Finally!

I finally have a diagnosis!

I have had pain throughout my body for almost 25 years. When I was in Jr. High, I went to a chiropractor and took herbal muscle relaxers. I continued to see the chiropractor throughout High School. I didn't really think much of my pain, just that everyone had neck and back pain. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and felt that it was the cause of all my pain.

I went through my 20's, got married, and tried to have children all the while living with pain and numerous headaches. When I was on fertility treatments, I had to stop all ibuprofen, Tylenol, muscle relaxers, etc. Then the pain was severe.

As I entered my 30's, I started taking prescription anti-inflammatory and prescription muscle relaxers. Sometimes I even went to the clinic and got pain meds like Darvocet. Good stuff! I have tried Physical Therapy, massage, tens units (electrical stimulation), stretching along with the medications. In the past few years, I have felt like a human medicine cabinet!

In the past two years, I have begun to have intermittent numbness in my hands and the fatigue has become overwhelming. I have even had to start taking naps during my lunch and recess times. That is CRAZY!

With the numbness, I started worrying about carpal tunnel or nerve damage in my neck, so I told my PCP during my annual exam and started a year of crazy doctor's appointments, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, nerve conductive studies and tons of lab work. My PCP sent me to get a nerve conductive study to see if I had carpal tunnel syndrome. That came back negative, so I went for a neck MRI. The MRI showed that I have congenital fusion of several of my neck vertebrae. I had been told this about 10 years ago, but didn't act on the information.

My next step was to go to a spine specialist. Upon the examination in the office, this doctor didn't want to try shots or other pain management techniques until I saw a neurosurgeon because he felt that my spinal cord was being compressed too much. So, my fourth doctor was a neurosurgeon. He ordered x-rays, and a CT scan of my neck. Because of the fusion of my neck vertebrae, this doctor felt that I have a type of arthritis called Ankylosing Spodylitis. So, another CT scan this time on my lumbar area and a referral to a rheumatologist resulted from this visit.

The rheumatologist took about six vials of blood and ordered an MRI of my pelvic region because the diagnosis of AS is the joints by your hips. After waiting a month and thinking I had AS, the rheumatologist told me that not only did I not have the genetic marker for AS, my joints were normal. He sent me back to the neurosurgeon who had already told me that he couldn't do anything for me.

All of these visits occurred between August 2008 and April 2009. It was frustrating to say the least! During this time, several friends suggested that I go to their rheumatologist in Lubbock. When I was referred originally by the neurosurgeon in April, my appointment was scheduled for September 9th. They had a cancellation and my appointment was changed to today July 21, 2009.

I really liked this doctor! He took about 30 minutes to examine me from head to toe literally. He asked many questions and really listened to my answers without jumping to conclusions immediately. He finally told me what I have suspected for about 10 years now...I have fibromyalgia. It consoled me that he said it before I ever had to ask him about it. Now, to determine if it is the primary problem or a secondary problem. This doctor is worried about some of my lab work which shows inflammation even though I have been on anti-inflammatory meds for years. So, he took six more vials of blood and a did a UA and has ordered a bone scan. I go back on August 7th for results and treatment options.

I am so relieved to have a diagnosis and I don't have to worry about thinking I am crazy for hurting and for being so tired all the time. I thought this would be a good way to document the ups and downs of my treatment and the joys and triumphs that God gives me throughout this process.