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Posted 9/28/2012 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have been experiencing pain for a while now. I had an appointment with a rheumatologist yesterday and he is pretty confident I have fibromyalgia, HOWEVER, when he tested my tender points he wasn't as confident as in the way I responded to it. Mind you, by this point I had already taken my Cymbalta, two doses of Tramadol, and three doses of Tylenol as it was past midday.

How long did it take for you to get a diagnosis?
Posted 9/28/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
My diagnosis was relatively speedy, as a sibling had already been diagnosed with FM about ten years earlier.

It still took around 3-4 months though, with all the various tests and doctors.
Posted 9/28/2012 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Jack,

It's unfortunate that you took those meds before your appointment. Meds are bandaids that mask what we're going through. This is probably why you didn't respond to your tender points being evaluated.

Good luck to you.
Posted 9/28/2012 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jack..

Are you prescribed the Cymbalta and Tramadol for your UC?

I agree that by taking all those meds for pain...that you wouldn't respond to the tender point exam...

Did you tell the Dr. that you had taken all those meds?

At this point...even with the diagnosis of Fibro...you are already taking the medications that most would be prescribed if any.

So it's really about adding in all the non medicinal ways to approach Fibro. You can read this on the Fibro 101 "sticky" at the top of this board.
Posted 9/29/2012 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I also read that the tenderpoint test isn't as important as it use to be. Not all fibromyalgia patients have all of the tenderpoints that we are suppose to have. I don't even know if I had all eleven. But I sure did feel one, as it took me off of the table when the doctor put pressure on it. And as was posted above by a few members, taking your meds may stop them from hurting as much.

It took me a long time to get a diagnosis as well. Be patient, and make sure you tell the doctor everything. It might not be a bad idea to keep a journal of symptoms and pain ratings.

I hope that you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 9/29/2012 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Let's see.. I'd say it too me a good 9 years to finally get diagnosed with fibro. During that span I moved a few times so I had to change primary care doctors and would try explaining my symptoms all over again and I got the same response from all of them.. they thought I was crazy. Keep taking your depression meds they said. What an insult! I was adamant this past year and was not taking the "you sound like a hypochondriac" speech again!
Posted 9/29/2012 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I am prescribed the Cymbalta for anxiety and depression, the Tramadol for UC.

I am actually a female, haha.
Posted 9/29/2012 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I did tell the doctor that I had taken those meds and he still felt uncomfortable diagnosing me.
Posted 9/29/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
He may just be wanting to rule out other possibilities first.  My doctor suspected Fibro from the beginning but didn't diagnose me until he ran many other test.  He still feels there is something more like lupus or RA.  RA is in my family history on both sides.  Just a thought, a doctor's timing isn't the same as ours is. LOL.  He is treating me for Fibro with many of the same meds.  So I'm sure he feels he has my symptoms under control and is now taking the time to search for more.
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