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Back from neurologist, first steps to diagnosis

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 2/1/2012 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the guy, he spoke very fast and was straight down to business. But thanks to my preparation, I was able to give him clear and concise answers to his questions. I described my daily headaches, migraines, body aches, hypersensitivity. He felt along my shoulders and skull, a few spots sure were painful. Anyway, after we went over history and symptoms he straight out asked me if anyone has ever talked to me about fibromyalgia.
So, basically what we have going on now is he wants me to see a chiro and get the top of my spine aligned and get massage therapy. Have to admit, I'm a little nervous for that because even just getting a backrub from the hubs is quite painful. He has be going off ibuprofen and I'm to take flurbiprofen (anyone heard of it?) and flexeril to help with sleep and the body aches. Also increase exercise. I want to exercise more but everything is just so painful. How do I push through and do stuff when my head is throbbing or it hurts to lift an arm?
He ordered bloodwork to check for various autoimmune stuff, ANA, rheumatoid, vit. D and B, iron...He wants me taking extra vit. D and magnesium.
He then said to come back in 2 months, less if the pain warrants. And he said we will talk about the next steps when I see him again. He mentioned neurontin and Amitriptyline if it is indeed fibro.
It was a long appointment and my upper body is so sore today.
Does he sound like a good doc? I'm clueless about it all. Was this how anyone else's journey began?
Thanks
~Sara

Post Edited (TobiasFünke) : 2/1/2012 4:02:33 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2012 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my GP, who ordered a panel of arthritis blood tests, which showed an elevated RF (rheumatoid factor; swelling, basically). She sent me to the rheumatologist. Im sure this is how you started. My first visit, the doc poked and prodded, using the common tender point test. I had severe sensitivity in 16/18 tender points, some so bad--and I wasnt expecting it--that I jumped and came off the table. Very painful, but she apologized many times. She told me right then that she thought it was fibro, but she wanted more tests. So she tested me for RA and vitamin deficiencies and so forth like you had. Even got checked for celiac disease. I was given some trial Lyrica bottles, and we went from there. I have tried: amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine, cymbalta, gabapentin, lyrica, wellbutrin, neurontin, prednisone... I think thats all... I have had bad reactions to all of them, which doc thinks means I have a sensitivity.

All in all, I think that your doc sounds like a good one. I like that he went first with alternative therapies (chiro/massage) because so many jump straight to the drugs. I am going to be trying to switch over to more alternative medicine instead of things that give side effects--Ive had too many of them and I am really over it lol. As far as the massage therapy, they are going to be aware of your condition, and its likely that they are going to be well-versed in dealing with chronic pain. I wouldnt worry about that too much, because I think you will be fine :)

Glad to hear that things are looking up, and that you are getting on the right path :)
Posted 2/2/2012 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I think he sounds good, too. The fact that he's taking you seriously and not belittling your complaints is a good sign right there! So many doctors did that to me, before I found the great one I have now. And he's spending enough time to make sure he knows what's going on with you (as much as anyone can understand this crazy stuff!)

That's a tough one, how to exercise when you already hurt. PT has always backfired on me....but not so for everyone. As a general rule, if doing something makes me hurt MORE, I don't do it (except for walking, that is.) Keep track of what affects you, and how, so you can avoid making the same mistakes again.

Debbie
Posted 2/2/2012 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
I am surprised that a neurologist recommend a chiro person. It's great that he offer natual remedies for fibro then starting off with heavy duty meds. I think more and more Dr's are learning better ways in treating fibro. It's a trial treatment for sure. We all react different to meds. Ever who you go see for massage or get muscular adjustments make sure they have experience with fibro patients.
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