18 with fibromyalgia?

Question

I am a freshmen and college and got diagnosed with fibromyalgia this year. My pain is getting worse and worse and my doctor has done little to help me. I am going to see a specialist (rheumatologist) May 21 and was wondering if anybody has any good ideas of what questions I should ask him, or what I should make sure to tell him about my symptoms. I was told I should track my pain and sleep habits everyday which I am doing but I want this doctor to help me and if anybody has any good suggestions or even suggestions on what to do or even to ask for.. it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I have this. I understand your frustration. Make sure you talk about the sleep issues you have. How do you feel when you get up in the morning? Where does it hurt and how much?

Sleep seems to be non-restorative in fibromyalgia and many patients have sleep problems.
Ask your doctor what you can do to get a restful nights sleep.

Pain- ask what they recommend for pain relief? I will tell you honestly narcotics are not what you want. If you have neck or back pain ask about chiropractic care or massage therapy. Physical therapy may also be beneficial. Exercise is really helpful- ask him what kind of exercise would be best for you.

Ask about other problems that may be associated with fibromyalgia- for example irritable bowel syndrome

From what I know low dose tricyclic antidepressants seemed to work for FMS.
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant is often used.
Both are equally effective but the antidepressants are probably what you want since people can develop a tolerance to the muscle relaxants and they are not really meant for longterm use.
Your primary care physician might have already done some of this and you are still in pain.
One thing that worked for me was lidocaine injections into my trigger points.
Even though you have had this for a year it is gonna take time for you and your body to get to a managable level. Don't give up.

Answer 2

My Mum was diagnoed wth FMS about 8 years ago. She swears by this book. I think the symptoms are so variable
and can be so different that what you might experience can be so different from the next person.

I would also keep track of your pain - when it is worse, triggers (exertion/tiredness). I think FMS is all about managing it to the best of your ability.

My mother swears by this book - it is very comprehensive. Perhaps if you buy this it can give you some more info that mmght relate to what you are experiencing and then it can give you some things to ask your doctor.

Goodluck



Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual by Devin J. Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland. (about $13 on amazon)

Answer 3

Hi most MD's are not equipped to deal with this disease, or even understand it. My wife has it and the pain is dehabilitating, recently added to Social Security Disability List, but most doctors still classify it as a syndrome.

That aside, a good Rhumetologist, will usually know how to treat the symptoms, as that is the only treatment available currently, no cure. Pain medications, Ambien(Sleeping Pill), and muscle relaxers are the most used treatments

I wish you luck, and your best bet is to keep up with clinical trials, and alternative medicines.

Answer 4

Fibromyalgia is usually a side effect disorder of someone with arthritis. I have heard that accupuncture is very effective but I haven't tried it because my insurance won't pay for it. A rheumatologist is a good doctor to see for advice.

Answer 5

I would ask the doctor what you can to for treatment for your pain, and treatment for the disease to make it progress more slowly. A pain management doctor would also be a good doctor to see to help you with sleep and pain management. I hope that you are able to get your pain down!