Autoimmunity

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Polyarthralgia & Fibromyalgia

Posted by: Mike on 4/18/2008 at 09:46 PM

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What is Polyarthralgia; this is from what I was told a general inflammation of the joints, or an autoimmune desease. This was my diagnosis after a year of tests could not find all the other nasties out there. The main one they looked for was Rheumatoid Arthritis, a lot of my symptoms pointed to this but nothing showed up in my blood so as it was not confirmed the diagnosis was Polyarthralgia.However looking at RA symptoms this is what I got, but i do know some people that have this and it was the same for them one friend had it for ten years before it showed up in there blood. For others it has still not shown up, not knowing I believe is worse then knowing as there is always the possibility that it may be something worse.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that involves inflammation of the joints and joint pain. I take Nabumetone this works within reason although there are some nasty side effects to this drug so I don’t know what I may be in for in the future.

I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia yet another type of pain to deal with I've been told that this may be caused by (leaky gut syndrome) you may want to look that up. This can induce fatigue and tiredness cause legs and arms to feel like lead or that you have just done a marathon, when you have only just got up out of bed. In fact I tend to wake up more tired then I was going to bed.The pain and the fatigue are very debilitating they take the very life out of me at times and the sad thing is this is not who I am, I suppose that the strangeness that other people feel when they look in the mirror, it like one person described life they said even though I am 80 years old I still see myself as a 20 year old I still want to do the things of a 20 year old but my body just wont go with it.The biggest gripe I have while I'm at it LOL is when people say "But you look so well" boy does that grind me. As if I put this on for attention seeking, if I was look in for attention I think there are a lot better ways.One of the sad effects is my reduce activity with my family not being able to interact with them at play, my son plays golf something that I started a year or two before this happened and now I cant even get around the course on a scooter with him, Although I will try a day out with a proper golf cart in the summer as a treat more expensive but I guess its what you got to do. Another sad effect for me is not being able to work, who would employ someone who can only do 3 - 4 hours a week at intervals that are unpredictable. Any level of stress makes it worse so I can only see it being worse to try then not to. Then you got the problems of the state benefit system, and the "We don’t believe you cant work" attitude is it any wonder why people in our condition are petrified of even finding out if we could do some work. I was earning nearly £30K when this happened and now would be on between £40 and £60K as the demand for my skills has gone through the roof. I think that’s just a bit more then my benefits. LOL.Life sucks at times and looking through a window and the same four walls all the time it can suck for most of it.Sorry if your depressed even more buy now, but I am sure you to feel the weariness of illness.

I have wrote other blogs on my boat trip, art etc visit my profile and have a read, there are some funny jokes there also if you need a laugh. Wink

Mike

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tearsza wrote on Jun 3, 2008 at 2:52 AM
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hi, I do understand what you are describing. I have lived in Chronic Pain for 40 yrs.--the best years of my life. But then I think of people born with some kind of affliction who never know anything but that. Depression seems to go hand & hand with CP (though I think there is a genetic marker as well) I have TMJ (the big detonator of a life I yearned to live)and, have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (when RA was thought the culprit). Always more drugs. I tried to stop all medications once about 3 yrs. ago and wound up in the hospital with a seizure that wiped my memory! So, don't anyone go into a rapid detox unless it is supervised! However, that is like me. Want to get something accomplished & don't want to wait around until somebody else gets to it. Life is filled with frustrations and sadness; but it also filled with Beauty and gladness. Family and friends can make all the difference -- or not. Depends upon how tired they are of hearing how you are doing/or not doing. I just stay to myself now, having learned to entertain myself with artistic pursuits. I do nag myself out the door for a walk or get into the pool for some exercises--best form of exercise for joint problems--no weight bearing. I don't know if we are responsible for our autoimmune diseases by the hormones they put in chickens/cows or how they handle other food stuffs. I know there were not this many types of diseases when I was growing up. It is something that is being put into the growth of animals, even our vegetables. Something changed.

I was glad to read your blog, Mike. We do need to hang tight with one another as nobody else is going to ever be able to understand what we go through, and I don't say that as a put down. It's just that if you haven't"walked in the shoes" sort of thing, you can't know. Best to talk about it with one whose treading along the same path.

Take care, Wings
Connie wrote on Sep 27, 2008 at 9:43 AM
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OMG! It is like I wrote "Mike's" blog myself!!! I am so sick and tired of Doctor's judging me by my looks and not my condition! I even had one Dr. say "So, is there anything I can see?" What an ass. Unless she had x-ray vision and could see tissue or nerve damage.....NO!!! Or, people saying things like "live with it" or "I can't afford to get sick so, I 'would' just ignore it". Most people don't acknowledge what you have as it might take too much of their time and energy. That's fine but don't discredit or label me in the meantime! They can only feel it if they have lived it! One day, it'll happen to them and they'll expect the whole world to stop...because it's all about 'them'. Hmmm. I am at a stand-still as NO ONE seems to know why my hands ache all day and night. Nor will they go out of their way to find out why or send me on to another specialist. Because they feel threatened by them, I guess. Too bad, get over it and find out what the hell is wrong with me! The Dr's also won't take another Dr's diagnosis....how ridiculous is that! If they didn't come up with it themselves...it is doubtable. Yet, none of them want to be the first one that said it. So....back to square one! Bunch of hypocrites! One Dr said I had Fibro and no one else will acknowledge it...what the heck?I had 18/18 tender points. Dahh! Not that I'm excited about that diagnoses but, at least it was a diagnoses. Somewhere to start. I want my hands back....and I want my life back. I'm suffering and so is my daughter and husband and no one gives a care....what is wrong with the medical field. I think the only people that think that doctors are fantastic are....doctors! Cause, what have you done for me lately??? Sorry, just had to vent! I can't do my daily things nor can I do the things I used to do. I'm 45 next week and I feel like an invalid. What will happen by the time I'm 60? Every week it gets worse. Debilitating and frustrating not to mention the pain. Hope they pay for a public health nurse 24/7 because the rate I'm going, I should need one in about a year. I believe in being proactive not reactive. I wish the medical practice would get on board. I call it a practice as....if they knew everything that they think they do....it wouldn't be called a 'practice' would it!!! LOL
sushiana wrote on Nov 20, 2008 at 3:43 PM
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Re Mike's comments, I experience constant pain and frequent fatigue due to my fibromyalgia. I also have bipolar disorder and cycle rapidly. To date, I have not found consistent relief from any medications, for either disability. My fibromyalgia diagnosis came in 1991 after a fall on the ice; my bipolar diagnosis came in 1985 though I believe the disorder has been with me since grade school. In March of 2007 all my symptoms escalated and I've been unable to work since that time. I've been a social worker for more than 30 years, and truly miss my work. Being unable to work has been the most devastating part of my entire journey. I was working toward my Ph.D. in Human Services but had to leave school because of my pain and exhaustion and inability to concentrate and remember. I'm also unable fully to participate in activities with my partner, my son, and my grandchildren because of the pain and fatigue. My credit is shot because when I became disabled I lost my income. Now that I receive SSDI, my income is still quite low--I was making about $50K, now I receive about $12K yearly. All these aspects combined create even more depression, stress, pain, and so forth. However, for me, there is a light ahead. I have returned to school, though in a different field. I am now studying toward my Doctorate in Metaphysical Psychology. In late spring or early summer of 2009 I will receive my Practitioner's Certificate as well as my Ordination as a Metaphysical Minister. About six to nine months after that, I will receive my Mpsy.D. My hope is to establish a church and later, to establish a nonprofit, transitional housing program for single parents, both male and female, who are trying to get back on their feet after recovering from substance abuse. There is hope for employment and for a fulfilling life, but it takes introspection and reassessment, and a willingness to change. I'm not always "up" and positive and yes, life sucks at times, but the one thing that is always there is hope. Spirituality is important, and daily affirmations and meditation help, too. Namaste, Sushiana
Raj wrote on Dec 11, 2008 at 5:13 AM
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A few months ago I was down with viral fever, and also had a bronchitis attack. Though the fever came down, my bronchitis took a while to be controlled. I am still on medication for bronchitis, since it has been recurring for some time now, and the doctor advised me to continue the medication for atleast 3 more months. After the viral fever attack, I started getting pain in my joints, lower back, limbs, finger joints, etc. And I would have irritation in the eyes even when I have just started my day after 6-7 hour sleep (I never get sleep before midnight, that's another problem because my sleep pattern got changed since last 2 years), and have not watched TV or worked at computer. Sometimes the (muscle & bone) pain is severe, walking is difficult, and basic movement to type on keyboards, and using a mouse also produce a kind of irritable (though not severe) pain. After working at the terminal for an hour or so, I find it tough to continue. My doc's diagnosis was that this is polyarthralgia and myalgia. He prescribed Etova 200, for a week. During this period the pain intensity was reduced but returned soon after the course is over. When I consulted the doctor, he says 'you ignore it' or take the same tab when the pain is severe. Most of the time the pain simply is irritating and makes it tough to do even small tasks. Lifting a plate, a water mug, using a nail cutter, etc become tough tasks. I noticed some red rash on my hands which appear (and stay for some time, about 30 minutes, and then disappear) when I lift small weights or press my hand on the bed while getting up etc. The doctor did not take any cognizance of this input. He ignores it! During this treatment cycle, I have not been able to work. I am not sure how long I can continue in this manner. I looked at the comments by freedomschild, Connie, and Sushiana. I am not sure how long my treatment will go on. The doc says it could take about 6 months to recover. He is saying you continue with your routine. But I find it tough. I am able to take care of my basic activities. I find sitting and working for 6-8 hours daily difficult. I am not sure what to do next. Is there no cure for this polyarthralgia and myalgia? The doctors talk of pain management not cure. Is this going to be life long? If so, will the pain levels remain same or worsen? In India, we do not have any SS benefits. I am not sure what will happen if this problem continues and affects my work life further and the employer is to decide (already I have been off work for over 40 days) that I can't be of much use to them. Is there any alternate therapy available in Homeopathy / Ayurveda / Accupuncture -accupressure? I would love to have your feedback. Thanks in advance, Raj
Midge wrote on Dec 11, 2008 at 5:28 PM
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Hi, Mike. Life can suck at times. I feel good today, but that might change. I can relate to feeling like you need to go back to bed. I have a degenerative brain disease, very much like MS. Some days I wake up and wish I hadn't. Other days I wake up and can get up and function. Now that I use a wheelchair at least I can get around my house. I had a freind with fibromyalgia. Bless her, she was in such pain, it hurt me just see her because there was nothing I could do to help. She finally gave up and killed herself. She just couldn't take the pain any longer, and her doctors kept telling her they were doing all they could do. I'm glad that we have this site to be able to communicate with others who really understand. Thanks for allowing me to vent. Midge
Charlotte wrote on Dec 30, 2008 at 7:58 AM
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Sister, I feel your pain. Had a hard fall two and a half weeks ago. Have suffered from osteoarthritis for a long time. Called the nurseline tonight as I have been waking in the night in generalized pain for about two weeks. Tonight I was crying and this scared me as I have a very high pain tolerance. I have been tested for rheumatoid factors as well as lupus and came up negative for these. I have been instructed to see my doctor TODAY. How long have you been living with chronic pain? Thanks.
Lucinda wrote on Feb 1, 2009 at 11:52 AM
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Hi, I was looking up what polyarthralga was on google and came across your blog. I thought I'd read it since i have the same as you. From what you've said the fatigue is worse for you but i can still relate with everything else, though my mum always says I look bad not well. Although saying that my friends think I look well most of the time lol. Not good really. Just so you know I'm a 16 almost 17 year old girl and I've had polyarthralgia/ fibromyalgia for errm ... let's say about 5 years now. I was only diagnosed, however, in feb 2007 (I think around that time). It TOTALLY sucks it's so hard to concentrate in school and the worst part is having to wake up in the morning and be able to function adequately at half eight in the morning. As you said in your blog I do also feel a lot more tired when I wake up than when I go to bed. I think this is because I dream too much. Like on the list of symptoms of fibromyalgia it says that one might sleep in REM too much. I find sleeping for 7 hours is more refreshing than sleeping for 10 hours or so because I haven't dreamt as much. Also what REALLY annoys me is the randomness of the pains. Just walking up to school in the morning ( only up the drive of the school) my knees, hips or ankles go haywire and decide to be very painful. Then sitting in class often gives me a back ache. But i see a chiropractor once a month and also a sports massage therapist once a month or more if need be and they help me soooo much. I don't know if you've tried chiropractic but I would highly recommend it. I've tried so many different things to help me, so many methods. So far all I've found that helps is a hypoglycaemic diet where I have to cut out ALL of my favourite foods because they're all starch and sugar. It helps everything except my depression. Stupid depression makes giving up my favourite food very hard so it's an on/off diet for me though I should really stick to it. I think i've ranted to you enough now lol but I've been looking for someone with some sort of way to help me or just someone to talk to who understands what it feels like. So if you feel like it you could contact me on my e-mail or something ( cid.rock@hotmail.com ) I'd be greatful. Thanks for taking your time to read this. Lucinda
Dezzy Ray wrote on Feb 10, 2009 at 6:06 PM
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Mike, I was just told Polyarhthralgia also. Don't know when your started but mine was after a routine colonoscopy in which they gave me MRSA in my colon and after five days in the hospital I went home with a blown up stomach and joint pain throughout my entire body. I'm 46 and was a work horse and now it is hard getting out of bed and nobody understands because I too "look great" - very sad ! My RH was Neg too? The pain and tirdeness is awful. good luck
tammy wrote on Mar 12, 2009 at 5:42 PM
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Hi Mike, Just ran into your blog. i was told friday that i have polyarthalgia. I had no idea what that was so was trying to find out. your site gave me more insite, thank you very much. I have many diagnosis and so its hard for me to know if my symptoms are part of one of them or something new. i figured this awful pain and fatigue was probably either my heart problem or my post polio. my Dr said you never want to be an interesting patient, and you're a very interesting patient. Some days I cant even get moving at all. I had just told my daughter, I feel like such a slug, my friend is 15yrs older than me and can work circles around me, gets out and volunteers etc and I get worn out getting out of bed. I hurt so much lately the percocet doesnt help, the only thing that helps at all is a hot bath with hot towels wrapped around me. is that crazy or what. Once again thank you for sharing your story tammy
Kathy Riggle wrote on Jul 25, 2009 at 10:17 PM
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Yeah I am playing the diagnosis game too... I will be doing it after a pregnancy though. It went away and came back when my baby was 6 monthes to the day. Kathy

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