FMS Detective

So it seems to me that Fibromyalgia is a name which is given when no other diagnosis can be found for these myriad symptoms that we live with - pain, cognitive problems, nerve problems, muscle problems and so much more.

With me doctors ruled out Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert - Eaton Syndrome and many other conditions.

No clear test results heading us in a specific direction then lets just say Fibromyalgia and wait. It is not life threatening. (what the neurologist said)

The pain specialist I was referred to, explained that it is an overlap syndrome - it could be autoimmune, it could be endocrinological or it could be an infection. He even drew a diagram to explain it which looked a bit like this one from Immunopaedia...

The complex interplay between genetic factors, environmental triggers,
and regulatory aberrations of the immune response
responsible for the development of autoimmune disease 

Treat it all the same. (what the pain doctor said)

Well the treatments - and I've tried a few - are not working.

So here I go again looking for a clue, looking for something that will make me better.

Today my hypothesis will be focused around the autoimmunity link? Why? Because I have been told I have an autoimmune condition by a professor and also I already have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroid which is autoimmune hypothyroid condition. Also all the specialists seem to think the symptoms are autoimmune as they keep trying to rule out autoimmune conditions like MS.

So my assumption is that my "Fibro" is caused by my autoimmune system. I will :

• Look at the autoimmune system in general as it may be impossible for me to diagnose my own condition as there are over 100 known autoimmune diseases.
• See what is recommended to help the immune system i.e. what general things can I do to feel better?

1. "your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake" MEDLINE PLUS
2. "In many people, the first symptoms are being tired, muscle aches" MEDLINE PLUS

What is recommended to treat immune system
Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) suppress the body's overactive immune and/or inflammatory system
This is going to be a long process so check out what I find here