Fibromyalgia - not sure!

[MikeB1961]

I have no idea if I have Fibromyalgia - It was only after looking for information about my symptoms that some sites have suggested that it might be - I don't need a label for it, I do not want tons of medication, I'm not totally anti meds, but just feel most meds cause more issues than they solve. I was checked for rheumatoid arthritis when I 40 (now 61) because of pain in my joints - nothing found, I have never slept well (restless nights due to cramps in my legs, ankles and toes) I have over the last three years started to suffer with dilapidating cramps in my hands and feet, with leg cramp. getting much worse at night. I mostly eat healthfully, no processed foods - except when I have a takeaway, then noticed my cramps were worse when eating certain take away - Chinese or fish and chips , I assumed it was the oil so started using different oils in my cooking, to see if they had any impact... didn't notice anything much, but recently noticed my cramps were also bad after having dairy (I have always drunk milk, during the day and night, but mostly at night) I have cut out dairy from my diet and have noticed a marked improvement in my symptoms, still not completely gone, my finger joints and shoulders are constantly sore - anyone got any other ideas for food?

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I found by accident that cutting dairy and gluten from my diet made a huge difference to my general health on all fronts. One question though, have you seen a doctor in recent times? Just because you were cleared of RA in your 40’s doesn’t mean that’s it, it’ll never be an issue. There is such a thing as seronegative RA too. Sometimes getting a label can mean the difference between creeping disability and having a decent quality of life. As for meds and treatment, it’s always your choice but if you know what’s appropriate to your case you have options.

[Dinkie]

hi Mike and welcome

I cut out all processed foods and limit dairy and gluten. I do not take any medication due to being unable to tolerate prescription meds. I have chiropractor and hypnotherapy treatments as and when I can afford them and I use heated wheat bags/hot water bottles, epsom salt baths, tens machine and bio freeze gel all of which help. Trouble is fibro is different for all of us so working out what is what isn't always easy.

My shoulder pain was nothing to do with fibro but was calcific tendonitis. Fibro folk tend to blame every ache and pain on the dreaded fibro but it isn't always the case, which is why anything new should always be checked out first.

Hope you continue to find what works for you.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and welcome. While your symptoms could point towards fibromyalgia, only a health professional can give you any answers

You. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications which might help

[Debsie2003]

Hi MikeB1961

I like you is no fan of medication having been on amitriptyline which makes one feel like a zombie. Decided to try the food route and touch wood last 6 days have been the best days with very little joint pain! Still pain but not so much. An osteopath I was seeing for plantar fasciitis told me about the pro flammatory foods namely from the deadly nightshade family and so I have

Cut these out of my diet with great results. Another no no is sugary foods which I am struggling with as like chocolate too much much taking baby steps for now. Good luck

[Mum007]

I find wheat/gluten gives me huge muscle and joint pain and chronic fatigue. Also affects my brother the same. I had it for years before I worked it out. We can eat gluten and be ok but it’s the build up in our system which causes the symptoms. ie if we eat a little gluten every day we notice symptoms after about 3 days of starting. I eat a totally gluten free diet (and mostly dairy free as that makes me feel sick) at home and if I go out for a meal occasionally or a wedding etc I find I can eat some gluten for a day, sometimes I can get away with 2 days. Gluten is in so many things - sauces, gravies, bread, it takes a long time to go round the supermarket checking labels when you first start but you get used to it and at least most restaurants have labels these days.

[saluhouse]

Hi. In my case I am totally sure the culprit is sulfite/sulfate. Trouble is - it’s everywhere. It is a chemical preservative so is sprayed liberally over many many foodstuffs just to enhance shelf life.

I recently paid a lot of money to see a top allergist in a London clinic. He listened carefully to my sulfite theory - but then basically dismissed it. He said he is a scientist and there is no test available to either confirm or disprove sulfite as a major source of health problems.

I said it is for that reason I feel many people with fibromyalgia (and maybe other conditions) end up with a ‘one size fits all ‘ diagnosis.

He did advise that if my ‘caveman’ diet works - I should continue. After all, it is healthier to eat home cooked chemically untreated food - so no surprise there.

Total waste of my money.

Anyone interested should look up ‘Foods high in sulfite’ (you will be surprised) and do your best to avoid them. Your diet will be boring but you might feel better!

Best wishes xxx

[Midori in reply to saluhouse]

I agree with you about sulphites, They are used a lot in wine processing, and One whiff, and I find it hard to breathe.

[saj01]

Hi.. With regards to chinese... could be an allergy to some of the flavourings, like msg etc. Fish and chips, possibly something in the batter as there 's flour in it... gluten?

[feefee1422]

Going gluten free helps too as well as cutting out sugar.

[Broadfield]

I think it might be wise to have blood tests to check kidney function, liver and a bunch for different types of arthritis. Continue with a natural diet so you can avoid additives.

There has to be a reason for cramps and pain and as soon as you find out why then you can treat yourself and handle it. Best of luck.😊