How do you get diagnosed

[Lynwood86]

:?: Help
Ive definately got GCA. But have something else. Thought it must PMR but Dr gave me Lyrica a few days to help with the pain. It has been amazing! So now I'm thinking it wasn't PMR but fibromyalgia. I have a lot of fibromyalgia symptoms.
How do you get diagnosed? Can someone help?

 

[links56]

Your doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist and he or she can confirm the diagnosis.

 

[Siderea]

A rheumatologist technically gives the official diagnosis, but if you find an MD who is able to administer the tender-point test, that MD could tell you if it's fibro or not. I was diagnosed by my family doctor at the walk-in clinic, but she had tried several other treatments with me before testing me for fibro. I later saw a rheumatologist who confirmed the diagnosis, which became official in my charts.

 

[Trellum]

A rheumatologist is the specialist that is trained to diagnose fibro, because he is the one who is properly trained to do the trigger to do the trigger point test. A good rheumi will also order several blood tests to check other possible reasons for your pain, diseases like Lymes disease, for example. If I were you I'd try to find a rheumatologist who specializes on fibro, he should be able to diagnose you right away!

 

[Lynwood86]

Thanks so much everyone. I'll talk to my rheumi

 

[Lynwood86]

Thanks everyone!

 

[hansenlaw]

My friend went to a walk in clinic and was directed to a specialist. I think the first step you should take it talk to your family doctor.

 

[wander_n_wonder]

A rheumatologist technically gives the official diagnosis, but if you find an MD who is able to administer the tender-point test, that MD could tell you if it's fibro or not. I was diagnosed by my family doctor at the walk-in clinic, but she had tried several other treatments with me before testing me for fibro. I later saw a rheumatologist who confirmed the diagnosis, which became official in my charts.

Are there specific tests that you need to undergo for doctors to be absolutely sure that it's fibromyalgia? Based on what I read, there could be so many symptoms which are similar to other diseases, so I'm wondering if there are specific tests which could 100% make the conclusion. I'm just worried that there could be mistakes in diagnosis and you may end up going for treatment that you actually don't need. This happened to a family friend already and the she made a formal complaint but until now, no results.

 

[junebugrobts]

There are about 18 pressure points in the body and if a specific number of them are
affected you will be diagnosed with fibro with no further testing. A neurologist can
diagnose you first thing.
Best wishes

 

[trayne91]

My family doctor diagnosed me back in October of last year. Then, I seen the rheumatologist who concurred May of 2014. After a lot of testing and blood work, ruling out different things, they make the diagnosis. The tender spot test is now outdated and not supposed to be used as the diagnosis any longer.

 

[racenutalways]

Only through eliminating all other possibilities do they label you with fibro. Fibro, chronic fatigue syndrome are sub groups of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.....They are connected somehow... A lot of research still needs to be done. Many who have fibro also have CFS, many who have been diagnosed with CFS have Fibro, many who have Fibro or/and CFS have MCS, many who have MCS also have CFS and/or fibro, make sense? Best way to get diagnosed is to find a specialist that deals MCS, or Environmental Illness as it is called here in Canada. They have most expertise dealing with fibro. Here in Canada we have only 2 such clinics. Need to be referred to and they work with your family doctor directly. Long waiting periods however. Women's College Hospital in Toronto have a 13 month wait list. Hope things are better in the USA.

 

[FIBROat40]

I know that my PCP referred me to a RA and then he conducted several blood tests to rule out RA, so when those came back negative, he did several massages or whatever they are called and asked about my pain there when he touched, so those were the tests that he did on me. I am military so I got lucky to get the referral, like I have said in my previous posts I am on Gabapentin and it helps, but I think he made need to go up on the dosage. I hope that you find solace here on the forums and I hope that your Dr can give you a diagnosis.

 

[Peninha]

The best is to talk to the rheumatologist, a general doctor most likely will direct you to one hence they are bone specialists.