This is something I think the majority of us have had to face at one time or another until getting the courage to FIRE the ridiculous doctor and begin the interview process to find the right doctor that will not only take you seriously but will treat you properly medically and personally.

There is still a mentality in the medical community that Fibromyalgia is a wastebasket syndrome due to the list of symptoms that people with it seem to have.

Well I propose that the list is something that probably does need to be whittled down as many of us do not have ALL of the symptoms listed but most definitely have some of the most frequently mentioned.

PAIN, TROUBLE SLEEPING or CHRONIC PAIN and CHRONIC FATIGUE as well as depression seem to be the most above board symptoms that I believe most or at least in my experience all FM sufferers have. There are others like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraines, etc. but these could indeed be additional symptoms that are occurring as a result of the Chronic symptoms that Fibromyalgia people suffer with. I think if the medical community were to focus a little more on common sense then I believe perhaps it wouldn't be shrugged off so easily.

I really think if you take the time to interview private practitioners and find the one you're most comfortable with then the rest should follow such as a referral to a Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist, etc.

There's no reason for you to lose your dignity over the "Flu and Cold" doctors that have no vision past the regular patients that they see and in fairness to them (As fair as I can be) they really aren't equipped with the ability to help. But there are indeed doctors out there that are willing to help and once found you should notice a definite improvement in your care.

Bottom line... You're sick and you need medical treatment that you are entitled to.

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When I was a little girl, from the 2nd grade until the 5th grade, I frequenty felt bad, had pains, my ankles/legs would give out, etc. I sat in doctor's offices as the doctor would tell my mom it was "all in my head", "I just wanted attention", I just wanted to get out of doing chores, going to school, and etc". We put up with this until one day in 5th grade I was home from school because I felt so bad. It's amazing how vivid one can remember things from that long ago but can't remember what someone just said...Anyway, I was laying in the floor watching TV and I got a pain in my leg and let out a blood curdling scream. My mom called my doctor who wasn't in....at this point she was beside herself and just started talking to the Nurse...the nurse told her to take me to the lab that she was calling in some orders.....turned out I had had Rheumatic Fever at their best guess in 1st grade. It was not bad enough that it caused symptoms that led to tests at the time but some 3 - 4 years later, the markers were still in my blood. You did notice I said "Nurse"!!!! At that time I was put on a regime of Penecilin daily which I took for 5 years until I was babysitting for a pathologist and she informed me my body had probably built up an immunity to penecilin and if I ever got something that penecilin was the only cure, I was in a heap of trouble. Today, I wonder if that could have something to do with my current problems.

Anyway, my point is, you will have many docotrs that blow your symptoms off but when the time is right, you will talk to the right person and they will help you out. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. For those of us plagued by "mysterious" or even the known, it is making us stronger and we are "HERE" helping each other!!!!

I guess it's time for me to put my two cents in his usual. Speaking as someone about to lose his health care provider because of an insurance change I share many of your concerns. I do spend an inordinate amount of my day worrying about finding the right doctor I think it's important to remember that doctors really don't have much to offer for us except Schedule II drugs. I think you have to realize is that the only person who can really help you is you-I don't mean suck it up and live with it; I mean that it's really up to you to learn as much as you can about the situation and take control of your own treatment.

Number one is to get a hold of Devin J.Starlanyl M.D.'s books

The Fibromyalgia Advocate

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome a Survival Guide

The Fibromyalgia Advocate is probably the first one to buy especially if you're going doctor shopping. She includes individual sections entitled "What Your fill in the type of health care provider" on what you should be looking for and telling a doctor when assembling a treatment team. She also does a real good job of covering ALL of the various treatment options. in addition, like here, there is a lot of validation for the various symptoms that you may be experiencing as well as tailored information for your immediate family members and friends.

I think the most important thing is that she can speak directly as someone who has both Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain saying things in her books that not only make sense but are what you would want to say to the various people (friends, acquaintances, doctors, family members) if only the fibrofog would let up and you were able to articulate your thoughts and feelings again. As an example, here's what she has to say about self-esteem issues and shopping for doctors

"Self-Esteem Issues

Avoid doctors who cause you to lose your self-esteem. If you have negative thoughts after each doctor appointment, try to figure out why. Have you needs been met? Did your doctor understand what you wanted? You've probably been told, "you don't look sick, so why should you feel sick?" Remember, medicine is a service occupation. You hire a doctor and his staff to help in your care. You're their employer. Lack of self-esteem is an important perpetuating factor for FMS and MPS. You must learn to respect yourself, and demand the respect of others. Your doctor's must respect you. You're never going to communicate successfully with someone who refuses to listen. There is an old Russian proverb that says when you dance with a bear you had better let the bear lead. Perhaps it's time for you decide to stop dancing with the bear"

I'll post the same offer I have posted elsewhere in this forum; if you can't afford to buy a copy of The Fibromyalgic Advocate send me private message and I'll arrange to buy a copy for you good luck -

There is a diagnosis quiz on fibrohelp.org.Take it and you be the judge. That website is full of information to help you. Don't be embarrassed my friend it is not in your head! Not every doctor believes we fibromites have symptoms that are real. I am 42 years old and have been dealing with this condition most of my life. I was told by many doctors that it was in my head. I passed every test they could think of. There was nothing "physically" wrong with me.

Good Luck

Smiley

Smiley

You Don't Look Sick Living Well with Invisible Chronic Illness by Joy Selak & Steven S, Overman MD MPH

Dear God,

I want to thank you for being close

to me so far today,

With your help I haven't been

impatient, lost my temper, grumpy,

judgmental, or envious of anyone.

But, I'll be getting out of bed in a

minute and I think I'll really need

your help then!

BTW the book's not that bad a read