Not sure what to do next

My fibro is definately getting worse. What started as numbness in the am in my right hand, has become numbness all day long in both hands up to my elbows. I do not have RA. What is my next step? See an arthritis doctor?

Hi, Jane.
I think you should contact your primary doctor or rheumatologist tomorrow and let them know what is going on regarding the numbness. It isn’t necessarily Fibro progression although Fibro surely has strange symptoms. You need to have other things ruled out. Your doctor will then be able to advise you on what specialist to see next if any. Please let us know update.
Hugs,
Laurie

hi Jane

I agree with what BaltimorBaby said.

all the best

HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGgs

suzie

Thanks, Laurie and Suzie, I just moved across the state of FL and have to find all new doctors. I know I have to do this immediately. Ugh…I just hate this. I can live with the fibro - I just hate the doctors and follow ups. I hate waking up each mornings to different and weird things going on with my body. Ain’t nobody got time for this!! :slight_smile: Thank you, maybe my doctor at home can refer me to someone in Tampa.
Have a wonderful day everyone!! Do 1 fun thing today.

Hi Jane,

That sounds like a concerning issue. You say that you don't have RA but have you been checked for MS? I hate to even ask that question but it could be a possibilty. Heck, there are probably a bunch of things that could cause this. I would like to suggest that you go to a rheumatologist or even go back if you've done it before and have him check you for other illnesses. I'm really sorry that you're experiencing the numbness and I hope that you can get an answer from a doctor, so you can get more treatment, if you need it.

I'm no doctor but I don't know if arthritis would cause numbness. I know that fibro can but I don't know if it effects people for that long and that thoroughly. I really hope that you get back to a doctor and try to get them to test you for more illnesses.

PS: If you find a good doctor in Tampa, would you be willing to pass his name on? I'm trying to return to Bradenton, which is an hour south of Tampa, but the doctors there are no bueno. I would love to have a good doctor on file because it can make a huge difference in treatment.

Petunia Girl, I have not been checked for MS, but I have seriously thought about that. My older sister has MS so I am very familiar with symptons. I have not told anyone about my concerns. I guess I am afraid of the answer. I have researched the differences between Fibro and MS. An MRI will give me the final answer. I work with an optometrist who recently got retina machine to take picture behind your eye. She offered to do mine. I know this may show MS.
I am actually happy your brought this up. It holds me accountable. Thanks…Big Gentle Hug!

Awwww, your words bring tears to my eyes. I know the fear about MS because I had some similar symptoms but my doctor said no. My point is that maybe it isn't, could really be fibro. But it must be hard for you to not know but still worry. I think it's a good idea to find out more, as scary as that is, because earlier trestment is probably more effective.

The retina machine is really cool and can find all kinds of things. I've had it done and they found a repaired retinal tear on one occasion and bleeding behind it on another. It's a very important tool for those of us who are prone to eye problems. If it can help you on your journey to find the reason behind your numbness...that's a great opportunity.

You deserve to know what's going on with you. Please feel free to message me here if you need an ear to listen.

Hugs and understanding,

Petunia



Jane said:

Petunia Girl, I have not been checked for MS, but I have seriously thought about that. My older sister has MS so I am very familiar with symptons. I have not told anyone about my concerns. I guess I am afraid of the answer. I have researched the differences between Fibro and MS. An MRI will give me the final answer. I work with an optometrist who recently got retina machine to take picture behind your eye. She offered to do mine. I know this may show MS.
I am actually happy your brought this up. It holds me accountable. Thanks........Big Gentle Hug!