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Mandyp

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I am a 46 year old woman who suspects that I have fibromyalgia. The symptoms started 4-5 years ago and have progressively gotten worse
Shooting pain through random muscles and muscle spasms
Crashing fatigue
Insomnia
Restless leg syndrome
Muscle stiffness and pain upon rising from sitting for extended periods
Frequently waking up during night
Digestive problems
Pressure point pain
Constant feeling of having been hit by a truck!
Mental fog
Aching hips and shoulders
My question is do I tell my doctor that I suspect I have fibromyalgia or do I just tell her my symptoms?
 
My question is do I tell my doctor that I suspect I have fibromyalgia or do I just tell her my symptoms?

Good question.
I'd say keep stressing all your symptoms to the doctor and if they don't do a pressure
point test on you ask about arthritis.
A referral to a GOOD rheumatologist is your goal.
A good one treats people for fibro but hopefully you have something else that is more
easily treated.
 
This can be tricky, at least it was for me. Some doctors dislike when a patient diagnoses him/herself, but then again, we know our bodies better than others. Perhaps make a list of all of your symptoms like you did above and give it to the doc. Unless you are more fortunate than most of us, be prepared to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, hypochondria, etc. Make sure that you at least have blood work done for RA, lupus, Lyme, Vitamin D and B vitamins, to name a few. Best wishes for a productive appointment.
 
I went to the doctor with my most major symptoms. I waited for her to say the word "Fibromyalgia" first. Once she said it I could then reference it. "So, I did some research on Fibromyalgia, like you said, and it was pretty surprising how many of these other things I have going on too..."

That way I wasn't actually coming in there with my diagnosis - telling her what I thought I had. She got to feel like she figured out my issues and then got to refer me to the Reumatologist with her diagnosis. After she told me there are no Reumatologists in the city that will see anyone with FM I took it upon myself to call every one within driving distance to find one that had some experience with FM and would be willing to see me. She actually appreciated my hard work and happily referred me.

I've been called a hypochondriac my whole life and just wasn't willing to take the chance of that happening again so I had to be smarter than the doctor. Better safe than sorry in my book.
 
I don't think it will be wrong to tell your doctor you are suspecting it. He will still make his own diagnosis anyway. What's also important is that you clearly tell him your symptoms, with a corresponding timeline, so he can clearly assess the history of your condition. The more background information you provide your doctor, the better he will be able to analyze your case.
 
I was told right away I had RSD...it made sense @ the time. I finally went to a pain specialist....they immediately did the pressure point test & said I had it. Every other Dr. I've told that I have it is fine with it. BTW, I never had good luck with neurologists....I highly recommend going to a pain specialist first
 
I think that you should go ahead and mention it. Mention that you've been concerned about these symptoms for some time and have informed yourself to a degree on the topic with concern that you may have it. Don't be pushy or act as though you've already diagnosed yourself, but don't hesitate to mention your knowledge and your questions. A good doctor will welcome these and keep you at the center of your care where you belong.
 
It depends on your doctor really, I'd assume you know them and understand their personality a bit. As others have mentioned, some doctors hate when patients come to their own conclusions. I can understand a bit of why they dislike it, but some of them take it way over the top. In general, I try to let the doctor come to their own conclusions and if it is something I disagree with, I mention what I think.

Also, as was mentioned, be prepared to be diagnosed as a hypochondriac if your doctor is a bit of an ass. IMO, some doctors simply can't believe the sheer amount of symptoms something as "simple" as fibromyalgia can cause. In any case, I will be wishing you don't have to experience any drama and your appointment goes well. Hopefully you have a great doctor and he will get you on the track to feeling better :)
 
As others have mentioned, some doctors hate when patients come to their own conclusions. I can understand a bit of why they dislike it, but some of them take it way over the top. In general, I try to let the doctor come to their own conclusions and if it is something I disagree with, I mention what I think.

Also, as was mentioned, be prepared to be diagnosed as a hypochondriac if your doctor is a bit of an ass. IMO, some doctors simply can't believe the sheer amount of symptoms something as "simple" as fibromyalgia can cause. In any case, I will be wishing you don't have to experience any drama and your appointment goes well. Hopefully you have a great doctor and he will get you on the track to feeling better :)

You should have ZERO patience with any doctor that calls you a hypochondriac or gets upset at you mentioning FM.
I have been through hell with doctors and they charge BIG MONEY for POOR SERVICE and need to be reminded that they provide a SERVICE.

See another doctor if you experience BS from any doctor and this is advice I personally needed to take MANY, MANY times and I'd be a lot healthier if I had.
FM is a nasty disease and you should not tolerate health care professionals who treat you poorly because of it.
 
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