The list is adapted from one put together by fibromyalgia expert Devin Starlanyl along with recent research.
People with fibromyalgia can have any combination of the following symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity. I will highlight MY symptoms in red.
I'm not whining, I'm trying to educate. Thanks
Jane Orr
General Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Delayed reactions to physical exertion or stressful events
- Other family members with fibromyalgia (genetic predisposition)
- Sweats
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Cravings for carbohydrate and chocolate
- Headaches
- Vision changes, including rapidly worsening vision
Muscle & Tissue-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Pain that ranges from mild to severe, and may move around the body
- Morning stiffness
- Muscle twitches
- Diffuse swelling
- Fibrocystic (lumpy, tender) breasts
Sinus & Allergy-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Allergies
- Post nasal drip
- Runny nose
- Mold & yeast sensitivity
- Shortness of breath
- Earaches & itchy ears
- Ringing ears (tinitis)
- Thick secretions
Sleep-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Light and/or broken sleep pattern with unrefreshing sleep
- Fatigue
- Sleep starts (falling sensations)
- Twitchy muscles at night
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Reproductive Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Abdominal & Digestive Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Bloating & nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Pelvic pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome (as an overlapping condition)
- Urinary frequency
Cognitive/Neurological Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Difficulty speaking known words, other language impairments (dysphasia)
- Directional disorientation
- Poor balance and coordination
- Paresthesias in the upper limbs (tingling or burning sensations)
- Loss of ability to distinguish some shades of colors
- Short-term memory impairment
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Staring into space before brain "kicks in"
- Inability to recognize familiar surroundings
Sensory Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Sensitivity to odors
- Sensitivity to pressure changes, temperature & humidity
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Night driving difficulty
- Sensory overload
Emotional Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Tendency to cry easily
- Free-floating anxiety (not associated with situation or object)
- Mood swings
- Unaccountable irritability
Heart-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Mitral valve prolapse (as an overlapping condition)
- Rapid, fluttery, irregular heartbeat
- Pain that mimics heart attack, frequently from costochondritis (as an overlapping condition)
Skin, Hair & Nail-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Pronounced nail ridges
- Nails that curve under
- Mottled skin
- Bruising or scarring easily
- Hair loss (temporary)
- Tissue overgrowth (non-cancerous tumors called lipomas, ingrown hairs, heavy and splitting cuticles, adhesions)
Miscellaneous Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Hemorrhoids
- Nose bleeds
