Can someone please tell me what the tell tale sing is for Fibro?

I do not take any meds specifically for pain, they doctor has no proscribed any for me. They say take tylenol and that of course does nothing really to help.

Twenty Questions Do you have trouble: Getting to sleep or staying asleep? Remembering things, even from one moment to the next? Focusing and concentrating, even on simple things? Do you have: Exhaustion and fatigue? Frequent urination? Chronic sinus problems? Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Acid Reflux / GERD? Swelling, tingling, numbness in hands, feet, etc? Pain without a known source? Loss of grip and strength in hands and suddenly drop things? "Carpal Tunnel"? Bulged discs / chronic pain in your lower back / cartilage problems in knees? Trouble with balance, coordination, equilibrium? Female reproductive system problems? Are you: Overly sensitive to light, sound, and/or certain odors? Do you find that: Certain smells and tastes are strange or foul, but you used to like them? Do you: Get blisters or sores on your tongue, gums or tastebuds? Have dry / burning eyes or feel like you are looking through Saran Wrap? Grind your teeth during sleep? These are common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia. ("Twenty Questions" www.FibroFix.com)

Hi! I don't think there is one set tell tale sign for fibro. I know that most websites you look up for fibro will say that the tenderpoint test is the gold standard for diagnosis. But, if you start talking with people who have fibro (like me), you will find that there are many, many other factors out there that resulted in their diagnosis. The thing that I hate the most about fibro is the unbearable fatigue. I get so tired that even holding my head up gets to be impossible. The pain is also, well...a pain. I do hurt all the time and the level of pain is worse when it rains and when it is cold. There aren't many things that really help. I haven't tried Neurotin, but did take topamax...it did nothing except make me feel nauseated all the time. Also, I have found the OTC pain relievers don't do anything either. I don't even bother with them anymore.

You are asking for the signs of fibro? Goodness, everything and anything! Along with pain there is chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, Irritible Bowel, Irritible Bladder, Tinnitus, clumsiness, loss of concentration, short term memory loss, heightened sensitivity of the senses (touch, smell, hearing, vision and probably taste too for some people). The list is endless. There are no clinical tests to diagnose fibromyalgia - no blood tests, x-rays, or other scans. You should see a rheumatologist who will give you a tender point test. If you have at least 11 of the 18 tenderpoints as overly sensitive, then you have fibromyalgia. Of course blood tests should be done to rule out other illnesses such as lupus and MS. People with fibro usually have other illnesses like thyroid problems and arthritis. I have had fibro for 12 years. The first five years were the worst because I did nothing to help myself. Finally I got up off the couch and started exercising - walking. I started slow, once around the block, and then built up over time. I can now walk 3 miles. Also fibromites are severely lacking in magnesium. A supplement called Mag-Citrate (here) contains magnesium AND malic acid. This supplement helps my pain tremendously. And if you don't believe it, just STOP taking it and you will see the difference. I have recommended this to so many people and those who have tried it have found a difference. But it is not a cure. There is no cure for fibromyalgia - only treatments. Every individual is different so you must find what works for you. Diet can play a role as well. It's a matter of trial and error to find what works for you. I tried 8 different anti-depressants until I found one that works for me with little or no side effects (little at the beginning, none now). But mild exercise is important to keep your muscles from atrophying. If you don't move your muscles will just get more painful. That is why we are so sore when we wake up in the morning, because we have been still all night - AND because we don't reach the important Stage IV restorative sleep. Our body is not repairing itself. Even sleeping pills (I take Nitrazepam) that help me sleep, do not get me into Stage IV sleep. The first thing you should do is see a rheumatologist and in the mean time, keep moving. I know it's painful but you are only hurting yourself more by being idle. Good luck!

As someone posted there are a lot of symptoms associated with Fibro. What you need to know though is if you might have it. Here are a few links to help you out: A Fibro Screening Quiz: http://arthritis.about.com/od/fibromyalgia/l/blfibroquiz.htm How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibro: http://arthritis.about.com/cs/fms/ht/recognizesigns.htm Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Risks and Symptoms Checklist: http://arthritis.about.com/cs/fms/ht/recognizesigns.htm I hope these help you. You might want to make a copy of what you find on those and let your doctor know on them.

I am sorry that I cannot help, but I hope that you find the information or medicine you need to free you of this pain completely.