To the Doctor I Go - Fibromyalgia Message Board

mercurialmuse · 09-02-2007, 07:22 PM

Hello, all! New to the boards here. In a nutshell, I've been living with pain for nearly seventeen years. I had several blood tests done while a teenager and then in my early twenties. All of the results were "normal" and no doctor recommended further testing. Given the explanation of "growing pains", I got frustrated and stopped talking about the pain I felt, but over the years, I've discovered several other health issues, including a sleep disorder and IBS. Finally, my husband noticed something was wrong and noted that I was quite often in pain. He (lovingly) nagged me, encouraging me to see a doctor again. I went again (ten years since my last blood test) and this time, my ANA levels were elevated. I've been referred to a rheumatologist and now the waiting begins. (There's only one Dr in my area who accepts my insurance).

My question is, when I go to see him, what should I ask or talk about? I don't think I have arthritis, and while I'm not convinced I have fibro, I suspect that might be the cause of my pain.

I plan to ask him about the "trigger point" test and mention other symptoms that make me think fibro is the cause, but is there anything else I should be aware of, or that I should ask/mention?

jsjek · 09-02-2007, 09:01 PM

With the elevated ANA, I'd suggest bringing up Lupus. My aunt supposedly had fibro for 10 years until they finally "discovered" the Lupus.

kirstee · 09-03-2007, 10:14 AM

Welcome to the Board! The tender point test is commonly used to diagnose FMS. Doctor's also use the "fibro five" to diagnose: Depression, Interstitial Cystitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraine, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. What's so odd about the 'fibro five' is nothing summarizes the body wide pain that FMS sufferers endure (go figure!). Some other symptoms are: hypoglycemia/hypoghyroidism, visual disturbances, foggy brain (known as fibrofog), numbness/tingling, skin eruptions/rosacea, sensitive skin, odor/checmical/taste sensitivities, tinninitis, insomnia, sore throat, dry eyes/sjogrens, vulvodynia, yeast overload (this is not a complete list). I'm sure your doctor will want to do a blood test and urinalysis to rule out possible problems. In addition to the pain you are experiencing, have you suffered from any of the problems listed above?

The worst problem I had with obtaining a diagnosis was doctors not believing I had a problem - I was classed as a hypochondriac. But I kept persisting and found the best doctor who understood what I was going through. If you find the doctor you are consulting with doesn't believe in you, it's best to move on until you find a doctor who will listen. Doctors are not perfect and sometimes formulate opinions that are incorrect. It sounds as though you are doing research which is excellent. Your "education" will help you gain the best care for YOU and help you be your own best advocate.

Best wishes and good thoughts are sent your way on your quest to better health!

Blessings,
Kirstee

mercurialmuse · 09-03-2007, 04:37 PM

Thank you for responding! It's good to talk to people about this, even if it turns out I don't have FMS. At least people are understanding!!

I've done some research into FMS and Lupus, and FMS seems to match up to my symptoms better. I plan on asking lots of questions and exploring possibilities - while trying to be patient. I've waited a long time for someone to take my pain this seriously!

Here's the Symptoms I've noticed that "Line Up" with FMS:
Pain (17 years)
GERD
IBS
Light Sensitivity
Tingly Toes
Hands feel Swollen (But aren't)
Idiopathic Hypersomnolence (I was tested for Narcolepsy and this was my dx)
Migraines
Frequent Headaches
Skin Sensitivity to Touch
Stiffness (Especially in AM or after sitting still too long)
Painful Menstration

I -think- I have "fibrofog" but it isn't an every day thing. What I'm thinking off definitely feels like "fog". And I -know- that this Thing I'm trying to do, that I -can- do it, and on a Regular Day, my brain could handle this no problem. But for some reason, it's like I'm thinking through several layers of cotton. Almost as if my body is out of bed, but my brain is still in it, refusing to wake up all the way. Those are days I down an energy drink and just "fake it 'til you make it" through the rest of the day.