Fibromyalgia commonly identified Symptoms (63)

Monday, March 01 2004 @ 12:29 PM CST Contributed by: Admin Posted by Perdita (B.C.) on www.fibrohugs.com I compiled this list from my doctor's office Fibro Awareness pamphlet (Dr. L. Lacroix), the British Columbia Fibromyalgia Society, and from correlating fibro symptoms discovered here on the Fibrohugs forums and chats. You don't need ALL of these symptoms to have FMS, but chances are you have a great portion of them. Accompanying symptoms are used to positively diagnose one with FMS if the patient shows signs of FMS but doesn't have the 11 sensitive tender points that are used for diagnosis. Deep muscle acupuncture along the tender points and tender point meridians can also be used to positively diagnose FMS, even though most countries and insurance agencies will not take an acupuncturists diagnosis unless it is backed by a medical doctor. Found at http://www.fibrohugs.com/article.php?story=20040301122908997 Please DON'T SELF DIAGNOSE! Use this list to help journal your symptoms and any progression you feel you are experiencing and CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. If your doctor isn't willing to even consider looking into your problems, then "shop around." But be sure to have appropriate medical consultation on your health.      PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: __ recurrent flu-like illness __ recurrent sore throats, red and injected __ painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck __ muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them __ night sweats and fever __ severe nasal and other allergies __ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) __ weight change - usually gain __ heart palpitations __ mitral valve prolapse __ severe PMS __ yeast infections __ rashes and itching __ uncomfortable or frequent urination __ interstitial bladder cystitis __ chest pains (non-cardiac) __ temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw) __ hair loss __ carpal tunnel syndrome __ cold hands and feet __ dry eyes and mouth __ severe and debilitating fatigue __ widespread pain __ other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.) __ numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles __ painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck __ GERDs (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder) __ “growing pains” start in childhood and teens, continue into adulthood __ widespread body pain during/after physical exertion Found at http://www.fibrohugs.com/article.php?story=20040301122908997 COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS: __ attention deficit disorder __ spatial disorientation __ calculation difficulties __ memory disturbance __ communication difficulties (problems speaking, confusing words) PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: __ depression __ anxiety and panic attacks __ personality changes, usually for the worse __ emotional lability (mood swings) OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS: __ sleep disturbances __ headaches __ changes in visual acuity __ numb or tingling feelings __ burning sensations __ light headedness __ feeling 'spaced out' __ desequilibrium __ frequent unusual nightmares and disturbing dreams __ tinnitus (ringing in the ears) __ difficulty in moving your tongue to speak __ severe muscle weakness __ susceptibility to muscle, tendon, ligament injury __ intolerance to bright lights __ intolerance to alcohol __ intolerance to sound __ extreme sensitivity to medications and their side-effects __ alteration of taste, smell, and hearing __ insomnia __ inability to achieve stage 4 restorative sleep __ morning stiffness in the muscles and joints __ restless leg syndrome __ muscle spasms __ muscle quakiness and shivering during/after activity or exercise __ sleep paralysis (related to stage 4 sleep deprivation)