What is the difference between the symptoms of fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis?
I understand that MS is autoimmune and can be degenerative. And fibromyalgia is simply painful but isn't necessarily an autoimmune of degenerative disease. I am currently being tested due to severe muscle spasms in my shoulders, arms and legs, tingling and numbness in my arms, legs, hands, and feet, severe pain and discomfort from my head to my legs, major dizziness lightheadedness, and and am curious if I should be concerned about the outcome of the tests.
So far seeing a neurologist who is doing blood work and an upper and lower EMG. My primary doc has had me taking neurontin and flexeril in the mean time. But I was hoping to hear from both MS and Fibro patients, how they were diagnosed and what their experiences are...
Thank you, yes I will rmbr that that the feedback doesnt take place of my doctors, just need to reach out to others for their experiences and support. What do you experience with MS if you dont mind me asking... How did you first come to be diagnosed, and how are you fairing now?
My neurologist did mention Rheum Arthritis as well as MS and fibro so I realize it could be any number of things like you said you cant assume there is just one diagnosis. I have other ailments as well as I mentioned in my comment to Sweetlemon. Thanks again for both of you responding to my questions :)
I am very new to this sharing stuff, but just want to say I was diagnosed with FM 28 years ago (it was still called fibrocitis). I was originally diagnosed with MS but later changed to FM. About 5 years ago I went to a new neurologist who said he was not convinced the MS diagnosis wasn't the right one. He stated that lesion do not always need to be present for MS. Then he abruptly retired and the new neurologist feels the FM diagnosis is correct. however, I do experience severe muscle cramps, esp. when the chronic fatigue gets really bad. I also experience severe dizziness. I take neurontin and hydromorphone among other things. My hands also swell and get very stiff and painful (probably arthritis). Can anyone out there comment on these symptoms. Thanks so much. Patsy