Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I feel you. My legs are always so weak and sore that my knees are constantly buckling. It doesn't help that i've recently taken up walking as a hobby and now it's such a problem that i can't walk down the block. The skin along my feet, legs, and back is so super sensitive that even sliding my legs across the blanket drives me up the wall. My fingers are the same way. There's so much i wanna do throughout my day but i just can't get myself to do it because i'm beyond fatigued. I have zero energy. I thought i had fibromyalgia but because of the skin sensitivity my nuero diagnosed me with allodynia. But here's the thing, allodynia is like, an offshoot of fibromyalgia. Makes me wonder.

i dunno all my pain problems are directly from the MS my muscles tighten up so bad when i walk and not to mention this everlasting spasm in my jaw that will not go away

My neuro told me he "thinks there is a link, but don't quote me on that." He also said that quite a few people are diagnosed with fibro FIRST before they get proof that the MS is there. It's easier to call symptoms fibro, especially for the *lucky* (ahem) 5% with negative MRIs

I was diagnosed with fibro first in 2003 after having a virus for six weeks. Then I had more problems and had trouble walking and was diagnosed with MS in 2006, but my neuro thinks I have probably had the MS for years. For fibro, you are supposed to have widespread pain on both sides of the body for at least 3 months and have 11 of 18 of tenderpoints pain. Half of the time I'm not sure if my pain is from the MS or the fibro. Have you seen a rheumotologist?
Take care,
Jan

I did see a lady one time that specialized in FM, she didn't think that i had it. Its just weird, it seems like i'm in the lower percentage of people who have so much pain particularily the legs.

Hi there all,
my first episode of MS was 1999 but a definate diagnosis was in 2003. Many things fluctuate and very hard to distinquish what is what. All along pain and tender points fatique and most of the symptoms you have described which did not sit with ms. I was diagnosed with fibromyagia 6 months ago and the immunologist said it was quite normal or at least very understandable that someone who suffers trauma and stress, continual fatigue all of which are true to ms can develop fybromalgia. One of the main problems is sleep deprivation is a definate trigger for FM. Much to my original resistance to sleeping tablets I have concided that sleep and fatique need to be addresses and now taking. I must admit it took another flare of FM to make me sit up and take notice. Here's hoping that medication and fatique management will assist with FM and MS. Please let me know if I can help answer any questions as my neuro and immunologist are both very helpful and willing to answer questions. take care all of you.
D

my rheumatoid factor was borderline, and the rheumy said i may have FM, i do have tender points also and the stiff muscles im not on meds, so its always there the pain and achiness. I know you can have both at the same time.

I have several autoimmune disorders and Fibro is considered usually a secondary syndrome from primary Autoimmune Disorders. If Fibro is primary, then it's a whole 'nother ballgame. About your tenderpoints not being there....since this new "Mytery Syndrome" came in March, my tenderpoints "numbed out." They are gone. But, the pain in my legs, when their not numb, is far worse now then it ever was before...not related to Fibro as it once was. Or, I was misdiagnosed. Point is, yes, I do believe that you can have both MS and Fibro. Autoimmune diseases often run in groups, especially the longer you've had the disease(s). Hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon---ang

I have been diagnosed with both MS and FM..I have all the points...they mimic each other so much that is for sure.

All the best and you take care!