HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Dr Appt Tomorrow

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/19/2016 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I posted a few months ago. For the last four to five months I have been having many symptoms leaning toward fibromalgia. I see a rheumatologist for diffuse connective disease and joint inflammation.

This appointment is my six month checkup. I just went in to my pc Dr two weeks ago for some steroid injections. Which they have helped.

I will not be seeing my Rheumatologist but the physicians assistant which will be the first time I will see her. Is she able to diagnose the fibro or will I have to make another Appt with my rheumy to get a diagnosis. I'm not sure why I'm seeing the pa and not the rheumy.

Please help I'm not sure how to present all this to someone I've never met before. I'm not real fond of my rheumy anyway. So this may be better.

All comments and suggestions will be much appreciated. I have been in quite a lot of pain these last few months.

Thank you everyone.

I don't post a lot but read on here every day.
Posted 3/19/2016 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure about the diagnosing capabilities of a PA. I know they are supervised by physicians, so I'm not sure if she would have to run the diagnosis of a chronic illness by the rheumy or not.

In my opinion, one of the most helpful things to take to your doctor when describing your pain is a pain journal. You can use a notebook and make your own, or use something like this:

static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/780996/10986694/1298931690137/Partners+Againts+Pain+Daily_Pain_Diary.pdf?token=ys4QSg%2BiJCcdUDhU2oWM9AqRtSE%3D

If the PA can't diagnose, maybe she could forward it to the rheumy. But if you aren't satisfied with him, maybe it's time to find a new one if you can. It's so hard to work with a doctor that you don't feel is compatible with you.
Posted 3/19/2016 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
I second AustenFan's idea of a pain journal.

It also helps me to write down ahead of time (before the appointment) any questions I might want to discuss with the doctor. Before I started doing that, I would be on my way home from the appointment, thinking, "Rats! I forgot to ask about...." It sure was frustrating!

Hope it all goes well. Please keep us posted, and I hope your pain gets better soon.
Posted 3/19/2016 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply and the link. Yes I always forget to ask something. I'll keep you posted
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply