Can I get a general consensus on what types of doctors you all go to for the fibro?

I am waiting on an appointment with a pain management specialist on 12/12. A rheumatologist diagnosed me, but said that was all he could do and recommended a pain management specialist. My family doctor doesn't seem to know enough about it to help much.

I am hoping the pain mgmt will help, but I am also worried that I am waiting for something that is going to be useless! Any input would help!

Thanks

I'm lucky. My pain doc, the NP and rheumy are all great. Actually, the NP asks about my RA meds. Neither her or the rheumy contradict each other leaving the expertise up to the other. But I know if both of them mention the same thing, it's likely a good idea.

flexeril or nortyptaline 10-30 mg at night for better quality sleep? (I tolerate flexeril better)

Lyrica?

Treatment for Fibro is more than pain management

can he also refer you for a sleep test? If he can make sure the include the test for UARS it's called PES & is relatively new.

from my reading lately most people with a airway related sleep disorder have UARS that is often missed without the PES which tracks negative air pressure in the esophagus.

here's some of the science - courtesy of DR. Podell MD

"Both FMS and CFS disrupt sleep quality. Poor sleep, in turn, worsens physical and mental stamina. Poor sleep also increases sensitivity to pain. These, of course, further disrupt sleep. "

here's a link to a lecture he gave on Sleep & sleep disorders & FMS/CFS - I urge you to read the first 2/3'ds at least.

http://www.drpodell.org/improving_sleep_quality.shtml

Post edited by: bshapiro, at: 11/10/2007 13:24

A jerky rheumy diagnosed me with fibro. I also stopped seeing him. He had a bad attitude!

as you know many of us can't tolerate a lot of meds well.

I just read somewhere that the way to get around this is to take less to start - chrush the tablet & estimate 10% whatever to start.

often if you try the other stuff 1st the ins will pick it up.

my hmo's formulary doesn't cover Lyrica straight off but I reminded my pcp via email that I'd been a good boy & tried nurontien 2x & nortyptryline keeps me from peeing.

so check you ins. & see if you waste enough $$$ on meds that don't work will they pay for it then? helps that it's now FDA approved & they can't call it experimental.

it was only approved in June so they may be a little behind in their policy updates - it doesn't hurt to remind them