New to the board

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2002 along with arthritis of some kind (can't figure it out even now).  The thing that stands out for me (aside from the pain and insomnia if I don't take benadryl) is the ITCHING.  I have psoriasis which was diagnosed MUCH later (09), but it is mild.  Since childhood, I have itched the skin off my body.  It's worse when the humidity is up or if I'm in the sun too long.  I have to take 2 Zyrtec every night or I itch til I have blisters and no skin left in between my fingers/toes and the palms of my hands and feet.  No one really knows what it's from or why it happens.  It drives me crazy, though.

I have tested negative for lupus, RA (even though my father has it), gout, etc.  The only abnormal lab I had was back in 2007 when my anti-phospholipid antibody was positive, but then negative at a retest.  I have had multiple miscarriages and a stillbirth at 25 weeks (97).   I now have calcific tendonitis at my shoulder and both achilles tendons, for which the rheumatologist took me off exercise for. BIG mistake.  I have gained 25 pounds in the past 6 months and it made the fibro worse.  I can't chase after my 4 year old twins, I can't even bathe them on my own.  It takes everything I have to do their hair every morning before preschool.

I am scheduled for RNY surgery on 12/14/2010...the day after my fal semester is over.  My partner and a few friends are helping out with the girls after surgery and they will be in preschool (which will be paid for outside of myself!!!) for about 4 weeks after I'm discharged! 

My surgeon is quite familiar with fibromyalgia as is the rest of his staff and he's working to prepare me for the first month or two, which he tells me are the hardest.  I'm not a huge narcotic user, given that I have two parents with addictions.  I'm a little scared of becoming hooked on narcotics after surgery.

I am signing up with the Rec Center or YMCA here PRIOR to my surgery to start with water excercise...at least until my tendons can heal and I can go back to walking.  I used to walk 3+ miles a day and it was my stress outlet and pain management.  

Any suggestions from those who have been through this already??

No real suggestions just best wishes and hope the weight loss will help with the arthritis. It won't help the fibro but just getting some weight off should help in general. I can't imagine keeping up with 4 yr. old twins, I'd be crazy trying too. So kudos to you!!! Just take it easy and don't push too hard or expect too many changes right away and do post here if you have more questions!

try to look up a fibro specialist,  make sure you are on a good amount of B vitimins and vit C to help your immune system.  My fibro was extreemly helped by the Fibro and Fatigue Center inc because they know what they are doing- did all the right test and found out what is wrong in my body chemistry.  I knew that any surgery excerbates my fibro pain severly so I am trying to get a head of it now.  I am putting my cane down for the first time in a year, my primary MD was so pleased with my peogress when I went to his office last time. 
I have many allergies I would suggest that you have them checked as hen I get nice and cosy warm under the blankets I will ich.  It is better when I stay away from the foods(10) and things (10) that I am allergic to.  It sounds like an immune system responce I guess.  try to sleep "cooler" if you can- it sometimes helps me when I am not to warm. 
For your diet  think organic, raw veg and fruits, decrease yeast products to start keep your food diary note when you ich more or ich less, repeat it see if stays true.  kind of a trial and error thing.  When you get your allergy results see if those were the tings that you elemated to feel better. 
Good Luck !
Lyn

Interestingly enough, my allergy testing was all NEGATIVE, except for Kentucky Bluegrass and cedar pollen.  It was done in Texas where there are different allergens, so I may need to get tested here in CO too.  However, this started in 2003 when I lived in California.  I do have a theory of my own.

Mast cells are what cause allergic reaction and hives/itching when they are released into the body.  Mast cells are also classified (which I learned in my Anatomy & Physiology class this semester) as CONNECTIVE TISSUE.  What is fibromyalgia?  It is a connective tissue disorder.  Alas, it seems my mast cells are affected by fibromyalgia.  BUT, this is just a theory.  I'm not a doctor...yet (working on it, lol).  Maybe I'm crazy, I dunno.  But from an anatomical/physiological standpoint, it makes sense to me.

Rember Fibro is a syndrone or a collage of symptoms.  There is somthing about the effects and of fibro and the allergy s.  I can not remember what the exact things are but Dr Loya did explain it to me on my first visit.  I did not have as many allergies the first time I was tested as the second time.  now I am allergic to many of the good foods like eggs, chicken, oats,wheat, rye, yeast, malt, tomatoes, strawberries,bananas and any thing processed with molds ( like cheeses)  none of these were positive on the first round five years before the second test.  But one thing was I could remember an allergen exposure for most of my asthsma hospitial visits.  Turns out I went away to a place that has ****roaches, cottonmood trees ect.  I also carry an epi pen for bee allergys and take 50 of benedrl each time I get a flu shot.  I have encased my mattress with a allergen protector mattress pad as well as my pillows for the dust and dust mite allergys.
I hope you see your dreem of being a doctor and that you concider a fibromyalgia specialty.  It involves rhumoto;ogy, endocrinolgy just for a few.  We could use a deciated MD.

Welcome, Leza, to the board!  Diagnosed with FMS/CFS 25 years ago, I have tried a smorgasboard of treatments, meds, acupuncture,, natural supplements,you name it.  After losing 185 lbs., I wish I could tell you the pain is lessened, but for me it has not.  The most important thing, though, I've learned is water workouts, stretches,and laps brings me the greatest relief, even if it's short term, as long as I don't overdo it, but keep moving. Thankfully, I live near a pool that's set at 89 degrees which makes the difference too.  I would highly recommend you to start this before surgery, not only for the fibro, but to get into a routine with it.  The hardest part for me, are my 12 hour workdays where I can't make the pool.  I can really tell the difference on my days off when I can go consistently.  You mentioned psoriasis - funny thing is, I had a mild case for years, prior to surgery, but it went away after.  Don't know if it's related to a food allergy and I'm no longer eating whatever food caused the problem?

All the best on your upcoming surgery ~
Anne