Myalgias

[kencodog2000]

I was in the gulf war and I was informed that I have myalgias. Is there a test and treatment for this disease? I have had this pain since I got out of the military I have a lot of other symptoms as well. These are head,neck,low back,muscle weakness,pain in shoulders,hips,degenerative disc disease,constantly tired. I also have sweats and bumps on my head right before getting bad headaches. I have been on meds but nothing seems to help and it seems like no-one wants to help me.I am in pain all year long and have been told that I need to just deal with it. What can I do? Please help !!!

[VaBreeze]

It wasn't until recently that Gulf War Syndrome was recognized (can't imagine why!).  You sound as if you may fall into the category, as many of our military personnel who fought there do.  I'm sorry that you are suffering with any illness that may have been a result of the war; this scenerio in particular.  I hope you can find some useful information within the link PlateletGal has provided.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your service...God Bless!

[PlateletGal]

Please check out this website. Professor Garth Nicolson is an expert on Gulf War Syndrome and is a He is a Colonel (Honorary) of the U. S. Army Special Forces and a U. S. Navy SEAL (Honorary) for his work on Armed Forces and veterans' illnesses. He is also engaged in research on the role of chronic infections in a variety of chronic illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gulf War Illness and various autoimmune diseases.

LINK: http://www.immed.org

[patsy10]

Myalgia means "muscle pain".  It is not a disease.  Just a symptom of something else.  I think the full work-up as described by kiddthekatt is in order.

[kiddthekatt]

Good morning;
   I understand the pain, aching muscles, fatigue, you name it and we all have it on this forum. I am so sorry that you have had to endure this after risking your life for ours. Shame on the doctor or whoever told you to live with it! That was uncalled for and not professional at all. What type of doctors have you seen so far? Have you seen a Rheumy? I am asking because there are a number of reasons why you have this disease.

   I have Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, brought out to the surface by having multiple surgeries on my right knee. But this disease can be from infections, parasites etc etc. First you need to find a good doctor who is willing to work with you and run the necessary blood work. You need to be tested for Lyme disease, lupus, RA. A good Rheumy will do the blood workup and try to find out what is causing this. Pain medications help but they don't take away the pain completely.

   I take supplements such as Vitamins B12, B6, C, E, Magnesium, folic acid, Vitamin D. I know this probably didn't relieve your stress as far as what this is, but hopefully you will find a good doctor that will help you. Up in the right hand corner of the page you will find the health pages. A lot of good info there. Good luck and Thank You!

gentle hugs
Angel