Good point! Judy

I agree that FM is probably mass diagnosed by lazy doctors.

I'm thinking more that people don't have a diagnosis and they just search and search for a reason for their symptoms. I konw I did it when a doc suggested I might have MS. I read the literature and knew I had it. I joined a website and asked questions and was reassured that all that I was describing WAS MS.... but... I don't think it was after all. Now diagnosed with FM. Some might come on here without a diagnosis and ask questions and get that same kind of reassurance that their symptoms ARE fm. What if they'r not.... what if they stop there, try the supplements we are all talking about and don't get evaluated for their "real" problem...? I'm just thinking it's a litle scary. The responsibility. I dunno...

You are right. None of us are doctors, that I know of anyway.
No one should self diagnose this or any disease. There are so many issues that could be wrong!
Support is all well and good but we still need the right doctors to say for sure.
Hugs
Sg1

or we are made to look like drug seekers from those that are! or how about when they work for a doctor! or writing a book for research! i don't think they should be able to post! Its ok to share info but not to advertize or seeking patients!
just feels like a preditor!

I know the doctors make us feel like druggies!
I do know what you mean, but at the same time I know they can't take our advice and go get scripts and stuff unless their doctor validates it.
I know for years I was just out in wonderland, wondering what the heck was wrong with me, wondering if doctors really knew anything, wondering how bad is it going to get?
Definitely anyone who is not diagnosed with FM should keep searching until they know.
I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I was diagnosed with FM in 2007. My pain is not so much as the other symptoms so I sometimes wonder if I was not misdiagnosed. Cold fronts and major stress and possibly moon phase changes bring on what I call flare ups.

Good post. I agree with replies so I won't repeat.

It's been 10 years since I've been diagnosed with fibro and other doctors have confirmed it. But I'm still hoping they are wrong and get tested for other illness hoping for a better treatment plan.

Hugs

definitely a good point Narey, i try to never assume that the person has FM, unless they say they do, and a lot come on and say they don't know what they have, are just asking what the symptoms are and i always say "go see a doctor for a diagnosis"

I agree. Well said. :o)

My new life started two years ago when I woke up in the middle of the night with what I thought was a bee sting on my second finger right hand. The next day (Sunday) the red spot where I thought I was stung grew and grew and the finger became swollen. Later (monday)I developed blood splints under my nail and half my finger now was purple. So I went to my PCP he sent me to a hand doctor who sent me to a cardiologist (many a test later, heart good) then I was sent off to a rheumie who said it was vascular, another round of tests found the Raynaud but could not explain why on a 80 degree day all this should happen. So once twice three times to two different Neuro's one said it was Beurgers quit smoking (which I have 18 months and counting) but everything kept getting worse. New Rheumie siad once again it has to be vascular he did not care for the first Vascular Doc so now off to another one who did the same test he said he wished we could trade vascular systems (loved Doctor Penn) So now back to square one but my symptoms has changed so off to a MS doctor (yes another Neuro) more MRI's, spinal tap etc MS free (thank god) ! now off to a forth Neuro this time at a Neuromuscular Disease Center at the U of R. he did a Nerve Conduction test, normal...No synptoms so bad hard to complete full day at work pain very bad had alot of inner bone pain in left shin and my hand became so swollen hard to type. lost my job in July 12 of this year, went running to my doctor as we need to find a answer so I can find a new job! Off to Cleveland Clinic 08/19/10 saw both another Rheumie and a Neuro and alot of blood drawn! The Rheumie wanted me to have some tests done to rule out Sjogren's ( I could have them done in Rochester!) and The Neuro Dr Gretter wanted me back for a QSART test (if any one is asked to have this tell the doctor to do a skin punch 1st) went back 8/27 for the test it came back "the etiology of her symptoms was not found" and Dr Gretter and offered Behavioral Modification (me and B F Skinner to the resuce) for chronic pain...so now I am waiting for the skin punch test Oct 13th. So yes I agree have every test done and fight for them as they normally will not offer them...
So My PCP has me listed in his records as having Fibro but that may be to dispanse the type of drugs he is reading up for me?
Me, untill all other tests for what ever has been done I do not have Fibromyalgia, but today I thought I should investagate! So yes I am searching for answers.

I find it best not to assume anything about anyone. Assumptions cause too many distractions and waste time.

I hope that everyone here understands that none of us are doctors and even if we say we're doctors, it's prudent to assume we're not until it can be confirmed.

I always promote verifying anything a known doctor says, because doctors are human and have, at times, been more harmful than helpful.

I think most posters already take care not to prescribe, rather to suggest. Many of us repeatedly encourage our readers to research everything for themselves.

I don't think it matters if anyone does or does not have F. If you're here for whatever reason, you're an adult and you're responsible for yourself.

If somebody doesn't want to do their own homework, they'll soon learn there's no way out of it.

Thank you for the PositivreThinking, sorry about the rant prior.

Hell...I have been Diagnosed with it by a DO, an NP, a Rhuemy, a Neuro, My Cardiologist, an Internist...and I am STILL searching for Answers for it..

And ALSO Remember...Not EVERYTHING you Feel is FM related..we are Still Quite capable of having, getting OTHER Illnesses, Diseases...so Bee SURE to Always Check ANY New, or Worsening OLD Symptom !

Gee not really feeling positive now.....kidding, but you are correct and a personal daily journal goes a long way when visiting a new/old Doctor!