Fibromyalgia Support Group

So, my GP is out on vacation and today I saw the PA in the office (never seen her before). OMG. Can I tell you how wonderful she was about talking about fibro AND anxiety?? My GP always seems to dismiss it all kind of, but not her.

She basically dx it as costo, which is what I suspected. When she pressed on the cartilage points I almost came off the table. She also pressed all over my ribs, shoulders etc and it all hurt. A LOT. She said the combination of the inflammation and anxiety is what's causing the shortness of breath and it's all going in a vicious circle. She suggested upping my Elavil for the time being, gradually, until I can sleep well again and some of the life stress and the pain resolve, then taper back down. She also gave me some Zipsor for the inflammation, so I hope that helps. She said to try to rest some this weekend with a heating pad, hot baths w/hot rags on my chest, etc.

She did do an EKG right there just to make sure and said it was perfectly normal. I wasn't even tachycardic today which is rare for me and my BP was great. So she didn't feel it was in any way a heart issue, and my breath sounds were good (no congestion, wheezing, etc), AND my oxygen sat was 99%, so that was good.

She noticed I took several deep breaths and sighed like 50 times while I was talking to her. She said that is a sure-fire sign of anxiety and the inflammation is just making me feel that much tighter. I had a horrible night last night...couldn't fall asleep even after having a heating pad on my chest for hours, tossed and turned, etc. She said that probably every time I turn over in bed, the weight of my boobs turning over is enough to wake up the inflammation and thus, wake ME up. Nice, huh?

But wow, she really took the time to explain things. She also said she had recently been to a conference just on fibro. How cool is that? Maybe I should switch to her!

L.

You've stated very well the reasons why I see a nurse practitioner for the day-to-day care of my fibro. She refers me as needed to specialists (rheumatologist, pain doc, etc.). She's great about explaining things, knows a whole lot more about nutrition and how it affects how you feel, what treatments might and might not be effective, etc. It is also very obvious that she totally keeps up on updated information about medications, etc. Like with everyone, she and I disagree at time, but for the most part, I really like her so much better than the MDs I see.

I'm really glad you had a good experience with the PA!

Red

Keepsmiling, Welcome to our Family! Hi, shortstuff here. I have been away from the group for awhile but, I am trying to come back at least for a little while.

Sounds to me that you do need to change your doctor. It's important for us to have a doctor that understands let alone listens and tries to help us. SO many doctors don't do that. When you are lucky enough to fins one that really listens to you, GRAB IT! I am so happy that you finally found a doctor that really wants to help you and she listened to you. Most doctors act like we are taking up their time. I get so mad at alot of these doctors.

I am so happy that you are here with us. WELCOME. God Bless You. shortstuff

Keepsmiling,

Wow, what an incredible dr. visit post ~~~ It is so nice to find something pleasant after someone has been to the dr.

I seldom change drs. but I guess it would depend on how well you like your current dr. It sounds to me as if the NP was really on top of things and made you feel much better because she explained so much to you .

It all made sense to me ~~~ the vicious circle part and I know from experience that we do breathe differently under stress/anxiety than we would normally.

I wish you the best if you do decide to change to the NP ~~~

Let us know how you re doing ~~~ Glad it is not heart related !! I know how relieved you must be to hear that also.

Marilyn

fantastic.. nice to hear there are some competent ones out there