You should see a rheumatologist who specializes in Fibro and or MPS. I don't think anyone should go into an appointment and say doc I think I have this. I believe we present our symptoms and medical history and let the doctor tell us what they think. If they are competent they will perform a trigger point test, run blood work to rule out anything auto immune and arthritis. On your second visit is when they should give you a diagnosis.

At the followup is when you should voice your concerns and opinions. But that is just me.

I think you should do what call me ouch says but I also think you should do some research of your own. IT never hurts to be informed. Then if you find that it sounds like your symptoms share your fidings with your regualar doctor. I also think you should go see a rhumatologist. They helped me a lot. You could also have the complex that incompasses fibro and chronic myofascial syndrome.

Thanks to both of you- I love that we can share advice here...it is comforting to say the least!

You are very welcome any time I can help.

I think it's a good idea to go to your Dr and say "Do you think I have fibro (or something else)?" As patients, it is our duty and right to be as informed as possible. In an ideal world, a Dr would consider all the options and possible diagnoses, but the sad reality is that many Dr's do not (due to time constraints, busyness, lack of current education, or even the huge stigma against chronic pain). Even "good" dr's are not always on the ball, I've found. Therefore, I think it is helpful and smart to read up on different dissorders on your own, and then it doesn't hurt to say to your Dr "hey, do you think I have xxx?" But, you also have to be ready to listen to you Dr. if she either disagrees or agrees with your "self-diagnosis"! Anyways, I hope that helps, and I hope you feel better.
JC

The thing with my pain clinic is, I have been there 5 times now and have seen 4 different doctors. It is impossible to build a rapport with any of them because they shuffle you around. I appreciate that it is a "Learning Clinic" and dont mind being a guinea pig for the sake of learning I just wish I was given one doc to work with. I spend more time reviewing my history and less time with current questions. I did not even raise this question last time. Someone suggested I try Baclofen for the CMP and I am finding it very helpful-so thanks to who ever that was...

Thanks to all

Hmm... That's not good, Nemcgrath. I understand the theory behind the learning clinics (I went to one for years for my jaw, because it was supposedly cheaper to be treated by students, although eventually they raised their prices, but that's another story). They really can be good- as long as there is consistency over the years (i.e. you are treatred by studetns, but overseen by one same doctor who supervises the students). However, when we have a condition that is as serious as we have, if you don't have consistency, I almost think it's better to be seen by just one Dr who really gets to know you and what works and what doesn't. Is there any way you can switch to a different pain clinic? On the upside of things, I guess if you see lots of different Docs then there's always the hope that one will come up with a novel treatment approach that the others haven't thought of that really helps. Anyways, not sure if my ramblings make sense- but I hope they help, and I hope you feel well today!
JC

JC- the above makes perfect sense! I went yesterday to have my first "facet nerve block" (if anyone has had these please let me know! I got to see the original doc I saw at the clinic...I told him about me wanting to build a rapport with him and he said of course-come on Mondays and I will be sure to see ya-so we worked it out.

If anyone has had this diagnostic test please tell me how it went for you-I am doing it so we see if "ablation" of that nerve will be beneficial. This was a block to the left side only and MAN did it really make the right side pain stand out while the left was numb! I am just excited about getting REAL treatments now. I have lost about 25 pounds since starting with this group! Feeling better and moving around so much more...its the best!

Thanks Y'all!

I will have to try this nerve block. I think I will do that on the left side of my body as my left side of my back seems to be in more pain then my right.