Many caring and brilliant researchers and physicians (unfortunately not at the CDC) have come a long way. In fact, thanks to a Belgium physician, there is a research test that can apparently diagnose both fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on spinal fluid. In addition to that, a blood test is supposed to be available (thanks to the Whittemore Peterson Institute) in about a year. It is supposed to diagnose CFS.
For more information about the research tests, check out VIP dx (formerly Red Labs USA):
http://www.redlabsusa.com/
You might also want to consider checking out my journal and read my post about the Whittemore Peterson Institute. They are researching many of these neuroimmune illnesses, including fibro, CFS, autism and what they refer to as "atypical MS".
Hi again,
I checked the post out and it was facinating. i had not idea the similarities. I remember when years ago an md would tell you that you had CFS when they couldnt find anything else wrong with you, and im not sure they looked that hard. Its seems they've come along way. Back then whenever you were complaining of being overly tired they would tell you that.
m.
Hi Mary,
Yes, CFS is chronic fatigue syndrome (AKA: myalgic encephalomyelitis). There are so many similarities between MS and CFS... here's a link to an article on this. I hope you will also check out our Health Pages. We just added a Newly Diagnosed page that lists many other conditions that you may want to have ruled out before accepting either a CFS or fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Discussion: M.E. (CFS) vs. MS:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/760781?personal_page_id=25453
Hi Platelet,
Is CFS, Chronic Fagtigue Syndrome? I didnt know you would have lesions with Chronic Fatigue?
I believe they are looking at MS with me, and im sure be ruling out everything until they find the culprit hopefully.
Am I right about CFS being Chronic Fagtigue? thats what ive alwasy thought it stood for, but never new there were lesions involved, facinating. I will check out the websites.
Thanks a bunch!
mary
MRI Scan --- "Half have abnormal MRI scans" --- Dr. Paul Cheney
source: http://www.ncf-net.org/conference/CheneyTestimony.htm
While there are no lesions in FMS, there are lesions in the majority of CFS cases:
"Cranial MRI will show small T2 weighted high intensity lesions in 80% of cases" ---- Dr. Charles Lapp
source: http://www.cfstreatment.info/for_your_doctor.htm
thanks alot for the quick info. I am having MRI's and seeing a neuro on Monday. I did have a brain MRI but i dont really think much of the results. I believe I will have to have spinal C-spine and Tspine as well. I have alot of spine issues but all of my mds are not convinced some of the particular symptoms im having are from the herniations. They feel there is "something else going on perhaps".
thanks for the info, will look up the trigger points.:)
MS is an actual disease that causes damage to the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a syndrome (group of symptoms). Supposedly FMS causes no permanent damage like MS does though it feels that way to those of us who have it.
I'm with VaBreeze. I think these kind of symptoms warrant a good neuro work up with an MRI.
Hello missy -
The symptoms for FMS and MS are very much alike (both involve the central nervous system). The difference is, there are no lesions in FMS. This is why it is important to have an MRI done in order to rule out MS.
If you google "Fibromyalgia Trigger Points" you will be able to see a picture that will show where the trigger points are. You can get a better idea by seeing them and knowing their location. There are 18 trigger points total.
Most physicians can dx FMS, but finding one who is knowlegable on how to treat this is a real struggle. A rheumatologist should be familiar with the symptoms....also, you can google "Co-Cure's good doctor list" and may be able to find a specialist in your area.
Take care of yourself. :-)