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Posted 7/16/2011 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,

I was wondering... I posted a log a week or so ago under topic new and confused. Thanks for all the responses. But my question is that is there any specific testing that I should get or ask for? I have had multiple blood test to rule out my thyroid, iron def, sugar, and etc. I have had a sleep apnea test and it is negative as well. Again, here are my symptoms: severe fatigue, (over 3 months) stess, tendernes, aches all over, problems w/ my memory, more so lately, headaches, swelling in extremities, numbness and tingling.

I don't know if this is what I have but my mother has FM and my uncle has rheumatoid arthritis. To be referred and tested for this was brought up by another physician of mine. Instead of following up I just changed meds and kept going. My therapist says this doesn't sound like my anxiety or related to my PTSD but more of a physical problem.

I've been told I need to see a rheumatologist. Is there a specific test they can do to rule this out or what?'

Yellwdaisy

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Poss FM, Anemia, Endometriosis, 2 Herniated Dis, Degenerative Arthritis,

Migraines, Anxiety, PTSD, H-Pylori Bacterial Infection 

Posted 7/16/2011 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi yellowdaisy, and welcome to the forum.

Yes, seeing a rheumatologist for testing is a great idea, especially since you've had two professionals recommend it. There isn't a specific test "for" fibro that really defines it, but there are several tests that will help to rule out (or in) the inflamatory diseases. They are simple blood tests, no big deal.

That said, you can have more than one thing at a time. A lot of us with fibro have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, etc. I don't have those, which is why my rheumatologist settled on fibromyalgia - after, of course, the test where he pushes on the tender points and I jump off the table.

Take all the results of your previous tests with you when you go to see the rheumatologist. If you don't have a copy, ask the doctor who prescribed them, or the place that ran them. A copy should be free if it's for another doctor's use.
Posted 7/16/2011 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi yellowdaisy,

I was referred to a rheumatiod arthritis doctor they first tested my blood pressure (which was low) then she talked to me for a few minutes and did the tender point test told me I had fibro and suggested I take elavil. That was it no follow up was ever mentioned, she wrote my primary (family) dr a letter stating her findings. The thread fibro101 has so much information in it and has answered many a question for me I hope you give it a read.

Take care
Rose
Posted 7/16/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have had many many blood tests to rule out anything and everything.

Found no arthrithis or any other reason for me to be having all this pain.

I have the pain, fatigue and all the rest.

There was no test to tell me I have fibro.

But the Rhmy Dr told me I have fibro because there is nothing else that would make me feel like this.

I just keep going one day at a time. Some better then others.
Posted 7/16/2011 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
My understanding from reading online is that there is no way to 100% confirm diagnosis for fibro. The trigger point test is helpful but some people will not have problems with trigger points if they are having a "good" day and other people wont ever get the 11/18 points that's considered necessary for a fibro diagnosis. It is essentially a diagnosis. If they can't find anything else wrong with you, then you get the Fibro diagnosis. But it seems like there can be a genetic component, people with fibro often have relatives with fibro, RA, lupus, etc.
Posted 7/17/2011 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your replies. It seems there is so much in common between people but yet diagnosing seems so vage. Because of the genetic factors I will be going to a rheumatologist. Waiting for the pcp to set it up. Also, will keep in touch.

Yellwdaisy
Posted 7/17/2011 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your replies. It seems there is so much in common between people but yet diagnosing seems so vage. Because of the genetic factors I will be going to a rheumatologist. Waiting for the pcp to set it up. Also, will keep in touch.

Yellwdaisy
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