Fibromyalgia Support Group

I've read that it can take years to finally get a diagnoses of Fibromaylgia. I don't have years and more importantly, I don't have health insurance and can't afford to go from specialist to specialist ruling out this and ruling out that. I don't have any money.

My GP has been treating me for Neuropathy for the past 5 months with Neurontin and Ultracet. The Neurontin does nothing for me, btw, and I want off it. The GP at first suggested Ortho, then Neuro, now a Vascular guy who will only evalute my legs and feet. My problems go way beyond my legs and feet. I don't see the point in spending all that money for him to tell me no, it's not this or that. So, I got on the phone yesterday and found a Rhuemtoidologist and specifically asked if they were familiar with Fibro. They are, but I need a referral from my GP. Am going to call him today and get one. I hope I don't hurt his feelings by taking charge ~ I don't think I will since he seems so frustrated with my symptoms.

And I want off the Neurontin. The Ultracet helps so I will keep that one. I've also cut out caffiene and sugar and alcohol. I will continue to read and research and apply what I can learn. (Within reason. Some of the stuff I've read sounds plain whacko!)And no more being a martyr and trying not to take the Ultracet ~ I hurt, I'm taking it!

Whether I have Fibro or not, the worse that can happen is the Rhuemy will say "inconclusive" and suggest further testing.

It's true ~ I don't have an official diagnosis yet. If it turns out I don't have Fibro, I'll find another support group. In the meantime, Tina said it best ~ reading here is like looking in a mirror.

Mispati, it sounds to me like you are on the right track and that your PCP should not be offended that you ask to be referred to a Rhuemy.

I certainly don t blame you for taking your health care into your own hands. Sometimes that has to be done ...

Good luck with your Rhuemy and please come back and tell us what he says.

Also, you do not have to ""find another support group"" even if you do NOT have Fibro. You will always be welcome here in our group .

Marilyn

Oh please girl...For one thing your PCP should've suggested going to a Rheumy himself. Don't ever, ever let one single doctor have you strung up like a puppet, holding your every move. If he gets offended, that's his problem. Doctor's should be happy that you want to find the interest in taking your medical care for yourself seriously. He would do that for himself or for one of his own.

Also, my rheumy was able to do the vascular testing on my legs at his office...I didn't have to go to a different doctor for that.