I have been experiencing many symptoms of pain since summer 2006 (widespread chronic pain, soft tissue pain, tenderness, fatigue, weakness, achiness, soreness, trouble sleeping, concentration problems, brain fog migraines, and muscle spasms). I already have cerebral palsy on my left side, and epilepsy. A friend with fibromyalgia suggested that I see a doctor because she suspects I also have fibromyalgia. When I did see the doctor, she prescribed me Cymbalta, had my blood taken, and told me it was "non-specific widespread chronic pain". She was reluctant to say anything about fibro because "it could be anything." The blood tests are perfectly fine. The Cymbalta helps somewhat. My friend still feels that it couldn't be anything else. My gut instinct, my intuition, also says it is fibro. But I don't want to seem hypochondriac, especially since I have several other diagnosed disorders. I am just concerned that the doctor will continue to be reluctant to diagnose.
2007-02-23 12:32:52 · 5 answers · asked by rosefox8 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Oh, I believe it is backlash from the whole 'wastebasket' diagnosis thing. Many doctors were criticized for diagnosing fibromyalgia for issues that had not been thoroughly looked at. I'd ask to see a rheumatologist. If you have seen one, get a second opinion.
2007-02-23 12:40:03 · answer #1 · answered by Heather K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fibromyalgia is Latin or Greek for "pain in the soft tissues." There are no lab tests to confirm it. It's not very specific, just a set of symptoms rather than a disease, kind of like saying "headache" or "coughing." I'm sorry, but your doctor's opinion carries a lot more credibility than your "gut instinct" or your friends' opinions unless you and your friends are also medical doctors.
Doctors may not like using the diagnosis because it doesn't narrow the problem down to a specific cause. In addition, it might be difficult to bill your insurance for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and you might have to pay the difference out of your own money. Your doctor might be required to come up with solid proof of the diagnosis for adminstrative purposes, and there's no such thing as solid proof for fibromyalgia. You might be referred to a rheumatologist, but your doctor probably thought of that by now; I'm not sure if they will send you to a rheumatologist if your blood tests were normal. Wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor about a referral to a rheumatologist, though.
A referral to a neurologist might be an option too. "Non-specific widespread chronic pain" is an even broader category than fibromyalgia, and your doctor probably feels there isn't enough evidence to narrow the pain down to the soft tissues. You also mentioned you have Cerebral Palsy, your doctor is probably trying to determine if the pain is related to that.
2007-02-23 12:53:59 · answer #2 · answered by majnun99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fibromyalgia is more of a symptom then a condition. It is often found out that the pain is caused by another medical condition. When a Dr. labels you as having fibro, it sometimes means they just can't figure it out. I would suggest seeing a Rheumatologist to see if they can find the cause. Also, pituitary problems can cause many of the symptoms you describe. An endocrinologist should also be seen...make sure they check your growth hormone (IGF-1) which if you are low on would explain all of your symptoms.
2007-02-24 15:18:45 · answer #3 · answered by laineyette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fibro consists of 18 "tender points" and is very easily dx'd from that alone.
Have you been checked for lupus?? You need to ask your dr to do an ANA and {I'm sure it will be positive since you do have other disorders} and if the ANA is positive please ask for an anti double stranded DNA...ALWAYS get copies of the lab reports...if your dr balks at turning them over then put it in writing citing the Freedom of Information Act.
You would be surprised at how many dr's do not even read the labs or do not read them correctly, the only way to be sure is to keep copies yourself, be proactive.
Remember that the fibro tender points are the same on both sides of the body and when touched they don't usually just ache, they are very painful.
There is a chart on the site listed below.
2007-02-23 13:01:30 · answer #4 · answered by runesofgaia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I donot have fibro, but i have lots of friends that do. I have RA, so i know some of the pain you are feeling. If you would like to talk to people with fibro from all over the world, check out the orum 4ratalk.com. I am on there and we have fun and share lots of info. We have several people who do lots of research and share what they find.
Fibro is becoming a more accepted diagnosis, but some docs are still not willing to put a name to it. come check us out and hopfully you will get lots of good info to take to your doc!
4ratalk.com
hope to see you there.
2007-02-23 15:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by itutorchem 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋