Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rolla, MO

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.Are they the same thing or are they different ailments?They say i have both but the chronic pain and chronic fatigue are my major issues.Icannot get rested no matter what i do and the pain is everyday but at different levels no matter what i do.During a blood test at a rhumatologist they found a protien in my blood thats not supposed to be there,Mgus.I go for bloodwork all the time and they all turn out fine.I dont know whats goin on with me but i want to know if… read more

September 2, 2018
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members clarified that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are two distinct conditions, though many people experience both... Read more

Members clarified that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are two distinct conditions, though many people experience both simultaneously because the constant battle against pain and poor sleep often leads to exhaustion. Several members shared their personal experiences, including some who have fibromyalgia without chronic fatigue, others who have chronic fatigue from low iron rather than fibro, and one who also has the MGUS protein and gets monitored every six months without changes. A recurring theme was that while chronic fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, it can also exist independently or stem from other causes, and managing symptoms through rest, heating pads, and medication during flares can help, though acceptance and pacing are key to living with these conditions.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Chronic fatigue and fibro are 2 different things. However, you often have both. I think your body gets tried of constantly battling the pain and stiffness. People with fibro also don't sleep very well. All of this together causes chronic fatigue.

September 2, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have fibromyalgia but not chronic fatigue. It has been this way for 24 years or more. But when I'm in a bad flare, I feel fatigued as if I had the flu. The pain is ennervating. So, I imagine there are people who just have chronic fatigue. And there are many who have both. But they are separate.

I have found that if I can sleep with a heating pad and take my medications during a bad flare, it will pass within a day to sometimes 5 or 6 days at most. Weather and temperature changes are huge triggers for me.

September 2, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I think your pain consultant is wrong. I know people who have chronic fatigue, but no pain, meaning they don't have fibromyalgia.

September 2, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi Joker,
When I was trying to get diagnosed 4 years ago, the doctor found the MGUS
protein in my blood also. I get tests and a check up every 6 months and so far nothing has changed 😀. I wonder how many of us Fibro Folk have MGUS? By the way, I have lgG.

September 4, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Chronic fatigue is one of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also insomnia, IBS, depression, anxiety, etc... They are all symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

September 3, 2018

Related Questions

View All
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Phoenix, AZ

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA