Does this sound like Fibromyalgia?

[Maureen1958]

Hi, I have been dealing with pain all over my body for some years now.

I didn't get very far asking my doctor about it.

Basically, I have had IBS for 35 years. I started getting pains in my body about 25 years ago. Starting with pains in my legs and feet and then in my arms and hands. I always put it down to referred pain from the IBS. But now I get pain all over my body. It's particularly bad today and I have pain everywhere from my fingers, through my hands, up my arms, into my shoulders. Also in my toes, feet, legs and groin. Also in my head, my face, my ears, my eyes, my nose, my mouth and teeth. Could this be Fibromyalgia?

[Entela15]

Hi Maureen, I'm no doctor but the symptoms are typical of Fibromyalgia. I have IBS and all the other pains that you mentioned even in my face and teeth. Hope it doesn't last too long. X

[Maureen1958 in reply to Entela15]

Thank you Entela15 for your reply. I am so relieved to hear someone other than me gets this sort of pain, although I am sorry you are going through this too. I wouldn't wish it on anybody. But at least it makes me feel that I am not going crazy.

[Entela15 in reply to Maureen1958]

It'll get better once you find something that works for your pain. But first you need a diagnosis from a professional. They need to rule out other issues. Hope you find some relief soon. X

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi Maureen,

Welcome to our forums.

Widespread pain is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, as is IBS symptoms. Other core symptoms are chronic fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive dysfunction.

Your doctor would need to eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia could be considered

[MrsMouseSJ]

Yes, it could be. I get pains in 'odd' places, too. As per the other replies, your doctor/s need to investigate/rule out other potential causes. If you are not getting far with your existing GP, is there a possibility to see someone else (obviously this may have to be put on hold, given the current circumstances)? Good wishes

[Maureen1958 in reply to MrsMouseSJ]

Yes, there are other doctors at my practice I could ask to see, so perhaps I'll do that once the corona virus is not such an issue. Thanks.

[MrsMouseSJ in reply to Maureen1958]

I am in a practice with six partners and a couple of doctors who work part-time in addition, and have had to 'shop around' to find someone I can work with on this. Interestingly, it is not necessarily the youngest who are the most open/sympathetic/knowledgable.