About a month ago I started getting very severe headaches,with unbelievable pain in my face.{forehead to jaw} I thought, ok, cranial facial pain. This went on for 2 weeks and only got worse. When I started running a fever I knew it was more than fibro. I called and made an appointment to see my doctor. I couldn't get in right away so that meant more time. I finally got in and he diagnosed me with a sinus infection and gave me the appropriate meds. It has pretty much cleared up.
The second experience was a lot more frightening. A friend of mine, who also has fibro, was very sick. She thought it was a fibro flare up and took it in stride. It didn't clear up so she went to her doctor and he told her she had "the flu" and to go home. 5 days later a friend and neighbor had to call an ambulance to rush her to the hospital. They didn't know what the problem was so they put her in intensive care. She couldn't breath on her own, she hadn't drank anything in 5 days, and the pain was far worse. Through some tests they discovered that she had a very large kidney stone and a severe urinary tract infection. During her 10 day stay at the hospital she went into cardiac arrest 7 times...no that is not a type 0...7 times. She is still extremely week but is regaining her strength slowly.
Here is my concern...the pain of fibromyalgia was so intense that she didn't feel the pain of a kidney stone and an infection! She nearly died! I'm not much better. I think it is just that we get so complacent with the pain and other symptoms that other illnesses slip under the rug. My friend and I were the lucky ones. I'm not saying to run to the doctor with every pain. I am saying to keep a journal of symptoms. By doing this you may be able to avoid a serious problem.
LadyWolfe
