Fibromyalgia Case Studies: January 13 -January 31, 2008

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1/31/2008
Name: SHARLENE
City: MARRERO
State: LOUISIANA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? NEW ORLEANS
Where Do You Live Now? SAME
How Long Have You Lived There? FOREVER
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? RECEPTIONIST.YES
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? NOT ALL THE TIME
What Were Your First Symptoms? REALLY BAD BODY PAINS. AND VERY TIRED
What Are Your Current Symptoms? SAME
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? NO
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? JUST HOUSEWHOLE
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I CAN NOT DO THINGS I USE TO
What Makes Symptoms Worse? EVERYTHING SOMETIMES
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? 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: I WILL NOT TAKE MEDS THAT MAKE ME OUT OF IT.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NO
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1/31/2008
Name: Cynthia
City: Stuart
State: fl
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Bristol ct
Where Do You Live Now? Stuart Fl
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 64
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 59
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: hypo throid
Does Exercise Help? swimming walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain over entire body
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle pain in many parts of the body
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? slowed down...effort to keep up with daily demands
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep and swimming and showers and hydrating tub baths
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? occasionslly
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 1 yr
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes....Vioxx...aleve
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lyrica...elevil...ibrouphen...aleve
Your Theories: elevil helps alot....15 mgs at night
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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1/31/2008
Name: lynette
City: newport
State: south wales
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? newport south wales
Where Do You Live Now? as above
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? 4 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 47
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? yes
Medical History: fibro myalgia curviture of the spine
Does Exercise Help? yes
What Were Your First Symptoms? no energy and tirdness sore neck
What Are Your Current Symptoms? acheing all over
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 so much
What Makes Symptoms Worse? wakeing up in pain
What Makes You Feel Better? not a lot
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? about 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: lots of things
Your Theories: would like to be happy and painfree.ho how i wish.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? when will there be a cure for fibro myalgia
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1/30/2008
Name: Rebecca
City: Pleasant Grove
State: UT
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? olympia, WA
Where Do You Live Now? Pleasant Grove, UT
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 months
Your Age? 39
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5-6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? no
Medical History: Heart condition-SVT with angina. Severe kidney infection. arthritis in my back, knees, hips feet.
Does Exercise Help? No. Extremely painful to even try.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Confusion, tiredness. terrible pain in my hip/thigh.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Extreme pain all over my body. Arms neck hands hips, legs, etc. Very tired all the time.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had Mono as a teenager. It lasted for 2-3 months.
Any Military Service? None, but my husband is serving in the miltary currently with 8 years in.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no just household chemicals.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? YES. i can't play with my kids, I can't work, my relationship with my husband suffers because I am limited with pain and fatigue.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Anytime there is a storm approaching I feel the pain intensely. The cold hurts too.
What Makes You Feel Better? Dry warm days. Hot showers.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES! I used to be quick and witty and now I have a hard time finishing my sentences.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 6 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I was relatively healthy till I had the kidney infection. The doctor put me on a very intense antibiotic. I don't remember the name. But it wasn't long after that the symptoms started to appear.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. ?
Remedies Tried: Advil, Mobic, antidepressants,(Celexa, lexapro) tried taking apple cider vinegar(allergic reaction to it.)
Your Theories: I think the kidney infection put a stress on my body that I didn't recover from. Plus I had 3 babies in 4 years and moved several times with my husband in the military. That seem to but my body to the breaking point.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No.
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1/29/2008
Name: Abbey
City: Rockville
State: Maryland
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? usa
Where Do You Live Now? usa
How Long Have You Lived There?
Your Age? 28
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 9.5 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? teacher, yes, but had to stop for 2 years
Medical History: chronic sinus issues, cured by tonsil and adenoid removal at age 16
Does Exercise Help? yes. water aerobics, walking.
What Were Your First Symptoms? neck pain, depression, fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? later symptoms - pain everywhere, muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain, headaches, eye pain, sensitivity to light and sound, sensitivity to hot and cold, chemical sensitivity, menstral issues, fatigue, jaw pain, memory issues, trouble thinking,trouble sleeping, weak immune system, facial muscle twithces, hypoglycemia, hot spells, sweats, migraines, acne, anxiety. current symptoms are very few, due to proper diagnosis and treatment (see last 2 questions)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes, which caused everything and i never knew it
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? robbed me of 9 years, until i found out what it really was
What Makes Symptoms Worse? fatigue, also cycles for no reason
What Makes You Feel Better? exercise
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? not sure, but several at least
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? symptoms cycle, but almost better, due to accurate treatment - finally
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories: i was told i had fibromyalgia for years, turned out it was lyme disease and also bartonella (another tick borne disease). now i am almost better. i hope and pray that my posting this helps someone find out what is wrong with them and get better.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Is it lyme disease??? Look it up - go to http://www.wildernetwork.org/faq.html to read a FAQ. (# 38 mentions symptoms). Notice the FAQ questions that discuss the lack of reliable testing. The tests are often false negative. Also here is the link to read about lyme from Dr. Burrascano, one of the top lyme experts in the world. Check out the symptom checklist, almost every crazy thing happening to my body was on there. www.ilads.org (the site that has the report from Dr. Burrascano, should be able to help you find a doctor who knows how to properly deal with lyme disease.
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1/29/2008
Name: Debbie
City: Hadley
State: Pennsylvania
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Ohio
Where Do You Live Now? Pennsylvania
How Long Have You Lived There? 18 Years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 15
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 31
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Secretary
Medical History: Allergic to Penicillan, Codine
Does Exercise Help? sometimes walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? muscle aches
What Are Your Current Symptoms? muscle aches, fatigue, constipation, trouble concentrating, headaches
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? none
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? none
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes, I tire very easily and it is hard for me to grasp things. My hands ache most of the time and are swollen.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Not sure
What Makes You Feel Better? resting
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4 or 5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no, but it seems to be progressing
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? don't know what that is
Remedies Tried: aleeve works the best. The rhumatologist had me on ultram for a while, but the aleeve works just as well. Sometimes Ibprohen.
Your Theories: I would like to find some relief
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? no
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1/29/2008
Name: MICHELLE
City: LEESBURG
State: GA
Your Sex: FEMALE
Where Were You Born? GA
Where Do You Live Now? GA
How Long Have You Lived There? 7 YRS
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? ABOUT 20YRS
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 19
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? CASHIER AT THE TIME. STAY AT HOME MOM NOW
Medical History: HEALTHY
Does Exercise Help? YES. ALL KINDS
What Were Your First Symptoms? SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN
What Are Your Current Symptoms? FATIGUE, BRAIN FOG, INSOMNIA, SENSITIVE PRESSURE POINTS, JOINT ACHES, LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? HERPES VIRUS THAT CAUSES FEVER BLISTERS
Any Military Service? NONE
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? DON'T KNOW OF ANY
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? SEVERELY. SOME DAYS I AM SO TIRED I CAN'T FUNCTION.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? CAN'T PINPOINT ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR. DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY RHYME OR REASON TO IT.
What Makes You Feel Better? CAN'T PINPOINT ONE PARTICULAR THING.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? ABOUT 8 OR 9 YRS.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES I DID. NO.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO.
Remedies Tried: ANTI DEPRESSANTS, SLEEP MEDS,VITAMINS
Your Theories: I FEEL LIKE HAVE LEAD IN ME MOST OF THE TIME AND THEN OUT OF THE BLUE I'LL HAVE A GREAT DAY OR TWO BUT CAN'T FIGURE WHAT TRIGGERS IT.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? NOT THAT I CAN THINK OF.
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1/29/2008
Name: Marianne
City: Lima
State: Peru
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? in Marocco
Where Do You Live Now? in Lima, Peru
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year and a half
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 18
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? admin work, yes just started again after 8 years off
Medical History: none
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking and jogging
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like symptoms, anxiety,panic attacks
What Are Your Current Symptoms? headaches, dizziness, sore muscles and tender points, flu like symptoms at times.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I remember, but my blood work shows traces of Epstein Barr
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure?
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? it's hard to function at times. My fibrofog makes it challenging too and the dizziness and headaches are very upstetting
What Makes Symptoms Worse? stress and over exhaustion, I think
What Makes You Feel Better? not quite sure yet, I think exercising and as much as I hate it cutting the sugar out... and no caffeine for sure
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? past 3 years or so
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? well, I was in a car accident in 1990 and slowly the symptoms started coming in. Now they come and go.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: a lot of antidepressants, vitamin supplements, omega 3, herbal teas
Your Theories: some supplements like omega 3 and cal/mag help a little I think.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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1/29/2008
Name: Sharon C
City: Burlington, Ontario
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Toronto
Where Do You Live Now? Burlington, Ontario
How Long Have You Lived There? 41 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 35
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Office
Medical History: Good
Does Exercise Help? yes and no
What Were Your First Symptoms? dizziness/fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? dizzines/Chronic Fatigue/pain in knees, elbows, etc...
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I know of
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? fillings/smoke
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I don't know
What Makes You Feel Better? nothing..remision
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? only drugs on is effexor
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: effexor
Your Theories: frustrated...going to a sleep clinic tonight...doctors only say they don't have answers. Do I have my fillings (mouth) taken out?? what do I take
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I read Glutathione works...but not in a suplement form..how do I take??? frustrated.
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1/28/2008
Name: Julie
City: Johnstown
State: PA
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Meyersdale, PA
Where Do You Live Now? Johnstown, PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 5 years
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 21
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Service oriented Not working
Medical History: Hyperactivity Depression Aniexty PTSD H.E.L.L.P Syndrome Preclampsia Sinus Problems Joint Pain Weight Problems Panic Attacks
Does Exercise Help? Sometimes exercise helps. I stretch and Walk. Light weight bearing causes fatique, but I do it anyway 3x week.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Neck pain, inability to move neck. Then shooting pains down arms.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All over body pain (throbbing), fatique, flu like feelings. Burning in back of neck, shoulders, elbow,& hands. Cramping of hands and feet. Again extreme fatique.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had the chicken pox twice as a child. As a teen I had some type of extreme fever that just appeared and it required ice and emergancy intervention, but I was never told what it was. I remeber having the flu once for nearly 3 weeks and being beridden the entire time.
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not really sure. I was around farms all my life. My dad worked the coal mines and came home blacked with coal dust. I cleaned with bleach and other chemicals without gloves never having being taught otherwise until I was older. I have old metal fillings in my mouth. I was given floride tablets in school. Our water was iron hard water.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has ruined one marriage already that ended in divorce and it is putting a strain on my second marriage. I hurt so much I just wish I could sleep my life away. Normal activities such as wiping and sweeping cause my muscles to burn as if I am holding 100 lbs weights. Today I tried to hang up a shower curtain and it made me feel dizzy and nasuseated from the pain. I used to be extremely active, riding bike, horses, walking, swimming, etc.. Now I just want to try not to move.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Just about any activity that requires lifting the arms or going up stairs. Stress, not enough sleep, kids fighting, changing weather patterns, extreme cold or extreme heat.
What Makes You Feel Better? Hot soaks in dead sea salts. Perfect sunny weather. Pain medications with muscle relaxants. Clean colon.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? very much so
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 16
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I began taking several metal health meds. Xanax, buspar, klonipin, cant remember them all
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? changed our toothpaste and have been buying nearly all organic foods. Get water from a local tested, filtered, fresh spring source.
Remedies Tried: tramadol-sucks flexiril-somewhat helpful gabapentin-sleepiness and weightgain ibuprophen-ulcers soma-helpful more then most
Your Theories: I have no clue. I am going to try an entire body cleanse, parasite, colon, etc... I believe I feel best when my colon is clean and I eat very tiny meals that are fresh foods,very little grains, mostly vegtables. No packaged or processed foods. Sugar causes me severe flare ups. Honey does not have the same effect. Lots of fluids with lemon seem to help. I began Mother Vinegar-hoping for results. The doctor wants me to try lyrica but I have read to much about weight gain. I prefer holistic if possible.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I wonder if past abuse plays any part in the pain. I am a molestation and domestic violence survivor and have alot of repressed pain and anger. I live in quiet emotional angony that will not go away. I have forgiven and love my life and do not habor bad feelings, just can not seem to get rid of years of aniexty associated with fear. My body seems to have gotten stuck in flight or fight response and mayber it has affected my chemical and nervous structure. Can this happen. Could this be happening to others?
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1/28/2008
Name: Kacey
City: Turlock
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Modesto, CA
Where Do You Live Now? Turlock, Ca
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 years
Your Age? 29
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 8 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? early 20's
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? education
Medical History: TB, Gall Bladder surgery, D & C, mentrual problems
Does Exercise Help? yes, light, glider, pilates, stretching, light weights
What Were Your First Symptoms? severe fatigue
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, pain
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? don't know
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? don't know
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Can't do what others my age can. I have to limit my activities and avoid repetative movements.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold weather, too much activity, being in one position too long, eating sugar
What Makes You Feel Better? eating clean, light exercise, warm weather
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 6
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: vitamin B, infared sauna, detoxing, colonics, vegetable juice, avoiding white and processed foods, coffee enemas, green drinks, avoiding sugar
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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1/28/2008
Name: laurie e
City: gainesville
State: texas
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? Banning california
Where Do You Live Now? gainesville
How Long Have You Lived There? 26 years
Your Age? 56
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 46
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? was pharmacy tech and dental tech
Medical History: perfectly healthy before but after being on accutane is when body started hurting
Does Exercise Help? any stretching or moving around helps
What Were Your First Symptoms? middle of back inside somewhere felt like there was no support when I got up in am. Like I was sore inside. My chest hurt and my upper spine were all sore.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? I have the same symptoms.But they include inside my hips somewhre and under my ribcage. My elbow and inside my knees hurt when I push on them.Also the bone under the breast hurts when I press on it.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? 2-3 days max.
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? could be.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I feel like an old person when I get out of the car.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? riding in a bouncy car does. The cold weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? sitting in a hot bath.a massage.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? oh yes!
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5-6 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I remember the accutane because i developed such horrible pain in my body while on it that the doc put me on Prednisone for a few days which knocked the pain right out, it was heaven!
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Ibuprophen, I 'm not a good patient and I wasn't consistent.The ibu. helps but I'll only take it when I have more soreness than usual. Half the time I forget I have it to take!
Your Theories: I have sleep apnea since childhood. Been to a 'sleep study 'but they said it wasn't bad enough for that breathing mask.Dr thought(arthritis doc)the tossing and turning was keeping me fatiqued and the oxygen I wasn't getting in wasn'thelping my muscles.I'm trying the bio-identical hormone(creme) and thyroid for 2 years therapy route, nothing has changed other than my moods are better. I'm seeing an internist he found largee amounts of 'cadmium' so I'm taking zinc, other vitamins and a drug my pharmacist has to mix for me.ITs been 3 months but I still hurt.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I grew up with an abusive alcholic father.Parents were married 23 years.Not until my parents divorced was I stress free. But I'm not sure if its manifesting itself this way.
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1/28/2008
Name: jane
City: sebeka
State: MN
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? bemidji mn
Where Do You Live Now? sebeka mn
How Long Have You Lived There? 3 1/2 years
Your Age? 46
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? when i went off my ortho novum, 21 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24/25 years old for fibricitis or fibromyalgia
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? changed with husbands relocations and not able to work at present but would like too!!
Medical History: @3 mos had rubeola, @5yrs had mumps & tonsilitis (removed), @8yrs viral pneumonia, allergies, shots, chronic pneumonia until age 17, reactions to several medications & some vaccines, deviated septum fixed, in 20s gastro problem and low back injury, quit birth control pill started @16ys and quit @25yrs to have children and my whole world changed with the pain, psoriasis on head and elbow started and fibromayalgia took over, had two births (have strep b), more lower back problems (left side always worse), some natural fusion in neck, @43 glabladder removed, at present extreme lower back pain and nerve pain through to feet and up through jaw
Does Exercise Help? i can do it but always with pain then and more later. Competed in gymnastics from age 9-17 so I like it but not up to it.
What Were Your First Symptoms? fibro symptoms were pain in my fingers and up through elbow and through shoulders and other arm and extreme loss of abilities, like being able to push a vaccuum or turn on a water faucet... But accupunture put things in what i would call a remissionary state for almost a year but moved and didn't continue treatment
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Seems as I have all the typical pain points tender to touch light and sound, all over spasms, insomnia, sensitive, brain fog, fatique..., added within about the last 5 years - tingling sensation, pain sometimes shooting, continous and now goes down through both legs to feet & also up through my jaw. Back is has a combination of DDD and L4/5 S1 problems, tried injections with little/no success and still the slight fusion in neck with osteo starting in hip, and ears just ring all the time
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, viral pneumonia when 8yrs old and they didn't plan on my surviving so tried a variety of procedures and was released from hospitals after about 2 or so months
Any Military Service? father was PHS
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? who knows
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? totally, i want my life back...now
What Makes Symptoms Worse? barometric pressure changes, over doing when i have a good day, the stress of finding the right help along with financial stresses... The guilt of not being able to work outside of home and even accomplishing all the household tasks. Having to tell my daughters that i just can't do some things. Looking fine so people think you are faking. The frustration of family members that haven't yet tried to research or read on anything that has to do with my problem or medical condition...i think it would help me if they could understand better instead of listen to my ouching all the time. The list can go on
What Makes You Feel Better? physically my tens unit helps take away my focus on pain sometimes. When I am allowed to take my vicodin before the pain hits big 3/4 of a tablet 3-4x a day & if I allow myself to take a whole ambien every night plays a big part in feeling better and lasting longer throughout the day but seem to always be in a battle with dr on prescribing enough to do that so i try to make it last with bad results and more stress ... mentally, these types of sites have been so helpful when i only see my life getting worse, i can find hope that someone out there is still trying to help
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? think i started noticing it 5 or so yrs ago but so much worse in the last 3/4 years. I had been on lexapro for a few years now and decided to quit 1/1/08 because i didn't see why natural real life stress needs to be suppressed (doc doesn't know yet-shes an advocate for thinking i am sad). It was a surprise to me that my head has become better from the deep fog i seem to have been in,I feel like i can think clear again to the point of my being able to think again - and i even want to create a quilt instead of pass by the thought because it didn't seem possible. I can remember things long enough to write them down now!!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, i felt it had to do with my abrupt stop of taking what then was a strong dosage of ortho novum birth control pill to start a family. It was like a switch flipped and i got the psoriasis on my head and elbow and the shooting pain from the fingers to elbow to shoulders and then over to the other arm. I did seek help and the Rheumotologist tested for ra, lupus... he gave the reluctant diagnosis of fibro but fibro wasn't a real hurt yet (1987). After crying in the office he again reluctantly gave me a mild pain pill to deal with it. One prescrip would last me a year after the help of the accupunturist. No doctor agrees with my thinking that the hormone change caused any problems by stopping that pill, so ...maybe it was coincidence.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, why?
Remedies Tried: MANY. Past meds not taken now are - vioxx (helped til taken off shelves), celebrex, arthrotec,skelaxin, cymbalta, paxil, darvocet, T3, oxycodone for galbladder (bad reaction),ultram, prednisone (not good), spinal injections(nothing significant), requip (reacted bad), tizanidine (became sensitive too w/ night terrors),cyclobenziprine(react the opposite),ib, tylenol,naproxen, lexapro Yet nothing for psoriatic arthritis or nerve pain besides requip.I seem to be sensitive to many so i would like to stick to what i know works but doctor is not accepting with that choice. Just gave up muscle and spasm relaxers, lexapro and feel that the small dose of vicodin throughout day with ambien at night helps (tens unit too.) I have itching with a larger dose of vicodin so amount is key. I have always explored and tested herbs, teas, vitamins...i have found a few that i believe help reduce imflammation for a while like the primrose oil and flax seed oil,and feel that if these things don't bother me than it can't hurt to take things like the noni, acai, mangosteen, goji carrot juices along with other herbs and vitamins at different times.
Your Theories: As above I have my own ideas but hate that a person has to self doctor so much. Why aren't there more centers that combine the doctors needed to work together to help heal or manage people like me, there are so many in pain feeling like they have been made to look like druggers rather than people that want not to lay around or slow down but jump back into life with the help some of these combinations have to offer, will I always have to fight to get what can work for me? I do live in the middle of nowhere and don't have the money to dash off somewhere for treatment but have looked into studies where one could get paid for experimental treatments. For now i have gotten back on the self help wagon and am having accupunture treatments and soon to see a neurologist of who I have never been to yet. So with MRI in hand and a hard to follow history, wish me luck in some relief! Bless you all and prayers
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Maybe to ask if one has been diagnosed with autimmune and through which process or list other medical conditions to help understand
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1/26/2008
Name: lois
City: florence
State: mississippi
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? mississippi
Where Do You Live Now? mississippi
How Long Have You Lived There? ten years
Your Age? 70
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? five
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 65
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? court reporter/retired
Medical History: hysterectomy,appendiectomy, gallbladder, breast cysts/tumor, spinal ,cervical surgery twice.
Does Exercise Help? yes. short walks rowing stair steps
What Were Your First Symptoms? pain. inability to walk normally
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain inability to walk normally
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? yes
Any Military Service?
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? paint removers, possibly esbestos
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? unable to move about easily, tiredness stiffness irritability
What Makes Symptoms Worse? over exertion
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, prescribed drugs
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? somewhat
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? approximately 3
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? estrogen
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride?
Remedies Tried: cymbalta, neuroton,celebrex
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------------------

1/26/2008
Name: Mary
City: Fairfield
State: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Hamilton, OH
Where Do You Live Now? Fairfield, OH
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 44
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? less than one
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 43
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Administrative Assistant. Yes, still working
Medical History: 3 healthy births, tubaligation in 1988,appendectomy 2003. Interstitial Cystitist 2006, fibromyalgia 2007, IBS 2008
Does Exercise Help? Yes, stretching
What Were Your First Symptoms? flu like symptoms, feeling like I had a high fever, but temp. was normal, my joints felt swollen and sore, but there was no inflamtion
What Are Your Current Symptoms? achy joints and flu like symptoms, but not as frequent
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? lack of sleep and excerise
What Makes You Feel Better? stretching, guided imagary, relaxtion
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Now that you mention it, yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? one
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? The symptoms came soon after I was diagnosed with IC. I started taking Elmiron, Amytriptline, and started bi-weekly bladder instills of DMSO, herperin and Elmiron.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Amyitriptiline, Cymbalta
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------

1/26/2008
Name: D
City: COCHRANTON
State: PA
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? ERIE, PA
Where Do You Live Now? COCHRANTON, PA
How Long Have You Lived There? 40 YEARS
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 23
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? SECRETARY. YES.
Medical History: CHRONIC FATIGUE EPSTEIN-BARRE
Does Exercise Help? NO. WEARS ME OUT EASILY.
What Were Your First Symptoms? FATIGUE, FELT LIKE FLU, DIDN'T GO AWAY. MUSCLE ACHES.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? TRIGGER POINTS, PAIN IN MUSCLES, FATIGUE, TIRED, LETHARGY,MUSCLE PAIN, DEPRESSION
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? MONO (CHRONIC EPSTEIN-BARRE) LASTED 2 YEARS
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? MERCURY WHEN HAD TEETH FILLED. kerosene heaters.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? CAN'T KEEP UP. ALWAYS TIRED. DEPRESSED. ALWAYS IN PAIN.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? LACK OF SLEEP. POOR DIET. CAFFEINE. EXERCISE.
What Makes You Feel Better? SLEEP. FASTING.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 20
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES. AMPICILLIN WHEN I HAD MONO
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: TRIGGER POINT THERAPY. MASSAGE. IBUPROFEN. FASTING. HERBAL DETOX. MUSCLE RELAXER.
Your Theories: I contracted Epstein-Barre after a miscarriage. Things have gone downhill since.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-------------------------------

1/25/2008
Name: Monique
City: Montreal
State: Quebec
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Montreal
Where Do You Live Now? north shore of Montreal
How Long Have You Lived There? all my life
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? Administration. Yes
Medical History: no
Does Exercise Help? yes, when I am not too tired, walk and elyptic
What Were Your First Symptoms? chest pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? irregular chest pain and 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? drastically. want to quite my job (that I like) couldn't take care of my family (4 kids), nightmare...
What Makes Symptoms Worse? I have drastically change my eating habits, which was positivie. Beacause I travel a lot, I can not stay with my diet. Then it's get worst
What Makes You Feel Better? Having a strict eating behaviour
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? ...yes... was not sure if it was part of the symptoms, now that I read it on your site, I guess there is a relation with fibromyalgia.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 4-5 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES... I took medication for migraines, IMITREX
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried:
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I heard that one of the symptoms of fibromyalgie is earing disorder, I can not stand loud music or conversation. Can you please confirm this.
----------------------------

1/24/2008
Name: Michelle
City: Oxford
State: CT
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Connecticut
Where Do You Live Now? Connecticut
How Long Have You Lived There? 41 years
Your Age? 41
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 5
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal assistant / office work. Not working
Medical History: hypothyroidism
Does Exercise Help? Not really. Short walks/movement
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, brain fog
What Are Your Current Symptoms? fatigue, muscle pain/chronic tight muscles
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? average
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? unable to work, enjoy activities I enjoyed before
What Makes Symptoms Worse? barometer changes, winter, exercise or inactivity
What Makes You Feel Better? sunlight, fresh air/warm temps, supplements, meat protein
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 15 years, became really bad 6 years ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? no
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? yes. No fluoride toothpaste, treatments, no fluroide in water
Remedies Tried: Armour thyroid, Cortef, Estriol, tons of supplements
Your Theories:
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
------------------------------

1/23/2008
Name: Linda
City: Sulphur Springs
State: Texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Mississippi
Where Do You Live Now? Texas
How Long Have You Lived There? 10 yrs
Your Age? 52
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 30
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Desk /Not working at present
Medical History: Hysterectomy late 70's/ Tonsilectomy 2004
Does Exercise Help? sometimes/ walking
What Were Your First Symptoms? shoulder and neck pain
What Are Your Current Symptoms? pain in shoulder/neck/back/elbows... arms and hands go numb
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes..chronic sinusitis lasted for 4 years
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? not out of the ordinary...
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has slowed me down a lot. I am tired more often and for longer periods . I do not have the mental quickness that I once had, as a result of that, my self confidence has dropped.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, weather, worry
What Makes You Feel Better? moving around, when I can
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? DEFINITELY
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10 to 15 years ago
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I had began taking elavil, and premarin after hysterectomy in 1981
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? ? never heard of it
Remedies Tried: Relafin, Ambien
Your Theories: I am beginning to suspect a buildup of toxins in my body. Toxins can settle anywhere, and since there is no known cause nor cure for FM, muscles seem the logical place for toxins to settle.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Most FM sufferers like myself have problems sleeping...thus the loss of energy,etc.
-----------------------------

1/23/2008
Name: Carol
City: Grande Prairie
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Alberta, Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Alberta, Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? 12 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? Teaching
Medical History: Gland problems (always swollen in my neck) tonsillitis general aches
Does Exercise Help? Yes! Yoga, weights, cardio
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in my arms like someone had punched me.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? General aches PAIN in my thighs and arms trigger points everywhere Some days, I can't get out of bed Fainting Dizziness Brain fog on some days
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? No
Any Military Service? I was born on a base, and was a military brat until I turned 4.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Mercury exposure at 9 years old
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Hard to teach Had to slow down my bead-making business hard to take care of my kids
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Sugar Aspartame!!!!
What Makes You Feel Better? Exercise, Arbonne muscle cream (has an anti-inflammatory), hemp seeds in the a.m. My symptoms disappeared when I was pregnant Atkins diet helped before I had kids but it doesn't work now!
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES but not every day
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 2 years
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No. I was always "sick" a lot -- got every virus and cold out there.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't know what this is.
Remedies Tried: Lyrica -- still on it. Helps a lot. Ibuprofen for pain (doesn't work well enough) Tried taking everything out of my diet and putting it back in
Your Theories: I want to lose weight, too, but find a low-fat diet hurts me a lot.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Pregnancy!
--------------------------------

1/22/2008
Name: Jocelyne H.
City: Chandler
State: Arizona
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Illinois
Where Do You Live Now? Arizona
How Long Have You Lived There? long enough
Your Age? 36
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Disabled
Medical History: Epilepsy, Neuropathy, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, Thalassemia, Anxiety, Depression, Hypertension,Ciatica,
Does Exercise Help? no, it makes it worse
What Were Your First Symptoms? widespread pain of various types
What Are Your Current Symptoms? widespread pain of various types, muscle spasms, sleep problems, irritable bowels, fatigue, swelling, brain fog, etc., Tmj (which isn't covered in Az medially)
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? I had shingles
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Just cleaning products
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I'm disabled and in a powerchair. It's difficult to walk. Pain rules my life etc., memory problems
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Activity, stress, doctors that don't understand
What Makes You Feel Better? Pain meds and muscle relaxers
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes indeed
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? don't remember
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? over time
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: Soma, Methocarbamol, Most pain meds, both regular and narcotic (legal and given by doctors), sleep meds, trying to avoid preservatives in food
Your Theories: I believe if I was in a different state, all my symptoms would be treated. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgis 2 yrs after being hit by a truck in a pedestrian/truck accident
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------

1/21/2008
Name: Darlene
City: Wilmington
State: NC
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? West Virginia
Where Do You Live Now? North Carolina on the Coast
How Long Have You Lived There? 5.5 years
Your Age? 54
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 10-15 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? late 30's early 40's
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Legal Secretary, now working part-time for my husband as reception at vet clinic
Medical History: Basically, very healthy inspite of year round allergies
Does Exercise Help? I like walking and swimming. Walking in the cold is miserable, also during severe allergy time. I wind up with aches and migraines.
What Were Your First Symptoms? I had my first extremely bad migraine at 18 yrs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? All over body aches and more severe in the fibromyalgia spots.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Around 1985-86 I had viral meningitis. I was out of life for a week, thought I was dying with a brain tumor.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? commercial cleaning chemicals in college. 1971-1972
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? It has slowed me down and made me more sedentary.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Cold weather. My body aches and I want to hybernate. Also low pressure systems.
What Makes You Feel Better? Toasty warmth and sunshine. I need to live in dry, warm weather close to the equater.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 10 yrs.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? More like a gradual decline.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I have used fluoride free toothpaste. Did not do a very good job. I also have Celiac disease so I have to avoid gluten in the toothpaste.
Remedies Tried: I don't like taking medications. Stretching helps me to not feel so stiff.
Your Theories: No. I have wondered if it's tied into the immune system.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Maybe about allergies.

----------------------
1/21/2008
Name: debbie
City: bettsville
State: oh
Your Sex: f
Where Were You Born? michigan
Where Do You Live Now? ohio
How Long Have You Lived There? 6 years
Your Age? 42
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 27
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? cosmetology student
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help? no
What Were Your First Symptoms? stiffness and pain in neck
What Are Your Current Symptoms? migranes, stiffness and soreness, muscle spazims
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? everything is physically difficult. Im in pain 24-7
What Makes Symptoms Worse? if i over do anything, sitting to long standing to long. Lifting, even holding something
What Makes You Feel Better? narcotics until they where off
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? about 7
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes was taking prozak
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: prozak, elivil,darvocet.xanax, to many to remember.was taking 8 medications at one time
Your Theories: i wish drs would understand the narcotics give some relief and we are not just looking for drugs because we want them. Yhey are need so i can be productive. and not going crazy because the pain is so bad
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
---------------------------------------

1/20/2008
Name: Shannon
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? North Carolina
Where Do You Live Now? California
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 year
Your Age? 38
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 ~
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? teenage years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? on SSD disability
Medical History: severe asthma/bronchitis treated primarily with prednisone
Does Exercise Help? yes, walking meditative activities such as yoga, tai chi
What Were Your First Symptoms? fatigue, worsening of allergic/asthmatic symptoms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Worsening of respitory ailments, fatigue, muscular and joint pain, arthritis type pain, parathesia, muscual skeletal pain, balance issues
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? chronic bronchitis type illnesses
Any Military Service? No
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Wet lab tech ; working with uranyl acetate in a QA / QC research stting. Release testing in wet lab as QA/QC for pharmas who had failed in house release testing FDA release standards.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Yes
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Allergies, climate, stess
What Makes You Feel Better? combo therapy of point treatment with an anti inflammitory/ numbing combo with pain management and muscle relaxors ' stress relief.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes, manifested as difficulty concentrating, finding words, conveying information in order.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? unknown; possibly 20 years according to records of symptoms.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Possibly; prednisone is suspect. Have noted with others the effect of environment on the symptoms.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Current pharma-pain therapy, accupuncture, relocating to less allergic environment, neurontin/lyrica family anticonvulsant type drugs, anti depressants, anti- anxiety, ambian etc.
Your Theories: I feel it is an illness strongly influanced by a persons disposition to allergies which attack primarly the immune system such as cardio pulminary patients, lifestyle stress, etc.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? I would include allergins as a significant scope of your study.
-----------------------------------------

1/20/2008
Name: Pamela
City: Bournemouth
State: UK
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Bournemouth
Where Do You Live Now? Bournemouth
How Long Have You Lived There? 32 years
Your Age? 32
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 20 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 12/13 years
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Health Care Assistant, yes but with difficulty
Medical History: Rhuematic pain, Glandular Fever, Pericarditis
Does Exercise Help? Working a phyiscal job is enough, too exhausted to do anymore. Pain increases if I have a day off.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Hand and wrist pain, put down to RSI.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain all over, tiredness, IBS, Headaches, pericarditis, lack of concentration.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Glandular Fever about seven years ago.
Any Military Service? No.
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? No.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Yes, work is very difficult, have to cut hours back. Can't afford to give it up. When I am not working, I am so tired that I find it hard to go out socialising. Because my hands hurt so much, find it hard to do simple tasks like writing, picking up things (heavy or light)using any kind of kitchen appliance, well anything involve the use of your hands!
What Makes Symptoms Worse? When I stop moving around, but then I get so tired!
What Makes You Feel Better? Only time I don't feel pain is when I am deep in meditation, though when I come out of meditation my body seizes up due to being in the same position.
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, always seemed to have been there but didn't know that it was a symptom of Fibro till recently, always thought I was just forgetfull!
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No, can't remember a time I wasn't in pain. First went to Dr's about it when I was around 15, it was effecting my school work as I found it difficult to write, too painful. Slowly progressed over the years.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No. Not heard of the problems associated before coming on this site.
Remedies Tried: Ibuproffen (doesn't work) Amitriptiline (didn't work) Currently on Dosulepin but not doing much. Take Vegetarian glucosimin & oemega 3.
Your Theories: I am very much one for the power of the mind, and positive thinking, but sometimes it is just too tiring!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?

-----------------------------
1/19/2008
Name: Tom
City: Winnipeg
State: Canada
Your Sex: Male
Where Were You Born? Winnipeg
Where Do You Live Now? Winnipeg
How Long Have You Lived There? 48 years
Your Age? 48 years
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 12 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 36
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Professional driver. Yes, but take many sick days when fatigue and brain fog play up too much to drive safely, also TMJ has worsened this year and plays a role now as well.
Medical History: Lots of amalgam fillings. Malathion spray for mousquitos used pften when I was a teenager hanging out on the streets when they sprayed. Used to get swollen glands in neck when I ate Old Dutch Salt and Vinegar pototo chips, they swelled up so bad they were painful. Various surgeries, hemmoroidectomy, varicose vain removal, deviated septum repair. During one such operation apparently an infection had set in and self healed, wdamage was noted by a Dr during a later surgery.
Does Exercise Help? No, most exertion makes me feel worse, I used to be a body builder and would work physically hard from dawn till dusk, perhaps I wore myself out.
What Were Your First Symptoms? The Fatigue, kept complaining to my Dr of being too tired to do anything, would get the sweats and then chills, felt as though I had the flu 24/7. Got in for a sleep test and they said Upper Airway Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but the CPAP didn't help, just kept getting more tired and tired, finally stumbled across a CFS/FMS forum somewhere and got some references for drugs to try, ny Dr obliged and I began to get some sleep, slowly some improvements began to come, slowly, but at least it was something good.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Fatigue, widespread pain in most muscle groups and almost all joints, depends on the time of day or the weather, brain fog is awful as is the anxiety attacks, the pain meds I'm on ironically help my IBS by having the side effect of causing (funny but I can't think of the word, had to look it up, damn thinking is all screwed up again)constipation, thats what I was trying to say, the drugs cause constipation and that helps offset the IBS so I get some normalcy there. TMJ has also set in, my Rhumatologist thinks arthritis may have set into the various affected joints, back, neck, jaw and are causing the worst flare ups I get, but he made the diagnosis of Fibro based on my other symptoms in combination with the duration.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Yes, around the start of all this I had a flu that seemed to last for months and months, just wouldn't let go, but there were comon complaints at the time of many people getting the same flu and synptoms.
Any Military Service? None
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Lots of lead as a youngster, even used to hold the lead pellets from my pellet rifle in my mouth to make reloading easier, who knew? Also played with Mercury in school, it was the new cool thing and was brought into the class for us all to see and play with, held it in our hands, pushed it around on our desks. As stated earlier lots of amalgam fillings to, deep fillings.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Pretty much destryed my previous life, trying to make it, but it's difficult to say the least.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Weather, cold, diet, physical labour, chemical sensitivities, even perfumes and scented products, especially candles and such.
What Makes You Feel Better? Doing nothing, even though it makes me feel like a lazy bum, I was always a doer and liked to stay busy, just can't win. Hot baths, steam saunas.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes, very badly.
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Appr 8 years.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Around the time of becoming sick I was beginning hypertension medication.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No, though dental hygiene was a low priority in early childhood as evidenced by my abundance of amalgam fillings, so other than fluoride in drinking water was likely the only source early on.
Remedies Tried: The CPAP machine prescribed for the upper airway obstructive sleep apnea I supposedly had didn't work, various anti-depressents and anti-anxiety drugs such as Paxil and WellbutrinXL failed to work either, it wasn't until my request to try a combination advised on an FMS Forum that I finally began to feel somewhat better. Presently Lorazapam for anxiety, T3 for pain, At bedtime Zopiclone to put me to sleep and nortriptylene for quality of sleep helps me maintain some semblance of normalcy.
Your Theories: I was intrigued by the work done by Dr. Price and Dr. George Meinig and the effects on health poorly filled and root cannaled teeth can cause.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
-----------------------------------

1/18/2008
Name: Julie
City: Arena
State: Wisconsin
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Madison, Wisconsin
Where Do You Live Now? Arena, Wisconsin
How Long Have You Lived There? 35 years
Your Age? 45
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? About eight years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 37ish
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Factory work. Not working
Medical History: Generally healthy. I had a kidney stone. I had an ovary removed due to a large cyst (they took my appendix when they did that). My gal-bladder removed. My tonsils removed. Injured my neck.
Does Exercise Help? Yoga and walking are ok. Anything else is painful.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Very, very tired! muscle pain, Felt like I had the flu all the time.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Flu like symptoms, extremely tired, tender spots, muscle pain, joint pain, brain fog, speach difficulties, interrupted sleep, headaches, skin problems, eye changes, TMJ, no energy, weekness, anxiety, depression, Good one day....do too much can't function for the next three days. concentration, memory, frequent urination, IBS, easily bruised, light, sound, and temperature sensitive, Sensitive to the touch. more I can't think of I'm sure.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I am aware of. I had the mumps, chicken pox, a lot of pennicilin shots when I was little...ouch!...I also had Influenza once where I was sick for about two weeks where I just wanted to die I was so sick!
Any Military Service? N/A
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? A lot of spray paint at one of my factory jobs with out the proper protective equipment. I quit it after a year because they did not provide it. I also worked with aluminum, handeling it everyday for 9 years. I also worked in a plastic factory for 2 years with many fumes.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I try not to let it keep me from being the person I used to be. I have days where I would love to see what it used to feel like again before I was in so much pain. I have good days, bad days and days that are Horrid! The thing that bothers me the most is the effect it has had on those around me. Some understand but the majority don't get it. If you look ok...then you should feel ok..right?
What Makes Symptoms Worse? If I over do anything. Sometimes I don't stop even though I know I should because I will pay for doing too much. I keep going because I feel as though it is expected of me to get it done. Lifting too many heavy things and repetative motion like raking, shoveling, vaccuming, sweeping.
What Makes You Feel Better? Sleep, Hot and cold packs, soaking in the tub.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Probably had it when I first noticed all the other stuff but didn't connect the dots at first. Same with some of the other symptoms.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? I have asked that question myself. Seems I didn't pay attention to the symptoms and connect them at first. It was when they didn't leave and I was getting more symptoms very quickly that I put it all together that something was wrong. The only drug I recall being put on prior to that was Celexa and Lexapro.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Many prescription drugs, cortisone injections, topical creams, patches for pain, You name it I have probably tried it.
Your Theories: I am currently taking myself off prescription drugs. I am seeing my doctor today because of them. I think they make me worse!!! I also think they cause me to have other problems that my doctor prescribed more meds for....I want off! I am going natural. Pharm. companies scare me. I had low blood pressure until going on antidepressants. I want to see what happens when I get off the Lexapro.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Thanks!
-----------------------------------

1/17/2008
Name: Rebecca
City: Deeside
State: Wales, UK
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Essex, England
Where Do You Live Now? Wales
How Long Have You Lived There? 1 Year
Your Age? 24
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 4
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 20
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Entertainement Manager, Singer
Medical History: Quite healthy, diagnosed with Schuermans Disease when I was 18. Born with Bilateral Talepies and pneumonia. No severe problems.
Does Exercise Help? Exercise does help providing it is moderate. Dancing - as it stimulates the mind and creates a positive mindset.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pains in my lower back and chest cavity
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Pain seems feel like it has spread. Lower back, neck, chest, feet, hips.
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 affected my energy levels, used to be very active but I notice that I become very lathergic easily. Constant mood changes and lack of sleep are affecting my relationship with my partner.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, tiredness cold damp weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Warmth, massages and good nights sleep.
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? Only recently
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? Again only recently ive noticed a lack in concentration. I used to be quite a receptive person.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? Recently I have been suffering from severe IBS and gastritis symptoms and nausea which have coencided within weeks of each other.
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? No
Remedies Tried: Massages Physio and prescribed pain killers. No effect long term as once you finish a course the pain returns
Your Theories: No
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Ask about the relevance of IBS symptoms as until I researched it I did not know that IBS can be connected to FMS.
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1/15/2008
Name: mellony
City: pell city
State: al
Your Sex: female
Where Were You Born? alabama
Where Do You Live Now? alabama
How Long Have You Lived There? 43 yrs
Your Age? 43
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 2
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 42
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? office
Medical History:
Does Exercise Help?
What Were Your First Symptoms? arms
What Are Your Current Symptoms? neck,back,hip,knees hurt
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? not that I can remember
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? not alot yet but I don't feel as energetic as I used to
What Makes Symptoms Worse? cold, stress, being tired
What Makes You Feel Better? hot bath, electic blanket, goody powder for muscle and athritis pain
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? somewhat
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? early on
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? not so much meds are bp,water pill, thyroid meds a few years back
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: none specifically for fibromyalgia
Your Theories: are there any drugs just for this? I am tired of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? not that I can think of
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1/15/2008
Name: Violet
City: Hudson
State: Florida
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Mo.
Where Do You Live Now? Florida
How Long Have You Lived There? 24 yrs
Your Age? 61
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? About 10 yrs
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 51
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Waitress all my life Disability now.
Medical History: l-ovary and tube removed. gall bladder. 2 knee replacements, breast cancer.
Does Exercise Help? No it hurts to exercise.
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in my neck after a car accident
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Not good, tired all the time, don't sleep without sleeping meds. Pain in all my joints and muscles and brain fog,etc. etc.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Not that I remember
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Not that I remember
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? A lot I don't do much of anything, everything hurts.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? They stay about the same, it hurts worse if I force myself.
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? I don't remember, but it is really bad now.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? No
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? NO
Remedies Tried: Anti Depressants, sleeping meds, pain meds, inflamtory drugs, steriods and etc. etc.
Your Theories: It would be wonderful to find something that would ease the pain that I am in constant.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? No
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1/15/2008
Name: Catalina
City: Toronto
State: Canada
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Toronto, Canada
Where Do You Live Now? Toronto, Canada
How Long Have You Lived There? Seven years
Your Age? 26
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 16
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 10
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? psychotherapist. yes.
Medical History: healthy.
Does Exercise Help? stretching excercises help, yoga and in particular, pilates
What Were Your First Symptoms? debilitating and severe pain in my arms and legs. particularly in the legs.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? overall pain, more pain in my neck, shoulders and upper back, fibrofog, very bad memory, fatigue, morning stiffness, sensitive to light, extreme temperatures and loud noises. Frequent need to go to the bathroom, headaches, difficulty falling asleep. Regular stomach aches and diarrhea. Sensitivity to meat, milk, caffeine, sugar, fatty foods and large quantities of carbohidrates (a plate of pasta), soft drinks. (After eating these my pain is intensified severely and the fatigue increases) Also, pain in my fingers and wrists.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? In every way. I am a very jovial active person and having bouts of fibromyaliga affects my ability to do things: socialize, do sports, go to school, work, etc) I battled severe depression for 3 years. Overall it affects my quality of life. I am in pain most every day. However, i have become more sensitive and empathetic towards those who have chronic pain, i believe my mind has broadened.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? as said before: certain foods, also: stress, saddness, cold weather, humidity, lack of sleep, a lot of light and lack of movement.
What Makes You Feel Better? stretching, doing pilates, yoga, walking, meditating, eating very healthily, sleeping, having a routine for my body, a peaceful environment.
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? yes. paxil, vioxx and other pain relievers
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: many muscle relaxants and pain medications, including vitamins, nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies.
Your Theories: I also find that if im over weight i have more pain, as long as i am at a stable weight, and my muscles are strong i feel better. Whenever i lack muscle density i feel the pain increases. For me, being the sun is an incredible remedy as long as the weather is dry and keeping myself active and eating well. Meditation and an effortful approach to life in which i refuse to be a victim has been very helpful.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions?
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1/14/2008
Name: shelly
City: lubbock
State: texas
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Odessa
Where Do You Live Now? Lubbock
How Long Have You Lived There? 17 years
Your Age? 41...in 2 weeks
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 14
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 26
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? business, lots of organizational tools needed..not workin, disability
Medical History: hem.with both children, 1986, 1989..diagnosed 10 years later with Hep C,hospitalized for a Kidney infection about 2 years before onset, in hospital for pneumonia for 2 weeks, and went home with oxygen for another 2 weeks, about 3 years before onset..very abusive relationship in 1st marriage..mental, and very physical, hit bruised thrown out of moving car..hospitalized, left after 2nd child born..diagnosed at first with CFS, then Rheum. Arth.(sometimes shows pos. but doctor says not necessarily true, sometimes get a false pos.
Does Exercise Help? no, can't do enough without hurting, or paying price for it next day(days..weeks)
What Were Your First Symptoms? extremely tired, fatigue, felt "fluey", skin hurt, inside of my body ached tremendously..once at hosp. for x-rays, and legs started hurting so bad, then it was all i could do to walk, my mom was there and had to hold me up and call out for help..very strange..i got extremely hungry at the same time, but didn't eat because was admitted
What Are Your Current Symptoms? achey, skin hurts, pain all over, but lots of back pain and shoulder pain. can't sleep, feel stressed and depressed, OCD
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? pneumonia, kidney infection, and non AB Hep as it was called...had 2 blood transfusions after both children born
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? terribly, but with the hep, depression, anxiety, not to mention feeling worthless. can't clean my house without hurting and only get maybe 1 room done and have to quit. stress on marriage
What Makes Symptoms Worse? STRESS, depression, and my obsessive compulsive disorder makes all of the above worse..i think, at least in my mind, and i feel it in my body!
What Makes You Feel Better? rest, even if can't sleep well
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes.can never remember things..have to make myself notes. but short term memory seems really bad
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? probably 7 or 8 years...not completely sure
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes..serzone, and others, just don't remember them all. other than what i was given when in hospital, i've taken many depression medications
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no?
Remedies Tried: tylenol, ibup., hospital and given pain shots, one doctor tried giving me numerous vitamins intrav. another dr. gave me steroid shots in my spine about every 3 to 4 weeks, i was actually given iv and sedated each time, made me feel somewhat better for about 2 days..but angry, and hungry, also gained about 50 lbs, and had the puffiness..not worth it, and doctor never questioned me, or his so called "remedy" in it for the money, i'm sure
Your Theories: I do believe that previous major or chronic infections, sicknesses may be a major theory to what brings it on. But I also believe trauma, such as head trauma, in my case very abusive 1st husband, beatings until black and blue, and sometimes hospitalized
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? my only comment would be that I have depression that i'm sure my sickness makes worse, but severe depression runs in my family..my dad committed suicide when i was 15. i started feeling sad and would get weepy when i was as young as 7 or 8, but back then there were no med. only "therapy". i've been hospitalized for breakdowns at least 6 or 8 times, but not in the past 8 or 9 yrs. my girls are older, in college, and although i feel i need to be there (hospital)right about now..i don't want to upset them. I'm just hanging on...but definately i think dep. that runs in family could impact someone from getting this awful "disease", and it is a sickness, disease, not just a mind thing.
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1/14/2008
Name: Susan
City: Sidney
State: OH
Your Sex: Female
Where Were You Born? Long Beach, Calif.
Where Do You Live Now? Sidney
How Long Have You Lived There? 2 years
Your Age? 51
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 13 years
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 38
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? I was working in a clean room at the time of the first attack. I was around paints, lacquer and other chemicals
Medical History: Was taking lots of antibiotics for abcesses. Before that I was very healthy and active.
Does Exercise Help? I do alot of stretching.
What Were Your First Symptoms? A pain in my thumb and back. The next day I left work by the time I got home I could not walk at all.
What Are Your Current Symptoms? Very mild now I have most of it under control. I drink Protein Whey once a week and take amino acid suppliments everyday.
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? Oh yah,
Any Military Service? NO
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? Yes at work.
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? I lost 8 years of my life till I found the protein whey that worked for me, totally by accident.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Rain, Snow, weather.
What Makes You Feel Better? Protein Whey Amino Acid suppliments
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? YES
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? I started getting brain fog first before the pain hit about 2 years before.
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? YES, YES, YES. ANTIBIOTICS
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? I don't drink much water, I use to use the powder toothpaste until they took it off the market. I never did believe the people that said it was good for us.
Remedies Tried: Naproxin works for pain I have always tried to stay away from medications after all the steroids they put in me for the pain. The steroids ruined my vision and my figure.
Your Theories: My 13 years of research I believe that fibromyalgia is two things, a lack of vitamins, minerals, or trace minerals and a toxic body. Get rid of the toxions and take plenty of suppliments because we all are not getting all our vitamins in this day and age with the way foods are processed and the chemicles pumped into the animals to make them grow fastster and fatter. Everyones dna is different and everyone eats differnet so we are all suffering from certain vitamins, minerals and trace-minerals. Find what your body is lacking in and you find your own cure. Your stomach hurts when you don't eat for a long period. So why wouldn't your body hurt everywhere if it's not receiving the right nutrients? I think our body is attacking it's self searching for the missing nutrients. Feed the right stuff to your body and the pains and symptoms start to go away. There's one thing in common with everyone that is getting relief from fibromyalgia. They all get it through their diet! By changing their diet, supplimenting their diet. Which is why there are so many things working for so many people. Not one cure works for all. Because we are all different and we all eat differnt and we are all lacking in something different. A car won't run with out gas, or oil, or break fluid, or transmission fluid. Miss one thing and your car dosen't run correctly. Well that's the same for people. Some might be lacking in vitamin c, or a mineral, or another vitamin, or a combination of vitamins. Which makes finding the cure so very hard. Some find it others are still searching for the right combination. Some will never find it if they don't get the proper test. Along with ridding their body of the toxins they aquired with all the chemicals in this world.
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? Yes have you had your blood tested, urin tested, hair tested, stool tested. These are the test that will let your doctors know what your lacking in and what toxins are causing everyone to be sick. And the tests that the insurance companies will not allow. The big question is WHY will they not allow the test that can help the doctors tell you whats wrong with you.
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1/13/2008
Name: Cristina
City: Miami
State: FL
Your Sex: F
Where Were You Born? 1977
Where Do You Live Now? Miami
How Long Have You Lived There? 2
Your Age? 30
How many years has it been since you developed your symptoms of fibromyalgia? 6
Your Age At Onset of Symptoms? 24
What is Your Line of Work? Still working? Investment Banking/ No - Freelance Now
Medical History: Depression/GAD/Bipolar 2
Does Exercise Help? Yes - Aerobic and Strengthtraining
What Were Your First Symptoms? Pain in the hand leading to mucsle spasms in the arm and neck
What Are Your Current Symptoms? FATIGUE, Soreness, random sharp pains/ low tolerance for stress
Did You Ever Have A Long Lasting Virus? no
Any Military Service? no
Chemical or Pesticide Exposure? no
How Has Fibro Affected Your Life? Changed it completely. I've had to slow down and depend on others.
What Makes Symptoms Worse? Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet
What Makes You Feel Better? sleep
Do Your Symptoms Include Brain Fog? yes
How many years has it been since you developed the brain fog associated with fibromyalgia? 5
Was Your Rate of Decline Fast? yes, effexor, ambien, orthocyclen, indocen
Have You Tried Avoiding Dietary Fluoride? no
Remedies Tried: trazedone, lexapro, wellbutrin, indocen, celebrex, ibprofen, advil, lidocaine patches, remeral (muscle relaxant), xanax, asprin
Your Theories: cortisol - something is causing my cortisol levels to be extremely high which my body can't handle - too much inflammation
Are We Missing Any Important Questions? where you experiencing any stressful situations at the time you first experienced symptoms, i.e. work, money, relationships, etc.

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