My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Fibromyalgia Community

I just don't know anymore...

OK, so this type of discussion is new to me, so hopefully I will be able to relate my...

Posted by harmonettes

OK, so this type of discussion is new to me, so hopefully I will be able to relate my experiences clearly. (This is pretty long, but I really need some opinions, so please read it all if you can.)
I am 37, married (happily!) for almost 18 years, and the mother of 5 children: girl-15, twin girls-13 1/2, boy-11 1/2, girl 8 1/2. I have struggled with major clinical depression for about 11 years. In that time, I have been hospitalized (suicidal) 4 times, and had 2 rounds of ECT (shock therapy). I am on medication for -
depression - Wellbutrin 450mg daily; Prozac 80 mg daily
anxiety - Xanax, .5-1 mg 3 times per day and 2 mg at night
insomnia - Trazodone 225 mg nightly
cholesterol - Lipitor 20 mg daily
ulcerative gastritis/esophageal erosions - Nexium 40mg daily
I take 800-2400mg of ibuprofen daily and at least 3 Excedrin tablets daily.
I had a wreck about 20 years ago that knocked my hips about an inch out of place to one side and gave me whiplash. I have had low back pain for as long as I can remember, but it has gotten worse with pregnancies and age.
Over the past 6 or 7 years, I have noticed that parts of my body are very tender to the touch, for example, my upper arms, the upper area of my chest, my thighs, parts of my face, etc. I have a strange almost-numb feeling on the outsides of my thighs, and when I lie on my right side, sometimes the area will tingle.
For the past few weeks, my neck and upper back have been killing me. My husband is a massage therapist, and has said my traps are the muscle group hurting. When he puts pressure on a spot between my shoulder blade and spine, pain streaks up to the top of my shoulder, and then up my neck to a point on the back of my head. I am seeing a new chiropractor, and am getting some relief, but not enough. I am taking Flexeril almost every day. I saw an orthopedist today about my low back and hips. He said all of my bones look healthy. (I do have a couple spots of osteoarthritis in other places.)
I am under what I consider to be a large amount of stress currently. I was in my 3rd semester as a chemistry major this fall when I had to withdraw. One of my daughters is experiencing constant joint pain, and we are scheduled to see a rheumatologist Tuesday. Lupus is a possible diagnosis. My husband works 1 full time and 3 part time jobs. (he's not home much, but is amazingly helpful when he is.) Anyway, add all that to my pain and daily stressors, and it's kind of a big mess.
I have always thought I just had a low pain tolerance, or that my pain was kind of an effect of depression.
Aside from my back and neck, I don't have a lot of chronic pain. The thing I really don't understand is how tender to the touch parts of me are.
So, anyone have any theories? If it could be fibromyalgia, why have I not been diagnosed? I have seen family practitioners, internists, orthopedists, chiropractors, and psychiatrists. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks for your time reading my novel!

View Thread

Posted byharmonettes

5 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:I just don't know anymore... OK, so this type of discussion is new to me, so hopefully I will be able to relate my...

Reply: No Pain Bra

Oh my word! I thought my achy breasts and soreness around where the band goes was just...

Posted by harmonettes

474 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:No Pain Bra Oh my word! I thought my achy breasts and soreness around where the band goes was just...

Reply: I just don't know anymore...

I saw that diagram, too, and was very surprised how many of them fit my symptoms! I...

Posted by harmonettes

5 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:I just don't know anymore... I saw that diagram, too, and was very surprised how many of them fit my symptoms! I...

Reply: I just don't know anymore...

Thank you so much for your response! This is indeed a stressful time for my family. I...

Posted by harmonettes

5 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:I just don't know anymore... Thank you so much for your response! This is indeed a stressful time for my family. I...

See Related Pain Management Communities

See All Communities

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Other Fibromyalgia Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.