Toni, When you go to your Dr. appointment ask hom if he is familiar
with fibromyalgia and its symptoms. FS has been around for a long time,
but just recently is recognized as a distinct medical condition. FS can
be diagnosed without performing extensive and expensive tests. The main
finding on physical examination is the presence of tender points that
are in characteristic locations. According to the American College of
Rheumatology criteria, FS is diagnosed when an individual has a history
of widespread pain for at least three months, and at least 11 of 18
specific tender points. This pain is considered widespread when all of
the following are present: pain in both sides of the body, pain above
and below the waist and pain along the spine. If pressing a certain
tender area causes pain, numbness or tingling to radiate to distant
areas, the painful spot is called a trigger point. Keep in mind that
adhesive disease and FS are two different conditions. In some studies
it appears that people with FS, Epstein-Barr, Chronic Fatigue, etc. seem
to have their scar tissue/adhesions response amplified many times. Some
important info. if you are faced with an undiagnosed illness is: keep a
medical journal with a list of questions, believe in yourself, if you're
not satisfied with your Dr., go elsewhere, do your own research, find
people with similar symptoms and don't accept that "it's all in your
head". Sherry