Primary Care Physicians and Fibromylagia

[smithchick231]

I am having trouble finding a primary care physician in the area that 'believes' in Fibromyalgia. I am going to discontinue my relationship with my current PCP unfortunately because of this...she is a wonderful doctor, but after 7 years of tests and being told "I can't find anything wrong" and even seeking mental help therapy(told it was stress and nerves), I am done. I was diagnosed in the hospital and have since recieved confirmation from 2 additional rhuematologists, an infectious disease doctor, and a physical therapist I now see twice a week. Even after bringing all my paperwork to her during my followup, I was told "well Ive never actually seen anyone who really has this, its a controversy, its a catch all diagnoses for...".
hmmm. ok. But I would still like to see a PCP for general stuff like sinus infections, colds, flu..etc.

Does anyone know a doctor in the southern md, southern anne arundel, or southern PG area that has at the least an acceptance that fibro exists?
Are you a doctor that is willing to treat the mundane concerns with consideration for the medicines I take and the condition itself?
Please PM me with info.

 

[lovinmaryland]

I am having trouble finding a primary care physician in the area that 'believes' in Fibromyalgia. I am going to discontinue my relationship with my current PCP unfortunately because of this...she is a wonderful doctor, but after 7 years of tests and being told "I can't find anything wrong" and even seeking mental help therapy(told it was stress and nerves), I am done. I was diagnosed in the hospital and have since recieved confirmation from 2 additional rhuematologists, an infectious disease doctor, and a physical therapist I now see twice a week. Even after bringing all my paperwork to her during my followup, I was told "well Ive never actually seen anyone who really has this, its a controversy, its a catch all diagnoses for...".
hmmm. ok. But I would still like to see a PCP for general stuff like sinus infections, colds, flu..etc.

Does anyone know a doctor in the southern md, southern anne arundel, or southern PG area that has at the least an acceptance that fibro exists?
Are you a doctor that is willing to treat the mundane concerns with consideration for the medicines I take and the condition itself?
Please PM me with info.

I have it.. however I was diagnosed in California so when I moved I brought my medical records w/ me. I have not had a problem w/ my current Primary care Dr. treating me. I rarely take the pain medication (only when absolutley neccesary)

 

[smithchick231]

I try not to take any pain meds at all-I am currently on an anti-depressant that is supposed to treat the nerve pain and help me sleep. I think I will be stopping this after going to see my primary rhumo again...I do not like the side effects and feel worse and more mentally drained. Im on relafen(sp?) twice a day for inflammation and honestly, I dont think thats working so well either. I can take 2 Aleves and feel more immediate relief, but was already told the nsaid woudl become more effective over time.
I am currently looking into the guiasefen theory....it seems sort of hokey to me, but who knows....

 

[Larry Gude]

My Aunt...

...has it. She's been suffering for years with various ailments and, it appears, that's the diagnosis they are settling on. This is a life long, robust total type A person for whom being busy and working and traveling is lifes blood. She is in misery and it is difficult to see her suffering so. She never complains and just soldiers on.

I'm no specialist of any type, but she has a condition.

 

[lovinmaryland]

I try not to take any pain meds at all-I am currently on an anti-depressant that is supposed to treat the nerve pain and help me sleep. I think I will be stopping this after going to see my primary rhumo again...I do not like the side effects and feel worse and more mentally drained. Im on relafen(sp?) twice a day for inflammation and honestly, I dont think thats working so well either. I can take 2 Aleves and feel more immediate relief, but was already told the nsaid woudl become more effective over time.
I am currently looking into the guiasefen theory....it seems sort of hokey to me, but who knows....

Have you tried using a heating pad?

 

[sockgirl77]

Alot of doctors around here do not believe it. There was a girl that shot pool with me years ago that stayed doped up on Oxy's and complained of pain 24/7 but still shot pool every other night. Oh and she banged every dude in the bar but her husband. Yet, she made it seem like she was physically unable to work.

 

[smithchick231]

hehe. yes i do have several heating pads. those are my saviors for when a specific part hurts ie. neck, or knee, hip or wrist. (along with hubby massages) unfortunately most of the time i just feel crappy. I used to work 70 some hours a week, multiple jobs and had to give it up eventually, I just couldnt handle it anymore. I thought as did my doc, it was stress....but almost 4 years later...I have a realtively stress free life.
I do want to look at alternative therapies and continue my PT. I am young and from what I understand, this is an illness that gets worse. Some days I would LOVE to have a painkiller, but I know better than to start taking stuff at 25. If I were to start now, what the heck am I gonna do when Im 40 50 60 or 70? I certainly dont think I would be feeling better and not need it. Id much rather wait until later in life when Im old and decrepit.

 

[lovinmaryland]

hehe. yes i do have several heating pads. those are my saviors for when a specific part hurts ie. neck, or knee, hip or wrist. (along with hubby massages) unfortunately most of the time i just feel crappy. I used to work 70 some hours a week, multiple jobs and had to give it up eventually, I just couldnt handle it anymore. I thought as did my doc, it was stress....but almost 4 years later...I have a realtively stress free life.
I do want to look at alternative therapies and continue my PT. I am young and from what I understand, this is an illness that gets worse. Some days I would LOVE to have a painkiller, but I know better than to start taking stuff at 25. If I were to start now, what the heck am I gonna do when Im 40 50 60 or 70? I certainly dont think I would be feeling better and not need it. Id much rather wait until later in life when Im old and decrepit.

Normally I use my heating pad but there are nights that I just can not sleep my body aches so bad that I take my pain meds. just to be able to get a good nights sleep so I can work the next day. I cannot take them during the day and be functional they make me

 

[smithchick231]

OH there is this wonderful thing I found at walmart too. Im the most sore and stiff in the morning and I start my morning by taking a shower with this stuff...but i suppose it would be great for after a long day at work too.
It was in the girly stuff section...like between makeup and shampoo...that sort of gray area of spa products. It called Nature Therapy I believe...its a mentholated bath gel, Ive been using as shower gel...it really soaks in and soothes! NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE SKIN! only use in a tub diluted...or on spots like shoulders back...its way too intense for thin skinned areas...made that mistake...burned like hell. They have a lotion too. I like it better than Icy hot type stuff...but again...a little goes a long way. I decided one day to put it all over my legs and feet like regular lotion and had to go wash it off. It was like icy hot burning into my skin.
They also make a calming lavendar type bath, and i believe a relaxing vanilla one as well...

 

[smithchick231]

Normally I use my heating pad but there are nights that I just can not sleep my body aches so bad that I take my pain meds. just to be able to get a good nights sleep so I can work the next day. I cannot take them during the day and be functional they make me

I know what you mean! not to sound like a total puss but i have many nights i just whimper and moan myself to sleep. tylenol pm does wonders and knocks me right out...but again...i dont want to develope a dependency on something so young.(not to say its ok to be an old addictI only take it when absoultey neccesarry(ya know after 3 weeks of no sleep and sanity)

After I got out of the hospital when I had the huge flare up of lumps and bumps and rash and hotness...they gave me a couple days worth of predni and some painkillers...greatest week ive had in years...
again...too many bad things about the harsh meds...wayyyyy too addictive