pain with spasms, headaches, IBS flares, brain fog moments, horrible sleep.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, the mononucleosis and Parvovirus B19/ Erythema infectiosum
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Quite negatively. I am no longer able to work which has resulted in financial struggle. And many things I previously enjoyed, I can no longer do, either to the degree I did before or not at all.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Rain, cold, too much activity, not enough activity, lack of sleep, wheat, sugar, not drinking enough water, stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? Warmth, light exercise,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, it seems to come and go. I get sudden moments of forgetting or confusion.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6 years. Which is about time I started to try different presciption medications.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I woke up one day feeling horrible and have not felt good since. Yes, I took Flumadine for a bad case of Flu.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Medications: Aspirin, Motrin, Naproxen, Salsalate, Mobic, Vioxx, Tylonel with codeine, Vicodin, Tramadol, Tramadol ER, 2 types of morphine, fentanyl, Flexeril, Skelaxin, Zanaflex, Soma, Elavil, Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Trazodone, Cymbalta..I am probably forgetting several. Remedies: Ginger, Boswellia, Turmeric, White Willow Bark, Angelica Root, Arnica, Vitex (Chaste Tree), Black Cohosh, Systemic Enzymes, Sam-e, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus, Hops, Arnica, Ignatia, Apis, Sublingual Vitamin B, Magnesium, Calcium, Hops, Valerian, Melatonin, Valerian, Omega 3 oils, Grapeseed Extract, coQ10, spirulina,...I am sure I am forgetting several.
Your Theories: I find the variances with fibromyalgia very mysterious and frustrating. From medications and remedies working for some but not others Or seeming to work on one day, but not the next. And the differing theories regarding the causes, symptoms, pain relief and healing.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes..about diet, I think you only asked about diet as far as avoiding Flouride. And also therapies/healing modalities, such as chiropractic, accupuncture, Reiki..etc.
-----------------------------------

11/08/2007
Name: tracy
City: toronto
State: canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? toronto
Where Do You Live Now? toronto
How Long Have You Lived There? 43 years
Your Age? 43 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32 years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? promotional advertising yes still working
Medical History: i was in good health
Does Exercise Help? walk, swim
What Were Your First Symptoms? tired and ibs then followed with pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tired, sometimes dizziness pain levels are pretty good - but have to watch not to over do it.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, it has slowed me down. i like to hike and find i can't keep up with everyone.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? my period sleep stress
What Makes You Feel Better? massage accupunture and try to get 8 hours sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, sometime when i get run down
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? right from the being
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, it was slowly
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: DHEA B12
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------

11/07/2007:
Name: jennifer
City: grand rapids
State: michigan
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? grand rapids,michigan
Where Do You Live Now? grand rapids,michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 32
Your Age? 32
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 3 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? stay home mom
Medical History: gallbadder removed,irritable bowl,bladder imflametion of the bladder,incontinant
Does Exercise Help? walking,streching
What Were Your First Symptoms? i thought it was the widespread pain,but it seems it started before then
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle weakness and pain,spasms,deep bone pain,fatigue,anxity,forgetfullness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? n/a
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? oh,just my ability to enjoy life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress and being over active
What Makes You Feel Better? walking,but it only helps while i'm moving
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no,but i'm going to start
Remedies Tried: so far just lyrica
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------------

11/07/2007
Name: NURIT
City: TEL AVIV
State: ISRAEL
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? LIMA, PERU
Where Do You Live Now? TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
How Long Have You Lived There? SINCE 1996
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 YEARS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 2 YEARS
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? NO
Medical History: LEUKEMIA 1999 AND RELAPSE IN 2000. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT 2001. OK FOR 3 YEARS, BUT AFTER A REINFORCEMENT OF T-CELLS AND HORMONES I DEVELOPED GVHD (GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE) AND ONE OF THEM, FIBROMYALGIA
Does Exercise Help? HYDROTHERAPY, FELDENKRISE, SHIATSU, WALKING.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I COULDN'T CLOSE MY HANDS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? CAN'T CLOSE OR OPEN MY HANDS, STRAIGHTEN MY ARMS, PUT MY SOCKS OR PICK UP SOMETHING FROM THE FLOOR, PAIN WHEN COMBING MY HAIR, CAN'T OPEN BOTTLES, ETC...
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NOT THAT I RECALL
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? CHEMOTHERAPY AND MANY DRUGS
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I AM ALWAYS EXHAUSTED, CAN'T DO WHAT I WANT PHYSUCALLY
What Makes Symptoms Worse? IN THE MORNING AFTER WAKING UP
What Makes You Feel Better? HEALTHY FOOD, MEDITATION, SWIMMING
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THIS
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES IT WAS VERY QUICK BUT I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT I WAS TAKING.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? ON AND OFF TOOTHPASTE, DIDN'T KNOW SOMETHING ELSE HAS IT
Remedies Tried: TOO MANY
Your Theories: I THINK DIET AND EXERCISE HELPS A LOT
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------

11/07/2007
Name: Phil
City: Fort Collins
State: CO
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Alaska
Where Do You Live Now? Colorado
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CFO. No.
Medical History: Very Healthy.
Does Exercise Help? Most aggravate condition. Warm aquatic helps fight off deconditioning.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Overall aching, deep fatigue.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Serious daily body aches and pains, fatigue, mental confusion.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Around sprayed paint for a short period.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has devestated my life. I have had to leave my profession (CFO,CPA), currently cannot work, suffer from recurring depression. The sense of loss is overwhelming.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? To much physical exertion. Waking up, even from a short nap, triggers pain.
What Makes You Feel Better? Very little. Narcotic drugs (unfortunately) bring some relief.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Has been there throughout my illness.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Multiple antidepressants, multiple sleep aids, narcotic drugs, naturpathic remedies, consults with multiple health care professionals, fringe approaches, aquatic therapy, phyiscal therapy. thyroid study, and on and on....
Your Theories: This condition is devestating and has overwhelmed me. The stigma of suffering from an invisible chronic illness compounds the pain. Although awareness of the condition has increased since my onset, FM is still a mystery, with so little concrete or definite cause and effect answers.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Possibly something about the onset of depression as it relates to the illness.
----------------------------------------------------

11/07/2007:
Name: Ron
City: Brunswick
State: Md.
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Frederick Md.
Where Do You Live Now? Brunswick Md.
How Long Have You Lived There? 53 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 23
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disabled
Medical History: Fibro,lupus,sjogrens R.A.Spinal Stenosio colitis diverticulosis
Does Exercise Help? just moveing,walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiffness, sore muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in legs more then joints arms neck hands
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? sinus and lung infections as long as two months
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? farmers lung silo full moldy corn in hospital 3 weeks also exposed to paraquat chimacal use on farm back in 70s
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? no energy get tired anxiety just constant pain sometimes just want to be left alone
What Makes Symptoms Worse? temperture changes air pressure doing to much activity only 4 to 5 hous sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? some walking hottub light exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? dont use fluoride
Remedies Tried: flexeril,cymbolta,ive tried about all meds nothing takes all of the pain away
Your Theories: Just keep moveing dont give up even though theres pain I goas much as my body will allow
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------=

11/06/2007
Name: Katie
City: Evansville
State: IN
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Martinsville, IN
Where Do You Live Now? Evansville, IN
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 28
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16-18
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Accounting clerk. Yes, still working.
Medical History: Asthma since age 3. Severe environmental allergies (ragweed, pollen, dust, etc..)
Does Exercise Help? Yoga or stretching helps somewhat.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Being sore/tender to the touch.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Tender to the touch, achey all the time, memory proglems, extreme fatigue, mood swings, problems getting restful sleep.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Makes it very difficult to get out of bed, difficult to be touched, depression effects me almost every day, hard to do your job when you can't remember things.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Too much stress, too much activity, bad weather, not getting enough sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? My anti-depressant medication helps somewhat.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1-2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, my symptoms were gradual.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: NSAIDS, anti-depressant, exercise, stress reduction.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------------

11/06/2007
Name: janene
City: otway
State: ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? portsmouth, ohio
Where Do You Live Now? otway, ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 1/2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL TECHICIAN, YES
Medical History: I had a baby which put me into fibromyalgia and back surgury. My baby was to big for me to have.
Does Exercise Help? No, worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle pain and knots in by buttocks area and legs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in buttocks, hips, legs, neck and chest.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None that I know.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? very much!!!!!!!!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? anything and nothing. Probably the most is stress and certain foods.
What Makes You Feel Better? pain meds. But sometimes not even that.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Chest pain. cymbalta and zelnorm
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: oxycotin, loratab, elavil, cymbalta, neurotin, muscle relaxers
Your Theories: I believe it is hormonal because I started having the symptoms of fibromyalgia the day after I had my baby. I had a baby 8 years prior to this and never had any problems.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------

11/05/2007
Name: Jane
City: Kirkcaldy
State: Fife, United Kingdom
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Scotland
Where Do You Live Now? Kirkcaldy, Scotland, UK
How Long Have You Lived There? 24 years
Your Age? 68
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 63
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired
Medical History: idiopathic cardiomyopathy
Does Exercise Help? gentle
What Were Your First Symptoms? back pain and aching muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back pain, leg pain, aching muscles sometimes all over and sometimes certain areas
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? lost my zest for life, feel a bit "down" and have become less active
What Makes Symptoms Worse? do not know
What Makes You Feel Better? do not know
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? slightly
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2/3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have been on cardiac drugs for 14 years
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: complementary medicine
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-----------------------------------

11/4/2007
Name: Deborah
City: Toms River
State: NJ
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Anniston Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Toms River NJ
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 years
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2-3 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49-50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Unable to work
Medical History: Interstitial cystitis, hystercotomy,tubligation,fibroid tumors, severe back problems due to car accicent, COPD and chronic sinus infections, stage 3 prolapsed bladder,chronic fatigue
Does Exercise Help? I walk-does't seem to help
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain and chronic fatigue, unable to concentrate
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain tired all the time, unable to function
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? My father was a Ranking officer in the military
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes, I Live in NJ the armpit of the universe
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Made me depressed,can't do daily activities
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Waking up. No,lets see...Exercetion,after I quit taking antibotics I feel worse stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleeping
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Ohh Yea
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Maybe one, can't remember
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have been on some many drugs it would be hard to say
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't know how you could do it with the way our government has poisioned our waters and consumer products(by products of toxic waste)
Remedies Tried: I am in the process of finding a accupuncture, and learning what I can do because none of the doctors I have gone to will help me they, look at me like I have two heads or tell me it's all in my head in not so many words.
Your Theories: To tired to think of any now....
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Does any one else in your family have fibromyalgia? How many Doctor's have you seeked treatment from? Do you think there is a cure for fibro? Do you suffer from allergies?
-------------------------------------

11/4/2007
Name: Karen
City: Harrisburg
State: Pa
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Paoli Pa
Where Do You Live Now? Harrisburg Pa
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 yrs
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? trying to get back to work
Medical History: allergies, mitral valve prolapse
Does Exercise Help? warm water excersises
What Were Your First Symptoms? always had unusually strong growing pains, mitral valve prolapse, allergies, anxiety
What Are Your Current Symptoms? wide spread severe muscle/ joint pain. fibro fog, swelling, severe fatigue, anxiety, depression, stiffness, frequent urination,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? i had prob;ems with frquesnt sinus infections in high school
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? i filling, stopped fluoride treatments at 15 because they made me sick
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, it is hard to get more than 1-2 chores done per day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, changes in the weather, my menstrual cycle, tiredness,hunger
What Makes You Feel Better? my medicines help some, message, being in warm water and ocean water.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, I'v misplaced days, gotten lost going to places that I've been to often.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? since I was diagnosed
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no I wasn't on anything beyond tylenol and advil
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, I avoid fluoride dental treatments and any foods that I recognize that have fluoridein them.
Remedies Tried: daypro, oxycodone, ms contin er, cymbalta, ritalin, flexeril, codiene, clonapine, lidocaine patches, restoril, other anti inflammatories, birth control pill.
Your Theories: Fibromyalgia is autoimmune. I have read that they have found higher than normal levels of TNF alpha in fibro patients. Even my doc will admit that fobro is an inflammatory disorder.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? how often we get sick. I rarely get sick, and its even more rare for it to last more than a day or two.
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11/4/2007
Name: Susan
City: Voorhees
State: NJ
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? pennsylvania
Where Do You Live Now? nj
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 56
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Paralegal, yes
Medical History: appendectomy 3 pregnancies high blood pressure
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Stretching/walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe headache with vomiting
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiffness pain inflammation of muscles tiredness severe neck pain insomnia
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 can't plan anything in advance because I don't know how I will feel. Some days are still good but I am in some sort of pain every day
What Makes Symptoms Worse? emotional issues
What Makes You Feel Better? a good healthy sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I felt very run down about 6 months in advance. I also had a bad case of conjunctivitis. I felt emotionally drained too.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: prozac, wellbutrin, advil, aleve, excedrin, ambien, stress therapy, exercising, massage, hot baths, whirlpools and much more
Your Theories: I believe it is viral. I was sick a few months before but never went to the doctor.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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