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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 8/8/2014 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I've been reading this forum and occasionally posting for a couple of weeks. You are all very supportive and caring and have made me feel comfortable from the start.

I'm a 42 year old female and was diagnosed with fibro early this year, although I believe I've had some of the symptoms for almost 20 years. I grew up in a family that only went to the dr when the ER would be the next step, so I haven't had a pcp for years. I only found one and started going regularly when my hubby's insurance started requiring an annual physical.

I went in for a physical and also discussed my insomnia and neck & shoulder pain, I didn't want to overwhelm him my first visit. That was four years ago and it took awhile but I finally feel comfortable with him and my current medications. Today I got a letter saying he's moving out of state and another dr is taking over his patients.

Aside from the fact that my hubby had a bad experience in the ER with this new dr (he was labeled as a drug seeker by her and diagnosed with "sore muscles" when he in fact had a ruptured disc that required surgery) this new dr is a DO, and my current one is an MD. I have no idea how things are going to go with this new dr, and if I'm not comfortable with her I'm not sure how to go about finding a new doc other than making appt after appt to find one I like that will continue my current medications.

I was also about to start the process of filing for ssi and don't know how things will work out with the dr that diagnosed me and the only dr that has treated my fibro moving out of state. This is all throwing stress on me and we know how bad that is for us.

How did some of you find a dr that was a good fit for you?
Posted 8/8/2014 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
I asked friends who they liked. You can also go to healthgrades.com to get a list of local doctors and how they rate with their patients. That's how I found my new rheumy.
Posted 8/8/2014 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
If this new doc is a DO, he will probably continue your pain management. I would see this doctor and then go from there. Even though your husband had a bad experience. You can usually tell on the first visit whether you are going to feel comfortable seeing him or not.

In the meantime, look for another one just incase.

I hope you don't stress over this, like you said, stress is bad for fibro...

Hoping you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/8/2014 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Mattie, and welcome! I asked around who has a doctor that they liked and listened to them. Plus, I do check them out on the Internet. I also uses healthgrades.com and also vitals.com.

When I wanted to find the best rheumatologist in the area I mentioned it to my hairdresser. LOL They seem to know the scoop on everything. She had a customer that suffered badly from arthritis and just loved her rheumy so she called the customer while I was there and got the doctor's name. I went home checked him out on line and he was given so many fantastic reviews that I made an appointment. A few days later I had lunch with a friend and she said she used this doctor and loved him, too.

If you find a doctor that you think will help, be sure to call and see if they treat patients with fibromyalgia. There are still some doctors out there in the Dark Ages when it comes to this illness. I also see an Internist. They have more education than the general practioner but yet insurance companies let you use them as PC doctors, too. Check your insurance to be sure. Also, make sure any doctor you have is board certified.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. Good starting links would be Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. You just might see yourself there.

I"m looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
Posted 8/8/2014 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I went through a lot of doctors before I finally found one that helped me get better rather than just manage the symptoms. He was a naturopath, although most don't take insurance and it's tough to find the funds. I think really the best way to do it is to gauge your comfort level with them. When you're there ask them questions and see what their response is.

I went to my mod recent rheumatologist and after seeing her a few times I asked about diet and if there was anything that we could do to help in that area and she basically brushed it off and told me to use my pain cream and patches, increase my lyrics and exercise.

I guess the best advice that I could give is to keep looking for a dr that will help you heal your symptoms rather than just manage them, creating other issues with the medications as you go. Good Luck!
Posted 8/8/2014 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have been down that road too many times. It's not easy to find the right Dr. It seems the Dr. Everyone loves is not taking new patients. I ask people and friends too. Don't get discorage if you don't find what your looking for the first time. I am not sure I would use that Dr. that wasn't nice to your husband. I am a retired nurse and usually if they have those bedside manners to one that is usually their personality.

If your looking into disability make sure everything is documented all the time.

I hope you find what your looking for. I finally got some good Dr's caring for me.
Posted 8/8/2014 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
I phoned our medical clinic and flat out asked a lady who does scheduling if she knew which doctor(s) would be helpful for fibromyalgia.

Alternately, you could call your clinic and talk to someone on the nurse line. Usually, if a doctor has an extra 'specialty' area (such as fibromyalgia), they would know about it.

Best wishes and I hope you find a good doc soon!
Posted 8/8/2014 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much everyone for your ideas and suggestions. I definitely can make a "plan of attack" now. I think I may try one visit with the new dr and see how it goes, while making calls and inquiries to other offices. I did a search on healthgrades.com and there are lots of internists in my area, so that will be something that I look into.

I did come to the right place for support. Yesterday it felt like the end of the world and now I can feel my stress levels falling. I'm really glad I found this forum =)
Posted 8/10/2014 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
At times just stating the problem, puts our subconcious mind busy solving it....so that makes the forum great even in another way : )
Posted 8/11/2014 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
How true! :)
Posted 8/12/2014 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
If your doctor hasn't left yet, and he supports you in filing for SSI or SSD, ask him to write a letter on your behalf and take it with you to SSA when you go for the appointment to file. When they write to ask for your records, they will get all the records for at least the past two years and will see how he has been treating you and that he prescribed those medications for you as a part of your treatment.
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