Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Most likely have Fibromyalgia

Danielle-Chenier
Danielle-Chenier
After years of asking my doctors to be tested for Fibromyalgia, I ended up in the ER with extreme, all over pain last Thursday. The ER doctor said, right away, that it sounded like Fibromyalgia, after I said that I had pains in my arms and thighs, in addition to having pains in my joints.

For years, after my hysterectomy, I've dealt with pain, chronic fatigue, restless legs, sleep disorder, mood disorder, etc.

I am on Coumadins, after having a massive, bi-lateral Pulmonary Embolism last September. Because of this, I am very limited as far as medication goes. The ER doctor did prescribe Celebrex, which does help with the pain, without taking it away.

My question is: I am seeing my doctor for a general exam on the 19th September, what should I ask for in order to be tested for Fibro?
PeaceN2You
PeaceN2You
That's a tough question to answer, partly because there is no accepted test for fibromyalgia at this time.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by symptoms, and by eliminating other causes for symptoms that might be caused by other conditions that can mimic Fibro.

Have you been checked for arthritis, RA, lupus, and other conditions that can mimic Fibro?
LeoX3
LeoX3
Ditto what Peace said. Also be sure they've ruled out diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc. THere's a LOT that can cause/mimic FM symptoms, so just let the GP know what the ER doc said and see if you can get referred to a rheumy or neuro, who are usually the ones to treat FM.
Good luck!
Jonsparky
Jonsparky
Here is the new proposed Criteria for diagnosing Fibromyalgia. They are getting away from the tender point diagnosis, as it is probably Myofacial Pain Syndrome anyway...
Seems pretty comprehensive, a lot better then just poking you til it hurts!
http://www.arthritis-research.org/sites/default/files/FM%20Criteria%20Work%20Sheet.pdf
deleted_user
deleted_user
Its so hard because there is no blood test for it just a trigger point pain test. There is certain points on a fibro patient where we all seem to have the pain even though we get it all over sometimes. Just talk with him and explain what you think and you want to no if you have it and if he does care for fibro patients he will examine you go if not he might send you to a Rheumy dr who does deal with it. If you have anymore questions get in touch with me its frustrating hang in.