Fibromyalgia Case Studies: July 10 - July 25, 2007

Back to Page 1 of Case Studies

7/25/2007
Name: Robert
City: Manchester
State: NH USA
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Cherrypoint AFB, North Carolina
Where Do You Live Now? Manchester NH
How Long Have You Lived There? 52
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I work in advertising sales, ..I still manage to work though it is hard and I use up generous vacation time and sick time when I'm not feeling well
Medical History: Relatively good health, exercised every day, lift weights every other day
Does Exercise Help? sort of helps, mostly swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in ankles and wrists, that proceeded to expand and migrate
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain/stiffness in ankles & wrists daily, sometimes/often, knees, elbows,hips shoulders neck (trigger points) fatigue, tired/wired feeling,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has decreased the quality of life tremendously. It is hard to play anything and I must pace myself doing anything. I have managed to hold onto my job, but that is about all I do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, some foods,
What Makes You Feel Better? massage, staying away from sugar and caffeine, measured pace in all things, learning to say no.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? very rarely...in the beginning, yes, brain fog was rampant (for about 1-3 years after onset)
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? The brain fog was immediate upon onset of symptoms..it has lessened considerably but flares up from time to time
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I went from state of relative health to fibromyalgia, on April 16, 1996, after a bout of something like the flu/mononucleosis that came on April 14th.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no I have not
Remedies Tried: Vioxx, celebrex and other pain releivers...i stopped these as they made me too sleepy. I also was put on tricyclic antidepressants (paxil etc) very small doses and neurotonin uptake inhibitors. I rarely take any prescription meds now, except for provigil on days I can't stay awake, as well as flowmax for prostate enlargement and needing to urinate 2-3x nightly.
Your Theories: I believe it is a parasite/mycoplasma of sorts that was a result of the flu i got right prior to onset of FMS. Also, a year and 1/2 previously, I had a severe car accident that hurt wrists/ankles and neck...over the course of a year and half and especially right after the flu symptoms, the stiffness and pain from these localized areas seemed to 'spread' throughout my body. I think it is a mycoplasma or other parasite that causes this, as an opportunistic infection due to lowered immune system and constant stress from accident
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I think that about covers it. Perhaps ask what has helped in some cases?
------------------------

7/25/2007
Name: Cathe
City: Shreveport
State: LA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Baton Rouge
Where Do You Live Now? Shreveport
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Engineering, still working
Medical History: Frequent UTI prior to hysterectomy. Tubal ligation -> Ovarian Cyst formation -> Ovectomy -> Hysterectomy-> Fibromyalgia -> Hypothyroidism and Plantar Faciitis and continiuing Fibro
Does Exercise Help? yes, yoga, walking, calisthenics/ callanetics - yin yoga has the most profound effect
What Were Your First Symptoms? tingling in hands and feet + redness and swelling of legs and feet
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same, with increased pain when under stress or sad (recently separated)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? After the ovectomy to remove the cyst, my UTIs were pretty much chronic until a doctor did a different kind of culture that showed that it had not gone away even though it appeared to with initial lab test. Then a long prescription of Cipro and it finally went away.
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not sure
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has cost me my marriage, and very nearly my livelihood. My quality of life was almost zero before I found out that I had plantar faciitis and that I needed to increase hip use to recover after avoiding walking because of foot pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, overwork, sadness
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep, yoga, exercise, swimming, petting my cat (relaxation)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 maybe?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? prednisone, Cipro
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? only recently began avoiding water except for distilled
Remedies Tried: Prednisone, Xanax, Valium, Cymbalta, Neurontin, Lacix+potassium, Etodolac, percocet, zanaflex
Your Theories: I was told by the doctors at Mayo Clinic that my Raynauds symptoms, my apparent edema, my tingling hands and feet were all presentations of the fibromyalgia. My father had plantar faciitis when he was younger, and seemed to improve it by losing weight. I am losing weight now and have yet to see any real significant improvement. The higher my stress levels, the more the plantar faciitis increases in pain. I think that it may feed the fibromyalgia, and would love a cure for that as well. Cymbalta seems to help some.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can see
--------------------

7/24/2007:
Name: Robyn
City: Dayton
State: Ohio
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Dayton, Oh
Where Do You Live Now? Dayton, Oh
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 years
Your Age? 19
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 13
What is Your Line of Work? Still working?
Medical History: Worst illness was a bad kidney infection at the beginning of my 13th year
Does Exercise Help? Yes, mostly stretching and slow basic exercises.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Excessive sleeping and back stiffness.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Joint pain, sleeplessness, headaches, heartburn, stomach aches, exhaustion.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Only a bacterial infection in my kidneys
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It caused me to drop out of high school and have long periods where I could not work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? The cold, stress, not getting enough sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot showers and heat pads, anti-inflammatory medicines, naps, warm and humid days
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, when my symptoms are at the worst I have trouble thinking
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? it happened only months after the initial symptoms began
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? at first my symptoms were terrible and then waned then became worse and so forth. I have never taken any medicines for my symptoms
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------------

7/24/2007:
Name: barbara
City: buiern
State: wa
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? wa
Where Do You Live Now? wa
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 y
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 10y
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? around 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? sales now
Medical History: cancer of the uterus
Does Exercise Help? yes i go to the gym and walk on the tread mill and stretch if i slow down for to long it is hard to move
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my hips then it felt like my legs would go to sleep
What Are Your Current Symptoms? wow the pain makes me strong it hurt all day my leg go to sleep some times i have a hard time to walk but i do it.it is hard to keep my mind focused
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? my father was in Vietnam
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has made me stronger and i feel sometimes mean cuz if i can deal with this and work and live without drugs and alcohol so can others
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting to long or not movie you have to stay moving
What Makes You Feel Better? being on the move
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes i call it brain farts cuz i will just forget everything my name what i was doing
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 5y
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vicadin zoloft and a muscle relaxer
Your Theories: if you slow down it will get the better of you. you also need to keep your weight down
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Does your body go to sleep? you know when you feet go to sleep and you get the tingles, that's it.
-------------------------

7/24/2007
Name: jenny
City: highland
State: oh
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? oh
Where Do You Live Now? oh
How Long Have You Lived There? 36years
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3years ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? schools yes
Medical History: thyroid problems
Does Exercise Help? no walking i am also over weight
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in back
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back pain head ache hand pain leg pain no engery butt pain depression foot pain all most feel like nerves that are pinched
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 controls alot of what i can and can not do
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, but they never go away
What Makes You Feel Better? some times hot showers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? i do not take any medication i try to live with the pain with out meds except advil
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: advil
Your Theories: i know that fibromyalgia is real and that it is not in your head
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? i am also in premenapause i wonder if it could be something with your hormone levels
--------------------

7/24/2007
Name: Charity
City: Barrie
State: Ontario, Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Midland ON Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Barrie ON Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Customer Care - for now will soon be working from home
Medical History: IBS (had it all my life, only diagnosed 8 years ago) Self diagnosed after all the pills doctors gave me didn't; work = changed diet to manage.
Does Exercise Help? yes - walking - cycling, swimming (must be warm water)
What Were Your First Symptoms? COld that would not go away, followed by FATIGUE, Muscle pain - waking in the night
What Are Your Current Symptoms? when flared up muscles very sore, fatigue, recurring migraines, Brain Farts (short term memory problems - hard to multitask like that) weight gain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? have some metal fillings, Worked at a Metal recycling plant (including lead recycling) 6+ years ago for 1 year
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Strained family/friend relations at first - even harder to keep up Wifely duty -
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather - lack of sleep. Running out of Mag & Malic Acid, pushing my self too hard (ie vacuuming the stairs) STRESS
What Makes You Feel Better? Mag & Malic Acid & calcium just before bed.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes - use Gingko Biloba to help
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes - Wasn't on medication but i remember the first sneeze of the cold i got, I was cleaning a men's bathroom - sprayed pink acid on the urinal and got some in my nose.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: GOOD SLEEP - Magnesium & Malic Acid along side Calcium, Good Multi vitamin, Ginger rood for pain, B12 for fatigue, gingko biloba for brain fog, reduce sugar intake, no dairy for me (dairy allergy & ibs only makes things worse) a GOOD Chiro is hard to find but worth every penny - Mine uses only the Activator - no manual adjustments - massage therapy - but not too hard.
Your Theories: I believe that it is manageable. Once it is in "remission" for a while i wonder if i ever had it and then for no reason (or at least i have not figured it out yet) i get a flare up and can barely walk. the book "from fatigued to fantastic" was wonderful as it was written by a doctor (a man a that) who suffers from FIbro. If more Fibro sufferers would start listening to their bodies and stop blindly following Doctor/specialist advice many would do well and be able to return to work.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How did you Doctor try to treat it? Did that work? My answer would be : Dr was Rheumatologist and very old school - he prescribed anti depressant - these made me rigid at night and sore in the morning and i became suicidal after a disagreement with my sister. I am so glad i am aware of my thoughts an that they are not rational and stopped taking the meds that day. from then on i only ask for Toradol from my Family Doctor and have never returned to the Rheumatologist
---------------------

7/23/2007
Name: Linda
City: Goode
State: Virginia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Chester PA
Where Do You Live Now? Goode VA
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: PCOS, PTSD, depression, allergies, many illnesses-Legionaires, etc. sinus infections,severe pelvic adhesions from surgeries,rhuematic arthritis in hands, thermal allergies
Does Exercise Help? Yes-walking in an environment that is not hilly.
What Were Your First Symptoms? my knees started giving out, body ached like the flu, no matter what I did or did not do
What Are Your Current Symptoms? brain fog-aching is under control with moderate walking and prozac
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? DDT at the Jersey SHore as a child
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it has made my life that much more difficult, and is frustrating, as it seems to wax and wane.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? temperature changes, emotional stress, any kind of flu or sinus infection
What Makes You Feel Better? walking, lol-darvocet
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes-
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I think i just recently developed this-a perfect name for the out-of-it feeling in my head for the past 6 months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes-had legionaires and was hospitalized withit-got the fibro after it. A whole lot of diff. antibiotics, esp. vancomycin, changed to Paxil, ativan, a real nasty painkiller called choline-magnesium tri-salicytate, and axid.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: darvocet, relaxtion therapy, stress relief, moderate exercise, changing diet to real foods, vitamins
Your Theories: I think my body just "had enough" and the fibro was what started me on the road to seriously taking an active role in my health care, and exploring options-not easy to do when one has medicaid for insurance!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Is ther a connection to onset of symptoms and life stress?
--------------------------

7/23/2007
Name: Jacqueline
City: Two Rivers
State: WI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Portsmouth, VA
Where Do You Live Now? Two Rivers, WI
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Business Owner
Medical History: None
Does Exercise Help? Pilates and yoga
What Were Your First Symptoms? Neck, shoulder, and back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? The same but not goes all the way to the hands and feet.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I worked at Mirro for a year with exposure to a lot of aluminum dust. I drank flouride in my water and had metal fillings.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can no longer maintain the lifestyle that was once in every essence who I was.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, lack of sleep, and changes in the weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? A sunny day, flexeril and Ultram for bad days, vitamins and the support of my husband.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. None
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Too many to list.
Your Theories: I am looking here for some new theories.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I have found.
-------------------------------

7/23/2007
Name: Rebecca
City: Charlotte
State: NC
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? NC
Where Do You Live Now? NC
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
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teacher, yes
Medical History: borderline hypoglycemia, clinical depression, GAD, back problems resulting in disc surgery
Does Exercise Help? Yoga helps, swimming is good on good days, but painful on bad days
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue and muscle weakness
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, fibrofog, poor concentration, IBS, memory impairment, spacing out, sleep problems, depressive episodes, TMJ, frequent headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not longer than a week
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Hard to perform my job well, relationships are affected, you feel alone because no one understands the disease, I am worried about losing my job because of having fibro
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress is the biggest trigger, as well as doing too much on my good days, bad weather, lots of distractions
What Makes You Feel Better? Yoga, support from my family and boyfriend, taking vitamin supplements (iron, B-complex, and ginko biloba)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I started having symptoms to my recollection in May 2005 and by October 2005, I was unable to stand up without falling down. I don't remember anything unusual about 6 months prior besides trying to graduate college, which I did that same month, by taking 2 back-to-back semesters of 18 hours.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? i dont even know exactly what that is. i remember my mother giving me fluoride treatments as a child though.
Remedies Tried: I am on Tramadol, I take Iron, B-Complex, and Ginko Biloba, which all help tremendously. Without Tramadol I cannot function. I also get an hour deep-tissue massage every week, 2 a week if it is a stressful time of year, such as the end-of-the-school year or back to school.
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I can't think of any right now. Surprise, surprise.
----------------------

7/23/2007
Name: Cathy
City: JAMESTOWN
State: USA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Atlanta GA
Where Do You Live Now? KY
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 yrs
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 32 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? worked for 10 yrs in office management then became stay at home mom
Medical History: I was very sick as a baby. Had a year of antibiotics. Was healthy as a child. Was some what healthy as a young adult. Developed TMJ and body pains at the age of 20. Had first and only child at 28. Had a hysterectomy at 34. Shortly after that was when I was told that I have fibro.
Does Exercise Help? Warm water exercise helps. I do walk but I limit it to a mile or less. All other exercise will put me into a flair up.
What Were Your First Symptoms? TMJ, pain in neck, shoulders and back.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches, TMJ, pain in neck, shoulders, back, chest, hands, legs and feet. Aches in muscles. Brain fog, upset stomache, depression, trouble sleeping.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes, lived in areas where they spray every night with trucks for bugs.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I plan my day with only one activity per day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Driving or riding in a car for long distance. Sleeping in another bed besides my own. Cold or cool air.
What Makes You Feel Better? Massage and hot tub.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 22 yrs.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes but I can't recall any drugs that I was taking at the time except hormones
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: I have had all metal teeth fillings removed and caps put in place. I avoid anything with aspartame. I have gone from a typical mattress to a Temperpedica mattress. I avoid really spicy foods for the stomache problems,
Your Theories: I feel that with all the chemicals that we are exposed to daily that one or more of these chemicals could have effect on certain people.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family history.
------------------

7/23/2007
Name: Diane
City: Silver Spring
State: Maryland
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Washington, D.C.
Where Do You Live Now? Silver Spring, Md.
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 59
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 22 years but not diagnosed until 10 years ago.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Symptoms obvious at age 39 but probably had it years before.
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teacher in a public school. The children distract me. I have had to modify many activities as a teacher. Looking forward to retirement in a few years.
Medical History: Healthy but always had aches and pains and annoying problems.
Does Exercise Help? Warm water exercise class, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? Started with TMJ, then went into my lower back for 4 years (epidural injections of corisone helped for 2 years), then went into my legs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Any area from the past can have a flare-up. My left knee has burning, aching pain, the left shoulder has pain with movement, the bottom of my feet burn and ache if I'm on my feet. A flare-up can "grab" any part of my body with burning, aching, horrible pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? My mother had our house exterminated regularly and I have had chemicals in my school and house used to avoid insects.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I plan carefully and limit my commitments. I do nothing on school days but rest. I am conscious of it every minute. I have to protect my body from children poking me/bumping into me and adults who poke or slap me on the back. I have to sit when speaking to people at work for any length of time. It affects everything I do, every day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Repetitive movements, like using the computer, walking too much, reaching, bending, overdoing any activity. Sometimes there's just no reason.
What Makes You Feel Better? Warm baths and massage. A deep tissue massage will frequently "move" the painful area to a better spot or dissipate the terrible pain into more tolerable pain. The children I teach keep me busy and distracted.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I find it embarrassing when I have word retrieval problems. It's frustrating and lowers my self-esteem when I can't think quickly and clearly.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? At least 10 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? My progression was slow. It went from one area of my body to another over the years. And now a flare-up can occur in any previous area.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, I've never heard of that theory. But, I have well water so it's not treated. I do use flouride toothpaste and get flouride treatments at the dentist.
Remedies Tried: Amitriptyline to take the edge off the pain, Wellbutrin gives me some energy, clonazipam helps me sleep at night (sometimes Ambien), Maxalt works for the migrains. I use Tylenol and Tramadol as needed. I have used Lidocaine patches for small areas with limited success. Deep tissue massage for specific areas that flare even though it hurts badly during the massage. Relief comes after the massage.
Your Theories: I've always felt that it's caused by exposure to some chemical in our environment, like bug sprays.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Possibly, something related to other symptons that seem to go with Fibromyalgia (like skin problems, irritable bowel, etc.

7/22/2007
Name: Kathy
City: Olive Hill
State: Ky
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ky
Where Do You Live Now? Ky
How Long Have You Lived There? 51 yrs.
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Approx. 17 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Production work, nursing assistant. home health, house cleaning
Medical History: When I was in grade school a peer pulled a chair out from under me as I was beginning to sit down and i hit the floor very hard. I was hit in the head with a ball bat during a family reunion,accidentally.
Does Exercise Help? Yes water exercise
What Were Your First Symptoms? lower and upper back pain,sore muscles,fatigue,trouble falling asleep
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic neck,shoulder,upper and lower back pain,knee and leg pain,head burning,poor vision,memory loss,body tenderness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? measles as a child,bronchial trouble
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? smoking
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I use to go non stop and loved working and staying busy never stopped until things were done. Always there to help out with family when they needed me.Now there are days I don't even get my hair combed I feel so bad. I get up in the morning and feel as if I have never been asleep and I am so stiff it takes me an hour or so to get my joints to where the work half way right .I have to limit my activities and my everyday lifestyle is based on my fibro.If I over do myself then I pay for days with pain.If I sit or stand to long then I am at the point of having to take pain pills. I cannot go shopping and enjoy it anymore without having pain.and by the time I get in the car I am exhausted and feeing so fatigued that the drive home is very hard.There are days that I feel better and then I over do myself and it is a everyday cycle.At first when I first started getting the symptoms I though I had bone cancer due to all my joints hurting. I was put through all the testing that could be done and all come back neg.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Over working,lifting,sitting or standing too long,stress,bending
What Makes You Feel Better? doing nothing,just relaxing when possible
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes Flexeral,zoloft
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Zoloft,Paxsel,prozac,amitripaline,vioz,muscel relaxer,IBU Cymbaltia,physical therapy,chiropracter Other's but can't rememberI am currently taking 60 mg.of cymbaltia,800mg.of IUB .Cymbaltia does not seem to be helping the pain and now I take about an hour before the IUB gets in to give me some relief
Your Theories: I just wish that Dr.s would listen better to what we are saying.It is not in our heads,It would only take one day for a Dr to experience our pain and how we feel then they would see that is is a very real illness and it can make your life miserable.I enjoy life and serving God and having a wonderful family and that is what keeps me going,I know that if God see's fit for me to be healed then I will but if he chooses that I have to live with Fibro then I am willing accept because I know that he will not put any more on us than we can bear.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Don't think so
-------------------

7/22/2007
Name: Carla
City: Stone Mountain
State: Georgia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now? Georgia
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 yrs
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 or 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Management/Bookkeeping- applying for diability
Medical History: taking Valtrex for suppression of herpes virus for at least 5 years. Otherwise health generally good.
Does Exercise Help? Anything right now is out of the question.
What Were Your First Symptoms? neck/upper back and wrist and hand pain. I thought it was carpal tunnel.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Overall joint, muscle, pain. Walking is painful because of lower back and hip pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Herpes outbreaks since age 22.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not to my knowledge
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have always been very active,enjoyed yardwork, speed walking, etc. I am now limited to slow movements. An easy task such as shopping for food is now a major ordeal. I have to lean on the cart for support, depend on help lifting groceries, then come home and lie down or go to sleep from sheer exhaustion.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Being cold.
What Makes You Feel Better? Being outside in sunny warm weather. Hot baths and showers.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? not sure; I do forget or can't say the words for certain objects even though I can picture them in my head.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? not sure
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No,
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Have not heard of this, but will research it.
Remedies Tried: effexor, flexeril, motrin.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------

7/22/2007
Name: nicki
City: cleveland
State: usa
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? cleveland,ohio
Where Do You Live Now? same
How Long Have You Lived There? 59 yrs
Your Age? 59
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? was in construction trades switched to clerical ultimately on disability (4 yrs)
Medical History: degenerative disc disease, type 2 diabetes, IBS
Does Exercise Help? some swimming helps but hard to do all yr in ohio
What Were Your First Symptoms? IBS, insomnia, severe pain, brain fog
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same as above
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? recurrent bronchitis
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? had to retire, have almost zero social life, travelling nearly impossible
What Makes Symptoms Worse? changes in barometric pressure,heat & humidity, overdoing anything
What Makes You Feel Better? gentle massage, warm baths & Soma but new Dr. refuses to prescribe them
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? definitely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? right from the beginning 11 yrs. ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? absolutely!! 800 mg. Motrin 4x daily for at least 1 yr. then bextra, vioxx, etc, etc....
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, i drink only RO water, use no flouride toothpastes
Remedies Tried: Am through w/allopathic meds for pain, afraid of side effects. use Arnica & Arnica spray, tape wrists & other joints when they become very painful & my old standbys, massage & a warm soak
Your Theories: I feel if I could sleep better a lot of the pain & fog would be alleviated
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I know that my symptoms were following an extended period of extreme emotional stress & a back injury. I think stress is a major contributor
----------------------

7/22/2007
Name: MICHELLE
City: Hood River
State: Oregon
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Oregon
Where Do You Live Now? Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20, more or less
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 18 or 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working
Medical History: Viral pneumonia, mono, whiplash from car accident in teens
Does Exercise Help? Very light exercise, like walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Poor sleep followed by flu-like symptoms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, pain mostly in neck/shoulders, but also in legs, feet
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Second-hand exposure to pesticides
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It makes me depressed-I feel like a horrible mom; like a parasite in my own home
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Change in weather, cold, being over-active, stress, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, warmth (but not too warm)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? About 5 or 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, but it was caused by an incident of extreme grief
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Effexor , Cymbalta, Flexeril, Vicodin, St. John's wort
Your Theories: I think fibromyalgia is your body choosing to have a nervous breakdown without the consent of your conscious mind
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
----------------------------

7/22/2007
Name: Victoria
City: Calabasas
State: California
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? San Frenando, Cal.
Where Do You Live Now? Cal.
How Long Have You Lived There? 43 years
Your Age? 43 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 1/2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No unable to work, due to fatigue, brain fog,and tons of other symtoms.
Medical History: No major health issues nothing like I am now.
Does Exercise Help? No.
What Were Your First Symptoms? headaches, pain, exhaustion
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches,fatigue,tried all the time ,back and neck painful,brain fog,memory loss, loss of balance ,unable to concentrate,exhaustion,aniexty, depresstion,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Lots of urine infections and diverticulitis and I feel as though I do now.Went in to the hospital was on I.V , antibotics and pain killers next day went homw and felt great for 1 day.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Cannot work unable to get pregnant, cannot do normal activies.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not sleeping , stress and I cannot figure out what else
What Makes You Feel Better? Have been trying to figure it out but I am not sure yet.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Major brain fog.Cannot even function.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 3 to 3 1/2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had a major car accident.I went on medications to get through the pain, aniexty and depression
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No I am just learning about it.
Remedies Tried: Accupucture, chriopractic, massage, neck traction,medical doctors ( with little succes),Rakki,I was going to try chelation theropy, physical theropy.
Your Theories: Food is related somehow, eastern medicine of all kinds seem to help a little I think you just need to go alot.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------

7/21/2007
Name: Tamara
City: Cleveland
State: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Muskegon, MI
Where Do You Live Now? Cleveland, OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 yrs.
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10-15 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20-25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office/admin, still working.
Medical History: Emdometriosis, goiter(thyroidectomy)
Does Exercise Help? Yes, light aerobic, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? Left side of body only, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, shoulder tissue and joint.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Leg and arms tissue and joints.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I recall
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have to limit my daily activities and plan major projects/outings with friends to one per weekend.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Sometimes cold, sometimes change in barometric pressure, lack of sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest; some pain meds, Cymbalta (don't take b/c of side effects, but works for pain)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, trouble remembering things, putting thoughts together when I speak.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Maybe the last two years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Can't recall, just seems to have started gradually for me.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Vicodin, Ibuprofen, Cymbalta, Noni juice, ACV
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of (brain fog!!!) lol
---------------------------------

7/20/2007
Name: Kristina
City: Lusby
State: Md
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Maryland
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2003
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Stay at home mom
Medical History: scoliosis, hiatal hernia, chronic sinusitis ear infections
Does Exercise Help? Curves workout
What Were Your First Symptoms? calf pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? neuropathy, carpal tunnel, migraines, flu-like aching, restless limbs, dizziness, memory problems, insomnia, blurry vision, fatigue....
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? activity longer than 45 minutes, hot weather, cold weather, thunderstorms, stress,
What Makes You Feel Better? ???
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. I don't recall any medications.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, pain killers
Your Theories: Several people in my area have it. Live near a power plant.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
--------------------------------

7/19/2007
Name: Shellie
City: Newcastle
State: Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Newcastle, Aust
Where Do You Live Now? Lake Macquarie
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 26 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 11
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Never well enough to get a degree. High school education. No longer working. Job were retail, hospitality - notgood jobs.
Medical History: You need to be more specific, I'm not telling everything about myself to strangers on the internet
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Exhaustive and overwhelming fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Find a symptom and I've got it, you dont' have the room and I don't have that much time.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No, too sick even if I wanted to.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Nothing commercial
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I don't have one, I am too sick to do very much. Never had the chance at a decent education or to make any dreams or ambitions come true because I couldn't even stay awake in call in high schoool. My teeth are bad because of reflux at night but I can't work to get the money to afford a dentist.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Moving, sunlight, heat, cold, chemicals, IBS, flurescent (Spelt wrong I know)lights, sleep deprivation, loud noises.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much, I don't have to have a trigger to have a symptom. There isn't always a pattern. I can rest for 3 or 4 days in preparation for a function or event and wake up that morning exhausted with no reason why.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes but not so badly now that I have been out on a medication for sleep disorder
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 26
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No drugs
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No because I'm not sure what it is.
Remedies Tried: Trcyilic Amytrptaline for pain and sleep disorder. No point in pain killers, they are ineffectual
Your Theories: I had an abusive and violent upbringing and have been told that it is the most likely reason as to why my body collapsed. The abuse continued my entire life and now had to remove those people from my life as they refuse to stop even though I am a grown woman.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? You haven't asked about emotional trauma. Viruses aren't the only cause of auto immune problems. Neither have you asked whether I understand what FM is. It's more than fatigue and sore muscles with an inability to concentrate. It's the disregualtion of the neuroendicrine system. Probable not spelt correctly but I don't have much time in a public library.
--------------------------

7/19/2007
Name: PAULINE
City: JEFFERSONVILLE
State: INDIANA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? KENNETT,MISSOURI
Where Do You Live Now? JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
How Long Have You Lived There? 34 YRS
Your Age? 62
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? APPROX. 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 45?
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? OFFICE WORK RETIRED
Medical History: HYSTERECTOMY
Does Exercise Help? STRETCHING TO TO LOOSEN THE MUSCLES
What Were Your First Symptoms? PAIN IN THE ELBOW
What Are Your Current Symptoms? CHRONIC PAIN EVERYWHERE, SLEEP LOSS, BRAIN FOG, CHANGE IN WEATHER CAUSES PAIN
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NONE
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? MAKES ME UNABLE TO ENJOY ANYTHING MUCH, UNABLE TO SLEEP, VERY TIRED
What Makes Symptoms Worse? CHANGE IN WEATHER, COLD
What Makes You Feel Better? HOT SHOWERS, WARM WEATHER
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? CAME GRADUALLY, SO I CAN'T SAY
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO, IT WAS PROGRESSIVE
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO, WHAT IS THAT?
Remedies Tried: SO MANY THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER, SOME MEDS AND LOTS OF HEALTH RELATED NATURAL PRODUCTS
Your Theories: MY IMMUNE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE OVERACTIVE SO THAT SOME PRODUCTS HELP FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN STOP
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? YES, HOW IS THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM?
---------------------

7/18/2007
Name: G.
City: Rochester Hills
State: MI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chuquicamata Chile
Where Do You Live Now? Rochester Hills Michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 62
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Secretary and yes
Medical History: Good to excellent health.
Does Exercise Help? Some - swimming only. After walking I feel like someone beat me with a baseball bat.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Sore elbows, shoulders and clavicle and generalized body ache like with a flu
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Sore and stiff joints as well as terrible generalized stiffness and aches throughout body - fatigue and tiredness, sleeplessness.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not to my knowledge
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Don't know - not to my knowledge
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Ruined it - very devastating. Used to speed walk 6 miles a day and have tons of energy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? When I don't rest properly or don't get sufficient sleep - I think that when I'm stressed out it excacerbates it.
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes indeed - kept thinking it was "senioritis"
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Probably 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes! Don't remember specifics but I was taking a pill that weight lifters use to help with exercise and muscle building - I was trying to lose weight and tone.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Not familiar with dietary fluoride.
Remedies Tried: Taking Naprosyn now to reduce inflammation which seems to help. Looked into the Guaifenesin theory
Your Theories: I am most "consciously" aware of the pain when I lie in my bed at night with the lights out and I can feel the pain kind of a like a vibration throughout my body.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------

7/18/2007
Name: Deborah
City: Salem
State: OR
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? New Jersey
Where Do You Live Now? Oregon
How Long Have You Lived There? 15
Your Age? 56
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 40 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16 yrs od
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I've been in child care for 13 years and took care of my own childern before that
Medical History: was told I had Lupus at first, then was told 13 years ago it was Fibromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? Just keep busy helps, if I sit for long periods I start getting sore
What Were Your First Symptoms? swollen knees, feet started hurting where I couldn't walk
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tired a lot, sore every where, sharp pains in hands and arms, trouble sleeping becuase of hip pain and leg pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Get fustrated depressed because of the pain all the time and because the doctors don't believe me
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting or sleeping for to long without moving.
What Makes You Feel Better? keeping motivated hot shower
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? last three years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, prednizone
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: I've been on all kinds but can't remember the names I haven't been on anything for the last two years don't have any medical
Your Theories: HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO
----------------------

7/17/2007
Name: Susan
City: Preston
State: Washington
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? California
Where Do You Live Now? Washington
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 63
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 57
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disablility retirement
Medical History: epilepsy when young gall bladder surgery cancer of the cervix cancer of the vagina back surgery bells palsy fibromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in muscles and joints along with fatigue. At the same time restless leg syndrome. Many symptoms came on.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? a lot of pain especially in my feet. fatigue. restless legs. headaches insomnia depression
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 made it impossible to live the kind of life I used to live. I was a hard worker and used to like camping. Had to quit work and just can't enjoy the things I used to like to do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? a good nights sleep (rare) and pain medication
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 or 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes very quickly. I got bells palsy and then within six months I had all the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Can't remember any drugs except steroids for the bells palsy.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: presently taking morphine, requip and anti-depressants. Also tried mirapex for a while.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------------

7/17/2007
Name: Kristy
City: Lansing
State: USA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Lansing
Where Do You Live Now? Lansing
How Long Have You Lived There? most of my life
Your Age? 47
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 27 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mainly the food industry and no, I'm not currently working
Medical History: Started out with severe shoulder pain which has just kind of moved downward-knees, hips, feet, back. I also had extremely sore spots on the inside of my elbows and just below my collar bone. I have also struggled with fatigue that makes it tough to do much of anything on a lot of days-no matter how much I sleep-which is difficult as pain wakes me many times during the night.
Does Exercise Help? pool exercise, walking if I'll do it consistently
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe shoulder pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Everything mentioned above. This past December a doctor found many 'tender' spots and I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. One of the most annoying things I experience is an apparent inability to lose weight-regardless of the diet plan and no matter how diligently I stick to the plan.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes (bronchitis usually)
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I try not to let it affect my life anymore than it has to. But I can't do things like take long walks, do heavy housework/lifting (and a gallon of milk is something I consider heavy lifting-for years), I've had to give up things I enjoy like volleyball because the joint pain makes it impossible.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Trying to do too much (i.e. washing windows/walls, being on my feet too long, etc...)
What Makes You Feel Better? I'm actually finding that drinking organic vinegar with baking soda and cayenne pepper helps some
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely! I think it's because of the constant fatigue.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Since I've only been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia I don't know. I've had trouble with concentrating, though, for about ten years now.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? My original symptom of severe right shoulder pain seemed to come on very suddenly. I attributed it sliding on an icy road and landing in a ditch (I was in my car). I can't recall if I ever took anything beyond aspirin or Tylenol, if I took anything.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? It's only been in the past couple of months that I've heard of a problem with floride, so no. But I have only used bottled water for drinking for years and usually only use baking soda and/or peroxide for brushing my teeth.
Remedies Tried: A friend who sells Shaklee had me trying their brand of alfalfa and that really seemed to help joint pain a lot-but it's expensive and it takes about 20 a day to notice a difference. Store brands don't work so I just don't use it anymore. An anti-depressant called Elavil that I took early on also, for some strange reason, helped the joint pain. But I don't like using drugs so I stopped taking that about 22 years ago. I've mostly been using the vinegar/baking soda solution for the past year but have not been as consistent as I'd like to be.
Your Theories: When all the pain first started it seemed to mostly be limited to my right shoulder-for quite a few years. I never knew it could be from fibromyalgia until Dec. 2006. I'd been told I had everything from arthritis, bursitis, an impingement syndrom, tendonitis, something I can't pronounce and the best one of all-it's all in my head. So, early on, I just stopped trying to find out what it was and haven't sought medical treatment for it. I just try to live my life the best I can and not let it affect anymore areas than it has to (mostly those that will cause me more pain). I've actually been able to conceal the fact that I have physical problems from most people because I won't let it disrupt my life anymore than necessary.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? My mother and sister both have fibromyalgia. Maybe you should ask if there seems to be a family history of it. Also, my mother complains of a burning sensation in her rib cage area. The waistband of pants, as well as her bra are so irritating to her that she looks forward to being able to put her nightgown on at night. Does anyone else experience this? She associates it with the fibromyalgia.
------------------------------

7/17/2007
Name: Theresa
City: Gobler
State: Missouri
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Arkansas
Where Do You Live Now? Missouri
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 YRS.
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Nurse--No
Medical History: depression
Does Exercise Help? yes, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiffness in AM
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stiffness, aching muscles, fatigue, joint pain,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I went from running circles around people on a daily basis, with tons of energy at the end of the day, to this overly tired lump sitting on the couch, dreading to start my day.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, too much activity, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? hot bathes, a gentle massage,
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, zoloft
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: aqua therapy, ibuprophen
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------------

7/16/2007
Name: Margrit
City: Escondido
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Germany
Where Do You Live Now? California
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 73
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 68
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Retired
Medical History: Hystorectomy 1973, Back surgery 1996
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue, Pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme Pain, Extreme Fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Just aout killed it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? No known cause
What Makes You Feel Better? Taking painkillers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? No
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? N/A
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, statins
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Don't know what you mean
Remedies Tried: Other than painkiller none
Your Theories: Whatever it is it came on very fast
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? My doctor is an idiot who is afraid to prescribe anything. I have a fight with him everytime I want a prescription.
------------------------------

7/16/2007
Name: Michelle
City: Joliet
State: Il
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Iowa
Where Do You Live Now? Illinois
How Long Have You Lived There? since 7 years old
Your Age? 32
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Out of control for 6 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? about 13-15
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Quit cosmetology, to much. Quit office work 7 years ago. Not working
Medical History: Extensive..
Does Exercise Help? Haven't been up to it for so long I don't know. To poor to try anything new.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Weak, no strength. Desire to do things but couldn't get off the couch.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Widespread pain. Brain fog so bad I don't remember what a movie was about 3-5 days later. Weak, no energy, depressed, irritable, achy sore, can't sleep, hurts no matter what my body comes in contact with chair, bed ..
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? ?? Pneumonia pretty bad in 6th grade, bronchitis annually since.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? ???
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Ruined it, i have so much i want to do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, lack of sleep for sure.
What Makes You Feel Better? Not much, Prescription drug Elavil helps and Hydrocodone allows me to not feel pain so I could parent. However Dr's don't like to give that to long. But really the pain narcotic helped me the most like I want to be in combo w/Elavil.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I've felt like an idiot since about 15. Didn't go to college because I didn't think I could. It takes patience to explain something new to me. I really have to focus auditory and visually to grasp. Husband has taught me so much that I didn't grasp in highschool mostly history and geography
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? unsure, have a hard time remembering childhood illnesses. But in 2001 I was in a minor accident that sent my body into overdrive of symptoms previous.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Prescription drug Elavil helps and Hydrocodone allows me to not feel pain so I could parent. However Dr's don't like to give that to long. But really the pain narcotic helped me the most like I want to be in combo w/Elavil.
Your Theories: Please help us
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
------------------------

7/14/2007
Name: reta
City: corona
State: ca
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? texas
Where Do You Live Now? ca
How Long Have You Lived There? 53
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 47
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 10
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: thyroid
Does Exercise Help? walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? PAIN IN JOINTS OF LEGS AND ARMS BACK
What Are Your Current Symptoms? MUSCLE PAIN BACK COLD FEET JAW CHEST BONE AN MORE
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? MEASLES
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? YES
What Makes Symptoms Worse? HUMIDITY RAIN
What Makes You Feel Better? BEING ABLE TO EXERISE
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? DEFINETLY
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? AT LEAST 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: NORATRIPTALINE PAIN MEDS AND SO MANY MOR OVER THE YEARS
Your Theories: i BELIEVE THAT IT PASSED ON MY MOM AUNT TWO OF MY DAUGHTERS HAVE IT
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? i DON'T BELIEVE SO
-----------------------

7/14/2007
Name: Glenda
City: Guntersville
State: Alabama
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Guntersville,Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Guntersville,Alabama
How Long Have You Lived There? 33 years
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5-6 years ago
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 27-28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? disable due to this and copd
Medical History: mental, cronic pain althris, copd, infazima, pdsd. fibromyalgia, just a whole list of bad things, that hurt like Hell.
Does Exercise Help? swim
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like symptoms everyday and I still have flu like symptoms with joint pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Same as above
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I stay sick every day.With one thing or the other
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cribbling
What Makes Symptoms Worse? can't figure that out get. but stress is one. I have had this for years and nobody has ever told me what to do and nnot to do.
What Makes You Feel Better? a lot of pain meds
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? for several years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes! zoloft or a nother antidepressant
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't know what you mean Fluoride is in the water supply here.
Remedies Tried: lortab 10 and a new kind of meds Lyrica 75mg 2-3 times a day Remebies Blackstrap Maolassas look it up on the internet unter home remedies.
Your Theories: do you know any tips on not hurting so badly? I'm a mother of 4 I have a 6yr old with a mental handicap along with 3 other childern. I need all the help I can get.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I dont think so.
----------------------------

7/14/2007
Name: tammy
City: martinsburg
State: west virginia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? martinsburg
Where Do You Live Now? martinsburg
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 27
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? SSI/disability
Medical History: fairly healthy & active
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain all over; chronic insomnia; fatigue; swelling
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? changed my life completely; had a very active full life before; now I am on disability and no longer work
What Makes Symptoms Worse? change in barometric pressure; lack of sleep; overdoing it physically
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep;medicine; marijuana
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: all
Your Theories: I was rear-ended in a car accident; at a stand still and saw the car coming; nothing has been the same since
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------

7/14/2007:
Name: Beth
City: Clearfield
State: PA
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? PA
Where Do You Live Now? PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 57 years
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 maybe more
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50-55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Clerical- yes
Medical History: always had weight problems, gall bladder sugery at age 26, 13 kidney stones, hysterectomy at age 45
Does Exercise Help? Exercise just brings on more discomfort and soreness. would like to try swimming but live in a small town and that is not an option
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme tenderness on outside of thighs and legs, fatigue, bowel problems, stomach problems
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tire easily, many tender spots and points through out whole body, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? have not been intimate with husband for 2 years. touching and hugging causes great discomfort. cannot walk for exercise like I used to, unable to do anything for a long period of time i.e. gardening, working around home, even sleeping late on the weekends is not an option because of stiffness and pain if I lie too long.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lack of rest, overwork such as house cleaning, gardening, laundry, winter months, cold
What Makes You Feel Better? warm sunny days, fishing from boat, being around family
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? at times
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no I don't think is was quickly but I think all the problems came after hysterectomy and all the hormones that were tried over a 2 years period. finally told physician that I would not take them anymore.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? We have been drinking spring water for over 6 years now. don't know if any other items have flouride
Remedies Tried: physical therapy, which helped some, muscle relaxers, depression drugs. am on no medication at the present time.
Your Theories: all the medication caused terrible side effects, have lots of stress at work which plays havoc with stomach, feel that surgery and all the meds after cause chemical overload and have never been able to recover normal life.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? can't think of one
-----------------------------------

7/11/2007:
Name: katharine
City: arbroath
State: uk
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? aberdeen
Where Do You Live Now? arbroath
How Long Have You Lived There? 15 yrs
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? childcare yes
Medical History: prone to viruses
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic pain, grip in hands is poor, fatigue, get words back to front and concentration can be poor.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? poor mobility, constantly exhusted,struggle with opening cans and bottles, forgetful, poor sleep
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, cold damp weather, carrying shopping,
What Makes You Feel Better? my electic blanket - heat on the muscles, fresh air,listening to classical music at bedtime, also keeping myself busy and not giving in
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? most definately
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? from the start
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, anti biotics to treat a meningitis type virus
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, never heard of it
Remedies Tried: co proxinal which is the only painkiller to give me relief, amitriptylene, cuting down on dairy and wheat products
Your Theories: no, its such a frustrating condition
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? was there any changes in your life when the condition occured? are the relapses in the condition triggered by anything in peticular? ( i had a really bad spell when i broke my foot and the condition prevented me from using crutches due to severe muscle pain
-------------------

7/10/2007
Name: Valerie
City: Bloomington
State: IL
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? pennsylvania
Where Do You Live Now? illinois
How Long Have You Lived There? bloomington, 12 years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? nurse, yes
Medical History: endometriosis, depression, sinus infections, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism
Does Exercise Help? unknown
What Were Your First Symptoms? TMJ
What Are Your Current Symptoms? widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono as a teen
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? exhausted all the time, can make it through a day of desk work - but that's it
What Makes Symptoms Worse? less sleep than "normal", stress
What Makes You Feel Better? heat, massage, rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: flexeril, antidepressants, various OTC pain meds, now Ultram, supplements for fibro
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

Back to Page 1 of Case Studies