New to Fibro and already need a different Rheumatologist

I am a married, 46 yr old mother of 3 (daughter 26, son 24, and son 15). I have worked physical labor (assembly and machine operator) factory jobs since I was 15.

After ending up in the hospital on Jan. 31, 2012 and them finding nothing but anemia I was referred to a Rheumatologist, Obgyn and a Lung specialist by my primary doctor.

Saw Rheumatologist on Feb. 28th for morning joint stiffness and joint pain that would last most of the day on the days I worked. Had blood drawn and xrays of my hips and lower back the following day. Afternoon of March 5th I received a call from the Rheumatologist nurse saying that doc says I have Fibromyalgia and the soonest they could get me in was March 27th.
Went to obgyn and Lung doc during the wait and Lungs are ok, but need to be watched and obgyn has their hands full with me having some rather large fibroid tumors in or on my uterus.
So March 27th finally arrives and I am more than ready for something to help with this crap because I had such horrible days and more pain than before.

To my surprise, it took them (nurse and Rheumatologist) less than 15 mintues from the time I walked in the door to take my insurance card, and my copay; write 2 prescriptions and send me on my way with a pat on the shoulder and "It'll be okay, we will get you feeling better." I tried to tell her about new pains that I was having but she didn't seem to be listening. What the?

She says we are starting out with low dosages and will work our way up from there. So this is what she gave me: Amitriptyline 25mg once a day at bedtime and Tramadol 50mg 1-2 tablets 3 times a day...oh, and to make an appointment to come back in 8 weeks if this doesn't help. What a crock.
This was my intro to Fibromyalgia via Rheumatologist...not fun. I hope most Rheumatologists aren't like this.

So here I sit, taking forever to type this out because my left shoulder blade burns like all heck and the Tramadol does NOTHING. This past week I have the burning across my entire back that just won't go away until I stay on my side long enough for it to lighten up and eventually go away. By then my hips hurt from laying on my side too long. Can't win for losing.
I have been taking the Amitriptyline about a half hour before bed and 2 Tramadol....and the only way I can fall asleep is if my husband isn't already snoring. Otherwise I end up on the couch.

I am not working right now because there was no way I could work 3rd shift and make it to all my doctor appointments and still get any sleep. And for as much as I would like to go back to work, I am afraid of another incident. The risk of actually passing out or getting hurt on the job with all the high speed machinery running on the line is something I don't want to push too far. I may have already pushed myself as far as I can.

I will be calling my primary doctor to see about getting a referral for a new Rheumatologist.


Lemonade (because I love Lemonade or anything with lemons in it)

Hi Lemonade,

One of my favorite things is diet pepsi with lemon in it

Anyhow, do you have a teaching hospital near you? I travel 2 1/2 to 3 hours one way to get to my nearest teaching hospital for my rheumy, oncologist, and endo doctors. The great thing about teaching hospitals is every kind of doctor is there, including primary doctors. So its like a one stop shop for doctors LOL Anyhow, I don't know where you are, but here in Oregon there is OHSU (Oregon Health and Sciences University). So you may want to check if there is a teaching hospital near you. Also, teaching hospitals have the latest art, technology, treatment, research than normal places, because they are a teaching as well. Just an idea. I hope you feel better!

Lemonade,

Your first visit sounds a lot like my first visit. I waited for 2 hours for a 15 minute exam (during which the doctor actually made me scream once after pressing on a particularly tender point, and I left in tears), a prescription for cymbalta, and a couple pages of orders for blood work. I saw this rheumy for almost a year--until February, when I decided that she did not have my best interests in mind, and was not willing to listen to my concerns. I made an appointment for a new doctor (they didnt take my insurance last year when I first was looking for answers, but they do now!) that is a less-stressful drive for me. Im really excited--May 8 is my appointment.

As getting by pointed out, they may just start you with the same meds, unless you tell them that you have already tried with no success, and you very well may get a good doctor. I wish you luck!