Fibromyalgia/Questions Answered by Expert Kathleen Lewis

SubjectDate Asked
Bone Pain12/30/2009
  Q: I was recently diagnosed with fibro and I have pain in one of my breasts that feels like muscle pain ...
  A: A lot of different things can hurt with FM. Sometimes it is hard to tell what is FM and something ...
i need a GP with knowledge of Fibromyalgia9/18/2009
  Q: how can i find a local doctor that understands or currently treats FM sufferers? my GP is never ...
  A: I am sorry that you are experiencing so little support from your medical community while having to ...
fibro-seizure9/17/2009
  Q: Good Day Dr. Lewis: I have many questions but will start with one: Can fibromyalgia cause seizures ...
  A: I am so sorry you have suffered so much and been so frustrated in your attempts to get help! I have ...
Fibromyalygia in elderl people9/12/2009
  Q: My mother is 86 years old and was diagnosed years ago with fibro. She is very frail, has no appetite ...
  A: I am so sorry to hear about your mother ... I know you must be worried! Sometimes with age, it is ...
diagnosis9/8/2009
  Q: I think I may have fibromyalgia although I have not been diagnosed with it. I have been suffering ...
  A: I am so sorry that you have been suffering so and are so frustrated in your quest to find out what ...
fibro flares9/2/2009
  Q: I have fibro and I have had a number of flares over the last 6 yrs. my questions is what is the best ...
  A: Sorry to hear you are flaring so long. Most of the time, it takes many things to take us down into ...
fibromyalgia and teeth pain8/31/2009
  Q: I recently went to the dentist for my cleaning. I have three cavaties. I believe this is very ...
  A: The need for fillings doesn't necessarily connect with FM. If you are grinding or clenching your ...
Help!!8/20/2009
  Q: I have been battling this 4 about 5 months now and I cannot get a diagnosis. I've seen rheumatology, ...
  A: So sorry to hear about all of your problems and unidentified worries. Take a deep breath! From ...
fibro or not8/11/2009
  Q: I was told 2 years ago i had fibromyalgia but my symptoms arent as some discribe,sometimes my ...
  A: Sorry to hear about all of your disturbing symptoms. You could be having muscle spasm from pinched ...
fibromyalgia question7/20/2009
  Q: I am 22 years old and have been exsperiencing a lot of symtoms of fibromyalgia. muscle pain joint ...
  A: Yes, FM syndrome affects all ages ... you're not too young! So sorry to hear about your aches and ...
Does fibromyalgia affect all ages?6/29/2009
  Q: my name is Amber and I am 21 years old. For the past 6 months or so I have been feeling very tired ...
  A: Age wise you could have FM but symptom wise, you could have a number of things. You need to see a ...
Fibromyalgia5/25/2009
  Q: My family doctor has diagnosised me with fibromylgia and chronic neck and back pain. My question is ...
  A: FM can be different in different people and different in the same person from time to time. You get ...
Not so sure4/15/2009
  Q: I have been diagnosed with FMS for nearly 5yrs now although it took 20 yrs get somewhere. My current ...
  A: I have heard of some people who have been diagnosed with FMS who get better Whether or not ...
head pain4/11/2009
  Q: I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For the last 3 months or so I have been having horrible ...
  A: , FM can cause head pain from from muscle spasm in the neck pinching nerves and radiating into the ...
Can trauma occuring throughout an ultramarathon cause fibromyalgia3/30/2009
  Q: I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In Sept. of last year I ran a 50K ultramarathon through ...
  A: I can't say one way or another and don't know if anyone can ... sorry! You may have overtaxed your ...
fibro3/3/2009
  Q: I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia twice in the last year and I am trying to find the treatment ...
  A: It sounds like you are going through the grief process that is associated with the adjustment to a ...
nerve pain in leg front between knee & ankle1/26/2009
  Q: I have pain in my leg that is a burning sensation and it itches. My leg is a redish color and it ...
  A: It sounds like you need to see a neurologist and possibly a dermatologist and see where that leads. ...
Fibro/Neuropathy10/26/2008
  Q: Life has little quality now that my feet and legs are numb and in a constant state of flame. This ...
  A: Seems you have searched high and low to try to figure out what's going on with you and what'll help ...
discomfort10/6/2008
  Q: I'm a 29 year old male. I have been having "discomfort" in my legs since about January of this ...
  A: A rheumatologist might be a specialist to have check you out to see if you have the required trigger ...
FM10/6/2008
  Q: I think I might have FM. I have chronic pain with no cause. I have TMJ disorder, Bipolar, IBS, and ...
  A: The specialist that might be able to help you the most is the rheumatologist in terms of ruling out ...
Fibro and MRI brain scan9/29/2008
  Q: I have been having a lot of chronic pain in my arms, back, shoulders hips but most importantly my ...
  A: You seem to have a quite a frustrating cluster of symptoms. Sometmes it can take a few years with ...
Symptoms8/7/2008
  Q: Sir, Iam 28 years male.I suffered from shooting pain in left arm and shoulder in Feb-08 and then I ...
  A: These symptoms sound like more that FM and you need to continue with your current medical team and ...
Possible fibromyalgia7/20/2008
  Q: I am 23 and i have not been well for 2 years. I came down with what the doctors told me was ...
  A: I know you must be worried with such complex and puzzling symptoms and not getting any solid answers ...
Fibromyalgia6/23/2008
  Q: I have seen a neurologist which tells me I have fibromyalgia. My skin burns on my left leg but ...
  A: It seems you're having neuralgia caused by according to the neurologist, FM. You could get a second ...
Fibromyalgia6/19/2008
  Q: My Sister has a number of health problems.......fibromyalgia, diabetes, lupus. She is constantly in ...
  A: The specialist who usually handles lupus is a rheumatologist. Even then, a rheumatologist doesn't ...
Catch 22 from Fibromyalgia Pain/Depression5/21/2008
  Q: First of all thank you for devoting your time and expertise for us folks. My question is: I have ...
  A: You maybe need to go to a psychiatrist or rheumatologist who'd be more comfortable handling a ...
Fibro4/13/2008
  Q: i hate seeing him in pain as he constantly gets head aches and really bad attacks ! is there ...
  A: Sounds like your dad is lucky to have a kid like you! First of all, try to educate yourself about ...
bad neck and sholder pain1/22/2008
  Q: the doctor agave me perednisone for my neck and the pain os so bad i cant life my hand and am ...
  A: The Prednisone should help depending on what's causing your pain. If it doesn't get better, you ...
Questions1/3/2008
  Q: I was wondering if Fibromyalgia can cause high blood pressure or if there is a link between the two? ...
  A: There's not a link between FM and high blood pressure that I am aware of. The only connection that ...
RE: Muscle wasting11/23/2007
  Q: I have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but I do have some noticeable muscle wasting and a lot ...
  A: You can be anxious because of the muscle weakness and pain you have. You might be having ...
fibromyalgia bumps11/7/2007
  Q: I have bumps that look like pockets of water about the size of quarter on my legs what is this?
  A: I have no idea what the areas on your legs could be. You need to check in with a dermatologist. ...
Puzzling symptoms -- Fibromyalgia?11/4/2007
  Q: and thanks for your time. I am completely puzzled as to what's happening to me, and since I'm far ...
  A: Sounds like you are dealing with some kind of rheumatic disease ... FM, Raynauds, etc. ... ...
Future Prospects10/22/2007
  Q: I am a 22 year old female, from the U.S. but now living in Tokyo. Right now I have a myriad of ...
  A: It seems imperative that you do something to help treat your sleep problems. Lack of sleep can ...
sensitive to cold air conditioner10/8/2007
  Q: I am acutely sensitive to cold air conditioner. The effects are immediate and the colder the air ...
  A: Raynaud's Phenomenon is the only thing that comes to mind even though your symptoms don't completely ...
Pain Frustration9/18/2007
  Q: Having dealt with Fibro for 13 years I believe I have been open to all suggestions.. Diet, exercise, ...
  A: Sounds like you have tried the gamut of things to treat your FM and that pain meds might be ...
Dealing with FMS/CFS during pregnancy9/10/2007
  Q: I am 16 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. With my first I hadn't yet had any FMS/CFS symptoms and ...
  A: Sorry to hear of your difficulties with your pregnancy! A rheumatologist would be the specialist ...
Living with Fibro8/14/2007
  Q: I have fibro, as well as cfs. The fatigue and brain fog are severe and do not respond very well to ...
  A: Sorry to take so long to respond ... I didn't get your message! Have you checked with your ...
family history7/19/2007
  Q: my grandmother and mother were diagnosed with fibromyalgia.i have done research on this disorder and ...
  A: FM can be a primary diagnosis or secondary to another condition. Your mom and grandmother may have ...
FMS & career6/17/2007
  Q: I am in a bit of no-man's land at the moment. I was diagnosed with fms 2 years ago and was off work ...
  A: It sounds like your body is trying to tell you something ... you need to listen! It seems you were ...
FMS6/14/2007
  Q: i was dianosed with fms but what i m wondering is i m having trouble staying awake i fall asleep at ...
  A: Some good sources of informaion are http://www.myalgia.com and the Arthritis Foundation. I haven't ...
Celebrate Life...4/4/2007
  Q: after reading your wonderful and informative book "Celebrate Life" New attitudes for living with a ...
  A: So sorry to take so long to answer you! ... hadn't figured out password stuff that's new with the ...
Fibro4/3/2007
  Q: I have already been diagonised with fibro. I would like to know if there is any link between fibro ...
  A: I am so sorry to take so long to answer you ... have new login stuff I wasn't up on! I've never ...
Please resond soon...I am in a lot of pain.11/1/2006
  Q: I have just went to the doctor and I thought I had Restless Leg Symdrome, so the doctor gave me ...
  A: It sounds like you need to get back in to see to the doctor. Continue to take the medication that ...
Fibromyalgia and sed rate10/21/2006
  Q: I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and was given cymbalta. This medication helped with the ...
  A: It does seem that getting a second opinion from another rheumatologist would be in order. With ...
fibro and joint pain10/19/2006
  Q: I was bit by a tick about five years ago. I can't remember if I was diagnosed with fibro before then ...
  A: Usually, symptoms with Lyme come on right after the tic bite and evolves from there. Have you ...
fibro and joint pain10/18/2006
  Q: I've been told by a chiropractor and a rheumatologist that I have fibromyalgia. What confuses me, ...
  A: Joint pain can develop with FM but doesn't cause joint deformity. Have you been bitten by a tick. ...
fibromyalgia6/21/2006
  Q: I have used this servixce before and it was a god send in that it kept me sane until I saw the ...
  A: It sounds like you need to get into see a doctor ... preferably a rheumatologist to get examined and ...
Fibromyalgia??6/21/2006
  Q: I have a question I was hoping you could possibly answer for me. I am a 31 year old female. In June ...
  A: Sounds like it's definitely time to go back to the rheumatologist to get his take on what is ...
How important is diagnosis?5/20/2006
  Q: I was wondering exactly how important it is for me to be diagnosed? I'm almost 100% sure that I ...
  A: You need to make finding out what you need to do that takes care of you a main priority. Sometimes, ...
Fibromyalgia3/29/2006
  Q: I have been in a wheelchair for 3 years and have been in one before a few years previous to this ...
  A: Has anyone thought about diabetic neuropathy as the cause of the problem with your legs? Has anyone ...
what else besides RA can this be?3/23/2006
  Q: What are the odds of two people who have lived together less than two years developing full-blown RA ...
  A: All of this does stretch one's imagination. Are you both seeing the same doctor ... have you gotten ...
test results3/3/2006
  Q: Kathleen, Does taking Mobic and other anti inflammatories cause blood tests like ANA, CRP, ESR, to ...
  A: Anti-inflammatories wouldn't affect a lab like an ANA, but could affect labs measuring inflammation ...
FMS and RA2/18/2006
  Q: I've been diagnosed with FMS and RA in all my muscles and joints since 1998. In March 2003 I was ...
  A: The ideal is to exercise within your level of fitness. Any pain that lasts longer than 2 hours ...
fibromyalgia vs. MS12/11/2005
  Q: Is MS often times mistaken for fibromyalgia? I was diagnosed with fibro 20 yrs. ago and now other ...
  A: I've never heard that MS and FM were similar. It sounds like you're experiencing the extension of ...
Fibromyalgia12/5/2005
  Q: My best friend's mother is experiencing lots of intense pain mostly in her neck, shoulders, and down ...
  A: I don't know if you got my message yesterday or not ... my computer crashed and I've been trying to ...
career and fibromyalgia10/26/2005
  Q: My girlfriend has had a relatively unstable career in her 20's, having had to live with a ...
  A: It is an awful catch-22. I can understand your friend's reluctance to loose her disability and ...
doctors9/12/2005
  Q: For the past yr. I have had a lot of symptoms--fatigue, stiffness, sore joints, sore dry mouth & ...
  A: An opthamologist would be able to do a Shrimner's test for dry eyes and possibly Sjogrens. An ...
scared...please help5/10/2005
  Q: i am desperate and scared. i have felt horrible for months and nothing has shown up on mri's or in ...
  A: It sounds like a neurologist might be in order in the list of docs. You also need to get with a ...
Muscle twitches4/29/2005
  Q: I dont believe I have fibromyalgia, but I do have muscle twitching in my foot. I know this is ...
  A: I'm not sure if what you are talking about is restless legs or not ... it sounds different. It must ...
What are the symptoms? I would...3/18/2005
  Q: What are the symptoms? I would like to match them to my three year painful asault on my muscles and ...
  A: It'd probably be helpful for you to visit http://www.myalgia.com for a listing of symptoms and try ...
Muscle twitches2/26/2005
  Q: . I dont think I have fibromyalgia, but I do have muscle twitching in my feet. Other than that I ...
  A: Your doctor can perscribe some medication for muscle twitching if it is due to myoclonous. Calcium ...
Muscle twitches2/26/2005
  Q: . I dont think I have fibromyalgia, but I do have muscle twitching in my feet. Other than that I ...
  A: There are medications that your doctor can recommend for muscle twitching due to restless legs or ...
muscular pain2/2/2005
  Q: What is Rheumatology of the Muscles? What are the symtoms?
  A: Rheumat means inflammation of connective tissue and ology means study ... study of connective ...
Helping family to understand.1/25/2005
  Q: I'm trying to find some information to help my family understand what I'm going through. My husband ...
  A: It sounds like you're struggling with the emotional adjustment to your physical problems. The ...
Fibromyalsia12/29/2004
  Q: I have heard that Fibromyalgia is or can be related to depression and anxiety therefore some ...
  A: Yes, FM does seem to be related to increased anxiety and depression. You can also get a mind/body ...
Diagnosis12/17/2004
  Q: I had many symptoms including joint pain & a sore tongue. The joint pain finally led me to my ...
  A: To diagnose any autoimmune problem you need to get with a physician that you trust and stay with ...
ANA5/1/2004
  Q: I have a positive ANA and an elevated SED rate. I have recently been to a rheumetologist and she ...
  A: You'll maybe need to see your rheumatologist, over a period of time, to have tests run over and over ...
Fibromyalgia vs Colostrum3/24/2004
  Q: I have FMS, along with a friend at work. She recently started taking something called Colostrum and ...
  A: I am definitely not an expert on Colostrum but it's my understanding that colostrum in an infant's ...
Fibromyalgia Progression3/8/2004
  Q: Kathleen, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was about 25. I'm now 42. I was able to function ...
  A: You need to go to a rheumatologist who'd be more adept at a differential diagnosis of a connectice ...
situation2/13/2004
  Q: I do not suffer with FMS but need help with someone who is dealing with this problem. My ...
  A: What a web of delimmas you have to deal with! There's no way that your boyfriend can leave and keep ...

All Questions in This Category

Fibromyalgia

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Kathleen Lewis

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

Can field the areas of fibromyalgia, rheumatology, and family and emotional aspects of living with a chronic illness.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.