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Posted 8/20/2012 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a bit confused about how I feel with what my Rheumatologist said today. She is increasing the gabapentine which is great since its been helping so far a little. She also got me a anti inflamatory med. Then she said she wanted me to find a pscychaitrist who specializes in fibro. That worries me because this isn't a mental disorder, but if it helps with the pain I'll try it. What I'm torn about is that she said working would really help and people with fibro who don't work just get worse and worse. I agree to a point working is my goal,but I know myself and I'm not up to it right now. That aside my disability is up on the 15th of next month. If I don't get it extended I'd never be able to afford the meds, drs appointments, or the swim therapy she ordered without it on top of the 9 grand I owe in medical bills already. I'm hoping everything works and I'll feel much better,but I wasn't expecting her to think I could jump in to work now when just taking a shower makes me exhausted and my arm hurts so bad I can barely use it half the time. confused
Posted 8/21/2012 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Psychologists are good for helping you cope with the chronic pain. If you are in constant pain it can cause depression and mood changes. I speak from experience.

I'm in a similar experience with my insurance. It runs out at the end of September and I can't afford new insurance because I lost my job in May. I'm trying to file for disability now.
Posted 8/21/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Joy, psychotherapy can be very helpful for dealing with the depression, guilt etc that often comes with a chronic pain condition. It doesn't mean you are crazy, just that you can go and vent to someone who understands and can give great advise on how to deal with the mental aspects of this disease. :-) I have a Masters in psychology and I understand many of the workings of the mind, but I have seen a psychologist for my pain.

Glad you had a good appointment. It sounds like the start of a great partnership between you and your rheumy. Take care!
Posted 8/21/2012 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Tired- It might be the psy. Dr. would be the best thing that happen to you. It was my psy. Dr. that really help me get my disability. I had huge medical diagnoses such as 3- level fusion, clotting disorder, stroke, seizures, 5 pound weight limit and etc. but they still denied me. I was suffering from chronic pain and severe depression when I met my psy. Dr. She wanted me off work because of all these problems. She work hard for me and cared for me. Hopefully this could happen to you. It took me about a year to feel some control of my life again. I learned you really need a psy. Dr. and a therapist. Psy. Dr. only handles your meds and things like disability. The therapist is someone that helps you learn to cope what is causing your problems.
Posted 8/21/2012 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
go to the Psy and change your rheumy.
Posted 8/21/2012 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
I've never seen a psychiatrist and never felt I needed to, either.  If I did feel that was necessary, I would go.   If I were told to see a psychiatrist and didn't feel I needed that, I wouldn't go.  If I felt it would help me, I would go.  I don't suffer from depression so this plays into this, too. 

 

I agree with Mermaiden to get another rheumy.  Fibro is not a progressive illness so you wouldn't get worse and worse.  Your doctor should know this.  Also, fibromyalgia is not an infammatory illness so I don't understand her giving you an anti inflammatory medication.  I do take ibuprofen but I also have other inflammatory illnesses to deal with.  This would make me wonder, too. 

 

BUT if you don't keep moving with fibro, you will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  Do daily gentle stretching exercises and daily gentle exercises like walking, swimming or yoga.  I know taking care of my home and gardens keeps me plenty active, along with my daily walking.

 

Sherrine

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