Fibromyalgia Case Studies: February 21 - March 11, 2008

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3/11/2008
Name: Norma
City: Sandusky
State: Ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 57 years
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? casheir NO
Medical History: nothing
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? chest pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aches, headaches, disk diease, Restless Leg Syndrom, Sleep Apena.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? stopped it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? touching me, cold
What Makes You Feel Better? have found nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, sorry cannot remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: no medications, allergic to most of them
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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3/11/2008
Name: dawn
City: milford
State: pa USA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? paterson nj
Where Do You Live Now? milford pa
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5- 7 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35-40 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? office work not still working
Medical History: high blood pressure high cholesterol headaches fatigue breathlessness fibromyalgia ear ringing uncontrolable weight gain rosacea chest pains
Does Exercise Help? not sure hurt all the time
What Were Your First Symptoms? car accident sent me to the doctors neck pain then eventually pain all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? bad neck headaches muscle pain extreme fatigue ear ringing weight problems rosacea
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? alot of colds that seem to be worse for me than other people in the house
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? worked in metpath
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? completely no energy pace myself feel like truck rain over me never refreshed sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? ????
What Makes You Feel Better? good nights sleep not much else
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? same time fibro diagnosed
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes not sure
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: just tried to ignore and move on not seem to be working now researching the internet
Your Theories: doctors just seem to want to treat the condition they never to seem to care where this came from and maybe thats what they should be concerned with and then maybe they would be able to cure this
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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3/11/2008
Name: Kathryn
City: Lake City
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Charleston, SC
Where Do You Live Now? Lake City, FL
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years at least
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Work part-time as an instructor's assistant
Medical History: Asthma, lower back injury
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? sore spots when touched lightly
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant pain all over specially the hips, legs, arms and now tenderness has spread to fleshy areas as well
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Had pneumonia five years ago
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep, stress, weather
What Makes You Feel Better? pain meds
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I don't really know the answer to that.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Seemed like after I recovered from pneumonia this last time, thaat is when I started having pain, starting in the legs and hips. I don't recall all the drugs I was on at that time however.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Didn't know I needed to avoid it. I live inside city limits and they put fluoride in the water.
Remedies Tried: Hydrocodone, Flexeril,
Your Theories: I find this whole thing difficult because I cannot find a doctor willing to treat my condition so that I can be comfortable.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I just need help!
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3/10/2008
Name: Sherry
City: Pleasant Plains
State: Arkansas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chicago
Where Do You Live Now? Arkansas
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? diagnosed 2003
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Oil Change Serive, No Longer Working
Medical History: OK
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? Poor Shoulder movement and pain, stomach, knee pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All over body muscle and joint pain, fatigue,IBS,TMJ, headaches,fibro fog, hand numbness,eyefocus
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Sick as a kid for a week if I remember right
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Caused be to stop working. Pain and Chronic Fatigue createall kinds of Stress
What Makes Symptoms Worse? moving
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping, until I wake up
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1-2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? have No idea what Dietary Fluroide is
Remedies Tried: currently Excedrin Tension Headache, Rx i did try created side effects
Your Theories: none
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? they are your questions
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3/8/2008
Name: Tammy
City: Kissimmee
State: FL
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Kansas City, MO
Where Do You Live Now? Kissimme, FL
How Long Have You Lived There? almost 1 Year
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I am a Director of Career Services. I am stil working
Medical History: I have hypertension, joint problems, ovary problems, sleeping difficulties, consintration problems
Does Exercise Help? I try to walk as mush as I can and when the weather is warmer I like to swim
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain over the whole body and IBS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? More pain all over, constantly tired, depression, IBS, not enjoying life anymore
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, sinus infections all the time
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am an unhappy person, my family doesn't understand why, and I don't either. I don't like doing things for fear of hurting too much after activitiy. I am soooo depressed that I pray that the good lord will take me home
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too much activity or not enough activity
What Makes You Feel Better? pain meds, soaking in a warm jacuzzi and streaching
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? The last 8 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I suffered the symptoms for many years before actually seeing a doctor. I don't recall any medication that I was taking. I currenly take a lot of tylenol and ibprofen for pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Cymbalta, Trazadon, Zoloft, Lycra, tylenol, ibprofen, vicodin.
Your Theories: I feel like there is no help for us who suffer this problem. People look at us as though we are making our pain up. I feel absolutely helpless in my suffering
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? none that I can think of
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3/7/2008
Name: melissa
City: haslet
State: texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? little rock arkansas
Where Do You Live Now? haslet texas
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? insurance sales
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? not yet; hurts to bad to move
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiff neck, sever muscle spasms in the shouldgers and back and neck and migranes
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same but weaker. Sometimes I don't even have the strength to pick up a gallon of milk with out dropping it.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that i know of.
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? only fillings in my teeth
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? YES, i am in constant pain, my husband thinks i am full of it or making it up. I am always tired.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold
What Makes You Feel Better? pain medications
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? yes!!!I took Paxil, and birth control and another anti depressant that is no longer around i cant recall the name now
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: pain medications, muscle relaxers and injections for numbing the pain
Your Theories: It seems to only be getting worse. I feel like sometimes my legs are going to give out under me.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I know of. I just wish someone could really help me. Every time i go to the doctor they tell me that they can't figure out what is wrong with me.
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3/6/2008
Name: Leslie
City: Wheelock
State: Vermont
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chicago IL
Where Do You Live Now? Wheelock VT
How Long Have You Lived There? 4-1/2 years
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? less than a year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 57
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Unemployed. I was a full=time college student until I graduated lasy May
Medical History: Gall Bladder Surgery Feb. 1997, Knee Replacement Surgery June 2007, Morbid Obesity, Diabetes II, clinical depression diagnosed in 1994, but evident since childhood.
Does Exercise Help? I don't exercise. That's part of the problem.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in knees, shoulders. Sensitivity - hurt like crazy when my cat walked across my legs at night.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Joint pain all over body, Muscle pain. Tired all the time, no energy.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I'm aware of
Any Military Service? 0
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mercury in tooth fillings
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'm looking for work, but anything I do exhausts me. I big day is going to the grocery store.
What Makes Symptoms Worse?
What Makes You Feel Better?
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No, I don't think so, but maybe. I spend a lot of time alone so I can't judge.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. I haven't been in good shape for years, but at least I could function last spring.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I just switched to a xylitol based toothpaste from Epic Dental. It's been a few weeks.
Remedies Tried: None. I haven't talked to the doctor about it yet. I'm afraid she'll tell me I'm crazy.
Your Theories: Antibiotics? Fungal infection? Check out "Know the Cause"
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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3/6/2008
Name: Nina
City: Monroe
State: NY
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Upstate NY
Where Do You Live Now? FL
How Long Have You Lived There? 21 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? long time
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? probably in 1992 or before
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Computer Hardware Specialist and Analyst/not working any more
Medical History: head injury
Does Exercise Help? stretching will and am told that water exercises will but cannot get it together to do either.
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue, fog, pain in lower back, and knees
What Are Your Current Symptoms? costochondritis, terrible, unexplained wrist pain and hand pain, terrible back and knee pain, foot problems, headaches, extreme fatigue and forgetfulness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had the Hong Kong Flu in the 60's. That was very bad. My Dad did also and he developed fibromyalgia also. Hmmm
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I used to run behind the DDT mosquito spraying truck when it used to spray at my Grandmother's house at the beach (Jersey shore.)
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Just awful, try not to complain but have to go and "hide out quietly" to regroup and stay well. There is no way that anyone can understand this syndrome unless they personally have been affected by it. It is much easier to have broken bones than this!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, not sleeping, weather extremes, sitting in one place too long; life makes it worse
What Makes You Feel Better? To think outside of myself and help animals and environmental issues. It is amazing when you feel passionately about something, even the worse pain can be taken off the front burner.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, cannot recall any drugs that I was taking.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I believe in fluoride for dental health but the answer is no.I try to eat a healthy almost vegetarian diet.
Remedies Tried: cannot take meds due to gastric/stomach issues, I use heating pads and heating/pain patches
Your Theories: It is very possible that this may have something to do with a previous virus or exposure to one. I have noticed that car accidents or a severe trauma also triggers something in the fight/flight response triggering all sorts of sparks increasing cortisol.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No I do not think so but will get back to you if I can think of one. Thank you.
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3/4/2008
Name: shelly
City: perth
State: western australia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? manchester
Where Do You Live Now? perth
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? ten
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? had to leave unfortunatley
Medical History: some fatigue had hysterectomy 10 years ago still have ovaries.
Does Exercise Help? walking everyday for 30 minutes .no it doesnt help it is very painfull. do it so i dont go nuts.
What Were Your First Symptoms? tired legs could hardly stand. aching all over and not sleeping.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic pain still cant sleep vertigo brain fog and sooooo tired.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? epsen barr vrus and whooping cough 5 years ago
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? mercury fillings and asbestos
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? tottally ruined it im not the same person as i was everything is so hard just try and get through each day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress lack of sleep and weather changes.
What Makes You Feel Better? crying sometimes and trying to think posotive.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes its a nightmare.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 years some days are worse than others.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no drugs exept beta blockers for high blood pressure. reckon it makes me worse my body hates those pills.yes it was arapid onset of symptons.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no didnt know it made any difference.
Remedies Tried: vit bs coq10 magnesium apple cider vinegar flax seed oil.endep one a night.
Your Theories: it doesnt matter what you take or eat it makes no difference at all. trust me i know ive tried cutting carbs and tried everything there is .its a bizarre ilness
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? yes no one has asked about a link to hormones i think that could solve the puzzle.done some research and most woman were in pre menopause or fuull menopause and had hysterectomies.
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3/4/2008
Name: Barbara
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Chestertown
Where Do You Live Now? Baltimore
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 yrs
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Dr. I had prior to moving here told me he thought I had signs of fibromyalgia, that was 20 yrs ago. Dr. I have here confirmed it in Dec. 07
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working anymore. I worked in the prepared foods section of a gourmet grocery store. Is a very busy store and I loved it. But I can't stand for an hour in one place anymore. Reaching, stretching, stooping, climbing like I did, is out of the question.
Medical History: I posted it in February 08 and it is quite extensive.But I have had lots and lots of surgeries. One thing, I beat was malignant melenoma and I'm going to beat this. I have fibro...it doesn't have me.......!
Does Exercise Help? I have been walking since my last post but there are many days I can't stand up straight.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I doubled over in severe pain, so strong, it made me literally sick.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Well, yesterday I went to a chiropractor that I saw in March 07. I was feeling so bad, but still smiling. He had me lay face down and began at my feet, he knew I was a mess. He said what took so long. I stood up and immediately felt better. Today is great. The only thing still hurting today is my shoulder. He said it would be better by tomorrow. It's already beginning to ease this afternoon. I'm feeling the best I've felt in a very very long time.If you read my earlier 2 posts from Feb 08 you can tell how different I feel so I wanted to share with all of you. This is so important that we take control of this.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, I had the flu for 3 weeks when I first moved to Baltimore. I get a flu shot every year now.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I handled chlorine tanks when I worked for the parks and recreation. Also was exposed to helicopters spraying "right-of-ways" and ended up with pharyngitus (sp) got very sick
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Most definitely, I don't do much of anything anymore.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I can't use the vaccum cleaner, it puts me down for days. Going down steps is hard but I do have a titanium knee replacement too.
What Makes You Feel Better? THE CHIROPRACTOR!!!! I feel like today is the first day of the rest of my life!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes...very forgetful
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? prob years but I always said I was having a "senior moment."
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, it knocked me down so fast. Since July 07 I have been down, but today is very good.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I was reading some of the material associated with this site and noticed that cipro has flouride. I am so allergic to antibiotics so that is what is usually prescribed to me. I try to stay away from them period! My daughter also is allergic to antibiotics and is portraying same symptoms as I have had. She is 26.
Remedies Tried: Right now I just take Cymbalta and neurontin. Lyrica was good a few days but it gave me migrane headaches.
Your Theories: I'm almost a believer that the chiropractor did me wonders. He knew by touching my ankles that recently I had had a TMJ attack, which I did about 3 weeks ago.I couldn't open my mouth. He knew of stomach problems and said my back was a mess. This is Tuesday and Saturday I couldn't even stand up straight. Today I feel like I could take on the world but I won't because it will affect me in a few days.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I think we need to explore all the possibilities and differences in everyone's symptoms. One of my best friends has fibro and has for years, but she is also having kidney problems. Is this something that goes with fibro, is anyone else experiencing this? What are other problems people are experiencing with this? Let's go from there and compile it, study it and lets beat this. Wish we could communicate with some of the people here. This is why I posted again.
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3/3/2008
Name: Sharon
City: Derby
State: KS
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Quincy IL
Where Do You Live Now? Derby KS
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 18+
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? RN Outpatient eye surgery center
Medical History: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome Gastroparesis (not diabetic) Sleep apena (not typical pt I'm 118#) GERD Constant headaches TMJ disorder
Does Exercise Help? I don't. Unable
What Were Your First Symptoms? Unrefreshed sleep, fatigue, widespread pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Ocipital and frontal headaches, widespread pain, unrefreshed sleep, chronic fatigue, restless legs syndrome
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Unknown prior to dx of fibromyalgia. I did have West Nile Virus in August 2007. Symptoms, especially fatigue much worse since then.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Teeth fillings. Had them replaced in 2003.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has made me very depressed. I am not able to exercise anymore. I was able to until we moved from Utah to Kansas. I am constantly tired and have very little social life. My pain is not controlled. It even hurts to type.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, storms, staying up too late, eating too many sweets. Stress!!
What Makes You Feel Better? Lyrica helped at first. I took it for about two months but then developed bad leg cramps, twiching, joint pain, dizziness and blurred vision. I take Percocet at bedtine and just started on Ultracet. Heat does help my muscle aches but doesn't last long enough.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. Some days it is very hard to concentrate especially when I have to be on the computer at work. I just seem to space out. I can even forget what I was going to do.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I'm not sure. I probably have had brain fog for 12+ years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I honestly can't recall. I think mine was more of a gradual thing but I did have Candida overgrowth about 10 years or so ago and that exacerbated my symptoms.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I didn't know fluoride was in dietary stuff. I know it is in the water I drink.
Remedies Tried: I have tried Amitriptyline, Trazodone but can't take because of gastroparesis, Cymbalta gave me a severe headache behind my eyes, several other antidepressants, Neurontin made me very sleepy,Dr St Amand (?sp) theory to take guafenesin and avoid certain products, plus a few other off the wall things from in the book "Betrayal by the Brain.
Your Theories: I think thie may be hereditary because my sisters have it. I think it is either a virus or an imbalance of something in the body.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of
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3/3/2008
Name: karyn
City: Sierra Vista
State: Cochise County AZ
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Salt Lake City
Where Do You Live Now? Arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 yrs
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 7 with CFS
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No
Medical History: asthma
Does Exercise Help? moderate to mild
What Were Your First Symptoms? CFS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? CFS with FIBRO INCREASING WORSE
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/ CAN NOT WRK
What Makes Symptoms Worse? IT IS DAY TO DAY FOR ME
What Makes You Feel Better? REST USUALLY
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? ABSOULUTYLY
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? IDE SAY THE LAST 3 HAVE GOTTEN WORSE BUT THE LAST YR , I CAN REALLY TELL A DIFFERNECE
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: EVERYTHING THE DOCTORS CAN PRESCRIBE I HAVE TRIED.
Your Theories: NONE
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO
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3/3/2008
Name: Sherry
City: Lewistown
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lewistown
Where Do You Live Now? Lewistown
How Long Have You Lived There? 4
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1.5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Instructor
Medical History: Good
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Swelling hands and feet, fever, severe muscle pain, jaw pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tired, leg and arm muschle pain, tender muscle points
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, at the onset of the disease
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cannot exercise or walk for long periods of time.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? walking up stairs, etc.
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, pain meds
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, lose my sense of being sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes...no drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: muscles relaxers, anti-depresssant, ibuprofen
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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3/3/2008
Name: jim
City: lincoln
State: maine
Your Sex: male
Where Were You Born? meriden, connecticut
Where Do You Live Now? maine
How Long Have You Lived There? 35years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher
Medical History: 2 back surgeries
Does Exercise Help? light excersise
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain and stiffness in neck and behind right shoulder blade
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain and stiffness in neck and behind right shoulder blade. fatigue, leg pain, loss of memory
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, influenza? After illness, I had no energy for 6 months.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Unclear
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? debilitating, Must lay down to get relief
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? reat on stretching by dangling arm
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Unclear what brain fog is.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? it seemed to happen over night. I cant remember any drug associations
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? ?
Remedies Tried: Light streching, rest, cotisone injection, ice, heat ,rest, message, ibuprophen, muscle relaxers
Your Theories: Neck pain going in behind shoulder blade that always comes back during the day.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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3/3/2008
Name: C
City: PA
State: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? washington pa
Where Do You Live Now? same
How Long Have You Lived There? 32 years
Your Age? 32
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 year 8 months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Secretary
Medical History: Mitral Valve Prolapse, Oseteoporosis, Depression, Gerd
Does Exercise Help? Strenghtening
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe muscle spasms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle spasms,joint pain,swelling of arms, legs, hands, exhaustion,vertigo
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Agent Orange
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Painful to take care of myself. Anxiety.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Heavy lifting,Stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Chiropractor, Rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? A few months after
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I think my systems worsened from PT, I developed full body spasms and inner shoulder tendinitis one month after stopping PT. My body will not heal itself.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Neurontin, Cymbalta, Vicadin,Tramadol,Darvocet
Your Theories: It was brought on by 2 whiplash incidents within 2 weeks which caused bulging disc C3-C4.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family history of Fibro? Yes, both of my sisters are debilitated to where onne is homebound and the other just quit work. One sister has a history of debilitating interstitial cystitis/endometriosis. The other has Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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3/3/2008
Name: Tina
City: Andalusia
State: Alabama
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Montgomery, Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Andalusia, Alabama
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal secretary, still working.
Medical History: Reynaud's syndrome Back surgery (ruptured disk) Bells Palsy (2 times) Gall bladder removed Dermoid syst removed along with right overy
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Walking.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain radiating from my chest to my back. Severe depression
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same pain in chest and back, fatigued to the point I don't want to move. Slightly depressed.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Asbestos in the ceiling at work.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I rarely leave the house. I feel like my husband and children are suffering from my inability to do things.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? Massage with heat.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yest.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? One.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I don't recall any medications.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Lyrica.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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3/2/2008:
Name: Marsha
City: San Diego
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? San Diego
Where Do You Live Now? San Diego
How Long Have You Lived There? 45 years
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 3 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 57
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: DiabetesII,depression,minor mitral valve regurgitation,fibromyalgia,copd(which doesn't bother me anymore)
Does Exercise Help? I rarely exercise. Sometimes walking, but not too far. And it usually makes me feel worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Couldn't walk the dog as far as usual. And just hurting everywhere.Then I couldn't walk the dog at all.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in my shoulders,buttocks, arms, legs. My muscles. Brain fog, confusion, headaches, depression.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember. I used to gret pneumonia a few times a year. Sometimes being hospitalized for it.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I couldn't do hardly anything anymore. I felt like my life was over. I've been feeling better lately. (with natural remedies). The doctor said there was nothing they could do for me!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Bad diet,walking.
What Makes You Feel Better? Eating better...more fruits and vegetables. Less processed foods.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I guess about the same time I started getting the other symptoms. but I didn't realize that brain fog was part of it. I thought senility was setting in!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I remember that it set in rather quickly, but I don't think I was taking any drug that may have caused it.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Tons of supplements,which helped a lot.
Your Theories: I've been taking Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar for a few months for basic health improvement. I think that may have helped. I also started takin black strap molasses about a week ago. That may be helping also.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I'm taking Prozac and am considering dropping it. Since I started black strap molasses, I really haven't been depressed. Could that be?
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3/2/2008
Name: Terra
City: Lee
State: Iowa
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Texas
Where Do You Live Now? Iowa
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 Years
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Now, I think around 8 years old
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 8 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teaching, Micro-computer specialist. I can no longer work
Medical History: None really
Does Exercise Help? NO! It hurts to bad!
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain and Fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic widespread Pain of many types and many levels, Fatigue, arthyma's, seizures or seizure like episodes, chronic worse than migraines, mibility/balance failures, tremors/jerks, limb spasms, vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, sore throats, stuffed sinuses.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Several
Any Military Service? Yes, Military brat born and raised.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Good Question, I imagine the answer will be yes, probably several times.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Stolen almost all quality of life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? illness, weather changes, cold (situations that are to cold for to long), heat (situations that are to hot for to long), movement,edema, dehydration, noise (to loud, to much, to long) Light, (to bright, to much, to long, bright flashing), inappropriate stressors.
What Makes You Feel Better? medication, warmth, water, prayer and comforting people
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, if this means confusion and altered states of conciousness.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? from the beginning.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Look back after being finally diagnosis with FMS and CFIDS, I think this started when I was approximately 8 years old. I would have periods of pain, fatigue, and mobility issues for a few weeks or months then it would go away for a few months, weeks, and years before it returned. It seemed to cycle in and out of remission as I look at it now. 6 years ago it came back and has not stopped, it is chronic now, as well as progressive.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: You name it I have been prescribed or have tried.
Your Theories: I think FMS, CFIDS, and ME, are one in the same disease, only different stages of it, making it progressive. And possible may be a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Mitrocondrial Muscular Dystrophy.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Do you have any seizures, Seizure like activities, Episodes or Fits? Do you have Type II Diabetes? Do you suffer from wakeful paralysis (your mind is awake but you cannot move your body for a period of time)? Do you find it difficult to sleep? Do you have trouble staying asleep when you do get to sleep? Why is it difficult to sleep? Do you sleep to much? Do you have several sore throats? Do you have several low grade fevers? Do you have Facial Pain (jaw, teeth, neck, eyes, ears)? Do you have headaches? Do you have Mirgraines? Do you have muscle release with pain? Do you suddenly drop things with no explanation? Do you fall with no explanation?
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3/2/2008
Name: Meglyn
City: Gaithersburg
State: Maryland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Bethesda MD
Where Do You Live Now? Gaithersburg, MD
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? administrative asst
Medical History: basically good health, athletic and active
Does Exercise Help? when I have the energy for it, nothing high impact
What Were Your First Symptoms? an odd all over aching, particularly in my collar bone, hips, shoulder blades, knees, ankles. Chronic fatigue for no apparent reason.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain that can migrate from ankles to wrists, fingers or hips. Stiffness head aches, very tired, 5 pm feels like 10 pm. A bad night's sleep, plus sudden change in weather, and timing it with two or three days before my period is like the perfect storm for chronic pain and fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I can remember. Although I was diagnosed with Herpes when I was 22, other than that first and only outbreak, I've never had another outbreak. I also had chicken pox as an adult (29 years old).
Any Military Service? n/a husband served though.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I can think of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, slowed me down, made me grumpy and borderline depressed.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep. Big shifts in weather/barometer, my cycle, stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? yoga, when I'm eating better and getting good sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? ?? focus issues? I've never heard of brain fog. But there are times I can't shake the "zoning" out. Or transitions can be hard. From one mental activity to another.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ??
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I do not recall. Immediately after my initial diagnosis, I didn't really have a constant horrible illness, but when it comes, it can really interrupt my plans, expectations, etc.,
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't know where /what foods have fluoride, will look into that.
Remedies Tried: I use a mile anti depressent - it helps me sleep, keeps stress down, and the constant feeling of needing to clench my hands clench teeth, etc., I also take adderal for my ADD (fyi)
Your Theories: I am wondering - and I am about to have an appt to check - if perhaps I also suffer efrom chronic low level yeast infection. In reading Yeast Connection, I see a lot of similarities.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I'm curious if there is a link with Yeast - which can occur from the packaged foods, empty white carbs, sweets that are ingested so much more... All of those foods can create a feasting ground for yeast, which would continually tax your system, resulting in many symptoms that are also symptoms of fibro. Also - birth control - should that information be collected?
------------------------------

3/1/2008
Name: T
City: LEXINGTON
State: KY
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? LEXINGTON, KY
Where Do You Live Now? LEXINGTON, KY
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 YEARS
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 YRS, 8 MONTHS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? GRAPHIC DESIGN & WEB DESIGN. UNABLE TO CURRENTLY WORK.
Medical History: FOR THE 5 - 6 YEARS BEFORE CHILDBIRTH AND ALMOST BEING KILLED BY THE "BIRTHING DOCTOR," I HAD BEEN THE HEALTHEST I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.
Does Exercise Help? IT DOES SEEM TO.
What Were Your First Symptoms? TINGLING & NUMBNESS FROM THE ELBOWS AND KNEES DOWN (MAY BE MORE RELATED TO HYPOTHYROID). EXTREME WEAKNESS & FATIGUE, BRAIN FOG, INABILITY TO FOCUS, AND REMEMBER, UNEXPLIANED ACHING THROUGHOUT MY BODY.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? TINGLING & NUMBNESS FROM THE ELBOWS AND KNEES DOWN (MAY BE MORE RELATED TO HYPOTHYROID). EXTREME WEAKNESS & FATIGUE, BRAIN FOG, INABILITY TO FOCUS, AND REMEMBER, UNEXPLIANED ACHING THROUGHOUT MY BODY, TROUBLE SPELLING, INABLE TO FUNCTION WELL OVERALL, DULL TENSION HEADACHES THAT LINGER FOR DAYS.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? VERY POSSIBLE. I HAD A LOW IMMUNE SYSTEM FROM A YOUNG, INTO MY 20'S DUE TO BEING GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS FROM SUCH A YOUNG AGE.
Any Military Service? NONE
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? VARIOUS CHEMICALS WHILE IN A WORKPLACE ON A RARE OCCASSION. CHEMICALS IN HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? IT HAS TAKEN AWAY THE LIFE I USED TO HAVE. I HOPE SOMEDAY TO GET IT BACK. IT PREVENTS ME FROM DOING AS MUCH AS WANT WITH MY CHILD. SOME DAYS, I CAN'T DRIVE DUE TO BEING UNABLE TO FUNCTION WELL. I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE MOST HOUSEHOLD TASKS BY MYSELF. IF I DO IT BY MYSELF, IT CAN TAKE FROM DAYS TO WEEKS TO COMPLETE.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? CHANGES IN WEATHER. ESPECIALLY WHEN RAIN IS COMING OR A DIFFERENT FRONT IS MOVING IN. INCREASED STRESS AND ANXIETY, TO MUCH NOISE, LACK OF SLEEP. MY CHILD WHINNING OR CRYING.
What Makes You Feel Better? COMPRESSION, LIKE FROM A BIG HUG. TAKING EVOO OR COCONUT OIL IS A GREAT WAY TO DECREASE MY PAIN LEVELS.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!! OH MY GOSH, YES! ! !
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3 YRS, 8 MONTHS
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES! IT WAS NOTICABLE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF DELIVERING MY CHILD. THE DOCTOR PUT ME THROUGH AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF PAIN TRYING TO GET THE PLACENTA OUT (I DELIVERED NATURALLY - HE CAUSED ME 8 TIMES MORE PAIN). THEN GAVE ME DEMORAL AGAINST MY ADVISEMENT AND ALMOST KILLED ME. I WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE PRECLAMPSIA & H.E.L.L.P. SYNDROME LESS THAN 15 HOURS BEFORE DELIVERY. MY MIDWIFE MISDIAGONED ME THROUGHOUT MY PREGNANCY. I WASN'T DIAGONED UNTIL 12 WKS AFTER MY CHILD WAS BORN. AT THE UK HIGH RISK CLINIC, EVERY PRACTIONER DISREGARDED MY CONCERNS AND PAIN TO "BEING A NEW MOM," AND YOUR "BABY TAKING TO MUCH OUT YOU."
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: WELLBUTRIN INITIALLY, WHICH DID HELP WITH THE TINGLING AND NUMBNESS, AND OVERALL PAIN LEVELS FOR A FEW WEEKS. GUAFINICIN HELPED FOR A WHILE. THE FLAIRS IT CAUSED WERE NOT FUN. I STOPPED USING IT SINCE IT WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE BY PERSCIPTION AND COST MORE THAN I COULD AFFORD. BETTER OVERALL NUTRITION. I ATE A FAIRLY HEALTHY DIET BEFORE. I AVOID PROCESSED FOODS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. I TAKE COCONUT OIL OR EVOO TO HELP DECREASE OVERALL PAIN LEVELS
Your Theories: I FEEL THE COMBINATION OF THE PREGNANCY CONDITIONS I HAD, MIXED WITH THE PAIN I WAS MADE TO INDURE, THE DEMORAL, AND HORMONAL INBALANCES HAVE STRONGLY CONTRIBUTED, IF NOT COMPLETELY CAUSED THIS CONDITION. DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS MOSTLY A VERY LOW ENERGYED PERSON FOR THE FIRST 29 - 33 YRS OF MY LIFE, I FEEL MY THYROID MY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INBALANCED. WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO MY BODY FOR 9 MONTHS, I FEEL IT "KNOCKED" THYROID ALL OUT OF WACK. WHICH ONLY CONTRIBUTED TO MY WEAKENED & FATIGUED CONDITION. MY MOTHER ALSO SUFFERS FROM IT, SO I WONDER IF I MAY HAVE BEEN AT A HIGHER RISK TO GET IT AS WELL. DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES OR HEREDITARY FACTORS.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? WHAT ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH SINCE THE FIBRO ONSET? I've been told I also have CFS, and Hypothyroidism. DOES ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY SUFFER FROM THE SAME CONDITION? Yes, my mother. ARE YOU DISABLED? Yes, and have been since the birth of my child. HAVE YOU PARTICIPANT IN RESEARCH STUDIES ON FIBRO?
-----------------------------------

3/1/2008
Name: karyn
City: Sierra Vista
State: Cochise County AZ
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Salt Lake City
Where Do You Live Now? Sierr Vista
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 yrs
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? customer service, no longer working.
Medical History: no problems
Does Exercise Help? moderate
What Were Your First Symptoms? mucle weakness all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? CFS, fatigue, pain to the touch, muscle weakness...
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? changed it forever.I can not work .
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes all the time, I am slower to answer questions. Hard time remember simple things.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes I took vioxx for the burning. and codine. for the pain. Now on lyriyca.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none
Your Theories: freind says she thinks it;s casued from women having a epadural. for childbirth.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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2/29/2008:
Name: Brandy
City: Pittsburgh
State: PA, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pittsburgh
Where Do You Live Now? Pittsburgh
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 yrs
Your Age? 28 yrs
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Looking back - I think I've had symptoms since childhood.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? They get worse as time goes on.
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Computer Programmer
Medical History: Lumbar Scoliosis, Genital HSV1, Depression, Frequent CaP Kidney Stones, Osteopenia, Ganglion Cysts, Fatigue
Does Exercise Help? Generally staying active helps, but specific exercises and routines do not.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue and Depression
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic Myalgia in arm pits, shoulders, thighs and knees. Frequent Kidney Stones. Depression. Fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? HSV1 - acquired at age of 23.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not to my knowlege.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Depression, Fear, Anxiety, had to scale back on my ambitious future plans.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, poor night of sleep, birth control pills, sustained poor diet (eating a lot of fast food when pressed for time), dehydration - too much caffeine not enough water. Becoming too sedentary and not changing positions frequently.
What Makes You Feel Better? I take TheralithXR for kidney stones - it is mostly Magnesium - seems to help with other symptoms too. Also multivitamins may help take the edge off. Eat a healthy breakfast.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, I forget to do stuff like stop and pay at the pay station in parking lots before trying to exit. Have to back out and cause a scene - emberassing! Forget to do stuff at work sometimes too. Have to be careful to write everything down always.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? It is always there, it just increases and decreases in intensity. You can overcome it but you must concentrate more and you must dedicate more time to relaxation.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, birth control pills.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not dietary, but I do use flouride free toothpaste - otherwise I get "acne" on my chin.
Remedies Tried: I took a Medrol Dosepak once, that didn't help at all - made me feel worse. I also tried several anti-depressants and eventually decided they were all just poision. I avoid taking medication as much as possible now - only an occassional Lunesta for a good night sleep.
Your Theories: Multiple factors. Genetic Predisposition and then accumulated stress and illness.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/28/2008
Name: Tom
City: Raleigh
State: NC. USA.
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? NY
Where Do You Live Now? NC.
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Network instal, not able to work
Medical History: No illness
Does Exercise Help? Makes it worst
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tremor in it left hand, severe muscle weakness, pain and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? most on your list
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Barr Epstein
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Cipro, Levaquin, Preacid
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Destroyed my life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, hot showers, exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? Ibuprofen, Codeine
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? Cipro, Levaquin, Preacid
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, Tea
Remedies Tried: Boron, DMAE, supplements and herbs
Your Theories: This condition maybe caused by excessive fluoride exposure. Or by pathogens such as yeast or virus that becomes active after the immune system is altered by antibiotic exposure.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No, very good site, thank you for caring, thank you for being here and reaching out to the people that many doctors write off as crazy.
-------------------------------------------------

2/28/2008
Name: vicki
City: apple valley
State: mn
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? mpls, mn
Where Do You Live Now? apple valley, mn
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 yrs
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: lupus(sle) hydradentis sleep apena
Does Exercise Help? yes water exercise and swimming gentle streching
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain and stiffness, fatgue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain and stiffness, fatgue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have no life, I am in contast pain and just exist minute to minute
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, phsyical or emotional
What Makes You Feel Better? hot tubs, massage
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I guess maybe I do but can't remember
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I am not sure
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I don't recall meds that was a long time ago the doctors have tried everything from muscle relaxants to heavy narcotics over the years
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, I drink purified water
Remedies Tried: predisone, narcotics,swimming and streching, music therapy, relaxation and visuization, self hypnosis, AVC and baking soda
Your Theories: I am now trying to gat off most of the meds and try some of the cures here on this site I will post results
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I think on thing you missed is that many people I know with cronic severe pain from fibromyalgia and or in my case several painful conditions suffer from just wanting to die due to living day in and day out with severe pain and no real hope for a cure a lot of us are very sucidal every day
----------------------------------------

2/28/2008:
Name: tina
City: manchester
State: uk
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? uk
Where Do You Live Now? uk
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? used to run my own business and have a very active life, but the tiredness and pain slowed me down, and for the last 5yrs can just about do the bare nessesties.
Medical History: under active thyroid. chronic fatigue syndrome,insomnia all my life.
Does Exercise Help? no, just makes everything worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? tingling in fingers.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? leg spasms at night, joint pains, skin hurts,muscles ache and burn, very cold or very hot, vertigo, brain fog,extreme dizziness, nausee,tired all the time, need to sleep it off, dont have a choice,eye pain can be peircing,pains in my head like shots, chest pains, snapping at people because im in pain, depressed, frustrated, always on pause.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? always seemed to have colds.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? tobacco (4000 chemicals) floride,chlorine,aspartame,mercury fillings,and many others that are hidden in our foods.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? totally.was a people person, not any more,relationships have fallen apart,cannot plan, loved doing short course, cant anymore. in bed most of the time and if i have brain fog, cant even comminicate.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? actity, stress, people who think its all in the head.
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep.hot bath.head massage,good freinds, loving mother and son. the sunshine.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, feel very stupid when it happens and know i dont trust being in company, low self asteem.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES the dr told me to take ibrufen every 4hrs to stop the pain and i became bedridden for 1yr.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? i have done a bit of research and have cut a lot things out and had my fillings replaced with white ones.
Remedies Tried: reflexology,massage, bio enrgy,natural remedies, herbal,and vitamins and took loads of advice from earthclinic. i do feel a lot better, but then i have days when i overdo it (just the basics)and forget that i am ill, so it flares up again.
Your Theories: the dr priscibes poison. if they cured us, they would have no patients! The worst thing is they dont even cure the illness,just cover it up and in the prossess make you more ill. levothyroxines side affects are all the symptoms off, cfs/fm, my dr looked gobsmacked, guilty when i told her,Her soloution was to put me on antidepressants, pls!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? are we in a relationship? Are we issolated since the illness? Why cannot the drs refer us to holistic therepie?
------------------------------ 

2/27/2008
Name: Dana
City: jerseyville
State: il
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? carrolltton, il
Where Do You Live Now? jerseyville, il
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Certified nurse assistant. No longer working.
Medical History: have had 2 c sections. gallbladder surgery, injured at work 5-27-07 had to have surgery on neck 3 bones replaced and still having shoulder pain and arm pain.
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? joint pain, swelling, tiredness, no sleep, headaches and fever at night.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tired, swelling, joints hurt all over , fever at night,and headaches and mind seems fuzzy at times.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Cannot do most everyday chores tired and hurt constantly and with injury at work on top of it, i am in pain 3 times more than normal.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Movement, or pressure any where on my body.
What Makes You Feel Better? Pain medication relieves it some but only temporary
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, do not recall any drugs taken
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vicoden, darvocet, lyrica. tens unit, and therapy.
Your Theories: I have no theories. But I know there is alot of people with this and doctors seem to feel that it is in our heads. It is a real disability. I call it disability because that is what it is, when you cannot function and there are lots of days you just want to stay in bed and not move and sometimes just want it to end.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have you filed for disability?
-----------------------

2/26/2008
Name: Gale
City: Vista
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oceanside, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Vista, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 46 years old
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 diagnosed years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Joint pain as child
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Community College Instructor - Yoga and general exercise for Older Adults
Medical History: Birthed four children
Does Exercise Help? Yes! Yoga, weights, low impact movements
What Were Your First Symptoms? With my first initial Rheumatoid Arthritis flare, Upper back points and excruciating Latissimus Dorsi Pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Shoulder Blade Pain and lateral elbow point pain esp. in morning accompanied by twitching - right side
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, before my first diagnosed RA flare, I had a severe flu bug about two months prior. Also, I have re-occuring mouth sores, eye and ear viruses.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I've had to SLOW DOWN. I can't perform any agressive movements with arms...throwing a football, playing basketball, bowling even.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, sugar, sleeping positions, driving
What Makes You Feel Better? Yoga, movement, and hot shower or bath.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? As long as I could remember. I always thought it was fatigue.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, I am aware now of when an RA or fibro flare will happen. No drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Anti-Inflammatories, Guanfesanin (sp?), omega oils, glucosamine, vicodin, tylenol, salon pas, capascin, arnica
Your Theories: It seems as though remedies work for a while but are not permanent fixes.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------------

2/26/2008
Name: margaret
City: Mountain Ash
State: great britain
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? mountain ash
Where Do You Live Now? mountain ash
How Long Have You Lived There? 52 years
Your Age? 52 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36 years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? unemployed
Medical History: back and fatuge
Does Exercise Help? just a little walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatuge
What Are Your Current Symptoms? a loss of muscle and pain movement
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? a lot
What Makes Symptoms Worse? have no answer for that constantly there
What Makes You Feel Better? i have no answer for that
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? long time
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? i wasnt diagnosed until 2005 after mri scan with a mass of muscle loss
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: given amyltrypiline..co codimol
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? do you get bluish skin with this complaint
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2/26/2008
Name: Nita
City: Tulsa
State: Oklahoma
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Colorado
Where Do You Live Now? Oklahoma
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 months
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Janitoral and NO I can No longer work.
Medical History: 5 Ceaserian Sections, Hysterectomy, Gall bladder removal. Spine Problems, Arthritis, Scoliosis,protruding Disk. Depression, Stress
Does Exercise Help? It is too PAINFUL to exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? Muscle aching stiffness Pain cramping
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Intense Muscle Aching, cramping, and painful Spots To the lightest touch .
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? rheumatic fever as a child.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Cleaning
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? My quality of Life has really deteriorated. I have developed a major case of depression, It has contributed to my husband leaving and divorcing me also.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather changes,holding the grand babies,
What Makes You Feel Better? I have not felt good in so LONG. Warm showers help
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? the last 6 years it has gotten worse.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, It has been real gradual up until the last 10 years then it got progressively worse. And the last 5 years really bad. There has been a LOT of STRESS in the last 5 years
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: muscle relaxers, Anti depressants, Pain medication ,
Your Theories: I think that Stress is a contributer to the Pain and symptoms
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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2/25/2008
Name: Renee
City: Phoenix
State: Arizona
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New jersey
Where Do You Live Now? Phoenix
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 years
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Massage therapist and waitress. Been unable to work for last two years and still not able at this time
Medical History: Miscarriages, tonsilectomy, tubal, many years of back pain,
Does Exercise Help? Very rarely, just stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? Back pain, sleep problems.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle joint and ligament tender skin untouchable, pain to walk unassisted, brain fog, sleep problems. Migranes weekly, stomach ache, constipated, diminished eyesight
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, believed to be the flu when i was ten. Was kept in hospital for 11 days
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have two children ages 7 and 11. I am unable to play with my children and sometimes to my horror it hurts too much to hug them. I am unable to shop alone, drive, open bottles or cans of food or drink.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold, rainy weather, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Methadone, vicoden, muscle relaxers, hot bath, heating pads
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, i would forget my kids names if they let me
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Hormones for excess uterine bleeding
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not yet
Remedies Tried: Tramadol, fentanyl, anti depressants. Nsaids. About another hundred painkillers
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/25/2008:
Name: Katie
City: Summerdale
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? PA
Where Do You Live Now? PA
How Long Have You Lived There? All my life
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? probably 4 yrs ago but didnt connect it
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative. Yes
Medical History: Asthma, heart surgery, thyroid, depression, anxiety, insomnia
Does Exercise Help? too tired to exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain and muscle cramps.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant leg/muscle pain/cramps. Also, back/shoulder pain. short term memory loss, Stiff joints, fingers fall asleep, fatigue, anxiety, thyroid keeps changing, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not sure
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not sure
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? to tired and achy to do much of anything but lay on the couch after work
What Makes Symptoms Worse? work (memory loss), standing, sitting in straight back chairs
What Makes You Feel Better? not much but just laying down with my legs elevated helps
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Definately
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Just noticed it a few months ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. urinary track infection drug. Cant remember last time I had one but this one
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? After I saw your website I changed toothpaste and am buying water.
Remedies Tried: None so far.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/25/2008
Name: linda
City: phoenix
State: arizona
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? oregon
Where Do You Live Now? arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disabled
Medical History: 5 prior strokes, severe constipation, 3 bones in leg compound fracture
Does Exercise Help? if I can I enjoy walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? joint pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? thyroid not working at all, brain confusion but partially caused by strokes, extrem day time fatique,lake of attention,focus,lots of pain,depresion
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not completely sure had a infection as a young child but they could not diagnoise it but nearly died
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, pesticides
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? im not recognizable. mere shell of my former sel
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold,inactivity
What Makes You Feel Better? hit and miss with supliments,colonics
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? most definatly
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. naids
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, In Oregon the water was/is treated with fluoride, they said it was great for our teeth, my teeth are brittle now
Remedies Tried: mainly various suppliments and many colonics they do help
Your Theories: yes, addiction to pain meds threw my 20's and 30's, causing constipation causing toxic body, inactivity, poor diet
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? how would you rate your drs. care. poor poor poor push the drugs at any cost. well they cost me my whole adult life. it was a dr. that pushed pain meds on me I went for headaches which I had badly. he gave me on 1st visit. 60 percodan, and 60 demeral. 1st apt.!!!! I had an adictive personality which I didnt know at the time but I found out rather quickly. was taking 12-18 daily when i dawned on me hey im an addict. dr. refused to see me after I told him I thought I was addicted. Ive had quite a less than respectfull attitude about drs. ever since. so my care is partially my blaim but there crapy non the less.
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2/24/2008
Name: Debra
City: Strum
State: WI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Eau Claire WI
Where Do You Live Now? Strum WI
How Long Have You Lived There? 22 yrs.
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 21 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Real Estate lending, banking. Working, but in a different field. Quit banking due to stress and daily hives.
Medical History: Excellent health
Does Exercise Help? I walk
What Were Your First Symptoms? EXTREME fatigue.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, brain fog, IBS, muscle pain, headaches, TMJ, weight gain, constant hunger, insomnia, RLS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I remember.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I feel like I don't have the ambition to live my life, like I'm watching everyone else live and not enjoying anything. I am always too tired to participate in things.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Less sleep, more symptoms.
What Makes You Feel Better? Lots of sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Around 10 yrs.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No, just extreme stress in the workplace and a number of family deaths in a short period of time.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, from our drinking water and toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: Soma for sleep. Supplements.
Your Theories: I believe ongoing, intense stress caused the breakdown in my body. I was very healthy and athletic prior to the fibro.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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2/24/2008
Name: janine
City: tasmania
State: australia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? melbourne australia
Where Do You Live Now? tasmania
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? process worker stood on cold concrete for26 years
Medical History: nil
Does Exercise Help? streching helps but when finish i am tired
What Were Your First Symptoms? arms and legs ache feel sick and tired all the time
What Are Your Current Symptoms? cant walk standing sitting husband cant touch me my skin feels like its bruised
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? always got virusesfor weeks on end
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes hospitalised for benzeline some type of liquid used in dry cleaning
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? going out every day house work even freinds visiing
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather change getting upset stress
What Makes You Feel Better? very hot showers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes cant think straight
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? since the systoms started
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? sounds strange but i was sitting reading and all of a sudden my who body screamed i coulded move it felt like everyone in the world was screaming at me my body was frozen after that my body started to ache and it got worse as the months went on
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: nothing works even morphine didnt help
Your Theories: try sitting and doing deep breathing in a quite room on your own dont think about any thing
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? are we coping with every day live the speed and demands put on us in every day life the world is moving much faster can we copy or is our body telling us to slow down
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2/23/2008
Name: Barbara
City: Cropper
State: Ky
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Shelbyville
Where Do You Live Now? Cropper
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 mos.
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? cleaning service
Medical History: thyroid,blood preasure,joint pain,galbladder,appendix,leg skin graph
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain through out my body no engery tired want to sleep but cant headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all the above
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mrsa
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes if thats what i have
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold and damp weather
What Makes You Feel Better? sunshine
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes cant think and forget alot
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no not till i saw this sight
Remedies Tried: none yet
Your Theories: hope you can find a cure for this
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? so if you dont use tooth paste what else would be good on your teeth and what things should we avoid to help to see if you have fibermyalgia
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2/23/2008
Name: Linda
City: Leominster
State: Massachusetts
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Leominster
Where Do You Live Now? Leominster
How Long Have You Lived There? four months
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 18
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disabled, can't work
Medical History: medium high blood pressure, some arthritis
Does Exercise Help? walk when I can
What Were Your First Symptoms? fainting, pain thru-out my body, extreme weakness in my limbs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same and now I have IBS, more pain and stiffness, neck pain is very bad, especially with the weather changes, more tiredness and some really bad days where I just can't do anything for more than a few minutes without having to sit and rest.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I think I had rumatic fever, but don't know of anything else. I was in three car accidents and got whiplash
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? very much so. painted computor covers, worked on cars and in a restaurant.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? very much so
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather, stress, lack of sleep, too much of anything
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really.only if I can take my mind fully off of myself
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? oh, yeah
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? from the beginning, but it is worse now
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I did. I used to walk 3 miles a day and work a 15 hour day and take care of my family and my mom and grandfather each day. I was put on so many the first three years I can't remember them all.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: drugs in the beginning( Buspar, Nortritolin, Paxil, all the NSAIDS and some others I can't remember. and now rest and exercise when I can get the energy to walk. I try to eat well too.
Your Theories: I would love to have my old self back, just so that I could go back to work but mostly to be able to play with my grandkids and not suffer for it the next day. I have so much more I could tell you and say, but I think I will stop here.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Why has it taken so long for anyone to realise how bad this illness is? Sometimes I wish that the doctors that people see could feel what we feel, then they would pay attention. I really want to get out and tell everyone about this illness. Maybe I could help them that way.
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2/21/2008