Difference between Fibromyalgia and Lupus?

I feel very bad for you as I have the same kind of pain you have. It is so hard to get up and go to work each day but have no choice. My dr has not done any tests except pressure points for fibro. He says that's what I have. I take Darvocet for pain and Gabapentin, which doesn't help a lot and with the Gabrapentin I can hardly stay awake. Sometimes I feel better after going to the chiropractor. Cold air, like A.C., blowing on me really makes it worse. I've taken prednisone for other problems for a short time (couple weeks) and that is pretty safe. Long term it can be a very bad drug, but short term would probably get it under control for awhile anyway.

All of these stories are all saddening to me. I think you're all so strong. My sister has been going through these problems for a year now. She's only just 18, and so young to be going through such pain.
She has had many diagnosis, going from thyroid problems, lupus and Fibromyalgia. She has symptoms of both Lupus and Fibromyalgia, randing from joint aches and pain, memory loss, hair loss, hearing voices, depression, loosing pigment in her skin. But I feel like no doctors are getting to the bottom of it. She now has to go for a brain scan because of hearing voices, and the memory loss. Does this sound more like Lupus?
I feel like she's not getting the proper treatment yet, as people STILL don't know what her condition is. And I'm sickenly worried that people are pushing it aside, and one day it will all be too late. Help?

I have never had a rash myself. I live in an area where "Fibro doesn't exist" "CFS is an excuse to be lazy" and where Lupus can't be if you have fibro. Needless to say it's been difficult to have a diagnosis. I finally found a DO who diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, but am still not having any luck even being tested for lupus. They tell me I can simply not have both.

Oh what I wouldn't give for a REAL rheumatologist.

I'm a med student myself. I have studied all three conditions. I think what everyone needs is a good doctor.

Hi,

I just wanted to say that I can relate to many of you if not all and hope that we all find the answers we need to live a better life. I have been diagnosed now with fibromyalgia, however they keep testing me for lupus since I have sensitivity to sun light, infertility, respiratory and joint problems but the blood remains negative. These issues can be life changing just ask me because I have went through a divorce due to not being able to be touched by my husband due to pain and he just did't understand and now I have quick my job due to pain and missing too many days! Yes, I have been on them all Cymbalta, Lyrica, Neurotin, prednisone and even injections and methotrexate with no real control. I know that I'm not crazy, after all what else do I have to loose!

Hopeful

I have Lupus and fibromyalgia and kidney disease. I did not know any of this until early this year because I did not have insurance and could not get insurance due to another pre-exisiting condition. Then I found insurance for pre-exisiting conditions and not only was I accepted and my coverage would have began 6/1. I needed emergency surgery and was able to move my coverage date up to 5/1. In addition my initial premium was $601 a month and was reduced to $360 a month and my co-pay in plan is $25. Here is the link https://www.pcip.gov/Apply.html Please tell everyone you know about this. To get coverage you have to be without insurance for 6 months or longer and turned down by a health insurance company for a pre-exisiting condition. I hope this helps. Wish all good health.

This is in reply to the lady who is 18 years old and going to Dr after to Dr and not getting any specific answers or treatment.  Also response to all of us who feel like we're on a treadmill. I understand and have been through and am still on the road of Dr's figuring out everything wrong with me and I thought that when I got insurance that I would then find out and that did not happen.  After 9 months of tests and no definitive answer my Gastrologist is sending me to the Mayo Clinic and now there is hope.  Did not know until the clinic called to set the appointment that I was set up specifically being sent to have just my intestinal issues checked.  Since I have so many issues, not just intestinal they suggested I ask my <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Gastrologist Dr to admit me to the Internal Medicine Department (IMA) instead  of just the Gastrologist.  This way they would assign one Dr to me and they would be in charge of setting up running all the tests until they can give me a diagnosis.  My appointment is set for November and for the first time in almost a year I feel relief because I do believe I am going to finally get off this treadmill.  Maybe you could get your Dr to recommend you to a Clinic.

hi I know this may sound crazy but when i was dx with lupus i was 16 and know they tell me its fibro and not lupus cus the test are not accurate can u be live that i told my mom so how do they know? oh and by the way i still live in severe pain with all of the lupus symptoms and i have been wondring with all the technology the have they cant ake an accurate test so they jam it to the fibro thats ridicules. new docs please!

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anonymous wrote:

Hello DSCOLE here is some advice.I also am seeing a rheumy. woke up one morning and could not even pick my comforter up to make the bed.I hurt so bad anyways had blood work done and was given a cortison injection which helped me so much. lasted 3 wks back to same condition was told it is either polymyalfia rheumatica or lupus. have had 2 more cortison injections told that was all I could have.and was given prednisone 15 mg for the 1st wk then go down to 2 next and then 1.Have not started prednisone but have read everything I can online about it.there are alot of bad side effects but it is the only thing that is going to help with swelling of joints pain and be able to live a normal life again.I had so many sleepless nights so I was given lunesta to get some sleep may want to check into that also.this is no laughing matter you hurt so much you feel like you are 100 yrs old.good luck I hope I helped alittle.

I feel very bad for you as I have the same kind of pain you have. It is so hard to get up and go to work each day but have no choice. My dr has not done any tests except pressure points for fibro. He says that's what I have. I take Darvocet for pain and Gabapentin, which doesn't help a lot and with the Gabrapentin I can hardly stay awake. Sometimes I feel better after going to the chiropractor. Cold air, like A.C., blowing on me really makes it worse. I've taken prednisone for other problems for a short time (couple weeks) and that is pretty safe. Long term it can be a very bad drug, but short term would probably get it under control for awhile anyway.

everyone...try to avoid sugar, I was doing great, but started eatting sugar again, and what do you know all the pain in my hands a feet came back, found a web site that said once you consume sugar, chocolate or coffee it can take weeks for the effect to wear off.....I do not know what I have Lupus or fibro. DR are worthless, all they want to do is mask the pain, with drugs.

I am on Enbrel and my insurance does not cover it. You cna go to the Enbrel site and see if you are qualified to get it for free. I did it and I got it and I work full time. Also, if Enbrel is not able to cover all of it, you can contact the ENcourage foundation. They also cover it. Where there is a will there is a way to get this medication. I was on Methotrexate for 6 years. Blech! Check it out...I bet you can get your Enbrel free..:)

I don't live out in the country, I'm in Suburbia, but I've fantasized about ending my pain many times. I',m so sorry you have to go throught this. I can't get my hands on a pain rx because doc don't like to hand them out for fibromyalgia or anything else you can't see on an x-ray. They have to answer to the DEA you see. I'm too broke for black market meds. I would have found a way to kill myself some time ago, but I hold on for the few good days. A good day is less than excruciating pain, not a pain free day. I don't remember those. I do find that the warmer seasons are far better than the colder ones. I found the fibro meds they gave me did more harm than good. I fired my doc. Appt w/ new isn't for 3 months, but no doc is better than crappy doc.

Please hang in there. it can get better. It's important you find reasons to get up, do light yoga or walking. It sucks bad to get out of bed, but if you can't get out of bed your day is going to suck anyway. Make yourself move some, move slowly. It does help. And keep looking until you find a doctor that actually helps, even if it means going through a dozrn of them.

May you find peace and strength. God bless you.

Hopefully you have the correct diagnosis now. But it can take medical professionals a long time to get it right. Apparently I have been dealing with this since I was an infant. But no one would listen when I was younger so, here I am now 38 yrs later.... I have something. It's still not clear. But I am leaning more towards CLL rather than Fibromyalgia.

You sound like a sweet man, like my hubby. I know how your wife feels, I'm strck with fibro, lupus and heart problems. Some days I feel OK, the meds do help a bit. Some other days I just feel terrible. It's hard just to do normal things like the dishes ! I wish you luck and happiness with your project of having a child. I have two, one who is fifteen and my little one is five. Even if I'm tired, I find the strength to play with them. They are my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They give me courage to go on !

Deb,
Get a grip if you haven't, first you need to change your outlook in everything. Do you have God in your life? Second you must change your diet. I hope you are willing to make the changes though unfortunalatey if you didn't have this condition you wouldn't have to but oh well you must do it if you're going to get healthy and deal with the condition.
God loves you!

Do not ever trust a doctor that dismisses your medical history or doesn't perform blood work. Finding a good doctor is extremely hard to find when it comes to Lupus , maybe the lupus foundation may recommend one.

What utter nonsense. Fibromyalgia and Lupus can NOT be cured by diet. Quack. These illnesses are not cured by "getting a grip" or pulling yourself together/ manning up or any other insulting patronising drivel. As for GOD, perhaps most of us sufferers would be glad of a miracle, but just plain human compassion would be a good start. Posts like yours are more harmful than useful.