Hi Ginny, The information I have regarding chronic pain makes a
connection between adhesion/scar tissue and mixed connective tissue
disorders. The article states that when any soft tissue
(muscle,tendons,nerves,fascia,ligaments) are damaged, the body produces
scar tissue (adhesions). In many patients, esp. those who suffer from
mixed connective tissue disorders such as fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr,
chronic fatigue, etc. the scar response is amplified many times
resulting in "keloid-type" scarring. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of
widespread pain involving mainly muscle, but also tendons, ligaments,
bursa and joints. In addition to causing pain, FS causes stiffness(esp.
in morning), fatigue, numbness, feeling of weakness, swelling, cold
intolerance, poor sleep and headaches. Regarding autoimmune system, the
article states that the body's immune system, for various reasons, can
start to recognize some of the proteins as foreign. The body's defense
mechanism actually starts attacking its own protein and, if severe
enough, can cause serious illness. This happens in certain types of
arthritis and connective tissue disease. More investigation needs to be
done to clarify the autoimmune factor and determine whether it is a
mechanism in all of fibromyalgia or just a certain subtype. Could you
explain a little about Crohns? I do not have any info on this and I
would like to be informed. I want to support you and I want to
understand what you are going through with. Love and Prayers, Sherry