I was told 20 yrs ago I had Fibromyalgia I thought it was a madeup disease when Dr didn't know what was really wrong.You didn't mention any mouth dryness and eyes? I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome about 6 yrs ago. Fibromyalgia pain was actually Sjogrens. Hope this helps.

Dear ellyons87,
Unfortunately you are not alone and there are more questions than answers. I am seventy two was diagnosed about forty years ago and up until two years ago I was able to smile and pretend I was fine most of the time.Then I got a virus which was bad enough to go to the emergency room.Gradually I started with tingling and drenching sweats,electric shock pain-basically I now have body pain and burning from the bottoms of my feet to the hair on my head.It’s the body from hell. I have to laugh when the doctor asks if I am depressed.Fibromyalgia is not nice,.Thank God that research is being done so that possibly my grandchildren may fair better with new treatments.

I would see a specialist if your MD won’t test for the cause of swollen lymph nodes just to be certain you haven’t been given the “default diagnosis” of fibromyalgia for pain of unknown origin and something of greater concern is not being ignored. Lyme disease, autoimmune issues, and many other disorders have share symptoms with fibromyalgia.

I have bone pain too. For me it is more arthritis like, but headaches, visual disturbances (not floaters), bruised skull feeling, ear ringing every day (no, alpha lipoid acid did not help), IBS like symptoms…I’m afraid these are all very common, and unfortunately just something we must learn to deal with as we learn how our bodies respond to things. Medicine has been somewhat helpful at best.
I’ve had fibromyalgia diagnosed for over 8 years, and prior to that had symptoms but went undiagnosed for at least 12.
Here is what I discovered, and I hope it helps shorten your path to getting some relief:

IBS - My IBS like symptoms were due to leaky gut which caused new seemingly out of the blue sensitivities to foods, for me it was gluten and dairy, eggs, some unknown frozen foods additive, and mold (blue cheese, hidden spoiled spinach leaves in salad, etc.) . IBS has
improved by taking a daily very high quality probiotic for a year and, continuing permanently, as well as digestive enzymes specifically to help with accidentally ingested (hidden or cross-contaminated) gluten. Further helped by eliminating high fat meats and all but the occasional dairy product. I had to go through three rounds of longer than the usual elimination diet protocols to finally figure this out. To waste less time, I recommend medical allergy testing or journaling diet and bowel issues in the same notebook to see if a link exists. For some, the link is not food but hormonal.

Thyroid function can affect GI too, and is easily tested with a simple blood draw.

Headaches - I take Aleve (Naproxen) 1-2 as needed for only the worst pain, as overdoing any NSAID can cause other serious problems with prolonged use. Individuals vary with which pain reliever NSAID type helps them. I have learned to live with the more moderate pain daily.

Likewise, I have learned to deal with a lot of pain as my “new normal”, as I do not like taking medication in general. I used to work in the ER, and in the ICU, and the more meds one takes the greater the chance of side effects, interactions and organ damage. I also observed that the longer pain medication is taken the less tolerant the brain becomes of even mild pain. But again, we all differ. Have an honest discussion with your doctors.

TMJ - If actually TMJ must be assessed by a medical specialist, who can advise treatments, but if “TMJ like” pain, I highly recommend acupuncture and/or guided relaxation meditation.

Relaxation and Sleep - Acupuncture relief is partial for me and very temporary, with the best effect the following day and decreasing over the next 4-10 days. Some do better with it. Meditation has done a world of good across the board for me as far as attitude, relaxation, help with sleep, and the anxiety or stress having all of these issues causes. My Integrative Health NP recommended I start with the free guided meditations available from Insight Timer. Ask yours if they are aware of any other quality apps because some offered online are shady.
Also, taking Magnesium Calm supplements ( check with MD first) and Melatonin if still sleepless has helped me rest which reduces some of the pain, physical and emotional fatigue of fibro.

Hand Pain - Etsy offers shops with warming mitts and wraps, even slippers for arthritis. I have not tried Voltaren but I hear it works for many. Ask your doctor.

Floaters - depending on the type may be nothing or a serious eye condition. I’d get an eye exam and speak to them about it. For ages I’d see odd random little dots of light or dark wander and swirl across my field of vision in the absence of headaches. I was told after an exam these were not a concern, but some types are early warning of specific issues. For no apparent reason they became less common and eventually resolved on their own.
Some visual disturbances are linked to headaches and migraines. I had terrible migraines when my fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism first began as well as a few types of bizarre visual disturbances which I later learned were caused by both hypothyroidism and artificial sweeteners (pre diabetic, told way back in the day to drink diet beverages), although I have no trouble with Stevia. For me, even though my thyroid has long been managed, artificial sweeteners as well as erythritol, monkfruit, and sugar intake and caffeine even in small amounts can still cause can cause some visual issues.

What does help me psychologically in general, and this may sound silly, is making a point to see my strength regarding this instead of my reduced abilities, being grateful for what I have that really matters vs. focusing on what I’ve lost, being honest about what I can do vs. grieving what I cannot, having a sense of humor about living with fibro (not easy to acquire) and focusing on new activities, like painting, crafts, my pets, my garden and not being ashamed of having to take breaks during almost every activity. Don’t be embarrassed to practice self-care and honoring your body and its new needs.

What has helped me greatly is trying to eat the healthiest diet I can tolerate, wearing my Fitbit which helps nudge me to be active, and being honest with my spouse and family about my needs rather than ashamed.
None of us has asked for this disorder, you did nothing to cause it, and you may not be able to exercise as you once did or look as fit as you once did, or be able to be what you once were (I was training for a triathlon when symptoms began for me) but there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Best Wishes!