Is it normal

[Grantstevens]

Hi I've written on here before and the response was fantastic thank you. Is it normal with fibromyalgia to experience dizziness and loss of balance? Also I have a pulling feeling across the top of my chest and I mean right at the top. The feeling goes across both my collar bones. It's sort of prickly as well. I'm finding this really difficult to deal with to be honest. One minute I feel fine then the next like crap.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi, the dizziness and loss of balance can be common in people with fibro, although it is not one of the main symptoms. If a new symptom or increased, then it's worth getting out checked out as there could be something else causing it. Same would go for the pulling feeling across to of your chest.

[Grantstevens in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Yeah I'm going to make an appointment on Monday. Trouble is If they label you with fibromyalgia then your not a really at the top of there list. Thank you for your reply.

[bookish]

Hi and welcome. According to Dr Anne Louise Oaklander, about 50% of fibro diagnoses are actually due to Small Fibre Neuropathy which can affect just about anywhere - heart, blood pressure, balance, dizziness - neurological symptoms of all kinds, tingling, burning, skin crawling, pins and needles etc etc. Sometimes it is possible to find causes for that (like a B12 deficiency, B6 deficient or over, genetic vulnerabilities, toxins etc) and then treat it, as nerves can regrow (given the right encouragement!). She is not impressed with people being left with a 'useless' fibro diagnosis and I have to agree with her. I recommend Googling Oaklander YouTube for 'Small Fibres, Big Pain' (Radcliffe) and see if it resonates with you. I've had fibro symptoms since I was 12, diagnosed at 50 now told I have SFN amongst other things. Lots of links between these and other autoimmune conditions, so investigating that (diet changes, lifestyle stuff) is worth some time, if you haven't already. Try to see if you can get a neuro referral if it all makes sense to you. Best wishes

[jumpingfrogs99]

the dizziness and balance is a common symptom not sure about the prickly pain across your chest , i do get prickly pain in other areas so dont worry to much but if yr really concerned ring yr gp see what he thinks

[Grantstevens in reply to jumpingfrogs99]

Thank you