Cramps related to fibromyalgia?
I have fibromyalgia, and it's another 2 weeks before I see my doctor. For about the past 2 months or so, I've been having what feels like severe menstrual cramps (stabbing pain in my lower abdomen on each side). Periods are regular and normal, no bladder infections, etc. I was just wondering if this could be another symptom along with all the rest of my head-to-toe pain. Has anyone else had this? Thanks ahead of time for any help. :)
Trust me, I know all about fibromyalgia. I've had it for 3 years. This is a new pain, and it's constant. I just wondered if it could be related to the disease or if it's something I should have checked out at the gynecologist.
Public Comments
1. Fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap with autoimmune diseases and other musculoskeletal conditions making it difficult to diagnose. The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are often associated with other subjective and objective symptoms which occur in combination.It is estimated that fibromyalgia syndrome affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population.
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In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) listed two primary criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. 1) A history of widespread pain involving all four quadrants of the body (right side, left side, above waist, below waist) for a period of at least 3 months.
The second criteria from the ACR which points to fibromyalgia is, upon physical examination, the presence of pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points when touched or pressed with force amounting to the equivalent of 4 kg. or 9 lbs.
What Are Fibromyalgia Tender Points?
More recent data indicates that there may be an increased sensitivity to pain throughout the body, pain may be migratory (move around) or may exist as chronic regional pain. Most experts are said to believe fibromyalgia results from abnormal central nervous system function. Response to stress and psychobehavioral factors may also contribute to fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia primarily occurs in women of childbearing age. Children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. Besides the defining symptoms of pain and tenderness, there are many nondefining symptoms associated with fibromyalgia including:
Fatigue, night sweats and sleep disturbances.
Memory difficulties and cognitive difficulties.
Tension or migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome, rib cage pain (noncardiac chest pain), chronic pelvic pain, plantar or heel pain.
Fluctuations in weight, heat or cold intolerance, subjective feeling of weakness.
Ear-nose-throat complaints, multiple chemical sensitivities and a wide array of allergic symptoms.
Hearing, vision, and vestibular (balance) abnormalities.
Heartburn, palpitations and irritable bowel syndrome.
Evidence on echocardiogram of mitral valve prolapse, esophageal dysmotility (muscles of esophagus not working properly), neurologic conditions causing hypotension (low blood pressure) and syncope (fainting).
Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety occur more commonly in people who have fibromyalgia.
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Tips:
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be non-defining and mimic other diseases. Persist in getting a proper diagnosis.
Aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness.
Heat and massage may also give short-term pain relief.
Pain Relief Techniques
Patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
How is Fibromyalgia Treated?
Fibromyalgia medication options include:
antidepressants
muscle relaxants
analgesic painkillers
NSAIDs
seditives
other medications that elevate mood, ease pain, relax muslces, promote sleep and fight off fatigue.
Fibromyalgia Medication Options
What You Need:
A Good Relationship With Your Rheumatologist Or Doctor.
A Physical Therapy Regimen You Will Follow.
A Treatment Program Involving Medication And Exercise.
A Good Understanding Of Meditation And Relaxation Techniques.
Ongoing Education - Stay Aware Of Fibromyalgia News And Research.
2. Have you had a urine test to rule out kidney problems?. I know that you say no bladder infection, but I am having some lidney problems and am getting the same type pains. I am post menopausal, so this cramping is unusual for me. I also have fibro plus autoimmune disease. You should be able to buy OTC a dip stick urine test kit.
Best of luck
3. Fibro stinks and it becomes so easy to blow off every pain we get and say it must be the fibro again. If the pain is too much get into your Dr. sooner. It's so hard to tell when everything hurts all the time. I can't tell you how many times I've run to the Dr. or the E.R. just to find out it was the fibro but it is better to be safe than sorry. I feel for you and good luck.
4. just wanted to say i feel for ya,,,literally,,,i have it, 5 yrs now,, i feel like crap today!!!! soooooo tired,,,head feels like its gonna blow up,,,etc....if i could just sleep better i think that could help,,,i have a horible menstral cycle,,,heavy,,& its every 16-20 days for 5-7 days,,joy,,,,have endometriosis,had surgery,,,but they couldnt even get it all? it could be a symtom,,but best to get it checked to make sure its not something else.good luck!!!!
5. If you google fybromyalgia, it says that you may get or have irritable bowel syndrome. But sounds like you need to see your doc sooner. :)
