Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS

Could I Have Fibromyalgia? Check Symptoms Before Seeing a Doctor

Feb 10, 2009 Jennifer Harshman

The list of symptoms goes from A to Z, and they all can come and go. It's so unpredictable. This is not "in your head" or a mental illness, it's Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a condition characterized by widespread bilateral pain in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons), and multiple tender points. In addition to those symptoms required for diagnosis, FMS sufferers may also experience many other symptoms, which may come and go, and may vary in severity.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Experts don't know why symptoms vary so widely among patients, or why one patient's symptoms can change from day to day. Some examples of fibromyalgia symptoms:

Pain

• Achiness in soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
• Tender points in soft tissues
• Pain in the joints
• Tendonitis, repetitive motion injuries (such as carpal-tunnel syndrome, Blackberry thumb and tennis elbow)
• Headaches (can be from muscle tension, chemical sensitivities, foods and other causes)
• Face and/or jaw pain (TMJ)
• Delayed muscle soreness (not sore the day of or the day after strenuous activity, but rather two or three days after; usually hits with a vengeance)

Brain and hormone problems

• Difficulty thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Difficulty keeping track of time
• Difficulty making decisions
• Agitation/bouts of hyperactivity
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• PMS
• PMDD
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Slow metabolism
• Difficulty losing weight

Food and digestive problems

• Food cravings
• IBS
• Lactose intolerance
• Gluten intolerance
• Food allergies
• Food sensitivities

Sleep and energy problems

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nighttime waking
• Non-restorative sleep (“It feels like I didn’t even sleep at all”)
• Alpha-delta sleep disturbance (“I just dreamed all night long, I never got into the deep, restful sleep.”)
• Sleep apnea

Sensitivity to

• Clothing
• Noise
• Smells
• Chemicals
• Temperature level (if it’s too hot or too cold)
• Temperature changes (going from comfortable inside temperature to uncomfortable outdoor temperature)
• Lighting (fluorescent lights especially)
• Touch or pressure on the body
• Adjusting body posture (such as when someone sits on a couch next to you, and you must lean or shift your weight to remain upright)

Getting Along With People Who Have Fibromyalgia

Knowing about fibromyalgia can help both those who have FMS and those who interact with FMS sufferers. Some "good to know" information:

• Fibromyalgia patients have heard all of the myths and might be less than patient with people who cite them as truth.
• Fibromyalgia patients may be ignored by doctors.
• Fibromyalgia sufferers often have other medical conditions in addition to fibromyalgia.
• FMS sufferers often hate to shop – being on their feet, on hard floors, under fluorescent lights, pushing or carrying a load of purchases, with the place full of all kinds of noises and smells… shopping hurts.
• The same goes for attending parties, meetings, and other social or business events.
• FMS patients may not like to be hugged, or even touched, because it hurts. A slap on the back for an FMS patient can be extremely painful.
• FMS sufferers may be known as picky and demanding, “control freaks,” or they may be just the opposite: too accommodating, allowing themselves to be treated like doormats.
• Declining invitations to shop, attend events, or receive hugs may lead people to say, “She must think she’s better than we are.”

Fibromyalgia PainTreatment up to Patients

Fibromyalgia patients should treat their fibromyalgia syndrome and do what is needed to avoid pain. Asking their doctors about pain treatment options such as Lyrica is a place to start, but medication is not the only treatment option. Exercise, diet, stress management and interpersonal relationships are important aspects, too.

For the sake of relationships with others, patients should explain what needs to happen and why. Fibro sufferers are not always sensitive to the needs of others, perhaps because they're in so much pain it's hard to notice anything else.

Revealing their sensitivities and asking people not to do things that trigger pain (wearing cologne, using certain chemicals, playing loud music, etc.) may help FMS sufferers to avoid additional pain. Explaining that they will not be attending an event because they are in a fibro flare, not because they don’t want to spend time with those people, may help to avoid damaged relationships. It is possible to communicate needs without creating more problems.

FMS sufferers may also want to clear up some of the myths friends and family members may have heard about fibromyalgia, in order to make their own lives easier. As with so many things, communication is key.

The copyright of the article Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Harshman. Permission to republish Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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May 10, 2009 1:54 PM

Guest :

I have read many articles and forums on fibromyalgia sufferers. I think I may have it. I went to my Dr. just last week and she is running some lab work and suggest a rheumatologist. My right ankle and both of my feet hurt so bad when I sit a little bit and then stand its like walking on rocks. I have had this achy soreness and stiff joints for years that would come and go but this year its not going away as frequent and I am noticing the pain more. I just started paying attention to the commercials about fibromyalgia and went on-line and wow how many described the exact pains I am having. The waking up at night, feeling so stiff and sore when I wake up that I want to cry with the pain. Two weeks ago I had to stay home from work, just couldn't get out of bed. Some were talking about noticing their urine with a dark color and odor, well I noticed that too. My Doc said to drink more water. I do, but feel there is more to it. I haven't noticed the sensitivity to lights yet and there are some sensitive pressure spots on my body, but some come and go. I thought the tingling and numbness down my arm to my hand was carpel tunnel. My right hand is so numb it wakes me up and I have to exercise it. If I knew this is what I have I would at least begin to start somewhere.

May 10, 2009 1:56 PM

Guest :

I did post just now, but really wanted to say. I found this article most helpful as I have researched alot of web sites. Thanks, Rita

Oct 20, 2009 7:38 AM

Guest :

My doctor thinks I have Fibro. The fog is exactly how i was feeling last week and I almost drove into another car. I'm the breadwinner in my family I can't not drive but I don't want to hurt anyone either... this site was very informative and after looking through it I'm going to talk to my dr about what to do next.

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