Fibro & Chronic pain????

What is the differece between fibromyalgia and chronic pain?

I keep having undiagnosed pains in several spots in my abdomen. I have seen several doctors and am now trying to see a 3rd gastro doctor. I have had cat scans, x-rays, and other tests but no one has any diagnosis for me. They were questioning fibro but I never received it as a direct diagnosis. I also get back pain from time to time.

I am getting really upset with my doctors because they keep saying, "I don't know." and send me home with pain meds, most I am allergic to or can't tolerate. I feel that doctors diagnose fibro and/or chronic pain when they just can't find a diagnosis, or are tired of dealing with the same patient over and over again with the same complaints.

Is fibro and chronic pain the same thing? Thanks in advance for any info. Take care and God bless.

Hi there!  I just joined this site a few seconds ago- I was surprised that the very first discussion I saw was about fibro!  Here's a link to the National Fibromyalgia Association. 
"What is Fibromyalgia?"  http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fibromyalgia
Fibro is typically chronic widespread pain of the muscles and joints throughout the body.
I hope you get some answers soon!
From the same site: Fibro Symptoms

Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and arthritis.

• Pain
  The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
   
• Fatigue
  In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina
   
• Sleep problems
  Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
   
• Other symptoms/overlapping conditions
  Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud's Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.

Purple Orchid gave a great source for info, I would just add that the pain tends to feel like the worst flu you ever had but never goes away or it feels like someone beat you with a baseball bat all night long!
Also there are trigger points the doc can check to see if you react. Usually the pain is thru out the whole body not localized, but with fibro you never know. I sure hope they give you a definate diagnosis soon. Feel free to come here even if you don't know for sure, we welcome everyone!

I don't know the answer to your question totally, but my pain management doctor says that "chronic pain" is a part of fibromyalgia.  Fibro includes things other than pain for most of us.  For me, I have terrible insomnia and extreme fatigue.  I still work because I own my own insurance agency.  I am not able to be as active as I was before but I want to work as long as I possibly can.  Good luck on finding out a dx on your symptoms.
Margie

Hi,

There are some differences between chronic pain and fibromyalgia. You can have one, or the other, or both.

My specialist told me that fibromyalgia is kind of a catch-all diagnosis... if they're not sure, and some other things have been ruled out, they'll say fibro. Mainly, treatment of fibro, is treatment of the symptoms. My fibro, can be completely different from your fibro.

I feel you, on the "I don't know" and pain meds issue. I had one doctor, who would check out my range of motion on my shoulders and say see you in two weeks. Having someone else move your arm, allows for greater range of motion, than you actually have. I would always be in tears later in the day as it hurt so bad. I finally was able to get a new family doctor, and then a specialist (I did the research myself to find the specialist, doctor's are busy, so if you bring in the information most--not all... doctors are happy to take the information from you.)

I know the fibro has pressure points but i was told i have that and my who body pounds with pain ... you will RARELY get sympathy from a dr regarding chronic pain or fibromyalgia. They have meds for fibro.