ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, we're going to explore the secrets of fibromyalgia diagnosis. We'll discuss symptoms, signs and diagnosis methods, so that you can get the best care for your fibromyalgia diagnosis.
If you're struggling with fibromyalgia diagnosis or treatment, or just want to learn more about this condition, then watch this video! We'll discuss the different symptoms and signs of fibromyalgia, as well as the different ways doctors can diagnose this condition. By the end of this video, you'll have a better understanding of the secrets to fibromyalgia diagnosis!
Dr. Furlan is a pain specialist in Toronto Canada. She is a physiatrist (specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation). She holds a medical degree from the University of Sao Paulo and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Toronto. She has 30 years of experience helping people with chronic pain to get better quality of life.
To purchase any product mentioned by Dr. Furlan in these videos, check this link: www.amazon.com/shop/dr.andrea...
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Furlan earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the post above, you are helping Dr. Furlan to maintain this channel.
Subscribe to this channel: / drandreafurlan
Visit the website: www.doctorandreafurlan.com/
#drAndreaFurlan #DrFurlan #DoctorFurlan
Let’s meet on Social Media:
Instagram: / dr.andrea.furlan
Twitter: / adfurlan
LinkedIn: / drandreafurlan
=============================================
ALERT: This video is not intended to replace medical advice. If you think you have a condition that is causing you pain, please consult with your doctor to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan for you. The intent of this video is only for educational purposes. If there is any emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance. CLOSED CAPTIONS in this video have not been professionally verified.
=============================================
As a woman who’s been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 23 years…I can confirm that the information in this video is 1000% ACCURATE. Fibromyalgia negatively affects and impacts every aspect of my physical being, health, and subsequently my overall quality of life. It’s exhausting and never ending…painful and extremely frustrating. Only miracles from the heavens keep me motivated to want to push through and have some form a productive, purposeful life. But, even in the midst of all of this…I maintain my optimism.
Wow, that is excellent that you keep your optimism. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
Well said at 33 years of this nitemare I really understand. Hope you are having a decent day.
GoddessGood11, I’m with you❤ I have felt crazy, but I know I’m not. I’ve been told by a doctor if i keep having pain, they are just going to label me has having fibromyalgia. I feel like, well if thats it, then help me figure out how to deal with it. God gets me through 🙏❤️God Bless you
Thank you so much for the information you give out..I truly believe in you
I've been in the same condition for six years now. Nobody can understand my problem and how painful in no treatment helped me to feek better. Everything is fir temporary relieve. My only support is from God Who keeps me going!
♥️🙏
Just got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia today. I had alot of emotional childhood trauma in the past. Now that I am a nurse and continue to be post Covid, I find that my pain , fatigue, and depression has increased significantly. I have always been fatigued and my body always felt heavy even when I was in the best shape. I have gained weight again due to my depression trying to always figure out what is wrong with me. Always tired, alot of stiff joints, dealing with IBS, and I am very sensitive to light that I squint alot. Also every time I would go to my PCP and have blood work everything came back normal. I need several naps during the day. Doesn't help that I work nights either, but I am definitely not a morning person. My doctor prescribed me muscle relaxants and told me to do stretches. My upper body and lower body are also increasingly sensitive to touch which was not a thing back then. I can see why Fibromyalgia is hard to diagnose. Also people tend to be judgmental and family just call you lazy.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago , But…. Felt bad for years! I have all your symptoms. My eyes are very sensitive to light and I have bad eyelid twitching that drives me crazy. The bad thing is I also have hashimoto and the symptoms are so much the same as fibromyalgia. It drives me insane! It’s a everyday struggle not knowing how you feel each morning. I’m 61 and I feel like my life is over half the time. I keep praying for God to give me strength.
Best of luck to everyone who is struggling !
I developed fibromyalgia after a car wreck. I get nerve block injections around my eyebrows that help with light sensitivity after a few days. 11 months in I can't believe I can finally not wear prescription sunglasses indoors. Nerve block is temporary, I get the eyebrows needles bi-weekly.
I’m a night nurse too! After post Covid this shit happened to me, I’m so angry it’s affecting my entire life! Thanks to Covid. The neurologist isn’t even sure if this is Fibro ..She suspects autoimmune disease..
U r not lazy just u r in PAIN
Yep, childhood trauma / fibromyalgia here as well.
I would also mention the cognition side of this condition too. For me, this can be more frustrating than the extreme pain and endless exhaustion. My memory is shocking and my speech is often affected when the pain is intense. My general cognition is hugely affected and carrying out daily tasks is almost impossible. I'm so frustrated with people thinking I'm thick because things take me longer or I have to ask for clarification. Ignorance surrounds this condition and it's so unfair.
I’m sorry you have rude, uncaring attitude people in your life. I spend a lot of time by myself. Most of the time I prefer it. I’m also 100% disabled. Yep, it doesn’t end ever. There was a very small window of time when I felt normal or close to it b4 my body turned on me. I’m not sure which is worse, the diseases or depression, unable to do what others do without thinking.
To all that have not being believed I feel your pain. I have had fibromyalgia from the age 16. Now that we know more we can help more people. Hang in there. You are not alone even a the very bad days. 💕
Thanks for sharing!! Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
@@DrAndreaFurlan Yes I have been watching your channel for over a year now thank you for talk about fibromyalgia and the different ways it can be for each of us it has been a 26 years with fibromyalgia and the long list of health problems that come with it.
Thank you. I have fibro and lupus. Anything can set it off and we look totally normal so no-one believes us. Even my husband thinks it's bs. I'm sick of it.
@@SimplyflorencemΤη ειναι το ελαιου CBD...μπορειτε να μου πειτε....Ειμαι απο Ελλαδα..( Grecce)Ευχαριστω!❤
Just the difference the opposite go 3 times bowel before noon. Sometimes narrow bowel movement sometmes gas
I’ve lost all friends and family saying I’m crazy and a liar. Well I’m 62 know and I don’t miss these people. I’m very sick with this an other health issues associated with it. It’s pure Hell!
I'm so sorry 😞 unfortunately I know exactly how you feel.
And like you I don't miss any of them ❤️
I wish there was a test so people believe we have it. I have been diagnosed for 3 years now. Have had to give up work etc. Even my teenagers look at me like im making it up. I have forwarded these video's to them ❤
Your kind words about fibromyalgia means a lot, ive been battling with fibromyalgia sense 2016 if not b4 that. In an abusive relationship physically and mentally I didn't sleep for 3 months in a row from his horrible behavior towards me and I believe that plus the mentally and physically all took a toll on me.
I tried getting help and got shut down and it was very discouraging but after I got him out of my life I could focus more on trying to get help...and finally I found a primary Doctor that believed me and still there for me. Although I have bad PTSD from my x and the horrible specialist doctors I've encountered i shut down for awhile and am now trying again to get help. Hearing doctors like you with kind words means do much thank you.
I’ve had fibromyalgia for 33 years and it’s not any better. I take Gabapentin and muscle relaxers and pain medicine. It’s terrible because I look healthy and I have an active life with a 16 year old basketball player! I have pressure points and aches like flu! I also have chronic fatigue syndrome. I am blessed to have a caring doctor!
Gabapentin is horrible ! My daughter is depressed and it’s not a stable drug in my opinion! What’s your take on it?
Thank you doctor for explaining it so accurately. One of the hardest part dor me is the fatigue. I feel tired IN MY SOUL. I get frustrated when i say to someone:"I am SO tired..." and they answer ha yeah, me too!.
Its not their fault...but i just want to punch them. Lol
I have been diagnosed recently by a process of elimination. However I have suffered with this for nearly 40 years. I have even been hospitalised when doctors thought I have had a heart attack only to realise that it wasn't my heart that was causing the pain. I have good days and not so good days. Good days tolerable pain, not so good days time off work. I have learned to live with the condition.
Costochondritis is a insanely scary chest pain that many I've found w/ fibro to suffer from, and feels very similar to what I envision a heart attack pain to feel like, but has no actual danger
@@XXLepicSo pleased to read your comment. I’m undergoing tests now to rule out heart issues. It’s really scary because I’ve thought a few times ‘this is it’. Best wishes 🥰
Thank you Dr Andrea, I've had Fibromyalgia for the past 24 years. I got it when my husband past away suddenly, i went through so much trauma & grief. So many times I wanted to end my life. Fibromyalgia is the new technology name it was originally called Fibrositis. It robs me of my sleep, my body is so sensitive, if I knock myself I want to scream. It also has a mind of its own as there are times I don't have bad pains...when my entire body it one mass of pain, I get brain fog. The pain tablets my doctor gives me does Not help at all. Many times I cry like a baby. And pray to Our Lord to heal me...😢
🙏🙏🙏🙏
It is, to me, the most frustrating of diseases. With no "trigger" as such, there nothing to avoid. I do know that stress, whether physical or emotional/mental, however mild and whether I notice or not, seems to be the one thing I can, retrospectively, say was relevant at the time. I also have myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, afib, and small bowel blockages due to removal of my large bowel, so having fibro as well is just overkill, lol! Unfortunately I'm told I have it at each and every point on my body per the textbooks. When the pain is bad, my skull hurts as well as my neck, my jaw, my eye sockets, my shoulders, my spine, all my joints, my muscles, my ribs, my hands and even my feet and toes. If a medical student wants to study a disease and comes up with a cure for this horrible disease, they must surely be eligible for a Nobel peace prize! Recently I discovered that sometimes, and only sometimes, a lukewarm to warm bath with Epsom salts is helpful, but that's only when I have the strength to climb into the bath!
Hi, I just found your channel at 12:45 a.m. on 5/22/2023. I have had Fibromyalgia for years and battle the pain , insomnia and chronic fatigue, etc .. with no hope for a cure. Im tired of exsisting. Thank you for making this video. You have explained it so well. I had to share this on FB n with my family. I subscribed n hit the bell so I wont miss any of your helpful videos in the future. ❤
I’m tired of existing too😢
Hi @CindyEmmaRussi please talk about this with your doctor or a therapist. There are a lot of strategies and resources to help people like you.
@@DrAndreaFurlanI was just telling my husband, that I might want to move to CANADA, because when I get tired there I can get help to end it.😢
I have severe pain all over my body and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and now I am doing PT, respiratory rehab, and take medication. Since I got COVID I never fully recovered I am in so much pain causing so much depression, anxiety, now I am supposed to see a psychologist to help to deal with the pain. Exactly family, friends, coworkers and doctors do not believe in chronic pain.
Thank you Rose for sharing your story. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
After 30 years of this I understand. However a pshchologist will not really undersrand being in constant pain but can help with positive self talk which can help more then anything. Its being your own best friend with constant words of encouragement even on the worst days. And we really need a understanding friend.
Same you aren’t alone Covid triggered a flare and it’s been two years of me being in a flare. You aren’t alone, things will get better in time 💖🙏🏻
@@jewelleryaddict depends on the psychologist. Mine is great and understanding with my goals. I informed him that I would be taking DMT once a week and on every other week mushrooms. This has been a huge breakthrough for me. I’m now doing Gym yes is till get tired but the pain is much more easily managed. I’m doing 400kg leg press sets. It all comes down to mindset primarily and the medicine secondary. A weak mind will never get better.
@@Dionysus_Athena
You do not have FM. You are not even close to being real or accurate. Leg presses of 400 k. We can barely walk or have strength to do enough to care for ourselves nevertheless do leg presses. I suggest you read up on what Fibromyalgia really feels like.
Thank you Doctor! I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia since 1995. Basically you just learn to live with the pain and depression. Never can plan ahead for trips or vacation because I never know when I’m going to have “good days.” So I’m 71 yrs old and have never had a real vacation. In 1999 my daughter took me and my son on à vacation down the Jersey Shore for a week but it was so hot that it triggered every nerve in my body and I was in bed most of the week. For some reason heat triggers my pain and depression. I couldn’t wait to come home. So sad, my daughter tried so hard to get me on a nice vacation! Thank you Doctor for a great video! I just subscribed!
Thank you for posting this!! Excellent video! Of course I have Fibromyalgia-- and the condition is very frustrating-- and so is the medical care that comes with it. I was very lucky with diagnosing. I had severe pain during and after my pregnancy, over 25 years ago. I was sent to a Rheumatologist by an orthopedic doctor. I was then diagnosed right away. I had always been overweight-- and blamed my pain on my extra weight. But the doctor said, "Don't EVER let anyone tell you that!" He explained that my pain was real and the condition could be helped with improvement in sleep. He prescribed amitriptyline-- which I took for many years. But I no longer take it due to it's drying issues-- I now suffer from severe dry eye, so it does me harm, rather than help. I take many other drugs,now, and my condition has gotten steadily worse with each severe injury and with a severe illness I had in 2018. So some of us with fibro, do have a debilitating form of the condition, and have a worsening state of the condition. But most do not.
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for sharing that with us.
Try ginger and turmeric if your doctor says it's ok to do so. Both are blood thinners though turmeric more so. And both can interfere with certain medications.
If you can try it, do it at a 4:1 ratio ginger to turmeric. Think size comparison for how much to take. I've seen a lot of people comment that they've tried that combination, but not at that ratio, actually opposite, and it did not help them and just gave them stomach problems. I've tried it multiple ways and found that ratio to be a good starting point at least.
I take more like a 5:1 or 6:1.
It can take a couple weeks to get used to the ginger, as it can give hiccups, so you might want to do 2:1 at first. I take mine with omega 3 oil or food.
Also if you try it, make sure you take the capsules that say ginger root not extract, or take fresh minced with honey, 1 tablespoon worth of ginger.
For the turmeric just make sure it's not from India because it's been found to contain lead from there.
I recommended my doctor to watch your videos. She is very intelligent and will be so much more informed by your your knowledge.
Its the most invasive and life altering non lethal illness and it's terribly misunderstood. We often know more than the doctos do at any given time. It's sad.
Hi Elsa, thank you for sharing your opinion.
Thank you so much Dr Andrea, I really really enjoyed listening to you, and may I say, that everything you’ve said is absolutely spot on. My daughter suffers very badly with Fibromyalgia and has done for some year’s now. I could cry for her because she’s in increasingly cute pain, and she suffers in silence. My heart goes out to anyone who is going through this. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤
Hi Mags, I'm sorry to hear about your daugther. I hope she finds relief soon.
I have fm and so does my daughter. To see anyone going through this is heart breaking but when it's your only child is such worse. The fact that most people don't know what it is so they don't understand it is frustrating. Fm is a silent, hidden story and so not excepted buy most people. We need more people to know what fm is so they don't think you look OK so you are OK and just looking for sympathy and a way out of doing some things. I am the first in my family and my 52 yr old daughter the last. My family would swear on a stack of bibles that I'm now sick, just lazy because they can't see anything wrong and most people have never heard of it
The whole country has to be educated so patients aren't treated as unless cry babies
I am lucky, I have 2 very great freind who have fm. And understand it and one of 8 family members who took the time and effort to go online to find out everything she could about it and sent all the info she found to every family member. It helped somewhat but one sister still thinks it's made up and is just a convient excuse to get out of doing things. God bless to all of you with fm and God bless those who love their friends and family members and take the time to get all the information that is available not
Understanding is one of the major problems we have to deal with. I am not lazy or picky about my food,I am not looking for sympathy or a way out
I just want to be believed and understood. If there is something I can do today gladly. But if I can't do it next day, give me the benefit of the doubt.
I have Fibro I believe both my Adult kids have it my daughter age 47 My son as he 44 they Both Suffer with Chronic wise spread body pain. I have had this since my early 30's Have been told many times it was all in my head. I was diagnosed a few years ago from a Dr who treats Arthritis Etc plus my pain dr
It's Caused me to miss many things in my life. I suffer to now with Burning Mouth Syndrome it's like my entire mouth gums lips etc . Had been scalded. I also have EOE. I have trouble with swallowing. I have Hypothyroidism.i have trouble sleeping. I deal with Major Depression anxiety. CPTSD. I am blessed regardless. Jo Ann Age 65 North Florida Lake City Florida 😊😊😊 Ty Doctor for your Videos .
My heart goes out to anyone with Fibromyalgia. 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤
I think Id had it for many years before diagnosis, but doctors had put my symptoms down to stress and mental illness. I love the simplistic way it's apparently described, pain in your hips!
I had trauma, then a lot of surgery for breast cancer, then hepatitis C, with hideous treatments, which arent used anymore.
One of the most troubling symptoms is itching. This usually indicates a flare up, but is worse at night. It's awful, and nothing topical will touch it. Medication hasnt worked, but if i mind diet and exercise it does ameliorate it. Cold water swimming helps pain and mood/ energy.
Thanks for this, I still feel perplexed at times , even after 13 years diagnosed.
Don’t they test for trigger points / tender points anymore? It used to be that you needed to have pain in 11 out of 13 tender points to be diagnosed. I was diagnosed in 1987, following a car accident. It’s a horrible disease and I’m glad to see more medical professionals talking about it. Thanks.
A rheumatologist told me I had fibromyalgia and dictated the letter to my GP. Then he examined me pressing points all over my back asking if it hurt there. After 20 minutes of “no” he started pressing harder and harder, then hard and twisting until I said “ow!”. Then he said “okay, you can get dressed”. I joined the fibromyalgia society and bought the video. Couldn’t get past the warm-up exercises because my neck would subluxate (I didn’t know that then) and I would feel and act like I’d had a stroke including full body paralysis until it naturally relocated (usually 6-10 hours later). Sometimes it didn’t even hurt.
But that dx was renamed chronic fatigue syndrome by my GP and has followed me for the last 25 years, hampering every attempt to get treatment for the hyper mobile cervical spine (and numerous other joints).
This video was very useful for confirming that I don’t have fibromyalgia. Acute myofascial pain in local areas due 100% to injuries were ignored (GP told me to “push through the pain” but it was sudden and sharp and my reflexes took over so that was not only useless but impossible and would have been dangerous if I’d obeyed).
I hope both those with and without fibromyalgia can find someone who understands and helps them. ✊🏼🙏🏼❤️🕊️
Many years ago I was diagnosed with this . Felt as if I was being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. I really did have a back issue . Doctors sometimes get it wrong .
Thanks for this comment M X. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
I work in the medical field for years. I did not have fibro then. I hadn’t heard of it when I was diagnosed. My response to anything I want to know is get a book. When I wanted to understand more about it the first two or three books published were mostly how to get disability. I wanted to get better not give up. Truth be told it is similar to the beginning.
The last time I needed a pep talk I thought of Celine Dion’s illness, “stiff man’s syndrome.” It starts with good and bad days then progresses with frequency and pain level. It gets worse and worse. No known cure yet. It ends up terminal over time. There is always someone who has it worse.
Michael J Fox has gotten over a billion dollars donation for Parkinson’s but it hasn’t helped him yet.
I developed it after a radical hysterectomy. My life has never been the same. The pain is unimaginable and I never want anyone to feel like I do.
Sorry to hear that, especially since I am going for one in a few weeks! I know about side effects of medication sometimes being worse than what the pills are trying to correct, but wasn't aware this could be something associated with this too.
I saw your comment and had to comment. I had a full abdominal hysterectomy and pain started about 1 year after this surgery as well.
I'm the same my body aches so bad everyday, somedays I don't know how I make it home from work 😢
Thank you for the presentation of this topic. Eleven years ago my husband and I traveled 9 hours to Cleveland Ohio to the clinic to actually see a heart specialist after being told I only had 3 years to live because my heart was over worked. My pain was so horrible!! I was on so many Meds to lower my blood pressure, but didn't bring it down. My pain levels would spike my blood pressure. The heart Specialist couldn't find a problem with my heart and suggested a Rheumatologist and set me up that day and She prescribed Cymbalta and after one week my symptoms subsided. I will not go further, but you are hitting the nail on the head. Your comments are very much reaction of many. Blessings to you!!
I have fibromyalgia I also have Degenerative disc disorder with seven of my disk compromised . Three in my low back & 4 in my neck, my whole existence every single day is trying to find ways out of pain. I’ve given up on the medical community because they have completely failed to help me in anyway Significant way for the last 20 years. NowI search for natural remedies to help me with this very real condition. Three different doctors have diagnosed me with this problem, but none of them had a solution.
Good morning. Thank you Dr. Furlan for this refresher information. Decades ago, far too many people were dismissed when presenting with symptoms. Now, being understood, and accepted as a legitimate, people can receive a diagnosis that will lead to an earlier treatment program.
You are welcome Linda. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
I have had fibromyalgia and I have noticed more sleep I get the better I can deal with any pain issues so therefore I am subscribed sleep medication at night and muscle relaxers!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Dr. Furlan. This journey has been so hard..
.
I have both fibromyalgia and arthritis of the spine, knee and a few other more mild areas.
It took me a long time to figure out those were 2 separate things I was dealing with. And a flare up of the arthritis can trigger a flare up of fibromyalgia. I also have some nodules of tissue that for decades sat over my sciatic nerve, though I don't know if that's part of the FM. One is the size of a golf ball the other about half that size. They have been a source of pain for decades. I tried everything short of surgery to remove them or shrink them.
Luckily I've learned over the decades how to minimize flare-ups though they still happen. And my pain scale has gone from a daily 6-9 to a daily 2-5. I thought initially I had actually reached a 0 or 1 a lot lately with what I had been doing, but I recently did Magnawave therapy for an injury and experienced a true 0 pain that I've not experienced in 27 years. It lasted for 2 blissful weeks. I went again and it lasted a month almost. It truly is amazing. I never realized how much energy the pain takes away. It's time for another session actually.
The MW therapy also reduced the size of the nodules to about half, and one of them has broken up and part of it has moved. The bigger one actually moved further up my back for a little bit but has resettled over the sciatic nerve although still half the size.
For me, I find diet helps a lot, no processed foods, no gluten, low carbs, and I try to do low sugar as much as possible.
I gave up soda over time slowly drinking less and less.
I take ginger, lots of ginger. I'm probably made of ginger at this point. I'd say about 2000-3000 mg a day. And 500 mg turmeric. Also omega 3s.
At this time I take the capsules of ginger but fresh works best.
You can find already minced ginger in the freezer section of the veggies in a perfect size portion. Or mince it up, about a tablespoon or 1 inch of root. Remove the skin first though, and swallow it with raw honey to cut the heat. Or juice it or make smoothie with it and some avocado. Personally I think the fiber of actual ginger is part of what helps with pain control. And it's good for you. When I get the capsules I try not to get the ones that are extract but actually root.
I also gave up using Tylenol and Advil because they were killing my liver. I take white willow if needed for pain.
I also had to learn to sleep on my back at a 45 degree angle to not wake up in pain after a few hours, though I think that's because of the arthritis in my spine.
I've definitely learned that staying still for too long in any position laying down, standing up, or sitting is not good.
Very helpful. Thank You
Have you seen my most recent video? I interviewed Fiona, a woman who had fibromyalgia for 25 years, and she is now pain-free for the past 4 years. You may watch it here: th-cam.com/video/DaLSRag7uCE/w-d-xo.html
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 45 yrs ago
It took me a long time to learn my limits. There is a limit of doing things it seems that I need to do something every day, pain or not but if I do. Too much the pain is worse
This video should be shown in all doctors education.
Thank you for a very informative video. I have fibromyalgia-like pain associated with Sjogren's. Very few medical professionals understand the widespread pain many Sjogren's patients experience.
Thank you for sharing Christine. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
I too suffer from S.Syndrome, pain & many worsening problems associated with the disease from late 1990's. 😮 On relocating I was changed to a specialist rheumatology unit in Bath, UK & don't know how I'd cope without their excellent care & expertise. Hope you can find a similar hospital yourself & get the needed support in this horrible disease.
I was told by my Dr that there is a bone marrow test that shows conclusively if you have fibromyalgia. I was negative on other tests that were available 25 years ago. Because of possible complications we did not do bone marrow test but my Dr agrees I do have fibromyalgia along with several auto immune disorders. About 12 years ago they tried a low dose of gabapentin which helps and is also good because i have complex partial seizures which they were unable to treat due to severe side effects. I find fibromyalgia annoying and at times limits my activities when I have a flare. I have other more painful and physical in nature problems so the fibromyalgia is just in the background.
I am almost 100% sure I've been suffering with fibromyalgia for yrs. I'm 48. And it has been soooo tiring. Like hell. I no longer want to live this way. What can someone like me to do without being judged or Drs and other's just blame it on depression, anxiety, Menopause etc...?? 😢
You could ask for blood tests which focus on autoimmune issues.
I made an appointment with the nurse, who was happy to test, and refer me to rheumatology.
The doctor had long ago told me my blood tests were fine, and he couldn't help me.
Thank you very much doctor for all your very clear and informative videos, they are useful and much appreciated
Just sent this to my niece and I've just subscribed, Thankyou.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2011, but I had symptoms that started in 2009. I get the usual nonbelievers of my diagnosis and don't believe I'm in so much pain or tired all the time etc. I have developed depression and anxiety years ago and fortunately I've gotten help for these issues. I'm just getting really frustrated with the constant pain and fatigue. I'm on Gabapentin but it really doesn't seem to help. If anyone has a medication that helps please let me know and I can ask my Dr about it. (I can't take Pregabalin/Lyrica, I can't tolerate it). Thanks for anyone who read this to the end. I don't wish this on anyone but it helps to know others at least understand what I'm going through.
Thank you so much. I was first told I had fibromyalgia symptoms when I was 35 but no one explained it and nothing was done at the time. Now 20 yrs later I feel I'm being heard and I have figured out what my triggers are for flare ups. I'm still in pain a lot but I'm learning how to do things with less effort.
I’ve lived in pain and chronic fatigue for almost 40 years now. If it had been diagnosed sooner I think it would have been better. I had an unnecessary surgery that was horrible. I couldn’t take pain medication and had my rib removed. I knew it was a mistake almost immediately.
Wow I feel so heard. Thank you for this information confirming I have fibromyalgia and my pain is real.
I have shared this with my sister who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, unfortunately, she gets told nothing and just has to endure tremendous pain. It is so real and my heart bleeds for her. I’m hoping this will help her make sense of what she is going through. Thank you very much.
😪 doctors piss me off! I always feel like the doctor thinks I'm an addict when I ask for opioids.
Fibromyalgia is a fraud. It’s used by doctors to stop looking what you really suffer from.
Everything you have said is so true. Thanks for spreading awareness.
Thank you Dr. Furlan. Your videos are so helpful and full of information. My Rheumatologist recommended your videos to me and between the two of you, I have learned so much about this disease that I am dealing with. I love your exercise videos and do what I can of them. You are A+++.
Thank you for your kind words! It seems you have an excellent rheumatologist 😁
Hello Dr. FURLAN,
Do you have a topic on RLS/ Restless Leg Syndrome?
@@DrAndreaFurlan I do. I LOVE her. The Rheumatologist I had before her got a promotion to Dept Chair and selected her for me. He trained her and I love them both. I can say anything to her and she responds to all of my questions and is not afraid to tell me what I need to do. I like that she ADVISES me and I try to listen to her. She's awesome!
Such a good video, so clear and succinct. Excellent, thank you Dr Furlan.
Glad it was helpful! This is the best comment of the day. I’m adding it to my stories.
Diagnosed with fibromyalia last year.
Ive lived a tragically emotional life.
After my retirement things got worse. Mom expected me to take care of my home n my parents needs.
I started with small areas of pain. Then one weekend i was in a painfully position. Everything n everywhere was hurting.
Cried all weekend. Didn't know what was causing the problem.
My Dr is a great listener. He knew me well. After being his patient for 20 years. He knew i was
Very interesting & informative Thankyou
I loved that Dr. Furlan reminds people, at the outset of her video, that fibromyalgia is real. She is absolutely right that patients have often been made to feel like they are hypochondriacs or that they're making things up. Fortunately, with the proliferation of cases, doctors are taking it more seriously these days, but it is still a challenge to explain the condition to friends/family/co-workers and have them believe you. One thing that surprised me was that Dr. Furlan didn't mention the 18 tender points (9 pairs) that are associated with fibromyalgia and aid in making the diagnosis. Even when my fibromyalgia symptoms are so mild as to be almost non-existent, those tender points always elicit considerable pain when they are pressed. Fibro is no fun!
Hi there, thank you for your kind words. Regarding the 18 tender points, we don't use them anymore for diagnostic purposes. We are now using the revised 2016 criteria which eliminated the need to count tender points.
@@DrAndreaFurlan I didn't realize that. Thanks for taking the time to let me know the update. I was diagnosed in 1999!
Thanks so much for sharing this informative video. I suffer from Systemic Lupus. They think I was probably misdiagnosed and have Fibromyalgia. Still waiting for answers. Thanks! God bless and stay safe 🙏🏾🥰
Hi Damaris. God bless you too. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
@@DrAndreaFurlan No I haven't, but I will definitely check it out. Thank you and truly appreciate you. Stay blessed 🙏🏾❣️
Thanks dr furlan for the informative video❤
Glad you liked it Joey. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
Excellent presentation 🎉
Thanks a lot
I've had FMS since the 1980s that I can remember.
I've lost track of the number of times that I went to the Dr(s) and was told that "it's all in your head." (Technically they were right.)
I suffered severe child abuse from the age of 4 until the Police escorted me out of home at the age of 15. (
In 2016, I was finally diagnosed by 2 different Drs after doing dozens of tests.
PLEASE, if you know someone is being abused or suffering "undiagnosed" pain, please do something about it or get tested for FMS.
My pain is still here - 24/7 but at least I have an answer, that really does help.
One other thing that brings me undone is the sensitivity to LF vibrations.
I can predict (larger) Earthquakes about 4 days before they happen. (The novelty has worn off.) Unfortunately, IF I travel within 10 kms of a wind farm and the wind is blowing my way, the LF vibrations usually raise my pain level up to the "almost jumping point!)
Watching this video makes me feel so relieved yet so distraught, because every doctor refuses to diagnose it and I am too insecure to fight for myself.
Very good explanation.as always .so helpful to me. Thanks 🙏🌹💕
So nice of you
Thank you...we need more research!!
This worked in 2 days!!!!!!! (I suffered 7 hellish years.) Magnesium L Threonate (must be that specific magnesium), Benfotiamine (type of B1), Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D3. No Rx needed...all supplements. It helped my sister in law too. Pain levels went from an 8 out of 10 to a level 2 out of 10.
The root cause is nervous system dysregulation caused by chronic stress and anxiety, suppressed emotions, and loss of balance in life. The ongoing illness perpetuates the symptom - anxiety cycle. The cycle can be broken and the body can heal.
This video explains very nicely, thank you so much for helping me with my chronic pain and understanding it💜 I subscribed
Glad it helped!
This is interesting and im possibly at the start of this journey. I have no idea. I started 3 years ago with pain in my chest. Then pain in my back. Then a sore throat that lasted 6 months and still comes back if I talk alot. Then dizziness with tinnitus followed by pins and needles in my hands and sore fingers. A burning in my upper arm and an impossibly stiff neck and now IBS. The last one i had 20 years ago. I've had blood tests, mris, xrays all come up with nothing except mild scoliosis I'm told. I have no diagnosis and all my gp offers is pain killers. Not sure where to go from here?
Hi, have you seen my other videos? I talk about fibromyalgia and other causes of chronic pain.
I kept on having tennis elbow and my doc said have you heard of Fibromyalgia? I said please don't say that. That was 5 years ago and I have fibromyalgia. I have lots of symptoms and I do research. He was right
Thanks again for another useful video! I've just got a terrible flare of fibromialgia and I'm very depressed. But your video gave me suggestions to talk again with my doctor. Thank you!!
Hi Cecilia, I hope you feel better soon. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
I had surgery at the age of 18 which I think triggered my fibro but I was not diagnosed till last August at the age of 32 and am now not able to work due to exhaustion more than pain.
Hi Dr Furlan, how are you? Thank you for another excellent video. I already purchased your book and am still reading it. My onset of pain came from car accidents in the last 10 years while riding a push bike. There was a lot of bad whiplash, bone fractures, hematomas etc. I recovered each time, got back on the bike but in August 2022 the neck started to hurt badly. I connected with neurosurgeons in Nov 2022 and ended in June 2023 because I was not happy with my progress. The MRI reports showed bulging discs pressing on left C6/C7 nerves, degenerated, dessicated discs, some deteriorated cervical facet joints due to the trauma. The neurosurgeons tried medication, cortisone injections, EMG, nerve blocks but they couldn't find the source of the pain. The medication not only did not achieve much pain relief but caused a series of side effects such as constant drowsiness, impacted memory, concentration and digestive issues. I cut down a lot due to these adverse side effects. The medication was making me feel like a vegetable. I don't have neurological deficits. I can still move my arms, hands, fingers, move my legs etc. In Aug 2023 I went to Florida to have a C5-C6, C6-C7 disc repair to remove the pressure off the nerves. The neurosurgeon also ablated the nerves of the facet joints at C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1 on both sides. The ablations were based on the MRI imaging rather than nerve blocks. Since I have come back to Australia my neck has been hurting a lot more, but I also get bad pain on and off all over my body. Not only pain, but tightness of neck, traps, shoulder muscles, pins and needles, numbness spreading into arms, hands, fingers, legs and feet. I regreted havig done this surgery. These symptoms are also set off by the position of my body IE standing (least painfull), sitting (more painful), lying down (the worst pain). I have learned from your book about nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic pain. I am starting to think that my pain may also have a nociplastic component in it. The pain has been going for the last 14 months non stop. I am disappointed with my GP and specialists here in Melbourne AUS because when I asked them to check for other pathologies such as fibromalgia, rheumatoid arthritis etc, as explained in your book , to get closer to the real problem, they replied to me that I did not need to have those tests. Unfortunately most health professionals aren't very well trained for nociplastic pain. I don't know if I am also suffering from fibromalgia because I am not getting much help by the doctors here. How do I real know that I have fibomalgia and central sensitization?
Hi dude :) Read your post. Yeah I am in Au and you are correct in what you typed regarding the brick wall you encountered with the medical profession. I do feel for you. We share similar pain. I hope you get better. I just want to ask you, what medications are u taking and are u doing some type of rehab ? pool or walking. Everyday is an improvement. U might not think so. What you do now in terms of exercise, u will benefit in six months. A pain specialist told me that.
Great explanation, as always.
Glad you liked it, Perla. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
@@DrAndreaFurlan yes, I have sen many of them. I have cronic payn. Escoliosis, discal lumbar dicise and fybromialgia. I m a doctor. But my condition its very paynful some days. Ibuprofeno, pregabalina, corticoides. Thats why y accept all help. Thank you very much, Dr. Furlan.
Thank you doctor i really suffer to explain everyone about my pain but no one did listen to me after 5 year they told me that i got fibromyalgia still i need to give explanation to people .Thank you so much for this video i will save and share
I've been working for years to experience what works and what my triggers are to get through the days as well as possible. mattress and pillow, eating habits and vitamins. Day routine and developments on a psychological level.
I've had widespread pain for 3 years, not 3 months, coinciding with severe fatigue that left me mostly in bed for a year. One year of bodyworker. Two years of PT. Numbness in limbs. Pins and needles. 3 years of rashes and itching. Raynaud's that my *neurologist* diagnosed before my PCP. 3 MRIs. Diagnosed with IBS. Given SSRIs and Gaba. Countless tests.
Doctor has zero explanation for me. She says I'm fine and "not dying." I think part of the problem is I have an extreme pain tolerance and I cannot describe my pain properly because of it.
Great description
Glad you think so!
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia almost 4 years ago n sadly, my doctor told me that she can’t do anything for me 😤. Thank u for sharing this video
After being tested for all kind of illnesses and diseases that could cause the same symptoms I was finally sent to a rheumatologist. She told me that one way to diagnose fibromyalgia is to test tender points on the body. There are in total 18 tender points, 9 on the left side and 9 on the right side of the body. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia a minimum of 11 tender points should be tested positive for sensitivity. In my case all 18 tender points testes positive.
They test these by slightly pressing on these points with the thumb. Normally this does not hurt. When you have fibromyalgia it does hurt.
For me, a friendly nudge with a finger feels like a very hard punch.
I have fibromyalga , complex reginal pain syndrome, chronic back pain, chronic headache and looking into Auto immune disease, so I am in constant horrendous pain 24/7 and this was through a assault at work...Before that happened 17 years ago I was 40years and enjoying life, now I can't get out of bed 😮
Sounds like you could have Bechets disease 🙏
Will you do a video about sjögrens? Recently have primary with peripheral nuerothropy also epecleritis of right eye. Mild binary carpal
Thank you so much a bird told me I could be developing this
This is helpful
I have fibro and I would not wish tt on anyone. My body feels like it's in fight or flight all the time. IBS was diagnosed first. Then it all hit like a truck! I am so stinking tired ALL the time. Don't sleep for.crap at night. Can't think during the day but as soon as I try to sleep it seems my brain kicks into over drive! I am tired of having everything covered by the fibro blanket. It's not always fibro. Had to have 2 hip replacements after Inasked for xrays and found out it was bad osteoarthritis. Life just gets more interesting the older I get!
Did I miss the answer to the question,.. Is there a blood test to diagnose?? All VERY ACCURATE INFORMATION!
My doctor has still not said I have it, I had to wait for pain management at the hospital to finally say it after ten years. Just in the last 2weeks.
I was diagnosed when the Epstein Barr virus reactivated (I didn't know that I had ever been exposed). I began multiple blood tests to check for various inflammatory markers as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I take multiple supplements to boost my immune system and have found this very helpful. My discomfort has been tolerable unless the EBV is reactivated again, like now. People look at you with a blank look when you explain why you're not feeling well at the moment. 😢
My doctor blames every pain on arthritis
I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was 18 now I’m 21 and as time gets on you kind of have to put up with it periods of time taking a lot of medicine helps sometimes!!
A pain clinic gave me pain blockers and when they did not help, the doc got mad and claimed something was wrong w/me. Unbelievably, w/out my approval or knowledge he called a psychiatrist. Imagine my surprise when I answered the phone and it was this shrink. He called himself to make the appt, and already got approval from my insurance Co, all behind my back. I told him something was wrong, I was in pain and how dare he call me and my insurance Co. I hung up on him and never went back to the pain clinic.
Thank you ❤
You are welcome, Kristi. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
Ok, I'll check it out, for sure!! You talking, It's like telling my life story...
I used to be a worker, since I was 14 plus just very active..I hit my head and all of a sudden I started feeling really bad, every day, worse and worse and worse ...losing weight like crazy, depression for the 1st time ect ect and I was diagnosed with fibro.. than my wrist dropped..and after 7 years, I was finally diagnosed with MS..so they think I have Fibro and MS because I'm in pain.. more than I'm not.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will surely be looking at more of your videos🥰🥰🥰
I think there is a huge emotional aspect to this as well
I have fibromyalgia. It took 2 decades to get diagnosed. Anyway, I manage it with daily yoga, keto diet, intermittent fasting, weight training, calisthenics, and twice a week runs. Does it hurt? Yes. But I live a pretty normal life, and my pain has settled at about a 3. I also have an arsenal of massage stuff.
I have/had severe childhood trauma from narcissistic abuse. Complex PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic depression, I had autoimmune thyroid disease but beat it after being told it was life long. I also have no social life and very accute social anxiety caused by all of this.
It's absolutely worse during my menstrual cycle. I have to brace myself every month for the flare-up and psychological meltdown.
It's enough to make you want to just give up. I cannot stop moving, ever, or the pain becomes unbearable.
I am not on any prescription medication. It makes no difference. Exercise and diet are #1.
I also wanted to add how hellish and horrible it is to try and work any full-time job with this problem. I had NEVER been fired in my life until I started having extream fatigue and extream psychological stress from working a crap job that doesn't pay enough while being in constant pain. I've since been fired from my last 2 jobs because I got fed up with the entire thing.
Thank you for your video. I was firstly diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica..they now think I have fibromyalgia so not sure if I have both..
Thank you for a great video. I have been struggling with fybro for about 15 years now at least it is how long since I have been diagnosed. Could you please help me what is the best kind of Dr to see concerning it. I now live in constant pain and the fatigue and depression is above the charts. Has been this way since about a year and a half ago when I had knee surgery and well in the last year I have had 7 surgeries causing the fybro to stay off the charts. I cannot take any of the meds that are typically used as they cause me to become very ugly and suicidal. I was thinking maybe there is something new that might help me but not sure. Thank you again for your video
It's the worst thing to ever happened to me!! It caused a cascade effect of tragedy in my life. It's been so bad I didn't want to live anymore.
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
2 years ago I got electrocuted in my basement when my basement flooded with water. In a panic I tried to save my Kirby vacuum not realizing it was still plugged in the wall. As soon as I grabbed it, immediately I felt the electricity flowing through my body. The doctor said I fried the outer layer of my nerves. It's now given me horrible neuropathy. The pain is unbearable. Everyday I feel pain throughout my body. My feet and hands and legs are the worst, always numb, tingly, burning, stabbing feeling. it makes it difficult to walk at times I feel like you are describing me in this video with the pain the depression the doctors, the fibromyalgia. Im so depressed I don't know what to do, because the doctors can't seem to help me with the medication they prescribe. The pain is so bad at night, keeping me up. So Im always tired and grouchy, depressed. I feel like all my life's been drained out of my body. I need help and don't know where to turn to.. do you have any suggestions?
I have been diagnosed nearly 10 years. I am retired and can rest when need be. My meals are prepared for all who live here.
Hello,
I think that I have been suffering from myofascial pain (trigger points in my leg and my shoulder) for several months without getting proper treatment. A few weeks ago I started feeling some mild symptoms of fibromyalgia like fatigue and pain that spreads to different areas of my body (mainly my back). You are telling in the video that this is quite common and that "we have to help them before they developp more symptoms of fibromyalgia". What do you mean by this ? Treating the trigger points perpetuating myofascial pain ? Are there other things I can do ? And what's the outcome for the patients you are talking about ?
I have this for years i went to the doctor for years when I was working i couldn't work i try to so i went to another dr he told me i had All of this pain and numbness i would just lose all my strength and everything i feel what you are all going through i am praying for you all
I have Fibromyalgia and lupus with the Immune system I’m on pain management
I'm watching at 4 AM, which tells you everything you need to know.
One thing for doctors! Please please check your patients that complain about acute tiredness, muscle aches etc for b12 and d3 deficiencies!! I have fibromyalgia but also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a vaccine injury, have been rear ended 3 times in my vehicle and had chronic mono for 6 years, so I guess my doctor just thought my extreme exhaustion and muscles that hurt to the touch were from all my other problems! Getting on b12 and d3 has helped some though and at least I don’t feel like I’m dying 😳
This explanation is so accurate. I want to say more, but I just don’t have the energy to do so. 😢
Thanks
I was diagnosed 22 yrs ago. One specialist sent my GP a letter saying if the tabs prescribed didn't work, send me seeing a psychiatrist!! And he was a rheumatologist!! I have a GP now, that by the signals he gives off, is still under the impression that fibro is a mental disease! Pain I cope with (i do have a high pain threshold) The lack of 'restful' sleep is the killer! I usually manage 4 hours of sleep/waking!! It's usually the feeling of my feet and legs being on ' fire' that stirs me or the pins and needles due to the recently diagnosed nerve damage in my lower back. I've never had an accident so i don't know how that happened! But my back and fibro started 33 yrs ago after an emergency c section due to severe pre eclampsia. It seems that 'pregnancy or birth triggered mine!! With each baby i got a few more symptoms!! You'd think I'd have stopped at 1? Nope..4 altogether!! But I must admit my symptoms didn't 'feel' as bad when i was actually pregnant!! Hormones?? Just wished you were my GP.
Thank you,much appreciated, so helpful to me,do you have any videos on pancreatic Insufficiency ?
Hi, thank you for this suggestion. This topic is outside of the scope of this channel. This channel is to discuss topics of chronic pain.
@@DrAndreaFurlan Ok,thank you,my sister suffers with EPI,the pain is really bad on a daily basis,I never heard of it until she got it,it's horrific,to where she's suicidal from it.
Thanks doctor. Would please talk about polymyalgia . Thanks in advance. ❤❤
Great suggestion Linda. I'll put on my list for future videos. Have you seen my website? I have lots of resources there for people with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain. www.doctorandreafurlan.com
@@DrAndreaFurlan
Thanks dr .. I'll definitely do it 🙏🙏
I wish you would address Central Post-Stroke Pain sometime.
Great suggestion for a future video
Tks for video
Treatment please !
I have many videos about treatment of fibromyalgia. In 2024 I will release an online course for healthcare professionals. Check back on my website
My doctor diagnosed me with fibro basically by ruling out arthritis and a few other things. I really feel like a flue shit brought mine on. I still have flares but mostly I feel pretty good. The weather affects it or getting to tired or overwhelmed.