Just diagnosed

Hi I was just diagnosed with fibro after a year of tests. I'm actually quite relieved as I was led to believe I had MS. It still hasn't been ruled out but most likely I have fibro. I've had MRIs and blood tests. My main symptoms are extreme permanent numbness over my legs, arms, back and face. Tiredness, stiffness, muscle weakness in my legs when I'm tired and pain. My nuerologist diagnosed me and has told me to go back to my gp for treatment. Should I get a referral to a rheumatoidologist?

Hi Star and welcome to the Family.

I'm glad you finally got the dx for FMS, instead of MS. They do run all those tests to rule out any other illnesses, as FMS can mimic more serious or deadly illnesses.

I have the pain all over my body, the beloved fatigue, and burning and numbness. Not fun at all! I also have a few other items that round out my day.

Re your question bout which dr to have treat you for FMS. If your pcp is up to date and believes in and can treat your FMS, then that is a good choice. On the other hand, if s/he isn't up to the task or doesn't believe in it, it might be a good idea to find a good rheumy.

I have been going to my pcp for several yrs, but I finally decided to make an appt w/ a rheumy. I see him in early Oct. It's time - and then some.

I would suggest you check out the post at the top of the 1st page called 'Fibro 101'. There is so much info there, plenty of 'AHA' moments, suggestions for supplements, lists of symptoms that will amaze you and maybe enlighten your dr, and soooo much more.

But most importantly, Welcome!! There are some really wonderful and friendly ppl here, always ready to lend an ear.

God bless.   Alice.

Welcome star, I am glad you found this site. I am glad you were negative for ms. I use to think I had lupus or ms myself. So many symptoms we have run along with ms and lupus. It still amazes me how weak my muscles can get and rigid at times. I want to blame it on someone besides simple fibro I guess. I have had fibro for over 20 years and I have been down the long hard road looking for treatment. I found this site when I had my tail tuck under me and in poor shape. I began to find some hope as I read other post. I learned more here then I learned all my years in my Dr's offices.

I would recomemend for you to see an rheumatologist(board certified) at least to see what else they might have to offer. The first time I went mine order test that I have never even heard of. I found out some new diagnoses doing that. It doesnt' mean you have to stay with them. I learn new treatments and ideas from other post. I ran them across my Dr's mind and actually he was amazed what I knew about fibro. The more you can educate yourself the better weapon you have to keep your fibro in line. lol

I have been reading a book on fibro and it has open my mind. I now know I wasn't crazy all these years. I am happy to say I finally have control in my life with this fibro. It has taken lots of work to get here, but now I feel validated after all these years. I hope you can find a good healthy treatment plan for yourself.

As you can see most of us have numerious health problems with fibro. We all react different to treatments and meds. I found out for me that I am very senstive to meds. After a hard battle learning that I finally went the more natural method. I take magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, light excercise, heat, rest, stay away from unwanted stress, subutex, and remron.

I hope you continue to visit with us. This is a great place for support. No question is too crazy! lol

Hi, Star, and welcome!  I see you've already gotten great advice from our wonderful members.  Yes, do read Fibro 101.  Loads of info there.  Also, I, too, would suggest you see a good board certified rheumatologist.  Always ask first if the doctor treats fibromyalgia patients because there are still some doctors in the Dark Ages about this illness.  Rheumatologists are usually the ones that diagnose this illness and can rule out other illnesses.

 

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