[Iffynah]

I've been looking at fibromyalgia because I have read that a lot of ppl with RSD end up with fibromyalgia. But since I've been having a lot of stomach problems like having constant diarrhea and cramps (w/o it being that time of month) is it possible that I have fibromyalgia? I know I need to ask a doctor about all this but the nurse that workman's comp set up to go to appts. with me is supposed to set up a visit with a hand specialist. Just from what I have read its a possiblity. Guess I will ask the doctor when the nurse gets the appt set up.

[Desi]

Hi Iffynah!
I never heard that RSd would and could cause fibromyalgia!! Do you have a link that you can post on NT about this? Thanks~Love, Desi

[dealingwithtos]

Hello,

I have a long history with first TOS and then RSD and now also Fibro.

My symptoms of Fibro are more directed toward pain and horrible stiffness in the joints/muscles. While I know that diarrhea and pain associated with stomach issues can happen, I typically only have those issues when I'm in a flare.

You need to have pain in the specific 14 trigger points, that is required for a diagnosis - or a specific number of places. I think it's 11.

Anyway, RSD and fibro pain is different - atleast for me. The RSD is the burning, stabbing, spasm type pain. The fibro is joint and general muscle weakness pain/stiffness. There are days that I can't get out of bed because I cannot move because of the pain. That typically happens during the winter months for me.

But, just from what you said about having diarrhea and stomach issues, I wouldn't think of fibromyalgia - which is a GOOD THING.

Good luck with your appointment.

[dreambeliever128]

There are many websites that talk about how Fibro comes with RSD most often as not.

There are 18 tenderpoints that the Dr. can check you for. Usually a Rheumotologist can diagnose you with it and CFS which also comes with it often.

Devin Starlanyl wrote a good book called Fibromyalgia % Cronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. You can check it out at the Library and it has great info in it. She says in her book that cramps and diarrhea does come with Fibro. She says it can be caused by the tenderpoints in the stomach area.

I am sure in the websites you will find this info also. As I said there are several that talk about how Fibro and RSD go together many times.

I hope you start seeing better days.

Ada

[Millerprof]

I think the connection between Fibro and RSD is interesting. There is a study being done on treating Fibro with low dose naltrexone (LDN). I wonder if the same would be useful for RSD, considering LDN should be helpful for any type of autoimmune problem, and obviously both are pain conditions. I would be willing to be a guinea pig, since apparently there really aren't side affects with LDN. Anyone have thoughts on this? You can google low dose naltrexone for more info.

[Curious]

we have a sticky on ms all about ldn. i'll get the link.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread50240.html

there are many other posts. use the search feature here on nt.

[Millerprof]

Thanks, Curious. Has anyone tried LDN for RSD? I have heard it works wonderfully in many MS patients.

[Curious]

very good question. good topic for a new thread. i'm curious about this too.

[Millerprof]

Hi Curious. I have posted it in a different thread and got NO response. So I'm thinking that means that no one has tried it, unfortunately!