I started a new thread, in light of a multitude of questions lately regarding fibromyalgia. There is another general fibro thread out there that was started in 2003, but with so many newer members, thought we could start a new discussion with currently active posters.

Most questions seem to relate to the symptoms and diagnosis of this disease. Here is a great site, with a diagram of the tender points, list of symptoms, etc. I would encourage anyone to let their physician manage the diagnostics though, because fibro can mimic other very serious diseases, which they would want to rule out.

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org

To go straight to the diagnostic page, click here:

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_diagnosis.html

Perhaps those who have been diagnosed for quite some time could share their experiences, and those who are in diagnostic stages or have concerns, could ask questions. Hope this helps someone today!

Serenity

I have a family member recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

I have some idea of what the symptoms are (between hers and the info in your links); and a vague idea of Rx treatments (she's pretty vague, - and I did skim thru the link).

So my question to all those who are being treated for this:

What is the most common medication used for this, and does it work?
Her Dr. wanted her to switch her anti-depressant (which she did not want to do as what she is taking now works for her: sorry don't know what she takes), and I see that SSRIs are used.

Just looking for info that might help her out.

Thanks

don

Hi DonBarba,
I'll keep my Dr. bias out of my reply , The Internist that
diagnosed fibro in me put me on elavil . He told me this was the treatment of choice
at that time and was before ssri's. Whether or not elavil is better I can't tell you..
I quit the elavil , and took ibuprofen , aspirin , etc..

Alpha

Thanks Al,

I guess sometimes you have to throw out the Dr's advise (especially the one you have a bias against ), and just deal with things yourself.

Don

Serenity, Thank you so much for starting this new series on fibro. I was diagnosed with the condition a year ago. I had many diagnoses before then. Then I found out I had 2 sleep disorders from a sleep lab, and had a series of tests from different doctors and they finally agreed on the same thing - fibro. If anyone wants to ask me questions, feel free. A specialist said I'd had it for about 12 years and I think he is right.

I have a question to ask as well. I am seeing a pain management doctor this week. I am afraid to say that I am using a ROP. I take 40 mg to 50 mg a day of hydro to make my life tolerable. Should I tell hiim where I get the meds? I have a PCP I have used for 20 years. She is afraid to prescribe pain meds so I took matters into my own hands. I wrote on the pain clinic forms how much hydro I am taking but my PCP is not prescribing them and I get them online. Am I going to run into problems? Any insight about how honest to be with a pain specialist is appreciated. Also anyone who has been helped by a pain doctor for fibro please let me know that too. Thanks and good luck to you Serenity.
Sahara

I have Fibro & was diagnosed with it in Febuary but i think i have had it for many years. i have alot of pain in my legs & i take flexeril & Darvocet for it. But neither one seem to help & my doctor doesn't want me to take anything stronger than Darvocet, So i just suffer & take them anyways. I don't think alot of doctors out there realize how much we Fibro patients suffer, JMHO. I am going to try & keep going from doctor to doctor until i am satisfied.

Hi Kalyn,
One of the things that fibro is finally teaching me is to advocate for myself. I have had the same wonderful PCP for 20 years but she is very wary of prescribing pain meds - probably in part due to concerns about the DEA looking over her back. She prescribed Flexeril and I told her it did nothing and made it difficult for me to think straight - to which she said yes it is known to affect mental status. So, if it affects you in that way I'd let your dr know. Mine no longer prescribes that for me. Also, I repeatedly had to tell her how nothing helped except pain meds. She prescribed minimal does and said that another patient also told her "nothing touched the fibro pain" except narcotics. She then told me to see a pain specialist. I think I came to realize that general practitioners don't want to get into the pain med prescribing business but that if you ask they'll suggest a pain specialist for you. Good luck and know that there are people out here who do understand your situation. You are right to keep looking for a dr who is your advocate. You deserve to feel OK.
Sahara

That is very true what you say. I cannot believe fibro is singled out as a ailment that
doesn't qualify for
pain meds, it makes no sense . You are right you got a scared Dr. They all have a list
now of what ailments that
the DEA has told them what pain meds can legally be given to you by your a pcp ,
which probably has one
criteria. That is an end stage disease better know as terminal cancer or a terminal disease.
The bistids hate us. Fortunately Dr's will refer you to a pain specialist, but
unfortunately they are under attack
by the DEA also. So whats a pain patient to do? write every influential politican and
whomever and complain.

Alpha

Fortunately Dr's will refer you to a pain specialist, but unfortunately they are under attack
by the DEA also. So whats a pain patient to do? write every influential politican and
whomever and complain.

Alpha

---

Alpha, I have read your posts for a long time now and you seem to know a lot more than most of us. If I may be so bold as to not put you on the spot, I'd love to know yur opinion- What do you recommend that I say to a pain specialist in the am? Do you think it is OK to state that I am using an ROP for meds or do you think that will freak them out? Do you think that a pain specialist might run and hide from the DEA? Thank you for any insights you have to offer and by the way, thank you for all your posts over the last few months that have helped many of us. Take care, Alpha

Sahara

I would like to be as more help as possible but I'm afraid I must
hedge on this one . Weren't you the person that stated you had no pcp giving you the meds ?
Because I don't know how your new PMD feels about online OP's. He could freak and even
not consider that a legit source to qualify you. But I only speak from my own expierence
with my PMD. It takes a referral from your pcp who has already had you on hydro to get in to
see him. They are very strict..one script from another dr your out of there..so its a no
go with
mine it would freak him out. You cannot have according to their rules any other source
of pain meds but what he prescribes. I know you don't have a pcp that has had you on them
only a ROP if I remember right. So I just can't give you advice what to do. Sorry its not
possible because I only have one I have expierence with they could all be different.

Alpha

Sorry, I went back and saw youR original message. It looks like you were getting minimal
doses of Hydro from your pcp and were referred to a PMD ..I would go with the fact my pcp had at one time prescribed
hydro and tell him they helped tremendously. I would leave the other blank if it were me.
regards,
Alpha

Alpha, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I was heading out the door for my first visit to the PMD and read your post in the nick of time. It never came up during my interview where I was getting my meds and so I never had to say anything. I was glad to have your advice because I would have offered more than what was needed or appropriate. It was in my records from my PCP that she prescribed hydro on several occasions. Part way through the consult, the PMD pulled out a contract that I gladly signed that said he'd be my only prescriber of all pain meds. I do want this or so I think now. Thank you for helping this go smoothly for me. I appreciate it. May you in turn receive generous help that you offer others.
Sahara

Hey Sarah glad things went well for you, thanks. I can only hope my interview goes that well
when I see my PMD this month. I've had him before but I talked my pcp into PM for me and
she was new and didn't know that was a no no at the clinic. Her superiors found out about me
and it didn't work out.
Her bosses told her to get rid of me on trumped up things. The hydro was the real
reason.
I now have a new DR, he won't prescribe much Hydro but he got me referred back to my old PMD. Thank goodness
regards,
Alpha

Hey Alpha,
Hopefully things WILL go well for you at the PMD. Do you keep a log of how you feel or do you get your medical records and send on the items you want? I know you are much more experienced at seeing PMDs, etc. from all your posts, but I am just trying to imagine ways for you to get the help you deserve. I really object to what many of us have to go through for any meaningful relief. I was thinking the other day, that being in pain was making me feel like I was some kind of criminal. Ridiculous!!! At least, it sounds like you are getting to the right place this month. I'll think positive thoughts for you. Let us know how it goes.
Sahara

Hi sahara,
This particular pain specialist already has my records from when I was seeing him in November.
So I think thats all he needs. Plus my new Dr won't script vicodin but a few at
a time for fear of lots of things he's already told me. lol So he at least referred
me back to the PMD so I'm greatful. Interestingly enough though. Today I got my 60ct refill 10/325
norco that will take me up till the 16th that is my pain specialist appt day.

Coming with the script was a red flag note saying need to get future rx's for pain from
pain specialist . hello! lol a red note like
you would get from the bank when your in the red..and I like didn't already know that hehe
about this being the last one..So your referal to likened as a criminal with a stigma
when you try and get pain medicine is gaining ground don't you think?
Thanks,
Alpha

I am so glad it went well for you guys. I just saw this post and unfortunately it was not that way for me. I was being totally honest with a "pain management" doctor about a year ago and he refused to prescribe me anything. I went on for another year and went to a second pain management doctor. He had the records from the first doctor. Needless to say he totally shut me out. He told me that I was too young for pain meds (I am 39) and that I needed to get out and exercise! He kept calling me honey. So I am returning to Ephy. If no one will help me, I will help myself.