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ADHD and Fibromyalgia?

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Thread : ADHD and Fibromyalgia?
23 Jun 2006 @ 11:24 PM
gardenhawk	Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007 Threads: 1 Posts: 2
ADHD and Fibromyalgia? First of all, I would like to thank those of you who have created this place for us to get together and discuss our issues. I am grateful to have found a place where I could find hope, especially when I couldn't turn to therapy and meds. I would like to know if anyone has been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD and fibromyalgia. I found a website this week that indicates a potential link between fibromyalgia and ADHD. Once I began thinking about it, I realized how I may fit into that category. I also began to notice that some people I know, who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, also display signs of ADHD (but have never been diagnosed with the ADHD). As I understand it, there have been reports that the stimulants used to treat ADHD are helping to alleviate some of the symptoms of the fibromyalgia. I don't know if it would be appropriate (or permissable) to put a link to the site here, so if anyone wants to view the webpage, please contact me and I will send the link to you. I start my therapy for ADHD next week and plan to discuss this issue with my therapist. Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:19 PM. Reason:

Thread : ADHD and Fibromyalgia?

23 Jun 2006 @ 11:24 PM

gardenhawk

Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007
Threads: 1 Posts: 2

ADHD and Fibromyalgia?

First of all, I would like to thank those of you who have created this place for us to get together and discuss our issues. I am grateful to have found a place where I could find hope, especially when I couldn't turn to therapy and meds.

I would like to know if anyone has been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD and fibromyalgia. I found a website this week that indicates a potential link between fibromyalgia and ADHD. Once I began thinking about it, I realized how I may fit into that category. I also began to notice that some people I know, who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, also display signs of ADHD (but have never been diagnosed with the ADHD).

As I understand it, there have been reports that the stimulants used to treat ADHD are helping to alleviate some of the symptoms of the fibromyalgia. I don't know if it would be appropriate (or permissable) to put a link to the site here, so if anyone wants to view the webpage, please contact me and I will send the link to you. I start my therapy for ADHD next week and plan to discuss this issue with my therapist.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:19 PM. Reason:

16 Jul 2006 @ 11:10 AM Reply # 1
Live Outside the Box	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
A Fibro Positive I, too, have ADD and Fibro. And yes, you can put a link to your site on this forum. See your profile and update it. Becky Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:21 PM. Reason:

16 Jul 2006 @ 11:10 AM Reply # 1

Live Outside the Box

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A Fibro Positive

I, too, have ADD and Fibro. And yes, you can put a link to your site on this forum. See your profile and update it. Becky

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:21 PM. Reason:

19 Jul 2006 @ 6:18 PM Reply # 2
gardenhawk	Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007 Threads: 1 Posts: 2
Does ADD Medication Help? Becky, are you on the meds for the ADD? Has it seemed to help any of the symptoms of the FM? I'm curious, because I'm wondering if I have FM, although I won't be diagnosed even if I am, because I cannot afford medical care right now. I will probably be starting meds for my ADD soon, and hoping it will help with these other symptoms I have been having. I appreciate your reply. Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:22 PM. Reason:

19 Jul 2006 @ 6:18 PM Reply # 2

gardenhawk

Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007
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Does ADD Medication Help?

Becky, are you on the meds for the ADD? Has it seemed to help any of the symptoms of the FM?

I'm curious, because I'm wondering if I have FM, although I won't be diagnosed even if I am, because I cannot afford medical care right now. I will probably be starting meds for my ADD soon, and hoping it will help with these other symptoms I have been having. I appreciate your reply.

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:22 PM. Reason:

18 Aug 2006 @ 10:45 AM Reply # 3
perdido	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
ADD Meds Reply Hello, I also have ADD and FM. This is what I have found to be the case with the meds. When I take ADD meds, my mind is more focused and my mood is elevated. I get more done and I feel better about it. Otherwise I am walking around in circles wondering what to do first, and then nothing gets done!! I have less pain, when my stress level is low. My hubby is a type A and he doesn't understand the brain fog thing with FM. The meds help the fog go away! Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:23 PM. Reason:

18 Aug 2006 @ 10:45 AM Reply # 3

perdido

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ADD Meds Reply

Hello, I also have ADD and FM. This is what I have found to be the case with the meds. When I take ADD meds, my mind is more focused and my mood is elevated. I get more done and I feel better about it. Otherwise I am walking around in circles wondering what to do first, and then nothing gets done!!

I have less pain, when my stress level is low. My hubby is a type A and he doesn't understand the brain fog thing with FM. The meds help the fog go away!

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:23 PM. Reason:

18 Aug 2006 @ 11:24 AM Reply # 4
gardenhawk	Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007 Threads: 1 Posts: 2
Strattera Thanks for the responses. I am currently taking Strattera, which I understand is not a stimulant. I hope that most of my aches and pains are merely from being stressed out from the ADD symptoms, which should mean that if the Strattera reduces the ADD symptoms, it will also help me to relax a bit more. I had been on 40 mg, but that did not seem to make a difference, so my dose was raised to 80 mgs, yesterday. Hoping and to see what happens. Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:24 PM. Reason:

18 Aug 2006 @ 11:24 AM Reply # 4

gardenhawk

Join Date: Tue 11th Dec 2007
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Strattera

Thanks for the responses.

I am currently taking Strattera, which I understand is not a stimulant. I hope that most of my aches and pains are merely from being stressed out from the ADD symptoms, which should mean that if the Strattera reduces the ADD symptoms, it will also help me to relax a bit more. I had been on 40 mg, but that did not seem to make a difference, so my dose was raised to 80 mgs, yesterday. Hoping and to see what happens.

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:24 PM. Reason:

19 Sep 2006 @ 10:41 PM Reply # 5
exraychik39	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
ADD Fibro Connection I just have found this site and am so relieved and happy to see posts from other adults with ADD. I have ADD and Fibro. I never knew that there could possibly be a connection between the two and am anxious to find out more. Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:26 PM. Reason:

19 Sep 2006 @ 10:41 PM Reply # 5

exraychik39

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ADD Fibro Connection

I just have found this site and am so relieved and happy to see posts from other adults with ADD.

I have ADD and Fibro. I never knew that there could possibly be a connection between the two and am anxious to find out more.

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:26 PM. Reason:

6 Oct 2006 @ 2:13 PM Reply # 6
imadhd36	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
A Link to Chronic Fatigue? I think that ADHD and fibromyalgia must have a correlation. I had chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed 8 years ago, and I swear it was because of my undiagnosed ADHD - I didn't - or couldn't - stop or slow down. I was working a very stressful day job, teaching piano lessons, and also trying to put together a musical duo, and one day I just couldn't get off the couch! I am still not 100% "right" but now that I have been diagnosed - in March of this year - and am on Ritalin it has helped me so much. I now have a much better gauge on my energy, and have actually stepped down from doing things that I used to do all the time. Unfortunately I have lost some friends in the process - I just don't have all this energy to stay in touch..but I had a lot of acquaintances--my close friends didn't end up being that "close" - or I realized I didn't feel that close to them. I'm starting to ramble so I will sign off now! Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:28 PM. Reason:

6 Oct 2006 @ 2:13 PM Reply # 6

imadhd36

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A Link to Chronic Fatigue?

I think that ADHD and fibromyalgia must have a correlation. I had chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed 8 years ago, and I swear it was because of my undiagnosed ADHD - I didn't - or couldn't - stop or slow down.

I was working a very stressful day job, teaching piano lessons, and also trying to put together a musical duo, and one day I just couldn't get off the couch! I am still not 100% "right" but now that I have been diagnosed - in March of this year - and am on Ritalin it has helped me so much.

I now have a much better gauge on my energy, and have actually stepped down from doing things that I used to do all the time. Unfortunately I have lost some friends in the process - I just don't have all this energy to stay in touch..but I had a lot of acquaintances--my close friends didn't end up being that "close" - or I realized I didn't feel that close to them. I'm starting to ramble so I will sign off now!

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:28 PM. Reason:

8 Oct 2006 @ 7:44 AM Reply # 7
ADDaptable	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
Fibro Research Hi, I too have both and by sheer luck happened upon a doctor husband and wife team in Munich, Germany who also noticed that many of their patients had both. They too noticed that stimulant medication seemed to alleviate symptoms for both. Am not positive, but I think he did some research on this aspect. It would be fascinating to know what it is that connects the two, or just a mere coincidence? Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:29 PM. Reason:

8 Oct 2006 @ 7:44 AM Reply # 7

ADDaptable

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Fibro Research

Hi, I too have both and by sheer luck happened upon a doctor husband and wife team in Munich, Germany who also noticed that many of their patients had both. They too noticed that stimulant medication seemed to alleviate symptoms for both. Am not positive, but I think he did some research on this aspect. It would be fascinating to know what it is that connects the two, or just a mere coincidence?

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:29 PM. Reason:

17 Oct 2007 @ 8:03 AM Reply # 8
Judith	Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007 Threads: 0 Posts: 1
Genetic Links with Fibro and ADD Just signed up after reading possible link of fibromalgia and add/adhd. I was diagnosed with fibro in 1998 and after research, realized I had symptoms about all my life. Thinking about add, I have always had trouble with my attention span. I will discuss this with my Dr. on next visit. I have a grandson who I know has add/adhd, he has all symptoms but his mother keeps putting off talking to the Dr. about him. Also, I have 4 daughters, 3 have been diagnosed with fibro and I know the 4th has it also. Proof that it does run in families and hope someday they will find cause and be able to treat it or cure it. So glad to have found this site and look forward to learn from others and maybe be of help if at all possible. To all, have a great day. Judith Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:33 PM. Reason:

17 Oct 2007 @ 8:03 AM Reply # 8

Judith

Join Date: Thu 8th Nov 2007
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Genetic Links with Fibro and ADD

Just signed up after reading possible link of fibromalgia and add/adhd. I was diagnosed with fibro in 1998 and after research, realized I had symptoms about all my life. Thinking about add, I have always had trouble with my attention span. I will discuss this with my Dr. on next visit.

I have a grandson who I know has add/adhd, he has all symptoms but his mother keeps putting off talking to the Dr. about him. Also, I have 4 daughters, 3 have been diagnosed with fibro and I know the 4th has it also.

Proof that it does run in families and hope someday they will find cause and be able to treat it or cure it. So glad to have found this site and look forward to learn from others and maybe be of help if at all possible. To all, have a great day. Judith

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Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:33 PM. Reason:

20 Oct 2007 @ 2:31 PM Reply # 9
StrugglingLinda	Join Date: Threads: Posts:
New to ADD I recently found this wonderful magazine in the doctor's office. This is my first post. I also have ADD and Fibro. I think there is a connection. I'm 50 years old. In the past few years, I've just had a real hard time coping. It's been my chronic pain. In addition to fibro, I've got degenerative disc disease and chronic sciatica. I had back surgery in 2002. It just makes trying to do anything impossible. Everything is such a struggle now. Like, I can't cook anything because I can't stand long enough. Then, I try to go grocery shopping. I finally get to the store at 10pm. I can barely do the shopping. I get home at 12:30. Fortunately one of my kids was up and was able to put the groceries away for me. After I go grocery shopping, I can't even put the groceries away. I'm constantly running out of things, like food. It didn't used to be this way. It used to be that my main problem was my messy house. Hah, I didn't know it could get worse. Quote Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:30 PM. Reason:

20 Oct 2007 @ 2:31 PM Reply # 9

StrugglingLinda

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New to ADD

I recently found this wonderful magazine in the doctor's office. This is my first post.

I also have ADD and Fibro. I think there is a connection.

I'm 50 years old.

In the past few years, I've just had a real hard time coping. It's been my chronic pain. In addition to fibro, I've got degenerative disc disease and chronic sciatica. I had back surgery in 2002.

It just makes trying to do anything impossible. Everything is such a struggle now. Like, I can't cook anything because I can't stand long enough.

Then, I try to go grocery shopping. I finally get to the store at 10pm. I can barely do the shopping. I get home at 12:30. Fortunately one of my kids was up and was able to put the groceries away for me.

After I go grocery shopping, I can't even put the groceries away.

I'm constantly running out of things, like food.

It didn't used to be this way.

It used to be that my main problem was my messy house.

Hah, I didn't know it could get worse.

Quote

Last edited by Anni : 8 Nov 2007 @ 1:30 PM. Reason:

27 Nov 2007 @ 11:02 AM Reply # 10
keep on keepin on	Join Date: Sun 20th Jan 2008 Threads: 0 Posts: 1
Diet may help I am new as well. I have been on ADD meds for about 10 years. I was diagnosed with fm about 3 years ago. I personally feel that the only difference I can see with my fm when I'm on my add meds is that I focus on what needs focusing when on my meds, and the fm is filed with the rest of the activities of the day in order of priority instead of 1st. Unfortunately some days fm is less tolerable and a higher priority. This August I saw a new natural doctor and was taken off ALL man-made or processed foods (high fructose,refined sugar,white flour & rice,artificial color & flavor,meat & dairy without hormones/antibiotics etc). Only whole foods, no artificial ingredients or chemicals. It is not the easiest or cheapest way to do things, but I went from barely being able to put a frozen lazagne in the oven once a week, and opting out on most family activities, to making many meals from scratch, and going to football games, and participating more with my children. It has helped both my add and my fm incredibly. I still have a long way to go but I have lost 20 of the 40 fm pounds that I unnaturally gained in the 6 months prior, my energy has rocketed, my mind is clearer ( I still have add, it is just not debilitating now), I have more patience with my family, my pain is more evened out, and I found my smile again. Hope this can help someone. Quote Last edited by suzey : 3 Dec 2007 @ 4:30 PM. Reason:

27 Nov 2007 @ 11:02 AM Reply # 10

keep on keepin on

Join Date: Sun 20th Jan 2008
Threads: 0 Posts: 1

Diet may help

I am new as well. I have been on ADD meds for about 10 years. I was diagnosed with fm about 3 years ago. I personally feel that the only difference I can see with my fm when I'm on my add meds is that I focus on what needs focusing when on my meds, and the fm is filed with the rest of the activities of the day in order of priority instead of 1st. Unfortunately some days fm is less tolerable and a higher priority.

This August I saw a new natural doctor and was taken off ALL man-made or processed foods (high fructose,refined sugar,white flour & rice,artificial color & flavor,meat & dairy without hormones/antibiotics etc). Only whole foods, no artificial ingredients or chemicals. It is not the easiest or cheapest way to do things, but I went from barely being able to put a frozen lazagne in the oven once a week, and opting out on most family activities, to making many meals from scratch, and going to football games, and participating more with my children.

It has helped both my add and my fm incredibly. I still have a long way to go but I have lost 20 of the 40 fm pounds that I unnaturally gained in the 6 months prior, my energy has rocketed, my mind is clearer ( I still have add, it is just not debilitating now), I have more patience with my family, my pain is more evened out, and I found my smile again. Hope this can help someone.

Quote

Last edited by suzey : 3 Dec 2007 @ 4:30 PM. Reason:

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