Hello All

Hello to everyone! I am new to this or any Fibro site. Everyone seems really nice from all of your posts. I was diagnosed last year and still haven't found a Dr that really knows about FM so I have just been "dealing with it." I take Savella twice a day and have been having a lot of pain lately and the fog is just madness! I am an office manager of an optometrist office that has 6 dr's and it seems like it's a big deal if remember what day it is let alone what dr is there that day...lol. Also been having so much pain it is a huge chore to get out of bed and be able to go to work and run my office to it's fullest, and I love my job and my staff and would never want to cut my hours or step down either. I guess it is time that I start calling around to find a dr that knows and understands FM because my primary looks at me like I'm insane and am faking everything, so he clearly doesn't understand. Who is better as far dr's to see, a neurologist or a Rheumatologist?

I would appreciate the info. I really didn't know how I would feel joining and writing down all of my issues that I've been dealing with, but now that I have, I can see how this helps all of you so much, and hopefully myself.

 Hope everyone has a blessed day and thanks again for any info!

 

Thanks Again!!                  WestieLover77  

 

Hi Westielover,

Welcome to the forum. I am so glad that you have joined us. This really is a wonderful group of members.

I see an MD. I will be seeing him for the second time next week. My other doctor retired, so he suggested the one that I am seeing now. I just hope that he will keep up with my pain management. He wants to cut my muscle relaxers back, I don't want him to. Actually he wants to change it. The ones he wants to give me make me groggy. I don't like them.

There are many members who see rheumys and neurologists. Though I am not one. I am sure they will be posting to let you know how things go for them. And that should help you with your question.

As was posted above, by Robin, there is a thread called fibro101. It is very interesting. I am sure that you will find it helpful. I hope that you take the time to look at it.

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. We have a daily koffee klatch that I think you will find interesting. It can be a lot of fun.

Take care,

Hugs, Karen

Hi Carley and welcome to our fibro family, just wanted you to know that my internal medicine dr. is the one who handles all my fibro meds. I guess it doesn't matter what kind of dr. is the best, what is important is that they believe. I never realized until I started reading on these boards that there were so many doctors who didnt believe. I have never seen a dr. here in North Dakota that didn't believe in it. I hope you find a good dr. soon. Sorry you have to be here but you have found a great place to be. We have so many great people here that are always willing to give support. Feel free to ask questions, vent or offer support. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Hi, Carley, and welcome!  I'm so glad you joined our family.  Yes,  you do need to find a doctor that treats fibromyalgia patients.  My doctor is a board certified Internist.  Many here use a rheumatologist and some see a neurologist.  My Internist is also a Diplomate and he has to take tests every year, I believe, to keep that distinction.  It keeps him abreast of the new things in medicine.  BUT be sure to ask if they treat fibro patients because there are rheumys out there that don't, believe it or not!

 

I use ibuprofen with food, extra strength Tylenol, malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements to help with my pain and fatigue.  There are links about the supplements in Fibro 101 and how they work in the body.  Like anything with fibro, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.  But, we have members here that have gotten a lot of help from these supplements.

 

FYI, some members have had Savella stop working for them after a while.  Maybe this is why you are having more pain lately.  I'm not a doctor but definitely am guessing!

 

You do have to keep moving with fibro.  Try to get up and walk around as frequently as possible when at work.  That can help you so you don't get stiff as a board.  Also, in Fibro 101 is a link to some stretching exercises that you can do at your desk.  Most people wouldn't know you are doing them and they do help, too!

 

You are not losing your mind.  I am still amazed at how may doctors think this is all in our heads!  Mostly women get fibro.  Why?  I have no idea but I just bet if more men got it these doctors would start to take notice.  This is just my opinion but it really bothers me the way some people have been treated when suffering with fibro.  There is a link in Fibro 101 called Doctors Respond To New York Times Article.  I really like this link.  The NYT had an article talking about fibro and considered it a "garbage" illness.  Learned doctors wrote and corrected the ill-informed people.  Fibro is definitely REAL!

 

I'm happy to meet you.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from  you soon.

 

Sherrine

Welcome Carley! You've found a great place for information and support.

hugs,
Pam

Carley, I'm so glad to hear this!  October 1st isn't that far away either.  You did a good job of hunting.  Be sure to let us know about your appointment and how things went.  We really do care about you.

 

Sherrine