Hi there;
Usually I am on the RSD site but have a question for this forum. What type of physician is the most common that diagnoses Fibromyalgia? Years ago I was having major aches, headaches and such and went to a dr (can't remember who or what type he was) and he diagnosed me with Fibro. I was a little hesitant with the diagnoses and had other medical issues thru the years so never really followed thru with it. Over the years I also had ups and downs with the symptoms - but nothing severe. Now I have had a knee replacement a year ago which did not go well and ended up with RSD also in the knee. I have not regained the movement of my knee and the pain of the RSD is not helping. But for the last 3-4 months I have had terrible aching in my feet, hands and arms mainly. It feels like a really bad case of flu - but worse. I can bearly walk (besides my knee issue) in the am when I get up. I usually go and take a hot shower for about 15 minutes which helps some. The pinpoints on my wrists, elbows and feet hurt like anything when I push on them. I dont think the RSD has spread - its a different type of pain. I have a feeling I might have fibro - but not sure who I should go to. Right now I have a Pain Management doc and an Ortho (but looking for a new one at the moment). I have been tested lately for Rhematoid Arthritis - but it was negative although the blood tests showed my inflamation level was high. Between this and the RSD - I am trying to keep moving - but the pain is keeping me from it and also from sleeping. Thanks for listening and for your response.

You might find that info in the sticky thread if no one has any suggestions for you soon.
The links might also help you pin point more symptoms to see if FM fits for you or not.
Like extreme fatigue, specific tender points and more.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread304.html

((Lindkaye)) I wouldn't pretend to know what it is going on, but it sure sounds like the kind of ache I get with fibro, AND the flu-like symptoms! That's a biggie. Just feeling like crap!

I'm going to try and remember the type of doctor because everytime someone asks I go blank, LOL. He's the kind of doctor who treats for arthritis and such. Hmmmmm. I looked it up! A rheumatologist.

My GP was the first to venture the diagnosis. He sent me to a rheumy. The rheumy said it appeared a bad virus had settled into my entire body and I would have to ride it out.

I would go home from work in the most horrible pain (when it first hit). My GP saw me in this terrible pain and prescribed percodan. I could have kissed his feet. That first night it got rid of all the pain except in my knees. When I'd get home I'd throw blankets in the dryer, get them hot, and just wrap up in them for the rest of the evening.

This continued for a month, the horrible pain, thinking I had a nasty virus. So, I went back to GP and he again sent me to the rheumy. This time with more testing he decided it was fibro. Gave me instructions for exercise (yeah right) and that I would just have to learn to live with it.

In my case, the myofascia pain is so nasty. You can basically touch me anywhere on my body and it's tender and hurts. For instance, yesterday my daughter grabbed my upper arm with excitement about something. and oi vey it hurt!

There are several medications you'll read about in here from other fellow fibro sufferers. Right now I don't take anything except what my doctor gives me for pain, hydrocodone. And he's really tight about that. He'll only allow me 30 pills for 30 days.

Some take neurontin, lyrica, cymbalta, and other types of meds.

But yes, in my case it was a rheumy who diagnosed me.

Gentle hugs.

Like I said I am a newbie to this board everyone seems very caring which is what I like about this board. I have suffered for 11 years with Fibro and after about 8 years I got the CFS also instead of getting bettter it seems to be worse with each year with this 2008 the worst. I wish everyone a Happy Healthy New Year with them finding out what causes this horrible affliction and finding a cure to end it. I see a primary care dr. who treats me for my bad gut and see a very caring female Rhuemy whom my deceased mom had for her RA. I lost her in 2005 she couldn't handle the pain or meds anymore and she lost her 4 day battle with a fluke accident and them a coma and stroke but I know the RA was to much for her to handle anymore. My mom never complained a moment . I miss her
I have been on at different times 11 meds on and off. The ones I take right now are Verapamil, Asacol, Premerin, Cymbalta 80 mg a day. compazine for the constant nausea I suffer. Adavan for my panic attacks very rarely. Lorazapam for my Crohns disease flares. oh yes lets not forget Ambien which helps me get some sleep occasionaly. I do notice a difference with the Cymbalta I had previously been on Lyrica whcih did not work.. I like the cymbalta it really makes a difference.,in the pain level which had gotten unbearable. Lyrica helped with the depression for a while but I think I built up a torlerence for it and it stopped working. I had heard about cymbalt and asked my Rhuemy to reseach it to see if it was worth trying she did and I said it works I still have pain but it does something to curtail it so it is not so severe or get so that you can't handle it.
I also have to take a shot of prednisone now and again, I don't like needles at all but it does help when I can't handle it.
So it is a daily event for me and my husband I never know what or where the pain will be. I call it my personal pin ball machine it bongs back and forth .
I have a question to anyone reading this do any of you ever get pain in your face? This is new to me and I thought I got it everywhere. This hurts like someone is sticking a needle in my face. It lasts all day with no letup.
Thanks for listening scottiemom2

((Scottiemom)) hi, and welcome, and YES the people at NT are the most fabulously supportive and caring people. It just blows my mind sometime.

I'm sorry you have this diagnosis as well! You and I have had the fibro for about the same amount of time. I remember when I was first diagnosed, really...I was shocked when it settled in to my brain. I didn't understand it at all and felt like I'd lost a part of my life but well..., you know.

I also have ulcerative colitis and take Asacol as well. Have had that for 32?+ years. Since I was 27. It was diagnosed a year after my daughter was born and it nearly took my life. I'm no stranger to that awful prednisone, lifesaver that it is.

Yes, sometimes, but rarely, I get the oddest facial pain. It's as if someone has popped me one and I'm bruised. I also have TMJ and that is no picnic.

Ain't life sometimes grand?

I'm so glad the Cymbalta helps you. I remember when they first got it on the market it was said that 60 was the magic dose for combatting the pain. Later, my doc said that they found that 90 mg was the most effective dose for the pain. I know it helped mine, but it did not help with my depression. I fight that all the time it seems, no matter what drug I am taking for it. AND I tried not taking anything and well...that was much worse. I'm definitely lacking a healthy serotonin balance.

I'm so glad you found this place!!!! Read around the forums and you will see these most wonderful people in action.

Hi scottiemom2, as regards your CFS, you might find this site very helful. Written by my daughter who researches exhaustively from her bed!
http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/treatingme.htm

Frankly I'd would offer that there is no "type" of physician that routinely diagnoses Fibro - that in itself is a problem. Most Drs - to include Pain Mgmt specialists and Orthos do not fully understand/recognize Fibro or Myofascial pain at all and therefore your search could be long. (Don't mean to be negative.)

Personally my search has involved a Neurosurgeon, 3 Neurologists, Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon, Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeon, Head of Pain Ctr @ 2 major Boston hospitals, 2 Physiatrists, 2 PTs, etc .......

In my opinion, your best best is a Physiatrist. Dependent upon the breadth of your symptoms perhaps an Endocronologist may be helpful as well. I've no experience w/a Rheumatologist but understand they are usually good w/Fibro diag.



Regards,
Katherine

*system edit*

I do have additional information/resources so please do feel free to email me for more information if you wish.

Regards,
Katherine

Hello lindkaye and Welcome scottiemom! I really agree w/so much that has been posted here. FM is such an unpredictable pain in the rear. (and everywhere else) I can tell when the weather is going to change before the Meteorologists!! I was dx'd by both a Neuro from Mayo and a Rheumy. The Rheumy treats my FM and seems very knowledgeable on the subject.

I hope you both continue your quest to treat the FM and that you can get some relief from the pain of it. I don't know about the other's, but cold, damp weather seems to make my flare ups more frequent and worse. And, don't get me started on the fatigue...

I take a couple of pm meds, so I can get to sleep and I have Tramadol on hand for pain. The Dr gave me an RX for Darvocet, but I don't like the way it makes me feel. Lyrica didn't help and I felt loopy on it, so stopped after a couple of wks, but I hear some people do OK on it.

I also agree w/what Doody said about depression and FM. I take Pristiq for the anxiety that I truly feel is a partial result of FM. I'm not so sure it's doing the job right now, as I have alot on my plate. Please keep searching and again Welcome!!!!

I would go to a doctor that is not afraid to run a multitude of tests. The "type" of doctor is not as important. The book by Benjamin H. Natelson, M.D. titled, "Your Symptoms are Real" lists a bunch of tests.

A rheumatologist, GP, endocrinologist, Integrative medical specialist, osteopathic doctor, can all be equally effective... or ineffective.... at diagnosis and treatment.

In my opinion.

Jaspar