Fibromyalgia..Is It an autoimmune disease?

Posted by Darlia @darlia, Feb 13, 2018

Hi all! I have Fibro. I also have many autoimmune diseases. I am being challenged by my comment to a FB discussion on Fibromyalgia about whether or not it is an autoimmune diseases.. any info appreciated! Thank you and ..just keep swimming.. just keep swimming!
Darlia

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

@jakefix82

Thanks…that’s helpful. I’ve read where some orthopedists refuse to do knee surgery on fibro folks because the outcomes are “iffy”. Then I’ve read one report that says the opposite. After my primary care Dr died, I tried to find a new one with MDVIP, a nationwide concierge network (the extra attention was worth the money). However, the only MDVIP dr taking patients in my area refused anyone with a fibro diagnosis! I’ve just not had luck finding someone who gets this issue. You’re in my thoughts as you fight breast cancer - that’s worrisome for sure. I had melanoma diagnosed last year, but caught it in time. Had surgery, took a golf ball size chunk from my leg, but good cure rate. I do have a great dermatologist - she, too, had breast cancer a few years back, but is back doing everything she once did.

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jakefix82, I am facing shoulder replacement when the injections stop working and then knee replacement for the same reason.

My surgeon told me that fibromyalgia patients take longer to heal....I totally agree with that. Every surgery I have had since being diagnosed with Fibro, I am about a month behind in the healing process.

Blessings....

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@covidstinks2023

jakefix82, I am facing shoulder replacement when the injections stop working and then knee replacement for the same reason.

My surgeon told me that fibromyalgia patients take longer to heal....I totally agree with that. Every surgery I have had since being diagnosed with Fibro, I am about a month behind in the healing process.

Blessings....

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Thanks!

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@jakefix82

Thanks…that’s helpful. I’ve read where some orthopedists refuse to do knee surgery on fibro folks because the outcomes are “iffy”. Then I’ve read one report that says the opposite. After my primary care Dr died, I tried to find a new one with MDVIP, a nationwide concierge network (the extra attention was worth the money). However, the only MDVIP dr taking patients in my area refused anyone with a fibro diagnosis! I’ve just not had luck finding someone who gets this issue. You’re in my thoughts as you fight breast cancer - that’s worrisome for sure. I had melanoma diagnosed last year, but caught it in time. Had surgery, took a golf ball size chunk from my leg, but good cure rate. I do have a great dermatologist - she, too, had breast cancer a few years back, but is back doing everything she once did.

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Did you know you can look up doctors in your area on Google and sort based on reviews? Look at the doctors with 4 or more stars and see if they're taking new cases. I think there are Yelp reviews and reddit too. A lot of doctors can be contacted by email to see if they take fibro cases. You will have to work with them closely to help you with pain meds and LOTS of physical therapy! Do you see a Rheumatologist? Mine is a wonderful (young, not near retirement) and he works with my Primary (also young) to get me the right combination of meds. Lyrica (pregabalin) along with muscle relaxants have really made a difference for me. I'm going to see my primary in November for my annual physical and was planning on asking her about Cymbalta (duloxetine). I've read it can also help with fibromyalgia. Take care, LB

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@grandmar

Hi Darlia,
This has been an on-going discussion among the medical community. I've suffered from Fibro for over 30 years!

There are still some old-fashioned docs who don't believe this even exists. There are people out there who are disabled from this when they are inflamed. When I tried to get a disability policy, I was told this is an autoimmune disorder and could not get coverage. Funny, people with heart disease, diabetes and cancer can (although they pay through the nose), but I couldn't.

ronnie

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I have Fibro and just got my lab test back. My test for autoimmune (ANA) was negative. Now waiting for my test for PFAS (with levels). I have a bad feeling that this will be what I expect since we are inundated with plastics and chemicals from everything we eat and do. I was just reading that PFAS is also in the Scotch Guard that I sprayed all over my recliner years ago.
Quest Diagnostics Labs allows you to order these two tests without a script. The PFAS results will take 2 or 3 days to get back. I have ordered a water filtration system. I can only reduce my intake of PFAS. I don't think there is any way to get it out of your body.

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