After reading volums on both illness I can't help but wonder if one leads to The other. Since UC is an autoimmune disease, could it be that which leaves us vulnerable to other illnesses like fibromyalgia? For years I've been suffering with chronic pain, exhaustion and sleeplessness, but always assumed it was due to my UC flares and surgeries. It still may very well be the cause, but when I put 2 and 2 together, I'm left wondering can it all be blamed on one illness? I know mostly women suffer from fibromyalgia (current ratio is 9 women to 1 man), but it doesnt mean it's impossible. It would be so nice to have a diagnosis that doesn't make me feel crazy. I know that many of you have both UC/Crohns/IBD and fibromyalgia, but what's the link?? Does anyone know what tests they use to diagnose it? I have a few of the symptoms such as sleeplessness, restless leg, systemic joint and body pain, chronic anxiety/depression, lethargy, but to name a few. I know I probably sound like a hypochondriac, but there has to be an answer, what do you think? Those of you with fibromyalgia, what were your symptoms, and how were you diagnosed? Does anyone know why we GI patients are more prone? Any and all info would be helpful, thanks gang!
Cheers,
Eric