Fibromyalgia Case Studies: November 20 - December 13, 2007

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12/13/2007
Name: Kim
City: Greencastle
State: PA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Baltimore
Where Do You Live Now? Greencastle
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? homemaker
Medical History: tonsilectomy Gullbladder removal Appendix Hysterctomy Cat scratch fever Esptein Barr thyroid Nodule
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes, Walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? extreme fatigue and pain like having the flu all the time
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, muscle aches, feeling like I have the flu
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, Cat scratch fever for a month
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, takes away time from my family
What Makes Symptoms Worse? the weather, and if I ignore them
What Makes You Feel Better? sleeping for a while and sometimes motrin
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, none that I can recall
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Cymbalta, Motrin
Your Theories: none
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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12/13/2007
Name: meredith
City: philadelphia
State: PA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? connecticut
Where Do You Live Now? Philadelphia
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 25
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 5
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Massage therapy. I work 3-4 days a week
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? Yes. Exercising in the pool for 25-30 minutes 3 times a week
What Were Your First Symptoms? Excruciating pain in my legs.Feeling bruised all over and extreme fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? ALl over pain especially arms legs and upper back. extreme fatigue. Digestion and gastric issues and depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? na
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It is difficult to do anything. I havea really hard time recovering from anything that fatigues me at all.Etreme cold and extreme heat
What Makes Symptoms Worse? dairy products, sugar, doing too much and stress. I can't sleep too long or I will never wake up.
What Makes You Feel Better? exercising in the water getting only 8 hours of sleep. Massages and getting adusted by the chiropractor
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? maybe 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? It was gradually but I did take a turn for the worse withing the past two years...maybe since Lexapro.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: everything
Your Theories: not really
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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12/12/2007
Name: Donna
City: Sandwich
State: MA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Massachusetts
Where Do You Live Now? Cape Cod
How Long Have You Lived There? 13 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Admininstrative Assistant. Yes
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my left shoulder blade area
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in neck, upper back, legs, buttocks, arms, knees
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? My quality of life is not what I would like. I can't do a lot that I used to do, even household chores
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? Massage, hot shower, ultram
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? No, gradual
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Anti inflammatories, vicodin, darvon, ultram
Your Theories: Right now I am taking D-Ribose 3 times a day (Dr. Titlebaum's theory of ATP) I haven't noticed anything yet but I am only in my second week.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Why can't those of us in pain be able to get something (prescription)?
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12/12/2007
Name: Colleen
City: Cape Town
State: South Africa
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? June 1958
Where Do You Live Now? Cape Town
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? not sure - about 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? slight at first at about 40 worsened in last 2 years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? self employed. yes.
Medical History: scoliosis. peri-menopausal. otherwise healthy
Does Exercise Help? painful to do the exercise but afterwards feel much better - tai chi and kung fu instructor
What Were Your First Symptoms? back ache and joints
What Are Your Current Symptoms? total exhaustion, depression, weight gain, swollen joints, water rention, severe cramping in muscles and muscle spasms.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that i am aware of.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? too tired to go anywhere. too tired to be intimate with husband...........
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not exercising
What Makes You Feel Better? exercising
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? what is that?
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? n/a
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none - just vitamins and exercise
Your Theories: have had acid levels in body tested and they are WAY out. Ketones are astronomically high. visited a doctor for the first time today and this is what he told me. i think body is severely undernourished and that causes my body added stress.....
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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12/10/2007
Name: Sharon
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? Texas
Where Do You Live Now? Ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 44
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? housekeeping. Yes
Medical History: colitis, painful joints, foggy, bad memory, depression, anxiety
Does Exercise Help? A little. Stretching learned from a Physical Therapist
What Were Your First Symptoms? Shoulder pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? joint pains, irritable bowels
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I remember
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? cleaning chemicals
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? too sore after work to do much of anything. Irritable and just plain not comfortable.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Have not pin pointed that
What Makes You Feel Better? heat, rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 3-4
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? never heard of it
Remedies Tried: Heat, Vicodines
Your Theories: Just learned of "castor oil packs" willing to try
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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12/09/2007
Name: Trish
City: Millaa Milllaa
State: Australia
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Brisbane
Where Do You Live Now? Millaa Millaa
How Long Have You Lived There? 16 yrs
Your Age? 55
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 7
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? lab technician yes
Medical History: fibroids allegies
Does Exercise Help? yes stretching dance
What Were Your First Symptoms? aching shoulders tendonitis
What Are Your Current Symptoms? aching shoulders co,plete body aches when having a flareup debility and depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? annoying frustrating and embarassing
What Makes Symptoms Worse? bad diet and food combinations and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise calmness and lots of fruit & veges
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? no but I had been taking nsaids for injuries
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: More prescribed anti inflamatries and endep
Your Theories: Digestive enzymes help, reducing dairy (esp melted cheese) no white bread -reduced bread of any kind, no potatoes, NO PIZZA, snack only at night but a big breakfast, acidophilus,reduce carb/protein mix apple cider vinegar. Stay calm, and do regular exercise
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Include a query about trauma prior to onset. Also a query about food sensitivity
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12/08/2007
Name: Louisa
City: Orange City
State: Fl.
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Chicago Height's,Il.
Where Do You Live Now? Orange CityFl.
How Long Have You Lived There? 6yrs.
Your Age? 58
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 52
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? soldered,built cables I haven't worked since 2000
Medical History: surgery on right shoulder
Does Exercise Help? steching helps sometime
What Were Your First Symptoms? could't bend neck and shoulders for a limited amount of time without pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches,constant pain in shoulers and neck.Constant pain in hip area. Stiffness in knees.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Everyday is a constant battle to keep going!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Sitting,bending,or laying wroug at nightime.
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.I just try to laugh and blame on age.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? The past couple years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Right after shoulder sugery.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: muscle relaxers,anti- depressiants,pain killers( nothing strong)
Your Theories: I don't think people who do not have this understands it.We just need some kind of cure.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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12/07/2007
Name: Inas
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Egypt
Where Do You Live Now? USA
How Long Have You Lived There? 1.2 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? Don't know
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? Don't know
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? IT Consultancy. Yes, still working
Medical History: Recently acquire hypertension
Does Exercise Help? Walking anything else drains me and makes me more exhausted
What Were Your First Symptoms? drop in energy level
What Are Your Current Symptoms? -larger drop in enery level -bad sleeping -wake up very tired -tire easily and become irritable -dizzy even when I am sitting or laying down -feel my muscles hurt, even when inactive for a couple of days -impeding speech -disconnect from surrondings
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life?
What Makes Symptoms Worse? No speicfic trigger
What Makes You Feel Better? Nothing specific
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? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Dont know
Remedies Tried: vitamins (by doctor)
Your Theories: I really hope you can help, I feel I am going crazy by being so tired all the time
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? how are others around you reacting
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12/07/2007
Name: Laura
City: apple valley
State: california
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? los angeles , ca
Where Do You Live Now? apple valley ca
How Long Have You Lived There? 8 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? part time pre-school teacher
Medical History: allergies, headaches, hysterectomy in 2006
Does Exercise Help? streching before sleep, massage
What Were Your First Symptoms? low back stiffness and shoulder pain. waking up not rested
What Are Your Current Symptoms? low back, shoulder, neck tension, headaches, insomnia, feeling run down. bloated or ibs issues, insomnia
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? only childhood disease. but it wouldnt suprise me since i have worked with preschoolers for 18 years.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? cleaning products only
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? past two years had to cut down to part time. feel like body is attacking me back...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, lack of sleep. sugar
What Makes You Feel Better? rested sleep, massage, hot tub, vitamins
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? once and a while if I havent rested...
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? this past year only
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? my health started going down hill in 2005 after I started with reoccurent yeast infections. then I got PID, then 6 months of antibiotics and finally a partial hysterectomy, since the, october 2006 I continue to feel worse
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? never thought about it until reading this site
Remedies Tried: will only go natural now: vitamins, baking soda, sea kelp, heat massage and sea kelp maybe with much needed sleep keep me going.
Your Theories: yes, although I am 44 years old and love to work with kids, why should my body feel like 60 years old?!!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Thank you for your research. Call me if you want a guinea pig to test on!
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12/07/2007:
Name: Breanne
City: winnipeg
State: manitoba canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? winnipeg mb canada
Where Do You Live Now? winnipeg mb canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 23 years
Your Age? 23
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? sitting at a desk , typing, clekr
Medical History: child ashtma depression(just got off the drugs) FATNESS
Does Exercise Help? i try walking but im too tired or in pain
What Were Your First Symptoms? tired, brain foggyness pain in my body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? extreme fatigue pain in legs back fingers joints weight gain lack of concentration memory loss
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono, but only for 3 weeks
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? i dont know if i have it, i was hoping you could help me
What Makes Symptoms Worse?
What Makes You Feel Better? tylonal 1
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes! all the time
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? i guess i could start
Remedies Tried: just tylonal dont know much
Your Theories: i just want this to stop, i hear there is no cure
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? please help me...

12/06/2007
Name: Suzy
City: Kitchener
State: Ontario, Canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? England
Where Do You Live Now? Kitchener, Ontario
How Long Have You Lived There? 20 years
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11 or more
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? approx. 32 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? At the time of diagnosis, I was the owner & operator of a residential cleaning business. I had to give it all up because of poor health. I now work part time as a singer/entertainer & have a home-based art business.
Medical History: Although I've always easily caught colds/flu, I had been relatively healthy until I had whooping cough. I caught it from my then 18 month old son in 1995. In 1997 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In 1998 my son was diagnosed with autism.
Does Exercise Help? I'm able to go for walks, but not much more, as it takes it's toll on y energy level. I also have a great deal of discomfort in my feet, making it more difficult.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Absolute exhaustion but difficulty getting a good night's sleep, extreme aches & soreness, brain fog, tummy troubles (sometimes vomitting), headaches.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Aching muscles, joint pain, foot pain, always tired, headaches, anxiety.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Is whooping cough viral? I had that for over 3 months.
Any Military Service? nope
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Perhaps cleaning supplies ... I don't know.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Completely. I had to close my business & suffered financially. I gained weight ... which had never been an issue before. It has also made dealing with a child with autism extremely difficult. It's like a cosmic joke, that I have a condition that sucks the energy out of me, with a child that requires a great deal of extra attention & energy.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep, change in weather (especially rain or humidity), any stressful situation.
What Makes You Feel Better? A sunny day, naps, removal of stress, jacuzzi hot tub ... & definitely a positive attitude. After having been on the vitamins for a while, I thought that I didn't really need them anymore ... inside 2 weeks of stopping them, I was absolutely debilitated on the couch. Needless to say, I started back on the vitamins & my condition improved again.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Not as much any more. For the past 2 or 3 years I've been taking generous doses of vitamins made by a company called USANA. Within a week of starting the vitamins, the brain fog lifted ... quite remarkable.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? The brain fog was present with the other symptoms right from the beginning. Some days were worse than others. As mentioned above, it occurs rarely now.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I think it came on rather quickly, but it's difficult to know for sure. My health started to worsen around the same time that I was getting out of an abusive marriage ... so it was all a blurr, really.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Initially I was put on Amitryptaline (which just made me more tired), Naproxen (which did nothing), & the occasional sleep aid.
Your Theories: I was told a few years back that this condition is usually caused by a form of trauma to the body. While I hadn't been in a car accident or anything like that, they assumed that living in an abusive realationship in a constant "fight or flight" state, the adrenaline was more than my body could handle. I really don't know how I got here, I just know that I'm sick & tired of being sick & tired. Thankyou for your interest & research into this issue ... it is appreciated.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I don't think so : )
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12/06/2007
Name: KIM
City: SARATOGA SPRINGS
State: UTAH
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? DRAPER, UTAH
Where Do You Live Now? SARATOGA SPRINGS, UTAH
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 YEARS
Your Age? 28
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 MONTHS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 28
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? MOTHER
Medical History: PERFECTLY HEALTHY
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? JAW ACHES, NAUSEA, TINGLING IN HANDS, AND CHRONIC FATIGUE
What Are Your Current Symptoms? SAME
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 AM A MARATHON RUNNER, I NO LONGER RUN
What Makes Symptoms Worse? IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME
What Makes You Feel Better? NOTHING
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5 MONTHS
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, NO DRUGS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? YES, MILK
Remedies Tried: I AM ON CHINESE MEDICINE
Your Theories: NOT SO FAR
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO
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12/04/2007:
Name: Angela
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Cincinnati
Where Do You Live Now? Cincinnati
How Long Have You Lived There? 23 years.
Your Age? 23
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I'm no longer working. I was a medical transcriptionist.
Medical History: None.
Does Exercise Help? The water exercises because the heat helps me. I still do the treadmill but I suffer through the pain.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Stiff joints, unable to move.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Stiff joints, pain in joints and muscles, burning sensation during a flare up when I'm touched.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Maybe when I was a child.
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I am tired. I am sore. I'm unable to do all the things I want to do because of the pain. My quality of life has greatly been shattered by this disease.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Lack of sleep, exersize, etc.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, sometimes muscle relaxers, and massage if I'm not in the middle of a flare up. etc.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely. I didn't realize that this was a symptom for a long time and I would cry because I would forget things. It was upsetting. The day I realized it was another symptom of fibro, I cried because I had an explanation.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I might have had symptoms of the brain fog first before the pain.So 2 years .. maybe more.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I can say that I was under a lot of stress finding out that my son had cancer. I think that might have had something to do with it. Also, I had a neck injury from giving birth a year before that.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Cymbalta. Massage. Flexoril.
Your Theories: I would love to know more about this. There is so few informative resources out there.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Maybe ask about a trauma or a stress that happened within 6 months of onset of symptoms.
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12/04/2007:
Name: Rhonda
City: Hadley
State: Pa.
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Meadville, Pa.
Where Do You Live Now? Hadley, Pa.
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 yrs.
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 53
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Homemaker
Medical History: hypothyroidism breast cancer appendicitis chronic fatigue syndrome depression
Does Exercise Help? stretching with hand weights
What Were Your First Symptoms? came down with a bad case of the flu and never seemed to recover...
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue,swollen neck glands,slight sore throat,lowgrade fever,severe aches & pains...
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, the one I Just spoke about...
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? household cleaning
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'm quite sedentary, which affects my family...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather fronts moving in, stress, doing too much on good days which lead to follow up days of much fatigue.
What Makes You Feel Better? lots of rest,warm sunshine on my body, pain meds...
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? off and on for 8 yrs.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes...? not sure...
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: prozac for depression... I'm currently beginning CYMBALTA instead of Prozac...Darvocet for pain...800mg.Ibuprophen...
Your Theories: I'm stumped on this one...
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? ?...
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Name: Pamela
City: Tigard
State: Oregon
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Hillsboro, OR.
Where Do You Live Now? Tigard,OR
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 60
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 19
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 39
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? hairstylist/ part-time
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? yes
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu-like,sore throat,asthma,dizzy,extreme fatique,not sleeping/achy muscles,swollen legs,bowel problems.stomach problems, gas
What Are Your Current Symptoms? stomach and bowel problems,sore muscles, fatigue and sleep disorders
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? can only work about hours a day/exercise extremely fatigues. Must adjust my whole life around my bad sleep and fatigue,
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not sleeping well or not getting enough sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? enough good sleep and some exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 19
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes wasn't taking any drugs.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: take xanax and klonapin for sleep
Your Theories: Am sure it started with a severe virus infection lasting 6 months or longer.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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Name: Shelly
City: WYOMING
State: Michigan
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? 1957
Where Do You Live Now? michigan
How Long Have You Lived There? 50years
Your Age? 50
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4 or longer not sure
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: healthy
Does Exercise Help? yes aqua therapy
What Were Your First Symptoms? back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? all over pain, ibs, rls, osteoarthritis of the hands hip and knees,myalgia, cfs, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it tries to control me and takes me away from the things i love
What Makes Symptoms Worse? yelling lack of sleep, stress
What Makes You Feel Better? quiet and sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes that is terrible
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? not sure but at least the 4 years of searchiing for answers
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes and no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: cymbalta, elavil, prozac, neurotin,paxil,
Your Theories: please find a cure
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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12/03/2007
Name: Kathy
City: South Lyon
State: Michigan
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Wayne County
Where Do You Live Now? Livingston County
How Long Have You Lived There? 49 yrs
Your Age? 53
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 31 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 12
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Housewife and Mother Caregiver for my Mother
Medical History: gallbladder, appendix removed. Basic child illnesses,
Does Exercise Help? No, causes muscle's to spasm
What Were Your First Symptoms? terrble headaches, wide spread pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? weight gain, swelling,headaches, muscle spasms, leg and hand cramps,hip and leg pain, fibro fog,pain in the rib area's, dry eyes
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? caused alot of problems between me and my husband and my Mother. also the pain is so intense at times
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS! change of weather not getting enough sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? time and rest
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes very much so
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? since my Dad died in March of 2001
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Not really
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? Huh
Remedies Tried: Amitriptylin (Elavil) Flexeril, Nurontin(sp)
Your Theories: I believe a lifetime of stress has been the cause. I was adopted at age 6 weeks. From 1st grade till 8th I had endless bullying from other children because of my adopiion. I have also been in an abusive marriage for 35 yrs, although now the abuse is more verbal and mental sense moving in to take care of my Mother who I was not close to growing up.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Not that I can think of right now.
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11/30/2007
Name: Angie
City: London, Ontario
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Leamington, Ontario
Where Do You Live Now? London, Ontario
How Long Have You Lived There? 32
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Registered Nurse Unable to work
Medical History: Firbromyalgia first followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes Type 2 Insulin dependent, Sleep Apnea (CPAP), Depression, RLS, PLM
Does Exercise Help? Walking 30 minutes a day...do not feel it helps.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Fatigue and cognitive problems
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Severe fatigue, cognitive problems, joint and muscle pain, headaches, depression
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? yes
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Unable to work, cognitive problems, more house bound, more depression.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Aspartame and any artificial sweetner, over activity, under activity and stress
What Makes You Feel Better? hot tub
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? since the start
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. Aspartame, Antibiotics, vaccinations and medications for travel to South East Asia
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Homeopathy, Elavil, Paxil, Effexor, Cipralex, Slow Release Morphine, Tramacet, Exercise, Chiropractic, Massage
Your Theories: Original home town is a farming community and as a teenager, I worked on the farms around the chemicals. or - Virus or bacteria from job working in a hospital for 25 years.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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11/30/2007
Name: PHYLLIS
City: MARIETTA
State: GA
Your Sex: FEMAle
Where Were You Born? Ga
Where Do You Live Now? SC
How Long Have You Lived There? 25 yrs.
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 48
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? retired
Medical History: Usuaj childhood diseases
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? back and shoulders
What Are Your Current Symptoms? back, sboulders.neck ribs, collar bones, thighs and knees
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? has cut down my ability to do things I have done and want to do again. Gets on my nerves, weepy and defenseive
What Makes Symptoms Worse? change of weather. over doing anything. any discord
What Makes You Feel Better? medicine
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? no
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? xxx
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes....no change od drugs for sevral years
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: advil. lorcet and oxycodin
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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11/27/2007
Name: Eileen
City: Phoenix
State: AZ
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Evanston, IL
Where Do You Live Now? Phoenix, AZ
How Long Have You Lived There? 27 years
Your Age? 48
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10.5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Optician, very part-time
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? walking stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? auto accident acute pain triggered chronic pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain,sleep disturbances,fatigue,trigger points, myofacia pain, TMJ, migrains, ibs,restless leg,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? mono 3 months
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? rubbing alcohol
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's like living with a straight jacket on and everytime you move you're in more pain.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? work, being on my feet
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, ice,heat, message theraphy,muscle relaxers IBU
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, especially when I was on pain meds. I had to go off them.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 8 years. It's on and off depending on if I can sleep at night. On the days I work, I'm in more pain therefor I don't sleep well and the next day I have brain fog.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES. I hardly ever took any drugs before.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: oxicodone, hydrocodone, lyria,nueronton,skelaxin,IBU,plus others, vitaims,supplements,radiofrequency neuropathy, trigger point injections, phyiscal therapy, water therapy, neuromusclular message therapy(helped the most out of all therapies), stretch classes, walking.
Your Theories: EDUCATE DOCTORS. It's really devastating to have a doctor who doesn't know what they are talking about tell you whether verbally or in body language that your only promble is that you have a low toleracne to pain. Have they ever been in a serious car accident and not pass out or had a 10 lbs baby without meds?Humm...maybe you don't want to hear anymore!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/27/2007
Name: Anne
City: Denver
State: Colorado
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Denver
Where Do You Live Now? Denver
How Long Have You Lived There? 24 years
Your Age? 24
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 9 or 10 years old
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Yes, student and receptionist
Medical History: They say I've had: ulcers, gastro-reflux disease, tendonitus, hyperflexability, althritus, a bad si joint, bad algeries, poor immune system, anxity, depression, cysts
Does Exercise Help? Yes, yoga and hiking
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my joints that no specialists could figure out
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in my joints, tendons and some muscles, IBS, chemical and seasonal alergies, headachs, depression/anxity, 13 of the 18 spots hurt a lot.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none other than you find in a city, experimented with drugs in my teens but that was after my symptoms started
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I thought I was going crazy because no one believed the pain I was in except my mom and dad - I think they doubted it though. They kept diagnosing me with stuff teenagers shouldn't have, all my joints pop all the time, it is hard to work because I hurt all the time but now I just try to ignor it mostly or I take pain killers a lot more often than I should. People would tell me it was all in my head and that I was over exaggerating.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress, unhealthy food, cold weather
What Makes You Feel Better? YOGA!! Opioid painkillers, antidepressants and anxity medications (but it feels worse when I come off them), hot baths, cuddling with my cats, lying flat on my back with my knees bent over a pillow. Positive mood. Hiking. People believing me.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? I think so, they told me in elementary school that I had memory problems, I was in a special needs class for it. Some times I go places and forget why I was there (I often get told I'm too young to be doing that but I've done it as long as I can remember).
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? as long as I can remember
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, it seems like it has always been this way for me. That's why it took so long to figure out what was wrong with me because some things I just thought were normal (like painful bowel movements) that are symptoms of fibro or a comorbidities.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: physical thearpy, ostopathic manipulation, chiropractors, massage thearpy, verbal thearpy, yoga, pallaties, martial arts, anti-depressants, anxity meds, perscription antacids, opioid painkillers, non-opioid painkillers, over the counter pain killers, anti-inflamitories, allergy meds, changed diet
Your Theories: A lot of things my symptoms have been related to say to avoid wheat and lactose. I love bread and cheese so I haven't had to will power to give them up yet but I intend to one day.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/26/2007
Name: Kathleen
City: Wilmington
State: NC
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Baltimore, MD
Where Do You Live Now? Wilmington,NC
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 40
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Special Needs Teacher, disabled
Medical History: Hypothyroid High Blood Pressure Kidney Stones Gallbladder Disease Migraines
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes Stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? Muscle Pain Tired Headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Muscle Pain Tired Headaches Fibro Fog IBS Sleeping problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, I got the Flu shot and never recovered
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can no longer work or clean my house. It is hard to watch my grandchildren without help and I don't desire do things I use to do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Overdoing things and not being able to sleep
What Makes You Feel Better? A positive attitude
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 11
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, just a flu shot
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: 5-HTP 800 mg Ibuprofin Hydrocodone Lidoderm Patches Paxil Prozac Effexor XR Lyrica
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

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

11/26/2007
Name: Bridgitte
City: Oviedo
State: Florida
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? VA
Where Do You Live Now? FL
How Long Have You Lived There? 11 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9 1/2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Mortgage Broker - I work when there's a loan to do. But I work from home so on bad days I can still get something done.
Medical History: Lyme Disease 6/97 (bit in SC)diagnosed 10-97 now have Lyme Arthritis which is known to spark Fibromyalgia
Does Exercise Help? sometimes. light cardio, 3lb/5lb weights, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain in my neck, spine, elbows, feet, hands and wrists and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? SAME as above, except my memory is much worse, I lose words mid sentence, fuzzy eyesight and brain fog
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? fillings in my teeth and chemicals on my fruit & veggies which I now clean with peroxide/water 50/50 solution.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I get depressed because I can't do things like I used to. I get tired, my immune system is shot, I need to get a part time job to bring in money but I'm so tired and I don't have the strength (lyme arthritis) causes pain in my wrists and hands pretty bad.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, a virus, over doing it, cold damp weather or getting too cold then I have a hard time getting warm again.
What Makes You Feel Better? hot tub, soaking in the bathtub (I add 1 c of dead sea salts to 1 c. epson salts) Warm weather, not being stressed out
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? can't remember - my short term is really bad I'll say years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I take Yasmin monthly, soma as needed, advil not too often - I can't think of anything else
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no but it's only in my toothpaste
Remedies Tried: Acai/Pomagranite/Blueberry Juice 1 oz daily, alkalizing green drink 1-2 daily, alkalizing red drink 1-2 daily, vit E, garlic oil, MSM, green tea w/honey, Pycnogenol, CoQ10, Flaxseed oil caps, add fresh veggies and fruit to the diet and more fish.
Your Theories: Once I started taking the Acai supplement I noticed less pain in my feet, I get up every day walking like a 90 year old with painful joints in my feet but after a few days the pain was diminished.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I would ask what natural or herbal treatments are being used, and do they help everyday or mostly when they're in a flare up.
--------------------------------------

11/26/2007
Name: Cheryl
City: Ocala
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pennsylvania
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 59
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Teacher Had to retire in 2003
Medical History: migraine headaches C-section
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? Sore feet
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Soreness all over especially in hands and feet, pain, stiffness, insomnia, back and neck problems
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had a bad case of the flu in 1971
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't work, feel depressed, no self confidence, got divorced
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold damp weather, stress, exercise, housework
What Makes You Feel Better? doing as little as possible
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, I forget what I am talking about, can't remember things, misplace things
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? not sure, maybe 8
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, it was more gradual
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes, toothpaste
Remedies Tried: body cleanse, Herbal detox, vitamin B,C,D, xylem(in drug study) sleeping meds, antidepressants, demerol, all kinds of herbs, probiotics, antifungals, antiyeast, stop eating meat, eat only fresh fruits and veggies, cut out sweets and processed foods, ointments, magnets, chiropractor, I have tried just about everything and been to several kinds of doctors
Your Theories: Nothing has helped. I have heard that too much substance P makes people react to pain stimuli differently and if that is true then how can we lower substance P?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
--------------------------

11/25/2007
Name: David
City: Farmington Hills
State: United States
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Detroit, micihigan
Where Do You Live Now? Farmington Hills, MI
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 yrs
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6 mos
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Engineer, yes
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help?
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tremors
What Are Your Current Symptoms? slight tremors, pain in arms, legs and calfs. Burning Skin, IBS, Muscle 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? harder to do work due to tremors, pain gets in the way
What Makes Symptoms Worse? haven't figured it out yet
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep, Lyrica
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? not yet
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia?
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes. New Drugs, prilosec, immunizations for foreign travel
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lyrica
Your Theories: I think it was triggered by , immunizations, prilosec or a cold I had after returning from korea.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/25/2007
Name: Susan
City: Seattle
State: Washington
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Fort Dix, New Jersey
Where Do You Live Now? Seattle, WA
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? All my life
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? All my life
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I was an Escrow Closer. I am not currently working.
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? No makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? Growing Pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain in shoulders, back, legs, hands, and feet. Hypothyroid, headaches, brain fog, dizziness
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? Never Served
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? I have no idea
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Yes. I have not been able to work.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, cold, Overdoing it
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat, pain meds, muscle relaxers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes it does
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes just recently. Have been doing really well for a long time, and in the last two months have gotten steadily worse.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? ???????
Remedies Tried: Prozac, Vicodin, Fentnyl Patch, Mirapex, Robaxin, Flexaril. morphine
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------------------

11/24/2007
Name: Dana
City: Boerne
State: Tx
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Key West, Fl
Where Do You Live Now? Boerne, Tx
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2.5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Nursing. Not currently working.
Medical History: Insignificant
Does Exercise Help? Very little. Stretching.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Sleep disorder, IBS
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Sleep disorder, fatigue, severe pain, IBS, Cognitive dysfunction, anxiety
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I recall.
Any Military Service? None. Dependent only.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not especially.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Unable to work
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Running out of meds
What Makes You Feel Better? Heat, but not by much
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Hell yeah. I can't think straight.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes. No drugs that I can remember.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Lyrica, Cymbalta, Elavil, Zanaflex,
Your Theories: I can't think of any, but I can barely think anyway.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? See above
--------------------------------------

11/24/2007
Name: Carrie
City: Saskatchewan
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? BC
Where Do You Live Now? Saskatchewan
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 22
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Recreation Worker at 3 senior's homes
Medical History: Good health except for Fibro
Does Exercise Help? no! even water hurts so can't do aquacise.
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, knee pain, neck pain and back pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? too long to list..trigger point pain, tender point pain, rashes, hives, IBS, UTI's, yeast infections, shakiness, brain fog, shaky head feeling, numbness and pins and needles in shoulder, neck, hand and feet, insomnia, swelling feet, headaches and leg cramps/leg shakes.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? none, but did have every childhood disease
Any Military Service? in Air Cadets for 2 years.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? possibly
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It's draining, sucks the life out of you, makes me feel stupid, taken time away from my family, cannot study anymore, made me gain weight, it hurts, makes me feel old, useless, because it's an invisible syndrome and some ignorant doctors make it impossible to get help. I've lost most of my self respect due to hubby having to give me a nightly massage, put on my socks, deal with every day family life.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, medications, exercise, lack of sleep, being nervous (hives)
What Makes You Feel Better? massages, medication, doctor's believing in me, help from family, herbal remedies, Melatonin for sleeping, eating less processed foods.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes! every day.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 22 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Gained 80lbs in one year, extremely tired and sore. I was not taking any drugs at the time. I then tried Paxil, Prozac and Amatryptaline because my doctor thought I was depressed, rather than in pain. duh!
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no, never heard of this
Remedies Tried: Voltaren works for general aches, stiffness in joints, trigger point pain, Melatonin for lack of sleep.
Your Theories: My theory is that my body can't process all the excess toxins, sugars, additives, hormone injection and kerap in our food. I can't afford to eat completely organic/vegetarian so have to buy store bought items.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Maybe alternative therapies?
----------------------------------------

11/24/2007
Name: Tiki
City: atascadero
State: california
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? colorado
Where Do You Live Now? california
How Long Have You Lived There? 22yrs
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20+
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 10
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? part time sales floor/ clerk. two years.
Medical History: Chronic tonsilitis. Hospitalized w/ eye injury.
Does Exercise Help? yes Walking and stretching.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Severe leg aches. Drs wrote it off as growing pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Joint aches. muscle stiffness, headches including migraines Brain fog fatigue, depression, anxiety,
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, it lasted almost a whole summer and the tonsilitis came on that fall and lasted through spring.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? asbestos, tolulene based glues
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? low self esteem from not being able to 'keep up' and feeling 'lazy' unfulfilled ambitions because of fatigue.Lack of energy for mothering. unable to enjoy the outdoor for much of the year as extreme temperatures play havoc with my system.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, weather changes, changing level of activity,
What Makes You Feel Better? sex works for a few hours. stretching the sore mucsles and gentle massage. hot baths
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 25 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I was too young to really notice except that i dont remember my pre-teen years well.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Tried otc pain killers for awhile. I stopped them when i started getting stomach pain. Tried apple cider vinegar for a little while. Other than that i just try to stay healthy. My husband wants me to try mangoteen. Right now i take perscription pain killers, anti-depressants, daily anti migraine, and a muscle relaxer at night. I've only started this treatment five months ago. I told dr i would try it for a year.
Your Theories: Since reading about mangosteen and then reviewing the apple cider vinegar remedy. It seems that an unbalanced ph might be involved. also our bodies might produce more of the chemicals that most people build up in their muscles during a strenuous work out.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Ask how the symptoms have changed through time and throughout the year.
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11/23/2007
Name: Cecelia
City: Fort Lauderdale
State: USA
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born?
Where Do You Live Now? Ft. Lauderdale
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 3
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 49
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not able to work
Medical History: None before hysterectomy
Does Exercise Help? Qigong does
What Were Your First Symptoms? Intense pain preventing walkng on soles of feet, stiffly contracted muscles in hands.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? entire body pain, completely lacking energy, can't walk, can't use hands, severely limited vision
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? pesticides + urethane varnish + loads of mold
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Ruined it.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? #1, stress. #2, trying to keep up with normal people #3, any chemical exposure
What Makes You Feel Better? Emotional joy, gives me strength. Feeling loved.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes and short-term memory inconsistency.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, extremely quickly. Was hospitalized for a hysterectomy just before this all began.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? All my life I have sought to avoid Fluoride. Haven't drunk tap water for 22 years. Maybe the drugs in the hospital got me. However, that was also a time of intense emotional trauma due to an abusive relationship, now ended.
Remedies Tried: Everything I have the strength to dig up. Kidney herbs help. Liver herbs so far have not. Iodine helps (5% Lugol's solution, ingested). About 4 swallows of liquid Magnesium Citrate (From the grocery), helps if I take it before bed. The condition seems to produce persistent constipation which I am now certain, is directly related to the pain level. Here's an interesting thing; Not eating helps, for about a couple of days. Then the pain comes back big time, and is only alleviated by eating.
Your Theories: IMO the Kidneys and the constipation are a key. Also, this seems triggereg by a "toxic emotional overload", I wish I knew the rest of the answer. I also believe a basic nutritional deficiency of some kind is the final key, without which this gross and nasty condition could not be triggered. Somebody needs to be able to identify a nutritional deficiency before we are all dead for lack of it. OK fancy doctors, where the hell are you?????
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Nutritional deficiency- Who can identify it?
--------------------------------------------

11/23/2007
Name: Susan
City: Berea
State: U.S.A
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Cleveland
Where Do You Live Now? Berea
How Long Have You Lived There? 30 years
Your Age? 49
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 35
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working?
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help?
What Were Your First Symptoms? Muscle and joint pains
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle and joint pains,stifness,and sorness.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? once
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I can't do the things I used to be able to do.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold weather
What Makes You Feel Better? warm weather,heating pad,massages
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? a few
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: What can my kids do to help me?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How can you cure Fibromyalgia?
-------------------------------------------

11/23/2007
Name: Sharon
City: Perth
State: Australia
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Australia
Where Do You Live Now? Australia
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 years
Your Age? 40
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 34
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 6
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? lots of different jobs - could never work for long. No longer working.
Medical History: I'm sorry does this mean prior to the onset of Fibro, or to this questionaire?
Does Exercise Help? No my body is too sore to exercise most of the time.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Chronic Fatigue at age 6 - I think it was caused by the 1 hour long fluoride treatment I was subjected to at the school dentist. Made me very sick, and I have never been the same since.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Still quite a bit of fatigue, bad sleep, Pain in my entire body - muscles, joints etc... although it depends on my diet. poor renal function.

 [email #2] I just filled out this form a minute ago - before I read the article. I realise I left out a lot of my symptoms, such as: diminished focus (eyes), Dizzines at times, Depression from the time of childhood, Chronic itching over the last 10 years, chronic bloating since I was 6 years old, and very sensitive stomach, twitching at night, 20kg overweight and thyroid dysfunction Sorry for that. The brain fog makes me forget so much...

Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Amalgam fillings (8) childhood innoculations
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? What life?!?!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Sugar, grain foods, alcolhol
What Makes You Feel Better? fruit, veg, nuts, coconut oil
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Absolutely
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? probably in my teens (of course the excessive alcohol and cigarette smoke intake probably contributed much to that!)
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes - fluouride
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I drink only RO filtered water, use organic bi-carb based toothpaste with no chemicals. I wish with all my heart we could afford a whole house filter so I didn't have to shower in the filth any more!
Remedies Tried: Lost track - lots of anti inflams, pain killers etc... Only thing that has ever worked has beent to watch my diet. Unfortunately that is difficult due to candida and food cravings.
Your Theories: Is Candida a common occurence with Fibro? Just a thought.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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11/22/2007
Name: Taudie
City: Kansas City
State: MO
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Kansas City
Where Do You Live Now? Kansas City
How Long Have You Lived There? 36 yrs.
Your Age? 36 yres.
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6yrs.
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30 yrs
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Community Resource Coordinator. Yes, I work within the public schools and neighboring community.
Medical History: Hypertention,asthma,allergies.
Does Exercise Help? No. It is about the same.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Tiredness,muscle stiffness. Lots of accidental falls-difficulty keeping balance. Loss of balance also due to some stiffness. Not as much joint pain. Wake up in the morning extremely stiff.Mostly in legs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Bouts with extreme stiffness.Muscles viewed as they swell. Also, break out in hives where muscles are swelling? More arm now than leg. The worst episodes are including my jaw muscles,legs,armsand back. Irritable Bowel is more expressive.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Rare rash or condition as a child...(check spelling) Pitaritharosis.
Any Military Service? None. Was in a relationship with someone who is veteran from was in Saudi Aribia?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Possible. Worked in a clinical research lab for a few years?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Drastically, I noticed that if I am in a extemely cold enviroment, I can just about predict an episode. STRESS is definatley an precursor to an episode. I hurt when I try to relax and lay down, I hurt when I try to exercise, to keep from getting stiff. I can not go down stairs easily, I have falling 6 or more times in the last 6 six years with 4 serious sprains and one bone broken.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold enviroment. Stess or depression.Not sure about acids, but I know that alcohol is a NO-NO. It will excellerate the condition.
What Makes You Feel Better? Honestly, prayer. I try to meditate on something positive get through the episodes. Avoid foods with a lot of yeast?
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes,maybe the last 4 years. I find myself forgetting what I am doing? I assumed maybe adult ADD? Working with kids, its not hard to forget what your doing. But outside of work, I depend on written notes and lists more to keep me on track. I loss track of conversations with people, forgetting what they just said. Small details are hard to keep up with.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 or 5 years where I noticed it constantly.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, I thought it was the flew, then I couldn't get out of bed one day. I was perscribed Flexerall, other relexers for muscles. They even suggested medicine for depression when they ran out up drugs to come up with. I saw 3 or 4 different specialists. They hooked me to these needle probes to listen to my muscles. There was slight results from a sharp Nurse Practioner who perscribed Neurontin, for mild sezeures? I stopped taking them, it got so expensive with only slight results.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No.
Remedies Tried: Flexerall, other muscle relaxers (can't recall 3 or4),Neurontin.
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Family History...no other reports. I have talked with two cousins with Multiple Sclerosis. Many symptoms are common.Other woman in my family generations before have had symptoms, they didn't know what to call it?
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11/21/2007
Name: Marina
City: London
State: UK
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Yugoslavia
Where Do You Live Now? UK
How Long Have You Lived There? 22years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5 Months
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Not working, was accounts assistant.
Medical History: TMJ
Does Exercise Help? No
What Were Your First Symptoms? immediate fatigue and headaches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches, depression, poor sleep, fatigue, aches in knees, back and neck
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not that i know of
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? totaly
What Makes Symptoms Worse? not sure
What Makes You Feel Better? not sure
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? straight away
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, from normal to almost disabled. I had no drugs at all prior to this, just a lot of stress.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Starting on oil pulling and vinigar and baking soda, but less then a week now.
Your Theories: Can this be cured?
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? How severe is your fatigue, as mine is the worst part of fibro.
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11/21/2007
Name: Shannon
City: Barbourville
State: KY
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Pineville
Where Do You Live Now? Barbourville
How Long Have You Lived There? 2
Your Age? 34
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 25
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Corrections/NO
Medical History: Kidney Stones
Does Exercise Help? NO
What Were Your First Symptoms? Neck pain Leg Pain (Felt Like a Torn Ham String)-Never subsided Insomnia
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Neck, Leg 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? Unable to work, destroyed personal relationships, unalbe to work out and stay fit. Suffer from extrement depression.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold, Stres
What Makes You Feel Better? Marijuana
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: Neurontin, Mirapex, Requip, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Elavil, Percocet, Ambien
Your Theories: I believe Fibromyalgia is closely related with Restless Leg Syndrome, Digestive Problems, as well hormonal imbalances.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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11/20/2007
Name: Pat
City: Moberly
State: Missouri
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Missouri
Where Do You Live Now? Missouri
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? 19
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 32
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Nurse Yes
Medical History: hashimotos thyroiditis
Does Exercise Help? only if dont over do walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? joint aches muscle stiffness extreme fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same with swollen fingers ankles neck pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? pesticides that were sprayed around town by big trucks when a child
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? cant do things like painting bowling strenuous things
What Makes Symptoms Worse? strenuous things overexertion
What Makes You Feel Better? lots of sleep hot showers tylenol
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? only occasionally
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 19
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes antibiotic but cant remember which one had a spinal tap
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Tylenol ES
Your Theories: I think it is an overlap syndrome between hashimotos and RA or lupus or some other autoimmune disorder
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? what other autoimmune disorders have you been diagnosed with? Family history of diseases
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11/20/2007
Name: Candy
City: spokane valley
State: Washington
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Seattle
Where Do You Live Now? Spokane
How Long Have You Lived There? 8 years
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 11
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 50
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Part time - mostly office work
Medical History: Yes, abdominal cancer surgery
Does Exercise Help? sometimes and sometimes it makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? total body fatigue and fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain and fatigue
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, 1990 epstein Barr
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? probably in area where there were lots of factories
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Ruined my life and ability to work
What Makes Symptoms Worse? weather, exercise
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? 6 - 7 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Yes, the symptoms became worse following an abdominal surgery - lots of drugs during and after surgery
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? water
Remedies Tried: celebrex MSM
Your Theories: I believe surgical trauma triggered the fibromyalgia
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? What do you think triggered the fibromyalgia????
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11/20/2007
Name: Brenda
City: Kitimat
State: Canada
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? ontario
Where Do You Live Now? BC
How Long Have You Lived There? 28 yrs
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 1 yr
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 41
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? SECRETARY
Medical History: back problems shoulder aches arthritis,spine, neck,knees
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? feeling bruised all over back
What Are Your Current Symptoms? same and legs, irratable bowel, oain in mid-chest, nausea
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? salmonella
Any Military Service? n/a
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? n/a
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? pain & sick EVERYDAY
What Makes Symptoms Worse? nor sure
What Makes You Feel Better? not much
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? recently
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes and no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: tylenol 3, naproxen,nortripltolen, synthroid, hydrochloazide
Your Theories: no
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not sure
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