Fibromyalgia-A Disease Within a Disease

Widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, these are the major symptoms of fibromyalgia. As we all know, those three are enough to deal with as it is. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can overlap with fibromyalgia as well. But, what if a few other diseases are added to this painful cocktail? In order for our family and friends to really understand what we experience on a daily basis, they need to know that fibromyalgia is more than "hurting all over." They need to know that some of our symptoms are separate illnesses that other people can be diagnosed and treated for as an illness that stands alone. They need to know that we not only fight pain, fatigue and insomnia, but we also fight other associated illnesses that have their own separate symptoms. This article will discuss several illnesses that are symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Irritable Bowel syndrome.
Abdominal cramping
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea, constipation or both

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome
Rapid heart rate
Chest pain
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Flushing
Dizziness
Nausea
Choking
Trembling
Numbness
Coughing
Hoarseness
Difficulty concentrating

Irritable Bladder/Urinary Incontinence
Feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate
Experience urge incontinence, the unintended loss of urine
Urinate frequently, usually eight or more times in 24 hours
Awaken two or more times in the night to urinate

TMJ or TMD
Pain or tenderness of your jaw
Aching pain in and around your ear
Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
Aching facial pain
A clicking sound or grating sensation when opening your mouth or chewing
Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
Headache
Uncomfortable bite
An uneven bite, because one or more teeth are making premature contact

Restless Legs Syndrome.
Unpleasant sensations in their calves, thighs, feet or arms, described as:
Deep-seated
Creeping
Crawling
Jittery
Tingling
Burning
Aching

Myofascial Pain
Deep, aching pain in a muscle
Pain that persists or worsens
Muscle stiffness
Joint stiffness near the affected muscle
Area of muscle tension that feels like a knot and may be sensitive to touch
Difficulty sleeping due to pain

Shingles/Zoster Sine Herpete(shingles without the rash)
.
Pain, burning, tingling, numbness or sensitivity in part of your body
A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
Itching
Fever and chills
Headache
Upset stomach or abdominal pain

Post Herpetic Neuralgia.
(Often follows a shingle or zoster attack)
Sharp and jabbing, burning, or deep and aching pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch and temperature change
Itching and numbness
Headaches

Maybe you have experienced some or all of these. Maybe knowing this has answered some questions for you. Whatever the case, examining some of these illnesses or "symptoms" is the first step to finding relief.