With 18 trigger points across the body, one of the most defining symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome is widespread pain. It is also characterized by extreme fatigue, sleeping issues, headaches, and a myriad of other symptoms. It can be difficult at times to ascertain whether you have yet another weird symptom of fibromyalgia, or you truly have something else wrong. And the symptoms vary from one person to the next.

Research suggests that “the brain of a fibromyalgia patient amplifies pain signals” and  that it “is a complex condition whose definition and measurement extend far beyond charting patient-reported pain levels on a numeric scale.” It’s no wonder there are over 200 symptoms and/or co-morbidities that have been attributed to this syndrome.

My most pronounced symptoms are: widespread pain and fatigue, sleeping issues, and what I like to call “hot spots” – the burning or pins and needles sensations that flash and then move around my arms and legs. Then there’s also dizziness/vertigo, fibrofog, and morning stiffness. For some more information on the many symptoms of fibromyalgia, here are some of my past posts:

Start Here

• Is it Fibromyalgia or Something Else? 10 Strange Symptoms

Raising Awareness

• Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (2016 edition)
• Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (2017 edition) – Shining a Light on Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (2018 edition)

Fibro-Fog

• Fibro Fog Defined
• Cloudy with a Chance of Fibro Fog

Other Symptoms

• Combating the Loneliness of Chronic Pain
• Fibromyalgia – A Real Pain in the Neck
• To Sleep, Per Chance to Dream

“To anyone that doesn’t believe in fibromyalgia: I dare you to spend five minutes in my body on a day when I’m in pain, and then try and say it again.”

~ Lady Gaga

— via Fibro Bloggers (@FibroBloggers)

As you can see, the list of symptoms is quite extensive. It can be quite confusing to determine if what you are experiencing is fibro related or not.

Just remember, you are not your pain. 

~ Cynthia Baughman (@photobaugh)

Find a good rheumatologist, neurologist, or primary care doctor who is willing to listen to you and work with you to get some relief. Keep a symptom diary. Look for support groups on Facebook or in your local area to share your struggles. Try some lifestyle changes such as to your sleeping or eating habits. Find what works for you.

What strange symptoms of fibromyalgia do you have?

Author: Cynthia, My Inspired Fibro Life

Wife. Mom. Fibrowarrior. Joy seeker. Picture taker. Coffee drinker. Blogging about living with fibromyalgia and finding inspiration in every day life. Welcome to My Inspired Fibro Life. View all posts by Cynthia, My Inspired Fibro Life