I think I have fibromyalgia, but my doctor won't diagnose it, what should I do?

Question

I am fairly certain I have fibromyalgia and I have felt this way for a couple of years. I have researched quite a bit and my symptoms match everything described. However, I have gone to my general physician several times complaining of my symptoms and all he has done is prescibe me different muscle relaxants and has suggested massage. I only take the muscle relaxants if the pain is completely unbearable because they only further prevent me from being productive in daily life and from getting my schoolwork done. I am a college student, I can't afford a massage. I want a diagnosis. I want to know if it really is fibromyalgia that is causing all of my pain. I am 18 and I want my life back. What should I do?

Answer 1

See a rheumatologist. They most often are the ones who finally make the diagnosis. I read somewhere that almost 1/3 of people rheumatologists see have a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Certainly this is a specialist who can recognize the condition and should have the latest info on how to help. AND, unlike many doctors they know it is real. Meanwhile, exercise moderately and frequently and do all you can to get good sound sleep. It does help.

Answer 2

He wont diagnose it because it is usually just something they throw out there when all other options have been worked over and they still have no real answers to offer you.

It is like a generic term used for muscle aches and pain that can't be explained any other way.

Recently, depression has been upgraded as a condition that includes pain and discomfort, muscle soreness and a antsy feeling in the body as in restless leg syndrome...

fibromyalgia is all well and good but like I said, you won't find anyone to actually tell you thats what you have with any more conviction than a maybe after they have exhausted every other option. Including medications, treatments and numerous, costly, disappointing, visits to their office...

It is a condition that doctors shy away from because it ends the visits that they get paid for when you show up numerous times for this phantom pain they can't justify or understand in any other way.

fibromyalgia is basically a joke in the medical world!


Go to an endocronologist and have blood work done and if that doesn't work... to to a psychiatrist and if that doesn't work go to a chiropractor... see where Im going with this? Referrals galore! In the end, THEN they tell you it MIGHT be fibromyalgia.

fibromyalgia. The placebo complacent diagnosis for generic aches and pains!

Answer 3

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms aren't specific, and there is no test. There is no known cause or cure. It can't be proven or disproven. Therefore, some doctors may be reluctant to diagnose it. You might want to try a holistic approach to this and start by taking yoga classes to help manage the pain and to learn meditation and relaxation techniques. Look into some alternative treatments, because in cases like this Western or modern medicine may not have the answers you are looking for.

Answer 4

There is no test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is basically reached by the process of elimination.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to those of everything from rheumatism to chlamydia. What the doctor has to do is test you for all of those similar ailments and eliminate them.
Once that has been done, then he may diagnose fibromyalgia.

In the medical field, fibromyalgia is just a fancy word for "I haven't got the foggiest idea".

I sure hope you feel better soon. At 18, you should be just starting to enjoy life not worrying and suffering.
You truly have my sympathy and prayers.

Answer 5

First of all, a general physician usually won't diagnose fibro but a specialist will. Take all your info to your specialist, which I did, and he will check to see if you have any or all the tender points they usually touch to determine if you have fibro. Muscle relaxants only help a few and may need more meds. I, for one, take pain pills only when I absolutely necessary. I rely mostly on herbs such as malic acid, magnesium/calcium and zinc. Magnesium is used for pain. Also, I take one accidolpilus a day to build my immune system. There are other herbs out there, you will have to research and try them to see which one works. I heard SamE works but haven't tried it. I wish you luck and a pain free life. Good Luck and Good Health

Answer 6

start eating whole foods and quit eating packaged foods.
have you noticed that since the government has allowed certain things in our food , we have become a seriously ill country?
bread and anything purchased in a box will make you feel worse. (usually takes about a week for the toxins in these foods to show up as pain in your body).
you are only 18! honey, your entire life you have had these chemicals put into your food without your knowledge! you've had NO chance of being healthy - EVER. i'm SOOOsorry.

Answer 7

Some doctors somply don't agree that fibromialgia is actually a valid diagnosis, but even if you were to get the diagnosis I doubt that the treatment would be much different. If, however, it is that important to you, look up the various associations dealing with it on the web. They should be able to give you the names of doctors in your area who are sensitive to the issues dealing with it. You should definately get a second opinion.

Answer 8

Look in the phone book in the yellow pages under physicians there are a lot of Dr.'s who treat this. There are some who even specialize in it. I, too have fibromyalgia so I know you can get help. Do not give up.

Answer 9

Get a second opinion. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and many doctors don't see it. It is usually misdiagnosed as other ailments. It was years before my mother was diagnosed with it and she has had it for a long time...

Answer 10

Get your medical records from your current Dr. and than find a new one. I m in the process of doing the same thing right now I have been sick for quite a while and my Dr. pretty much told me it was all in my head. So me and my head and all the other physical aliments are going to find answers from someone who will listens.