Hi,
I just stumbled across this site desperately trying to locate some kind of fibro specialist. I was diagnosed about 1.5 years ago, but have had all the symptoms and have been so discouraged for at least 3 years. I've been crying reading all of your responses/questions-
I've felt so alone and hopeless. I'm 23 years old and I can't find a doctor in Boston who will help me with the pain. Going on pain medicine is a last resort for me, which I feel was reached over 6 months ago- yet, I cannot find a doctor who is open to it! They make me feel bad and stupid even asking! I've tryed viox, mobic, guiafinessin, elivil, topomax (which made me feel crazy!) etc....exercise is torture BECAUSE of the pain...I need a good doctor who is open to the idea of pain medication for some relief. So many people just don't understand- it hurts to walk, sit, type, sleep! The headaches are excruciating- and nothing has given me any relief. Is there anyone out there from the Boston area that can refer me to a caring and understanding doctor? If you are not allowed to post a name, I'd be more than happy to give my email address to talk privatly. Even if you are not in the Boston area, I an very open to any suggestions you may have at all! Thank you!! Beverly

Beverly -
I live just south of Boston, and I go to a rheumatologist in Taunton who used to be at the Arthritis Center at Brigham and Women's...he's really terrific, and very understanding. He has changed his stance on pain treatment dramatically in the 11 years I've been seeing him, and just last week gave me a prescription for Vicodin.

If you can get to Taunton, post back, and I'll give you his name and phone #.

Ruth

[name and city only, please, for doctors, clinics and hospitals. Thanks.]

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-16-2002).]

Thank you soooo much Ruth, I can't believe you got back to me so quick! Ruth, I just went on map quest and Taunton is about an hour away, but I of course am open to looking into it and going anywhere! I'd love for you to give me his information. I have felt so much more hopeful since yesterday when I found this site! Thank you again for your help! Beverly

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-16-2002).]

Well Bev, I do not live any where close to Boston but I suggest a Rheumotolgist too. I am sure SamQkitty can help if you can get to the area and Doctor she mentions. The most important thing is do not be afraid to tell them how you feel and how you want to feel. Don't be afriad to suggest medications you have read about here that help other fibro sufferers. Its going to be a long process to get what you need to at least give you some relief but don't give up. I have been so close to killing myself because my pain is so severe at times and I hardly ever am pain free. Yet my Doctor is great. She cares, she listens and I was afriad to tell her I needed stronger meds yet she didn't hesitate to give me them. I get the injections in my Trps too. I am even going to ask her about medical marjuana and the patch. I am still in the learning and experimenting process too. Good luck to you and I hope you have some relief soon! I am here if you ever need a friend. I have one good should if you need to cry some. This is not a easy illness yet there is a lot of people who suffer with it so you are not alone. Also find a support group in your area and get books on Fibro. It helps to learn all you can. I have three books currently and plan to get two more. I am going to a fibro support group and it helps alot to meet people in my area with this terrible illness. I also hope your family understands and is supportive. I am not so lucky there, but this site is the greatest! Hugs, Raven

[This message has been edited by Raven (edited 07-11-2002).]

There's a great fibromyalgia specialist in the Boston area - he has written many books... his wife has fibromyalgia, so he knows first-hand what it's like to see a once vibrant person suffering. He will work directly with your doctor to help prescribe a regimine. He came highly referred to me by my psychologist who has fibromyalgia. I have Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Post your e-mail and I'll send you the info. I waited 15 years to find out what was going on -no one in Boston helped me at that time. You have to know what type of doctor to go to - a good rheumatologist.

[as per the board guidelines, members may not offer or solicit personal contact information. Please do not ask others to post their email, and please do not post your email address. Members may post a physicians name and city. No other information please. Thank you.]

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 07-16-2002).]

Hi Cleo68,
Thank you sooo much for answering me! PLease Please do reply back with the doctors/information. Ill be anxiously waiting for your reply and thank you again!!! Beverly

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 02-10-2003).]

Cleo68 -
If you're referring to Dr. Goldenberg, I found him incredibly arrogant and unsympathetic, and I'm not the only one who had that experience with him.

The doctor I use is at Compass Medical in Taunton, and his name is Dr. Richard Sperling. If that's too far to go, let me know and I'll call him and ask who he would recommend at the Brigham.

Incidentally, if you ever have the need to apply for SSDI because of FM, Dr. Goldenberg absolutely will not fill out any paperwork.

Ruth

Yes, I was refering to Dr. Goldenberg. Sorry to hear your story. Do you know of any good doctors in the MetroWest area?

Hi Cleo,
No, I'm sorry I don't know of a doctor in metro West. However, if you can get into Brigham and Women's, they have an arthritis center, and most of the doctors there are very familiar with FM. In addition, I will ask my rheumatologist who he might recommend. This, however, may take a couple of weeks. Hang in there!

Ruth