Fibromyalgia Case Studies: September 10 - October 5, 2007

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10/05/2007
Name: Heather
City: Waterloo
State: Iowa
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Waterloo
Where Do You Live Now? Waterloo
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 years
Your Age? 27
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? maybe 7??? or 6 for sure
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 16-17
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? education
Medical History: fine
Does Exercise Help? swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? SEVERE abdominal pain, flu like aches in my legs particular knees a 17
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aches in all the "trigger" zones, headaches, IBS
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? nope
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? a lot of napping and just feeling "out of it"
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather changes
What Makes You Feel Better? naps, waiting it out
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes and it gets bad
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? it's been there all along
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? noooo
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? nope
Remedies Tried: flexirol, ibuprofin is the best though!
Your Theories: I feel more research should be done on this. I know there is,but it seems like all these causes are unknown...what about genetics and prenatal care? We are all unique people but when the onset of these symptoms come, sometimes I wish I were in a different body. I can't stand that I am almost 30 and I already feel as though I can't walk.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? "Is fibromyalgia the seed of rheumatoid arthritis??"
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10/05/2007
Name: Christine
City: Clearwater
State: FL
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pittsfield, MA
Where Do You Live Now? Clearwater,FL
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 yrs
Your Age? 57
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Less than 1 year
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 57
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working
Medical History: Two back surgeries in my twenties. No other health issues.
Does Exercise Help? Some mild stretching helps. Anything else makes the pain worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue and depression.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe pain in hips, knees, upper arms and right hand. Fatigue and loss of sleep.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Nothing comes to mind
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Some PCB's in hometown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Every aspect!!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Doing too much, moving joints despite pain
What Makes You Feel Better? hot water, Aleve
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? absolutely!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? less than one year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No drugs were taken but I had just finished doing a great deal of interior painting
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have just started eliminating flouride. My jaw pain has subsided since eliminating flouride toothpaste
Remedies Tried: Lyrica - did nothing. Two Aleve is the only thing I've tried so far. I am unemployed and uninsured so treatment is limited.
Your Theories: I'm amazed at how quickly my life has changed for the worse. I've always prided myself with my strength and independence and now I feel helpless. Even dressing myself has become an excrutiatingly painful experience.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have you found the support you need that is typically missing with this misunderstood disease?
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10/04/2007
Name: Connie
City: Ogden
State: Utah
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Murray, Utah
Where Do You Live Now? Ogden, Utah
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 years
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 29
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Management at Internal Revenue Service. No, medical retirement in 1998. Now disabled.
Medical History: When 5 had extreme achyness and pain in legs. Dr determined infection & tonsils removed-1958. Had different infections on & off entire life-urineary, broncial, sinus, etc. In 1976 sent to Dr whose wife had fibromyalgia & he diagnosised me with fibromyalgia. Had surgery for tubal pregnancy which ruptured in 1976, Had exploratory surgery for infection 1981, which resulted in hysterectomy in 1982. Had fasia planter surgery both feet, 1990/91, arthoscopic surgery both shoulders and both knees 1992/93. Struggled with severe and intense pain for several years and still do. Developed unknown illness resulting in intensive care hospital stay for 2 weeks resulting from pulmanary embolism & infection. Have area in right lung which shows on nuclear med scan-now worse than when first discoverd but not as bad as when in hospital-1998. Lower back surgery 2001, Upper neck surgery 2004. Constant pain- have gone to pain clinic for epidurel steroid injections & trigger point injections since 1996. Have been on antibiotics entire life.
Does Exercise Help? no, some times increases pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? achyness in legs and joints throughout body.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe pain through entire body, difficulty standing/walking for any length of time. Hurts to lay or sit for too long. Constant aching of legs. Still deal with many infections & Dr's unable to determine where they are & where developing from.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Unknown other than Dr's can't seem to get rid of my infections that continually flare up after my course of antibiotics.
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? unknown
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? debilitating. Unable to enjoy walks, playing tennis, most anything I used to be able to do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Shopping, extended time traveling, lying in bed over 2-3 hours.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot bath/soak in jetted tub.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, family tries to tell me it's because I'm getting older, but it began when I was in the hospital in 1998 and I was only 46. I used to have a memory so good that I could tell you what information was on what page of the handbooks and what it said when I worked. I also could remember details extremely vividly. Now, I can't seem to remember what I did last week.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Since 1998
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Can't recall because this has been an ongoing problem with many different drugs since 1976 & in 1998 I was placed on 28 different prescriptions at the same time, coming to find out that 3 were fatal when taken together!
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I was not even aware of fluoride exposure until my daughter sent me your information just now. I didn't think I had any exposure to fluoride other than what is in my toothpaste. At the present time, our city does NOT fluoridate the water.
Remedies Tried: Every antibiotic and now they don't work so they continually try to give me the new ones or I have shots and IV's. Also, I have had every muscle relaxer & anti-inflamatory drug available. The only drug that gave me a little relief was Vioxx, which was removed from the market. If you need a list, I could prepare one but it would be extremely lengthly.
Your Theories: I believe I have had an infection since childhood and the Dr's have only wanted to treat my symptoms rather than find the cause of my problems.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not sure.
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10/1/2007
Name: Christina
City: Marion
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Marion
Where Do You Live Now? Marion
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 years
Your Age? 35
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? maybe since high school (20)
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? not sure
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mental Health Field Yes, Part time
Medical History: chest pain, muscle aches, migraines
Does Exercise Help? No, I ache so bad for days afterwards. Not to mention the severe fatigue.
What Were Your First Symptoms? chest pains, shortness of breath, muscle aches, migraines,poor eye sight
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all of the above and in addition: memory loss and fog, pain in stomach and lower and upper back.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? strep for several years causing me to have to have a tonsilectomy,
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? N/A
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Wow! It is completely debilitating and people do not realize what a person goes through. I have two small children, that I simply can't keep up with. It is very frustrating and painful!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Exercise, holding my daughter for long periods, sitting, and sometimes even laying down on my back.
What Makes You Feel Better? I have had little relief so far.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely. I will find the peanut butter in the refrigerator and I forgot how to answer my cell phone before. It is getting worse.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Constantly- daily
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I had a normal pregnancy, but then I developed H-pylora (sp) virus and the doctor put me on a mixture for the acid reflux (which found out I did not even have), and high doses of amoxicillan. The symptoms just kept getting worse from there.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Different medications for pain, Klonapine, and ibprofen.
Your Theories: I believe that a lot more people have this than what is realized, It took them forever to diagnose it for me.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Maybe ask about how many sufferers are getting support for the emotional and mental side of the disease.
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10/1/2007
Name: Bear
City: Anywhere
State: USA
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? USA
Where Do You Live Now? USA
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not worked for 5 years.
Medical History: OsteoArthritis, DDD, Spinal fusion, Limited Range of Motion hysterectomy, Tonsilectomy, gallbladder removed Fibro irritable bowel internal temp problem brain fog slower memory recall fatigue chronic pain Hyperkeratosis recent carbuncles very painful Anxiety / depression
Does Exercise Help? can't do much, but can use Gazelle glider to work legs and arms w/o impact.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tired out easily, hard to concentrate and follow directions. Anxiety/ depression over inability to complete work successfully.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Chronic pain, levels of pain unpredictable, extreme fatigue, Any exertion creates excessive sweating and internal heat while skin is cold and clamy. Migranes, restless leg, carbuncles, unable to sleep the night thru w/o meds. meds cause dry mouth.Brain Fog. Stress makes everything worse especially Fog.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? depends what is meant by long lasting. But no. longest was a week or so w/ flu several years ago.
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Disabled, unable to work, must pace myself. Afraid to drive or go out alone. Need help with certain activities.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS, Colds, Extremes of temperatures Too much activity
What Makes You Feel Better? Rest & cooler temperatures
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Over several months. Celebrex and still take
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Too many to count.... Celebrex, Cymbalta, Welbutrin SR Flexeril, Ultram, Elavil, Buspar, Skelaxin, Neurontin
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/30/2007
Name: Pearlene
City: Omaha
State: Nebraska
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Arizona
Where Do You Live Now? Nebraska
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 mo
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working?
Medical History: GOOD
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? Thyroid Swelling, Muscles Aches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle aces, pain, abdoiminal pain, head aches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? UNK
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Definately
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Physical labor
What Makes You Feel Better? relaxation
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. Steroids, hydrochlorathiazide, motrin, plaquinil
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Motrin/ Tylenol
Your Theories: NA
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? UNK
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9/28/2007
Name: Stephannie
City: Chambersburg
State: PA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Mechanicsburg, PA
Where Do You Live Now? Chambersburg, PA
How Long Have You Lived There? since age 3
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? about 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? nurse, and yes
Medical History: none really
Does Exercise Help? no, it makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? unexplained leg and muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? severe muscle pain, IBS, fog, 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? I can't do the things I want to do. I have pain with walking and I have a 2 year old-it makes it hard.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? only about 3-4 years and my brain fog seems to come and go.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. I can't remember any drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: NSAIDS, herbals
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/28/2007
Name: tammy
City: AUSTIN
State: TX
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? 03-310-59
Where Do You Live Now? AUSIN, TEXAS
How Long Have You Lived There? 48 YEARS
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? I'M NOT SURE I HAVE THAT
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? DATA ENTRY
Medical History: ALLERGY
Does Exercise Help? YES
What Were Your First Symptoms? TINGLING IN MY THIGHS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? MY LEGS HURT A LOT
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 SLOW ME DOWN BY NOT WANTING TO DO ANYTHING BUT LAY OR SIT DOWN
What Makes Symptoms Worse? NOT SURE
What Makes You Feel Better? LONG HOT BATHS AS HOT AS I CAN STAND IT
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I'M NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? NA
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: PAIN MEDICATION
Your Theories: YES, MY LEG WOULD STOP HURTING FOR THE WHOLE DAY
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NOT SURE
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9/27/2007
Name: LIsa
City: Jeffersonville
State: Ky
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Mt. Sterling,KY
Where Do You Live Now? Jeffersonville,KY
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? administrative assistance No
Medical History: depression tubal ligation
Does Exercise Help? sometimes stretching, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? legs hurt all the time and I slept alot.Hard to stay focused on things.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? legs,back,shoulders,neck,feet have really bad spasms and ache all the time. Arms tire out and get tingly feeling til I cant use them. Headaches.I stay sleepy alot and dont sleep properly.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can't really plan on anything because it depends on how I am that day. I use to travel alot and be on the go all the time. Now I hardly go anywhere. Cant drive currently.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? alot of activity weather
What Makes You Feel Better? hot showers lay completly still
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no I never heard of it.
Remedies Tried: I have been on to many ones to remember.
Your Theories: I have tried every thing I can think of and keep going to drs but not getting any better.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/27/2007
Name: ANNE
City: CALGARY, AB
State: CANADA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? GERMANY
Where Do You Live Now? CALGARY
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 YEARS
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 34
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 4 OR 5 (YOUNG CHILD)- BECAME DEBILITATING IN TEENS
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? OFFICE CLERK- WORK 2 DAYS/WEEK
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? I FEEL BETTER WHEN FIT, BUT IT HURTS TO EXERCISE AND OFTEN HURTS WORSE AFTER
What Were Your First Symptoms? PAINS IN LEGS AND HANDS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? SENSITIVITY TO HEAT, COLD, NOISE & SMELLS/ DIFFICULTY SLEEPING/ MUSCLE & JOINT PAINS/ SWOLLEN FEELING IN JOINTS/ STOMACH PAINS/ MIGRAINE TYPE HEADACHES/ SEVERE CHRONIC NON-ALLERGIC RHINITIS/ DIZZINESS/ NAUSEA & VOMITING/ MORNING STIFFNESS/ NUMBNESS/ DEPRESSION & SEVERE ANXIETY/ BRAIN FOG/ CHRONIC EXHAUSTION
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? DON'T KNOW
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? ANGUISHED LIFE UNTIL FINALLY DIAGNOSED IN MID- THIRTIES (FIRST SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AROUND AGE 11 OR 12))/ LOSS OF FRIENDS AND SOCIAL LIFE/ CHOSE NOT TO HAVE A FAMILY BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS/ DRINKING ALCOHOL, COFFEE AND BAD DIET (REFINED FOODS)/ NOT ENOUGH SLEEP
What Makes You Feel Better? HOT BATHS, PAINKILLERS (DEMEROL)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? SINCE TEENS
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: HERBAL REMEDIES/ MASSAGE/ALL OVER THE COUNTER PAINKILLERS AND ALLERGY MEDICATIONS I COULD FIND/ MUSCLE RELAXANTS/ DIET AND EXERCISE
Your Theories: HEALTHY DIET AND MODERATE EXERCISE HELP WITH THE FATIGUE BUT THE ONLY THING TO DO FOR THE PAIN IS TO WAIT FOR IT TO GO AWAY
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/27/2007
Name: diane
City: leslie
State: united states
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? searcy county
Where Do You Live Now? leslie arkansas
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: sinus problems dack problems neck problemsleg problems
Does Exercise Help? yoga helps some
What Were Your First Symptoms? heaviness in my left leg
What Are Your Current Symptoms? poor circulation widespread pain stabbibg and tingling and burning pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? i really don't remember if i did are not
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? maybe i don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i have know energy i'm slower then i use to be i don't walk like i use to
What Makes Symptoms Worse? sitting to long are standing up to long
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes i did yea i took predisone
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: advil gelcaps motrin
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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9/26/2007
Name: Gregory
City: Asheville
State: NC
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Asheville, NC
Where Do You Live Now? Asheville, NC
How Long Have You Lived There? 29 yrs
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Registered nurse
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tired, neck pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, neck & low back pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Grew up on a farm
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Always very tired, I sleep a lot. No longer enjoy the things I used to enjoy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Extreme heat or cold
What Makes You Feel Better? hot bath
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Keflex
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, tramodol, mirapex
Your Theories: I was involved in a automobile accident near the time of my onset.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/24/2007
Name: cindy
City: mechanicsville
State: md
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? 1961
Where Do You Live Now? mechanicsville, md
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? IT Specialist yes
Medical History: hbp several plastic surgeries over the past 4 years
Does Exercise Help? yes any
What Were Your First Symptoms? tired
What Are Your Current Symptoms? tired pain
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-cannot do the things I once enjoyed like walking in the park
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of exercise
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise & sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? ues
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6 months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes - just my hbp meds
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? on well water
Remedies Tried: nothng
Your Theories: none
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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9/22/2007
Name: sharon
City: Lake Elsinore
State: u s
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? new york
Where Do You Live Now? california
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 yrs
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: sciatic nerve degenrative back disorder
Does Exercise Help? none
What Were Your First Symptoms? burning sensations sore all over
What Are Your Current Symptoms? some days my body feels like it is on fire, pain all over.sore muscles
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cant hold a job have trouble walking,or doing chores. cant be intimate
What Makes Symptoms Worse? the weather stess
What Makes You Feel Better? pain pills
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/21/2007
Name: kelly
City: reseda
State: california
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? san dimas
Where Do You Live Now? reseda
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 years
Your Age? 25
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? senior account executive for a wholesale woven wood and roman shade company
Medical History: asthma
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my lower back and the neck could'nt walk
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in my shoulder blade area, my neck pops/cracks and pain in my hands, arms & legs ( trouble sleeping at night)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? hard to do daily chores, walk, climb stairs at work, can't sleep well, irritable
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I don't know it seems to be the same no matter what I do or don't do.
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no i don't think so
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? N/A
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes relative health to severe pain, no drugs until I was diagnosed
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: klonopin, elavil and flexeril and exercise every day
Your Theories: please help find a cure so that the pain will stop I can't stand it anymore.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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9/20/2007
Name: Gladys
City: Spring Lake
State: NC
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lawrence, Mass
Where Do You Live Now? NC
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 mo.
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15-17
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46-47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? not working
Medical History: IBS, Scarlett fever, Immune deficiency, Allergies, Hysterectomy, sleep disorder
Does Exercise Help? Some...Exercise ball & some walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? achy muscles & fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? achy muscles & joints in Knees, back & hip..extremes of fatigue, sleep problems,digestive, & bowl problems, bloating & gas,dry eyes & mouth,nerve damage& also finger joint pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not sure,but was diagnosed about 5yrs ago w/Scarlett fever???
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? terribly bad...at first it was just aching muscles & fatigue, now it has affected my knees & ability to walk right as well as other problems had before have been heightened...no support sytem
What Makes Symptoms Worse? alcohol...not sleeping & doing too much during the day
What Makes You Feel Better? actually, NOTHING!!!except a little water exercise & ball exercise, but cannot do too much of either, but need to keep moving or I get stiff
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? i do have "brain Fog", but not sure if it is not related to meds or lack of sleep
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 or 8
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, I have progressed from mild to moderate to severe symptons
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lots of different meds, most of which I can't even remember(anti-depressants & such)which I seem to have developed a sensitivity to..some over the counter remedies & natural remedies
Your Theories: Yes,I did work as a Custodian for 10 years & after that I developed these problems...did work w/lots of chemicals, not sure what the names are..before that I had lots of energy & felt really good
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? would like to know what to do about this problem & what tests might be given w/relation to symptoms
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9/19/2007
Name: Tim
City: Falls Church
State: VA
Your Sex: M
Where Were You Born? Fargo, ND
Where Do You Live Now? Falls Church, VA
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Computer system administrator
Medical History: Bllod cots -- factor V Leyden
Does Exercise Help? No help
What Were Your First Symptoms? Knees and legs hurt going down starirs
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Flu like symptoms - hurt everywhere
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I know of
Any Military Service? Air Force 1974-1980
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? PCB, TCE
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Became mostly sedantary
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Physical activity
What Makes You Feel Better? Medication, coffee
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. PERHAPS I started taking Warfarin prior to starting symptoms
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No attempts either way
Remedies Tried: Vinegar. Currently take prescription pain medication
Your Theories: Doctors don't care, I have been told by two doctors that fibromyalgia does not exist.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------

9/19/2007:
Name: Bonita
City: Anniston
State: Al
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? daytona beach FL
Where Do You Live Now? Anniston AL
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 yrs
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher yes
Medical History: normal
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? leg pain hip pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all over body aches and pains tiredness limited stregth neck and shoulder pain lack of focus and mental recall
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes mono and phenmonia
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? limits my ability to stand for long periods, or walk, causes embarassing events of loss memory, caused me to gain weight due to lack of exercise, I'm too tired to do things, my personality has gone from extremly outgoing to inverted.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? damp weather, cold, stress,
What Makes You Feel Better? rest
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 no but I had a really bad case of phenmonia then asthma (for the 1st time(
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no I don't know what that is
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
-----------------------------------

9/18/2007:
Name: Josie
City: Newburgh
State: New York
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Brooklyn,New York
Where Do You Live Now? Newburgh,New York
How Long Have You Lived There? 50
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No not working
Medical History: I was very healthly
Does Exercise Help? no I am very stiff and my body ache
What Were Your First Symptoms? it felt ike I had the flu I ache all over( body)
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Body Ache,Fribo fog,stiffness,pain,
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,it rob me of the quality of life to enjoy with my family.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? laying or siting in one spot.the cold weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? my heating pad,taking a hot shower,taking my pain med.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes it afull
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 year
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? blood presure med. breathing med.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: everything they have me on mophine now
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
----------------------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Kathy
City: Jasper
State: Alabama
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Jasper, AL
Where Do You Live Now? Jasper
How Long Have You Lived There? whole life
Your Age? 33
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Law Enforcement, Police & Fire dispatch and Jailer for a medium size dept. No, I cannot work now due to bad health.
Medical History: High BP, Glucose, MI @ 29 yrs old, several surgeries, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Migraines since 15 yrs old, Chronic Myofacial Pain, Fibromyalgia, 2 Bulging disks in Lumbar spine, 2 deteriorated disks in Cervical spine, 1 deteriorated disk in Thoracic Spine, and a small growth on disk in Lumbar spine. I will be 34 Sept. 24, 07.
Does Exercise Help? No, Exercise makes the muscle cramps and pain worsen.
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle cramps, headaches, ache in entire body - felt like having a charlihorse in all my muscles at one time. When the "charliehorse" would go away, My entire body would be sore just like a leg feels after a charliehorse. Had several VERY rude Doctors and several tests that said nothing was wrong, My Chiropractor of all people figured out what I had.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle cramps that have progressed from just arms, & shoulders, to legs, hands and feet. Depression, back pain, neck pain, severe migraines, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Nausea, Vision disturbances, High BP, low iron.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? The longest was a case of the Flu a few years ago and it last 2 weeks.
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Hugely. I have muscle cramps so severe they will cause me to double over in pain. When it began, I had episodes maybe once a month or less. Now however, I have them every day. The FM makes it difficult to hold objects in my hands, it interferes with my fine and gross motor skills. The FM also triggers my Migraines which interfere with my vision. It has caused me to lose my job and keeps me from being able to play with my kids. It causes me to be short-tempered and ill most of the time. No one should have to live this way.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, rain, any extreme change in weather or air pressure.A lot of movement or exercise will set off the cramps and back pain.
What Makes You Feel Better? Nothing helps much with the pain. Sometimes rubbing the affected muscle softens the pain a little. I have medications for pain that dull it a bit, but nothing makes it go completely away until it is ready to go.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes! I cannot concentrate at all at some times. This is one of the reasons I lost my job. I had to answer police & fire calls for help and when confused, IO could not recall important information needed to give out calls.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? About a year now. I have had the Fibromyalgia for about 12 years but was only diagnosed with it about 6 years ago.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I has episodes of pain, but it didn't get sop bad until last year, about April of 2006.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. I never heard of doing this until I read about it on the site this evening.
Remedies Tried: Gebauer's Spray & Stretch spray (terrific stuff!), Heat, Cold, Menthol patches, BioFreeze, Dermal pain patches, Flexeril, Lortab, Methadone, Restoril, Lyrica, Symbyax, Phenergan, Cymbalta, Methocarbamazepine, Darvocet, Baclofen, Nortriptyline, Topamax, Fluoxetine, Apap/Butalbital/Caffeine,Meclizine, Cephadyn, Trileptal, Ed-Flex, Ciprofloxacin, Nifedipine ER, Dicyclomine, Allegra, Lotrel, Bextra, Procardia, Lasix, Imitrex, Frova, Effexor
Your Theories: Nothing completely make the pain go away, however, the Lortab and the Methadone, Higher end pain prescriptions do help to keep it at a manageable level most days. On my worst days, not even those medications work. I also think that going to my Chiropractor has helped tremendously! If I go 2 to 3 weeks without seeing him, the headaches are unbearable. If I go to him at least once every 2 weeks, I don't usually have the severe, put-me-in-bed, migraines.I also believe that my physical and massage therapies help tremendously! They help me to keep my muscles as relaxed as possible and teach me proper body postures that help a great deal.It hurts while doing it, but after the sessions, I can tell a world of difference!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes, Have you (Patient) found any holistic type Doctors (such as Chiropractors and Massage Therapists, or Physical Therapists) that seem to understand what you are going through and provide treatments that do seem to help? If so, Who are they and where are they located?
------------------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Becky
City: Asheboro
State: North Carolina
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Syracuse, New York
Where Do You Live Now? Asheboro, North Carolina
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 years
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working because of this condition.
Medical History: encephalitis,
Does Exercise Help? No, it hurts and makes me want to sit down fast!
What Were Your First Symptoms? pains and confusion
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, migraines, dry mouth,back pain
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, I can no longer walk around and work like I used to do with out pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather, damp weather, sitting or moving a lot.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot baths and pain killers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Just the last three years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Feldene, Cymbalta, and Lyrica 50mg and just started Lyrica 75mg
Your Theories: I just want to say that so far I am in so much pain that I am taking a pain killer too and I still hurt bad. Hope we find somethin soon to help us all.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Debra
City: Strum
State: WI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Eau Claire, WI
Where Do You Live Now? Strum, WI
How Long Have You Lived There? 21 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative Assistant-still working
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Yes, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Extreme fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, muscle pain tenderness, sleeplessnes, RLS, IBS, migraine headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I remember
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Not as active as I used to be, too tired to do the things I want.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Loss of sleep, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep, exercise, spa, 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? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, installed whole house water filter, switched to natural toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: Soma for sleep, ibuprofen for muscle pain.
Your Theories: I believe unrelenting stress from work, and deaths in family in short period of time triggered my fibro
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Heather
City: Detroit
State: Michigan
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Michigan
Where Do You Live Now? Michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 29 years, and 7 in Florida
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Severe symptoms started around 30
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? childhood
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mostly clerical and sales, no longer working.
Medical History: Long and detailed, mostly bad
Does Exercise Help? No. Makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? 'growing pains' i.e. severe joint and muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Migraines, rock hard muscles, stiffness and pain in joints and muscles, tenderness in feet.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Grew up very near a steel mill, father brought home mercury for us to play with at least once.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can't do most jobs because of the pain of sitting/standing/walking too long.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Exercise,standing/sitting too long, sleeping poorly, too much physical activity in general.
What Makes You Feel Better? Massage, rest, a pain killer that they don't make anymore.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Around 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Guaifenisen, exercise, stretching, massage
Your Theories: Read on onlineallergycenter.com some interesting theories on Progesterone allergy causing symptoms.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Have you tried iodine? Any relief in symptoms?
---------------------------------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Marie
City: Prattville
State: Alabama
Your Sex: Femail
Where Were You Born? Prattville, Alabama
Where Do You Live Now? Prattville, Alabama
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Data Entry
Medical History: Child birth;Hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? Stretching, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? Very sore to the touch
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Sore to the touch, IBS, Headaches,muscle aches when weather changes.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Cat scratch fever
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I'm aware of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Depression
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather and food
What Makes You Feel Better? Stretching
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, sometimes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Just in the last couple of months
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? NO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Muscle relaxers, Anti-depression medication.
Your Theories: Many people don't believe in the symptoms. Very frustrating
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? None at this time.
-------------------------

9/17/2007:
Name: FolamiAO
City: San Antoonio
State: TX
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Cleveland OH
Where Do You Live Now? San Antonio TX
How Long Have You Lived There? 15
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1995
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? clerical for 30 + years; 5 years at freight worker with clerical and warehouse duties; 2007 currently back to administrative duties with moderate typing. Type with keyboard on my lap to avoid being stressed in the shoulders and the arms. Sit with a good
Medical History: both ovarian cysts and uterine fibrod tumors, bilateral tubal ligation with cut, burn or tubes; cholestroal problems less than 200, fibrocystic breasts tissue, very dry vaginal tissue & urogenital atrophy postmenopausal symptoms with hot flashes, problems with urinary urethra/bladder, sometimes incontinance, degenerative arthritis neck with bulging disc, neuropathy lower legs and feet & ankles, chrondromalacia patella since 1978-79; heart murmur with both mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation , nacroclepsy, carpal tunnel symdrome; dry eyes due to postmenopause symptoms.
Does Exercise Help? showers, hot tubs and sauna at gym, swimming, stretching bicycling, roller blading and roller skating.
What Were Your First Symptoms? 1995 no symptoms at all to my knowledge. 1999 opening and closing desk drawer for paperwork started the carpal tunnel syndrome with problems with neck. After 2003 and working in the freight warehouse lifting boxes and packing boxes and pulling self onto the fork lift etc everything started to bother me that had to do with repetition. In 2003-2004 had MRI and nerve studies to determine what was going on. MRI revealed bulging disc in neck and nerve tests revealed nerve compression, etc.,
What Are Your Current Symptoms? sitting too long I get very stiff and sore. I sit with my chair up high to avoid compression where my ankles bend and numbness and tingling. Type with egromatic microsoft keyboard on my lap. Type moderate to mild at work. Use a movable foot stand to keep from having my feet in one position all the time. Constantly rotate my feet alternating thru out the day. Soreness in the neck and shoulders from driving and typing and hands get really tired and worn out if I have to wrap objects as in the freight warehouse. Hands and fingers and elbows shoulder areas just give out until I lose grip in my hands and fingers.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Genital Herpes Simplex II from 1976 to 2007; but it is much milder with occasional flare ups
Any Military Service? U S A F 28 June 1976 to 27 June 2980 no oversea duty nor mobility or deployments. All within CONUS.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? diesal fumes 2002 to 2007 at the freight warehouse at my job while using the fork lift or someone else using the fork lift and enhaling fumes coming thru cracks in doors and windows in freight office.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? makes me sure to do simple things like driving; chopping in the yard or raking the yard or using the lawm mower, can not do any repetitious type of activity or ot makes me very tired and muscles are all worn out.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? any repetious work like lifing, chopping, driving, exercising.
What Makes You Feel Better? hot showers, hot whirlpools and sauna at the gym. Swimming helps but I get sore for it is not in a heated pool.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I am not sure; but I lose my attention span very easy and get really sleep a lot of times thru out the day and at home after work too and while driving I get so sleepy, too.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? approx 2002 where I did not have to interact with customers on a daily basis; hard to keep my mind focused. Tend to forget what I am doing at times and have to sit down and think about it. Go to the store with what's needed at home and lose my memory when I get to the store.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? none that I can remember at all. however, I use to take sinus medications all the time before moving to TX. Greatest change in 1994/1995 I give up all dairy products and have no mucus formation where I have to go spit all the time to clear my throat. I am symptom free from any sinus problems in my ears nose and throat.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes from toothpastes; but have found I had to use a small amount of flouride to keep my gums healthy from gum recession.
Remedies Tried: I have tried apple cidar vinegar capsules. Malic Acid (apple pectin) which is magnesium and maganese. etc. I was given medicaions to have as "free samples" but I do not want to deal with the side affects. OBGYN gave me RX for the Estring vaginal ring but my retroverted uterus interferes with the comfort of wearing the ring. I have tried apple cidar vinegar baths and with not to hot water. Also, I have tried Miracle II soaps along with its neutralizer with theraputic effects. I have also tried various types of salts baths and sea salts baths, too.
Your Theories: none but would love to be able to suck all this "LATIC ACID" from my musles, tendons, and ligaments and I bet I would feel much better. Somehow if I could enhance my immune system to do a better job with digestion and elimination in my body would do a great job (in my opinion).
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? At this time I do not think so.
------------------------------

9/17/2007
Name: Donna
City: Campbellsburg
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Indiana
Where Do You Live Now? Indiana
How Long Have You Lived There? 37 years
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 29
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Photographer
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? some, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? lower back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? painful,achy muscles mainly neck, shoulders, mid lower back, and hip
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can't lift my children, run,do repetitive movements. Over all I have to be very careful about everything I do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Repetitive motions, running, lifting, sometimes I don't have to do anything out of the oridinary to have a flare up.
What Makes You Feel Better? massage, chiropractic adjustments, hot tub
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? I did have to take an antibiotic for 6 months during my pregnancy because of uninary track infections. Symptoms came at end of pregnancy.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: anti-depressants, muscle relaxers, inflamtories.As of now taking low dose hormone, which does seem to help a little. --------------------- I have tried alot of remedies to no avail, as of now I'm taking omega 3, cell salts and daily vitamins
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------------

9/16/2007
Name: Tracy
City: Brisbane
State: Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Melbourne
Where Do You Live Now? Queensland
How Long Have You Lived There? About 30 years.
Your Age? 37
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11 years (at least)
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Medical field (!). No longer able to work.
Medical History: Asthma, eczema, celiac disease, multiple allergies, sciatica, fracured coccyx and jaw.
Does Exercise Help? No. Anything other than light stretching or a walk exacerbates symptoms.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in hips, legs, head, back. Then brain fog.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Global muscular pain, headaches, IBS, brain fog, extreme fatigue.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Unsure. Tested positive for EBV when 16 yo. Multiple viral and bacterial infections over the years.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I'm aware of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? What life?
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress of any kind - physical, emotional, otherwise. Overdoing it - although even just doing the shopping can be "overdoing it"! Lol!
What Makes You Feel Better? Warmer weather is somewhat better than cold. In the complete absence of stress, I seem to improve too. But it's obviously unrealistic to achieve.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES. In the long term, it's actually proving to be one of the worst symptoms. Reminds me of that saying: Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. Indeed!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 11 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had a fairly gradual decline in the beginning and then a dramatic downfall after having a general anesthetic (no idea which one it was).
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Yes, from every source.
Remedies Tried: Too many herbs to mention, multiple antidepressants, lots of alternative therapies and treatments. At night I take 25mg of Dothiepin and 2.5mg of Valium. I never intend to take anything else a medical doctor suggests again. EVER. Most drugs they offer are glorified poisons. Tried a seemingly endless and very expensive list of so-called alternative therapies.
Your Theories: I've had many theories over the years, but in the end I wonder sometimes if there is a lot more to Fibro than a purely physical (or emotional, for that matter) cause. My suspicion is that multiple factors are involved - lifestyle prior to symptom onset, previous trauma (both physical and emotional), history of childhood illness, unsupportive social environment, genetics, overwork, Type A Personality... even spiritual factors, etc. I think what is becoming more interesting is not the question, "How did I get this?" but rather, "Why have I still got it?" It's one thing to become ill - that happens to many people. It's quite another to REMAIN ill for many years. That is now my area of interest - the potentially long-term and truly chronic (incurable?) nature of some cases of Fibro.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? 1. Do you experience depression or anxiety as a consequence of your Fibro (NOT as a symptom)? I think a lot of us do. It's a lonely and cruel road for many. 2. Do you feel stigmatised by your diagnosis? I think this is likely to get a positive answer in many cases too. Fibro has a shocking stigma in this country and ignorance reigns supreme, even among many medical practitioners. Due to my previous occupation, I found this especially obvious. I no longer speak to any of my former colleagues and college reunions would be out of the question.
-----------------------------------

9/16/2007
Name: Marjorie
City: St. Simons Island
State: Georgia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Auburn, New York
Where Do You Live Now? St. Simons Island, Georgia
How Long Have You Lived There? 34 years
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 23
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? ? misdiagnosed - 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Education,yes
Medical History: good health, depression symptoms but really think it was fibromyalgia all the time
Does Exercise Help? yes - yoga and swimming
What Were Your First Symptoms? exhaustion, headaches,aching joints and muscles
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic exhaustion, headaches, aching joints and muscles
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? two weeks
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? requires me to really rest and sometimes sleep 1-12 hours on the weekend
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? lots of reat and a slower pace of live
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, expecailly at the end of a long day or week
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Like many symptoms it is hard to put a specific date on it. Most symptoms are so gradual - that it is not like a broken bone - they are just so gradual
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no - what is this
Remedies Tried: presciption medicine until it was taken off the market, rest, yoga at least 2x per week
Your Theories: relaxation, good breathing, anti-inflamatory medication
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Has anyone in your family had similar symptoms
--------------------------------------

9/15/2007:
Name: Eva
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Los Angeles, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Los Angeles, CA
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 33
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Network Administrator Yes, still working
Medical History: frequent sore throats, fevers, IBS, depresssion, muscle pain, fatigue, etc.
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, extremely painful feet and muscle pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, TMJ, weight gain, hyperthyroidism, adrenal fatigue, skin rashes, severe headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, chemical sensitivities; IBS, brain fog; tingling in hands, feet, limbs, etc.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? n/a
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, fatigue, working long hours and certain foods, not exercising
What Makes You Feel Better? reducing stress, rest, walking, stretching, medications for anxiety and sleep
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? Cipro, phen fen, Prednisone; Accutane
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: hormone therapy; cortisol for adrenal fatigue; thyroid medication; medication for anxiety and to help with sleeping through the night
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------------

9/14/2007
Name: Sheryl
City: Marshall
State: WI
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Madison, WI
Where Do You Live Now? Marshall, WI
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 15
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Bar owner...Still working, but not by choice.
Medical History: Strep throat MANY times as a child, IBS, Brain Fog, UTI infections..Kidney Infections, Back & Knee problems...popping&painful,headaches, bad teeth
Does Exercise Help? Exercise seems to FLARE up the fibro symptoms afterwards
What Were Your First Symptoms? IBS symptoms, Fatigue, Headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, joint pain, headaches, IBS symptoms, neck and back pain, tingling in fingers and toes, awful sleep patterns, TMJ
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes...Strep throat
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? None that I am aware of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Too many ways to list, but a few are work, family, playing with my children, relationships, school...memory
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Poor sleep, physical activities, stress, cold weather & rainy days affect mood, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Sunshine, sleep, hot baths, massageNo
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ALWAYS BEEN THERE
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, After delivery of my baby...epidural given
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Cymbalta, muscle relaxers, pain management , physical therapy, ibuprofen, chiro
Your Theories: It seems I have had symptoms since childhood, but it has flared up severly after childbirth and a terrible car accident
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------------------

9/14/2007:
Name: KAREN
City: HUGHES
State: AR
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? LEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Where Do You Live Now? MARIANN
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 YRS
Your Age? 32
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? OFFICE
Medical History: IBS, PANIC ATTACKS 3 SURGERY'S, 2 BIRTHS
Does Exercise Help? NOT REALLY
What Were Your First Symptoms? (IBS) CONSTIPATION AND TRAPPED GAS THOUGHT I WAS HAVING HEART ATTACK, BURNING CHEST,RAPID HEART RATE,WHOLE BODY TINGLING
What Are Your Current Symptoms? AT THIS MOMENT N/A
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? NO
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? VERY STRESSFULL,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS,
What Makes You Feel Better? TIME AWAY (CAMPING)
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? NOT SURE IF YOU WOULD CALL IT BRAIN FOG OR TUNNEL VISION
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES I WAS TAKEN COUGH SYRUP, ROBITUSSEN
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: FOR MY IBS PRUNES JUICE ON A EMPTY STOMACH IN THE MORNING WAIT 10 TO 15 MINUTES THEN EAT, WORKS EVERYTIME. FOR MY PANIC ATTACKS I TAKE PAXIL AND XANAX
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
 -----------------------------------------------------

9/13/2007
Name: Donna
City: Elizabethtown
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Lancaster, PA
Where Do You Live Now? Elizabethtown, PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 19 yrs
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 55
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? P.T. at craft store
Medical History: herniated disk from car accident, hysterectomy at 42
Does Exercise Help? not really
What Were Your First Symptoms? aching hips, burning, aching, numb left leg, tightness at shoulders
What Are Your Current Symptoms? achy hips, aichy, burning & numb leg, tight shoulders
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? vertigo?!
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? no energy, don't travel, infrequent sex
What Makes Symptoms Worse? activity
What Makes You Feel Better? lying down
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? soem days
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2-3 yrs
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? can't say
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: neurontin, lyrica
Your Theories: not really
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not really
---------------------------------

9/12/2007
Name: Tracy
City: Columbus
State: Indiana
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Columbus, MS
Where Do You Live Now? Indiana
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 1/2 years
Your Age? 31
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Army Contractor, yes
Medical History: Urinary Incontinence Migraines Prolapse/pelvic Pelvic floor reconstruction Cystocele/Rectocele 5 bulging discs in neck 2 herniated discs in L4/5 RLS-Restless Leg Syndrome Laperoscopy/Pelvic cysts Uterine Valve Reimplantation
Does Exercise Help? not really, I can't make myself excersise, I'm always too tired
What Were Your First Symptoms? Joint Pain Back Pain Bilateral Hip Pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms?
Joint Pain
Back Pain
Bilateral Hip Pain
Muscle Spasms
Numbness/Tingling in Hands/Feet
Brain Fog
Sores in Mouth
Weak Muscles
Muscle Aches/Stiff Dizzy
Fatigue
Migraines
Dry Mouth
Constipation
Abdominal Pains
Bloating
Tenderness in Stomach Area
Nausea
Depression
Nervousness
Temporary BlindSpots
Loss of Balance
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no, but I have chronic sinus infections and chronic bronchitis
Any Military Service? 7 years 4 months
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that I know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I have no energy to play with my kids, I don't want to get out of bed to go to work, I'm always exhausted.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? dunno
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing really
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? could have been any number of things, I was taking so many at once I can't remember
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, I was not aware of it until today
Remedies Tried: Celexa, Flexeril, Topomax, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, Neurotin, Elavil, Adderal, Maxalt, Imitrex, Zomig, Celebrex, probably some more I can't remember
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------

9/12/2007
Name: Brooke
City: Bluffton
State: SC
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? MI
Where Do You Live Now? SC
How Long Have You Lived There? 14 years
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? No
Medical History: vericose veins mitro valve prolaps kidney stones migrane headaches tired constantly shoulder weakness and pain always in a cloud weak lack of consonstration
Does Exercise Help? I feel so weak and tired I can't do very much if any exercise, I used to be very athletic and in great shape.
What Were Your First Symptoms? After the birth of my 3rd child it was very hard to lose the weight but I got it all off and got into the best shape of my life. I was told I could become a kickboxing trainer. But about 8 months into my workouts I noticed all of a sudden my shoulders got so weak I could hardly hold my arms out in front of me and it got hard for me to climb the stairs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? constant headache, shoulders ache and are weak, in a thick fog mentally, forgetful, tired to the point where I can't funktion, neck stiffness and pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I don't know, but I wondered if I had Mono, but the test came back neg.
Any Military Service? Husband was in for 11 years, when all of this came on we lived in the Azores (islands belonging to Portugal).
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I know of.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I feel like I'm 96 instead of 36 years old, no excitement for life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I don't know
What Makes You Feel Better? I don't know
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, terribly bad, sometimes I get up in the morning and end up back in bed 30 min. later.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I can't remember
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. I had been given everything under the sun to try and control my headaches, here are a few that I remember. Caffergot, percoset, immitrex, flexeril,everil (anti-depress.) they said because it helps with headaches some times. This is just a few they were trying.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No I have never heard of it.
Remedies Tried: I try to eat healthy and I buy alot of organic foods.
Your Theories: could it be hormones? lack of a certain vitamin? Both and how do I find someone that can help me? Doctors throw their hands up and think I'm crazy, I have very little faith in regular doctors in general.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
----------------------------------

9/11/2007
Name: sandra
City: buffalo
State: ny
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? buffalo
Where Do You Live Now? buffalo
How Long Have You Lived There? my whole life
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 17
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? yes office admin.for the last 6.5 years after being bedridden for a good 10 years
Medical History: hit by a car when i was 8 yrs. severe whiplash tubing on a lake. then a sever flue about 10 years ago followed by shingles.
Does Exercise Help? walking- only when the weather is good, heat, humidity, dampness and very cold aggravate and make symptoms worse and difficult to exercise then
What Were Your First Symptoms? bad headaches, brain fog, ringing in ears
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle weakenss, skin soreness, fatigue, ibs, trouble sleeping without meds, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. pains in feet, legs, muscle tightness, backaches and neck pain.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? just a bout of shingles
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that i know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? severly, i used to be very active, and just a small amount of stress gives ma a flare up. normal every day activity is hard for me to do most of the times.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? heat, dampness, humidity, alcohol, lack of sleep, stress. poor eating habits
What Makes You Feel Better? ultracet, flexirol, calcium, magnesium, b-complex. flax seed every day. keefer, water, green tea, air conditioning and baths, massages, chiropractic care, wearing the correct shoes, keeping warm, walking and swimming.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10 or so
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, it slowing accumulated. headaches, ibs, brain fog memory laps, speech problems, balance problems.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: celebrx, tylenol, ibuprofen, vitamins, ultracet, flexeral, organic foods, keefer
Your Theories: I think we have to look at our immune systems, and the majority of people that i have spoken with that have fm, had a spinal injury, wether from a fall or an accident.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? you could as "have you had any spinal injuries"
----------------------------

9/10/2007
Name: Mary
City: Dripping Springs
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Framingham, MA
Where Do You Live Now? Dripping Springs, TX
How Long Have You Lived There? 4 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? between 7 and 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? It became debilitating at 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Hair Stylist
Medical History: Hypothyroid
Does Exercise Help? yes, but now it is so difficult to exercise because of the pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? feeling like I had a fever when none was present, including all over aches, fatigue, neck and shoulder pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, excruciating pain in my lower legs, shoulders, hips, flu like symptoms that rarely abate, constipation, and oddly enough there is not a point on my body that when light pressure is applied doesn't make me flinch wth pain. I feel like a skeleton with no padding because moving causes grating like pain and sitting still makes me lock up. The pain now wakes me up at night even though I have a very good quality bed.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? just flouride through water and flouride treatments as a child
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It takes a huge amount of personal cheerleading just to get up in the morning. I feel sad about the vigor that I have lost and the lack of treatments given by doctors who seem to misunderstand the constantcy of the pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS! I can go on in a manageable groove for awhile until I am hit by even minor crisis I am thrown back for a week or more into relative disability.
What Makes You Feel Better? Resting after stress, slow exercise like light yoga and walking even at a slow pace, occasionally my kidneys seem to kick in and my swelling and constipation go away for a few days. I am on a pretty good diet now, my water consumption is abnormally high, but if I am not swollen I feel better.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes. I can't remember details like clients names, what I just read, how to mix products that I have used for years, picking up the wrong bottle even though I read the label on the right bottle right next to it. It seems like a short term memory fog just because I am often surprised that some of my greatest clarity is in memories from several decades ago.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? About 6 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I now realize that isolated symptoms were appearing regularly, but then it hit me like a speeding freight train immediately after my separation and divorce 4 years ago. All the symptoms hit at once and rarely abate. My doctor changed my thyroid meds to Armour, I started antidepressants. Now I am on Cymbalta and that seems to help. Painkillers relieve some of the discomfort, but I have noticed that I retain water and swell more with the more tylenol, so I try to stick to norco. I am currently trying HGH, really good vitamins, Fish Oil, calcium, wellbutrin, sleep medication if I need it, although I am rarely rested even with a good sleep.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have just started bottled water, and I am debating what to do about toothpaste
Remedies Tried: Same as above
Your Theories: I graduated with honors from Wellesley College an I have an affinity for tackling any problem an learning whatever I can research. I am almost despondent that now I look at an article or sit down to write anything,many many times I read the words and do not even remember them through the next paragraph or being completely unable to put words together in any other way than rote. I get discouraged when I try to learn something and I often don't even try anymore. I successfully homeschooled my older 2 out of 6 children, both of whom are on full academic scholarships at college. Now it is difficult to even order their curriculum because of the concentration and recall that it takes. I have lost confidence in myself because I lost my facility to learn well and quickly. Now I appreciate crappy TV and Hollywood magazines because there is so little effort involved. These bored me to tears before. It is just so sad.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No, but where can I find a fibro knowledgeable doctor who can understand what this is doing to me and help??
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