Could this be Fibromyalgia?

sberry

Hi,

I am looking for some advice. My 18 year old daughter has had problems with her hips and stomach for about a year now. After some tests the doctor has diagnosed her with IBS and Bursitis of the hips.

This last couple of weeks her hips have got that bad that she is having problems walking and sleeping at night and now she is complaining of shoulder pain after being at college and carrying a shoulder bag ( which does not have much in it so is not heavy) Her IBS is making her look like she is 6 months pregnant and it is all starting to get her really down. Our GP has sent off bloods to check for arthritis but says she doesnt expect them to back with anything. Her knees are also painful but the gp has put this down to the way she is walking when her hips are bad.

I came across fibromyalgia when looking for information about bursitis and noticed that it often is accompanied by IBS.

I dont want to go the gp suggesting this as she has been really good . But would be grateful if anyone could give me their thoughts.

Thanks

Susan

tillytop

Hello Susan

I am not a helpline team member but a member of the forum but I saw your message and wanted to say "welcome" and I am sorry that your daughter is struggling so very much.

I know that someone from the helpline will be along in due course to answer your post but, in the meantime, if you repost your message on the Living with Arthritis (LWA) forum, I am sure you will get some answers because I know there are other forum members with fibromyalgia.

We are a friendly bunch and you will be made very welcome.

Tilly xxx

helpline_team

Hi Susan

Thanks for your posting.

As we are not a medical helpline it would be difficult for us to say exactly what is going on.

One of the trickiest things in a lot of cases is finding out what the condition is.

We have a booklet on Understanding arthritis which gives some good general information (see http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets/main_content/UnderstandingArthritisbooklet2011.pdf) and on fibromyalgia at http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Factsheets/main_content/FibromyalgiafactsheetJuly2011.pdf.

If you think it might be related to fibromyalgia it may be worth mentioning to her GP,just so she can rule it out.

You or your daughter are welcome to ring us if you would like to have a chat about things (on 0808 800 4050).

All the best

Nick
Helplines Team