Hello. I don't know if you rec'd my e-mail but, just in case you didn't, I'll post some of it here as an answer to your question how Fibromyalgia was diagnosed (with a PTSD patient).

Well, I was "officially" diagnosed by a Rheumatologist (about a year ago) after my VA doc performed a battery of tests ruling out Lupus, Rhuematoid Arthritis, etc. The Rheumatologist reviewed my entire medical history & did a tender point test. I also underwent a sleep study as well (and they said my poor sleep contributes to Fibromyalgia as well).

What I've learned is that PAIN is the #1 symptom of Fibro. I thought I had bone cancer in my legs the pain was so excrutiating (docs even x-rayed them). For me, the pain travels everywhere (legs, feet, toes, arms, hands, fingers & now my back and chest). It pulses sharply & deeply making it difficult to move at times. For me, the pain can come & go or last as long as 6 hours (that's my count so far) before it lets up for a little while.

Right now, my treatment is Darvocet (pain med), anti-anxiety & depression meds, exercise, & therapy (PTSD & chronic pain management). My Rheumatologist explained Fibro (in layman's terms) as "your nerves become overexposed & overstimulated by stress hormones so your brain is constantly sending out pain signals throughout your body." My PTSD therapist says more than half of her patients have Fibromyalgia too (no surprise there - I'm sure there's a link!).

My docs say stress, anxiety, & poor sleep are huge contributors to Fibromyalgia so, that's what I have to work on solving. Luckily for me, my VA Rheumatologist & the VA mental health clinic work together very well. Have you seen a Rheumatologist yet? That would probably be the next best step for you. Well, good luck & take care. Let me know how things are going - hopefully you won't have to suffer much more!