Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Odd Symptoms Caused by Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be such a mysterious illness. Of course, those of us who live with this illness know that pain is an undeniable symptom of Fibromyalgia. Did you know that there is a wide variety of other symptoms that could be caused by Fibromyalgia as well?
For some of us, these odd symptoms of Fibromyalgia take the form of cognitive issues. For others, gastrointestinal issues can be present. In this article, we are going to go over a few common symptoms you may be experiencing but probably don’t realize are caused by Fibromyalgia.
I was officially diagnosed with FIbromyalgia in 2015. At the time I was suffering from horrible migraines that would cause huge dark purple spots in my vision. I was unable to move from the pain I was experiencing in my arms and upper spine. Nearly every day I woke us nauseous and dizzy.
These symptoms ultimately forced me to leave my job as an EMT because let’s face it, who wants an ambulance driver that can’t see the road in front of them? I loved that job more than any I’ve ever had and truly felt as though I had found my calling. However, I had to put the patients’ safety at the forefront and step down from my position.
At the time, I wasn’t aware that all of these symptoms were caused by Fibromyalgia. I had been put through a battery of tests and told that it was everything from a brain tumor to Lupus. A few doctors were convinced that I was just making it all up. The jury is still out on Lupus being a possibility. Some doctors say yes absolutely so. Others say no way.Â
All of this inconsistency has led me to do a ton of research of my own about symptoms of Fibromyalgia and the problems they can cause for those who have it. This research has lead to a number of interesting discoveries. Several symptoms caused by Fibromyalgia would never have come to mind for me in regards to a condition usually just thought of as “nerve pain”.Â
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Cognitive Issues from Fibromyalgia
I’m sure many have heard of “fibro fog” that can cause those living with Fibromyalgia to be a little forgetful in conversations. However, were you aware that these hazy thoughts can go much further than forgetting your words from time to time? For some, this can mean getting lost while driving in familiar locations, forgetting the names of loved ones, and even being unable to concentrate or focus on daily tasks.Â
Common Symptoms Include:Â
- long-term memory lossÂ
- short-term memory lossÂ
- depressionÂ
- anxietyÂ
- problems with working memoryÂ
- confusionÂ
- dysphasia (difficulty speaking known words)Â
- directional disorientationÂ
- mood swingsÂ
- decreased libido
- increased sensory responseÂ
- clumsiness
Related: Don’t Let Depression Sneak Up on You (Tips for Checking Your Mood)Â
Gastrointestinal Issues from Fibromyalgia
So many of us who live with Fibromyalgia would never guess that our stomach issues may be caused by a condition we are commonly told affects our nerves. In fact, things like IBS-D, stomach upset, and nausea can very well be symptoms of Fibromyalgia as it is affecting the nerves of our digestive tract as well as those commonly thought of in our extremities.
Common Symptoms Include:Â
- Irritable Bowel SyndromeÂ
- BloatingÂ
- nausea and vomitingÂ
- unexplained weight gainÂ
- unexplained weight lossÂ
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Reproductive Issues from Fibromyalgia
Think your periods are a little worse since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia? It very well could be a thing. Studies have shown that issues such as worsening PMS, abdominal cramping, and even outright pelvic pain can be caused by Fibromyalgia.
Common Symptoms Include:Â
- dysmenorrheaÂ
- abdominal crampsÂ
- pelvic painÂ
- bloatingÂ
- painful, tender breastsÂ
- hemorrhoidsÂ
- urinary urgency or frequencyÂ
- bladder painÂ
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Cardiac Issues from Fibromyalgia
Sometimes the symptoms of Fibromyalgia can cause a condition called costochondritis ( a pain in the little bits of cartilage between the ribs) that can mimic chest pain making us think we may have something cardiac going on. Other times, however, Fibromyalgia can cause true cardiac issues.Â
Common Symptoms Include:Â
- arrhythmiasÂ
- P.O.T.S. ( postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)Â
- mitral valve prolapseÂ
Constitutional Issues from Fibromyalgia
Do you know those days where you just feel downright awful? Perhaps you have fatigue that refuses to let you get anything done apart from taking up space on the couch. Other days you could swear you are getting sick because of an overall feeling of malaise. These too can commonly be symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Common Symptoms Include:Â
- CoughingÂ
- SwellingÂ
- EarachesÂ
- FatigueÂ
- Headaches ( tension, migraine)Â
- InsomniaÂ
- Poor Sleep PatternsÂ
- NosebleedsÂ
- Post-Nasal DripÂ
- Sore ThroatÂ
- TinnitusÂ
- Vision ChangesÂ
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Ghastly
Ghastly is a kitchen witch, mom, and paranormal researcher. On this blog, she discusses everything from the odd to the every day in her life chasing spirits, raising children, and finding balance.
24 Comments
Kim
I have severe pelvic pain from the fibromyalgia, I’ve tried so many therapies for it, but nothing works, now I just carry around heating pads to keep the muscles as relaxed and warm as possible. The pain also makes me need to pee a lot which is annoying, especially at night. Fibromyalgia is still such an underestimated and misunderstood disease. I truly hope there will be more awareness and hopefully a cure someday. x
Ghastly
I’m so sorry you have to deal with that. I completely understand how frustrating it can be. I have PCOS as well as Fibro so I am always playing “what is causing my pain today” lol.
I agree it is still so misunderstood! There are so many people who are dealing with it but so little really known at all.
Sandra B
I feel tired lots irritable and get headaches alot and nauseous heartburn lots my back hurts me lots as well I yawn lots too
John Gatesby
Loved your article, very informative, though I would like to add couple more symptoms of this disease, chronic infections, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, endocrine diseases such as thyroid insufficiency and adrenal insufficiency, collagen vascular diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, muscles diseases such as myositis, various blood disorders with anemia components, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea and various metabolic abnormalities.
John Gatesby recently posted…Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Nancy
Bladder urgency is actually very common with Fibro patients. Amnitriplene at 20mg at night helped me with this issue.
Ghastly
I’m so glad to hear you are finding some relief! It can definitely be one of the most frustrating symptoms to deal with.
Shelley Meagher
I have learned how to do canning this year. Keeps my mind off of Fibromyalgia. Pherripal nueropathy; severe sensory nueropathy and numerous back surgeries. But it helps me control the sugars ; the preservaties. Most days are terrible and i am in pain.
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Lori Todd
My Fibromyalgia symptoms can include low grade fevers when I go shopping, run the sweeper, travel for 45 min. or longer, or pick up small things up from around the house. By low grade fevers my temp. will range from 99.1F to 100.2 degrees as it did this past Fri. as I was moving small items around the house to make room for a queen size mattress. It wasn’t because it was hot outside because I have central air. I’ve been told this is a rare form of Fibromyalgia. Does anyone else have this problem besides me? I also will run a low grade temp. for at least 15 min. after I take a shower. It’s so frustrating!
Ghastly
I deal with this as well on occasion. It is definitely frustrating!
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Deborah
NOt and illness , most of them can be cured its A Condition as it can only be managed .
Sweet BabyGirl143
I got scoriatic arthritis in my back IBS. Constipation and Diarrhea burning and tingling feet. Get headaches and migraines tired alot and tire easily. I get. Cranky and irritabke and Depressed easily. My nerves are bad shortness of breath PLEASE HELP is this All a sign of Fibromyalgia. also I got sciatic nerve pains lower and upper back
Ghastly
Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can cause these symptoms. It’s always best to speak with your doctor to find out what is going on. I know that can be frustrating at times, but someone who is able to look at things like bloodwork, any scans that may be necessary, etc is going to give you the best advice and treatment options to find relief. I hope you are able to find answers and help with these problems soon! 🙂
Karen
I have all of those symptoms plus. I was diagnosed the first time in 2002; after what seemed like thousands of test from everything from, MS, to Lyme disease, to lupus. Several things were found( none of the above) but I was at least getting some answers to why I couldn’t even hold my head up at my desk at work. The first time I got lost going home from work was scary, especially since I grew up in this town. Most drs won’t even acknowledge fibro because they don’t understand it, it’s sad but you really have to research a lot on your own.. I found s decent rheumatologist who test everything, all the time just to keep a watch on any changes. ( I have a lot going on) meds never help, hot baths with eucalyptus and mint does wonders, temporarily.. after a while, just like everything else, you learn to live with it. Much love and prayers, life is hard but, what’s the alternative??
Jennifer A
I remain frustrated because of fibromyalgia. It’s amazing that I can be only 43 years old and feel complete pain everywhere. A lot of times my legs are completely unbearable. Pins and needles that I feel on my arms just because something touches them is completely piercing. I’m frustrated because there’s so much that I try to do on a daily basis and yes I get it done but at the end of the day I definitely pay the price for it. That doesn’t even mention when I’m having a conversation and I’m looking for words that I know so well but I lose and then begin stuttering. I often forget what I’m talking about. I have not tried changing my diet which is something that I am going to be starting tomorrow. I’m at the place where I need to do something because I don’t want to go down this road if there’s something I can do to helpit. I’m just frustrated .
SHARI PETERS
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH FIBRO IN MY 50’S, AM NOW IN MY 70’S AND STILL DEALING WITH IT. I AM WONDERING IF THERE ARE DOCTORS THAT SPECIALIZE IN FIBROMYALGIA ? I HAVE DEALT WITH SO MANY DOCTORS THAT DON’T BELIEVE IT IS A REAL THING.
Ghastly
Hi Shari. I’m so sorry to hear that. I had a few who were quite dismissive as well. It’s definitely not any way to treat someone who is feeling so awful. I don’t think that there are any specialists who focus on fibromyalgia, unfortunately. However, I have been sent to a rheumatologist and a neurologist for mine. I hope that you are able to find someone who is helpful soon!
Rita
Yes there are special doctors. #1, first day wanted to put me on hard drugs. This was in 1996. I ran !!!!
Then I went to a woman doctor that deals with my fibromyalgia. She gives me the kind of drugs I okay.
She doesn’t do a lot for me. Nothing new on the market that I haven’t taken. Consider this your cross to
bare in life. After almost 30 years it does not get any better only worse.
Jill Ryan
My life is a bummer sometimes. I have RA, fibromyalgia, hives, depression, anxiety and on top of all of all of that, I’ve had cancer, back problems, including scoliosis. Basically,, I’m just a broken down old woman. I don’t mentally feel that way but it is true. My daughter in law doesn’t like me. My son does. Thank goodness. I don’t have friends anymore. It’s pretty sad. I am aChristian and I don’t drink. What should I do? I can’t do much because of the arthritis. Suggestions?
Alexandra
I’ve just found your article & can relate to so much in it. I had a very bad viral infection in my early 30s & ended up with Fibromyalgia ME & all the awful things that includes. I was so ill at time it was frightening. The Dr thought I had MS. I’m now 56 & still coping with this terrible affliction as well as arthritis. Every day is a challenge & there are huge periods of my past that I cannot remember. I’ve tried many remedies but nothing really makes much difference. Winter is particularly bad on joints & depression. I have a good family that look after me which is wonderful. I still feel guilty when I can’t join in activities or outings. I’m about to try CBD to see if it helps. I appreciate your article & recommend anyone with this illness or a relative of someone with this condition should read it to help understand just how much it takes out of us. I look forward to reading more. Stay strong .