Case Summary  |  Fibromyalgia

It started with pain in my knees about 17 years ago. The joints were very sore all of the time. I saw an orthopedist who had my knees x-rayed and told me that there was nothing wrong.
Within the next 4 or 5 years I developed pain in my ankles and feet. I worked alot on my feet so just assumed that was the cause. At this time, I did not seek treatment.
By the time I was 30, I had chronic muscle pain in my legs. This pain was widespread and made it difficult to sleep, stand or sit for extended periods of time, or exercise. I saw numerous specialists-orthopedists, neurologists, rheumatolgists. Many tests were run but nothing turned up. Finally the rheumotologist decided I had fibromyalgia-and I have been plagued with it ever since. I am now 35 years old. Treatments prescribed to me were anti-depressants, muscle relaxers, and pain killers. I tried some of these but since I was not feeling any improvement in my symptoms, I discontinued use for fear of creating even more problems from the side effects. Currently I have turned to nutrition and supplements to try and "fix" whatever is wrong with me. Still I see no improvement. My condition now affects not only my legs, but also my arms, hands, back, and neck. To date I have not given up hope. I do not know what brought this on, and I will continue to look for a cure.