Is there a test for fibromyalgia?
I have been diagnosied with lupus for a little over a year now. I have been put on Cymbalta for anxiety and I have noticed I do not have as much pain since I have been on it. I know Cymbalta is also given to those with fibromyalgia. I was wondering if there is a blood test for fibromyalgia? Thanks.
Public Comments
1. Fibromyalgia is a catch word used by doctors to say "Idiopathic" meaning they don't really know what you have" it usually means or, they treat for arthritis and Rheumatism and joint pain. I don't know where or who coined the word "Fibromyalgia"They have a point system they go by, about 18 points and, if you have all of them, you have fibromyalgia. It, the disease is treated like arthritis and Rheumatism though. It's painful and it can be very agitating but, treat it like other pain, with pain relievers and if Cymbalta works then use it.
2. I'm sorry to hear that you have Lupus. I have Fibromyalgia, and have learned through my own and others' experiences that these illnesses don't tend to come to the party alone. Lupus (or other auto-immune illnesses) can actually trigger secondary Fibromyalgia. However, depressive illnesses and anxiety can also cause pain, so it's hard to say which it is.
Unfortunately, there are no tests that prove Fibromyalgia.....scientists have found a lot of possible markers, but none that are consistently present in every person with Fibro. Like the person before said, it's more of a review of medical history, symptoms, and the famous tender point test (it's more a painful point than tender!). There are 18 located on the body, with 11 positive ones being the "standard" criteria for diagnosis.
Dr. Mark Pellegrino (also has Fibro himself), has some excellent books out that cover the overlapping of FMS and other illnesses, as well as secondary Fibromyalgia.
3. no blood test
it is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A cATHC ALL PHRASE--but unfortuanly many docs use it as such
it is really a disorder of teh nervous system..
after other ocnditions have been ruelsd out a doc is supposed to assess 'tenderpoints'
