How do I know if I have both ra and fibro | Arthritis Information

 

 

 

I wondered if anyone can tell me how they were diagnosed for both RA and fibro.  I was diagnosed a little over a year ago with RA with stongly positive RA antibodies.

Things are not good... i hurt all the time and thimk some of it is muscular as well as joints.  I dont sleep well because it hurts to lie down.

I have read some literature about Fibro and surely recognize some of the pressure points.

Thanks so much I have both and the best thing that you can do is get to your doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment.  Fibro is a very common affliction to have along with the RA.  Many of us here have both.  I have heard that mild exercise helps some people and muscle relaxers help others.  I use muscle relaxers on the advice of my doctor. 

I am sorry you are feeling so icky and have to face the possibility of dealing with yet another disease.  We are here for you and I wish you much luck at the doctor and hope you feel better soon.

Lots of us have both. I got the diagnosis for RA, then FM. The trigger points, fatigue and muscluar pain and sometimes depression are key factors. Your Rheumy or your primary either one can diagnose this. There are no blood tests, just a physical exam and asking you about your symptoms.

But there are treatments for FM that can help especially if you are not getting any treatment for it now. Also, ask for a sleep study if they think you have it to rule out sleep apnea and Restless Legs Syndrome. Deep sleep is essential to getting better. If you have untreated FM, it will make your RA worse.

Thet will probably try an antidepressant that helps you sleep and maybe something that helps your muscles relax. Exercise is also supposed to be very good for FM.

Here's some links:

http://thyroid.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http:// www.quackwatch.com/03HealthPromotion/fibromyalgia/fms00.html

http://www.remedyfind.com/healthconditions/10/

http://www.fmpartnership.org/Files/Website2005/Learn%20About %20Fibromyalgia/FM%20Overview/Monograph--English.htm

This one is very comprehensive:

http://www.fmpartnership.org/Files/Website2005/Learn%20About %20Fibromyalgia/FM%20Overview/Monograph--English.htm

 

Gram,
I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 12, and several months
later I was diagnosed with FM. I was hospitalized for physical
therapy, and part of my hospitalization I worked with a therapist
who taught me deep relaxation techniques to help me sleep.
For years, I was on RA meds and Flexeril (a muscle relaxant)
for fibro. Eventually I was able to come off of all meds.
Throughout much of high school and college I was able to
control my fibro without meds through regular exercise. Last
year I went to the gym for 1.5 hrs a day and was feeling great.
Fibro hasn't been too hard for me to control on its own. This
summer I started a bad RA flare, and the fibro got significantly
worse with it, since I wasn't able to exercise. I am now on
Lexapro (an anti-depressant) for the fibro, and it has helped me
sleep much better. For me, the key to controlling my fibro w/o
meds has been to keep my RA under control so I can exercise.
If you are diagnosed, your doc should be able to help give you
some steps toward controlling the fibro. I have Fibro and RA.  Fibro for almost 30 years and just diagnoised with RA one year ago.  I managed my Fibro pretty well.  Just tried to keep my stress level down, eat healthy, get regular massages and light excercise.  Than one day I woke up unable to move.  Swollen ankles, painful feet, arms and wrists.  It's been hell since.  I wish I could just go back to only having FIBRO!!  I am on antibiotic therapy and my RA doctor says this will help with the Fibro also.  He is treating me for both.  Hopefully one day I will be pain free. I think my fibro is giving me more problems than RA right now.  I don't get to go back until Nov. 29, my 51 birthday.  I was so spoiled.  Getting in to see docs whenever I wanted to.  I start Monday on some swimming physical therapy.  Swimming always helps me but if I swim, I need rest afterward and I have wanted to focus on the house.  Swimming makes me feel way better.  After I do it for awhile, I make a comeback after swimming and rest

 

I am on a kind of medication to take before bed  ametripilyne or something like that.....because I had told the rheum I dont sleep well because it hurts to lie there.I see him in a couple of weeks and I will definetly talk to him.

 

Thanjs aain I also have Fibro in addition to RA and my doctor put me on Cymbalta.  But it actually depressed me, so I took myself off.  I am also on ametripilyne and recently ambien.  The ametripilyne just short of relaxes me a little, but the Ambien is wonderful!   I sleep so well and no morning 'hangover'.  The fibro seems to be more active when I am stressed and tired. 
Talk to the doc and see what he recommends.  You may have to try a little here and a little there before you get the right combo.  Good luck!

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