There's denial and then there's diagnosis. I was dx'd by a rheumy who himself had FM---but I still got 2d, 3d, and 4th opinions (at his suggestion, in case he missed anything)---and still re-check stuff like autoimmune markers, etc., just in case. Not that I doubt I have what they call FM---just that if things change, best to be on top of it and not steamrolled by it. Be honest with your rheumy and say you just wanna be sure for your own sake, okay? A neuro often dx's FM these days, so it's a start.

I have literally been tested for (and this list is incomplete): MS, RA, CVID, celiac, liver disease, kidney disease, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, brain tumor, thyroid issues, pituitary issues, malnutrition, anemias, leukemias, parasites, spine injury, and I forget the rest.

In short: A *lot*.

FM is a lot like the flu. A lot of sympatoms that could be a hundred other things (fatigue, for example, is a symptom of about a hundred things, from insomnia to cancer to "partied too hard last night"). So it's not harming anyone to ask for a second opinion. Never know what canget missed.

Luck,
Leo

I highly recommend getting 2nd 3rd, and 4th opinions as Leo said. It doesn't hurt to be on top of the things just in case something is missed. I have seen 2 rheumy's, 2 neurologist, gastroentrologist, a pain specialist, and an endocrinologist. I've been tested for pretty much everything too. If it will give you peace of mind then it is well worth it. It has helped me a lot. Good luck!

Nothing like a fresh set of eyes to see if your diagnosis is correct. Your doctor will not be offended. These days patients are a lot more proactive about healthcare. Most doctors expect that their patients will get a second or even a third opinion when given a diagnosis of a chronic or serious illness. You can save yourself a lot of time and money and stay in the same network. Or, go outside of the network and do all of the testing again. If you think that your current rheumy has been pretty diligent, I'd opt for saving money and time. Having to go through a battery of testing again exhausts me just thinking about it. Any new doctor whether they are in or out of the network is going to run a couple of tests anyway to confirm the findings in your medical records.

And, as Leo said once you have a confirmation, have your auto-immune markers checked periodically just to stay on top of things. This is a complex illness which has a habit of adding "perks" to the list. It is always better to be proactive. Take care.

You all are so encouraging and helpful! Thank you for helping alleviate my anxiety in this, and also for your suggestions and helpful insights.

Hugs and blessings! :)

When I got a second opinion from a second rheum, he, it turns out, was kind of a crackpot. Said the fibro was all about estrogen depletion.

Which, even in 1998, was a load of crock.

But, sure, get a second opinion if you can afford it. Get copies of your labs and learn what they mean. Read up on what to rule out. Get a second opinion from a university-based medical practice that has a teaching hospital, if you can. That should do it.

I would second Leo and Shakota. I've been tested for about everything Leo has, and a few more. But my feeling is that going to rheumatology practices that are connected to a university with a good reputation for rheumatology is the best thing if you have doubts. They are usually up on the very latest. Another thing you might ask for is a prednisone trial to see how you respond. For me I needed a 16 day trial--4 days of 20 mg down to 5 mg. Some might try a 4 or 5 day trial, which does nothing for me. But a longer trial does wonders. But if a doctor looks at my blood, they think "fibro." If they look at the way I respond to autoimmune drugs, the might still think "fibro," but rheumatologists who know what they are doing think--something else is going on here. Although, I still end up with doctors at odds with each other.

While I certainly respect anyone's right to get several more or other diagnoses, but for me, it has been a lot of money sent down a hole. Most doctors don't want to give you a diagnosis of fibro. It's a chronic illness that they will never be able to cure, not great for most doctors of any stripe. I did get tests for standard things, like heart disease, a chest X-ray, etc. to rule out 'life threatening' diseases (as though FMS isn't one), so I know when I get those pains in my chest that it's the fibro and I'm not dying. But if you need the reassurance, go for it. The faster you can come to a reconciliation and accept whatever it is that's happening to you, the better.

Marsha does make a good point---but I'll reiterate mine simply b/c a fiend of mine was dx'd with Fibro---and TEN YEARS later found out it was actually CELIAC.

Also, a check-in with a neuro is just good back-up, as this is classed neuromuscular and many neuros treat FM, so might catch something a rheumy would miss and vice versa--and yes, a university teaching hospital is a great place for a dx.

Acceptance is key to moving on with life with FM, but to me, getting confirmation is a step to that. Stops those "what-ifs"!

Luck and keep us posted,
Leo

Thanks, everyone!

LeoX3, I have celiac (well, so I say. My GI told my dietician I had it then told me I didn't, but I've chosen to behave as if I do, steering clear of any hint of gluten). I also have colitis, so I'm always wondering if there's a nutritional aspect to my symptoms.

Thanks for listing all the things you all have been tested for. That gives me a springboard to work from. :)