Could I have Fibromyalgia?

[Chancery]

Hi, I injured my back quite severely just over 3 months ago and while it has got a little better it's still very painful and is making life difficult as I live on my own (I'm 61). What is more worrying though is I am hurting more rather than less overall. Specifically, the whole of my trunk from my hips to my neck now aches.

At first I assumed this was my body compensating for the back pain, because the other muscles were having to do the bulk of the work in bending and such like. But even if this is true, which I think it is, after 3 months they'd surely be used to it and I'd be less achy, but I'm just not.

Additionally, I am incredibly fatigued and find any exertion really daunting. I put this down to the backache again, because it takes so much effort to move about. Then I thought I was just getting terribly unfit because I was sitting more so I'm making myself exercise by taking longish walks each day, but to be honest they are a nightmare. They are arduous and debilitating because for some reason I can't breathe very well so I pant my way through them, plus everything hurts. Each step is painful.

I've always been a big walker and previously once I get back in my stride, no pun intended, my fitness picks up, but this time it's showing no signs of improving. It's like my body has not only forgotten how to heal, but it's just sort of breaking down.

On top of this I've developed a worrying complication in my feet. I have permanent oedema which is making my skin tight and sore and making it more painful to walk. Again, I thought this was from sitting so much, with the back ache. But even after walking, which would surely get your circulation moving, or even in the morning after a night lying down, the swollen tight pain is still there. It has actually bruised my skin or bones - SOMETHING is bruised! - because it is so tight. The skin is also discoloured, being a darker red.

I'll just mention that I have Restless Leg Syndrome, IBS and bad tendonitis in one ankle too, but I had them long before this problem. If anyone could throw any light on this I'd be most grateful - thanks!

P.S. I'll just add I haven't seen a doc about any of this, other than when I first injured my back and they just dismissed it as a pulled muscle. It's a hell of a debilitating pulled muscle. I can't stand up straight, it's painful to lie in bed and walking is an ordeal!

[Kimm4]

You really need to see your GP to get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain. You need an MRI to see if anything is going on. Three months of pain and you could be developing chronic pain. Also, the oedema needs to be checked out. The pain could be the cause of the fatigue etc.

[Chancery in reply to Kimm4]

Thanks, Kimm. Yes, I've wondered a few times if I'm actually exhausted because of the pain and, of course, the fact that all my other muscles are having to work harder. I have wondered if I'm so tired simply from the effort of trying to stand upright! I'm a bit like Planet of the Apes. The oedema is more worrying. I think I need to set a deadline and if it hasn't cleared up, go and see about it.

[rach1402]

I agree with the previous post advising you to see a doctor, preferably not the one who fobbed you off last time. So many symptoms, some of which I recognise as fibromyalgia, others might indicate other things such as some kind of arthritis and/or kidney dysfunction. Also sounds like you might have a bit of depression, which is hardly surprising.

My advice would be to read up as much as possible on your symptoms and discuss tests and viable treatment options with your GP. In my experience, I have had to do a lot of research myself and brought up subjects for discussion with doctors that I thought was significant, especially with long term health problems before I got anywhere.

In the meantime warm Epsom salt baths might help with symptoms and relaxation. Best wishes, hope you get to the bottom of it x

[Chancery in reply to rach1402]

Many thanks, Rach. Unfortunately I have a shower only, which is a great loss as I feel sure baths would help everything, from the aching muscles to the sore back. While I am somewhat worried about the length of time it is taking to see improvement in the back pain, I am more concerned with the oedema because, as you quite rightly point out it can mean other issues like heart, liver & kidney problems. As I said above, I'll maybe need to set a deadline for improvement and if there isn't any bite the bullet and go see about it.

[rach1402 in reply to Chancery]

I wouldn't waste too much time in seeing a doctor if I were you, it might take a while to get to the bottom of your health problem(s) so the sooner you get the ball rolling the better. Hope you find some answers and get some relief soon 😊

[Kimm4 in reply to rach1402]

I agree.

[Chancery in reply to Kimm4]

I've made an appointment now - for 2 weeks time. It seems more likely that it may be heart failure.

[tiggyboo]

I'm dying to know how u got on as debilitating back pain is no joke! After 10 yrs I've sort of had enough with firbo and copd ontop and dignitas is so damn expensive 😉

[Chancery in reply to tiggyboo]

Hi Tiggyboo, I'm still in the middle of it all, I'm afraid. Zero improvement on the back pain, still got the odd tight ankles and general collapse. What I don't have though is heart failure, or at least the doc' said that was the least likely. I've been reading, very briefly, about sarcopenia recently and am beginning to wonder if all this is just due to a long period of high stress (breaking up after 40 years 'married' and now living alone) and a lot of inactivity (plus being 61 of course!). I'm very aware that I need to get moving more but I'm just finding it hard because of the back pain itself (ironic, you can't exercise to help the pain because the pain stops you exercising!) and a several-year old tendon injury which has the same wearing, ongoing pain. I am, however, finally seeing a podiatrist tomorrow so maybe there will at least be some help there. If I could improve the ankle pain it would certainly help the exercise.

I keep putting off going to see about the back pain in the hopes that I'll finally hit on something that improves it, but it's been almost 6 months now so maybe I'll need to take that step.

[tiggyboo in reply to Chancery]

Keep going hun and get to see the doc asap as it won't get better without help! Not that it always can get better but u can try! I hope u get things sorted soon. Wishing u a pain free time ☺ x

[Chancery in reply to tiggyboo]

Thanks, Tiggy, I appreciate that. X