What a terrible thing for you to go through, Elizabeth! That is absolutely excuseless. My fibro is secondary, and the symptoms began about a year after my primary illness. I knew that something major had changed, but for the longest time my docs kept telling me it was simply psychosomatic, like you said, brought on by my being in constant pain.

Then one night I found a webpage dedicated to fibromyalgia, and as I read it things started clicking in place in my mind. I found a map of those tender spots you referred to, and discovered I had them all. So once I had diagnosed myself, I went to a neurologist and had the fibro confirmed.

You are right. It is very real. Anyone who says it isn't is only fooling themselves.

Idealist