With over 100 autoimmune diseases to pick from, how can you tell
which one you may have? Some of them are similar enough to others to be
misdiagnosed, even by specialists. And probably the most difficult
autoimmune disease to diagnose since symptoms of several other seemingly
unrelated diseases appear simultaneously and cloud the issue... is
fibromyalgia. To see if you have it, take a look at the fibromyalgia
symptom checklist below!
Blood tests and x-rays may work great to
identify other diseases, but not fibromyalgia. Presently, there are no
diagnostic tests available, although genetic predisposition is thought
to be a factor. That's why the fibromyalgia symptom checklist is so
valuable! There are guidelines established by the American College of
Rheumatology which are utilized by most healthcare providers in making a
fibromyalgia diagnoses. In the guidelines, a person may have
fibromyalgia if he or she has all three of the following conditions on
the fibromyalgia symptoms checklist:
1. Chronic widespread pain, affecting both the right and left sides of the body above and below the waist
2.
Feeling pain in at least 11 out of 18 possible tender points when light
pressure is applied to the area... 9 on the left side of the body and 9
on the right
3. Chronic widespread pain and tenderness is present for at least 3 months
Now, that's just 3 of the 5 ways to recognize fibromyalgia on our fibromyalgia symptom checklist... it's based on pain and trigger points, which your healthcare provider will probably use in making your diagnosis. The last two criteria are based on other corroborating symptoms:
4.
Extreme fatigue that doesn't get better with rest or sleep; that feels
like you've overdone your workout; delayed reaction to stress or
physical exertion leaving you feeling drained and/or ill
5. Experiencing one or more of the other corroborating symptoms of fibromyalgia (other than the pain/trigger points and fatigue) that can vary in intensity and effect...
The following is a list of potential corroborating symptoms from the fibromyalgia symptoms checklist, which may accompany the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia:
- unexplained change in body weight,
- sweats and chills,
- muscle stiffness upon waking or standing after sitting for a long period,
- muscle twitching,
- fibrocystic breasts (lumps, tenderness), cravings for chocolate/ and/or carbohydrates,
- rapid or unusual changes in vision, blind spots
- migraines and headaches,
- sinus infections/post nasal drip, allergies,
- earaches and ringing in the ears (tinitis),
- shortness of breath,
- sensitivity to mold and yeast,
- insomnia and sleep problems,
- grinding teeth during sleep,
- PMS or menstrual problems, loss of libido or impotence,
- irritable bowel syndrome, frequent urination, bloating and nausea,
- pelvic pain and abdominal cramps,
- difficulty in speaking, confusion and difficulty following directions,
- difficulty concentrating and brain fog, balance and coordination problems,
- disorientation in familiar surroundings, short-term memory impairment,
- burning or tingling sensations in hands and arms,
- difficulty recognizing some colors,
- hypersensitivity to odors/bright lights/loud noises /temperature and barometric pressure,
- difficulty driving at night,
- panic attacks and anxiety,
- depression, tendency to cry easily, mood swings, unusual irritability,
- chest pain that mimics a heart attack, irregular/rapid or fluttery heart beat,
- Mitral valve prolapse,
- mottled skin, pronounced nail ridges and/or nails that curve under, thick nail cuticles
- easily bruised or scared skin,
- temporary hair loss,
- nose bleeds, and hemorrhoids.
Keep Records on Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist!
Keep
records of all your symptoms no matter how strange they seem.
Fibromyalgia has so many "faces" that every case is unique and may
require treatment which targets the specific symptoms of your illness.
Discuss your fibromyalgia symptoms checklist with your physician and
detail how the symptoms are affecting your ability to function. Together
you can develop a treatment program based on what works for you! And
consider adding a nutritional program to strengthen your body and take
control of your symptoms.
By
Carol Ryland
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