Is it sciatica or Fibromyalgia

[Rozzr]

Hi all, I started getting pain down my right leg every now and then several years ago, over the last year it developed into being a daily occurrence with other areas now being affected. Namely my other leg, knees, shoulder blades and lower back. Everywhere seems to feel tender to touch. Normally I have a continuous ache which is annoying but bearable and doesn't cause lameness. But the more active I am it leads to shooting pain, the worse area for the pain is done my right leg and knee. When it's like this pain meds don't touch it. I finally went to doctors and she said it was sciatica, and has given me exercises. Now reading about it it seems more like Fibro. Could people share their experience of it and how you got a diagnosis? Thank you for your help,

[Hidden]

Hi Rozz-welcome, from xperience I think you may have both,with fibro you have to learn pacing yourself, overdoing will cause you pain and fatigue. as for sciatica do the excersices gently then build up, take whatever pain relief you have AFTER your exercise, maybe a shower or a warm bath if you can get in/out of one, I have hydrotherapy and weekly I go with my daughter to local swimming pool, she swims and I sit in the Jacuzzi in the warm bubbles.

[BlueMermaid3]

Hello Rozzr

Welcome to the forum

If you have a look at our mother site you'll find a list of the most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia on there fmauk.org

Getting a definitive diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can take many years.

Lots of other conditions need to ruled out first, including things like Lyme Disease and Lupus.

In answer to your question it could be that you have both or just one or the other.

I appreciate that this isn't a very helpful answer, but Fibromyalgia manifests itself in each person in a very different way.

The best way to know for sure is to ask your GP for a referral to see a Rheumatologist. They are the Consultants that specialise in Fibromyalgia.

Just for the sake of internet safety it is a good idea to make sure that you lock your posts. If you click on the blue line below you will find an easy to follow guide on how to do this:

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Once again, a very warm welcome and I look forward to chatting to you again.

Lu x

Administrator

[Jayney7]

I suffer really bad with sciatica am waiting for op aa it's damaged 3of my disc n a lot of swelling at bottom of my spine am in constant pain carnt walk with out my crutchers and even thay are hard gl hope u get sorted x

[Hidden]

hi I would have a look at the other site fmauk.org and our home page I am sure this will help I myself was referred by GP to rheumatology

[Rozzr]

Jayne7 sounds dreadful, my dad had sciatica as well to the level of yours I believe, he had two operations which did make a difference, eventually he was using a rowing machine every day! I will have a look at those links, thank you, I was surprised how quickly the doctor came up with it though, no examination, or no suggestion of tests being carried out, so I can see why I diagnosis takes a while. It doesn't help when they are rushing you either, my memory is dreadful, though I am peri-menopausal so that probably doesn't help lol many thanks

[Jayney7]

It's not nice rozzr and when u have family to try to run around after day n night doest help like atm had to get my mum and older children come and help me which don't like asking for help but have no choice as some days u carnt get down stairs I really hope u get sorted soon xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Rozzr

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am so genuinely sorry to read that you are enduring this pain. It is possible that you could have both? I would suggest that you get it all checked out to be on the safe side my friend, and to rule other medical conditions out of the equation.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken