Fibromyalgia Case Studies: March 5 - March 19, 2007

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Submitted on 3/19/2007
Name: Karen
City: melbourne beach
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 yrs
Your Age? 55
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? since early 40's
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? late 30's
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Still Working - Financial Consultant
Medical History: Mostly normal stuff and then started having severe hip joint pain when trying to exercise, walk or do anything for any length of time.
Does Exercise Help? No exercise makes it worse, but I do it anyway.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I felt like someone had hit me with a hammer, especially on my left thigh - I kept looking for the bruises, but there were none, I also had other "sore" spots, that did not go away. Then the hip joint pain started and greatly interfered with my life.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Sore spots, left thigh area is the worst. Horrible hip joint pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, several; one in particular was not long before these problems started happening. They said I had some kind of viral infection, but were not sure what it was. I was on antibiotics then and again for the Flu and for several sinus infections.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? When I was 6 I got into a large bag of powered poison - and played in it. My parents called the doctor, but when I did not have any symptoms to speak of they did nothing. The town I grew up in was very proud that they were one of the first towns to Fluorinate their water. I drink mostly water and always have.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It prevents me from doing many things like walking, exercising without pain and makes me live in pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Any walking, standing or exercise - it just cripples your life.
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat - soaking in hot water AND floating in water.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!! I thought I was getting Alzheimer's, or going crazy. The Dr. put me on Tradazone - that make the Fog much worse, he also tried seratonin drugs, but again the help was worse than the Fibro.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, it just seemed to come on suddenly. I took Phen Fen and Cipro around the time that all got worse.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have just this week started taking Guai and trying to avoid the foods that interfere. But I continue to drink water thru a Brita Filter.
Remedies Tried: The doctors tested me for years and years and kept recommending pain meds which I would not take unless I was in severe pain. I've just given up with the Docs on this.....doesn't get me anywhere.
Your Theories: I have always had sleep problems and I participated in a study at Shands Hospital in Gainsville Fl., I think the Doctors focus was on hormones and a lack of sleep. I also have hypo thyroid which went untreated until 5 yrs ago.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/18/2007
Name: Elaine
City: Attica
State: Mi
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Detroit MI
Where Do You Live Now? Attica, Mi
How Long Have You Lived There? 15yrs.
Your Age? 67
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 13 yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 54
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Homemaker
Medical History: fell in bathtub
Does Exercise Help? water aerobics
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain some days even my skin hurts IBS brain fog, Sleep cannot, stiffness, I am so tired I could stay in bed all day.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? My Mom used to spray with fly spray all the time in summer. I lived on a farm for twenty years where they sprayed with airplanes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can't clean my house like I used to. I can't attend functions where you have to sit for hours. Even church is getting too hard for me.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold, storms stress and working for any amount of time.
What Makes You Feel Better? Warm water, aleve, sometimes
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes until I had a bad fall in tub
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: aleve, flexeril ,pain meds, massage
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/18/2007:
Name: Christine
City: Enoree
State: SC
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Chattanooga, TN
Where Do You Live Now? Enoree, SC
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 years
Your Age? 51
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? diagnosed 9 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? produce clerk - still working
Medical History: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Candida, TMJ, fatigue, muscle pain, carpal tunnel, Rocky Mnt. Spotted Fever, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, osteoarthritis, sciatica
Does Exercise Help? can only walk for exercise, job is strenuous - lifting alot
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, muscle pain started after having Rocky Mnt. Spotted Fever and getting a hepatitis B vaccine
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle pain, fatigue, arthritis in hands feet and spine, insomnia, off and on brain fog, anxiety
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - took weeks to recover
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? had mercury fillings, but all gone
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? All I do is work; I have no energy to anything else. I don't sleep well because of pain. Can't get comfortable. Hard to have sex with my husband due to pain and fatigue.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exercise, not getting enough restful sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? sitting in hot tub; acupuncture (can't afford to do it very often), massage (no deep tissue massage), chiropractic
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? doing fairly well on brain fog, but when first diagnosed - I would be driving and either not know where I was or no know were I was going.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I biked and white-water canoed - boundless energy (had migraines, though). I took tetracycline for a couple of month for Rocky Mnt. Spotted Fever and I also had a hep.B vaccine
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, I only drink bottled or well water
Remedies Tried: ultram, Effexor, Zoloft, Guafenisine, magnezium, CQ10, Acupuncture, chiropractic, massages
Your Theories: I feel I may have had symptoms in my teens (growing pains, migraines), but symptoms really came to a head after a bout of Rocky Mnt. Spotted Fever and a Hep B vaccine
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: Amy
City: Reston
State: VA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Granite City, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Northern VA
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 48
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mortgage Bsmking
Medical History: obesity, asthma
Does Exercise Help? Exercise didn't help. Armour Thyroid took away SEVERE pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in foot, Then pain in forearms.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? ? I no longer have the pain. I still have gluten & casseinate intolerance. Also eggs. I still have some chronic fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? None known. None found in testing
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? ? Swimming pools?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I've learned how bad the medical community is. Until I found the Natural Thyroid Hormone group on Yahoo, I was nearly disabled.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Soluble fiber... stay away from fiber supplements (inulin, or too much guar gum. Happens every time. Iodine makes it worse too.
What Makes You Feel Better? Armour Thyroid. I'm on 5.5 grains.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I had that BIG time. My treatment began in Nov 2006, and I'm getting much better. So much better!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I think the start was long before, but I do think something I took accelerated the autoimmune reaction I was using a fiber supplement. Not psyllium... rather it was a soluble fiber.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I do not disagree with this. Something has clogged the receptors, cascading to cellular dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, lower hormones, etc.
Remedies Tried: Armour Thyroid worked! The pain just sort of went away at about 4 grains. Dr. Lowe, and Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum are right. There IS a cure for Fibro! Dr. Derry. And Dr. Durant-Peatfield. Read the books!
Your Theories: Please! There is a reason Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum opened all those centers for fibro & chronic fatigue. He HAD those diseases himself. He is right! I'm not the only person saying this. Talk to others at Natural Thyroid Hormones on Yahoo group.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Hormonal testing!Nutritional deficiencies! Vitamin D. chicken or egg. Dr. Lowe has the best web info. I've got a ton of books that are all right on the money. Dr. Lowe IS right! There IS a cure. Get the word out. We do not have to suffer any more. I've been there! Talk to others' who have gotten better at [email protected] . Get the books or read http://www.drlowe.com/QandA/askdrlowe/whatisfms.htm. He is right!
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Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: Catherine
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Tacoma, Washington State
Where Do You Live Now? Chicago, IL
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 53
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 26 + years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? ~ 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Billing - I must work
Medical History: Asthma, IBS, hypothyroidism (hashimoto's), Medullary Sponge Kidney, CTS
Does Exercise Help? Not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in left hip
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Widespread pain, although it is better now on Armour, but still very stiff in the a.m.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mercury in my amalgams
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have lost many years to Fibro/HypoT
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep!
What Makes You Feel Better? Getting adequate sleep and having my Armour & Iodoral iodine
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, I have never been healthy my whole life; as a small child I had many HypoT symptoms that were never caught or treated.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I live in a big city; very hard to avoid.
Remedies Tried: Armour thyroid, which I continue on, sleep meds, supplements, etc. The usual.
Your Theories: Hypothyroidism is one definite cause of Fibro.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Ask about hypothyroidism and Fibro and see how many responses you get.
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Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: Altea
City: Ashland
State: OR
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Ajaccio, Corsica FR.
Where Do You Live Now? USA
How Long Have You Lived There? 9 years
Your Age? 56
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 1 year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teaching, counseling
Medical History: 1955-57 Tuberculosis 1959 Rhumatoidal Purpura 2005 Hypothyroid
Does Exercise Help? swimming,
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in the legs while walking.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in my legs, pain in my hips, tiredness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am weaker
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Doing heavy things, like house cleaning, traveling in plane.
What Makes You Feel Better? Swimming, resting with my legs up
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: Homeopathic remedies. Gnaphalium Poly-cephalum 200CK Belladona200CK
Your Theories: Since then I am weaker and tired very quick.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: Tanya
City: Perth
State: Western Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New Zealand
Where Do You Live Now? Perth
How Long Have You Lived There? 8 years
Your Age? 30
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? Since childhood
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 5 or 6 yrs of age
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Studying full time, working part time. Studying Nursing
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Yes, exercise that increases the heart rate such as jogging or cross trainer machine at the gym.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Irritable Bladder/Frequency, pain in my left shoulder
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, Frequency, IBS, Aching muscles, pain moves around, sleep problems - wake very easily and hard to get back to sleep, memory problems, burning eyes, low moods.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Recurring Tonsillitis in my 20's. Bronchitis.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Pesticides as I was Brought up on an Orchard for 16 years.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Fatigue and Pain effects my daily living.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, physical activity
What Makes You Feel Better? Lying down, meditation, yoga, exercise if I have the energy, a good nights sleep (Dothep) helps with this.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: MSM Fish Oil Vital Greens Probiotics Natural Hormone Replacement Dotheipin (Sleep) Stilnox Maca Goji Berries Siberian Ginseng Withania
Your Theories: Dothep helps with sleep Stilnox helps when I know I am not going to sleep. Goji berries help with energy levels, Maca helps a little with energy, Siberian Ginseng and Withania help for stress and energy.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: Elaine
City: Glen Burnie
State: Maryland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Portsmouth VA
Where Do You Live Now? Glen Burnie MD
How Long Have You Lived There? 38 years
Your Age? 42
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? diagnosed for 5 years believe since about 14
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 14
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? administrative/yes
Medical History: neck injury at 14; gallbladder; chronic severe depression; mono; scarlet fever; sarcoidosis; severe migraines age 14-20
Does Exercise Help? moderate walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? exhaustion; muscle pain/weakness; tender points on body but didn't know what they were
What Are Your Current Symptoms? trigger points; muscle aches and tenderness; exhaustion
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not sure
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? household; work in a complex with many hazardous materials
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? how do I count them? problems on the job are the biggest issues due to exhaustion; sleeping too much and missing out on life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not getting good rest and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes but I often relate that to high sugar intake
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Don't recall, really. Often got "weird" illnesses or symptoms that so many (including doctors) ignored, made fun of or accused me of being "emotional"
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. Never heard of this before.
Remedies Tried: anti-depressents; heavy sleep medications; heavy pain meds; chiro (wonderful!)
Your Theories: My immune system is totally out of whack as is almost all the women in my family, immediate and extended.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? None I can think of.
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Submitted on 3/15/2007:
Name: patty
City: ocean view
State: Hawaii
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? wichita KS
Where Do You Live Now? Hawaii
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 months
Your Age? 44
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? for at least 5 years, maybe more
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? bus driver, not working at present
Medical History: may have been hyper, tests never showed it, but docs always suspected, had baby at 35, became hypo, officially diagnosed with fibro last year,
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? migraines, exhaustion, foggy thinking, memory lapses, sleep disturbances, body aches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same, but with fewer body aches right now
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no, but in one year I got strep throat and tonsillitis both twice in the space of 3 or 4 months
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? worked in health care, exposed to cleaners and toxic fumes, black mold in building
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? people think I'm crazy, lazy, undisciplined, I don't feel like doing anything, tired of my body being out of control
What Makes Symptoms Worse? chemicals, perfumes, stress, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes prenatal vitamins
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, bottled water and fluoride free toothpaste all I used for years
Remedies Tried: synthroid, estrogen, amitriptyline, adderall, provigil, armour thyroid, caffeine pills, various antidepressants
Your Theories: I suspect it's thyroid related, docs are too quick to pass out antidepressants instead of looking for the physical cause of depression, treat the cause NOT the symptom and we'll all get better. the crap they put in our food and water is a big problem. soy and hormones are mixed into everything, kids are hitting early puberty and having thyroid problems, but instead of recognizing the mutation for what it is, physicians just say 'that's the norm for now.'
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? how many of us have been accused of hypochondria, illicit drug use, or faking it?

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Submitted on 3/14/2007:
Name: Brook
City: Rock Island
State: IL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Silvis, Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? Quad Cities, Illinois
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 25
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? Who really knows...it seems that I've always had some sort of symptom since I was very young.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? My debilitating symptoms started around the age of 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Clerical. Yes
Medical History: Appendix 1993 Gall Bladder 2003
Does Exercise Help? Swimming is wonderful although I do need to use my wheelchair afterward because my muscle just won't hold me up. I have recently started using an elliptical and a core ball exercise. As long as I don't over do it, it seems to help.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Generalized pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic pain, IBS, Restless leg, myofacial pain, chronic fatigue, migraines, muscular weakness, muscle spasms, fibro fog, stiffness....the list goes on and on
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus?
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? My father worked around aluminum. Basic household chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? in almost every aspect...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? to much or not enough activity, weather, stress, not enough sleep, menstrual cycle, too many meds...
What Makes You Feel Better? lots and lots of sleep, a healthy diet and some light exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have what I call flair ups. I'll be fine and then I cramp up and have SEVER pain. When this happens I end up in our local Emergency Room getting my "fibro cocktail" Morphine, Zanaflex, and Benedryl. They observe me for a couple hours send me home and I sleep for up to 20 hours.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? This is the first I've heard of it. I'm sure gonna give it a try though.
Remedies Tried: Pain meds, muscle relaxers, meds for the side effects of both the pain and muscle relaxers. Antidepressants, sleep aids, physical therapy, chiropractic care (most helpful)
Your Theories: I gotta keep on living my life the best I can cause nobody is gonna do it for me. I've found the holistic remedies have been more beneficial than the medical remedies for the long run. The medical remedies seem to work in a pinch but really who wants to walk around being a medicated zombie the rest of their lives.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/14/2007:
Name: Jennifer
City: Huntsville
State: Al
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Jasper, Al
Where Do You Live Now? Huntsville, AL
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 yrs
Your Age? 48
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 3 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Housing Mgr - yes -have to
Medical History: hypothyroid
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? mine was from a car accident, hip pain, fatigue, no sleep, joint pain, flu that did not go away
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant pain, fatigue all the time, do not sleep well, brain fog, no memory, just hard to get thru the day
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have no life now. I go to work and come home and go to bed. Who wouldn't stay depressed? I miss my family and my life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Work, stress, not getting the required amount of rest
What Makes You Feel Better? To know that maybe someday my family will understand that I was not lazy - but sick. On the weekends if I can rest that helps.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes - daily
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I started taking ultracet for pain.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Ultracet for pain, elevil to sleep & Imitrex as needed for migraines & Topamax daily for migraines
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/14/2007:
Name: Barbara
City: Montreal
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Detroit,Michigan,USA
Where Do You Live Now? Montreal,Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 Years
Your Age? 61
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 1997
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Interior Designer Not working
Medical History: Very Good Skier
Does Exercise Help? Pilates
What Were Your First Symptoms? Overall pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Constant overall pain. Stiffness Focus and Lack of Concentration Fatigue Bowel Problems Lack of interest in previous hobbies. Memory
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? ?
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Garden and Lawn
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Every aspect. Can no longer work. Finical Quality of Life
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather. Stress. Not enough rest. Overdoing house work or everyday activities. Diet
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep Calm in my environment. Diet. Pilates Massage Lymphatic Drainage Sun Shine Walking Swimming B6, B12 Grape Seed Extract
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes!!!!!!!!!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No! After car accident
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Paxill etc. After one year of diagnosis, to help me sleep. Prescribed by pain management doctor. Stopped after one year. Sleeping all the time and no interest in life. Best results from Swimming and Pilates. Diet and Herbs Massage and lymphatic drainage.
Your Theories: I can no longer afford the private Pilates (Group or class Pilates too difficult for fibro suffers) Only do 30 Minutes at private!!!! Massages Drainage
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How can we get affordable fibro health centers open thru out the US
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Submitted on 3/13/2007:
Name: Susan
City: Campti
State: Louisiana
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? New Mexico
Where Do You Live Now? Louisiana
How Long Have You Lived There? 39 years
Your Age? 47
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? secretary yes
Medical History: nothing significant
Does Exercise Help? no, makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? aches/pain/fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aches/pain/fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none/father did
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? over exertion of any kind, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? rest/medication
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? maybe none
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: pain meds guaifenesen
Your Theories: change of diet helped somewhat
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? previous to fibro, lifelong poor diet, junk food, carbs, etc and excessive consumption of CocaCola
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Submitted on 3/13/2007:
Name: Larney
City: Brisbane
State: Qld, Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Brisbane
Where Do You Live Now? Brisbane
How Long Have You Lived There? All my life
Your Age? 57
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? most of my life, first collapse at 14 needed blood transfusions for low blood count but doctors didn't know why. was tested for everything.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? first remember bouts of chronic tiredness as a child
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher, yes part time
Medical History: back pain, chronic tiredness, muscle pain, sleeplessness, stomach pain, headaches, poor sight, easily catch infections etc etc
Does Exercise Help? during exercise yes but suffer after for a couple of days, but don't stop, need to keep busy.
What Were Your First Symptoms? chronic lack of energy nose bleeds and headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? everything on the list on this site but back pain, tiredness and just feeling depressed worst at present. hard to get good sleep
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Ross river virus back in 1982 and glandular fever 2004
Any Military Service? none parents did in Australia in WW2
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? probably many but DDT amongst them as parents had farm and used dieldrin. Father exposed to large doses of chemicals as a young man, arsenic one of them.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I would like to have normal energy and be free of pain. I feel like I could have achieved so much more.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I am not sure but get bad bouts often. Can't remember ever feeling great. Menopause has been long and chronic (15 yrs)
What Makes You Feel Better? I was best when I was pregnant but went down hill after each birth with chronic tiredness
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes and found it was always hard to study amongst other things but memory not good ever
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? never really healthy remember headaches and aches and pains and vomiting as a child and nose bleeds
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? didn't know about the fluoride side of this until tonight but as a child was not given fluoride tablets or fluoridated water however getting over a dose of antibiotics has always been hard
Remedies Tried: Doctor has me on vitamins and now does regular blood checks to see what I am low in. He was the one who diagnosed me with CFS in 2005. Acupuncture treatments are my latest and they help in the short term. Nice relief.
Your Theories: I have always been under the assumption that it is something to do with the environment but trying pin it down has been difficult. I have been to doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists you name it. All make me feel better for first couple of visits then back to normal. Am at a loss but will try ACV and baking soda and see where it takes me.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? You could ask how active generally people are. I remain very active and because of this people often think I am very healthy. I find it better to do something as sitting around or sleeping is generally too painful. I know others who are sports people who have had to stop because of it but remain active because to stop is worse. You just work through the pain and cramps. Also I find painkillers useless mostly.
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Submitted on 3/10/2007:
Name: Lauren
City: Yucca Valley
State: CA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? New York
Where Do You Live Now? Yucca Valley
How Long Have You Lived There? seven years
Your Age? 46
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? since 1993
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? homemaker, homeschool parent, ballet teacher
Medical History: nothing remarkable
Does Exercise Help? yes, ballet
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe viral infection
What Are Your Current Symptoms? currently at 85% remission, "attacks" of severe pain occur three months or so.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? other than the one that kicked off the FM? no.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? FM was chronic and debilitating part of my life for eleven years
What Makes Symptoms Worse? SUGAR, simple carbs
What Makes You Feel Better? no sugar and then later I added exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, I became sick suddenly, active symptoms lasted about 10 days, FM was left in wake
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: I use muscle relaxers such as Skelaxin for severe pain, otherwise I stick to my sugar-free diet.
Your Theories: I believe my body was severely weakened by the virus that initially sickened my. It took over ten years for my body to get strong enough to fight it. Getting off sugar helped me get stronger.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? yes. You should ask people what kind of diet they have.
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Submitted on 3/9/2007:
Name: Marcia
City: Lansing
State: MI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Mi
Where Do You Live Now? Mi
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 years
Your Age? 62
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 4 months knowing I had it
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 56
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Do a little volunteer
Medical History: severe mono at 22 though symptoms were light, Hashimoto thyroid disease, gall bladder removed, mitral heart value, gerd Two frozen shoulders
Does Exercise Help? So far exercise seems to make pain worse though may give more range of motion Stationary bike for arms also
What Were Your First Symptoms? At age 56 stiffness in lower legs upon waking up and after riding in car. Went away as I walked a little ways. Went away when thyroid doctor diagnosed my thyroid disease and was at optimal range. Dr. said many of his fibro patients noted that. At the time didn't know I had early symptoms of fibro
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Can barely get out of bed in morning, dress self or bend. Stiffness has gone from hips to feet to shoulders to neck worse below waist, sometimes in back. Stiffness main problem some pain in muscles also
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Had the mono virus for probably a year before blood levels were normal
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Probably lead in older homes and in redecorating older homes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can dress myself in morning but only with a lot of effort and some pain, don't like to get out much. Can barely walk after sitting in a restaurant, have curtailed many activities, even grocery shopping can be hard on legs, takes lots of energy to walk
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not taking motrin, walking or doing any work I used to love doing for a long period of time
What Makes You Feel Better? My stiffness seems to get better as day goes on, then comes back. Motrin seems to help. Didn't think so but stopped it one day and husband had to lift me out of bed and move my legs to help me walk. Warm water helps but can't get in a position in tub without severe pain Very hot showers feels good as cold seems hard to take
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Don't know, My brain is foggy at times anyway. Use to notice it esp. during my periods. It takes effort to read books that take a lot of thought. Haven't notices a real difference yet though.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? First symptoms came on gradually in hips and buttocks thought overdoing fall yard work. Then within a week or two became severe and spread above and below waist. My thyroid blood test revealed low in thyroid and Vitamin D. My thyroid doctor predicts I will be more comfortable as level goes up. Have been on 100 mg of thyroid supplement for about 7 weeks haven't noticed a difference yet. Hope he is right. Since those lesser symptoms some years ago seem to go away with a better thyroid level. Don't recall any drugs other than thyroid ones being taken at onset of very first symptoms.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Tylenol did nothing. Motrin 3x a day 800 seems to keep me able to pull myself out of bed and chairs but only just. Take a flexeril at night which seems to help me sleep but with dreams . Too much makes me wake from strange dreams. That seems to be a bit better with time. Cold seems to really bother so a heated mattress pad helps but gives my upper body chills at times.
Your Theories: Since my symptoms came after menopause and with my thyroid disease. I think that may have something to do with it. They also came after a move from Texas to Mi. Although I wanted the move that and other things at the time may have been enough stress to lower my immune system to allow this to start. Since thyroid hormones according to my thyroid doctor affects his fibro patients there seems to be a link there. Hormone related somehow. Don't know of any relatives with symptoms like mine.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/9/2007:
Name: Daphne Rowland
City: Altus
State: OK
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Altus, OK
Where Do You Live Now? Altus, OK
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 Yrs.
Your Age? 59
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? a little over a year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 58
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? registered nurse. unable to work
Medical History: cervical disectomy
Does Exercise Help? if i felt like
What Were Your First Symptoms? I got a tetanus shot at work. Had pain to neck, jaws locking, difficulty swallowing, redness to neck and behind ears. this was a slow on set, the above right at first then 2 bout of nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. then pain all over body headaches dizziness, numbness and tingling to extremities, difficulty walking.you name it i got it very bad.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain that goes to different spots on body, swelling, brain fog, poor concentration, headaches dizziness, numbness and tingling to extremities, extreme fatique.difficulty walking, poor coordination
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has turned my life upside down.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? if i don't pace myself and sometimes for no reason
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing so far has helped much.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, tetanus vaccine
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lyrica, ultram, flexeril, cymbalta, klonopin, remeron, elavil
Your Theories: I know the tetanus vaccine caused, and I know that people do not speak up when they have had adverse reactions to vaccines
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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Submitted on 3/9/2007:
Name: Wendy
City: South Plainfield
State: NJ
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? NJ
Where Do You Live Now? NJ
How Long Have You Lived There? 45 years
Your Age? 59
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 7yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired
Medical History: recently had 3x bypass for heart
Does Exercise Help? in the beginning
What Were Your First Symptoms? swelling and lumps mainly in arms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? yesterday I slept for apx 24hrs. Total exhaustion and extreme pain in head and throughout body.Leg became swollen where harvesting was done for heart surgery I begin to get ice cold several days before pain and exhaustion comes
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? unknown-many allergies
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I collapse and don't have enough energy to even sit up
What Makes Symptoms Worse?
What Makes You Feel Better?
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes no specific drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: food and exercise
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/8/2007:
Name: emma
City: wiltshire
State: england
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? swindon - uk
Where Do You Live Now? swindon
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 30
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? over 1 year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? assistant social worker now work part time
Medical History: i.b.s back problems food poison head aches leg cramps
Does Exercise Help? some times a little walk helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu, urine infection follow by pain and exhaustion
What Are Your Current Symptoms? head aches tiredness back, shoulder, neck pain incontinence t.m.j I.B.S
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, see above
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? n/a
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? affected my work, social life, relationships, and day to day life. Personal care, household management, etc
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Housework, repetitive movements, sitting or lying for too long. too much or too little excercises, weather, late nights, colds, not pacing myself
What Makes You Feel Better? hot/warm showers, massage, warm baths relaxation techniques
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes, especially if on computer for too long, watching telly, or lots of conversation.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? always seemed to be a poorly person. However got worse in my mid 20's.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: anti depressants magnesium garlic b12 and b complex vitamins multi vitamins
Your Theories: feel vitamins and healthy diet can help a little.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/7/2007:
Name: Alvita
City: Detroit
State: Michigan
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Detroit, Michigan
Where Do You Live Now? Detroit, Michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 55 years
Your Age? 55
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 24 years, dx only 1 year ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 14
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Psychotherapist Master Level, struggling to work
Medical History: TB age 3, tonsillectomy 4 Bronchitis teens to early 40's, asthma mid 40's/currently, GERD, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Adrenal Insufficienty, Disseminated Candidiasis,hypothyroid Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue, Irritable Bowel, Hypoglycemia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea(?) Muscle spasms/cramp, back pain
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg cramps at age 14
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches, pain all over, sleep problems, constant fatigue, brain fog, inability to exercise, depression, crying spells, dry mouth/eyes, hair breakage, brittle nails, severe sinusitis
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Unaware
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Pesticides, household cleaners, industrial cleaners, cigarette smoke
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it's a struggle to work, unable to clean house, marriage ended, no social life, tired all the time
What Makes Symptoms Worse? fatigue, cold, stress, anger
What Makes You Feel Better? not much except, lots & lots of rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? all the time
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no,gradually since age 14, began the cycle of taking antibiotics almost monthly for bronchitis, the leg cramps came 1st
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? spring and distilled drinking water
Remedies Tried: tylenol/pain meds, calcium, magnesuim, chamomile, kava kava, apple cider vinger, coconut oil
Your Theories: I believe there are many reasons including antibiotics and other prescribed meds, thyroid problems, infections, and, chemicals in our environment
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, I would be interested to know how many traditional physicians were seen before being dx, for me it was 50+ over a period of 25 years, I was only dx 1 year ago.
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Submitted on 3/5/2007:
Name: Virginia
City: Tullahoma
State: TN
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? TN
Where Do You Live Now? TN
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 years
Your Age? 61
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I worked as an accounting clerk. Disabled since 2004, because of back surgery and fibromyalgia.
Medical History: My arms are the most affected. I have a difficult time lifting my arms or picking things up
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tinkling in my hands, small lumps in various places on my arms that are sore. Difficulty raising my arms to comb my hair.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Much difficulty at this time, seems like my arms are too tired and to heavy to do the things that need to be done. Aching, sore, tired arms.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Lifting anything is difficult and I might drop it at any time, because I will lose my grip and drop it.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Trying to do chores like pulling laundry out of the washer, sweeping or mopping the floor. If my hands get cold, I hurt really bad.
What Makes You Feel Better? Heating pad. Pain medication
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Don't understand question
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have severe symptoms and then a short period of very few symptoms. I can remember no medication
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Topax 100mg 3xday Lyica 75mg 2xday Neurontin 600mg 2xday
Your Theories: I would like to find something that could make me feel good every day
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Can't think of anything

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Submitted on 3/5/2007:
Name: pat
City: st paul
State: mn
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? st paul
Where Do You Live Now? st paul
How Long Have You Lived There? 59 years
Your Age? 59
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? clerical yes
Medical History: diabetic, hypertension hypothyroid depression
Does Exercise Help? not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? overall muscle pain and weakness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? creakiness, muscle and joint pain, NO SLEEP without drugs, brain fog, memory loss
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, one whole winter
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? asbestos, mercury
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? No joy in it anymore, no energy to do housework or anything that gives me pleasure. Just get through the day at work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? less sleep than usual, damp weather, cold weather
What Makes You Feel Better? acupuncture, very temporarily hot bath
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, various antidepressants, zoloft?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, don't know about that
Remedies Tried: therapeutic hot baths, acupuncture, all my HMO will allow
Your Theories: No, I just hate it. An invisible disease no one understands. Hard to get a diagnosis.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? None that I can think of

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Submitted on 3/5/2007:
Name: Jo
City: Luton
State: UK
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? scotland
Where Do You Live Now? england
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 41
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 19 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 22
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Systems Engineer - currently on perm disability leave - voluntary wok
Medical History: asthma, high blood pressure
Does Exercise Help? stretching, swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? upper torso spasms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain, exhaustion and spasms
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? extremely
What Makes Symptoms Worse? overdoing it, lack of sleep and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lots , herbal, otc, pain meds, sleeping pills
Your Theories: had virus when i was 22 believe this was start of fm
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? family impact

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