New to all this so bear with me x
my symptoms are chronic fatigue. Restless legs. CTS. Knee/hip pain. Unsteady gait. Memory loss
forgot to add had total thyroidectomy 10years ago. Unable to convert thyroxine. Take T4 and T3 and
tramadol sr
diclifenac
gabapentin
codydramol
robaxin
propranolol
Hi hh46
WOW!!!! That is a tough one, I think only your doctor can really answer this question. Has your GP or consultant ever mentioned MS? Have you ever been for a MRI of your brain or spine? (Usually do when MS considered). MS causes fatigue just like fibromyalgia; however with MS you can usually fall asleep within seconds but with fibromyalgia you suffer from insomnia (I know I do).
If I were you I would make an appointment to see my GP or consultant and talk about this and tel them that you NEED to know! I think its the only way.
All my hopes and dreams for you.
Ken (the author) x
Hi hh46 it sounds like fibro from the symptoms you describe but you need to speak to your doctor and get referred to a rheumatologist and possibly a neurologist who will be able to do tests to rule out what it isn't and hopefully diagnose what it is. The tests are painless so try not to worry too much. Good luck !
Moonstone x
Hi as every one says the answer is get your Doctor to refer you so test are done. Sound simple doesnt it well I hope it is and you find your answers.
xxgins
Sounds more like Fibro, I've had it for years and get all your symptoms at one time or another.
New NHS guidelines show that GP should rule out MS when diagnosing Fibro (according to NHS website). If not already done, ask for an MRI scan to be done to confirm one way or other. Good luck x
Only a Neurologist can diagnose MS so you'll need a referral.
My friend has been waiting almost a year for a diagnosis - now waiting almost 2 months for lumber puncture results. I'd been saying for years she's had Fibro-like symptoms but apparently the blurred vision she's now been experiencing is a classic first one for MS.
hi i sounds like fibromyalgia there is a site you can look at if you google 100 symptoms of fibromyalgia its the 2nd one down it gives all the symptoms .you wont have them all it just helps to know .hope this helps you need to ask for a referal to a rhematolagist good luck keep in touch ..sending softest hugs ,
I went through similar but was sent to see a neurologist had ct scan and no scarring on brain so ruled out ms
Diagnosed 7 years ago after 20+ years of symptoms. Would be interesting to see what GP thinks of the new guidelines as mentioned above.......
They are very similar conditions symptom-wise, and unfortunately both are difficult to definitely diagnose in the early stages. It's frustrating. As everyone else says, keep on at your GP until you get a diagnosis.
Good luck!
To prove that you have fibro you have to have other things ruled out first by your GP and MS is one of these. I personally think you have fibro but should have it checked.
Hi, I hope you aren't feeling too bad at the moment. My father, sister and niece all have MS and all different symptoms like Fibro sufferers. My dad's a big man and on a Zimmer. My sister was diagnosed at 28 and within a few years was in a wheelchair; now at 59 she can only move her hands. Both have great eyesight, fantastic brains and sense of humour.
I live in Ireland and, supported by the Ms Society my sister lives alone.
Your doctor I'm sure will have checked so ask him. If he hasn't ask for an MRI and lumbar puncture. The MRI alone will not tell you. If there is a long wait I suggest you go privately for the diagnosis it is reasonable and then back to your doctor either way.
My heart tells me it is not MS.
Good Luck
I am of the generation which has 6 MS family members. My aunt insisted I be tested, FMS all my life long. Symptoms were very much fitting both FMS/MS. It came down to having the spinal tap to rule things out. I am FMS. But the family members with MS said it all began the same. There was a genetic study ongoing at UCLA, in California that had the other 6 on, using data, genetics, etc in their treatments.
A friend of mine dealt with FMS for years. Till it got worse, then Mayo reDXed her to MS. So many things can stay hidden for years, all it takes is one thing to change that makes a difference.
The number of medications you are on can have a bearing with exasperated symptoms. Doing times of absolute necessary meds only (DRUG HOLIDAY), meaning for BP, diabetic control, etc. and being a week off of things helps let actual symptoms AND medication induced symptoms sort themselves out. My statin medications took 7 weeks to detox, and a whole mess of FMS/CFS went away when off it. Statins are a classic medication for cholesterol control BUT a toxin for those with any kind of muscle issue. Including FMS/MS.
Sometimes something simple as asking your trusted pharmacist for a list of side effects, esp when you are taking a combination of medications, scripted AND over the counter can create their own side issues.
One of my very first things, besides the ibuprofen to use for pain and mobility was MALIC ACID. I could tell in 7-10 days something was better, and went off it for a week and THEN could really tell. It helps with the oxygen in the muscle tissues. There are many forms of it, but if you get it, make sure it is as a suppliement. Malic Acid is in many foods....basis is the APPLE. But I use approximately 800 mg bid.
One thing, you CAN have FMS & MS, the difficulty will be in sorting out symptoms.
REMEMBER, with all your issues concerning FMS, etc YOU ARE THE TEAM CAPTAIN, and your medical people your team. Do not give up your place in ownership of your own body. Doctors CAN'T tell you they know how you feel, unless they TOO have FMS.
Joyce, MN/USA
ive had fibro and everything that goes with it.. for 30 yrs [ thinking about it its half my life,] my son 2 cousins and a grandmother who have m.s.....I helped to fill in my sons esa forms, funny everything I put down for him were everything I have in my form.....im sure its linked....
Hi hh46,
I agree with all the others, sounds very much like Fibro. I was diagnosed with CFS some 20 years ago, then Fibro. Although I have seen a Neurologist to rule out MS.
Whatever diagnosis I feel you should have a Referral to know exactly what you are dealing with, especially to rule out MS.
Although I have to say how family, friends and Professionals, under-estimate and how mis-understood sufferers of Fribro are.
In my humble opinion I have been taught more on this wonderful site and the members really empathise with you, giving some great advice and huge support.
Although I have not been on-line for a good few months, due to a Nervous Breakdown, diagnosed and being treated with Complex Anorexia Nervosa .
I personally have found this site to be invaluable support, good to be back.
Best wishes to you, praying you can at least find the correct diagnosis. If it is Fibro, I would advise you to keep in touch with the members, who like I said are the "experts" in the field of Fibro!!
In my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you. Bettybaby. X
Thank you all who replied. X have had these symptoms daily for years but gp said it was thyroid related lol.have lost all faith in my gp.
Was taken off my co dydrammol 2weeks ago doctor said I can't have them and tramadol together then said latest xrays showed arthritis in my neck.
So fed up with feeling crap and I'm now really struggling with my work too I work full time.
Hi, it's best to let an expert decide. Thee is so much overlap between the two. I know because one of my family has MS and I have Fibro. But also there's so much variation between the types of MS too. Best wishes. X
i would suggest talking to your GP about your concerns and let the experts decide based on whatever tests they do.
It could be anything hunny, there's a chance it could be neither MS nor Fibro so I would definitely write everything down to show the doc and even start a diary to record everything down in.
Try to practise half hour relaxation a day and try not to wind yourself up as anxiety can cause problems.
Relaxing healing fluffies for you
xxxsianxxx
I have had fibro/cfs for over 8 years and I have just been for MRI and waiting on results as my symptoms have got worse, I would go back to gp and ask to see neuroligis. Good luck
Your best bet is to get yourself of to the docs just to put yourself at ease and get the right meds hope you feel well soon warm hugs to you Rosxxx 
I dont have Fibro.....
could i have fibro ?
I HAVE FIBRO BUT THINK I HAVE HAVE MS HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS I HAVE
fibro or?
