hesitant GP

[arcanekate]

I have had the same GP for 8 years, and he's been hands down the best doc I've ever seen. In the past three years he's referred me to two different rheumatologists a year apart. They both said I had fm. I didn't like that one bit and stubbornly didn't follow up. Gotta love denial.

I am now at a point where my ability to work is too compromised to play nice. I went back to my GP, and he disliked the idea of fm as much as I do. Blood tests and exams have ruled out all the usual suspects, a sleep study found no apnea, and we are awaiting bloodwork on vitamin deficiencies. The next stop is the neurologist.

Here's the rub: Much though he hesitates to confirm this diagnosis, he immediately put me on imipramine (tofranil) 50mg for sleep aid and pain control- and it has helped rather a lot. If he really thought fm wasn't the problem, why would he prescribe a drug meant to treat precisely that? I can't help but think he at least suspects it may come down to a third specialist saying that it's fm; at that point the specialists' opinions can no longer be ignored.

As much as I don't like that idea, I'd be more relieved to just to have the diagnosis on paper, at this point. It's been too many years of doctors, guessing games, copays, tests, etc.

Anyhow- input is very welcome. Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this diatribe.

 

[Forgetmenot]

First time the Dr told me I had fibro I almost called him a lier .it took me months to come to terms with it.
I have in these last few years still though no it's something else the Dr are missing, each time blood work is done and all comes back clear.i should be pls but fibro is so ignored anything would be better then a illness no one believes in right?.
But of Course we no that's stupid.now my hands cramp up t night I wake up with stiff fingers elbows neck.i feel like I have the flu most of the time.and I walk like I'm 90 by the time the night comes.im 42.its a long road to be on but ask your Dr out right .sounds like he put u on the med he did for a reason .to see if it works. And helps u, and give u some relief after the years of struggle. Fibro or not u need some help. So welcome and join in the chat.

 

[Loftpat]

Hey there, Arcanekate, I recognize your sentiments. It was a relief to get a diagnosis, but dealing with the "bad reputation" of fibro is challenging. I was diagnosed in Seattle and had wonderful docs. When I moved home to Maine, my new doc was skeptical of the diagnosis and my meds. She's since jumped into my corner and is a great support.
I sense your GP is leaning toward fibro with the prescription, and it is a tough syndrome to manage. What works for you might not work for me. Whether it's a medication, a diet change, exercise, supplements, meditation or moderation, you are the captain of your ship. Hang tough. I urge you to read all the positive info and suggestions here and elsewhere. There's new research about fibro, share it with your doc. And when life seems to momentarily crap out, come here and vent. We do understand. Take care.
Pat

 

[Brenwood]

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant and not specifically a drug for FM. Sometimes the tricyclics help people with FM, not only with depression but also affecting neurotransmitters involved in pain perception.

Reading between the lines about your GP, I would guess that everything he is doing is an effort to help you accept the diagnosis. The more specialists you hear it from, the more you are likely to agree. My question about your denial is what is better - to have a definitive diagnosis that can be treated appropriately or to struggle the rest of your life with little relief?