It is true that it is easy to confuse the symptoms of arthritis, lupus, etc. with fibromyalgia. Fibro is usually the diagnosis a doctor comes through after exhausting tests of all similar conditions. Your doctor should have already done blood tests for lupus, etc. Once those come back negative, the doctor should check your for the trigger points, ask you other various questions, and then come to a fibro diagnosis. It should not be diagnosed as fibro without testing for the other similar conditions.

I agree with @A MyFibroTeam Member prevention is better than cure, I've had symptoms since childhood so can't really remember where it started, I think it started in my shins / ankles and feet. I'm nearly 40 and now suffer pain head to toe with constant pain in neck, shoulders, knees and hips. Other pains wax and wain like burning sensation on top of feet, wrist pain, sudden sharp head aches, IBS, or pins and needles the list is endless. My Rheumatologist insists fibromyalgia is not progressive however other conditions that may cross over are, such as arthritis., Maybe if caught early and managed appropriately you will be able to limit the severity of possible symptoms. Please don't be dis heartened by what you read, there are many of us with these symptoms who have managed to strike a balance and retain a semblence of normality. I work full time and manage a family home. I've just had to learn how to enjoy life at a slower pace and not to take on other peoples dramas. You'll be ok :)

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A MyFibro...

I am not yet diagnosed but I have been researching & I know MS, Lupus & Cancer have all been misdiagnosed for Fibeomenelsia. If you look at the symptoms many are very similar. I am currently in the process of trying to find out what my source of suffering is. These apt's & tests all take so long I find myself doing my own research a lot.

Mine started with the hands and feet. Then progressed to the rest of my body, and terrible headaches, then the fibrofog hit me really bad and I can no longer concentrate. I have been off on disability for over 5 years now. But with all that said I was diagnosed in 1986.

Mine started in my hands and feet as well