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Posted 9/11/2012 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment with my dr on Wednesday and I'd like to ask him some questions. The problem is that I feel like he doesn't fully listen to me. As of right now, I have no meds for pain. I've been taking tramadol (have a script because of arthritis pain). As I mentioned before, he wants me to quit my job as a cna at a nursing home, and I have turned my notice. Every morning I wake up so stiff that I can't stand up straight. My whole body aches and burns all day and night and I can't sleep at night from the pain. I told him this and he said I'm too young for any sleeping aides or stronger pain meds. Is there any way I can get across to him the pain I'm dealing with?
Posted 9/11/2012 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
I take percocet for pain, ambien for sleep and adderall for staying awake during the day. That works well for me. I also take antidepressants for depression, but they can also help with pain. Deepwell gave you a good site to check out. I use to take the soma which is a muscle relaxer, but doc didn't like me on it so it was discontinued. But to me it worked better than flexeril.

Good luck in finding what works for you. It does take a little time, I would let the doc know you aren't satisfied with pain relief.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/12/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'm at the point where I will try anything to help me sleep. I have kidney and liver issues so I do need to discuss options with my dr. So far he prescribed flexeril to help with muscle spasms and to help me sleep. Unfortunately, I had a reaction to flexeril ( burned my tongue).
Posted 9/12/2012 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Angelic!  You seem to like your doctor but maybe you need a different doctor to handle your fibro.  Your pcp doesn't seem willing to help and they might not really believe in fibro either!  Many have a pcp AND another doctor.  I would suggest a rheumatologist.  The rheumi most likely would help with the pain issues.  I think they even notify your pcp so that doctor knows about any new medication.

 

If you don't really care for your pcp, then I'd find a good, board certified doctor that treats fibro patients.

 

Sherrine

Posted 9/12/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Any advice on how I would go about finding a new dr that treats fibromyalgia and accepts my insurance? My current dr is nice but I feel like he's just not taking the fibro seriously and I shouldn't be left suffering.
Posted 9/12/2012 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Call your insurance to ask for a local rheumy referral. My insurance has a website that I can go to to see who's on my plan. Maybe they can help you find a good one.
Posted 9/12/2012 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
If your doctor talked you into quitting your job he must be aware of your pain levels. I don't get it, it seems like he wants to help but then stops. I agree with the needing to get some good sleep and amytriptline worked very well for me. Maybe he is hesitant because of your other health issues? Sometimes it is hard getting through to my doctor but he admits when it comes to fm all his patients are different.
Posted 9/12/2012 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Tramadol is recommended for fibromyalgia pain. Although its often not enough. My doc recommended melatonin...
6-9 mg a night and it really helps. I have 5 docs and no one has disagreed with him.
Posted 9/12/2012 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Well, after today's appointment I am so bitterly disappointed in him! This dr also made my original diagnosis of fibro. Today I explained to him the sleep issues, the pain that I've been trying to just push through, and what I'd like to get to as far as managing the fibro. I told him I am not asking for narcotics but I do need something for sleep and pain so I can at least function at a level that works for me as a mom. I know I'm going to have pain, I'm not asking the impossible. He asked if I was depressed. I said the Cymbalta has been great for managing my depression. Then he says my symptoms dont fit anything!! He says it's all in my head and wants me to see a therapist. I was just speechless. I'm going to be searching for a new dr now. Thank you for letting me vent and for all the tips.
Posted 9/12/2012 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Did he actually tell you it was all in your head? Or was it because he prescribed the cymbalta. Often people with depression suffer some physical pain. I remember somebody telling me I was just depressed. It wasn't a doctor, but I thought "if only". I am sorry the doctor treated you this way and I hope that you can find a better doctor. Keep the faith. Keep trying, don't let this get you down. It is only a bump in the road. You WILL find a better doctor.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/12/2012 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
He actually said it was all in my head. He said I'd be fine if I just got more exercise. I almost fell off my seat! More exercise?! I am still working 12 hour shifts at the nursing home, all on my feet. Then I come home and try to sleep til the kids get home then it's help with homework, baths, dinner, reading time, and bed. I can't imagine where I can fit in more exercise. I have been doing stretches on my breaks at work to keep my muscles moving so I can work.
I've been depressed for years and have tried multiple treatments. The Cymbalta has been the best! I honestly feel like my depression is under control and so does my psychologist. I do get sad, but it's regular sad not depression sad.
Sorry, I know I'm ranting. It just really took me by surprise and hurt.
Posted 9/12/2012 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I would say, yeah it is in my head, my neck, my shoulders and go on down the line. I am glad you are firing this doctor. That would really hurt me too. I don't know what some people think. Exercise is good, but it sounds like you get a lot of it already.

I am glad that cymbalta is helping you. I am sure it helps a lilttle with the fibromyalgia too. At least that is what they advertise it for sometimes. Keep posting. Rant if you need to, that is what it is all about.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/13/2012 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Angelic, DEFINITELY get another doctor.  YOU are hiring them to help you.  He isn't.  He doesn't believe in fibro or he would never made such an asinine statement.  IT IS NOT IN YOUR HEAD!!!!!  (I wonder if he would have said that if you were a man.) 

 

Did you know that fibromyalgia is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American College of Rheumatology, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization...just to name a few?  Your doctor is in the Dark Ages.  He probably hasn't looked at anything new in medicine since he graduated from med school.  That's why I always get board certified doctors and I try to get ones that are diplomates, too.  They have to take tests to keep the title of diplomate.

 

In Fibro 101 there is a link about finding a fibro doctor and some are listed.  Not sure if there are any in your area so check that out.

 

Get out your yellow pages.  Many times doctors will list what illnesses they treat and will show if they are board certified...and even a diplomate....in their ads.  Then write down names and google them.  There are reviews of doctors on line.  My rheumy had wonderful review on line plus I heard from two people who used him and loved him.  I went and he is fantastic!

 

Check your phone book to see if there are any arthritis organizations in your area.  They would know a good rheumy...if that is what you are looking for.  If you are looking for a primary care doctor, Internists are really good.  Even though it is a specialty (they have more education than regular pcp's) insurances consider them to be primary care doctors too.  I know my insurance manual had primary care doctors in one section and Internists in another!  People don't realize they can use them.  Double check to make sure but I could with my insurance. 

 

Lastly, see if there are any fibromyalgia support groups in your area.  Best place to ask is call the local hospital and they should be able to help you out.  Then contact them and find out names of favorite doctors that members use.  Then google them for reviews. 

Bottom line.....Get thee to another doctor!  You are wasting your hard-earned money on this "doctor".  The help is there.  You just need the right doctor to help you.  Let us know what you find out because we really do care about you.

Sherrine 

Posted 9/13/2012 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I have an appointment with a new dr who is board certified and comes very highly recommended (have lots of nurse friends who love her!). The soonest appointment is a bit off but that's ok with me if she can help me. Her nurse guaranteed that she does treat fibromyalgia. I already feel a load off my back. I actually got sent home from work today because between stress and too much exertion I can barely stand, much less fulfill my duties as a cna. I must look pretty bad because my mom even volunteered to keep the kids tonight and take them to school in the morning.
I really want to thank you! I'm afraid I would have just lost hope if I hadn't gotten to vent and be encouraged on by you. I can't thank you enough.
Posted 9/13/2012 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I am so happy that you got an appointment with a board certified doctor that believes in fibromyalgia. I am sure this is a load off of your shoulders and a glimmer of hope for you. Do let us know how the appointment goes.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/13/2012 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
This is wonderful news! I'm glad you found a board certified doctor, too. Congratulations! Now you should get some good help.

Meanwhile, try putting yourself on a sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine after 5 PM...earlier if possible. This is what I do and have been able to avoid sleeping medications. Melatonin is supposed to be good, too. I think several members have used this. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist before trying anything. They can tell you if it would interact with medications you are taking or if it would affect your kidney problems.

Maybe by the time you see your new doctor, sleeping won't be that big of an issue! That would be wonderful. At least you will have a doctor that will work to help you and not imply you have a mental problem. I'm still angry about that!

You should post your good news on the Good News Gazette!

Sherrine
Posted 9/13/2012 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
My son's doctor does not want him on anything stronger than Tramadol but because of pain, it was just increased. How much are you on? He also takes flexeril at bedtime and it help so maybe ask about other muscle relaxers. My son's doctor is letting him pick how much Tramadol to use. Anywhere between 100mg and 200mg. We were actually told that he could go up to 300g -400g if in severe pain but past 200 we were told there could be side effects, mostly upset stomach.

The doctor does not want him on narcotics because he's 17 and with this being a lifetime thing, he doesn't want him addicted so young.

Posted 9/14/2012 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Angelic,

I'm glad, too, that you are moving on to a better doctor. At least she won't dismiss you out of hand! Being told it's all in your head is just riduculous in this day and age! Grrrr!!

Of course you get plenty of exercise, too! He obviously doesn't know what CNAs do...

Debbie
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