I understand that MS is autoimmune and can be digenerative. And fibromyalgia is simply painful but isnt necessarily an autoimmune of digenerative 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...
What is the difference between the symptoms of fibromyalgia and multiple schlerosis?
- Asked
- 30 Jul 2011 by anjeegyrl
- Active
- 12 May 2015
- Topics
- multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia
Details:
Responses (2)
Sarina0968
30 Jul 2011
First and foremost, always remember that the feedback offered here should not take the place of your doctor(s).
MS and I have been "friends" since 1995. The diagnosis of this disease has improved since then.
The two meds that you have mentioned are not on my list of current medication.
Neurontin seems like a good choice to relieve the numbness and tingling. Not sure that I agree with the Flexeril for spasms though.
I suggest that you :
-see an endocrinologist to check for diabetes
-have MRI's of your brain/c-spine (with/without contrast) to look for lesions
-ask your doctor to test for Lime
Many diseases share the same symptoms so do not just assume that there is just one diagnosis. I do not say this to scare you. This is being offered to you from my experience.
People with ms have different experiences/symptoms at different stages. Unfortunately, a time line of exacerbation's cannot be given to you by anyone.
Here to offer my experiences and lend a hand : )
Keep asking questions!!
Anonymous
30 Jul 2011
Hi anjeegyrl,
I can tell of my experience with Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed about ten years ago by EMG's and the process of elimination. My neurologist did various examinations and an MRI or a CAT scan (cannot recall which it was now) to determine if I had MS. I also was tested by an Infectious Disease Specialist for Lyme disease, which was negative.
My symptoms are exactly the same as yours! If you google Fibromyalgia you will find many sites that explain it in detail, also some sites show the trigger points (the painful places on the body) that are unique to Fibro. IF you have several of these it may be a possibility that you've Fibro. Do you have "fogginess" at times, like cognitive problems and difficulty remembering things? Chronic fatigue or rheumatoid arthritis? these seem to go along with fibro quite often.
My SIL has MS, and there are new medications that work well, or so I've witnessed with my sister in law. MS is certainly NOT a death sentence nor is it the dreaded diagnoses it used to be in the dark ages any longer!
Best wishes anjeegyrl, please post again, let us know how it all comes out?
anjeegyrl
30 Jul 2011
Thank you very much for your comments. I have been diagnosed with other things throughout the years such as Endometriosis, PCOS, and Neurocardiogenic Syncope. No diabetes. No thyroid problems. Had a neuro work up on my brain that appeared normal. I take florinef a steriod that is suppose to help keep my blood pressure and minerals in balance bc i would have a sudden drop in blood pressure that would cause the near syncope- feeling like Im going to faint, vision blurs out completely, but am usually able to get through it without fainting, its worse when my hormones are wacky cuz of the endometriosis, or when I have a severe headache- which is another thing im investigating the cause of... I have TMJ, but my headaches have been explosive since I can remember.
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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