I was diagnosed with FM about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, my doctor at the time and the institution he was connected with had a very conservative protocol they used for treating FM, and they NEVER deviated from it.

I took the antidepressants and flexaril that they offered me - didn't work. I went to the pain management center and they said they couldn't do anything for me. They told me to lose weight. And exercise, which was near impossible and just made me worse, respectively.

Eventually, an intern in the clinic told me there was a note in my chart that I was drug-seeking (!) so I quit going there. I have a new doctor, and I haven't even told her about my diagnosis, because the two docs I saw before her told me FM was a "wastebasket diagnosis" and they didn't believe in it. Yeah, whatever. So, I figured if I told this doctor it would just make her prejudiced against me.

The last few months, however, my pain is much worse. I don't know what to do. I have state insurance, which most Dr's don't take. I have a therapist, but he won't support my application for SSI. I don't know how to interview a doctor, and I don't want to go somewhere and pay a whole lot of money and get offered anti-depressants again. I'm starting to feel like I'm crazy. Why doesn't anyone believe how much I hurt?

Well, that was a big info dump for my first post, and I apologize. I've just been holding all of this in for so long because the only way I could get treatment for my other health problems has been to remain silent about my FM.

I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me. Thanks, Allison (beansa)

You might have to go through some doctors that don't know much about Fibromyalgia before you find one that is supportive and willing to help you. I think most of us have. The first Rheumatologist I saw told me I had Fibro and that it went along with hypochondria. I wanted to punch him in the nose and I'm not a violent person. Just keep coming here for support. Also, check online for support groups in your area. You could meet someone that knows of a good doctor.

Glad you're here with us!

Jenni

welcome to the site! im a newbie too!

next time you see your doc, ask her what her views are on fibro, and see what she says, if you like her answer

then proceed to tell her, if you dont , keep quiet for now...

hope this helps and look fwd to getting to know you better!

Karen

My goodness, what a tragic story and I'm sooo sorry that you are having to go through this just to get someone to help you.

One of the things you can do is use some of the online resources available in finding a doctor. It's kind of hit and miss, but I've found it to be helpful and so far to good ones that are highly scored have panned out.

The sites are RateMD.com, DrScore.com, and there is a doctor search rite here on this site.

If there are doctors listed where you live, you will hopefully be able to look a good number of them to determine a good choice for you. I figure the more people that know about these site the more people might use them.

Then if you have the time you can pick 2 - 3 doctors that you can make an appointment with and just tell them your story and that you're seeking help and can they give you the support and help you need. If they start with the wastebasket scenario then I would actually rudely leave. I have no problem treating a doctor who is inconsiderate inconsiderately.

I personally feel like you've been treated wrongly and criminally. How ridiculous to be targeted as someone who is seeking narcotics!

You have friends here and most of us know exactly what you're going through is not all of us. It's taken a long time for ANY doctor to finally come around about FM but they are starting to. The ones that are still in the dark ages in my opinion are the cold and flu doctors that didn't pay attention during the "Taking Care of you Patients" part of class.

Also, regarding SSI, once you find the right primary care physician, then that doctor should refer you to a Rheumatologist who is not anti-Fibromyalgia. The more specialists you see that support you and work with you the better for your case. And there are non-profit organizations that can help you win your case once your set up with the right doctors and I can give you some information with that when you're ready.

I hope I've been somewhat helpful at least with info and I really hope you don't give up on yourself. Again, you have friends here and feel free to yell at the top of your lungs, rant, post, whatever you need to make you feel better.

>>>>BIG HUGS FOR YOU<<<<

I have my annual physical tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide if I should even bring it up. I'll let you know how it goes.