Fibromyalgia?

Any of my April Surgery Buddies suffer with Fibromyalgia? Were you diagnosed after WLS? Do you feel there is any connection between Fibromyalgia and WLS? I was just diagnosed and want to hear what works and what doesn't as far as treatment options. Your input is appreciated. Kim M.

Hi Kim, sorry to hear of you having Fibromyalgia. I don't have it myself. I know it is difficult to diagnose and I have not heard of a connection with it and WLS. Sorry I can't assist you. I wish you all the best and hope you find a successful treatment option. Sher

Thank you Sher! I appreciate all of the encouragement I can get! Kim M.

My girlfriend just was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, all I know is she is in a lot of pain. I don't know much about it but wish you the best of luck with your treatment. You have come a long way- hang in there! Hugs, Jenni

Thanks for the good thoughts and hugs. KimM.

I will be praying for you. Maybe this is what I am experiencing in my shoulders. I tell my husband it does not hurt in my muscles it is deeper.

April, It could be. My pain is in my shoulders, neck, hips, buttocks and thigh. It also has to do with fatigue, depression and anxiety. The arthritis foundation has good information on it if you are interested. Thank you for the prayers and April I will pray for your healing, too. Keep me posted.Kim M.

What is Fibromyalgia? What are the symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Shelly

Shelly, Hope this helps Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed[1]. It affects more females than males, with a ratio of 9:1 by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria[2]. Fibromyalgia is seen in 3% to 6% of the general population, and is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. Because the nature of fibromyalgia is not well understood, some physicians believe that it may be psychosomatic or psychogenic[3]. Symptoms The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch. Those affected may also experience heightened sensitivity of the skin (also called allodynia), tingling of the skin (often needle-like), achiness in the muscle tissues, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, and nerve pain. Chronic sleep disturbances are also characteristic of fibromyalgia, and some studies suggest that these sleep disturbances are the result of a sleep disorder called alpha-delta sleep , a condition in which deep sleep (associated with delta EEG waves) is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness (i.e. alpha waves). Deeper stages of sleep (stages 3 &4) are often dramatically reduced. In addition, many patients experience cognitive dysfunction (known as "brain fog" or "fibrofog"), which may be characterized by impaired concentration and short-term memory consolidation, impaired speed of performance, inability to multi-task, and cognitive overload [6]. Many experts suspect that "brain fog" is directly related to the sleep disturbances experienced by sufferers of fibromyalgia. However, the relationship has not been strictly established. Other symptoms often attributed to fibromyalgia (possibly due to another comorbid disorder) may include Myofascial pain syndrome, chronic paresthesia, physical fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, genitourinary symptoms (such as those associated with the chronic bladder condition interstitial cystitis), dermatological disorders, headaches, myoclonic twitches, and symptomatic hypoglycemia. Although it is common in people with fibromyalgia for pain to be widespread, it may also be localized in areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, hips, or other areas. Many sufferers also experience varying degrees of temporomandibular joint disorder. Not all patients have all symptoms Kathleen

Kathleen, you sure seem to have very detailed information. What does psychosomatic and psychogenic mean? Kim M.