New Dr. possible new diagnosis anyone here of?

Symptoms & Treatments
1

Hello everyone went to a new DR. because had to switch cause my insurance changed. He is now telling my I may not have Fibromyalgia it may be that I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Has anyone heard of this or been diagnosed with it. He is eaning that way because in the past how the prednisone has helped me in the past. But I was lucky and he seemed to listen and take in consideration everything I explained. So round of blood tests were ran again and we will see what he comes up with. He did give me the "flyer" information on Polymyalgia but also attached Fibromyalgia. Hoping to get answers soon. I will have to wait for my appt on the 30th to probably here anything. Thanks for reading and would love to here if anyone else has heard of this or been diagnosed.

Hugs, Gypsco

2

I would have to look that up. I do hope your Dr. gets you sorted out. I do know one thing from my experience...if the symptoms do not exactly fit ....if some things fit but not others... do not stop with the one diagnoses... talk openly with your Dr. about ALL your symptoms... Write things down...keep a daily Journal... and DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!!! Beware of convincing yourself you are dying though!!!

3

Hello Gypsco,

I have not heard of this either, but agree with what Belinda says, good call. Often people with Fibro do have multiple conditions. This is why we have to go through many tests to exclude other things. Good that your Doc is listening, and I suspect you will be able to build a positive relationship with him. wish you luck.

Take care, Anne

4

Here is a great link that explains the main differences between polymyalgia and fibromyalgia:

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/difference-between-polym...

The main differences seem to boil down to this:

Age: polymyalgia rarely occurs to people under 50 and primarily affects those over 65. (My mom has a friend who got it late in life and is controlling it successfully with steroids, I believe.)

Onset: polymyalgia seems to have its onset in certain seasons and as such, may be related to a virus. Fibro, we know, can occur with autoimmune illnesses, oseteo arthritis, stress, operations and accidents.

Location: apparently with polymyalgia you feel pain and stiffness in the muscles in your shoulders, arms, hips, and neck. This feeling often comes after you’ve spent time resting your hips, back and shoulders. Fibro also includes fatigue and brain fog.

I don't know what to think about your doctor's suspicions. However, if you think his diagnosis is troubling after you get it, remember, you can always get a second opinion. That's especially true of those of us with fibro.

My best to you. Please let us know how you make out!

Hugs along with the above website,

Petunia

PS: I totally agree with Belinda. If you have troubling symptoms that don't fit with a diagnosis, keep on digging, researching, and even get a new doctor if you must!

5

Thank you so much everyone for your input. Have had a rough week... The only thing he found in my tests is TSH a little elevated and low vitamin D... So he upped the thyroid meds from 200 mcg to 225 mcg and prescribed the Vitamin D 50,000 un to take 2 times a week. for 4 weeks. I see him again on the 30th so we will see... I honestly don't think upping the levothyroxine is going to help with fatigue, muscle and joint pain or the brain fog. Vitamin D may help but I was already taking 2000 un of it a day for the last year.... So we are on another journey same as last year.... I am honestly hoping this Dr. doesn't think upping my thyroid medicine is going to make everything better.He also referred me to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist because of my chronic ear problems (that I have had since my 20s.) Thanks for your input. And may everyone have a easy hopefully less painful weekend. Gypsy

6


Dear Petunia Girl, Thank you so much for the article good information. What is sad is I have the symptoms of all that they list for Polymyalgia, Fibromyalgia and RA. The only thing I don't have is the red swollen joints. I have some swelling and puffiness at times all over. And achiness is all over... worst in arms and legs, hips, hands. So it will be a long journey again to find something that will help besides Prednisone. That I can take.
Petunia Girl said:

Here is a great link that explains the main differences between polymyalgia and fibromyalgia:

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/difference-between-polym...

The main differences seem to boil down to this:

Age: polymyalgia rarely occurs to people under 50 and primarily affects those over 65. (My mom has a friend who got it late in life and is controlling it successfully with steroids, I believe.)

Onset: polymyalgia seems to have its onset in certain seasons and as such, may be related to a virus. Fibro, we know, can occur with autoimmune illnesses, oseteo arthritis, stress, operations and accidents.

Location: apparently with polymyalgia you feel pain and stiffness in the muscles in your shoulders, arms, hips, and neck. This feeling often comes after you’ve spent time resting your hips, back and shoulders. Fibro also includes fatigue and brain fog.

I don't know what to think about your doctor's suspicions. However, if you think his diagnosis is troubling after you get it, remember, you can always get a second opinion. That's especially true of those of us with fibro.

My best to you. Please let us know how you make out!

Hugs along with the above website,

Petunia

PS: I totally agree with Belinda. If you have troubling symptoms that don't fit with a diagnosis, keep on digging, researching, and even get a new doctor if you must!

7

Hi Gypsco.

Can you switch doctors? If you have so many symptoms of fibro (plus RA plus polymyalgia) it sounds to me like you need a professional who takes your concerns more seriously. I find it so troubling when doctors refuse to hear what their patients are telling them and plow on and come to no conclusion at all. For all we know, upping the thyroid meds might help with the fatigue but will it help with all of your other symptoms?

Please keep us updated, Gypsco. I hope you get some relief; it's awful to suffer with this and no meds to reduce the pain!

Hugs,

Petunia