What have been your symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

What is the difference between lupus symptoms and fibromyalgia symptoms?

• Answer:

  First I need to mention they are similar and a Dr. should be consulted for a diagnosis Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. However, some of the most common symptoms of lupus include painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash (the so-called butterfly or malar rash) may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight (called photosensitivity), skin rashes often first develop or worsen after sun exposure. Chest pain upon deep breathing Unusual loss of hair Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon) Sensitivity to the sun Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes Mouth ulcers Swollen glands Extreme fatigue Symptoms of lupus can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Other symptoms of lupus include chest pain, hair loss, anemia (a decrease in red blood cells), mouth ulcers, and pale or purple fingers and toes from cold and stress. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, depression, confusion, or seizures. New symptoms may continue to appear years after the initial diagnosis, and different symptoms can occur at different times. In some people with lupus, only one system of the body, such as the skin or joints, is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected varies from person to person. Fibromyalgia Symptoms One of the reasons fibromyalgia is not as well understood as it could be is because patients have reported such a wide variety of symptoms. However, there is some consistency, particularly with the primary symptoms. Primary Fibromyalgia Symptoms The main or primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are: Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain This means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, described by sufferers as stabbing and shooting; with deep muscular aches, throbs and twitching, and can pop up on any part of the body. Fatigue This means fatigue that is so pronounced that it is almost incapacitating, such that limbs feel like they have weights attached to them. Disturbed sleep This may mean one of a number of different sleep disorders, such as alpha-EEG anomaly, sleep apnea, bruxism (grinding the teeth) or restless leg syndrome (RLS) Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms Other symptoms reported by those suffering from fibromyalgia include the list below. Keep in mind that symptom severity differs from person to person and not everyone with fibromyalgia will experience one, a few or all these symptoms: Headaches Migraines and tension headaches affect about 70% of patients Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Between 40 and 70% of patients suffer from constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea. The ?Fibro Fog? Technically called discognition, the ?Fog? is a common symptom, causing confusion, memory problems, an inability to concentrate, and more. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, or lockjaw) As many as one of every four patients suffer from TMJ, which causes severe pain in the jaw, face, and head. Some additional symptoms, reported with less frequency, include: Pelvic pain Sensitivity to noise and temperature Anxiety and depression Skin rashes and sensitivities Dry eyes and dry mouth Ringing in the ears Raynaud's Syndrome (discoloration of the fingers and/or toes)