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Posted 3/25/2012 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
SO. Where to begin? I went to my primary care physician almost three years ago and finally opened up the big box of FM symptoms. I explained them all, in great detail, to someone I expected to help me. When I was done, he folded up my nice 'little' list of symptoms that it had taken me forever to get written down, handed it back to me and said "I think your problem is that you sleep too much. Trying sleeping a little less, and being more active, I'm sure you'll feel a lot better afterwards." I was so disappointed and let down, but I came home, stuck my list in our family binder and let getting a diagnosis go for the time being. For the next year, I avoided going to any doctor for anything other than life or death emergency. Then my best friend (she works for a rheumatologist & has for several years) told me to try her internist, she was a great lady and was really compassionate & would surely begin testing and refer me to a rheumatologist. So I did, and I have been seeing her for two years now. After pulling that list out many many times in the past three years to add new symptoms, my best friend said "Jess, it's time to bite the bullet and try again. I will even go with you to see her and bring this up if you want." My father has fibro, so I know the hell it takes to get a diagnosis and dreaded the thought of going to the doctor about it. But I made an appointment, and had, unknowingly at the time, unrealistically high hopes. For two years this doctor had treated me, and had always been kind and compassionate, so I thought should would be willing to help. Friday, my best friend and I went to my appointment, symptoms list and pain journal in hand. When the doctor came in, she asked me what she could do for me. I told her that I had my list of symptoms and my pain journal and that I wanted to start the testing & elimination process to figure out what was going on. I told her that I felt like there was a strong possibility of FM. She took my list and journal, read through them, and said "Well, these are not the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The only thing I can prescribe to treat fibro is antidepressants and since you are already on one, I am going to write you a prescription for zoloft. Take half of this pill at night." For one, if I DON'T have the symptoms of FM, WHY are you telling me what is used to treat it, and why are you writing me a script for it? I told her I couldn't take Zoloft, she had previously prescribed it and I had a bad reaction to it. I am not sure if this made her mad or what, but she slammed my chart shut, and told me that the only other thing she could do for me was send me to a psychiatrist. She said she was going to get a referral, walked out, slammed the door. The next thing I know the nurse opens the door and says "you're all done, follow me." My best friend and I exchanged confused glances and I told the nurse there must be a mistake because we weren't done. She told me that my doctor had given her my chart and told her I was ready for checkout. And that was that. I am SO tired of doctors trying to tell me that I am imagining my pain or that I need to see a psychiatrist. I cannot wait another year or two and try again. My pain and fatigue and extensive list of other symptoms is growing and I am missing out on my children's lives because of it. I am so very lucky to have a loving husband that understands and believes me about all of this. He is just as frustrated as I am. I know a diagnosis won't eliminate my pain, but it will relieve some stress and maybe then I can get some help. But where do I go from here? What is my next step? Am I doing something wrong?! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Posted 3/25/2012 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't go back to that doctor, and I hope you didn't fill the prescription for Zoloft.

What symptoms are affecting your ability to carry out the tasks of everyday living?
Posted 3/25/2012 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry to hear this. I can believe your story because there are so many Dr's still not wanting to believe in the diagnoses of Fibromalgia. I know some Dr's don't like patients already diagnosing themselves. You would think that they would like your help, but some feel that it's their place to figure it out. Sometimes it's how you approach them also. You sound like you did all the hard work. Maybe list all your symptoms, but see if they come up with a diagnoses. Make sure your Doctor works with Fibromalgia patients. Don't give up. It has taken many of us years to get the proper diagnoses. I just happen to be reading this site because of my frustrations with doctors. I felt hopeless and wondering if how could one person suffer so much. It was this forum that gave me hope. It has been a year now and I can say I have learned so much here. My Doctors never explained all this to me. I was the one that put two and two together and realized what I had. I hope you don't give up and keep looking for that right Dr.
who believes in you.
Posted 3/25/2012 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
spaztick- I didn't even take the script from her. I have already tried it, had a reaction, and swore to never take it again. The symptoms that seem to affect my ability to actually live are: daily headaches &/or migraines, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, lapse in memory, chronic fatigue, pain pretty much from head to toe, anxiety/depression, excessive sweating, IBS, etc. This is a shortened version of my list, the major problems, if you will.

ak angel- Thank you. My mother is a nurse and every time I come home upset over a doctors visit gone wrong, she said doctors and nurses swore to help people and regardless of the situation, if the patient says they are in pain, you have to believe they are in pain and not question them. I feel that is the way it is supposed to be. I keep telling my husband that I wish they could come live with us for a day and they would have NO DOUBT that any of us are in pain. I will not be going back to that doctor, but continue my search for one that is willing to help. I am going to keep my list of symptoms and I do plan to try and let the doctors do their job. I just hope that I don't keep getting the whole "all I can do is refer you to a psychiatrist" because I am NOT crazy. It is my body, and I know when I am in pain. I hope to find support and get some of my questions answered here as well. Thank you for the warm comments & advice!
Posted 3/26/2012 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Get your self off to see a pain management doc. They have a title, phyisiatrist? Darn brain fog! Anyway, That's who I see for this, he is the one who gave me the dx. There is a simple test for it, if you ouch positive for 11 of the 18 pressure points, you have it. Sounds like this doc didn't believe in fibro. What? It is a real disease, backed up by science. So find one who knows how to treat it. And that can be a trial and error sort of thing, there isn't one pill that fits all. Darn it!

Good luck, gentle hugs
Posted 3/26/2012 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
On your next visit I'd limit myself to just a couple symptoms and let the doctor play detective from there. I've had doctors get mad at me when I've diagnosed myself and refuse to treat me for an illness when I mentioned what I thought I had.

When I was in my teens and twenties I used to visit Lake Tahoe a lot. Every time I hit 6,000 feet I'd start throwing up. Sometimes this would last days. My drs response when I said "I think I have altitude sickness" was "6,000 feet is too low for altitude sickness, so that isn't what you have." He told me I had motion sickness even though I found out that drs. at Lake Tahoe treat tourists for altitude sickness all the time.

My lesson there was to never diagnose myself. My advice: pick one area of your body that hurts the most and mention that, and then mention one or two other symptoms, like the fatigue and the sweating. Don't EVER focus on the anxiety and depression, a new doctor will just focus on that and decide you are a mental case.

Even though all the articles tell you to keep a journal and/or list...don't bring that to a first visit. The doctor will then likely think you are a hypochondriac. Plus the biggest advantage to not mentioning fibro in the first place is that there are so many other diseases which cause similar symptoms, so you want the tests to either rule those out or identify them first before the doctor agrees with you because you might possibly have something else and there might be a treatment for it.
Posted 3/26/2012 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
I am appalled at how you've been treated. I guess I'm fortunate because I've had nothing but wonderful doctors. Your situation makes me sick.

What are your symptoms?
I learned that the best way to communicate with Dr.'s is to let them know how your symptoms effect your everyday life, i.e. the pain in my arms doesn't allow me to even do laundry, I can't walk without pain etc." It gives them a better understanding or visual.

Do NOT accept those doctors reactions to be normal. There are many good doctors out there. Many doctors don't like to treat Fibro because we're truly not easy to treat. They like to fix things and we are not fixable (yet)

Inferring that you needed a psychiatrist because it's all in your head is ironic. Fibro is in our heads - it's in our brains! My one friend who has it got the best treatment from a psychiatrist. He was very knowledgable in how the brain works and really helped her, prescribed her meds etc.
Of course it takes the right doc. NOT one who thinks you're just depressed. Fibro can cause depression and uncaring Doctors can cause depression!
I'm really sorry about your experiences, but please don't give up. There IS help out there.

Why don't you tell us your symptoms and maybe we can help you word it to a dr.?
Posted 3/26/2012 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
Namian- I have tried just mentioning a few symptoms at a time. Should would simply write them off as one thing or another and prescribe meds for them. I have been seeing her for two years now and two and two haven't been put together (or even attempted to be put together). That's why I just dove in head first with everything I had. I told her that I wanted to begin the elimination testing for fibro. I had hoped that after being her patient for two years and with my symptoms she would take me seriously. Unfortunately I was wrong : /

Jacey86- Thank you, I am so very sickened by it as well. I thought doctors were supposed to HELP their patients, not belittle them. I included a small list of my symptoms in an earlier response but I will include my entire list of symptoms here.

Headaches (daily)
Migraines (at least weekly)
Dizziness & lightheadedness
Allergies
Nasal Congestion
Dry itchy eyes
Jaw pain
Shoulder pain
Burning arm pain
Elbow joint pain
Upper & Lower back pain
Sensitivity to cold & heat
Frequent gas
Bloating
Cramping
Constipation & Diarrhea
Mucus in stool
Frequent urination
Nausea
Frequent UTI
Painful Intercourse
Severe menstrual pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Hair loss
Pain in toes & feet
CHRONIC fatigue
Trouble getting to & staying asleep
Feeling exhausted when waking
Anxiety & Depression
Severe night sweats
Low blood sugar
Ringing in ears
Weight gain
IBS

I think I covered it all.
Posted 3/26/2012 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
I was EXCEPTIONALLY lucky with my diagnosis. My doctor sent me to a specialist who was focusing on CFS, and I got a very quick diagnosis. A few years later, she said "Gee, you've mentioned being achy a lot," did the trigger/tender point test, and diagnosed me with Fibro. Unfortunately my two wonderful health professionals retired.   Since then I’ve had both diagnosises confirmed by multiple doctors. The government recognises both illnesses, and I’m able to claim Disability Support Pension… And STILL I come across doctors who look at my medical history, and go “You’re not sick. You just need to try harder.”   I have been told I can’t be sick because I’m wearing makeup. I have been told I can’t be sick because my hair’s to well groomed. I have been told that by not wearing makeup and doing my hair it points to depression. I have been told I must be fine because if I was REALLY in pain I would be in tack pants, not jeans. I have been told that I CLEARLY have been to the gym because I’m wearing track pants, and as such can’t possibly be sick. I have been told that I “obviously” have cancer. (because I have a headache. I saw this guy ONCE. For ONE headache. BOOM, it’s cancer and I’m going to die. *headwall.) I have been told that I just need to seek a support group to get over the CFS. I have been told I spend too much time with “sick people” and as such have a warped view on reality. I have been told I work to much. I’ve been told I don’t work enough. I have been told I over sleep. I have been told I don’t get enough sleep. I have been told I’m just to young to be sick and that I need to grow up.   Doctors can be arses. Just because they managed to get through medical school does not make the smart, and does not make them good at what they do. And it sure doesn’t make them good people.   Trying to find a supportive doctor has been a nightmare, I can't imagine how much it must suck to struggle to find one before you're diagnosed.   Good luck *Hugz. Post Edited By Moderator (Acheybody) : 3/26/2012 10:02:12 AM (GMT-6)
Posted 3/26/2012 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
I Completely understand. Though I have not had the experience you have had or at least not on the scale you have.  It is exceedingly frustrating to deal with drs today. I have been very frustrated and discouraged.

In my case almost two years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus and gout.  Last fall My PCP suspected I had FM and referred me to my reumatologist for it. She said noway in H because I am too young (44). It only affects older women over 60(seriously she said that).  She never asked about symptoms or anything.  (BTW-I never suspected I had it either.)But I KNEW that she was wrong in her information. I work with a woman who was diagnosed with it a 1 1/2 prior and had done lotsa research for her.  Well, I went back to this information and traced the symptoms and figured I prolly had this back to my teens. 

I decided a 2nd opinion was in order.  I got one.  Yes to FM and no to Lupus and gout.  Now here is the thing.  I know I have gout...tests and symptoms prove it.  I went for my 2nd opinion not being in a flare for either Lupus or gout.  he tested me and couldn't rule out Lupus (much to his surprise).  So I have conflicting diagnosis for that.  I however, looking back on things think the LUPUS is right as well.  prolly since a first flare in 94.  He said that  the Chronic headache and severe headaches/migraines I have been treated for (finally) for the past 5 years are a classic symptom of FM. My neurologist gave up trying to rid me of my constant chronic headache 2 yrs ago much to my dismay and dissapointment.

So after much confusion/soul searching.  I have decided to continue seeing my reumatologist here at home for the Lupus/gout and the other Reum for FM.  I figure that is the best way to go. 

Sometimes I think it really is all in my head and none of it is real.  That the pain is phantom. That the symptoms are all phantom.  The back pain, severe muscle fatigue, pain to the touch, restless legs, severe joint pain, neck pain, elbow pain, brain fog, confusion, sporadic anxiety, sun sickness, heat intolerence, and i could go on.

Another thing that makes me think I am crazy:  I have severe allergies and take shots/meds.  I was tested originally and am allergic to shrimp and pecans. Well over the last couple years if I eat crab I have trouble swallowing so I figured that I have become allergice to the crab as well. Well my allergist tested me for all shellfish and all nuts (suspected new nut allergy) and they all came back negative. 

So tell me, am I crazy or what.  I think sometimes YES.  I look at my box of meds and wonder why I take them at all. 

I cannot take pain meds for the FM or Lupus or Gout.  Except for Tramadol and with the above mentioned allergy testing ruling out nut allergy I think I am developing an intolerance for it.  I also take naproxin as needed too.  Neither helps a whole lot but better than nothing. And since I have a fatal allergy to codeine and hydrocodone it kinda rules out most pain meds for me.

At least I have drs who have said yes there IS something wrong with you.  And the diagnosis actually came unexpectedly because I really wasn't looking for answers. I wasn't asking questions I was just suffering with all these things-weird things-as 'they just are'.  Or I am just getting older and not that there was something actually wrong or something causing them.  I guess in a way that is better than searching for anwers and finding walls.

I wish everyone had a sympathetic dr...if just ONE.  It isn't right for so many to suffer so much when there is supposedly help out there.  And sometimes just having a NAME/ANSWER makes all the difference in the world.

(Have I confused you yet?) Not sure I helped at all...in fact pretty sure I didn't but know you aren't alone in dr confusion.

 

Posted 3/26/2012 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried a nuerologist? (I cant spell it sorry lol) My actual dr has suspected me of fybro for some time,but did not want to diagnosis. I'm not sure why,but he felt maybe something like this had to come from a specialist. So I saw one and he too said without me even bringing it up I had fybro. I barely even know what it was as the time.

Don't give up either though. There are a lot of idiots out there and unfortunately some become doctors. Some years back now after I had my first lung collapse I went to a lung dr at the hospital I was treated...I forget his name or I would so put it here in caps it may have been dr clark...but I told him I wasn't doing well I knew something was wrong. He looked at me and told me I should stop feeling sorry for myself. There had just been horrible flooding in another part of the world and think of how those people felt. Well two weeks later I was in the hospital and boy were they shocked. I had a hole in my lung the entire time that woud open when I breathed and shut when I held my breath. I could have died because I didn't speak up any further after that. I assumed no one would listen to me. I remember him coming in to my hospital room and he actually introduced himself and tried to shake my hand. I just glared at him and said "we've met." Man he was lucky I was bed ridden! devil

Good luck to you I hope you have a solution soon.
Posted 3/26/2012 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Egads! That's a scary scenario.

When I was a young mother, first having migraines, they got really awful - luckily, they've tapered off a lot. Anyway, I went to my kindly old family doctor, who I'd gone to most of my life. He suggested I get some kind of shot.

When I asked what the side effects could be, he told me some that sounded worse than the headache. So I thought about it for acouple of seconds and said no thanks. He shrugged and replied, "It's your headache, honey," - and not in a kind way. It really hurt my feelings. Since then, I've met so many doctors who just plain don't care. So it makes it all the much more gratifying when I find one who does. They are out there, but sadly, in my experience they're the minority.

The allergist/internist who diagnosed my fibro is just great. He has actually looked things up in a book while I'm there, and searched on the internet with me! He was top in his class and is very respected by other doctors in town, so he's secure enough to welcome my suggestions and say he doesn't know something when he doesn't. I know I'm extremely lucky. I now know the difference, and unless I absolutely have to, I'm not going to put up with being treated shabbily just because, as Madisun said, someone got through medical school!

Mamainpain, welcome to the forum! Has anyone directed you to the Fibro 101 thread yet? Your symptoms sure seem to fit the bill to me.

Debbie
Posted 3/28/2012 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I'm pretty sure I have it. I haven't mentioned it to my doctor because I'm afraid of being perceived either as a hypochondriac or a pill seeker. Sometimes I feel motivated to seek a diagnosis, other times I think, "why?" A diagnosis doesn't really help, I mean not in any significant way. There's no cure. Many people think it's a made up disease. My daughter worked in a doctor's office and the staff there all believed that fibro is a "lazy white woman's excuse."

Sorry, just venting. I'm so jealous of those of you who have great relationships with your doctor. Mine is really pretty great but I've only been going to him for about a year and I'm not yet comfortable mentioning all my complaints. Thanks for listening. :)
Posted 3/28/2012 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
mamainpain,
sorry to hear of your problems with the doc... try calling different physicians and ask them first if they treat fibro...if they say yes then make and appointment. i had a rhumo. tell me i needed to see a shrink cause i hear noises when i change eye focus sometimes. i dont use him at all any more.
Posted 3/28/2012 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
mamainpain, WOW! Let's just say, I admire your intestinal fortitude and self restraint from physical harm to said dr!

You have some very bad symptoms. Please tell me they have at least run testing to rule out thyroid issues? I always fall within the normal range. I had every symptom, but after almost of year of 'normal' I looked at my dr. and said, "Normal' is an average of all right? He responded yes. I asked him if it was possible that I was on the lower range and that wasn't really 'normal' for me. (Normal temp is 98.6F, but my normal is always 1 degree less) He thought about it for a few minutes and said, I want you to try the lowest dose they make of Synthroid. It was like a 'miracle'. Just that little dose changed so many of my symptoms. My dr. has listened to my complaints and adjusted and even added another thyroid medication to help.

Are they running blood work on your hormones? You mentioned the headaches and that you had the Depro shot. (My oldest DD took the 3 months shot 1x and had very bad reaction she saw listed. She went overseas and was sick as a dog and gained 50 pounds in 1 month. The headaches were horrible.)

Don't give up. There are good drs. (I would have not paid that dr. bill.. I think I would have ripped it up and said, the dr. threw a tantum and walked out without even reading my chart and knowing I had reactions to a drug 1x before......and ripped it and said, give that to her for payment.)
Posted 3/29/2012 11:57 AM (GMT 0)

TiredArtist said...
Have you tried a nuerologist? (I cant spell it sorry lol) My actual dr has suspected me of fybro for some time,but did not want to diagnosis. I'm not sure why,but he felt maybe something like this had to come from a specialist. So I saw one and he too said without me even bringing it up I had fybro. I barely even know what it was as the time.

Don't give up either though. There are a lot of idiots out there and unfortunately some become doctors. Some years back now after I had my first lung collapse I went to a lung dr at the hospital I was treated...I forget his name or I would so put it here in caps it may have been dr clark...but I told him I wasn't doing well I knew something was wrong. He looked at me and told me I should stop feeling sorry for myself. There had just been horrible flooding in another part of the world and think of how those people felt. Well two weeks later I was in the hospital and boy were they shocked. I had a hole in my lung the entire time that woud open when I breathed and shut when I held my breath. I could have died because I didn't speak up any further after that. I assumed no one would listen to me. I remember him coming in to my hospital room and he actually introduced himself and tried to shake my hand. I just glared at him and said "we've met." Man he was lucky I was bed ridden! devil

Good luck to you I hope you have a solution soon.

TiredArtist - I actually have an appt with a neuro on Monday. It was scheduled by this same doctor a few weeks ago.. I was actually wondering whether or not I should take my list of symptoms with me to see him. I was seeing a neuro for years before we moved in 2009 and he (we) tried every medication possible. He did believe that I was in pain and was willing to listen to my suggestions. I had a scan done (it was years ago so I'm not sure if it was MRI or CT or what) but it did indeed show structural changes in my brain. So maybe with this new neuro on Monday I'll bring me list & see where that gets me.
Posted 3/29/2012 12:05 PM (GMT 0)

Acheybody said...
Egads! That's a scary scenario.

When I was a young mother, first having migraines, they got really awful - luckily, they've tapered off a lot. Anyway, I went to my kindly old family doctor, who I'd gone to most of my life. He suggested I get some kind of shot.

When I asked what the side effects could be, he told me some that sounded worse than the headache. So I thought about it for acouple of seconds and said no thanks. He shrugged and replied, "It's your headache, honey," - and not in a kind way. It really hurt my feelings. Since then, I've met so many doctors who just plain don't care. So it makes it all the much more gratifying when I find one who does. They are out there, but sadly, in my experience they're the minority.

The allergist/internist who diagnosed my fibro is just great. He has actually looked things up in a book while I'm there, and searched on the internet with me! He was top in his class and is very respected by other doctors in town, so he's secure enough to welcome my suggestions and say he doesn't know something when he doesn't. I know I'm extremely lucky. I now know the difference, and unless I absolutely have to, I'm not going to put up with being treated shabbily just because, as Madisun said, someone got through medical school!

Mamainpain, welcome to the forum! Has anyone directed you to the Fibro 101 thread yet? Your symptoms sure seem to fit the bill to me.

Debbie

Acheybody- I am currently seeing an allergist/internist. I took it upon my self and did not wait for a referral. Just a thought that maybe allergies & etc could be the reason for some of my symptoms or at least making some of them worse. I have not had my actual first appt with her yet. I met with the nurse first and he asked if I would like to have skin testing done. This took three days because I was allergic to everything and would have quarter sized welts from every single prick. The DR did stop by my little room though every day that I was there for the testing and told me on the first day that she had sat down and looked over my chart before signing off on the allergy testing and had made several notes about several different things, all of which we would discuss once my testing was over. I go back 4/12 to see her and discuss my allergy skin testing and all of her notes, questions, and concerns. So like I said about the neuro doctor, maybe when I go in for that I will just bring in my list of symptoms and go from there. She seemed to take the time to actually read my entire chart and make notes on it, so maybe she cares enough to listen. My best friend also uses her and said that at her first appointment she did pretty much the same thing yours did and actually dug into her issues with my friend there helping her! Well see! Thanks for your input! It really helps knowing that I am not alone even though I wouldn't wish any of this of anyone!
Posted 3/29/2012 12:17 PM (GMT 0)

Mrsppmrxky said...
mamainpain, WOW! Let's just say, I admire your intestinal fortitude and self restraint from physical harm to said dr!

You have some very bad symptoms. Please tell me they have at least run testing to rule out thyroid issues? I always fall within the normal range. I had every symptom, but after almost of year of 'normal' I looked at my dr. and said, "Normal' is an average of all right? He responded yes. I asked him if it was possible that I was on the lower range and that wasn't really 'normal' for me. (Normal temp is 98.6F, but my normal is always 1 degree less) He thought about it for a few minutes and said, I want you to try the lowest dose they make of Synthroid. It was like a 'miracle'. Just that little dose changed so many of my symptoms. My dr. has listened to my complaints and adjusted and even added another thyroid medication to help.

Are they running blood work on your hormones? You mentioned the headaches and that you had the Depro shot. (My oldest DD took the 3 months shot 1x and had very bad reaction she saw listed. She went overseas and was sick as a dog and gained 50 pounds in 1 month. The headaches were horrible.)

Don't give up. There are good drs. (I would have not paid that dr. bill.. I think I would have ripped it up and said, the dr. threw a tantum and walked out without even reading my chart and knowing I had reactions to a drug 1x before......and ripped it and said, give that to her for payment.)

Mrsppmrxky- YES. I totally agree. I think the situation that occurred with this doctor totally put me in a state of shock. My best friend was there with me and later on that afternoon when I had calmed down enough to talk about it, she said "Jess, you went pale as a ghost and your mouth dropped. I thought I was about to the devil emerge and was really surprised that I didn't." I was so mad I couldn't speak, I don't think I could have formed a understandable statement if I had tried. I DID NOT pay the bill. When the lady at checkout said "your copay is $25". i said "no, my copay is for services rendered, and she did nothing but verbally slap me in the face. you can count that $25 as a loss." and walked out. I WONT pay it. I did have blood work done a few weeks ago when my BP starting staying elevated regularly. I told her that I would like to have my glucose levels checked because I have had pronounced symptoms of either high or low blood sugar at times. My mother carries a glucose meter with her because she has problems with low blood sugar (my father has diabetes as well). The last time I felt the symptoms of low blood sugar, I had eaten 30 min prior and was clammy, jittery, nauseated, and began getting a severe migraine. I called her and she came and checked it for me. So maybe 45 min after eating it was 60. :/ Way too low. But when I mentioned this to her she said, well you had all of that checked when we did bloodwork the other day and it was normal so theres no need for that. :/ Everything is "NORMAL" because it appears to be that way on the outside. I need someone who is willing to dig a little deeper!!
Posted 3/29/2012 12:22 PM (GMT 0)

FrancieNolan said...
I haven't been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I'm pretty sure I have it. I haven't mentioned it to my doctor because I'm afraid of being perceived either as a hypochondriac or a pill seeker. Sometimes I feel motivated to seek a diagnosis, other times I think, "why?" A diagnosis doesn't really help, I mean not in any significant way. There's no cure. Many people think it's a made up disease. My daughter worked in a doctor's office and the staff there all believed that fibro is a "lazy white woman's excuse."

Sorry, just venting. I'm so jealous of those of you who have great relationships with your doctor. Mine is really pretty great but I've only been going to him for about a year and I'm not yet comfortable mentioning all my complaints. Thanks for listening. :)

FrancieNolan- I, too, go through periods of wondering "why bother" when it comes to getting diagnosed. But I do feel like it would put me at ease a little to finally be able to put a name to it. But like many others have encouraged me, let me stress that you can't give up. YOU are not crazy. YOUR pain is REAL. Don't be afraid to make it known. And if your doctor is unfortunately like mine, find another one. It is a painfully tiring process to have to switch doctors, but if it means getting a diagnosis and having that peace of mind, as well as potentially getting help, I feel it is well worth it. Best of luck to you!
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