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I need to know what to ask the Doctor at my visit!!! Please help me!

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Posted 11/9/2009 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone! I hope you are relatively pain-free today, though I know alot of you are not. :( I was able to get an appointment with my PDP for tomorrow (Monday) and I need to know what I need to ask her about! I am really starting at zero here, since she has been treating me for pain here and there for a few years, and sending me out to specialists for migraines and pelvic/menstrual pain. I really think that my all-over pain is due to Fibro, but then again, I'm not a doctor. I just don't know what to ask the doctor! LOL I know that sounds crazy, but do I just walk in and say, "Hey doc, I hurt all over my body and I think we should check into Fibro?" LOL That even sounds funny to me! I am just so tired of seeing 3 different doctors with not one being able to diagnose anything. I'm thinking that if Fibro is the answer, I could see one doctor and get it taken care of!

Anyway, please help me with your thoughts and suggestions! This community is wonderful when it comes to knowledge of chronic pain!

Thanks alot!
Tammy
Posted 11/9/2009 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Tammy,
They can do an exam for fibro -- if you think that might be it, ask for an exam. :)

One other option is that if you haven't gotten your hormones & thyroid tested, you might consider getting tested. I was totally messed up -- periods just completely random, joint pain everywhere, rapidly swinging moods, chills/hot flashes, migraines, etc., etc., etc. I felt so miserable, but I was afraid to even explain anything for fear of being labeled a hypochondriac. But when I finally got diagnosed and started Synthroid I felt so much better. Then, of course, I decided to go off the BCP & Synthroid (and pretty much everything else) and my life became a complete disaster again. I started back on the Synthroid a couple weeks ago & am going to see my GYN tomorrow afternoon.

As for FM, there is another Forum in HW specifically for that type of pain. They might be able to give you some more information about what the symptoms of FM are & what kind of doctor can be help diagnose FM. (just click on "Diseases & Conditions" in the light blue bar above & it will take you to the master list of forums in HW)

feel better,
frances
Posted 11/9/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tammy...

I'm glad you have an appointment for tomorrow w/ your doctor. I guess the first thing I would say to you is my famous quote that "you are your own best advocate". You know your body better than any doctor. You know what you are feeling, even if you don't know your exact "diagnosis".

Another thing to remember...and I soooo wish that I would have learned this sooner!....you are the one "hiring" your doctor for their expertise. There's nothing wrong with asking for what you want, or think you need. I say this because I used to be more timid around doctors, thinking they had the final word, or that I had to wait and see what they wanted to do with me... I wasted a lot of time being like that. Not all doctors like an assertive patient; but I have found that to be the exception to the norm. Most of my doctors are glad that I know what I'm talking about, know the directions I want to go, etc.

Can you bring someone w/ you? I know that in the beginning...before I had a diagnosis...my husband came to everything w/ me. It was hard - we were juggling around six kids, one of which was a baby. But it was worth it. Not only does it give you another person to "listen" and really hear what the doctor says....but, I don't know - I just think having another person there really shows that something serious is going on. If you can't take someone, that's ok....but I would try to if you can. If you can't bring someone, I'd write things down that you want to ask or go over.

Finally - you asked what to say. Since you just started posting here, I don't know all the specifics of what's going on w/ you, for how long, etc. But I would say something as follows (changing what needs to be changed for your situation): Doctor _______, as you know - I've had these pain issues on and off for "x" years. In the last few months, I am finding that I'm having more pain-filled days than non-pain days. I really want to figure out what is going on with me". From there, you need to decide what it is you are asking for. If I were in your position, I'd probably ask to see a pain management doctor - and go to him/her and explore the issues of the migraines, pelvic pain (I've had injections that really helped me in that area, by the way), and all over body aching. However, if you are wanting just to stick with your doctor...I would bring up the fibro issue. I'd simply say that you've read about fibromyalgia, and you see that you have a lot of those symptoms.

Sorry to cut this short, but I've got kids w/ the flu and one of them needs me. But I hope some of this helps a little. Definitely keep us posted on what happens tomorrow.... Most of all - good luck, Tammy!!
--Tina
Posted 11/9/2009 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, I just read the post from Frances.... I agree w/ the thyroid testing, too. I have severe hypothyroidism and see an endocrinologist for it. I am on Synthroid, too...although I haven't found the right dose yet. I'm doing more labs this week, hopefully (if I can escape my house to do it!!). Anyway, that's another thing to look at. I'm glad she mentioned it to you...

Tina
Posted 11/9/2009 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
Tammy, I agree with Momto6boy's! (Tina) If you can take someone with you, especially that has witnessed what your going through.  I never think you can give the Dr. too much information. I'm a very detailed person, an lay it all out to them, and I also take my wife with me to help confirm what the Dr. needs to know. Also the person you bring with you, may shed light and share something you forgot to tell the Dr. My wife is terrible at shareing what she needs to with our PCD, and she is glad that I came along just for that reason. And yes, we know our body's pretty well, but keep on researching, as you can never learn too much. Give us a report tomorrow if you can. Hope all goes well for you.
Posted 11/9/2009 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tammy!

And welcome. This sure is a wonderful family of people here. Francis and Tina have just about shared all the things I was thinking about...lol Saves me some typing with these darn arthritic hands. BUT, as far as the fibro goes... I also help out over there and have personally had fibro for at least 7-8 years. I'll share a few ideas there. Remember we are not doctors and aren't you glad?...lol Seriously, we obviously can't diagnose anyone but we can give you advice from our own experiences.

I would also suggest telling your doc what you suspect. YOU are the one feeling the pain and unless they know what it feels like they won't know what it is or how to treat it. My doctor actually tells me to bring in articles if I find something good to share. Yours may be of the same mindset.

Plus, as I often suggest, it would be a great idea for you to start keeping a pain journal. The Chronic Pain 101 thread ...it's at the beginning of the topics on the first page. ...there is a link to a journal page you can print out. Print or copy one for each day of the week and begin filling one out every day. I used to do mine in the evening before bedtime. Then each time you go to a doctor appointment take your journal along and ask that they review it. This will not only give them a clear picture of how your pain is during the day, but also how it reacts to medications, food, sleep times...pretty much everything that affects your pain. Since you won't have time to fill these in before you go you might just print one page of the journal and show your doctor. Tell her you will be using it and will bring it back each time. If she pushes off the idea I would review my reasons for going to that particular doctor.

I do hope you find some answers...and soon!
Warmest hugs!
Chutz

here's the link for you...
www.painfoundation.org/learn/publications/files/TargetDailyLog.pdf

Oh, I had to amend my post...Eagle, you make a great point! I used to go to doc visits with my mother as she got older. It turned out to be very helpful since the doctor wasn't. smilewinkgrin
Posted 11/9/2009 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Tammy

Wellcome to the Healing Well Chronic Pain Forum. Everyone has given you such Great advice, the only thing I would like to add is remember you hired this Doctor so she is working for you! So try not to feel imtimidated by her,just above all be honest tell her how you feel and what, when and why, write down notes before going into the appointment of things you want to bring up to her! Most people have all kinds of things they want to tell their Doctor but when they see their Doc their mind goes blank, that is where the notes come in, you can glance down at it and see what you wanted to tell your Doc, it is not to late to do that,! Heck even as you walk in or wait in the waiting room you might think of something so bring a pen or pencil with your with your list! Please keep us informed on how your appointment went!

Good Luck to You

White Beard
Posted 11/9/2009 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
Jadensmommy,
It's the middle of the night and I'm waiting for my pain meds to kick in, but just wanted to wish you the best tomorrow. There's nothing I can really add to all the advice you've been given. I just know I always need to go into in with a written list for my own sake - of symptoms, current medications, how it's affecting my life, and questions I want to ask. Otherwise I'd forget it all. I review it in the waiting room and often when I'm waiting in the exam room.

Good luck!

PaLady
Posted 11/9/2009 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Well the doctor's office called me about 30 minutes before my appt and told me that my doctor had to go deliver a baby so they needed to cancel my appt for today. They rescheduled it for next Friday the 20th. I'm not happy about that, but there's nothing I can do now. I just know I'm in alot of pain today and nothing I'm doing for it is helping at all. I would say my pain is at an 8 today. Hopefully things get better soon! I don't think I can handle this much longer!
Posted 11/9/2009 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
The dr delivers babies too?! Wow, I don't think I've known a dr who will do all that, but that's just me.

I'm 27 and although I was informaly diagnosed w/ Fibromyalgia at 21 I was formally diagnosed in 2007. The reason for the informal was because I was in college & no insurance & I didn't need a pre-existing.

Anyways, I too had been having problems like yours. I had severe migraine's & menstrual problems & she had treated me sent me to a specialist for years. One day I went in after 6 months of pain & tenderness everywhere & I told her my symptoms and then I asked her what her thought on fibro was.

Well I was lucky. Her adoptive mother has fibro. She was very knowledgeable. So she started me on cymbalta. Which didn't work, but that's another story. I told her after I heard her opinion that my mother had fibro too. Then she did an exam and diagnosed me but ran blood tests just in case-to rule out other things.

You could print a symptom list & write the frequency. Migraine's & painful periods r part of the symptoms.

I, Myself, wouldn't go into symptoms until I knew whether the dr believed in fibro.

I got lucky really, my fibro is severe now, and I guess I've been in a year long flare, but it flared following severe trauma to my body. I'm in pain mngmnt bc cymbalta & lyrica didn't work. But I have other problems too & my pcp cannot prescribe the level of narcotics that I take. But I didn't start out on this dosage so, it was a year or so before they referred me to pain mngmnt.

Good luck, keep us updated. Both forums r great on here: the fibro & chronic pain have both been very helpful.
Posted 11/9/2009 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
My PCP was also my OB/GYN when I had my son 2 years ago. She's also my son's pediatrician.

I definitely like the idea of a pain diary so that I can take it with me to my appt. I printed out several sheets of them today and have filled out today's already. I did call my Dr's office and asked one of her nurses if she "believed" in Fibro, she said Oh yes, she has diagnosed several of her patients with it and it currently treating them for it. So that made me feel a little better. I will go to my appt prepared, I'll tell you that!
Posted 11/9/2009 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Jadensmommy...

Ah, I'm sorry your appointment got canceled! I'm especially sorry that you now have to wait 10 days to be seen. Does your doctor have a cancellation list? Several of mine do...so if they get a cancellation, they can call you and you can come in. Just a thought.

I'm sorry your pain is so high right now. I really am. Hang in there, and keep posting when you can... --Tina
Posted 11/10/2009 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
 

   Dear Tammy,

 

     Good evening *soft huggs* I hope you can find a way to realx a little bit tonight. You ve been in so much pain latly *hugg* And Gosh! Talk about horrible timing! I understand your doctors needs to delivery to baby, but when I read you had to re schedual all I could think was *Oh no!!*. Is there anyway they can put you on the cancellation list? I hate knowing you in so much pain for nearly 2 more weeks!!! I sure hope they can find a way to get you in sooner. I wish there were some way I could help shakehead

 

*warm huggs*

     dani

Posted 11/10/2009 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I know it sucks that I have to wait for almost 2 weeks to see my doctor, but I see it as a chance to be more prepared for it. I just started keeping my pain diary, and will have almost 2 weeks worth of documentation to show her at my appt. I can also research and read more about this disease before going to see her. I also researched Internists and Rheumys in my area so that if she wants me to go see someone else, I will have an idea of who I want to see. I guess I'm just trying to stay positive in all this. Today, I have lived on my heating pad pretty much. But I also have a 2 year old who I am totally responsible for all day while my husband is working. It's tough to keep up with him when you're hurting! I think I've said that before!

Thanks for all the warm *huggs* and words of wisdom!

Tammy
Posted 11/10/2009 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
J's momma,
I'm sorry you are so miserable. Keeping up with a 2 year old is difficult when you feel good they are sooo busy. I wish I was closer and I'd help out. I'd call the docs office and get on a cancellation list too. Most all of them have a list like that. Your doc is a busy lady to deliver babies and have a regular practice. Her malpractice insurance must be through the roof. Most of the GP's and PCP in KS don't do any deliveries anymore because they can't afford the high price of malpractice insurance. Hang in there sweet pea tomorrow is another day and maybe it will be a better one for you. Hope so.

Cathy
Posted 11/10/2009 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
Cathy (Privey) - Your posts are always so kind and sweet! I can see your heart in all that you write!

I hope to get to know you better! --Tina
Posted 11/10/2009 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
Tammy,

I wrote a post to you, and somehow deleted what I wrote... ooops. Anyway, long story short! - I was just saying that my boys are older now...no babies/toddlers/preschoolers anymore...but I was there not so long ago. I know what it's like to have to still be mom while in pain or not feeling well. The encouragement is that it does get easier as they get older, because you can find things to occupy them while not feeling well... But, meanwhile, I know it can be tough. So, hang in there!

--Tina
Posted 11/10/2009 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
If you do get referred to a rheumy or internist check to see if they prescribe meds for pain (narcotics). I was seeing a rheumatologist for some time and she dx'd me as having fibro and had me trying every anti-inflammatory drug, anti-depressant & muscle relaxer in the book also lyrica with no relief. I was already taking ultracet (a non-narcotic pain med). When I told her the ultracet just wasn't working anymore she told me that she didn't prescribe narcotics and that I would need to see a pain management doctor for that. I feel that I wasted my time with her. She did complete all the usual blood work and x-rays to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and such. I am now at a PM doctor and am getting the treatment I need. Come to realize now I don't have fibro but do have osteoarthris in spine with degenerative disc disease. Your overall pain does sound like fibro.

Good Luck at your doctors appt and try to nap when the baby is sleeping. I know it's hard because that is sometimes the only time you can get things done.
Posted 11/10/2009 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Tina.. I do mean it. I'm a grandma to 3 one 17, 5 and 2 months. The 5 year old and her mommy lived with us until Mommy finished her RN program and saved enough to buy herself a home. She was around 2 and with my daughter in school full time and trying to work at the hospital full time I did my share of babysitting. She is a darling little girl but so busy they are hard to keep up with when you are young then add 30 years to it and it seems you are spinning your wheels.

Take care everyone and have a wonderful day.
Cathy
Posted 11/10/2009 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
I am having a really bad day today! When I woke up, I felt stiff as usual but nothing out of the ordinary. My son's speech therapist was supposed to have her first visit with him this morning, but she called and cancelled. I got a little upset about it, since we had been waiting for almost a month to start his therapy, then all hell broke loose with my pain. I know it's because of my stress level today! My chest wall is KILLING me today! I have PT today for my knee, but my knee hurts so bad, I'm not sure I can walk into the building. I took an Ativan for my nerves to see if that would help, so hopefully once that kicks in, I will have a little relief. I need to get my son to bed for his nap so I can have a break! I just want to cry and cry today. My chest is just soooo painful!
Posted 11/10/2009 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Tammy

I am sorry you are having a bad day today! And then topping it off with having a long anticipated appointment suddenly being cancelled makes your day all the worse! We have all had those type of days every once in a while! I wish I could say something that would make your day go better for you! But do know , that your not alone and  I do hope the rest of your day gets better for you!!

Wishing you  a  Better day with less pain !!!

Good Luck to You

White Beard

Posted 11/10/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Tammy... I'm sorry your pain is high today. I really am! I sure hope you feel better. I can't remember what meds you are on, if any; I really hope that you'll have a successful doc appointment and get something for this pain.

Feel better...
Tina
Posted 11/10/2009 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
J's momma,
Take some nice big breaths in you can and try to relax and let the Ativan work. I'm so sorry you're having such a bad day and wish for all of us I could fix it for you. The anxiety will be helped with the Ativan and then maybe you'll feel better. Seems like you just can't catch a break, doc cancels your appt. and then speech therapy it just seems like this hasn't been your week and we've only had 3 days of it. I hope it gets better with a new dawn or let's be optimistic -- sunset this evening.

Take care we care about you and love you.

Cathy
Posted 11/11/2009 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all your heartfelt comments! The Ativan did work to ease some of the stress I was feeling. It's all ups and downs with me these last few weeks. I have that appt with my PCP next Friday but I was really hoping to be referred to the PM doctor sooner, so I called my insurance company and asked them if I needed a referral to go, and she said no I didn't! I got a little excited and called the PM doctor. They do accept my insurance, are in my network, but they require the referral from my PCP. So I'm no closer than I was before! Oh well, I tried!
Posted 11/11/2009 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Great J's momma I'm glad you were better by sunset. I have ativan too and it does help I don't use it much if I don't have to because it makes me sleepy and I try to stay up and moving all day but it is a good med.

Glad things are looking better for you.

Cathy
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