It's not always fibromyalgia?

Is anyone else having problems getting your doctor(s) to see beyond the fibromyalgia diagnosis? I have a host of other problems that have been seen on MRIs, x-rays, bone scans etc. Sometimes I think that because I have so much going on, the docs are just overwhelmed by so many problems in so many different places, that they have labeled me as having fibromyalgia just to make it fit into one nice, neat package.

I have: A 2-level c-spine fusion, herniated discs in my c-spine and lumbar spine, osteoarthritis (neck, back, toes, knee), hallux rigidus, probable Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH), lateral epicondylitis w/ torn tendon in my elbow, widespread tendinitis/tendinosis, meralgia paresthetica (post iliac crest bone harvest), bone spurs in my heel, bone spurs on both iliac crests, as well as having had a colectomy for diverticulitis. I also have Inappropriate Sinus Tacycardia (a high resting pulse rate for no apparent reason.) So really? Sometimes I think if I were a man, I wouldn't just be labeled with fibro and sent on my way.

I am now having some new symptoms...knee pain and throbbing at the back of my leg and top of my thigh, along with severe lower back and hip pain. I believe this is related to disc problems in my back causing some sciatica. I fear that when I return to the doc with my new complaints that he will again, just say, "Oh, it's just your fibro!" Please! Not everything is "just fibro."

What does it take to get them to order some new imaging tests? I mean, 5 years ago my shoulder MRI showed "severe osteoarthritis and tendinosis with probable impingement and fluid in the biceps tendon." I'm certain it has gotten much worse in the past 5 years! Arggggh! They just keep giving me the same ineffective drugs that do nothing.

Yeah, I have been to a few orthopedists. The problem with them is that they only want to see you for "one body part" per visit and my problems are all over the place. Then they send me on to the Rheumatologists, who then send me back to the Orthopedists, who then send me on to the Pain Management docs. I have been on the specialist merry go round for almost 15 yrs.

Lots going on there! And I hear you about one pain per visit. I hate that, but to resolve the pain, I play by their silly rules. More expensive for me, a cruise for them.

I've had MRIs over the years showing L5-s1 getting worse. Needs fused. Asked pcp about the numbness in thighs. He said the chemo could do it. Grrrrr

Planet pain- as I was reading your post it reminded so much of myself. I have numerious health problems so much that I hate to go to new Dr's. They look at me like wow you have so many health issues. I actually had someone write up a report he done after he tested me neurological testing and mention somatic health problems. He wasn't really believing how much health problems I had. Mine are all documented. I totally understand how you feel.

I have just accepted most of my muscle and bone issues are from my fibro. I have a fast heart rate which is common in fibro patients. No heart. Issues. I refuse to do x rays and scans because there is really nothing they can do. I have save thousands of dollars since I made this choice. After reading a great book on fibro it made me rethink how I manage my fibro now. It all made sense after reading the book. I just wish my dr's shared some of this with me.

Hopefully you can find some good Dr's that are willing to understand your health problems. Sounds like you need a great orthopedic Dr. Maybe don't mention fibro and see what their opinion is. Sometimes it's so difficult to figure what is broken and what is just fibro. I guess I have thrown in the towel and gave up with my Dr's. Lol

Well welcome to the forum! It has been so helpful for me. I actually see less Dr's because I have learned most of my problems were fibro related. They have taught me how to manage my fibro. I hope you can find some helpful ways to relieve your discomfort.

Post Edited (ak angel) : 1/19/2013 1:37:27 AM (GMT-7)

I had an anti cervical disecetomy cause i had a pinched nerve caused by a herinated disc i feel much better after the surgery but still get a stiff neck alot i also now believe that may be due to allergies but i was diagnosed with fibromyaliga in 2009 before i had the surgery and i didnt know it i also had spinal stenosis bone spurs herniated discs that was pinching a nerve also had degenerative disc diease i am a little better just my stiff neck and migraines havent cleared up i hope u feel better