I was just diagnosed with Fibro in mid April. I have been in constant pain and in a constant fog. I'm so scattered that I'm one small mistake away from losing my job.
I called my Rheumy today to find out if there is something that can be done, because I'm in so much pain my body feels like its vibrating. And the nurse that called me back said "Oh but your being seen by a therapist for PTSD. Have you talked to your therapist instead?" I have Fibro because of my daughters traumatic passing. Traumatic enough to give me PTSD, and Fibro. I just cant understand her trying to downplay my symptoms becuase I have PTSD.
Hi girlsgotdapower, very cool name ! I’m so sorry you were not taken serious when calling to try and get help… perhaps a visit is needed, or see your primary, I would call back, and ask for an appointment, when they ask what’s going on… Simply say I have horrible pain and want to be seen…
Yes many dr, push things off on something else… When I when back to see my GI dr, because after a month of diverticulitis the pain was not better, her answer was, well you have fibro right ?
Umm ya, but we are talking about my abdominal pain, that was confirmed on CT scan, that I was hospitalized for… And when the pain didn’t get better, well it must be the fibro, or maybe now I have irritable bowel…
Yes this happens, you just have to learn to recognize that they are not addressing your issue, and be prepared to confront them… In a smart, professional and nice way ok so not always nice
I always think they can take better care of helping us if they see us in person, call back for sure, tell them your job is on the line if you don’t get some help !!!
No you are not being a baby, I think this may be a common problem. I recently spoke with someone who was so relieved I could understand what she was talking about and could arrange appropriate help for her. She ended the conversation by telling me she was so grateful that I did not just think she was someone with mental health problem. during the converstion she was in severe pain and was having difficulty articulting it as she also at that time had real bad fibro fog. When I suggested that she slow down as she was not explaining herself properly due to fog she burst into tears of relief and said it as wonderful to speak with someone who could understand. so I think it is not uncommon for medical professional to appear to be dismissive due to to not understanding the problem.
I feel more education is needed around this horrible condition.
Firstly I was to express my sympathy for your great loss. Definitely a huge trauma and most probably the cause of bringing on your Fibro. I understand your frustration with the response you received from your Rheumy and he or she should be addressing both your physical pain (eg. medication), as well as the psychological aspect and how the brain is effecting the pain. I found a link in regard to this in very simple terms which might help you to understand maybe what she was getting at. I am on a waiting list with an apparent one year wait to see a psychiatrist to address the issues which have brought on my fibro. Of course in the meantime I am on a pain management regime which is Cymbalta and pain meds. This obviously is helping me to function...but my belief does not really get to the root of the problem. So here's the link: http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/whatisfibromyalgia/a/understandfibro.htm
I hope this will address the therapist issue. However, if your Rheumy is not willing to help you with your immediate physical pain then maybe you need to find a new doctor who will. I'm so sorry your going through this and I hope you are able to get some relief very soon!!! Again my heart breaks for you with the loss of your daughter. I can't even imagine!! Please take good care of yourself. Hugs...Sue
No, but I did have a rheumatologist whose staff could care less about faxing Lyrica prescription to my mail order pharmacy. I was 8 pills aways from going thru another withdrawal before I finally received the script. Needless to say I canceled my next appt. with him the next day and found another doc...she is wonderful!! It is hit and miss for even a little sympathy and if you feel you are not getting what you need emotionally and physically, there are plenty of other docs out there. Too many people in the medical field still don't believe in what cannot be seen.
So I went to the Rheumy and he said that there is nothing rheumatic going on with me and that i need to follow up with my pcp instead for future issues. He said I also need to see my therapist to get my ptsd "under control"
I looked at him and said that my ptsd was very much in check and that I would follow up with my therapist later that day. I dont think Ill be going back to see him.
As for my therapist she gave me an ADD test and said that I most likely had ADD and that was what was contributing to my scatterbrain. She also said that she was concerned that the Rheumy did not order a Lyme test in the million and a half other test he ordered. So she ordered a Lyme test and she said that seeing as I had Lyme when I was younger that it may not even be Fibro at all.
Im so lost and confused right now I dont seem to know which way is up. Although my therapists thought is that Adderol will help me. (ugh) Not too crazy about this treatment but im willing to give it a shot. Desperate times and all that. :-(
Sorry, but the first thought that came to my mind after hearing her comment was, "dumb azz." I mean, really??? Her comment was so stupid! Sorry, but PTSD and fibro are two distinct medical issues. PTSD could push you over into fibro but talking to your therapist isn't going to do beans to alleviate your pain, because depression isn't causing it! May I suggest that you print up some good fibro info from reputable online sources, with important parts highlighted, and bring it in as a "gift" to your nurse. She really needs to get on the stick!
I'm sorry that you ran into this ignorance in the medical world, especially as it's unnecessary.
And I'm terribly sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. You have enough on your plate, from all of this, so you really do need to get your rheumy to help you. I agree with Dee; call back, explain you're in physical pain and insist on an appointment if he can't help you over the phone. You deserve to be seen! No one deserves to sit in this pain.
Yes! Being a nurse myself I have encountered this both with nurses and MD's. I try not to let them know I am a nurse until they say something that is cruel or rude. Going to a therapist is one thing, but our pain is REAL! Pain needs treatment everyday of your life! In nursing school pain is a huge topic and we are told that if someone says they are in pain, they are in pain. It does not matter if you "look" fine, it is how you feel inside. Shame on those nurses and MD's out there that have not educated themselves about Fibro. This condition is here to stay.
I hope you find someone who is caring and supporting to manage your pain.
ok so not always nice 