Recent discovery

[Chrispol]

I've been struggling for more than ten years to find an explanation for this strange, debilitating group of symptoms. I've gone through a barrage of neurological and other tests, with no satisfactory resolution.

Through a somewhat bizarre set of links, I discovered the descrption of Fibromyalgia, and the fit to what I had been suffering was startling.

The problem is that many people - including several healthcare professionals - have said 'don't be ridiculous. That'sa condition which only affects middle aged women'.

I'm a 63 year old man. Apparently, I'm not allowed to suffer from this. Try telling my nervous system that. Or the nerve pain, the numbness, the sensitivity to pressure and temperature, the burning sensations, the restless legs, the extreme fatigue, the insomnia, the anxiety, the inability to concentrate, the IBS, the ED.

Truly, prejudice has no boundaries.

[robpw]

Yes - there are many who still believe it affects only women but there are many of us men getting diagnosed - the problem is fibromyalgia is the go to once everything else has been discounted as it’s not easy to diagnose. Hang on in there and hopefully eventually you will get the diagnosis you need

In the meantime we are all here and have been going through what you have.

[Chrispol in reply to robpw]

Thanks, Rob. It's so reassuring to know I'm not isolated in this.

Chris

[Ramjets]

I can imagine it is very frustrating for you Chris. Like you I suffered through 5-6 years of a so called random set of symptoms and tests until through my own research, I came across fibro and suggested it to my GP which eventually led to my diagnosis. Unfortunately there are still quite a few ignorant and uneducated medical professionals out there who are unaware of the basic facts when it comes to fibro. Yes it does affect more of us women but as it clearly states on the NHS Choices website,

"Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although it affects around seven times as many women as men. The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but can occur in people of any age, including children and the elderly."

It seems some medical professionals are not even referring to the generally available sources of information. I remember one time giving my GP a fibro booklet for him to read as he didn't know much about it.

Have you seen a Rheumatologist as it is normally them who make a fibro diagnosis? If not I would ask your GP for a referral. In the meantime, welcome to the forum hun, you will find lots of support and advice on here and there are quite a few male members so you are definitely not alone. Take care and I look forward to seeing you around. xxx

(P.S. Just a little tip, you are likely to get more replies if you lock your post as a lot of members aren't keen on responding to unlocked ones).

[Chrispol in reply to Ramjets]

Thanks so much. That so closely matches my experience, and it's a great comfort to find I'm not alone.

Thanks for the tip about locked replies, too.

Chris

[Dorimori]

Hi, men do get fibromyalgia!!! My brother has it and he's 58. They also say it's not hereditary but my mother ,brother ,sister and myself have all suffered with it, although it is only my brother and myself who have had it diagnosed. Go back to your GP and ask to see a rheumatologist who can give you a diagnoses. Good luck

[Hidden]

Well I think thats true B.S hun- any age can develop fibro, I had ankylosing Spondilitis for 7 years and I was told initially its a man disease, soon proved them wrong and unfortunately my 2 sisters and daughter now have it, I have 4 brothers with no symptoms! Finding a good consultant is the best option, I went out of town and found a good guy who looked after me well.

[Hidden]

Welcome too the forum☺.I hope you get your diagnosis. In the mean time now you've found us you need never feel alone take care x