Fibromyalgia Case Studies: March 19,  - March 31, 2007

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3/31/2007:
Name: Ea
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? Los Angeles
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 Years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I am not still working a typical job. I started my own business... being a crafter.
Medical History: Healthy
Does Exercise Help? Walking... Stretching... Hot Bath
What Were Your First Symptoms? Muscle Cramping/Throbbing Body aches Chronic Pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle cramping... severe headaches... exhaustion... fatigue... unable to concentrate... Constipation... Depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No. I had Bronchitis/pneumonia a lot when I was a child.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I tend to alienate myself because of the way that I feel. Not in the mood to do very much very often. Feel like I am not able to enjoy life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress... Hot Weather
What Makes You Feel Better? Staying upbeat and positive. Laughing. Get plenty of rest.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Just recently over the past year or so...How many years... I can't remember.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes... severe symptoms Fen Phen
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Motin... Tylenol... Excederine... Xanax... Prosac... Lexopril... Zolft
Your Theories: HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not one that I can think of
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Submitted on 3/29/2007
Name: Jane
City: Glastonbury
State: CT
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Hartford, CT
Where Do You Live Now? Glastonbury, CT
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Disabled
Medical History: Four lumbar back surgeries. Hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? Yes, Pilates and Yoga, but had spinal fusion 1-07 and have not been able to do any type of exercise for quite some time.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Feeling like I had the flu
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Flu symptoms, ache all the time. Low grade fever.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? N/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not sure.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It affects everything in my life!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Over doing anything. Not enough sleep.
What Makes You Feel Better? Medication and better sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, was put on mobic, ultram, neurontin, and vicoden for break through pain
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Ultram, Neurontin, Robaxin, Skelaxin, Vicoden,
Your Theories: I believe I am poisoned by toxins from living near Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT all my life. They tested jet engines there and would always see smoke, strange color and smell sometimes when I was young.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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Submitted on 3/29/2007
Name: keith
City: Casa Grande
State: AZ
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Florence Arizona
Where Do You Live Now? Casa Grande,AZ
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? well Driller/Not Working
Medical History: Back problems
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? hip pain, joint pain muscle soreness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Always tired out of energy constant pain everywhere
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? as a kid
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I used to work around crop dusters
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I don't go on long trips i don't lift weights anymore or do alot of outdoor activities
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Doing to much walking standing are most any physical activity
What Makes You Feel Better? My Faith
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: pain medications muscle relaxers,Prozac
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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Submitted on 3/29/2007
Name: CHERYL
City: SHREVEPORT
State: LOUISIANA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? SHREVEPORT, LA
Where Do You Live Now? SHREVEPORT, LA
How Long Have You Lived There? ALL MY LIFE EXCEPT 3YRS IN BATON ROUGE, LA 1985 TO 1988
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? SOME FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? WORST ONES STARTING AT 39 OTHER THAN THE HEADACHES & FATIGUE WHICH BEGAN AS A SMALL CHILD
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? OFFICE, YES, BUT NOT THE SAME AS I HAD FOR 16 YRS DO TO SYMTOMS INCREASINGLY WORSENING.
Medical History: NOTHING MAJOR, PARTIAL HYSTERECTOMY JUNE 2004, 1 NATURAL BIRTH 1979, ON GOING EFFORTS TO FIND RELIEF FROM FIBROMYALGIA THAT I RECEIVED OFFICIAL DIAGNOISES OF NOV 2004 WITH BEGINING STAGES OF RHEMETOID ARTHRITIS.
Does Exercise Help? NOT PARTICULARLY. TRY WALKING, BUT GET WINDED QUICKLY. CANNOT DEAL WITH ANYKIND OF WARM TEMPS. HOT SHOWERS OR BATH SOAKS HELP THE PAIN & STIFFNESS, BUT HAVE TO (COOL DOWN) FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AFTERWARDS. CANNOT STAND OR SIT IN ONE POSITION FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES AT A TIME.
What Were Your First Symptoms? HEADACHES & FATIGUE, NECK & BACK PAIN, THEN IBS THAT WORSENED THE LAST 4 YEARS, ETC ETC ETC
What Are Your Current Symptoms? ALL ON YOUR LIST EXCEPT FOR EXCESSIVE NERVOUSNESS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? DON'T REMEMBER
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NOT THAT I KNOW OF. HOME HAS WELL WATER.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? KEEPS ME FROM DOING EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD CHORES AFTER I GET IN FROM WORK AND EXTRAS I'D LIKE TO DO FOR FUN ALOT OF THE TIME. SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? COLD TEMPS, SITTING OR STANDING IN ONE SPOT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. (MORE THAN 10 TO 15 MINS.)
What Makes You Feel Better? HEAT THERAPY, (WATER OR HEATING PAD), MAKES BODY FEEL BETTER BUT HEAD WORSE. AND MASSAGE/VIBRATION OR HAND MASSAGE.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 BUT ESPECIALLY THE LAST YEAR.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? PRETTY MUCH. HAD BEEN ON WELBUTRIN FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS FOR MAINTENANCE OF HEADACHES & SEVERAL CELESTON SHOTS IN THE PRIOR YEAR FOR WHAT WAS BELEIVED TO BE POISON IVY RASH AND HAD BEEN TREATED FOR DEHYDRATION FROM HAVING THE FLU FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME JUST PRIOR TO THE MAJOR DECLINE.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO. RAISED ON WELL WATER & HAD BEEN LIVING BACK IN THAT SAME HOUSE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF WHEN THE DECLINE STARTED SO SEVERELY.
Remedies Tried: PRESENTLY ON CYMBALTA 120MG THAT HAS CEASED TO DO ANYTHING. HAVE BEEN ON 60MG FOR 2 YRS NOW. JUST STARTED LYRICA TOO. TAKE MUSCLE RELAXERS, MOSTLY AT BEDTIME (ZANAFLEX 6MG), MANY OTHERS WITH NO SUCCESS. ALL OF THEM SOME TYPE OF ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-SEIZER MED.
Your Theories: MY MOTHER ALSO HAD FYBROMYALGIA. AT A LOSS FOR HELP HER IS SHREVEPORT, LA.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? YES! CAN WE HELP??????
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Submitted on 3/28/2007:
Name: Sonja
City: Listowel
State: County Kerry, Ireland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ireland
Where Do You Live Now? Ireland
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 and half years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working any more. was a manager in department store.
Medical History: Psoriasis, hayfever, migraine and pneumonia as a child
Does Exercise Help? yes, gentle walk
What Were Your First Symptoms? Flu, extreme muscle pain, extreme tiredness and trouble concentrating
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme tiredness,extreme pain in spleen, painful liver, weakness in muscles, joint pain, occasional loss of mental acuity.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes pesticides during summer to kill insects, overdosed once and was sick for 3 days.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? unable to work, unable to maintain a social life until recently. can not drive long distances any more as i can not concentrate on the road.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? menstruation
What Makes You Feel Better? chocolate and sunny weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 and half years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. antibiotics for a sinus infection and anti-fungal medication for candida.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: mild anti- depressants (ssri) and folic acid as i have a problem absorbing it. do not have celiac disease.
Your Theories: this all started with a virus and i was ran down due to work not getting enough sleep and had a lot of stress from money problems at the time
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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Submitted on 3/26/2007:
Name: NANCY
City: MODESTO
State: CALIFORNIA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? MODESTO
Where Do You Live Now? MODESTO
How Long Have You Lived There? 62 YEARS
Your Age? 62 YEARS
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? SINCE AGE 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? AGE 8
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CLERICAL NO
Medical History: SEVERE CHICKENPOX,RHEUMATIC FEVER,GERMAN MEASELS,SCARLET FEVER,CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, COPD, FOG IN FRONT LOBE OF BRAIN.
Does Exercise Help? NO MAKES PAIN WORSE
What Were Your First Symptoms? KNEE AND HIP PAIN
What Are Your Current Symptoms? HIP, KNEE, ANKLE, ELBOW, SHOULDER, BACK, HAND, HEADACHE, CFS,DEPDRESSION.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? MAYBE MONO, RHEUMATIC FEVER, SCARLET FEVER.
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? N/A
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? LAST 12 YEARS.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? WEATHER, SHOPPING, CLEANING HOUSE, ETC.
What Makes You Feel Better? SPA
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES AND HOW
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? PENICILLIN
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? DON'T KNOW
Remedies Tried: HYDROCONONE, SOMA, NEURONTIN. NOW TAKE: NEURONTIN, SOMA, XANAX, MORPHENE SULFATE ER, METOPROLOL SEROQUEL AND ANTI-DEPDRESSANTS
Your Theories: WE FIBROMITES LOSE "FRIENDS," FAMILY MEMBERS RESPECTS. TO SO MANY IF THEY CAN'T SEE IT THEN NOTHING IS WRONG.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? WHAT DO FIBROMITES DO TO HELP THEMSELVES FEEL BETTER, TO HELP THEMSELVES FEEL THEY CAN STILL ACCOMOPLISH SOMETHING, THEIR HOBBIES, CRAFTING, ETC.
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Submitted on 3/24/2007:
Name: Kat
City: Springfield
State: Va
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? NC
Where Do You Live Now? VA
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 41
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? sales, not working, too sick
Medical History: IBS, Gallbladder stones & removal, CFS, migraines, raynauds, endometriosis
Does Exercise Help? No... makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? IBS, shoulder blade and neck pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? IBS, migraines, raynaud's phenom, brain fog, depression, deep bone pain, pain all over, neck and back pain, sensitivity to hot weather, bright lights, loud noises, chemicals, constant fatigue, nausea, muscle spasms, sleep problems, TMJ, GERD, hiatal hernia, anxiety, allergies, food allergies, PMS, and during my period I am so sick that I cannot function at all
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, mono
Any Military Service? no, but was a military wife for 15 years
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? metal fillings, asbestos. probably more
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? made relationships very hard, contributed to my marriage failing, has not allowed me to work, so I am broke, kept me from attending many events due to pain or illness, lost friends because I couldn't go out, so with all my symptoms, it's just hard to live normally
What Makes Symptoms Worse? hot weather, cold weather, menstruation, stress, over-exertion, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really, however, sometimes I get temporary relief from massage, pain meds, baths, mostly lots and lots of sleep is the thing that works best and some pain medication, at one point I felt like my allergy meds helped quite a bit, but that was short-lived
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? can't remember - kidding... yes!!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not at first but over the last 5 years, it has been a very rapid decline... I think after year 15, fibro just came on even harder, like with a vengeance!
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have a water filter
Remedies Tried: massage, chiropractic, biofeedback, pain meds, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants, herbs and mineral supplements
Your Theories: I think it has something to due with a virus and some people who get this virus are somehow more affected than others for some weird reason. Could also be exposure to something in the environment (chemicals, toxins, bacteria) that affects some people but not others...I believe there is a common denominator
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? maybe if we've been bitten by a tick or had lyme disease, have metal fillings, if we know if mother's took any substances while pregnant with us like DES, etc.
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Submitted on 3/24/2007:
Name: Susan
City: Winchester
State: NH
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Worcester, MA
Where Do You Live Now? Winchester,NH
How Long Have You Lived There? 11years
Your Age? 46
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 44 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 2 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? lawn care/part-time
Medical History: Electrocution, many whiplashes, spinal injuries that never seemed to heal. 3 concussions. IBS, FMS, Degenerative disc disease in each section of the spine. Sleep deprivation.
Does Exercise Help? Yes, The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics program which stretches the muscles from head to toe and everything in between.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in the neck never abated after I was held by the ankles and my head was smacked against the floor causing my neck to sustain serious injury at the age of 2.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? IBS, vertigo, muscle cramps and aching. Spinal pain zipping up and down the Dural Tube causing extreme heat in the injured places of my spine. Light sensitivity. brain foggy. sleep deprived. digestive problems. muscles fibrillating. feeling cut in half at the waist just under ribs.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? herpes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, clean lab chemicals that were used in the production of micro-chips. Fluoridated water in Worcester. immalgum that is used in fillings. many of my teeth were filled twice and i'm sure i swallowed enough mercury to cause illness.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has been an arduous journey through life to say the least. the ups and downs of this disease has affected my ability to work. I have learned to cope with being in pain on a daily basis and plan my day accordingly.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? waking up in the morning! Instant pain. The pain level soars in the afternoon hours then I am rendered useless for the remainder of the day.
What Makes You Feel Better? Many things make me feel better for the short-term. Reiki treatments, warm water,chiropractic care, aquamassage, warm tanning beds, my dog, my husband
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!!!! It is sometimes very difficult to find the words necessary to form a sentence. I laugh at the way some of the things come out of my mouth cuz it certainly wasn't what I had meant to say.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Several times. @17 I had a urinary tract infection and was given Cipro. I was deathly sick after that. Each whiplash injury would throw me into a fibro-flare. Getting electrocuted put me in fibro-flare all the time. I got electrocuted 12 years ago. I have been in Fibro-land ever since.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Too many meds to remember. I have a dr. who has worked with me to find a way to help me sleep on some kind of schedule. I take xanax on Tues. and Sat. I have muscle relaxers which I take as needed. I have been on Guiaffenisen treatment for 9 years, avoiding all salysilates. I don't have as much mucous as I always had to deal with.
Your Theories: Thank you for putting this questionnaire together. I hope my input helps others in some way. Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease that does not kill a person but impairs them to the point of being dysfunctional. Drs. should treat the whole disease and not just pick out the symptoms they can write a prescription for.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? YES. Have you learned to cope with being in pain every day? If so, how?
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Submitted on 3/23/2007
Name: Georgeann
City: Baltimore
State: Maryland
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? Baltimore
Where Do You Live Now? Baltimore
How Long Have You Lived There? 55years
Your Age? 55
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? house wife
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? burning feet
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain burning in feet elbows hips and back and hands
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? N/a marryed to a service man
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? cleaning chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? can't play on the floor with my grand children
What Makes Symptoms Worse? being very active
What Makes You Feel Better? heating pad and rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no i don't remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: perkcocets
Your Theories: none
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? diet,hopeful there will be cured
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Submitted on 3/23/2007
Name: Sally
City: Cleveland
State: Ohio
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? ohio
Where Do You Live Now? ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? since i was born
Your Age? 58
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? since I was34
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 34
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? worked many jobs in display and others until I couldn't work any more
Medical History: otiomylitis as a child. scarlet fever
Does Exercise Help? any walking or soft yoga. anything else flares pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? some where when i was working two jobs,about 34. icame done with a severe flu and continued to have head aches and sore throats for years
What Are Your Current Symptoms? current smptoms progressively got worse, from head aches to body aches fatigue, short term memory. sometimes the pain is so overwheming I'm in bed for days
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes severe flu
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? just the chemicals of my glazes i use on my pottery
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? completely dihibilitated it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? strees, anxiety any stenuous excersize
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping if i can actually get a good nights sleep. pain pills etc
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no i don't think so. i was on prozac but longer then 6 months ago
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: prozac and about 12 other anti-depressants zanax,several sleeping aids, mucle relaxents, pain shots and pain pills
Your Theories: yes, at first I was told it was chronic fatiue and it would go away and to stop my complaining. years later a doctor fom the clave clinic said it was fibromyalgia.I can live with it if i eat right and excersized and imediately sent me to a pychiatrist.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Why on earth is there no research to help this syndrome. I can't get any diabity because my jobs didn't last long enough. I had to quit for breaks to rest in between
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Submitted on 3/22/2007:
Name: em
City: swindon, wiltshire
State: england
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? swindon
Where Do You Live Now? swindon
How Long Have You Lived There? 30
Your Age? 30
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? Illness began October and was diagnosed March 2006. (Over a year but i believe i had it as a child)
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Hard to say as i was always a poorly child. From my early 20's on wards.
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I have worked in the caring profession after leaving school as a full time career in residential and day care settings. I now work as an assistant social worker, but only able to manage part time which is a struggle most of the time.
Medical History: Whooping cough as a baby. Food poisoning x 3 I.B.S Recurring urine infections and thrush. Depression throughout my life. Back problems as well as sciatica. ear problems t.m.j difficulty sleeping from a very young age. Leg cramps and pain in my knees. migraines. Eczema/dry, sensitive skin/scalp. Car accident.
Does Exercise Help? Difficult to exercise more then 5 minutes as even that can cause me pain. Depends on type of excesses, how long, and how I'm feeling at time. Only able to manage walking now. Sometimes a little walk (5-10) can help other times can make me worse and will need to spend time in bed to recover.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Flu, followed by sinus infection then kidney infection. Exhaustion, pain everywhere, back, shoulders, rib cage, neck, stomach, legs, knees,buttocks. from head to toe. Memory relapse, stiffness, head aches/migraines., incontinence, bruise easily/painful skin sensitive to touch. disorientation, dizzy spells, clumsiness, restless leg syndrome.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? As above but not all at same time and is up and down, but much improved from what it was. However still feel exhausted and in pain most of the time, but especially now as have a flare up.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes. as above
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I am allergic to Nickel. Dermatitis/eczema
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Unable to work full time, exercise has deteriorated, relationship, level of contact with friends has also decreased, social life is less. No longer able to do the things i used to enjoy without consequences. Have to remember to pace self.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Work, housework, stress, weather, late nights, not being able to sleep, too much sensory activities i.e, computer, t.v, telephone, etc. sitting or lying for to long, too much/no excesses p.m.t, flu.
What Makes You Feel Better? warm/hot baths/showers. massage, heat cushions, relaxation, sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes when stressed all have been on computer/ telephone for too long or completed to much at once.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Health has always been up and down from a young age through to teenage years and early adulthood.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Chiropractic, diet, gave up smoking, range of vitamins etc. Currently on anti - depressants to help with sleep and pain. gentle exercise
Your Theories: I believe i have had this illness from a young age as the pain/leg cramps i have now were the same as when i was young. I believe not being able to get off to sleep straight away again from young age has affected my illness. I feel my i.b.s, childhood, and car accident has brought out my illness. I also believe that being a career which was physically and mentally exhausted has also affected me. I also wondered if smoking, drinking, and previous drug taking has caused my illness.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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Submitted on 3/22/2007
Name: Wendy
City: Pittsburgh
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pittsburgh
Where Do You Live Now? Pittsburgh
How Long Have You Lived There? 46 years
Your Age? 49
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 4 years but always tired as a child
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Taking time off, also have depression, administrative work, 2 college degrees but hardly ever got by
Medical History: allergies, urinary tract problems, depression and anxiety
Does Exercise Help? water aerobics and light weight training. Sometimes hurts more, need to know limits
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiffness, upper back and neck pain, fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? still pains, more now in hips in addition to back and neck, sometimes hands when I use weights
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, Epstein Barr, was initial or recurrent, doctors don't agree
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? helped poison termites in the 60s cloridane? and moved into older house where I did work (110 years)
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? too tired to go into it :), need to conserve energy, used to be fit and now exhausted all the time
What Makes Symptoms Worse? too much exertion but more so, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? not much because I quit the medications. Stretching - found a dance instructor type and she does "release" work, and Pilates. Magnesium has made a difference and that's it. I thought amino acids helped but I quit taking them, not working for sure but I need to get back to work.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, difficulty putting sentences together, but LT antidepressant use contributed
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Submitted on 3/22/2007
Name: Peggy
City: Saint Charles
State: MO
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? St. Louis, Missouri
Where Do You Live Now? St. Charles, Missouri
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 years
Your Age? 60
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 25 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retired two years. Was a medical transcriptionist for 5 years prior to retirement.
Medical History: Prior to the onset 25 years ago I was in excellent health. I have since had narrow angle glaucoma, cataracts removed, breast biopsy, veins stripped from legs and major dental work.
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Walking and lifting weights.
What Were Your First Symptoms? All over generalized pain. Felt like the flu without fever. Severe insomnia and mental fog. Lack of concentration
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same as above. They improve for awhile and then return.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Use pesticides on or lawn for 25 years.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has been all-consuming looking for a cure or help of any kind, particularly in the area of pain and insomnia.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep and stress.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep and exercise.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I have taken every sleeping med known to God and man. My doctor has run out of suggestions in that department. I have taken pain relievers that help with the pain and Gingko Biloba for the brain fog (in the last 5 years or so)
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Same as above. All insomnia meds on the market and by prescription and pain relievers. Vitamins and herbs. Chiropractic, massage, rheumatologist, acupressure, meditation.
Your Theories: I have wondered if the sugar substitutes like splenda, equal, aspartame, etc. could be the culprit. I am in the process of eliminating all sugar substitutes.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I would ask how many people are using sugar substitutes.
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Submitted on 3/21/2007
Name: Margaret
City: Hickory
State: NC
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? NY
Where Do You Live Now? NC
How Long Have You Lived There? 18mos.
Your Age? 59
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? finally diagnosed 4yrs. ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? early 40's .
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Nursing, LPN. Had to stop in 2005.
Medical History: tonsillectomy, appendectomy,gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, lumpectomy left breast-neg., partial hysterectomy, biopsy of rt.temporal artery to r/o Giant Cell Arteritis-neg. Pneumonia at 6 wks. and 55yrs. PMR.
Does Exercise Help? water aerobics when I'm not in a flare-up.
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme shoulder and upper arm pain. Kind of like a bad tooth ache. Pain and burning in the back of my neck and trapezoid muscles,unusual fatigue, pain and burning in my hips when I walked a short distance. I would actually fall because I couldn't lift my leg to walk and lower back pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? they are basically the same. Sometimes I'll have very sensitive skin. Even my hair would hurt. If the wind blew my hair, it would cause pain as would the shower and brushing. Sometimes one side of my face would be very sensitive to heat and cold and to sit on a cold metal chair would be very painful. Pain and swelling of hands and feet. Getting out of bed is hard because of the stiffness and pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I could remember other than the flu.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Pesticides from exterminators, as a child. We lived in the city in an apartment building and had roaches. In 1985 we moved to southern Italy to care for my mother-in-law. At that time the nuclear plant in the Soviet Union blew and the cloud went over Europe, they say, and we were told not to eat any green leafy veggies or anything that couldn't be peeled for a short time.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't work for any length of time. I cannot do my painting thing because I cannot hold the brushes or sit for very long. Sex life is nil. The pleasure isn't worth the pain the next days. It has made our relationship a little strained at times. We are married 38 yrs. and always happy with our sex life. Sleep is difficult. Getting comfortable at night is a problem. I also use to read a great deal and now find it difficult to concentrate for any length of time. People don't believe me that I have so much pain when I look so healthy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I think stress has a lot to do with it. But most of the time it just flares up.
What Makes You Feel Better? the heating pad, sometimes, if I'm not sensitive to the heat.  A warm shower will help me get going in the morning.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes I do. I don't recall any drugs that I was taking at the time. I take synthroid.2mg daily, multivitamins, and prozac.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I didn't avoid this on purpose. I do filter my drinking water though, with a Brita.
Remedies Tried: Celebrex, Naproxin, Tylenol, Advil, flexoril, tylenol #3, hydrocodone, prednisone and others, I can't recall the names.
Your Theories: exposure to radiation and pesticides, air pollution, pollution of our ocean beaches, where I spent a lot of time growing up and in my adult life? I wish there was an answer.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I don't think so.
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Submitted on 3/21/2007
Name: Penny
City: Fallon
State: NEVADA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Trona CA
Where Do You Live Now? Fallon NV
How Long Have You Lived There? nine years
Your Age? 68
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 26 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Aerospace technical illustrator/graphic artist, drafter
Medical History: Too much for this tiny box!
Does Exercise Help? NO!
What Were Your First Symptoms? All over body pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Much improved, except during weather changes. AND finally getting diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and medication for it. I still take a sleep aid, and only need Flexeril for pain, except during a flare-up. Also, IBS is controlled by Lomotil.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes. Osteomyelitis, age 6. Rheumatic fever, age 6
Any Military Service? Deos being a Navy wife count? 14 years!
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes. Toluene, naphtha, carbon tet, was irradiated ON PURPOSE as a child. "Experiment!"
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Took away marriage, career, credit rating, and both my adult kids got it!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Severe changes in atm pressure. Bought a barometer, learned how to use it, now, pain, look at barometer, know it is just the weather!
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, moderate medications.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? OH, yes!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO. Used to be a scuba diver, mountain climber, worked two jobs, etc. Have never taken alcohol to excess, don't smoke, do drugs, or abuse my medications! IN just about two months, went from happy to miserable. Spent 5 years just getting a diagnosis, husband left because docs told him I "wanted to be sick!"
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Elavil turned me into a zombie. Prozac made me suicidal. Opioid meds gave me jitters, felt wired, hated them!
Your Theories: Well, it looks like it is at least, in part, genetic. Both my adult kids came down with it
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Ask people re: do you smoke, drink, did you ever do illegal drugs - but doesn't apply to me. However, my parents were both heavy smokers, including when Mom was pregnant with me. But I weighed 8#,8 oz. at birth. Somehow, we MUST get our doctors to GET IT!
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Submitted on 3/20/2007
Name: Kenneth City: Sisters
State: Oregon
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 46 years
Your Age? 70
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 62
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CPA Retired
Medical History: Congestive Heart Failure, Prostate Cancer, Surgery for ruptured appendix and peritonitis.
Does Exercise Help? Walking is the only form of exercise I can tolerate without more pain the next day.
What Were Your First Symptoms? After radiation for prostate cancer, fatigue, general tiredness, soft tissue muscle pain.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Feelings of general fatigue, soft tissue muscle pain in legs, arms, back, and especially in tendons behind knees of both legs.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not lasting more than several weeks.
Any Military Service? US Army, 1955 to 1958
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not to my knowledge.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Decline in ability to travel, stand on my feet for more than short periods of time, lack of participation in outdoor activities I was formerly very active in life, skiing and bicycle riding.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I practiced Yoga for over twenty years prior to symptoms, find that yoga now makes symptoms worse.
What Makes You Feel Better? Walking short distances, rest during day.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes; however, some heart medications may also lead to this symptom; i.e. Coreg
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, it is possible the drug Coreg may have an effect, and the symptoms seemed to develop after radiation treatments for prostate cancer.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? We have lived in Sisters for the past ten years and our water is from a community well, and is not fluorinated. It has been since we moved to Sisters that the disease was diagnosed.
Remedies Tried: Two different types of pain medication taken as needed, now regularly, Darvocet and Lyrica.
Your Theories: Fibromyalgia is caused when the body undergoes a number of serious health events over a relatively short period of time whereby pain is incurred thus sensitizing the nerve endings which allow more pain signals to be sent to the brain.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes; if female, how many times has the woman undergone childbirth. For all, have you undergone a series of serious health problems during a short period of time; have you undergone radiation treatment for any form of cancer.
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Submitted on 3/20/2007:
Name: Donna
City: Clarks Summit
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Rochester, NY
Where Do You Live Now? Northeast PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 years
Your Age? 47
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? Recently Diagnosed, but I think for years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? I don't remember.
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teacher. No. due to SNHearing loss
Medical History: Hearing loss experienced while on Lipitor, following an ear infection. Otherwise, Relatively healthy, but for chronic rhinitus, frequent sinus infection (was worse when on Lipitor). Overall cholesterol borderline high, but ratio good. I have recently developed allergies to antibiotics: penicillin, cipro, sulfas.
Does Exercise Help? Yes! Gentle strength training, stretching, and focus on SI joint stabilization.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I think lower back pain- lumbar region.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Tingling in fingers sometimes, upon exhale (weird); sometimes tingling in outer 3 toes on each foot; SI instability; very tender all over... a nudge to me feels like a bruising injury, esp. ribs and arms... and legs...well.. all over I guess; tinnitus; tired; palpitations; difficulty sleeping (I can get to sleep, but have trouble staying asleep); phantom abdominal discomfort
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Mono, in 1982; ongoing sinus infections (last year)
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I am aware
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Simple things can cause long term pain; stress brings huge flare; I am tired a lot; I have been very anxious about my health because I felt so crummy, but nothing seemed to be outwardly wrong. I knew I wasn't imagining, and I knew I wasn't depressed... so, it was scary.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress; over use of muscles;
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat; tylenol sometimes; chiropractic all the time; PT can also do "muscle energy" work on SI to bring back to proper alignment
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes...
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I go in and out. I have never been big for medications, and have even become more leery of antibiotics since my allergies... I don't want to use them too much and develop more allergies. BUT, although I have had symptoms for a long time, the use of Lipitor, in my opinion, upset what little balance I had, physically speaking. I went from one infection to another, over and over on the antibiotics... And then an ear infection that took the hearing in my right ear... which lead to loss of career... and the whole process included a growing flare that someday made it hard to even walk. But, now that my stress level is down, and the Lipitor is out of my system, and I fired my doctor... I am in less pain.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No... but I will starting tomorrow.
Remedies Tried: Evening Primrose for itching skin; chiropractic; Physical Therapy; regular exercise (supervised); malic acid/magnesium; min-chex; melatonin; B-50, Activated B6, Vitamin C
Your Theories: I have a hunch that cholesterol may have served a purpose... my body's way to try and correct what was wrong, and the Lipitor sent me totally haywire... plus, with "good" ratios, I didn't need my levels lowered I think..
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes... I think you should also inquire about other family connections... For instance, my sister has been diagnosed with FS, and my mom has probably had it for a long time but no one ever called it that... but she now has osteoarthritis pretty bad. Also, I am wondering if there are FM clusters, geographically speaking.

Submitted on 3/20/2007:
Name: Christine
City: San Bernardino
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Rochester, N. Y.
Where Do You Live Now? San Bernardino, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 55
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Purchasing Agent
Medical History: Food and antibiotic and pollen allergies
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking, but I found out you must exercise alot to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. At least once per day for at least 1 hour and that is vigorous exercise. I walk 5 miles per day.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Aching in the shoulders and neck, back.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Now it can occur anywhere, knees, back, shoulders, hips.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, colds and flu.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I am allergic to any metals with nickel in it. I have also worked around chemicals, and that is actually when my symptoms began.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I don't sleep well, so I am always tired. When i am in pain I cannot concentrate.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, weather changes.
What Makes You Feel Better? Massage, hot tubs, exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, when I am in pain it is extremely difficult to accomplish anything.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Now that i think back, my symptoms began after I started developing allergies to antibiotics.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, but if you think it will help, I will.
Remedies Tried: Flexerill, B12, elavil, fluor-methane. Exercise, exercise, exercise.
Your Theories: Food allergies seem to make things worse foe me. It is important to find out what you cannot eat, and stay away from it.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Sometimes fibromyalgia starts with trauma or injury. You might want to ask that question.
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Submitted on 3/20/2007:
Name: Karen
City: PIttsburgh
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? 1977
Where Do You Live Now? Pittsburgh, PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 30
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 5 Years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Executive at ad agency-still working
Medical History: N/A prior to fibro
Does Exercise Help? Light yoga/stretching helps. Anything more strenuous causes more pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? Overall muscle pain and fatigue.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Overall muscle pain and fatigue. Brain fog some mornings. Sleep disturbances. Stomach problems. Weight loss. Living in constant pain sometimes causes me depression as well.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? N/A
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Had a lung infection in 2002 due to mold in the apartment building where I lived
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Made working a full time job more difficult. Especially hinders my life outside of work: hard to come home and clean the house, etc. after working a full day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress at work-working long hours sitting at a desk.
What Makes You Feel Better? Extra sleep. Massage. Chiropractor.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. Monday's are especially bad since I spend most of my weekend recovering from the prior week.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? N/A
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? N/A
Remedies Tried: Cut caffeine out of my diet. Limited white sugars. Sleeping pills. Lots of muscle relaxers. Anti depressants. Rehabilitation therapy (weight lifting, etc.) Nothing has worked much.
Your Theories: I have a theory that the stress of my job was the initial cause of my fibro. At the time I began experiencing symptoms, I was working 12-14 hour days at a very fast-paced and highly stressful job. Most days, I would skip breakfast and lunch and would only sleep about 4-5 hours a night. Currently, my schedule is pretty much the same, except that I work 8-10 hours rather than 12-14.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Submitted on 3/19/2007
Name: Barbara
City: Earlville
State: NY
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Greenwich, CT
Where Do You Live Now? Earlville, NY
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 51
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? 6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Middle School Teacher; teaching since 1978
Medical History: Diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis about a year before
Does Exercise Help? walking is good; I also go to Curves
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle aches/pain meds didn't work
What Are Your Current Symptoms? body aches/specific areas such as shoulder blades not debilitating
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? when I ache, I can't focus on what I should be doing; short tempered
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS!
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise, meditation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? ABSOLUTELY!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I would say I was pretty healthy; diagnosed with Hashimoto's with the year of being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; taking Synthyroid;
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Any med. given, such as antidepressant, muscle relaxant, etc. caused such brain fog I could not take. I listen to guided imagery meditations/affirmations on CD
Your Theories: My immune system has been compromised by stress; although I dislike labels, I've also been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. Menopause isn't helping!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I wonder how many with Fibromyalgia are caretakers or in a profession that do more for others than they do for themselves?

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Submitted on 3/19/2007
Name: Trudy
City: keene
State: NH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Keene
Where Do You Live Now? Keene
How Long Have You Lived There? 43years
Your Age? 43
How Long Have You Had Fibromyalgia? a long time
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? when I was just a kid
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? unable to work. I use to work in a ball bearing plant then with home care
Medical History: headaches, back pain, depression, boils, obese. growing pains, allergies
Does Exercise Help? no makes it worse.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I think the depression
What Are Your Current Symptoms? CFS,joint pains, IBS, migraines, back pains, fog, depression, thyroid, memory problems,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, from the ball bearing plant. When I was young I was on antibiotics for what seems like years due to boils
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, I know longer work. standing is very painful, the less bit of stress makes me unable to cope with anything, I have a hard time doing even the simplest things. feel tired all the time, have severe depression,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather changes, just about any activity that requires me to move for several min.
What Makes You Feel Better? body temp water makes every thing go away. sometimes pain reliever and muscle relaxers help
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes,
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no it was gradual over a long period of time then over the last year i got really bad
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: most antidepressants, thyroid, anti-inflamatories, sleep meds,
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

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