Fibromyalgia-Solution.com

The online solution guide for fibromyalgia

Dealing with a Good Fibromyalgia Doctor: Show me how and where

 Susan saw an internist, a family practitioner, and two rheumatologists before she was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  Josh says that he saw six different doctors, but it wasn’t until he saw a pain management expert that he was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Catherine was lucky compared to most people who are ultimately diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  She hit the jackpot on her second try and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia-only six months after the first symptoms hit her hard. 

Do you see a commend thread between Susan, Josh, and Catherine?  All three of them really needed a good fibromyalgia doctor, but connecting with a fibromyalgia physician took a lot of time.  Maybe you went through this experience before you were finally diagnosed.  Why does this happen?  One reason is that many doctors don’t understand fibromyalgia.  So where do you find a good, caring and knowledgeable doctor to help you cope with the pain and other symptoms caused by fibromyalgia?  The first place to start is with your primary care doctor.  In most cases your regular doctor can easily diagnose and treat your fibromyalgia.  Over the last few years, most doctors have begun to realize and accept that fibromyalgia is a valid diagnosis. Sometimes however your primary care doctor may need to look up a few things about fibromyalgia. If so, that’s understandable and okay.  You may also a need a referral to see a specialist who has more expertise in treating fibromyalgia than you primary care doctor possesses.  If you’ve tried to work with your doctor and you feel like you’re just not getting anywhere, you may want to consider going to a different doctor. Before you do, you need to ask yourself these three questions:

• Have you given the doctor enough time to evaluate you and treat you?

• Do you feel that the doctor is taking your problems seriously?

• Are your doctor’s recommendations making you feel worse instead of better or about the same?

If you finally decide that you do want to consult a specialist, down below are some suggestions for places and people to contact which should help you in your search for a fibromyalgia doctor of specialist including:

• Insurance networks/providers (either your own or other networks)

• Your own primary care doctor

• Local fibromyalgia support groups

• Major medical centers and universities

• Friends and relatives (Never neglect the help that can be provided by those closest to you)

Click here to see the list of organizations that help you find fibromyalgia doctors in your area.