Is This Part of Fibromyalgia, or Something Else?
How many signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia (FMS) do you have? Possibly far more than you've ever guessed. Most FMS resources list the main ones: pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, fibrofog. Some might also offer dizziness, muscle weakness, and vision problems. But it's far more complex than that.
How many times have you wondered, "Is this 'just' fibromyalgia or something else?" when something new was happening with your health? I know it's always in my mind.
To help you figure out what's FMS and what's something else, I've put together what I call 'The Monster List' of Fibromyalgia Symptoms. You might be surprised that some of those quirks you thought were just part of being you are actually part of this bizarre and complicated condition.
General
Delayed reactions to physical exertion or stressful events
Other family members with FMS
Sweats
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Cravings for carbohydrates
Cravings for chocolate
Headaches
Migraines
Morning stiffness
Muscle twitches
Diffuse swelling
Fibrocystic (lumpy, tender) breasts
Sinus & Allergy Related
Allergies
Post nasal drip
Runny nose
Mold sensitivity
Yeast sensitivity
Shortness of breath
Earaches & itchy ears
Tinitis (ringing ears)
Thick secretions
Sleep Related
Light sleep, broken sleep patterns, &/or unrefreshing sleep
Fatigue
Sleep starts (falling sensations)
Twitchy muscles at night
Teeth grinding
Reproductive Related
Menstrual problems
PMS
Loss of libido
Impotence
Abdominal pain
Excretory difficulties
Bloating
Nausea
Abdominal cramps
Pelvic pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Urinary frequency
Cognitive Related (also known as fibrofog)
Difficulty speaking known words
Directional disorientation
Loss of ability to distinguish some shades of colors
Short-term memory impairment
Confusion
Trouble concentrating
Staring into space before brain "kicks in"
Inability to recognize familiar surroundings
Sensory
Sensitivity to odors
Sensitivity to pressure changes, temperature, & humidity
Sensitivity to light
Night driving difficulty
Sensory overload
Emotional
Panic attacks
Depression
Tendency to cry easily
Free-floating anxiety (not associated with situation or object)
Mood swings
Unaccountable irritability
Heart Related
Rapid, fluttery, irregular heartbeat
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Pain that mimics heart attack
Skin & Nails Related
Pronounced nail ridges
Nails that curve under
Mottled skin
Bruise or scar easily
Tissue overgrowth (non-cancerous tumors, ingrown hairs, heavy and splitting cuticles, adhesions)
6 cherished words:
My mom has fibromyalgia and I am ALWAYS worried that I do too. Every ache and pain is a possible sign of what I fear. Gak.
I’ve got a couple of friends with Fibromyalgia … and watching them struggle with symptoms makes me relieved my diagnosis was Epstein-Barr. I’ve pretty much learned to live life differently … and am symptom free for the most part these days.
Hugs and blessings,
Thanks for stopping by my blog party, always nice to meet new ladies. Your info here is great and so helpful. Nice blog!
Well hello there stranger!!! Have missed you...
What a pleasant surprise. Hey, girlfriend... how are you? Its nice to be missed. :)
Jen, please do not put off a diagnosis. It IS better to know.
Storyteller, that is very encouraging to hear that you are mostly symptom free.
Thanks, Sue, for the kind words.
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