23 Feb
2011
Posted in: Family, Fibromyalgia
By    6 Comments

Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia

Yesterday I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I have been going to doctors for over 5 years now trying to figure out what is going on with my body. I have been told that there is nothing wrong with me, that I am just depressed, and numerous other explanations that are not really explanations at all. The rheumatologist I saw yesterday was such a kind man. He looked at all my labs and medical history, checked for the tender points associated with fibromyalgia and then told me I was not crazy, I just have fibromyalgia.

Here is a quick description from the pamphlet that the kind doctor gave me yesterday, from the Arthritis Foundation-

Fibromyalgia is a condition associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. Fibromyalgia affects up to 4 percent of the U.S. population, and it occurs more commonly in women than in men. The average age of onset is between 30 and 50 years old. Fibromyalgia is not a disease, but a constellation of symptoms that can be managed. (Pg. 2, Fibromyalgia)

I still need to check if my doctor tested me for hypothyroidism (which can mimic the symptoms of fibromyalgia) first, but it is good to know that I am not imagining things. It is a great relief actually. And now I know what I can do to start getting proactive. The pamphlet suggested that the most important changes I can make are having a good sleep hygiene/routine and getting more exercise. I think I can do that!

Some other things I am planning on looking into are following more of the eating principles talked about on the Weston A. Price Foundation website and in the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. I have been warned that it takes about 7 months for gluten and the symptoms it causes to clear your system. I think that is going to be the most difficult thing for me because I love love love gluten. But I love feeling good more. :)

I guess the reason I feel compelled to blog about my diagnosis is to not only to help inform others about fibromyalgia, but to get feedback from those who have it themselves, and to open up communication and dialogue that will benefit all of us. I know there has to be a reason that fibromyalgia is on the rise and it seems from what I have read, doctors and researchers do not seem to have an idea why that is or what the actual cause of fibromyalgia is. I guess I am just not willing to accept that I will always feel like this for the rest of my life.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
  • http://thoughtsaftergod.blogspot.com Brandy @ Afterthoughts

    I used to have fibromyalgia, so I feel your pain (literally). :) Sorry, my friend. It is a tough road. For me, it was a symptom of having Lyme Disease, so it took a decade but I DID get well.

    I HAVE heard of fibro being a symptom of gluten intolerance or allergy for some people. Some of what I have read has implied that a triple-rise sourdough (or a long double-rise) actually breaks down most of the gluten. Another option is spelt sourdough–some folks are not sensitive to the gluten in spelt.

    Personally, I think that you are right that fibro has a cause. The frustrating thing is I am not convinced that the cause is the same for every person, meaning that each person has to have wisdom in regard to his own body, which is much harder than discovering a magic formula that will make everything okay.

  • Anonymous

    Brandy- Thanks for the encouragement and the info! I just thought it was so odd that in the brochure it mentions that one of the symptoms of fibro is intestinal distress (revolving diarrhea/constipation) which totally makes me think of some kind of allergy or intolerance as the root cause for some. I truly believe that good health starts with a healthy gut, so that has been my focus for our family’s health. It’s a start at least. :0

  • http://twitter.com/Crow_Child Jason Cormier

    My family is praying for yours…

    • Anonymous

      Thanks Jason. :)

  • http://www.injust10pages.com/blog/gluten_intolerance_blog Gluten Intolerance

    My cousin was diagnosed with this kind of illness. I really pity her with her condition. But She is already getting better and better everyday because of the doctor and her family’s support.

    • Anonymous

      Thanks for commenting and welcome to our blog! :) I am glad to hear that your cousin is starting to feel better. :)