New and have a question about fibromyalgia

Diseases & Conditions Migraine Headache
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This is my second day here and I have been doing a lot of reading.  There is a lot of good information here.  From some of the postings I have read, if I am understanding correctly, it seems as if migraines can sometimes lead to fibromyalgia.  Is this correct?  I have had a couple of the systems but sounds like they could be arthritis instead.  I have been waking up in the night with severe leg cramps, pain in the knees, and have some tender spots that hurt when my kids put pressure on them.  I don't want to make more of this than it is but I was wondering how common it is for migraines to lead to this disease?  Also, do certain meds taken to prevent migraines seem to have a bearing on it?
 
Thanks
Dan
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Hi Dan, welcome to healing well.  I am Beth, a moderator from the fibromyalgia board.  Just saw your post and thought I'd pipe in my 2cents.  tongue

Headaches would not cause or lead to a fibromyalgia diagnosis; it's more of a "ruled-out-everything-else" syndrome.  It consists of many aspects, including muscles aches/pains, anxiety, irritible bowel syndrome, and many many others. 

Why don't ya stop over at the fibro board and read up on some of the posts.  It may help you to better understand your symptoms and help you to ask better questions at your next dr. visit.  There is no cure, no perfect medication, for fibromyalgia.  We only treat our symtpoms, as many and diverse as they are.  So read up and post to the kind friendly folks over there and see what you can gather.

Nice meeting you and welcome again,

Beth 

"The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory."  Psalm 97:6
 
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1,2
 
~Co-Moderator, Fibromyalgia Forum
 
Diagnosed in 2004 with Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, bulging disc and pinched nerve (L4-S1), chronic Costochondritis, Endometriosis, IBS.
 
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Hi Dan,
I'm Jeannie, another fibro mod. Sorry you are experiencing these symptoms. Just for your peace of mind, nothing has been found that causes fibro and nothing has been found that cures it so even if you don't get a dx right away it won't matter. The only thing that changes with a definitive dx is you, your attitude and your lifestyle. If it is fibro you would do yourself a favor by learning all you can about rest, stretching, gentle exercise (like tai chi), pain management and educating family and friends.

Please be careful about websites that offer 'cures'. They are often run by chiropracters and alternative health 'experts' and often just relieve you of your hard earned cash. There are many chiros and naturopaths who do have methods of offering some relief from pain and stiffness, but anyone who is legit will not offer a cure, only palative help. There are ongoing university studies to find a cure to this disorder and they are working hard. Those should be your sources of real info.

As Beth said, please feel free to join us on the fibro board. We will offer all our secret tricks and helps that we have found useful, even if you don't have a definitive diagnosis yet. Take care.

~ Jeannie

"As one goes through life one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe you don't move."
-Katherine Hepburn

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Dan-

It's not that migraines are causing or leading to Fibro, but that Fibro and migraines can be a package deal where a lot of migraineurs also have fibro and even depression. There are several medications that you can take that will help with both the Fibro issues and Migraine pain.

Sara

Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator

Sara-Migraine/Headache Forum Moderator
 
Thanks for Visiting HealingWell.com

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Thanks Sara and I am sorry to hear what you and your family are going through.  Sometime I will tell you what all meds I have tried and maybe you can tell me some I have not tried.  I won't bother you with that now though.  Thanks for writing.

Dan