Fibromyalgia Case Studies: February 2 -February 20, 2008

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2/20/2008
Name: Morgan
City: Arvada
State: Colorado
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Tecumseh, Nebraska
Where Do You Live Now? Arvada, Colorado
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 years
Your Age? 21
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? seven
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 13
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? unemployed but have done reception, call center, and babysitting. No longer than six months for all.
Medical History: Since being diagnosed I've also had papillary thyroid cancer and had it removed. Major Depressive Disorder, frequent tonsillitis until an adenoid & tonsillectomy.
Does Exercise Help? A bit but not much. Yoga, pilates.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Joint pain every where all the time, insomnia, IBS, TMJ,
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic fatigue, chronic pain, "fibro fog", IBS, insomnia, TMJ,
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? Yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lifting, sitting, standing, running,
What Makes You Feel Better? acupuncture, heat, massage, lyrica, zanaflex, tramadol, cymbalta,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, very much.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Two years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Things got progressively worse after I graduated from high school but I don't recall any specific drug taken within six months.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, Zanaflex, Tramadol, Cymbalta, Lyrica, and several other anti-inflammatories I can't recall the name of, including OTC meds.
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How severe is the brain fog and how has it affected your life? What sort of memories/etc. does it affect?
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2/19/2008: **SECOND SUBMISSION (first submission: 2/18/2008)
Name: Barbara
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Chestertown, Maryland
Where Do You Live Now? Baltimore
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? My Dr. in WV thought I might have it back in the early 80's. My Dr. here in Baltimore just confirmed it with a rheumatologist in Dec 07
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Dr. in WV told me when I was about 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? When I first posted I didn't mention that I was not working now. Most days I'm lucky to get out of bed. I first worked at training seals and sea lions, swimming 40 hours a week, then began working for the parks and recreation at age 20. I played ball, worked with kids, teens and adults. Coached and played all forms of athletics, When I got malignant melenoma in 1988 I went part time to avoid so much exposure to sun. I then began working in grocery stores, mostly deli departments. I did this but still kept working for the parks and rec part time. Moved to Baltimore in 97 and have been working in the grocery store business up until July 19,07. They held my position up until last week because I am unable to stand all day 40 hrs a week or more. I was full time.
Medical History: TNA, C-Section 82, malignamt melenoma 88, 1st knee arthroscopy 89,carpal tunnel surgery 90,2nd knee arthroscopy 94, needle biopsy of breast 96,3rd knee arthrocopy 98, total knee replacement 02, fusion of disc in neck 03, gall bladder surgery 05, brain stem surgery for chiari malformation 06, umbilca hernia and scar tissue removal that was adhered to abdominal wall Au27th,07. Up until I had the last surgery I was on a liquid diet because it hurt my stomach to eat,so from July19th-Aug 27th I had only liquids. Other procedures I have had, some recently were colonoscopy's, Upper Gi's, which I have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux, MRI's lower back, brain, neck, knee. Just had 2 CT's w/iodine July and Aug.,ct's drinking barium(chocolate flavor now)doppler of stomach. There's many more but my current Dr. has told me I'm a walking medical disaster. Had scarlet fever when I was 5 and had mono when I was 17.
Does Exercise Help? As i was a phys ed major in college I was always active. Have been involved in physical therapy many years because of all the surgeries I have had. I joined a bowling league in 05 but had to stop because of the chiari malformation in Jan06. Most things I try to do hurt extremely all over. Walking is a chore, I live in a 2-story home, so somedays it'd hard to get up and down the steps. I'm using small 1 lb. weights for my arms and stretching seems to help somewhat. I do small amount grocery shopping because standing in line sometimes is unbearable to where I break out in a sweat from trying to hold back the pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I've always had something going on but with vicodins, lortabs, cortizone injections, nsaids they pretty much disquised where the pain was the worse.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe depresssion even with taking cymbalta so I am seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist. Name a place on my body that doesn't ache, seriously. I did forget to mention that I also had tarsal tunnel back in the late 90's as well. After the surgery on Aug.27,07 I thought I would be well, after all I had beaten everything else before. I was hospitalized several different times in July and August. I've been to the ER twice since then because I thought I was having a heart attack. I'm also very stressed. I don't sleep and when I do it's not a restful sleep. If I sleep too long I can barely move. If I go to the store and have Dr. appointments one day I know the next day I will pay for it. So good days are few and far between. Irrational behavior, crying spells, persistant pain in neck and shoulders. When I walk or stand it feels like my low back, hips and tops of legs are burning inside.When trying to wash dishes the shoulders, neck, arms, back, hips and legs literally feel like they are burning.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had mono in high school, scarlet fever in grade school and when I first moved to Baltimore I got the flu and missed 3 weeks of work, since then I get a flu shot every year.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? use to handle chlorine tanks when I worked for the parks. One time I had a 106 temperature and was adnitted for pharengititus(sp). I was outside when I noticed helicopters spraying the right-aways in WV and I could smell it. I was sick for over a month and went home for my parents to take care of me. I was about 27 when that happened.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? What life? I can't drive most days because it wouldn't be fair of me to jeopardize someone elses life because of my pain and my ability to react quickly, if need be. I watch tv, try to read but can't focus on anything I have just read, that's why I am writing this a 2nd time. I talk on the phone but I don't want anyone to visit me because it's hard to do minimal housework and I am embarrassed. I don't prepare meals anymore.Usually just pop in microwave stuff, sandwiches and soup, or order out.I recently (2 wks ago) was having a simple peanut butter sandwich. I told my husband it is hard for me to chew anymore. The next morning I couldn't open my mouth and the left side of my face was swollen. I called the Dr. and went in a couple hours later. I could only open my mouth the width of 1 finger(barely) wide. He gave me valiums and I was to go on a liquid diet again. Now I have TMJ.I am looking for a pain management clinic in the area because my Dr. thought 15 mgs of valium every day was going to addict me. With the valium I could actually function. I have become very unsociable and I use to be such a "people person,"I find it hard to get dressed, at the moment I cannot lift my right arm and the left is starting to react the same way. Putting on a bra or a shirt sometimes is impossible to do by myself. Not to be gross, but it's getting quite hard to even wipe myself.So, fibro is totally reaking havoc on my life and I want my life back and I'm only 54.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I can't even stand at the kitchen sink for more than 20 minutes w/o crying from pain but I try to stand there and bear it. I've been trying to walk every other day, but not when it's cold, rain or snowing. The weather definitely has an affect on it too. Riding in the car too long, so my husband flies me places and has me picked up so I don't have to deal with the agony of sitting too long. Stress is a major factor as well. My husband is going to have surgery soon. We knew he had an AVM, now he has 4 aneurysms. He is having the surgery at Johns Hopkins.(say a little prayer for him) So, that stress alone along with not being able to work has me on a downward spiral here. This diease is the first disease that is really making me hard to defeat. I am not a quitter. My physical therapists have always said, Barb will make it through this.
What Makes You Feel Better? My sister has a jacuzzi, but she is 30 miles from me. I am going to spend this w/e with her so I can use it all w/e long. If I could get a restful sleep it would help. Talking to friends and talking to people who also have fibro to become more educated on this disease, I don't feel this should be considered a syndrome.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OMG, yes. I was driving and I felt like I was in a tunnel, I didn't feel in touch with reality if that makes sense.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I guess the past 6 months, before I would just say I was having a "senior moment"
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I feel I did even with all the mishaps I had in my life. I came back from having major brain-stem surgery to working 40 hrs, a week. I have had so many cortizone injections, taken so many different kinds of pain meds, nsaids(but unable to take now because of acid reflux)I'm taking 900 mgs of neurontin 3 times a day, 90 mgs of cymbalta 2 times a day and using Lidoderm (lidocaine) patches up to 3 for 12 hours per day at the moment. The Dr. gave me flexerill but I might as well be eating a life saver for all they do for me. He won't give me the valium anymore, yet they helped me function the most.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I guess if fluoride is in toothpaste I use it.
Remedies Tried: I have tried the new "lyrica". At first I thought it was a miracle drug, till 5 days later the migranes started so I am just taking the cymbalta, neurontin , lidoderm patches and nexium. I also have a TENS unit that sometimes works wonders for my back, I have gone to a chiropractor and that too helps. Acupuncture I would have tried but my insurance doesn't cover it. My sister has a jacuzzi that I sometimes use, even though she's only 30 miles from me I find it hard to get there.
Your Theories: My Dr., my husband and I were sitting there when he said, looking at your records, hindsight should have told me you were a candidate for fibromyalgia. But, since there is no test for this, its hard to diagnose. I wish they would devise a test so people don't have to go through what I, and other people, have been through the past 8 months. I've been hospitalized twice for the heart palpitations, I was quarantined twice because I had uncontrolable loose boughs and throwing up. Swallowed a camera capsule, had a colonoscopy, so many tests, which showed nothing.I've had every test possible and some twice. I was told when I had malignant melenoma I only had 6 months to live, I was fortunate. It was also called the disease of the 80's. It's starting to appear to me with all the reading and research I have done that this could be the disease of the "millenium." Please find a cure so we can all have back a greater "quality of life." Lyrica is not the answer and every time I see that commercial I want to say, find something better with no side affects like the migranes I experienced
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I wish I could ask someone who was in as much pain as I am: Do you have restful sleep, do you get dizzy or unstable if you close your eyes.( I have to hold a bar in the shower when I rinse my hair) because I become unbalanced.I would have them stand with feet at a natural stance, have them close their eyes. See if they wobble back and forth.I would have them walk( under supervision) with their eyes closed and watch their gate. I think it has so much to do with our central nervous system that just to stand and close my eyes, I become very unstable. That is one thing I feel you might be missing. I also still get dizzy or unblanaced on elevators so I try to focus at a spot on the wall in the elevator to help. It sometimes helps. But how can you question someone since there are no tests to diagnose that you have fibromyalgia disease. How can it be a syndrome when it's an autoimmune disease? I have read where the pain of fibro is worst than someone with rheumatoid arthritus. Granted, it does not affect our internal organs or bones but it does affect the "whole body."

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2/19/2008
Name: audrey
City: sulphur springs
State: tx
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? quitman, tx
Where Do You Live Now? sulphur springs, tx
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? production worker,had to change to an office job
Medical History: completly healthy
Does Exercise Help? i wolk, i don't know if it helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? weakness and tired
What Are Your Current Symptoms? weak, tired, pain, trouble sleeping, pins and needles
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? had to change careers, can't ride motorcycle anymore, can't take long car trips, forget things alot
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting or walking for long periods of time and over exhaustion
What Makes You Feel Better? hot bath and electric blanket
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 1/2 to 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? don't remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lyrica
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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2/19/2008
Name: Fil
City: Lisbon
State: Portugal
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Portugal
Where Do You Live Now? Portugal
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life, except 4 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Computers
Medical History: calcific bursitis 13mm (gone: tks to accupuncture+chiropractice - took 1 year).Carpal tunnel syndrome (operated on). Gastritis (4 yrs), but No HP. Before this: Healthy. All problems started at 49/50
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Dancing, Pilates, Tai Chi, heavy housework... so long as I keep moving.
What Were Your First Symptoms? TrP on the side of the shoulder blades and feeling of having become heavy all around, noted as I got out of the car.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Heavy/achy everything, no problems with joints, but pain where the muscles connect to the top of the bones, just before the joints, especially on the upper body.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service? No military service.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Want to get into my shell and do nothing - depressed. Stopped socializing (almost). Everything is an effort.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of activity and lack of my pills.
What Makes You Feel Better? calcium, magnesium, vitamins, EPA/GLA (omega oils), iron and kelp.- (mangnesium and EPA/GLA I cannot do without)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No, I do not think so. But I think that what I might have (that is, the symptoms are more consistent with) myofascial pain. But I have been taking Phosphatidylserine (fab!)
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? --
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? took about 2 years. Not as such.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. Had never heard of it
Remedies Tried: calcium, magnesium, vitamins, EPA/GLA (omega oils), iron and kelp.- (mangnesium and EPA/GLA I cannot do without)
Your Theories: If you are interested I can compile and send all the info about my case. I took Ibrufen for at least 10 years for my period pains. Being in the Sun seems to reduce pain, sometimes by about 80%. Accupuncture is fab for my case, but only the conjunction of all seems to work. Problem is that all of it is extremelly heavy on one's budget and not always manageable. Apart from pain it feels on the inside like everything is dry, like when the skin of your face is dry and seems to pull. Question for researchers: why do a person's muscles seem to be stuck, as when you are submited to deep massage there is the feeling and sometimes sound like sticky take being pulled off?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Probably asking for a complete description of current symptoms.
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2/18/2008
Name: Barbara
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chestetown,Md
Where Do You Live Now? Baltimore
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? the Dr. I had in wva said years ago he thought I had it, but my dr just confirmed the diagnosis
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35 but the dibilitating age 54
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I work in the grocery store business now, but did work for the parks and rec in wv for about 20 yrs.After I had malignant melenoma I just worked off and on for the parks and stayed out of the sun.
Medical History: Tonsilectomy,C-section,Malignant melenoma 1988,knee arthrocopy(3 of those) total knee replacemrnt, carpal tunnel surgery,disc in neck fusion, 2 upper Gi tests, 2 colonoscopys,needle biopsy of breast, gall bladder attack and surgery to remove in 05, chiari malformation brain stem surgery in 06, umbilica hernia and sacr tissue removal 07, and have been in chronic pain since then.
Does Exercise Help? I have been doing physical therapy for years with all the surgeries I have had, ezcept this last one. I try to walk, but it really hurts the whole body.
What Were Your First Symptoms? This time, I doubled over at work and ran to the bathroom and got sick because the pain was so intense.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? They removed a umbical hernia and scar tissue and I have been in chronic pain since then.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I got the flu when I 1st moved to Baltimore and was sick 3 weeks. I get a flu shot every year now
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I use to handle chlorine tanks when I worked for the parks. One time I had a 106 temperature and was adnitted for pharengititus(sp). I was outside when I noticed helicopters spraying the right-aways in WV and I could smell it. I was sick for over a month and went home for my parents to take care of me. I was about 27 when that happened.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? What life, I watch tv, get on the computer because I don't sleep. It's 4 am now and I am wide awake, just like yesterday. I cat-nap a couple hrs here and there. I can't drive because my neck and shoulder are so bad. I couldn't open my mouth a couple weeks ago. I was eating a sandwich and i told my husband it hurts to chew. The next morning I called the Dr. I could only open my mouth 1 finger wide and the whole side of my face was swollen. Looks like I have TMJ now.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? walking, standing is very hard. When I do go to the store I say to my self, you can do this and I literally break into a sweat because the pain is so bad.
What Makes You Feel Better? My sister has a jacuzzi, but she is 30 miles from me. I am going to spend this w/e with her so I can use it all w/e long.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OMG, yes. I was driving and I felt like I was in a tunnel, I didn't feel in touch with reality if that makes sense.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? the past 6 months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I've had so many things happen to me, I just always say, I can beat this..this one however has gotten the best of me. My best friend who has rheumatoid arthritus and is 300 miles from me now, I call her almost everyday to check on her.She just says, in the name of God we will beat this together.She is 50 and has had this since she was 32. I've helped her to get out of a bath and helpedher get dressed. Now, I havent been able to get my shirts on unless I lie my head on the bed to put it on. The only meds I was taking was cymbalyta, valium and neurontin.This hit me like a ton of bricks.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I dont believe so because honestly I dont know what dietary flouride exposure is.
Remedies Tried: Lyrica-I thought it was amiracle drug for aout 5 days, then the migranes were so bad I couldnt put my head up.So, we went back to the neurontin, cymbalta, nexium. Lidoderm patches work well and theres many other numerous we have tried. but these seem to help the best, but I still am in pain. He won't give the valium anymore even though thats when i felt like I had alife. He was afraid I was getting addicted, so instead, I stay home and do nothing. When I was taking the valium I even flew to Pit for my daughters graduation. And at Christmas I flew to Charlotte and spent 2 weeks with my daughter and grandaughter.The valium helped me so much my daughter can't believe how incapacitated I am now.
Your Theories: My Dr., my husband and I were sitting there when he said,looking at your records, hindsight should have told me you were a candidate for fibromyalgia. But, since there is no test for this, its hard to diagnose. I wish they would devise a test so people don't have to go through what I have been through the past 8 months. I've been hospitalized twice for the heart palpitations, I was quarantined twice because I had uncontrolable loose boughs and throwing up. Swallowed a camera capsule, had a colonoscopy, so many tests, which showed nothing.I've had every test possible and some twice.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I wish I could say if I were to ask someone who was in as much pain as I am. Do you sleep, do you get dizzy if you close your eyes.( I have to hold a bar in the shower when I rinse my hair) because I become unbalanced. Have them stand with feet at a natural stance, have them close their eyes. See if they wobble back and forth. I think it has so much to do with our central nervous system that just to stand and close eyes, we are very unbalanced. That is one thing I feel you might be missing. I also still get dizzy on elevators so I try to focus at a spot on the wall in the elevator to help. It sometimes helps.
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2/18/2008
Name: laurie
City: vancouver
State: canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? vancouver
Where Do You Live Now? vancouver
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 44
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? at home
Medical History: radiation on thryoid
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? tiredness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aching
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? taken alot away from me
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog?
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: amitriptelyne, antidepressants
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? have your thryoid checked .
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2/18/2008
Name: Jennifer
City: Vernal
State: Utah
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? San Pedro Caliofornia
Where Do You Live Now? Vernal Utah
How Long Have You Lived There? 22 years
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? probably at least five
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? about 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Oil field. Not working nearly as much as I was
Medical History: Arthritis as teenager Back injury in college Ao fixation in 1987 ADHD and hypomania insomnia
Does Exercise Help? Actually I don't do as much..I have been unusually physically active for my age.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Joint pain. Unexplained muscle pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? EVERYTHING HURTS ! Low back pain I didn't have for 22 years is back but different from when I had a fractured spine. Also I am depressed which is out of character for me. Also numbness and tingling...very creepy...first noticed this after an injury on Patterson 155, an "old school" oil rig on which things are done using way more muscle and way less equipment. The tingling in my left knee has never gone away...my feet go numb all the time...I may have a pinched nerve or two
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes. Had mononucleosis in high school.
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Possibly...father owned a chemical business when we were young.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has set off some sort of "fighting" response in me...I am determined not to let it run my life. But it's really a lot like finding out you've got lupus (although this isn't terminal) or Lyme Disease or something... I know people who have these and it's just a big fight every day; it's an altered state of existence and you can't get things done the way you used to be able to...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I don't know; I'm trying to see if sugar and caffeine make them worse.
What Makes You Feel Better? Becoming totally engrossed in something....I don't have TV but if I watch something funny that's recorded, the laughing relieves some pain for a while..
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely. That's when I got really upset about this thing...
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Not very many; it's recent. Far more recent than that joint and muscle pain.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Actually, yes. I'm used to hurting because I do a lot, physically. But it just got completely out of hand about three months ago. Can't think of any specific drugs that might have set it off...
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Have not heard of this nor tried this...but it's worth a shot.
Remedies Tried: naproxen sodium, aspirin, Lyrica, Ultram, Lortab, Vemma (liquid vitamins) collard greens
Your Theories: Yes. This seems to hit middle aged women pretty hard...I wonder if there is a correlation between the low value that society places on us - (we're not young or cute and can't have kids..so what are we good for?) - and a drop in the efficiency of our autoimmune systems..sort of like depression in men who are laid off in droves after a factory closes - the depression has physical symptoms and it's directly related to the man's altered perception of his role as family breadwinner, etc.. I also think that this could be partly due to a buildup of toxic leftovers in all parts of the body from eating the wrong things or from medications or exposure to whatever is out there..I think a lot of illnesses are a result of years of poisoning
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/18/2008
Name: Melissa
City: Johnson City
State: Tennessee, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 1972
Where Do You Live Now? Johnson City
How Long Have You Lived There? 35yrs
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 27
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retail Management Not Working
Medical History: mono in high School, it continued to relapse. Told then possible CFS. That was in 1991 age 19.
Does Exercise Help? I don't exercise much. to fatigued.
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, depression, muscle soreness in various places
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe pain in arms and legs. headaches, severe depression, bipolar,alot of urinary tract infections, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, if mono counts
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not to my knowledge
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has made my quality if life decrease very much. not able to work, have even tried part time work, but i become so tired i cannot hold it down, i get a low grade fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as other various symptoms
What Makes Symptoms Worse? over exertion
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I had not in the past, but I feel that I have progressed over the years and my attention span is not what it once was. And my memory not good, at age 35, that is scary.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 2 -3 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I was given cipro often for urinary tract infections, and while I had mono, I had strep and may have been given cipro then, but know I have been prescribed it many times.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? tap water
Remedies Tried: many natural herbal formulas, on antidepressants, and meds for sleep.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/18/2008
Name: Lori
City: Barnegat
State: NJ
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Jersey City NJ
Where Do You Live Now? Barnegat NJ
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 yrs
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Sales Consulatant for CDW worked there for 10 yrs now on disability
Medical History: hyperthyroidism overweight
Does Exercise Help? aquatic/gentle streching would like to try pilates or yoga when I was younger I took ballet and jazz classes
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue, soarness of body unable to touch, depression, brain fog,sometimes too painful to dress or take a shower because the pressure of the water against your body is too painful
What Are Your Current Symptoms? joint lower back pain, pain in both knees, fatigued but unable to sleep,sensitivity to touch light scents occassional migranes
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather stress
What Makes You Feel Better? relaxation hot bath,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes....no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, sea salt bath, arthotek, celebrex, vicodin es
Your Theories: this is such a debiltating disease.it is so fustrating people just don't understand how horrible you feel yet you don't look sick to them. Depression sets in and you feel so helpless, hopeless, & worthless. Please
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Is anyone having depression issues, family not understanding why you have changed and can no longer do alot things you used to do
-------------------------------------------------

2/15/2008
Name: Brian
City: Glendale
State: AZ
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? New Britain, CT
Where Do You Live Now? Glendale, AZ
How Long Have You Lived There? 30
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 13
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? none
Medical History: asthma, allergies
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? lack of focus and soreness all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? brain fog, soreness all over
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? can't concentrate on anything and would like to exercise but cant. too sore
What Makes Symptoms Worse? no idea
What Makes You Feel Better? none
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 20
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no idea what that is.
Remedies Tried: nothing.
Your Theories: this is ruining my life along with Anxiety. Please help.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-----------------------

2/15/2008
Name: Marissa
City: Selma
State: tx
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? seguin
Where Do You Live Now? selma
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 months
Your Age? 28
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? cant remember - years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? cake decorator,yes
Medical History: hypoglycemic, ocular migraines,
Does Exercise Help? I sometimes walk, am ususally too tired.
What Were Your First Symptoms? cant remember
What Are Your Current Symptoms? weakness, fatigue, feel like i am addicted to sleep, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea
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, quit school
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? bedrest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 or 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? cant remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: anti anxiety meds
Your Theories: I don't know what is wrong with me, doctors have drawn blood say i'm not anemic, cant find anything wrong
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------------------

2/13/2008
Name: barbara
City: palmersville
State: tn
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? ala
Where Do You Live Now? tn
How Long Have You Lived There? 42
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7yr
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: thyroid
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? hurt all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? na
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? na
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cant do a lot of things i use to do
What Makes Symptoms Worse? trying to do things i use to do
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? when i got my thyroid desease 8 yr
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? na
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? na
Remedies Tried: pain pills muuscle relaxer
Your Theories: na
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
---------------------------------

2/12/2008
Name: Tammy
City: Hillsborough
State: New Brunswick Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Truro, Nova Scotia
Where Do You Live Now? Hillsborough, New Brunswick
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administration/yes still working
Medical History: Sports injury in knee at 16, led to arthritis, also reinjured same knee in a fall 15 years later.
Does Exercise Help? Yes, swimming in salt water pool
What Were Your First Symptoms? Aches in joints, extreme fatique
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Aches in all joints, extreme fatique, intestinal and bowel problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Caused depressed, extremely limits my ability to do the activities I love. It impacts my whole family.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Warm, dry weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes but it is hard to tell whether that is from fibro or if it comes as a side effect to the anti depressant medications
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes the symptoms developed quickly. I received a Depo birth control shot which caused a lot of nasty side effects including muscle aches. That is when my fibro started.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Anti inflammatory medications, anti depressants
Your Theories: I believe this disease is something that lies dormant and is either sparked by an injury at a joint or by environmental factors
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
-----------------------------------------------

2/11/2008
Name: Penny
City: Halifax
State: Nova Scotia, Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? All my life
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Holistic Nutritionist - self employed. Yes, still working.
Medical History: Hypothyroidism - 1990 Slip and fall + 2 surgeries - 1995
Does Exercise Help? No - exercise makes my pain worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? Stiff joints
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle and joint aches and pains and stiffness, anxiety, fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't be as physical and I'd like to be. Can't clean my own house. Always in pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? coffee, alcohol, exercise, housework, lack of sleep, stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat, massage, warm bath, restful sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I think so... I didn't realize that was a symptom of fibro.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Probably 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I believe it was a gradual decline.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, I avoid fluoride in tap water, dental treatments, and toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: 5-HTP, magnesium, EFAs, Rhodiola, St. John's Wort, Vitamin C, B-Complex.
Your Theories: 5-HTP and magnesium at bedtime helps me to sleep which helps me to feel better but I often get flareups and I'm not sure what triggers them.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do you eat a healthy diet void of pesticides and herbicides as much as possible?
--------------------------------------

2/10/2008
Name: Stacie
City: Houston
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Houston
Where Do You Live Now? Houston
How Long Have You Lived There? 39 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teaching, yes
Medical History: allergies only, very healthy otherwise, had a bad bout of untreated bronchitis 2 months prior to symptoms starting, have two cousins with fibro, have 3 kids, am overweight, non smoker
Does Exercise Help? not really, but not a regular exerciser to be honest
What Were Your First Symptoms? foot pain which spread up my leg, then to arms, severe headaches, bad pain that was deep...i thought I was having bone pain; inability to stay asleep even when comfortable
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches and occasional achiness, extreme fatigue, mental fog, poor attention, depression and anxiety (am on anti-depressants)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not other than the mouth full of dental fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i miss a lot more work now and am less active
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, not enough sleep, not taking my meds
What Makes You Feel Better? heat, massage therapy, lots of rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? MAJOR brain fog...sometimes I feel retarded, my hubby just shakes his head in disbelief sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? almost from the very beginning
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES I was fine then all of a sudden severe pain which spread over my whole body quickly, i thought i had flu at first, then I thought maybe my basal cell skin cancer had spread to my bones or something (which it can't lol but I was freaking out); I don't recall any drugs that I may have taken 6 months prior...only the virus 2 months prior to developing fibro symptoms
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Lexapro for 6 months; Cymbalta for the last 16 months
Your Theories: My Rheumatologist strongly suspects that the untreated bronchitis I had is the cause of my Fibromyalgia. I did undergo a sleep study which confirmed that I have the classic Alpha EEG wave anomaly associated with FMS.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------------------

2/9/2008
Name: Terri
City: Sherwood Park
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Edmonton
Where Do You Live Now? Sherwood Park
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years 5 months
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative Assistant, no longer working
Medical History: Idiopathis thrombocytic pupura, osteoarthritis, uterine fibroids, rosecea, asthma, eczema, blepharitis, low iron, menorraghia, anxiety, periostitis and headaches.
Does Exercise Help? It's hard to exercise as the pain is so incredible during and afterwards.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue, pain in my feet and legs, facial muscle twitching
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic pain, especially in the feet and legs. Fatigue, headaches, lack of proper sleep, muscles in upper legs don't feel smooth - feels marbely
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? What do you classify as long? I have had pleurisy and pneumonia.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No but I did live in an old house at one time that had a fair amount of black mold.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's changed my life dramatically. I can't do simple tasks or plan vacations because of the pain I suffer. A sense of dread over comes you when people ask you do an activety that requires physical exertion.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Physical exertion, inability to sleep when need to, staying in one postition for too long - such as sitting, standing etc.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much makes me feel better, I suppose sleep helps.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, very much so
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I beleive I've had it for some time prior to being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Nope...I feel as though it's been an accumulation of symptoms, that has continuously gotten worse, with a more dramatic change of worsening in the last 6 to 12 months.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't even know what that is.
Remedies Tried: Tylenol
Your Theories: I believe sleep patterns affect the symptoms of fibromyalgia greatly. I also think there is something within the muscle tissue...not sure what....but it doesn't feel smoothe and pain eminates upon pressure of any type.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do you have any other autoimmune diseases?
----------------

2/8/2008
Name: ISABELLE
City: HIGH PRAIRIE
State: CANADA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? MCLENNAN
Where Do You Live Now? HIGH PRAIRIE
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 YEARS
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? APPROX. 8 YEARS AGO
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? ACCOUNTING, YES
Medical History: HEALTHY
Does Exercise Help? HARD TO DO BECAUSE MY LEG MUSCLE HURT VERY QUICKLY WHEN DONG CLIMBING OR UPHILL OR RIDING A BIKE EXCERSISES
What Were Your First Symptoms? CHEST BURNING
What Are Your Current Symptoms? STIFFNESS,SLEEPLESNESS
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
What Makes Symptoms Worse? NOT SURE
What Makes You Feel Better? RESTING
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 YEAR
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: NONE
Your Theories: NO
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? DON'T KNOW
-------------------------------------------------

2/8/2008
Name: Brooke
City: Olympia
State: WA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Richland Washington
Where Do You Live Now? Olympia WA
How Long Have You Lived There? 29 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Housing Inspector. Retired
Medical History: Depression
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Any
What Were Your First Symptoms? Constant headache, neck aches, back ache. Overall aches and pains and joint pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Headaches, fatigue, body aches, back ache
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Nothing unusual. But I spent my first two years in Richland Washington where there were several unpublicized radioactive leaks
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Energy level, drive, goals ambitions
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Winter, low sunlight, eating wheat products
What Makes You Feel Better? Exercise, sunshine
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Ibuprofen, aspirin, kombucha, mangosteen, vitamins, turmeric, chondroiten sulfate, eliminating sugar and wheat
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------------

2/7/2008
Name: C
City: Pok
State: NY
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Pok
Where Do You Live Now? Pok
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? currently mailroom clerk
Medical History: irritable bowel, depression, anxiety, joint pain, sciatica
Does Exercise Help? yes, cardiovascular works best
What Were Your First Symptoms? depression
What Are Your Current Symptoms? total top to bottom sore muscles, joints
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I am aware of other than I worked in a chemical lab
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Tired all the time.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not exercising
What Makes You Feel Better? exercising
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES - always had, even as a child
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 40 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No - I was a drug and alcohol abuser in my 20's as it was the only way I felt good.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Unknown
Remedies Tried: Now I am looking into joint lubrications (fish oils) and that's it for now. Physical therapy currently due to sciatica.
Your Theories: I have been tired my whole life and was diagnosed with depression. I was on antidepressants which created irritable bowel. I stopped twice because of it. Now i realize I am not depressed. I am simply tired due to an imbalance of some sort.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------------------- 

2/7/2008:
Name: shirley
City: eugene
State: oregon
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Bertrand, Nebraska
Where Do You Live Now? Eugene Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 months
Your Age? 72
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 40
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired. laborer
Medical History: 2 spinal surgerys that did not work.depression.
Does Exercise Help? Can't exersise. Can not walk but a few feet
What Were Your First Symptoms? I got these stange cramps in my rectom for years. then we thought I'd pulled a back muscle that wouldn't go away
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in every part of my body. I've never been treated. Drs. wouldn't talk to me about.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No,except for measles, chicken pox etc. I've been physicaly sick
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? most defintly. I have to live with my sister because I can't care for myself.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? nothing it just comes and goes. always in some degree of pain
What Makes You Feel Better? tylonal
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? n/a
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not that I can remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't know what that is.
Remedies Tried: I've been on amitripyline for 35 yrs. and oncitalopram for a couple of years because of depresson & not sleeping well
Your Theories: YES. VERY DEFFINTLY i WAS TOLD IN 1974 THAT IT WAS BELIEVED THAT STRESS CAUSED THIS. THAT OVER THE YRS. THE MUSCLES LOST THE ABILITY TO RELAX.i LIVED UNDER EXTREAMLY BAD PHYSCAL & SEXUAL ABUSE FRON AGE OF 10 TO AGE OF 26. tHEN UNDER MENTAL STRESS FROM AGE 30 TILL iI WAS 55, WHEN MY HUSBAND SHOT HIMSELF.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? YES, MOST DEFFINTLY. HOW MUCH STRESS A PERSON WITH FIBROMYALIS BEEN UNDER. nO MATTER WHAT FROM,HEALTH PROBLEM, ACCIDENTS WHAT EVER. aND THIS BRAIN THING IS A JOKE. OF COURSE OUR BRAINS ARE DIFFERNT, EXTREAM TRESS CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. AND THIS WOMEN THING BEING MOST LIKLY TO HAVE THIS IS BECAUSE WOMEN ARE MORE LIKLY TO BE IN STRESSFUL SITUATIONS aNY MORE QUESTIONS. ASK. THANK FOR GIVING ME A WAY TO TELL WHAT I BELIEVE. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF YEARS TO THINK ABOUT THIS BECOUSE UNTIL I DIE I WILL BELIEVE STRESS CAUSED THIS
---------------------------------

2/6/2008
Name: Connie
City: Fontana
State: CA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Pennsylvania
Where Do You Live Now? California
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? stay at home Scrapbooking consultant and ebay store owner Still doing all the above
Medical History: asthma
Does Exercise Help? not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain, fatigue, irritable bowels, muscle spams
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes- for 10 years I worked in print shops with inks and other chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? makes me hurt all the time and I can't seem to get enough sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? massages, hot baths, medicines, sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes but minimal
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? just recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: flexerill, and sleep aids as well as over the counter pain meds
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------------

2/6/2008
Name: Lauri
City: Rice Lake
State: Wi.
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? Wisconsin
How Long Have You Lived There? 11 yrs
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Licensed Day Care Provider & other jobs along the way - No longer able to work
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Burning sensations - chemical sensitivities to odors - sensitive to light - always in pain widespread, extreme fatigue & more
What Are Your Current Symptoms? word-finding difficulties, inability to comprehend/retain what is read, inability to calculate numbers and impairment of speech and/or reasoning, tremors, deep muscle pain, myofascial pain, visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, need for frequent prescription changes); psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, personality changes, mood swings); chills and night sweats; shortness of breath; dizziness and balance problems; sensitivity to heat and/or cold; alcohol intolerance; irregular heartbeat; irritable bowel (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas); low-grade fever or low body temperature; numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities; dryness of the mouth and eyes (sicca syndrome); gynecological problems including PMS and endometriosis; chest pains; rashes; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); allergies and sensitivities to noise/sound, odors, chemicals and medications; weight changes without changes in diet; light-headedness; mental fogginess; muscle twitching,flu-like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscles, unrefreshing sleep, tender lymph nodes, sore throat and headache. A distinctive characteristic of the illness is post-exertional malaise, a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion occurring within 12-48 hours of the exertion and requiring an extended recovery period,Chronic Fatigue, incapacitating fatigue (experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina) and problems with concentration and short-term memory loss "fibro fog" & more
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Household chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am NOT able to work anymore with Dr. orders. I have been told I can NEVER work again.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold - being around chemicals - pushing - pulling - kneeling - squating - walking - standing - sitting - medications - being on the computer for long periods - car accidents (that I had)- bright lights - odors - and more
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat - warmth - aromatherapy - meditation - hot packs - relaxtion techniques - resting - laying down - friend s and family that care - not being on the computer
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? never heard of this till now
Remedies Tried: herbals and prescribed medications
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------------

2/5/2008
Name: jobo
City: nottingham
State: England
Your Sex: male
Where Were You Born? nottingham
Where Do You Live Now? nottingham
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 yrs
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? unemployed now
Medical History: the odd headache but healthy
Does Exercise Help? just stretching tends to help.
What Were Your First Symptoms? really heavy head with a runny nose.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? foggy head all over pain and a tendency to catch several chest infections every year.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no.
Any Military Service? none.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has stopped me diong most things i hate travelling now.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? if i dring lots of water i feel worse the next day,caffeine too and dairys.
What Makes You Feel Better? painkillers work temporarily but nothing helps really.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? i get bad brain fog and it hurts to think.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? i had the brain fog 1st,it was 11 years ago.i still get it.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? i was very healthy,had just started a new job,2 months later i never knew what hit me,i cant recall any medication.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no ive never heard of that.
Remedies Tried: accupuncture,dairy free,wheat free,caffeine free,sleeping tablets,selenium,no smoking,tried to be stress free,alcohol free,nothing helped though.
Your Theories: i beleive it can be cured but believe theres not enough research going into it to bring it out of the dark ages.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? does it run in the family.because my mum also has it.
-----------------------------------

2/3/2008
Name: Kelly
City: Dover
State: US
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? CT
Where Do You Live Now? NH
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 Years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Fiber Optic Technician
Medical History: Major Depression since 15. 7 major surgeries. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. PTSD
Does Exercise Help? Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Knots in my shoulders and neck. Exhaustion
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Myfacial Pain in all 19 trigger points. Knots and muscles spasms. Exhaustion, Brain fog, chronic daily pain, Flares lasting for days. Sensitivy to light, smells and noise, Stiffness, depression, Allergies, IBS,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Herpes 1&2
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has made me unemployable and living in chronic pain has made my life very hard to bear.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Rain and dampness, high humidity, stress, too much activity.
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest, meds, walking, moderate temps.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, It can be hard to remember what day it is and what I am doing.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I worked 50 hours a week and was a mountain climber. No I don't remember anything other then taking antidepressants which I have been on since 15.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, Neurontin, Tramadol, Vicodin, Flexeral, Skelaxin, Mobic, Celebrex, Cymbalta
Your Theories: I think my fibro came on after long term exposure to toxic waste. Methylene Chloride, Trichlorothane, Freon, molten polyethelene. I have an asthma attack if I smell buring plastic.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have I tried any herbal remedies for Fibromyalgia? Currently I am having good results from Berry Green by New Chapter, 1 Tb and Red Lightning, 1 Tbs. in a glass of juice daily. Antioxidents are helping my fibro.
--------------------------------------------

2/3/2008
Name: Ronnie
City: North Port
State: FL
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Michigan
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 13 years
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? mail carrier
Medical History: thyroid and asthma
Does Exercise Help? no, I get fever aches from the slightest bit of exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue, weight loss, body aches, and abdominal pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? difficulty breathing, aches all overk, extreme fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Apparently mononucleosis with high titers of epsein barr 1060 but tested negative for virus
Any Military Service? 3 years; Army
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? possibly served in the balkans from 1997 to 1998
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, I'm unable to do even the simplest tasks like brushing my teeth takes effort
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exertion, stress, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? massages and hot baths
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, I constantly forget things or why I entered a room, sometimes I slurr my speech or I'm unable to come up with the right words
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, right before we deployed to Bosnia and taking our shots of vaccinations I gained about 15 pounds for no reason especially since I ran about 8 miles a day and ate fairly healthy
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I always had problems with floride ever since I was a little girl and we had to take flouride treatments it gave me a headache and made me nauseaus
Remedies Tried: I've tried to take simple things like drinks with ginsing but I seem to be sensitive to anything that is suppose to give me energy because my heart will palpitate very hard even dietary supplements for sugar balance and energy makes me feel weird.
Your Theories: I have high levels of ANAs doctor is checking me for lupus...I definitely think this is military related but I don't know how...possibly depleted uranium...
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/2/2008
Name: Candace
City: Waterbury
State: CT
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? waterbury
Where Do You Live Now? waterbury
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 yrs
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? hairstylist and cook and no i can not work in these fields any longer
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? can only excercise in the pool, everything else is painful
What Were Your First Symptoms? pains in my legs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain everywhere .. all 18 known tenderpoints and a few more, in pain every minuite of every day
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? drastically changed, can not work or support myself some days can barely move can't even begin to explain the differences
What Makes Symptoms Worse? moving fast ot rushing
What Makes You Feel Better? getting some sleep, not exering myself
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 or 4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes quickly and no drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: physical therapy and masssage and gluten free diet
Your Theories: fibromyalgia is a vicious circle, it causes so much pain and so many other symptoms that u can't do the things u need to do to get better, especially if have to continue to work and support yourself ... once u lose your job, AND U WILL LOSE YOUR JOB, it kills u financially and after that there is nothing u can do to get better because u can't get the things u need ... if u don't have a support system u can forget getting better. It also hurts u mentally, u feel inadequate and being in pain every minute of every day is unbelievably depressing and then there isn't any help for that either so their answer is to put u on drugs and screw u up more than u already are. It is extremely frustrating!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Has Fibromyalgia caused u to have any other symptoms? There r no questions about sleep or sleep deprivation which is a HUGE contributor to Fibromyalgia.
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