Thank you, Salsa and Knott. To Knott, I was tested for celiac and i do not have it. I had a pretty extensive GI work up, along with a scheduled colonoscopy in October. All I know is that when the ringing and other pains get worse, the stomach gets worse, too. But, my rheum. told me that GI issues are part of this. Do PTs ever work with Fibro pts.?

Salsa, hearing that you can ride 100 miles gives me encouragement. There is still a part of me that is questioning the diagnosis, mostly because most of my symptoms are on one side of my body. I'm getting headaches now, too at times, along with the ear thing. I started getting these headaches about once or twice a year about 14 years ago. I know this can be part of the Fibro. diagnosis, but this is the thing that bothers me the most. My muscle pain is there, but certainly not the worst thing I have. Yesterday i woke up feeling OK and went to spin class. I knew I would pay for it; by night my hands were tingling and my back hurt. The ringing is there today, but it's minimal. I guess I am having real difficulty giving up the "athlete" part of me. It's been how I have defined myself for so long. I mean, I am not a super star rider, but I've been involved with fitness since the early eighties. This time of year, it's easy for me to tone down and just walk, do some cardio machines at the gym, and yoga, but i don't want to be completely out of condition for the spring. I usually start riding outdoors on a part time basis in March and that doesn't seem so far away.
As far as the working goes, I am going in to school to observe the team I will be working with, next Thursday. I am going to try to do only very low level exercise before that, so I feel good that day. At this point, it would be very easy for me to become one of those people who just stays in the house. My therapist and everyone else are telling me that working wil be the best thing for me. It's only a 3 and half month committment and I can pretty much be on auto pilot, since it's exactly what i did for the last 10 years. After that, I am thinking of going back to school for a second master's in clinical mental health counseling, emphasizing holistic psychology. I wouldn't be starting until Jan. 09 and of course, I have to get accepted into the program! But, even though it will take 3 years to complete, it will set me up for a career i can do on a part time basis.
I've tried 2 anti depressants and both made me sicker, with lots of side effects. I am done trying that. I am still taking the anti-anxiety drug, but am weaning down the dosage. I have my appt. with the neuro. at Brigham and Women's Friday. After that, I guess I am done with doctors if he concurs with the diagnosis.
Salsa, i will PM you.

Robyn