Fibromyalgia - Finding the Right Doctor

It can be very discouraging, even down right depressing at times trying to find a doctor that is educated and caring about fibromyalgia. People with fibro do not want to hear "it's all in your head, fibromyalgia is not a real disease or you'll have to learn to live with the pain." They want help, and the help of a doctor that is educated, understands and wants to help manage their fibromyalgia.

A newly formed Advisory council on Fibromyalgia Education (ACFE) issued a statement that there are several significant gaps existing in the identification, diagnose and management of fibromyalgia patients. Healthcare providers lack the awareness and the ability to diagnose fibromyalgia.

In finding a doctor that is right for you, you need to ask around and let family, friends, co-workers know that you are looking for a doctor that works with people who have fibromyalgia. Contact hospitals and fibro support groups. The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) has a state to state list of support groups on their website. They also have listings of fibro-friendly doctors, which patients and other healthcare providers have recommended.

When calling to make a consultation with a doctor, don't be afraid to ask the receptionist about the doctor's credentials, education and training. You may also want to find out about the kinds of insurances they accept.

At the consultation have a list of questions prepared, that you would like answered. Such as his education of fibromyalgia, how many patients he has with it, what type of treatment options he uses in trying to help manage fibro? Does he feel myofascial trigger point therapy, exercise therapy or self help treatments work? What his opinion is about the connection of thyroid or candida with fibromyalgia? If medications are needed, what types does he usually recommend for his patients?

Once you've chosen a doctor, in visits to come make sure you feel comfortable with him and the management program that he suggests for you. Work on forming a partnership with your doctor, for your fibro care. It will not form overnight, but, if he is a good doctor and listens to what you are telling him, it will come.

You may want to keep a fibro journal to help your doctor with your fibro management care. Even, if some days it is just rating the level of your pain on a scale of 1 to 10. If you're having a bad day you might want to write down anything you may have did the day before, how long the pain lasted, what you did to try to relieve the pain and if it helped. Write down any questions or concerns you may have. Keep a list of your current medicines, that way if your doctor is going to prescribe some thing for you, you'll have the list handy.

Remember, you do need a doctor that will help you and your individual needs. If you can not find the right doctor that can do that, you may want to seek help from a rheumatologist, fibromyalgia clinic or chronic pain clinic.

Resources:

National Fibromyalgia Association
FMonline
Fibro and Fatigue Center, Inc