T.,
Have you ever been evaluated for Fibromyalgia? Do you get pains anywhere else, particularly under your left shoulder blade? Do you have problems with sleep, whether it is not being able to fall asleep, or not sleeping well and feeling like you didn't sleep at all when you wake up? Do you have any pain or tingling or numbness in your feet, legs, arms, or hands? Do you have restless legs syndrome (it feels like bugs are crawling on your legs)? Do you have a history of migraines, tension headaches, depression, bipolar disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or exhaustion? Very often, these diagnoses are NOT the correct diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is very often misdiagnosed as any of the above, particularly bipolar disorder.
Fibromyalgia can sometimes present during pregnancy. Not to say that you didn't have it before, but for some people (myself included), pregnancy causes a major flare in symptoms.
You may want to consider seeing a rheumatologist, but it is important to find one that:
1. Believes fibromyalgia is a real disease
2. Knows how to do a tender point exam
3. Is up to date on the latest research, meds, and treatments
Do you have any other family members who have odd pains, or are tired all the time, or who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism, chrons disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or interstitial cystitis? These diseases are genetically linked to fibromyalgia, meaning they run in families.
Fibromyalgia is very difficult to get diagnosed without a good doctor, so I wish you well in your search. Although it may seem overwhelming to be diagnosed with a chronic illness, Fibromyalgia is becoming more manageable every day. Research is ongoing for new treatments, better diagnostic tests, and better medications.
If you want to learn more about Fibromyalgia, check out fmaware.org If you do get diagnosed, and want someone to talk to, feel free to email me.
Good luck!
-C. Bishop
Fibromyalgia Patient Advocate for Pfizer