Hi, my name is Tammy, i was diagnosed with FM over 2 years. Is sweeling of the knees and feet a FM symptom? I didnt think FM involved swelling?

Im on night shift and proabably should have checked my spelling first, LOL. Apart from all the other complaints of FM, i struggle the most with knee and feet pain, its getting worse, no pain relief (2 endone and panadeine forte in 6 hours included) or heat packs etc work on these 2 areas, even tho it can help with other body parts. This pain makes me feel literally sick and is affecting every aspect of my life. Creptis of the knees and swelling of feet and knees, not sure if this is just another FM thing. It feels like so much more, Dr isnt too concerned, do i just bite the bullet and put up with it or try investigate?

Ouch! Sounds painful! Are you on your feet alot with your job? Does resting with your feet elevated relieve the swelling? I'm sorry that your doctor is not concerned- even if the problem is something that he/she feels is not threatening to your health, it is obviously affecting your quality of life.

I'm not sure who diagnosed you, or if your primary doctor would be willing to send you to a rheumatologist to confirm your diagnosis or check to see if there is something more going on. Pain and swelling may occur with fibromyalgia, and swelling can also occur as a side effect of some medications, but if it were me, I would want to find out if fibromyalgia was the sole cause of the symptoms you describe.

If fibromyalgia alone is to blame, perhaps a pain specialist/clinic may be able to suggest some helpful ways to cope with the pain. Pain docs are often very familiar with fibromyalgia.

Sorry, it is difficult for me to guess with so little info, and I am not a doctor, but I would suggest you request a referral to either of the specialists mentioned above. Please let us know what happens, as the info may prove valuable to another member.

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply, i value any comments.
Im a Nurse (EN) so the day shifts are far too painful as you would be aware of how much walking around you do. So ive had to swap to permanent night shifts as there is not as much walking, we just do rounds to check on patients safety. My boss is very understanding and lets me chop and change when i need to. I continue to try day shifts again, as i enjoy my job but cant cope, so go back to nights. Only doing 3 per week. I see a rheumatologist, thats who diagonsed me. My Dr and rheumy are good, my doctor always testing me for bits and pieces but they both continue to say the feet and knee pain are fibro related. Which im sure they are right, its just such a different pain to when other body parts flare up and i cant get any relief. Elevating my feet doesnt help, to be honest when i rest them too much it makes it worse. Ive just been referred to a pain clinic, start going next month, still seeing a physio and am trying reflexology. Thanks for your time. I shall continue my journey and hopefully something starts working. Cheers. Tammy

Hi Tammy,
I cleaned houses for 20 years and almost had to quit at one time because of the knee swelling and pain. I had to go up stairs just one stair at a time. Since I am now being treated with Effexor and Welbutrin, I live pain free and and could run a marathon (or put up hay since we live on a farm:~)
I had aalllll of the classic fibro symptoms for 30 years. I know it's the Welbutrin that controls the pain and swelling because it returned when my pharmacist had switched the brand I was on (it is an anti-inflamatory). That happened about 3 times before they finally keep in on hand for me.
The same Rx can work and not work differently with each brand or generic name because each company may use different fillers that your body may not be able to absorb as well.

Chris in Fremont