Hello all -- I'm brand new here and have joined because I feel like my condition is worsening. I'm looking for information and input about others' experiences. I wonder if anyone would share with me what sort of doctor you see for treatment of your fibromyalgia? I was seeing a rheumatologist but he has moved out of state, so I am between doctors.
I would like to see someone who is knowledgeable about the condition and open to discussing exercise, diet, nutrition, vitamins, and supplements, in addition to medication. Do people mostly see rheumatologists or does anyone recommend other specialties?
I've seen 2 rheumatologists, who didn't really offer any help or advice but one did refer me to a Consultant Anaesthetist who specialises in pain, he was just marvellous, he was caring, understanding and took the time with me to go through the condition and enrolled me on his pain management programme, it consists of himself, a specialist nurse, a physiotherapist and a psychotherapist - to chat to you and help you cope mentally with what is a chronic - lifelong condition.
I have my first appointment in 2 weeks and from then you decide yourself which of the above you want to see, who you think will help you best and the consultant then see's you every 6 months for a general review.
Sounds very good, so I hope it turns out to be as good as it sounds!.........will let you know.
But from my experience the Pain Management Consultant has certainly been the person who has helped, cared and understood the most so far.
I'm in The UK, so I hope you have something similar in The US, so you can decide what's best for you.
Hi I think it is important to get a diagnosis from a Rheumatologist, but for general health including fibro, a fibro friendly doctor, by that I mean a doctor who believes that condition exists and is willing to treat it appropriately by giving you drugs to alleviate symptoms that stop you living the best life you can with this condition. Even if takes 10 or 20 doctors you will not convince a doctors who doesn't believe in the diagnosis it is a big problem for fibro sufferers, don't get your feeling hurt move on. I also go to a pain specialist because I am on narcotics and live in Australia and to keep you permit I have to see him every year, it stress's me out big time. I also see a psychiatrist that covers all the bases and he is good to talk to it's amazing what you carry round with you that effect you, that you don't even realize, and because most doctors think there is a psychological component to fibro, I will do what I have to, if it helps, but good doctors are the key to everything so my best advice is get yourself a toolbox full off good doctors because it's just not medically, they can help it's legally and for disability claims so it's important. All the best Jeannie