How can I tell the difference between the pain Osteoarthritis and Figromyalgia. I had x-rays ten years ago that showed arthritis in my hips, lower back and knees. The gp mentioned that I've probably got Fibro as well. I have ME/CFS and they often go hand in hand.
Over the last few weeks I have had bad pain in one leg. The knee seems very stiff when I sit any length of time and I get a buring pain through the whole leg. I take paracetamol and use a gel for pain but they dont make much difference. How can I tell if it's the arthritis, fibro or the pain caused by ME/CFS?
I would appreciate any advice. I've made an appointment to see my gp to discuss.
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Lypsie56
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Hi there ME/ CFS and Fibromyalgia are terms often used for the same condition so its unlikely specific symptoms will be "split' between or attached to one of those diagnostic labels..what I'm trying to say is its not the number of labels you collect, thats key here as it doesn't up the stakes in relation to your eligibility for pip benefits, it's about how the symptoms you experience affect and limit your ability to manage self - care and normal lifestyle or domestic activities, eg mobility, child care, getting out, seeing others etc. Good luck
desquinnPartnerVolunteerFMAUK Trustee• in reply toVeiga
I don't think the OP is looking at PIP in this question and there is a good amount of discussion about the separation of symptoms between labels. There is a variation in the aetiology of the conditions.
with multiple conditions it can be difficult to separate symptoms between them. Where the non fibro condition has specific factors like osteo being more likely to be affecting and flaring at your joints this could be one way to distinguish.
But with fibro being a pain processing or amplification condition you can have pain from osteo and fibro will amplify it. So you could have both "playing" on you at the same time.
If something like gels are not working when they did so before then you may want to speak to your GP about what other meds or changes you can make.
Yes, I'm like that, can't tell which it is. It's all pain, so I suppose it doesn't really matter. Mine is caused by 3 separate rounds of chemo, which have damaged nerves, so just gone on Pregabalin, which has helped.
Hello , I agree it’s very hard to separate what’s what, I have Cfs fibro ,treated sleep apnea, I have arthritis now in my knee also, perhaps ask your GP for X-rays so they can see if much has changed, my last X-rays Picked up Osteoporosis In certain parts so I was then put on tablet to help with that. Also a full set of bloods if you have not had any for awhile. Like you I try the rub in gel, I have Codiene for days when pain threshold is higher. Soaking in the bath does help for me, I have too pace myself more on certain days just to get more comfortable. When it’s warmer I’m looking forward to sitting comfortably in the Sun awhile as heat helps me. Hope your appointment goes well x
Thank you all so much for your replies. I intended asking the doctor for x-rays. I'm so glad I joined the forum. It's good to get information and advice from people who have these conditions.
I have a similar problem. I'm having another set too with a Consultant so I've been looking through my medical letters. There's always something taken out of context but it seems that when I try and get help with a pain issue it's always assumed that I'm saying that that particular pain is worse than the Fibromyalgia pain. I've never said that, I just say that at that particular time, the other pain is more debilitating than the Fibromyalgia pain.
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