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.
Hello all my fibro friends,
I am currently seeing my primary care doctor at the VA to treat my fibro. I am using the VA right now because there is no cost. The problem I am running into is the VA protocol on pain management and treatment for fibro. When I was first diagnosed in 2010, I saw the rheumatologist at the VA in Columbus, OH. She told me to take tylonol and exercise. I immediately knew it was a waste of time, and told her if all I had to do was take tylonol, then I wouldn't have made this appointment. Also, I asked her why she was basically telling me to kill myself while using tylonol for non-inflammatory chronic pain until my liver and kidneys give out. I then asked her if she received her phd on the wall from a cracker jacks box and stormed out of her office frustrated as many other vets do. So now I live in Alabama, I have been to civilian pain management, could no longer afford it, and had to resort back to the VA. (Different VA, much better doctors) I believe I have the best doctor at this VA, but he does not get many younger fibro or chronic patients. I know people with the gulf war illness are climbing in numbers and I do qualify for a claim, but right now I want to get my fibro under control. The question I have is knowing the VA protocol for treating fibro does not really treat it, (a few loratabs a day) no type of physical therapy is offered, and those 3 tabs a day work most of the time until a flare up comes and I'm in excrutiating pain. My doctor says I am maxed out as far as pain meds go. When I had civilian pain doctor, they explained what breakthrough pain was and then the extendended pain treatment. Along with hydrotherapy and much more resources than the VA can give. I need some advice on switching back to a civilian pain doctor, with medicare, I know it will cost me an arm and a leg, but at least I will be able to improve my quality of life, and spend more time with my children. Any advice will be helpfu, thanks.
I am currently seeing my primary care doctor at the VA to treat my fibro. I am using the VA right now because there is no cost. The problem I am running into is the VA protocol on pain management and treatment for fibro. When I was first diagnosed in 2010, I saw the rheumatologist at the VA in Columbus, OH. She told me to take tylonol and exercise. I immediately knew it was a waste of time, and told her if all I had to do was take tylonol, then I wouldn't have made this appointment. Also, I asked her why she was basically telling me to kill myself while using tylonol for non-inflammatory chronic pain until my liver and kidneys give out. I then asked her if she received her phd on the wall from a cracker jacks box and stormed out of her office frustrated as many other vets do. So now I live in Alabama, I have been to civilian pain management, could no longer afford it, and had to resort back to the VA. (Different VA, much better doctors) I believe I have the best doctor at this VA, but he does not get many younger fibro or chronic patients. I know people with the gulf war illness are climbing in numbers and I do qualify for a claim, but right now I want to get my fibro under control. The question I have is knowing the VA protocol for treating fibro does not really treat it, (a few loratabs a day) no type of physical therapy is offered, and those 3 tabs a day work most of the time until a flare up comes and I'm in excrutiating pain. My doctor says I am maxed out as far as pain meds go. When I had civilian pain doctor, they explained what breakthrough pain was and then the extendended pain treatment. Along with hydrotherapy and much more resources than the VA can give. I need some advice on switching back to a civilian pain doctor, with medicare, I know it will cost me an arm and a leg, but at least I will be able to improve my quality of life, and spend more time with my children. Any advice will be helpfu, thanks.
AnnNY
My only suggestion is to post this to the chronic pain group. I've seen postings there that mention the VA. I can't remember anything here regarding the VA.
LisaPinPA
My daughter's Girl Scout Leader is a physical therapist at our local VA Hospital. She has quite a few Fibro patients in her therapy classes. She is very helpful with me as far as giving me stretching exercises to help with the spasms. I guess it depends which hospital you go to. It's so haphazard that I don't know if going to a regular doctor will help, unless you get a really special one. I would see if there are any FM support groups in your area and ask them who they see.
ItsJustMe2012
Unfortunately, most VA drs don't give their patients the level of care they deserve. I would try the civilian drs in your area. You may have to go to several before you find one that is right for you. Some drs tend to stay away from meds like Lortab for fibro, some don't. Hopefully you'll get lucky and the first one you try will be the one that's right for you.
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