I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and sent on my way with very little information. How am I supposed to tell a fibro attack from a separate medical issue that needs attention? My elbow has been killing me, but I don’t know if it’s fibro or an orthopedic condition. My Rheumatologist didn’t give me very much information. I’m going to make an appointment with my general practioner. But this whole situation is making me nuts!
Read through this site, or go into other posts & ask questions through them. Or go to your PCP & ask him/her, it is easier to find out if it is an orthopedic problem or a Fibro problem. I was sent to an Orthopedic specialist & she sent me to Physical Therapy & I received an elbow brace to wear. It has two sides that are hard plastic & the rest is a velcro strap. I now put it on when I know I will be doing repetitive motions. Love, Light & Peace. Maggi
Thank you so much for answering me! And thank you for the advice. I saw PCP this morning and she was a little help. I have a very complex situation as I also have bipolar disorder, so I’ve been on the meds for a long time to treat that. Will definitely look through the boards.
Leslie
Don’t worry my rheumatologist also gave me nothing of value! I got all my information from my doctor, physio, reading on the internet and books. I was diagnosed 8 months ago and I’m still figuring things out slowly. I’ve come to think that every pain or health problem I experience is from fibro because it usually goes away the next day or two and then a new pain arises somewhere else. It gets a bit confusing but once you get to know your symptoms better and with time you will figure it out 
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Hi Shoshee,
I read a few books that were very helpful. The ones by Dr. Jacob Teitlebaum are very helpful. Ask your rheumatologist very specific questions any time because everyone is different in how to tell whether something is fibro related or not.
Recently I was feeling horrible for days so I thought stress had flared my fibro. After I had seen my rheumy and he did not offer anything but an increase in Lyrica which I didn’t want to do, I decided to wait to see when it would clear. After 10 days and still little improvement, I went to the PCP. She did a throat culture for strep because it was red and sore plus a blood test. Turns out I had mono of all things… and I am 55. I was shocked by the diagnosis but once I knew that, I could focus on supplements that would help me get well faster. It took 7 weeks but I’m much better now. It is a fine line but once you live with it for a few months, you get to know what it is or is not. You have to pay attention to your body and ask any doctor you have questions specific to what is happening to get a better answer.
Cathy, thank you so much. I can’t believe you had mono at 55!! I had it in college and it was brutal.
Your answer helps a lot. It’s kind of like what I go through with bipolar.
Hi,
Its really hard to tell at times…because so many with fibro also have other conditions…i had some confusion with it this year and i have had it for decades…
Remember when something hurts a lot, our pain sensors are ramped up …so it feels worse than it is…
If one area starts hurting a lot , i will use a topical pain product to be sure to dial that area back for the day…
Ask any questions
Lj
That’s a really good idea about the topical pain product. My Urogynogologist, for my interstitcial cystitis keeps me in Gel urojet Lidocain. It’s for my sexual discomfort, but I bet it would work on a sore area!
For my fibro I take cymbaltait works for me,I did not realize how much it worked until I tried to stop taking it.My nerve endings went crazy and the pain was unbearable.my Rhumatologist gave it to me for leg pain,so it works for two afflictions I am battling.
There are other health probs I am dealing with also.I have had this problem before they knew what it really was.I have suffered way back in the early 80’,late seventies.Hang in there,you will learn your do’s and don’t.Plateau after plateau.
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