Saw a new Dr. Yesterday...did I make a mistake? Need advice, Please :(

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1

I have been having the worst flare ever with constant, severe pain for 3 months. My last doctor got irritated that my psychiatrist had the nerve to send me to him, suggesting he run some blood tests to make sure it wasn't fibromyalgia. He ran many tests, and told me, "If these come back normal, I'm not trying to be mean, but I'm just going to send you back to her." I asked him if he thought it was fibro if the testing came back normal, as he was just not saying anything and he said yes. I asked well, what can I do for this? Of course, he says exercise. Then he says Cymbalta, but says he would let my psychiatrist deal with that. He mentioned maybe a referral to a rheumatologist, but doesn't do it. As he is examining me, he asks me what kind of diagnoses my psychiatrist has for me now. He reminds me of stress and fibromyalgia going together. I left there very hurt because he and my husband are friends, and we actually go to church together, and I guess I just expected to be treated better than that.

So I see my psychiatrist, very angry and in severe pain. She is very irritated at him for questioning me like that. She said he did if he has questions about my diagnoses, he should call her not ask me. She tells me it might be a good idea to change physicians. So, she recommends one to me, and I see this new PCP yesterday. I am not impressed at all. Her nurse was not the nicest person in the world. After she finished with me, I heard her telling the doctor something about me. The doctor comes in. I had a typed up list with a summary of my problems with fibro, as well as a couple of other problems I wanted addressed if there was time. She wouldn't look at it until we were almost finished. I did that so I wouldn't have to talk a whole lot and lose my train of thought, rambling on and on. So there I am trying to make sure I remember everything, as she is typing away, saying "uh huh, uh huh" for 5 minutes with no eye contact. Then, as she is looking at my meds and questioning me, I realized she thought I was a drug seeker. She asked what I had taken, I mentioned Tramadol didn't work. She said, oh that's habit forming. She listed several drugs I'm on now as habit forming and questioned my psychiatrist giving me Xanax. Then she sighs and says well there is really nothing to treat fibro with except the pain clinic. I really had no objections to that as my pain is about 10/10 most of the time. However, I asked her about a rheumatologist that someone recommended on here, and her face lit up. I don't know if she realized maybe I WASN'T a drug seeker, I don't know. Anyway, she decided to forgo the pain clinic and get me an appt with a rheumatologist in Little Rock. That is going to probably be a 6 month wait or more I am thinking. I can't wait that long. I am at the end of my rope seriously. I have gone everywhere I know for help and have gotten nowhere, and I don't know how much longer I can hold on. I can't take this pain.

Sorry this is so long....Here is my question. I know my last doctor was a jerk. But, I just didn't get a good vibe with her. He never made me feel like I was drug seeking. I absolutely cannot stand someone judging me like that. I have never abused drugs. I am in pain!!!! Does anyone think I could go back to him and try again? Maybe talk to him about how I feel? Or is he just a loss cause and I should give this other lady a try? I am thinking with desperation and pain. I just don't know what to do. I trusted my old doctor very much until my last two visits with him. If I did go back, it will show up on his computer via the pharmacy that she refilled the meds he gave me. How would I tell him "I cheated on you, doc?" LOL Seriously? I worked for a doctor a few years ago that found out his patient went somewhere else and he said, "Oh, I wasn't good enough for you then, well, I'm not good enough for you now! Your fired from my practice!" I had to type up that letter and I felt so sad for the patient. I'm afraid my old dr would tell me that too. :(

Thanks for reading. I hope you all have a nice pain-free day!

Love,

Deena

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Holy cow! I am so sorry. Tramadol is a muscle relaxer or pain killer? I understand your frustration. My diagnosis came from an arthritis/rheumatology specialist. A year ago my pcp who I love sent me to a pain clinic for chronic neck pain and migraines. That Dr told me never to let a Dr tell me I have fibro., have me injections in my occipitals and c1 to c7. My last well woman exam I complained about my symptoms and she ran a series of blood work all negative of course. She told me I was depressed (which I wasn’t) just frustrated changed my anti depressant. Whatever…I finally made an appt with a arthritis rheumatology specialist.I saw her 8 or so weeks ago and see her again today. Remember dr’s work for you not the other way around. Try to see the rheumatology Dr asap. Right now I am on soma, xanax, fentanyl, gabupentin and celexa. In combination I take these at night and usually sleep. Don’t be afraid to “offend” your Dr. you are their boss.
This comes to you with love and understanding. Heart felt wishes and warm hugs. If you ever need an ear or shoulder give me a holler. Good luck honey and hang in there!

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Thank you for your kind words. Tramadol is Ultram or also called Ultracet.

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So sorry you are going through this crap. I have been exactly where yu are. I think a good rule of thumb is if you are not happy with/comfortable with a doctor, find another one. I had to go to many doctors in many areas of practice before I found one I was comfortable with treating my fibromyalgia. Doctors may have a lot of schooling, but you know your body better than anybody else. As a patient, you have the right to get relief for your pain. A doctor should inform you as to which meds you are taking that can be habit forming so you are aware. I became addicted to my pain meds and I never want anyone to have to go through what I've had to. Doctors also are becoming more and more careful to watch their own asses when it comes to prescribing narcotic pain meds, so caution is understandable. What is not understandable is a doctor making you feel judged reagrding the meds you take. That is not a good doctor. Keep looking. Good doctors are out there. Good luck!!

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Dear Deena,

I am so sorry about ur experience with that Dr. Please do NOT take it personally! I've BEEN where you are..( I've had Fibro for 22 years)

I went thru a bunch of MD's, too and even now.. 22 years later.. many just don't understand about Fibro. You have to get a Dr. who DOES . YOU are in charge of your health care. I found two of the best Dr.'s at a Pain Clinic here in Pittsburgh. They both knew a lot about Fibro and my current Dr. is a Fibro EXpert! They are out there. As soon as you do not get a good vibe from ANY physician.. I'd just leave. Period.

You don't have time or energy to waste on being treated like that. As far as the drug seeking..yes.. I guess people use Fibro to do that because it is hard to diagnose and prob. easy to "fake". There IS more testing now.. but it's expensive ( other than the 18 point trigger test which I have "failed" at times when I was feelilng pretty good or the MD really didn't know exactly where to press)

I take Ultram and I can take it or not.. but I don't necessarily take it every day. I use it for break thru pain when my stronger stuff doesn't cut it. I do take a narcotic. it's an extended release form and that seems to work well for me. I've been on one form or another for all this time and I can function as anyone else ( I mean I have no side effects).

But, you have to do what's best for YOU. I am a firm believer that you have to do whatever it takes to improve your health and pain relief is #1 in my book. NO one should suffer like that when there's so many drugs and other therapies. Drugs alone are not the answer; it's everything.. diet, exercise( gentle stretching at least), emotional support and all the rest of what makes life worth living.

YOu are NOT alone.! So, you don't owe your "old" Dr. anything.. just move on!

I hope this helps... I'll pray for you and try to write to you when I can. I just joined here a week ago and I'm so glad I did.

Oh.. when you call other Dr.'s ..ask them if they know about Fibromyalgia.. and I think there are Dr. recommendations links on this website,too.

Peace & Blessings,

Shelly

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hello everyone sorry to be infrequent on this sight, i am sharing internet so i get on here when i can. i am also a fibromyalgia person i have been in a pain management dr. for 10 years, i have c5,6,7,and t1 herniated disc radiopathy,and l4,5,6 and scoliosis osteo arthritis in both hips and now thumb quervos tendonitis my point i live in pain i use pain meds and i had a bad reaction to lyrica, cymbalta and i cant do much IB profin, so i say stay with pain dr, they dont treat you like your nuts or freak out when you need meds, get rid of all the other dr.s like i said i am never out of pain but i have adr and clinic that doesnt make me feel worse than i already do, i hope this helps, and i do exercise, get in the pool and use heat and ice and buckwheat pillows and rub on jels you name it, God bless you all

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Deena,

I read your post and the responses and I am in full agreement - you need to keep looking for another doctor. You need to find one that understands fibromyalgia and how to treat it. Do not give up. I have had several bad experiences with doctors so I can relate. It's more than frustrating. I'd suggest you print out articles I've seen posted on this website about the new standards for diagnosing and treating fibro. You must be your own advocate. If you're not up to that - get a family member or friend who can support you to go with you to your appointment. Do some online research. Often the best places to find a doctor are medical school hospitals.

Here are some websites where you might find useful info:

http://www.nfra.net/: National Fibromyalgia Research Association website – “The National Fibromyalgia Research Association is THE source for what’s new in fibromyalgia research and education. On this site you will find fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria and an Informational Guide.”

http://www.fmnetnews.com/: Fibromyalgia Network website - ad-free, patient-focused information. Also available on Facebook as Facebook as FibroNetwork. Educational materials provide: Treatments tailored to fit your needs, medication options for your symptoms, advice from experts who understand you.

Also if you have Facebook I'd recommend Fibromyalgia Support Groups by Aimee.

I hope this helps!

By the way, Tramadol (Ultram) is non habit forming. I was on it several years but my doctor switched me to Loritab since the combo of ultram and cymbalta can cause issues. I am on a low dose of Loritab which helps.

Nancy

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Deena,

I say "cut your losses, and move on." While your waiting six months to see a rheumatologist, you might want to try seeing an integrative physician, one who practices holistic medicine. Some are MD's who choose to practice holistically, some naturopathics doctors, some homeopathic. Some accept insurance, others don't. From my years of experience with doctors and fibro, they are the ones who truly understand fibro and are on the cutting edge. They look outside the box, try to get to the root of the problem, and not just cover up the symptoms with rx drugs. They won't be judgemental.

Take care,

Allergic

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Just my opinion- many of us have hypersensitivity to various meds so it is hit and miss. I take Lyrica and swear by it. THe poit is find a good PHYSICAL med person who gets fibro. I found the shrink of no value- they love pushing drugs. It is not in the mind but a physical condition that can be irritated by mood. What comes first- stress or pain. Good quesitons. I use ibruproben for break thru pain (it works for me and is mild). My daily meds include synthroid, Lyrica, 1/2 tab vicodan for pain maintenance, vit D in am and melatonin to help sleep at night. I swear by acupuncture, often covered by insurance and understand that massage is also good. These are natural. There are herbs my acupuncurist/herbologist suggested that helped in flare ups also. Depends on what flares.

Find a doc that works with you as a patient partner and is not irritated at this problem. ALso see if there is a meet-up program in your area that includes fibro patients. I can't take gabepenten or soma or most of the ones mentioned- hypersenitive and caused me to go bonkers.

Play it by ear. Only change one med each 3 weeks so you can track reactions.

We know this is not a head problem (joke- in neuroreceptors :) _) but you deserve someone who gets it.

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Deena, I agree with allergic regarding an integrative physician. That sort of doc will get to the root of your problems. Your story sounds so much like mine. Don’t give up or settle for less than you deserve. Fibromyalgia IS real!! Message me if you would like to speak privately. Take care - Sunny

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I think that all the other's thoughts posted are great here! I just wanted to add that eventhough you might feel funny about talking with another Dr insurance companies always suggest getting a 2nd opionion and haviing a few Dr's on your team to work with diffrent thoughts on your diagnosis. So I think that the Dr's actually will take on your lead. Meaning that if your feeling ok with what you are doing talking with another Dr then they will. If they end up showing more ego about their thoughts meaning they aren't open to that thought of you seeing other Dr's, my thought is that they may not be that secure in their thought. And maybe that one needs to be scrached off your list and move on to another one.

I really believe that Dr's are human too. They have bad day's eventhough they are proffessional and shouldn't show they have one.

Hope that helps! :0) Good luck!

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My regular doc put me on short-term disability for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and the disability company rejected it because a rheumatologist didn't diagnose the FM. I say, see the rheumatologist and see where it gets you.

I would also recommending getting and keeping a copy of your medical records from every doc you see. Since I had originally been seen by a rheumatologist for the FM, I now am in an appeals process to see if the insurance will reconsider.

Best wishes as you seek a solution that is best for you!

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Oh sheesh, Deena, that's awful for you! I feel so badly for you ending up with two bad situations with two bad practitioners. And all because you're in pain!

I hate to say it but it looks like you might end up with this neverending loop of looking for someone to give you adequate pain medicine without getting it. Thanks to the government crackdown of overuse of narcotics. Somehow they forgot to factor in the people who are in pain! I don't think that (m)any of us have been able to get these meds since the crackdown, which stinks.

I'm hoping that Cymbalta takes the edge off for you. Exercise does help some. Due to my job, I walk and go up stairs and it helps with pain. But the truth is, neither of these things adequately treat the pain.

Tramadol does nothing for me, either.

Hopefully you'll find a pain doctor who'll prescribe you some useful pain meds. They are the only ones who will do it anymore. (Mine won't.) I do think if you find a good pain doctor, GP and rheumy, you'll feel less stressed and hopefully will get someone to help to manage the pain.

Good luck to you. You deserve to be pain free!

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The dr I saw yesterday set up the appt with a rheumatologist. Next appt is Jan 7 :frowning: ok so it’s not 6 months away, but still, I can’t wait that long! I prayed about it and decided to bite the bullet and call my old dr and see if he would help me. I told them I had this appt and said I needed a pain clinic referral because I can’t go on in pain for this long. I said I don’t necessarily have to see him, just need help. Question–does anyone see both a pain doc and rheumy? Is this a dumb plan I have? I’m getting desperate!

I live in a small town. I’ve lived here for 7 yrs and am on my 6th PCP. I’m starting to run out of them lol. I’m not sure my old Dr will step up and refer me to a pain clinic, or call the rheum and get me worked in. If he does nothing again, then I guess he did prove himself to be the ass I was afraid he was-I don’t care if he’s a friend of my husband or he goes to my church! I will have no choice but to find help elsewhere.

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Nothing unusual about seeing a pain clinic and a rheumy. I do both. With fibro, you need a team of doctors. I hope you can get into the pain clinic soon and get set up with something that helps you out.

Here's to hoping your old doc will help you out. He really should. Your successful treatment should be his ultimate goal, not his fragile ego.

Good luck and keep us posted!

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Hi Deena,,

What a terrible ordeal! I have a few ideas. Does your health insurance company have patient advocates or advisors? I know that blue cross in PA does. They are like case managers who can help you with these types of problems.

Another thing to consider is try a new PCP but take someone with you, preferably someone who is well spoken, perhaps in the field, but not overbearing. I find that doctors are not as quick to dismiss you if you bring someone who they believe is on "their" level and knows a thing or two about medicine.

I think writing everything down or even typing it out if a great idea and I would ask the nurse or front office to photocopy the medical history so as to save time from you having to answer essentially the same info on the intake sheet.

Good luck

Maria

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I See both a rheumy and pain doc. It is not unusual at all. The pain doc are much better at coming up with a reasonable pain med regimen where the rheumy needs the time to manage the arthritis, which is technically more complicated

Maria

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Oh Deena talk about a rock and a hard place. I am so sorry that you have been treated so badly. I am not sure what to say. I am housebound with fibro. With pain most of the time. Sometimes worse than others. This past winter, I’m in Oz I found an electric blanket on the single bed that I have in my lounge room really helped. heat in the summer really helps, as does pacing my activity, so that I do a small amount of activity then rest on an electric blanket. I know we are all different so that different things help different people. Pacing really helps as does a bit of exercise, by that I mean 200 meters a few times a day. I use tryptophan for sleep. I hope this helps. To be honest with you I do take tramadol but only when tears are rolling down my face and it doesn’t really stop the pain it’s more a desperate attempt to do something. I hope some part of this works,please let me know. barb

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Well..unfortunately I have had this happen with docs before and it's never good. Since your old doc is friends with your husband, I'd talk to your husband about how you are feeling with him just to get his idea as to what to do. Ask him if he thinks you should confront this doc about how you are feeling.

I think it would be best to leave this new doc alone and go back to the old one. I would tell him how I am feeling, let him know that in your time of pain, he is making you feel unwanted or even not good enough to take seriously and let him know that it bothered you so much that you sought another doctor who was horrible. I think the only way to handle this is to discuss with the doctor.

good luck!

so sorry for your crappy docs and constant pain!!

HUGS!!

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Tramadol does nothing for me. I hate drs who think you are drug seekers. A triage nurse did that to me one time in the ER, and when the dr got to me I was immediately asked who my surgeron was. She was made to apologize.

I would go back to the first dr with the notes, say nothing of the other visit, and say you really need some consideration. Nucynta 50 Mg is the new thing for nerve pain. It helps. There are articles and other forums on here about how opiates do not work for fibros. I can take 100 mg oxy and it does nothing. I don’t anymore. I stopped cold turkey when I discovered what was causing my pain. But like you say the pain gets to you.

Good luck and gentle hugs.