Just want to learn more

Hi Alice~

Wonderful to meet you. But I'm sorry your doctor is so uneducated on Fibro. IMHO, I doubt that many fit the 'Fibro Mold' or any other 'normal' for a disease/disorder. He's quoting averages and we all know what that is. Like an average temperature for where you live. Add up all of the high temperatures for a given time period...say one week....57*F, 69*F, 55*F, 36*F, 70*F, 32*F and 61*F. After adding all of the temperatures together ... 380.. then divide by the number of days you recorded the temperature, in our case that's 7. That number is the average temperature for the month =54.3*F . But is certainly isn't the exact temperature for each day!! Not even one day was it the high temperature for that day. See what I mean about averages.

Do the same thing with the ages of those who are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. This is how the 'average age' is derived that you don't fit into. To me this is almost humorous if it wasn't causing harm to someone like you. We have people on this forum who were literally born with Fibro and growing up they thought that everyone hurt like they did all the time. Many don't discover fibro until they're well over 50. So what does that say for the 'age group' your doctor is talking about??? I feel that 1) he has very limited knowledge of fibro, 2) he's not interested in learning any more likely because it would upset his routine/it's the way he's always done it/or he has no clue what is causing your pain and is afraid of giving you a diagnosis of something he's not familiar with. Or maybe all 3? ;-)

I would suggest asking for a referral to a rheumatologist, one who treats and understands fibro. If it were me I would find one that takes my insurance and call to make sure he does treat fibro before you ever ask for that referral.

Hope something in here is helpful and that you get better medical advice soon.
Chutz

Hi, Alice, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined the family!  We have members that have had this pain since elementary school!  That doctor just tries to put everyone in a mold.  We are all so different.  Usually when all the testing and blood work comes back normal, a diagnosis of fibro is given.  The doctor you were dealing with must not know much about this illness.

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  Good starting links are called Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia.  You might just see yourself there.  All the links are good so be sure to check them all out.

 

Meanwhile, you need to find a doctor that does treat fibro patients.  Many here use a rheumatologist.  Just ask if they treat fibro patients before you make an appointment. 

 

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

Alice, what doctors don't know would fill a black hole in space. Keep that in mind, and you'll keep your sanity.

I went through years of hell before I was finally diagnosed. I developed FMS symptoms in the 1980's, long before the syndrome was well-known. I was sent to psychiatrists, was verbally abused by doctors, you name it.

Finally, I would up in ER with palpitations. It wasn't a heart issue, but I did have a wonderful ER doc who sent me to a heart specialist and a neurologist--the latter diagnosed me with FMS. I was 22, but my symptoms began when I was 13!

Here's how to deal with a doctor who won't listen: 1) Tell him he's doing a disservice to his patients by being closed-minded, and 2) See another doctor. Never, ever stick with a doctor who won't listen, as you will suffer and he/she will drain your bank account.

Become informed--this forum is a good place to start! Be proactive in your own care. You already know not to give up, and that's the way to be! :D