Dear Em,
There is a standard test for Fibro, which is for the dr to apply 4lbs of pressure to the 18 identified trigger points. If you respond to 8 or more they will diagnosis fibro.
I was diagnosed as having fibro last July/August by a Rheumatologist, though I am not all that certain how affective this identification may have been since my body was in total pain from improper medication and untreated RLS. They did trigger point identification but not quite the standard that I later read etc. And sometimes I believe that it is possible that fibro which goes hand in hand with non restorative sleep could be an issue. Like RLS they do not know and everything is theory.
One thing used to treat both conditions is Ultram/Tramadol. Especially its action inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin in the central nervous system. Since the RLS is adversely affected by SSRI's which is among the first meds they use to treat Fibro.
Tried to differentiate in the beginning what was what, it can be too confusing as most times it could fall under either one.
Here is some fibro info.... Hazey
You do not have to have all of the following to be diagnosed with fibro, yet chances are you have it if you have many of them...
COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS:
__ attention deficit disorder
__ spatial disorientation
__ calculation difficulties
__ memory disturbance
__ communication difficulties (problems speaking, confusing words)
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ depression
__ anxiety and panic attacks
__ personality changes, usually for the worse
__ emotional lability (mood swings)
OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS:
__ sleep disturbances
__ headaches
__ changes in visual acuity
__ numb or tingling feelings
__ burning sensations
__ light headedness
__ feeling 'spaced out'
__ desequilibrium
__ frequent unusual nightmares and disturbing dreams
__ tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
__ difficulty in moving your tongue to speak
__ severe muscle weakness
__ susceptibility to muscle, tendon, ligament injury
__ intolerance to bright lights
__ intolerance to alcohol
__ intolerance to sound
__ extreme sensitivity to medications and their side-effects
__ alteration of taste, smell, and hearing
__ insomnia
__ inability to achieve stage 4 restorative sleep
__ morning stiffness in the muscles and joints
__ restless leg syndrome
__ muscle spasms
__ muscle quakiness and shivering during/after activity or exercise
__ sleep paralysis (related to stage 4 sleep deprivation)
PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ recurrent flu-like illness
__ recurrent sore throats, red and injected
__ painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck
__ muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them
__ night sweats and fever
__ severe nasal and other allergies
__ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
__ weight change - usually gain
__ heart palpitations
__ mitral valve prolapse
__ severe PMS
__ yeast infections
__ rashes and itching
__ uncomfortable or frequent urination
__ interstitial bladder cystitis
__ chest pains (non-cardiac)
__ temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw)
__ hair loss
__ carpal tunnel syndrome
__ cold hands and feet
__ dry eyes and mouth
__ severe and debilitating fatigue
__ widespread pain
__ other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.)
__ numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles
__ painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck
__ GERDs (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder)
__ “growing pains” start in childhood and teens, continue into adulthood
__ widespread body pain during/after physical exertion
Found at
http://www.fibrohugs.com/article.php?st ... 1122908997
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and the soft fibrous tissues of the body (the ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue in between joints). The word 'fibromyalgia' comes from the Latin words for fibrous tissue (fibro), muscle (myo), and pain (algia). Unlike other chronic painful diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis), FM is a syndrome. A syndrome is a loose collection of signs and symptoms that characterize a condition. Unlike a disease, the exact cause of FM is still unknown. FM is characterized by pain and tenderness in muscles, joints, and soft tissues, especially in specific areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and arms and legs. Exercise or overexertion of muscles can make FM symptoms worse, as can physical inactivity. FM is very hard to diagnose. Patients often experience many signs and symptoms that vary in amount and intensity and can be easily confused with other conditions. This confusion can increase the pain and frustration often felt by a patient with FM.