Fibromyalgia Case Studies: February 13 - March 1, 2007

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Submitted on 3/1/2007:
Name: Debra
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Chicago
Where Do You Live Now? Chicago
How Long Have You Lived There? Most of my life with the exception of perhaps 5 or so
Your Age? 37
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mortgage Consultant. Yes.
Medical History: I have never been one to go to the doctor nor can I recollect my childhood of doctors or medication.
Does Exercise Help? sometimes
What Were Your First Symptoms? Legs going out from underneath me and feeling as if I was seeing double and wanting to pass out.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Aches and pains in joints of my arms, legs, lower back, lack of concentration and memory feelings of despair and not wanting to do anything. Not being able to sleep due to pain. Depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mercury fillings, one of the phens etc.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? There are days that my body hurts so much I cannot get up; gives me feelings as if parts of my body are just going to snap.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress and weather conditions.
What Makes You Feel Better? seeing a chiropractor.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I cannot recall.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: I have not tried any although my doctor wanted to put me on prozac which I declined to take.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Are you taking any natural alternatives to alleviate the pain or symptoms?
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Submitted on 3/1/2007:
Name: BARBARA
City: WILMORE
State: KY
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? WILMORE
Where Do You Live Now? WILMORE
How Long Have You Lived There? MOST OF MY LIFE
Your Age? 52
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? SINCE I WAS 36
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? SECRETARY, WORKING BUT DIFFICULT
Medical History: FIBROMYALGIA
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? BACK
What Are Your Current Symptoms? ALL OVER PAIN
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? YES
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO WORK, LIVE A NORMAL LIFE, SOCIAL LIFE
What Makes Symptoms Worse? WEATHER, COLD, RAIN
What Makes You Feel Better? NOTHING
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, LORTAB
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? YES
Remedies Tried: PAIN MEDS, MUSCLE RELAXERS, SLEEP AIDS
Your Theories: I JUST WISH THERE WAS A CURE
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO
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Submitted on 2/27/2007:
Name: Karen
City: New Berlin
State: WI
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Milwaukee
Where Do You Live Now? Suburb of Milwaukee
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 yrs.
Your Age? 65
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 7 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Age 58
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office work - Retired at 60
Medical History: Pretty healthy.
Does Exercise Help? It used to - now it makes me more sore. Mostly stretching exercises
What Were Your First Symptoms? Body just shut down. Too weak to walk. Panic attacks while going thru all the medical tests to eliminate other diseases.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Soreness upon any exertion, something as simple as throwing the ball for the dog. Walking very far has now become problem
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mono
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? A routine helps, but any variation, like staying up even 1 hr. later, throws me into a flare.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress and sugar.
What Makes You Feel Better? Advil, but now that is eating my stomach up. Klonopin for sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? It comes and goes.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Always pretty healthy. Then had a virus of some sort and things really got bad quickly. It was also the most stressful time of my life and couldn't snap back.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I drink distilled water - I don't know if that is what you mean.
Remedies Tried: Every muscle and pain med, but with a touchy stomach, have had to quit. Was on Zoloft for awhile. Klonopin is the only thing I take now for help with sleep. If I get into stage 4, I can manage pretty well. I take alot of supplements and go to a chiropractor.
Your Theories: Think it is stress or hormone related. A lot of people seem to become ill around menopause, when your body isn't able to handle stress the same way it used to..
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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Submitted on 2/26/2007
Name: Elaine
City: Syracuse
State: NY USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New York State
Where Do You Live Now? Syracuse, New York
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 58
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? diagnosed 1999
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? paralegal; not working; collect SSD
Medical History: MVA; mono (1999)
Does Exercise Help? only thing I can do is walk; try to every day but most of time I can't because of pain levels
What Were Your First Symptoms? exhaustion; painful joints; blurred vision; IBS, TMJ
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Exhaustion, very painful joints and muscles; vision problems, IBS, depression; lethargy; numbness in hands and feet; difficulty sleeping; extreme chemical sensitivity; weight gain; difficulty concentrating and formulating sentences
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, Mono
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? ruined it; I can no longer work; I can no longer exercise; I can no longer ride in car; I can no longer clean (without non chemical cleaners); feel depressed all the time; difficult to fill out this form;
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Any type of activity or change in my schedule; stress; not enough sleep; and it seems like anything lately that's why I am back on websites. I gave that up for a while
What Makes You Feel Better? Not too much - hot baths; sleeping with heated mattress pad; can't take enough pain killers to feel better
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? absolutely, totally, 100% of the time
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. The only drug I was taking prior to the onset of FMS was zoloft, taken for symptoms of PMS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, I never knew it might be a problem. I would like to know what to avoid though if this would help
Remedies Tried: Oh my gosh, so much. pain killers from over the counter to prescription; gabitril; guifenisen; increased zoloft; mobic; GH3 (helps); provigil (helps);vitamin E; calcium; antioxidant; estra val; lots and lots of other stuff I can't remember
Your Theories: I do believe FMS is caused by some type of virus or trauma-triggering event. I do believe that it is along the same lines with MS. I would give almost anything except my children or grandchildren's lives to be pain free again. I feel like an 80 year old woman trapped in a 50 year old body.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I don't believe so
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Submitted on 2/26/2007
Name: Tina
City: Macon
State: USA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Oxford MS
Where Do You Live Now? Macon
How Long Have You Lived There? 7
Your Age? 35
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 1.5-2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? office
Medical History: anemic low thyroid
Does Exercise Help? not sure
What Were Your First Symptoms? It hurt to be touched on my skin. Felt like a knife in my muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? memory lapse, confusion, sore skin & muscles, feels like the flue in my joints, stiffness. sleepless nights, restless legs, moody
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I am surrounded by farming areas that crop dust.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? negatively
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not sure
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping on a heating pad
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Not really overnight or anything. can't remember any specific medicine
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none
Your Theories: I think maybe since it is primarily found in women that it must have something to do with hormones.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? hormone related?
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Submitted on 2/26/2007
Name: clara
City: paden city
State: wv
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? new martinsville wv
Where Do You Live Now? paden city wv
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 yrs
Your Age? 44
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 9 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: thyroidectomy-historectomy
Does Exercise Help? no because the chronic fatigue set in
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe stiffness in shoulders to the point of unable to get out of bed on my own, needed help with that and help getting up and down from sitting position
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain and stiffness all over body,chronic fatigue,memory and concentration problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? every aspect such as unable to be productive in my marriage, as a mom I can no longer do physical things with my son such as going to outside sports if it's cold or rainy I can't go to games if i do I will be in bed for 2-3 days with severe pain and if sport function is in side then I can't sit on bleachers, if I do I have to constantly get up and down with the help of my husband and that's pretty embarrassing for my son. So I just don't go unless I'm having a really good day. I truly have to take it one hour at a time not one day at a time.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather and If I over exert myself
What Makes You Feel Better? There was once a medicine called Bextra and grant it, i still had my bad days but I also had good days
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Arthritis meds, Bextra and celebrex and I know there's other but can't think of them right now
Your Theories: TheorieS: I do believe the onset of my condition has to do with hormones and I do believe you will find a cure because believing in this is the only thing I have left at this point. I could have a lot more to say but can't seem to concentrate very well this morning.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes. What is the average day of a fibromyalgia patient? And Why aren't there more clinics for more intense studies all over the united states since this is becoming so wide spread. I told my husband my days are so bad I would be willing to be someone's case study if it's going to help, if not me someone.
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Submitted on 2/24/2007
Name: Sandy
City: A Suburb of Cleveland
State: Ohio
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Cleveland, Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 58 years in Cleveland - 3 years in my current home
Your Age? 58
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 15 years +/-
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40 - 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Secretarial / Administrative Currently on disability - haven't worked in 5 years
Medical History: No other medical problems except chronic pain - FMS & CFS
Does Exercise Help? Water exercises only. Gentle water jogging in deep water with a floatation belt. Unable to do land exercises or extensive walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain and Brain Fog
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain, brain fog, lack of energy, Depression, Anxiety, Restless Leg Syndrome
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I am aware of. I had Mono as a teenager.
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? N/A
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way imaginable. Had to stop working, can't babysit my grandchildren, can't lift them, Sex life is over. Social life is very limited. Have lost friends. Family isn't very supportive or understanding or compassionate. It's very difficult. I won't travel. Had to move to a one story home 3 years ago. Housework is not possible.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, Stress, Stress. To much sugar and/or bad carbs.
What Makes You Feel Better? Healthy diet, Warm Water exercises / water therapy. My hot tub. Relaxation techniques, heating pad, Magnetic Therapy, TENS Unit, Cupping, I've tried every natural way to help myself.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES and lack of concentration, focus.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, mine was a gradual decline with periods of remission early on.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not really, except we now drink purified water at home.
Remedies Tried: everything from anti-inflamatories to anti-depressants to pain medications - but now only take homeopathics and dietary supplements
Your Theories: It's a process of trial and error to find out what works and what doesn't. It's definitely based on nutrition being an important factor in management.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Was there an event or trauma that seemed to set this off? In my case, my symptoms seemed to begin to get worse, to become more problematic after the deaths of my parents who died 6 months apart 9 years ago. But my original onset, I believe, was due to a car accident.
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Submitted on 2/24/2007
Name: Sue
City: Maywood
State: New Jersey
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New York City
Where Do You Live Now? Bergen County New Jersey
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 Years
Your Age? 45
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? Officially dx'd since 2003
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Probably late twenties/early thirties
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I used to work as a medical assistant Then switched to banquet/wedding work which was extremely long hours and very physical. Had to ask for a transfer into clerical position. I work part time there. Also work part time in elementary school doing attendance, lunch supervision, substitute teacher's aid-depending on what they need. If I had a choice I would only work at the school, but due to financial obligations I must do both.
Medical History: Graves disease, chronic tendonitis, raynauds's phenon, mild degenerative disc disease, livedo reticularis, and some arthritis. I had bad strep/tonsillitis as a kid.
Does Exercise Help? Stretching helps as my muscles become very tight and sore. Any strenuous exercise has a negative effect. Also note that I am not overweight/have been on the thin side for years.
What Were Your First Symptoms? They crept up on me little by little. First when I was 30 yrs old I had recurrent infections-throat, ears, chest. I was wiped for a long, long time. Some days I couldn't even function I would have to leave work early to just lie down.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Unrefreshing sleep-I had a sleep study done and get no stage 3 sleep and almost no stage 4. Terrible muscle soreness in various unpredictable areas at anytime. Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic tendonitis, Back pain, Peeling feet, rashy skin, poor teeth, Fatigue that can range from mild to severe, brain fog, blurry vision, dry eyes.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes. When I was 18 yrs old I suddenly became ill with a virus that lasted 2 weeks. The dr told my mom there wasn't anything to do, but let it run it's course. I never felt so sick in my life. I couldn't get out of bed the entire time.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I grew up in a town where thorium was buried in large amounts. It contaminated well water, that many people used and the same water was used to fill the town pool for years. My family used the pool every year consistently.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can no longer do many of the things I used to do. I have always prided myself on being physically strong, and my strength has decrease dramatically over the years. I do not have endurance for many, many things. I must constantly pace myself which is an internal struggle. I live in constant pain, some days milder, other days unbearable.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Physical strain, cold weather, humid weather, any very low pressure storms make me very sick, stress, illness.
What Makes You Feel Better? It depends, sometimes better weather, it's hard to say. It's hit or miss. I think this illness does what ever it wants to.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes-and oddly enough I was given cipro many times for bronchitis, which I didn't know caused so many problems. I did take once Avelox for a sinus/ear infection. I took one pill and felt like I was on high doses of steroids. I couldn't sleep for 2 days and my mind raced like crazy. I will never take it again and the dr has it marked on my chart.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not purposely. I didn't realize it was so bad for you till recently.
Remedies Tried: Massage physical therapy, Chiropractor, noni juice, wheat grass juice, supplements, regular medications-ultracet, flexeril, baclofen, antidepressants, plaquenil, steroids.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no

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Submitted on 2/24/2007:
Name: sally
City: titusville
State: United States
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? titusville,pa
Where Do You Live Now? titusville,pa
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 yr
Your Age? 61
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 5 yr
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? was a dental office mgr- not working
Medical History: osteoarthritis-hypothyroid-
Does Exercise Help? water
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my legs-arms-back of neck- and hands and feet
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same but more severe
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no longer than usual, i think
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't think so but two steel mills growing up
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? definitely
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather-stress
What Makes You Feel Better? meds
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? PA
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: cymbalta-flexeril-lorazapam-cyclobenzaprene-piroxicam-goji juicem
Your Theories: i lived in arizona and had no symptoms, upon coming back to pa. all of this has happened
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? don't think so
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Submitted on 2/23/2007:
Name: Lisa
City: San Antonio
State: TX, USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? San Antonio
How Long Have You Lived There? 2.5 yrs
Your Age? 26
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 4 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? working as an aircraft mechanic for the military, now performing desk job
Medical History: allergies
Does Exercise Help? no. sitting in sauna alleviates some pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? body aches, fatigue, legs and back hurt really bad, barely able to walk
What Are Your Current Symptoms? worse. stabbing, stinging, aching pain in all body parts. sometimes feels like needles or nails being pushed into my skin, or someone trying to rip my limbs out of my body. fatigue, headaches, memory loss, sleeping disorder, depression, weight gain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? USAF, 1999 to present
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Anthrax vaccination just prior to symptoms starting. Worked around fuel, hydraulic fluid, mechanical oils, grease.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Tremendously. Major depression due to military docs thinking I am making this up. I don't have energy to take care of myself anymore. I sleep on my off time. Always on pain medicine.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? less sleep, cold air
What Makes You Feel Better? heat, sauna
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I am always forgetting things. I can't concentrate and have a hard time completing my sentences.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, about a month or so after my first anthrax vaccination I had horrible body aches and could barely walk.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Dilaudid, morphine, percocet, valium, ultram, celexa, flexeril, prozac, zoloft, neurontin, effexor, vioxx, celebrex, tylenol
Your Theories: I believe this may be contributed to the anthrax shots I was forced to receive. I feel sorry for anyone else with this problem.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 2/23/2007:
Name: Brian
City: Orleans
State: Ontario Canada
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Brockville
Where Do You Live Now? Orleans
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 56
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 14 y
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? just started real estate after being off for 10 years
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? no always very soar after makes me feel better mentally
What Were Your First Symptoms? very soar shoulders and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? soar in all the joints problems sleeping lack of energy depression cognitive abilities impaired short term memory terrible
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? pump gas in my fathers garage from 8years of age to my twenties
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has changed every part of my life i have gained over 100 lbs i used to work out all the time now i do little it has affected my personality i used to be very easy going now i am irritable because of being in constant pain it also changed our family dynamics when one person in the family has a chronic illness everyone in the family is affected
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, any change in weather physical endeavors of any kind sitting for long periods standing walking for long periods
What Makes You Feel Better? warmer weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? definitely.. I hate this part of the illness as much as the pain..... I cant think straight
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes within days ....no I did have a neck injury in a car accident
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: most of the antidepressants, many pain killers, pain management courses, acupuncture,acupressure meditation different diets,sports medicine,physio therapy
Your Theories: this is a very disabling condition and it affects all aspects of a persons life from the physical ,emotional,mental,to the spiritual i wrote my real estate exams in the past 2years i used to be able to study in my stride now it is extremely difficult i cannot remember from one day to the next and had a difficult time with the exams.my wife is not very supporting
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 2/23/2007:
Name: Shari
City: Erie
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 07/24/1967
Where Do You Live Now? Erie
How Long Have You Lived There? 39 years
Your Age? 39
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? About 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Medical Transcription - still working
Medical History: Bipolar disorder diagnosed at age 20. Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed at age 32.
Does Exercise Help? Stretching sometimes helps.
What Were Your First Symptoms? EXTREME PAIN between my shoulder blades.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Overall body pain - it feels like someone "beat me with a baseball bat"
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mononucleosis at age 19
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? All I have energy for is employment it seems. Before fibro hit, I lifted weights 3 days a week and ran 5 miles a day. I kept my house clean and worked full-time. After all of that, I still had energy to burn.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? INSOMNIA
What Makes You Feel Better? Haven't figured that out yet - sorry.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I never have a state of "relative health" - I just have lesser stages of fibromyalgia.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? N/A
Remedies Tried: Topamax made my brain fog worse, so I quit it. I am currently on Cymbalta and Ultram. My pain never goes completely away though.
Your Theories: None
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I have heard that prior child abuse/sexual abuse could play a role in the development of fibromyalgia - this perhaps could be a relative question.
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Submitted on 2/23/2007:
Name: Pat
City: Toledo
State: OH
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Toledo, Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? same
How Long Have You Lived There? 55 yrs
Your Age? 55
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? I think 30 years, my earliest symptoms
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I am a nurse only able to work 12 hours a week at a sedentary job, I haven't been able to do patient care nursing for 20 years.
Medical History: in my teenage years I didn't have quite the same amount of energy as my friends but nothing else, rarely saw the doctor.
Does Exercise Help? no anything beyond light rebounding for 10-15 minutes completely wears me out for the day.
What Were Your First Symptoms? headaches, then fatigue then later the severe muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe daily headaches and migraines occasionally, muscle pain, back, neck, legs
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not to my knowledge
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I had my first mercury amalgams done at age 13, no other exposures that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has consumed my life. I have a wonderful understanding husband who supports my efforts to learn and help myself. I am only able to work 12 hours a week. Financially we are in deep trouble as we have no savings because of my inability to work and the money we spend on trying to give me a measure of quality of life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS is a big thing. Sitting for long times, standing and walking for long times. I have no endurance for anything
What Makes You Feel Better? My chiropractor keeps me at a certain level. Not overdoing anything, moderation in all things.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes at times not always
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I was relatively healthy and then I was in a minor car accident and then the headaches started. I sought out chiropractic help at that time but nothing made a difference. I was taking a lot of antibiotics in my 20's as I was prone to UTI's. I don't remember which ones. I never took long them for long durations.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? It is new thought to me of dietary fluoride exposure. I have been very careful about fluoridated water and vaccines. I don't do either.
Remedies Tried: I've tried everything that came along that is why financially we are not good. Nothing has made a difference.
Your Theories: I have recently learned that iodine could be the missing link in this. I was recently found to be extremely iodine deficient. Fluoride can only sit on the receptor sites where there is not enough iodine. So it seems that if one is lacking in iodine they are much more susceptible to fluoride toxicity and also heavy metal toxicity. Dr Brownstein has written an excellent book on iodine deficiency and the fluoride connection.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? do you have fatigue and or thyroid problems also.
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Submitted on 2/22/2007:
Name: Candace
City: studio city
State: california
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? yankton south dakota
Where Do You Live Now? studio city ca
How Long Have You Lived There? 20yrs
Your Age? 44
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 25 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? neck pain, throwing up, headache
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? film and tv.. can no longer work
Medical History: sick as child, mono,pneumonia, green fluid in stomach, treated with lots penicillin antibiotics, many accidents -- damage to neck and back from car crash, fall from 25 feet, horse threw me, temp memory loss
Does Exercise Help? yes, start with slow movement, stretching, driving,walking around
What Were Your First Symptoms? throwing up a lot, neck and shoulder pain, low immune system
What Are Your Current Symptoms? burning feeling of labia skin, menstruation knocks me off my feet, neck shoulder low back pain, headaches, irritable bowel, MCS, throwing up, dry mouth,TMJ, dental problems, can't sleep, raynauds phenom, sensitivity to temperatures
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono rheumatic fever
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes very many, grew up farm land chems, film business many chems on stage, paints glues etc. melothone dropped on me twice
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't do anything, i am immobile, no work, can't see family and friends, bankruptcy, loss of 80 percent of capability to function physically and emotionally mood swings
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep, junk food, chemical exposure, cold, walking and lifting, menstruation,
What Makes You Feel Better? being in nature, music, flexiral medication made it possible to eat and be around smells like video store or dr's office. can't sleep without ativan. swimming warm water,eating lots of fish and veggies, staying warm, clean air, sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no but i have a lack of short term memory
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? i took alot of antibiotics as a kid. my symptoms came on over a period of years and continued to increase as i get older. i was in car crash at 17 yrs had bad neck injury and loss of memory and full use of left side
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no didn't know of it. but am avoiding aluminum and chemicals
Remedies Tried: flexiril, nurontin, elival,elmiron,xanax, iub, on a daily basis for 8 years. flexiril helps the most. total dietary change, get out of city.eat a banana when i get a head ace. new thing called head on that u rub on your forehead works good, heat pack on pain area, staying off my feet during menstruation, eliminate shampoos, deodorant, toothpaste
Your Theories: i believe it is caused by exposure to environmental chemicals and eating a lot of processed food and bathroom products, combined by injuries to neck, esp. pollution of air and earth.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? maybe u could ask what other illness we have like raynauds phenom, tm etc.
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Submitted on 2/22/2007:
Name: Loni
City: Boulder
State: Colorado
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Denver, CO
Where Do You Live Now? Boulder, CO
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 24 years
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 14 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 10 years and before
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Architecture, full time student (master's program) and working part time at an Architectural firm
Medical History: sinus issues, chronic pain, chronic illnesses
Does Exercise Help? Walking, biking, swimming, skiing and snow boarding all help in small amounts with a day of rest afterwards. My body takes longer to heal.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Weakness in joints, inability to rest for through the night.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic pain, fatigue, inability to sleep through the night, migraines, ability to get sick easily.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, chronic sinus infection
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Time management is crucial for me. Managing diet, lifestyle and stress affect my life and my fibromyalgia
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, Lack of Sleep, Mental fatigue
What Makes You Feel Better? Diet, Exercise (in moderation), No stress, Acupuncture, Chiropractic
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I am not taking any medicines
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Diet/Food Management, Vitamin supplements
Your Theories: Nope
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

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Submitted on 2/21/2007:
Name: julie
City: webbersfalls
State: ok
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? tulsa
Where Do You Live Now? webbersfalls
How Long Have You Lived There? 6yr
Your Age? 30
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 4yr 6mo
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? home health
Medical History: normal
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? it hurt to be touched
What Are Your Current Symptoms? sore, all over body ache, not sure if it is the muscle or what ... tired
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? it keeps me from doing a lot with my kids and a lot of my every day activity
What Makes Symptoms Worse? movement
What Makes You Feel Better? not a whole lot. tanning beds, sun
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? not sure
Remedies Tried: never been treated
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
--------------------------------------------

Submitted on 2/21/2007:
Name: michelle
City: portland
State: Or.
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? romania
Where Do You Live Now? portland
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 34
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? approx. 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? medical assistant for 3 years, caregiver in a adult care home,stay at home mom now.
Medical History: chronic headaches since 5 years old, swollen salivary glands, ovarian cysts.
Does Exercise Help? walking helps, any other type of exercise seems to make it worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in neck and shoulders.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiff neck and shoulders, hip pain, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, brain fogginess, lump on the back of my neck, insomnia, sore throat.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't know.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? made my very depressed, lost all my friends
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, insomnia, exercise.
What Makes You Feel Better? MY HOT TUB, massage, magnesium, B complex.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES... can't concentrate, blurry vision, can't focus on one thing at a time, attention deficit disorder (for sure).
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? don't take any drugs, just Advil pm
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't drink tap water.
Remedies Tried: magnesium and calcium, B complex (helps a lot with lack of energy),
Your Theories: I'm wondering if this started because of untreated infection of my salivary glands. Could it be MG deficiency?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 2/21/2007:
Name: Susan
City: Lynn
State: MA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Boston, MA
Where Do You Live Now? Lynn, MA
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 48
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 6 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal Admin. Yes
Medical History: Diagnosed with double breast infection 2 months after I gave birth. I was nursing at the time and continued as it resolved.
Does Exercise Help? In the beginning it helped a lot. I had more energy, etc. Within last 2 yrs. it has become almost impossible due to exhaustion, pain and flu-like symptoms. It enhances the symptoms of Fibro.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Exhaustion, lack of concentration, brain fog, body aches.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same as above, plus depression, migraines, stamina, dizziness/faintness.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I went from a happy, energetic, fun, full-time hard working person to someone I do not recognize. I can only work part-time and much of the responsibility for the household falls to my husband which has created stress in my marriage. My daughter asks why I need to rest so much and why I can run around and play with her in the park.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Pushing beyond my limits i.e., working, entertaining, stress, lack of restful night's sleep, depression, weather has an effect also
What Makes You Feel Better? Ambien, Advil, hot baths, resting, massage.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES, YES, OH YES.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Symptoms began slowly.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Advil, Ativan, Hot packs, aspirin, herbs, mineral supplements, acupuncture, Reiki, meditation, exercise, working part-time, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Klonopin.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No

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Submitted on 2/20/2007:
Name: Fred
City: Fletcher
State: NC
Your Sex: M
Where Were You Born? New Bedford, MA
Where Do You Live Now? North Carolina
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 month
Your Age? 64
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 22 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? computers, yes
Medical History: Nothing significant
Does Exercise Help? Yes when I am able to. Free weights.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe pain in both shoulder joints, followed shortly by pain in knees and then finger joints
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle and joint pain 24/7 in all joints randomly varying in the degree of pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I know of
Any Military Service? yes, 4 years
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of, testing showed no significant levels of them
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? made it miserable and just about has ruined it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? pain comes as it pleases
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing except for a eight month stretch when steroids made me symptom free. Boy was that wonderful :) but alas it stopped working
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Oh yes, it sure does
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I believe it was trauma induced. May have hurt shoulder playing racquetball and then it went wild
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: everything available that docs would let me have. Every NSAID known I think
Your Theories: Methyl prednisone (dose pack) gave me immediate and full relief for almost a year when taken a dose pack every 4 months or so. Alas I must have developed a tolerance and it no longer works. Docs are leery giving it to me so I can't find out if increasing the doses would help again :(
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? See if I am the only one who got such dramatic improvement from steroids.

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

Submitted on 2/20/2007:
Name: Sandy
City: Akron
State: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 of 46 years
Your Age? 46
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? Social Services, no, unable due to exacerbated symptoms from previous job.
Medical History: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, migraines, dizziness, carpal tunnel, tension headaches, allergies
Does Exercise Help? Walking sometimes helps, but can also increase symptoms. I never know which result I will get. Stretching helps the stiffness, though.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Documented--muscle pain, extreme fatigue. Migraines and dizziness may have been early signs, though.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain
, fatigue, migraines, dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome, confusion, brain fog, limited focus and attention span, sleep disorder.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not sure. Did have a long-term low grade fever several years ago.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? In public drinking water, second hand smoke, perfumes (others').
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have gone from a master's level psychotherapist/social worker to applying for disability because I have pain all the time, I am so tired I sometimes can't shower in the morning, and I can't concentrate on anything for long periods. I am easily confused.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress! Physical, emotional, mental, whatever--stress makes it worse.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much: heat sometimes helps some of the pain. Have found nothing to help the cognitive problems or fatigue.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely! I used to be a very cognitively-oriented person, very analytical. Now I'm lucky to be able to type on the computer or follow a two-hour movie.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Personally, I think the symptoms were gradually starting a while before I was diagnosed. When I was diagnosed, the symptoms became severe very quickly. I thought at the time it was due to the excessive stress of my last job. I was tired for quite some time before I was diagnosed, and my doctor thought I had physical symptoms of depression, so she prescribed Paxil.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I tried avoiding tap water, for a variety of reasons, but never felt that it made a difference either way.
Remedies Tried: Oh, my! Current meds are: Pamelor, Cymbalta for pain, Acifex and Bentyl (and Phenergan prn) for IBS, fioricet for migraines, Antivert for dizziness, Flexeril, as well as meds for hypertension and thyroid when needed. I also take MSM and malic acid, which help with the pain a little.
Your Theories: I've read some recent material suggesting that fibro may be a function of a problem with the pain center in the brain--that people with fibro react more to pain than others. Sounds promising, but doesn't explain the other symptoms.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not sure

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

Submitted on 2/20/2007:
Name: Susan
City: San Angelo
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New York
Where Do You Live Now? Texas
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 43
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? over ten years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30-35
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? Office worker/still working full time
Medical History: Patella Femoral Syndrome/Stress fracture in feet/Acid reflux, insomnia/Achilles tendonitis/Alcoholism
Does Exercise Help? Walking and stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain, muscle aches/tenderness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant aches and pain/tenderness all over body/acid reflux/insomnia/live in dread of well meaning people who attempt to pat me on the back or arm or try to massage my neck or shoulders
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I'm aware of
Any Military Service? not for me but army brat until age 10 or 11.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I'm aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? fight not to get depressed, most days try not to cry over just how bad I feel. I try not to let it change my life much and try to carry on as I always have.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold weather, stress, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? walking,stretching type exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? In a way, it's like I know what I want to say but I can't get it out of my mouth.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: I am prescribed 5mg Flexeril tid and 600mg Ibuprofen prn but I only take them when I just can't take the pain anymore. My current 30 day prescription of Flexeril has lasted almost 6 months
Your Theories: I am a recovering alcoholic with fifteen years of sobriety. Has anyone look into the affects of alcoholism or addiction the incidence of fibro? Thanks for the opportunity to talk.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can think of

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Submitted on 2/18/2007:
Name: Marilyn
City: Bastrop
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pennsylvania
Where Do You Live Now? Texas
How Long Have You Lived There? 4years
Your Age? 56
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 13years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? Disabled

Medical History: Rheumatic fever WPW Syndrome broke my neck in 93 surgery in 94 IBS, Gerd, Hiatal Hernia, gall bladder removed, surgery with two titanium cages in my back 12/06
Does Exercise Help? yes, when I am able which isn't very often walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe fatigue everything aching weakness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same if not worse
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono twice second much worse rbc'4
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? worked with radio isotopes for allergy testing 5years
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I try not to think about it, brain fog and memory problems along with the pain to the bones, it's affected my life in every way
What Makes Symptoms Worse? antiqued, stress
|What Makes You Feel Better? rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I don't remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, other than a water purifier
Remedies Tried: It's been so long I don't remember
Your Theories: I wish more Doctors were familiar with this condition. I am in a different state and I'm afraid to even mention it to my doctors
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? reviewing different info from other suffers we are all in the same boat, do you know of a way out?

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

Submitted on 2/18/2007
Name: Georgianna
City: Colo. Spgs.
State: Colo.
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Trenton, N.J.
Where Do You Live Now? Colo. Springs Co.
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 yrs.
Your Age? 56
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 9 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? Housekeeping NO
Medical History: Nothing
Does Exercise Help? Very little, dance to music
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in hips/brain fog/pinching/neck & back pain/ jaw pain stiffness/eye twitching
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiffness/sore knees hips/elbows/pain everywhere/ fatigued daily
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Records show I have a human parvo virus
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? chemicals yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? no energy/hate to go out tire quickly/ must go out & walk the dog
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress/ overdoing
What Makes You Feel Better? Sun, sitting in sun helps much. Hot shower
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, it's plain awful - forget what I was saying/going to do/at times where I am
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, NO drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: You name it I tried it Nothing helps/nothing works/meds. make me worse I am off all meds now feel better,did a body cleanse/no red meat/fruit salad chicken/water/coffee ACV/coconut oil just started a mo. ago/ & a water filter/fluoride in water here. except for fatigue its getting better No brain fog
Your Theories: I only know I was healthy before this fibro or at lease felt that way now have osteo/rhuematory so they say. I don't like taking meds.Doctors, I do not trust. Could be stress over yrs. up tight constantly & the trauma cause the brain to go haywire. I do think this is from back sending wrong signals to the brain
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I was in a car accident than here comes the nightmare of Fibro

Submitted on 2/15/2007:
Name:         Connie
City:     Eaton
State:     Ohio
Your Sex:   Female
Where Were You Born?   Odon, Indiana
Where Do You Live Now?   Eaton, Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There?  44 years
Your Age?  64
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia?  30 years?
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?   30 ?
What is Your Line of Work?  Still Working? Real Estate Sales, later Water Conditioning, still working
Medical History:  two children, hyperthyroid in 20's and 30's, low grade allergies, reflux, hypothyroid after 45, pain back hips legs etc.  
Does Exercise Help?   No, but injury or sore muscles makes it worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms?  Late teenage hip joint pain.  late twenties back muscle and spine pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms?   Aches that may hit almost any place and
pain down my legs that stops any activity and wakes me at night.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?   maybe, as a child severe unexplained stomach pain, I remember floor burns on my hips it hurt so bad.
Any Military Service?   none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?  Striped paint and varnish. was beautician for about 3 years
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?  I want to do things, but I don't because it hurts.  Even house work is starting to lag.  I want to redecorate, I would like to play golf again, And I would like to stand and cook a meal with out pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Standing, bending, moving my legs when sitting sometimes sets it off.  Opening the car door will set off the back muscles.
What Makes You Feel Better?  Feldene capsules, my doctor said this could be gout years ago.  I don't take them often. And pain pills which I don't take often
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog?  yes, but so do my migraine headaches,
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?  I was very healthy until I took birth control pills. Or the birth control and becoming hyperthyroid hit me at the same time. I lost weight. I had thyroid storms for 4 years. Until a doctor found the problem in my late 20's
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, but only in the water we drink, since about 1980 at home.
Remedies Tried:   Chiropractors, Allergy tests and shots, doctors, MRI of back results not back, and Feldene. Pain medication for Headaches take not more than two days per week. 
Theories:  Paternal Grandfather had gout? Maternal Grandmother died at 99 but had pain and tics. Parents no pain or gout known. I don't know cause.
Questions: We own a water conditioning company and see the problems caused by chemicals and natural occurring minerals.  Ask for water source, city or well. And family incidence of pain.

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

Submitted on 2/15/2007:
Name:         Monique
City:     Canby
State:     OR
Your Sex:   Female
Where Were You Born?   Holyoke, Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now?   Canby, Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There?  20 years
Your Age?  45
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia?  4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?   41
What is Your Line of Work?  Still Working? Full time evangelizer, yes
Medical History:  Good Health, low energy though since adolescence. Had mono at 12.
Does Exercise Help?   Stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms?  Aching hips
What Are Your Current Symptoms?   Aching hips and back
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?   Yes, recently had HPV. Got it and had fibromyalgia symptoms ever since.
Any Military Service?   No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?  I don't think so, except cleaning chemicals, the ones you buy over the counter, used to have a housecleaning business, often didn't wear gloves.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?  I am fatigued often. I don't feel I have the energy to do anything more than what I have to do, spend 3 and a half days a week evangelizing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. for me and my husband.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Coffee for sure. I recently quit drinking it and noticed a significant reduction in pain. I'm not sure what else worsens it but something must because I'm not drinking coffee and I just had a very bad flare up.
What Makes You Feel Better?  Rest I think, and not being over stressed about things.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog?  Yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?  Yes but I wasn't taking any drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? We do filter our drinking water with a very good filtration system but other than that, no.
Remedies Tried:   I used to take amatritylene and trazadone at night which worked very well for reducing pain but they made me very groggy in the morning, hard to get going, and I don't like the idea of taking drugs long term because I worry about there future effects, so I quit it.
Theories:  None
Questions: Not that I can think of right now.

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Submitted on 2/14/2007:
Name:         JENNIFER
City:     GREENVILLE
State:    SC
Your Sex:   FEMALE
Where Were You Born?   SC
Where Do You Live Now?   SC
How Long Have You Lived There?  ALL MY LIFE
Your Age?  27
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia?  NOT SURE/4 YEARS?
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?   23?
What is Your Line of Work?  Still Working? STAY AT HOME MOM
Medical History:  MENINGITIS AS A BABY, FLUCTUATING HYPOTHYROIDISM
Does Exercise Help?   IT HELPS A LITTLE TO KEEP MOVING, TOO MUCH EXERCISE IS NOT A GREAT IDEA
What Were Your First Symptoms?  BURNING SKIN, BACK AND NECK PAIN, ANXIETY, HEAVY FEELING IN LEGS
What Are Your Current Symptoms?   aCHES AND PAINS IN JOINTS, MUSCLE FATIGUE, TWITCHES IN LEGS, A LUMP ON THE BACK OF MY NECK
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?   MENINGITIS
Any Military Service?   NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?  SECONDHAND CIGARETTE SMOKE, CHEMICALS IN CHEMISTRY CLASSES, CLEANING CHEMICALS, INSECT REPELLANT CHEMICALS IN MY HOME
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?  I FEEL BAD AND WONDER IF IT COULD BE SOMETHING FATAL (A MISDIAGNOSIS), I CAN'T BE AS ACTIVE AS I USED TO BE
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STANDING/WALKING FOR LONG PERIODS, EXTREME HEAT/COLD, STRESS, NOT EATING/DRINKING AS WELL AS I SHOULD
What Makes You Feel Better?  A "SLOW" DAY, EATING 6 SMALL HEALTHY MEALS, DRINKING LOTS OF WATER, TAKING A MULTI-VITAMIN DAILY
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog?  SOMETIMES--WITH A BAD FLARE-UP
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?  YES---BUT THE ONLY DRUGS I REMEMBER TAKING WERE ANTIBIOTICS. 
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried:   NONE SPECIFICALLY FOR FIBRO--IT WASN'T FORMALLY DIAGNOSED UNTIL RECENTLY
Theories:  MIGHT BE RELATED TO SPINE DAMAGE AND EXTREME STRESS/ANXIETY? MIGHT BE RELATED TO CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS? PREGNANCY MAKES IT WORSE.
Are we Missing Any Important Questions? FAMILY HISTORY, HEAVY MEDAL EXPOSURE, CHILDHOOD VACCINATION HISTORY, OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
----------------------------------------------------------------

Submitted on 2/14/2007:

Name:         Lori
City:     Jacksovnille
State:     Florida
Your Sex:     Female
Where Were You Born?   Knoxville, TN
Where Do You Live Now?   Jacksonville, FL
How Long Have You Lived There?  5 years
Your Age?  17 1/2
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia?  2 1/2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms?   15 1/2 
What is Your Line of Work? Still Working? Full time student
part time retail work
Medical History:  none
strep throat x1 only
Does Exercise Help?   Unable to do but used to be in ROTC and very physically active and physically fit until I became ill
What Were Your First Symptoms?  flu-like symptoms
nausea, aches, pains, stomach pain in pit, migraine
What Are Your Current Symptoms?   extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, chronic migraine, chronic back pain, chronic stomach pain, chronic nausea, back pain, rib cage pain, mental slowness, slight depression, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?   symptoms started one summer like a virus that never resolved and continued to get worse starting in stomach and then including head
Any Military Service?   none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?  unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?  impacted every part of my life, unable to conduct daily living activities without frequent rest periods
difficulty in concentrating
difficulty in eating and tolerating all the food I used to love
total impact on my very physically active life style
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of rest
stressful situations
What Makes You Feel Better?  rest
NSAID's
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog?  yes I have very difficult time concentrating
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?  no my symptoms are chronic now
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no was not aware of this information but will do so now
Remedies Tried:   all of the stomach medications,
several seizure medications
All of the NSAID
 Theories:  I got a virus that did not resolve and culminated in chronic illness and the virus is unidentified at this point
Questions: Yes, my father is a military man as our family has moved all over the country.  I was exposed to many different environments.  I started out in the south, spent equal amounts of time in the north as well as the south.
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Submitted on 2/13/2007:
Name: Shelia
City: Jasper
State: Alabama
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Haleyville, Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Jasper, Alabama
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 40
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? disability
Medical History: hypothyroidism, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis
Does Exercise Help? Makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue, extreme
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, pain, poor sleep, mental fog, sensitivity to cold
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? none known
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? lead in well water
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? makes going to the gym irregular due to symptoms, in bed a lot due to feeling cold and exhausted, poor sleep during bouts
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? if I can sleep decently
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I'm on medications for medical conditions that I have been on long term.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: pain medicine (ultram)
Theories: I wish more doctors recognized it. One acted like I was a hypochondriac and refused to treat me.
Questions: I have noticed that a lot of others also experience osteoarthritis with their fibromyalgia.

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