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Having to get a new doctor, need advice

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 3/15/2010 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,
  • about 6 months ago i went to a rheumatoligist that finally diagnosed me with Fibro, after dealing with pain for several years. She was a pretty good doctor, but I have a hard time talking to doctors. Yesterday I got a letter saying she was leaving the clinic and I would have to start over with another doctor. I am always afraid i will say something wrong and they will think i am addited to pain meds (which I am not), or they won't believe me when it comes to my pain. I have read so many bad stories about bad relationships with doctors that I want to make sure i don't do or say something in the beginning that will affect my relationship with this doctor. The meds I am taking are working pretty well and i don't want to loose them because i say the wrong thing. I would love to have some advice on how you have gotten a good relationship with you doctor's, and how should i approach him the first time. 
  • Tressiaconfused    

    • Posted 3/15/2010 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
    Hi Tressia, I believe when you meet your doctor for the first time let him know what
    your concerns are. Bring a list of questions you have along with a list of symptoms you
    are having. When I first met my rheumy, I told him I know my body better than anyone
    because I live in it and I know when something isn't normal and that's when I handed
    my list of symptoms. He took me seriously right away. I have a good relationship with him.
    He takes the time to answer my questions and I never feel like I'm being rushed. Being
    open and honest with your doctor helps him provide you with good treatment.

    Hoping you like your new rheumy!

    Hugs, Robin
    Posted 3/15/2010 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
    Get a copy of your records from your rheumy.  You want to take them with you to your new doctor.  They will see that your old rheumy believed you and what meds you have been given.

     

    You can also start a journal and record the magnitude of your pain with doing things.  There is a link on Fibro 101 that has a journal and also explanations of pain...one has faces and that helps!  This will help you tell your doctor the amount of pain you are in.

     

    I hope this helps you.

     

    Sherrine

    Posted 3/15/2010 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
    I have changed rheumies once since being dxd with fibro. I called around first and talked to their nurses to see if they believed in fibro and MPS (myofascial pain syndrome) before I even considered going to one of them. I took print outs of all my illnesses, surgeries, meds and allergies to cut down on time that I had to fill out info., plus a long list of complaints and concerns I wanted to discuss with him. He spent over an hour my first visit discussing what I had tried and what had worked and not worked, what my biggest complaint was which is always fatigue, my life and by the time we were done we pretty much knew each other. You know so many doctors really don't know anything about their patients and don't want to. They walk in address what you are there for and are gone in five minutes and probably have forgotten your name within an hour. There are so many things in your life that can affect your health and if your doc doesn't get to know something about you they are going to miss things.

     

    luv and hugs

    Marlee

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