I am so sorry to read this! Ditch this doctor–and find a Rheumatologist! I have had Fibro for years and I see a Rheumatologist. It would be best if you would search for one that deals with Fibro. Also the depression and anxiety is part of the Fibro. Also I suggest to reach on line and read the Fibro 101 on this site. There is so much to Fibro and it is not easy to be a Fibro Warrior. Also, as far as the ANA, the Rheumatologist has different test they can run, and give you better information. All family doctor’s are not like this, my Family Doc has been a big support for me. So I would also advise you to find a new personal doctor. Oh this doc makes me boiling mad–no way should he have treated you this way. Fibro is real.
I agree also with Flo. Sometimes it takes a team of docs to get the best treatment for you. It will depend on what symptoms you have. Fibro treats us as individuals.
I have seen a Rheumatologist for years. One prescribed antidepressants that help some people with fibromyalgia. I had a reaction to that medicine. Recently, a different rheumatologist prescribed “Low Dose Naltraxone” This is an off label use of this medication. It is being used in the low dose form for people with MS. They are seeking approval for it’s use in fibro. I has helped me. Also, changing my diet has helped. It took me a long time to figure it out but I am reactive to several foods. (reactive is different from allergic so you can’t do a blood test for this) When I eliminate these foods, I have less inflammation and less pain. I know how difficult it is to adjust to all of this. Hang in there. It’s a long path to find what works for you and when you are exhausted it seems overwhelming. You can do this.
Thank you,Sunny! Can I ask what eliminated foods helped you, understanding it could be different for each individual?
Hi, I have a positive ana also. I would recommend having it checked in the future. Many rheumatologists do treat fibro. I would suggest not to waste one minute on someone like that Dr. I have fibro and fms. I use a pain dr., neurologist and rhuematologist on my team. I have it now 19 years. I’m sorry that you went through that. I thought the medical community had advanced. If you feel down ever, please don’t hesitate to get help. I have utilized a psychiatrist as well. Don’t be afraid. Its not in our head. I hated Lyrica. It caused me short term memory loss while I was still working. A thought for you to consider is building your history. Drs need facts they can interpret. Track dad to day your symptoms and any and all medication and the result. Pain levels. Use a fitbit to track sleep. You can print reports. How many hrs or days do your flares last. What kind of weather or other event affects you and how. How many times per month.
Don’t give up. We believe you. Note I treated my ana with placquenil and unfortunately now have retina disease. Give careful thought to all side effects. In areas where medical marijuana is available, they say slow and low. I try to keep that in mind with all medications
God bless you.
I eliminated wheat, gluten, corn and all corn derivatives.
Good luck to you!
Hi again, heat is my crucial tool. I have two heating pads. Weather is my biggest trigger. Also I have IBS. Lots of love and strength to you.
Thank you, Eileen! You have given me many great ideas. I have started a log of symptoms, and sleep, but I keep redesigning it. I have found an app where you can enter everything about your chronic pain, which I’m going to consider. I can’t decide if heat or ice helps me more. I’m leaning toward ice at first onset of pain and heat afterwards. Again, thank you for all your insight!! 
Thank you for the info!!
Thank you so much for your insight! I’m going to find better docs to make up my team. I don’t have much energy right now, and am barely keeping up at home with things (actually, I’m not keeping up with all the sleeping I’m doing). I’m trying many things at home to see what helps: ice, heat, Epsom salt hot baths, lotions…
I’m so glad. I understand the redesigning thing as I constantly change my logs. Would you share the app you mentioned? I could use that too. Take care!
It’s called Chronic Pain Tracker by Chronic Stimulation, LLC. It cost 6.99. I have an iPhone so not sure if that matters. There are other ones out there that don’t look as fancy. I haven’t tried it yet, but think I might.
Debs, not only did he take the time to listen to all of my issues, he ran blood tests, did the trigger point test, officially diagnosed me, and prescribed some medications. We tried a few different combos and meds to see which ones I responded to the best, and he also recommended some stretching as well as yoga or Tai Chi. It was nice to finally have a medical professional believe me, and be willing to treat me. Now, I will tell you, it’s not a magic diagnosis, and I still have a lot of pain, especially when I’m tired - and don’t get me started on what happens when I’m OVER tired. But many times I can pinpoint why I hurt (over-did it yesterday, didn’t listen to my body, etc)and I know that in the evenings, if I don’t get under my weighted blanket by 7:30 pm I’m going to get the wiggly legs because they hurt so much. My weighted blanket is one of the best purchases ever - I even take it with me when I travel for work if I drive to my destination. I’m contemplating on taking it with me for a 3 week vacation in AUgust - to Amsterdam and then on a cruise through the Baltics. Another thing about my Rheumatologist - we worked together to find a med that would help me stay asleep once I got to sleep (I’ve never had many issues falling asleep, but the pain would break through my sleep, so I was waking up at 1 - 2 a.m. and unable to get back to sleep. Trazadone has helped immensely. I don’t like having to take so many drugs, but I like that I’m still able to work while on them. and the Rheumatologist is a big part of me still being able to work. Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to explain what works for me. I know we’re all different.
Just red,
I’m having rheumatologist envy! Can I borrow your’s?!? That’s the first I’ve heard of the weighted blanket! Has anyone else had luck with one? That you for that tip, and all the other’s. I’m looking into a new doc today!! I’m not supposed to take nsaids because I having a stomach ulcer that won’t heal. The pain was so bad in my wrist and ankles last night and neither ice, heat nor xtra-strength Tylenol, which I call kool-aid, was working. I finally said, well you know what I said, and took two ibuprophen. Within a half hour, I felt much better.
Just red,
Did you try yoga or Tai Chi?
Debs
I’m so sorry to hear all this! Thats just horrible it made me want to cry! I see a Rheumatologist for Fibromyalgia I have never had a positive ANA I have just had a lot of other illnesses and surgery. Parathyroid disease and surgery, cervical dissection and fusion, knee surgery, osteoporosis from the parathyroid disease. I had Legionella in College (somehow?) Salmonella poisoning but they removed my appendix by mistake! So all this plus more adds up to having fibromyalgia. I was recently diagnosed at Mayo Clinic In Rochester MN. They put you into a 2 day class with other people with fibro and explain how it affects you and your brain and what you can try and do to help with all the symptoms.I also have secondary Raynauds associated with an undifferentiated connective tissue disease. And also anxiety and depression. I take wellbutrin to help with fibro and depression as well as Xanax as needed. (which I don’t take very often) Tried Cymbalta but made me very nauseated and sick. It takes a while for everything to come together so hang in there. Yes Fibromyalgia is yucky but your not alone. Also CBT Cognitive Behavior therapy helps too! Seems like we have all been in the same boat! Check out these articles https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/in-depth/fibromyalgia-symptoms/art-20045401
Thank you, Hippiemom! It was a very interesting article. Now, to find a dr that thorough. Hugs! Deb
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