I would like to to mention that some people that I have known with fibromyalgia have actually had stomach ulcers (actually esophagal) and menopause. The pain wasn't localized from the ulcer. The menopause was just troublesome. These are two conditions (among others) to check on.
Not that fibromyalgia isn't a problem, just that diagnosis is not easy.
Doctor - you are absolutely right - and that is precisely one of the things which has made FMS so difficult. The only way to test is to 'rule-out' , and through research, I have found there to be MANY accompanying illnesses.
I read one study which suggested that menopause could precipitate FMS due to the Hormonal changes taking place in the body.
Those changes cause the 'fuse' to blow, and the dance begins.
It was indeed terribly difficult to settle on this diagnosis for me. Other than my excrutiating pain - I had no other symptoms but the fevers that often go with it.
I did and do have a multitude of the other illnesses that tag along - TMJ, Endometriosis, peri-menopause, etc. It has not been easy.
I have ulcers - and your writing made me see the cycle. Stress causes certain hormones to kick in, which triggers a flood of symptoms, and over time, ulcers are caused through excess stomach acid from stress. The triggers start the body on the road to 'blowing' the FMS 'fuse'. It is very clear when you think of it that way.
I will add this to my research list and include it on my blog. Great info. Amore, thank you - and even though my pain threshold is higher than most - THAT fact made the diagnosis harder to reach, and the FMS so hard to understand. And you are correct - I too, have a hard time healing or relaxing or ANYTHING when the pain is that bad. The Flu achiness multiplied times 100 - or so it felt.
I am happy to report I am doing well with two morphine tabs a day, have cut the vicodine back to a few and put Ibuprofen in its place, and use the valium for sleep. That is - as long as I have taken the vitamins I need!
Thank's guys, for being so kind. When I threw this post out there, I honestly expected to be bashed, as I have before - but this time I did not care. Alot of people are suffering like me, and it can't stay taboo forever! God Bless you both, and I hope you had a wonderful Independance Day! JK