I've been diagnosed and had a doctor treating me several years. My doctor is no longer practicing and I'm not interested in breaking new doctors in. I know writing Rx's is lucrative to them and often the reason why they want to sway us against more natural solutions. I was seen by soooooooooo many doctors in the beginning and I'm not interested in going through that again. I need to do something soon my condition is worsening and the doctors I've seen "don't get it." I need to acquire a new treating doctor in my area, who is knowledgeable and LISTENS to patients concerns and needs for a good fit.
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Sorry, that last post was from me and directed toward Alison Beaver. I didn't realize I wasn't signed in. For anyone, find a good support group, it's life changing!
April 18, 2011 - 9:02pmThis Comment
Lynna:
You can't beat a good Fibromyalgia Suppot Group, I've been in a few over the 20+ years I've had FM & CFIDS. Misty's website is one of the best I've seen, I recommend you check it out. Also, call your local Arthritis Foundation, YMCA’s also occasionally have classes or know of support groups still operating in your area.
Keep in mind many times the group leaders have Fibromyalgia and my experience is that managing the group can be overwhelming so often times the group disbands. The two groups closest to my home on Misty’s sight are no longer available for that reason. It’s also what happened to the other groups I was in. This time around if I find one I plan to lend more support to keep it going. You may want to consider doing the same.
Here are some other websites I found today you may want to review. Hopefully, you find one you can attend. The interactions with others going through the same thing is INVALUABLE!!!
http://fibromyalgia.supportgroups.com/
April 18, 2011 - 8:09pmhttp://www.fmscommunity.org/sptgrp.htm
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On the natural aspect here, I've tried massage & chiropractic. I want to try acupuncture if I can get somebody in the area that is knowledgeable. I also have done physical therapy.
April 17, 2011 - 11:44amAll of the above, if they are experienced with Fibromyalgia patients, can offer different levels of comfort. When trying new places/doctors/etc, it is always good to ask questions of the person who you will be working with. Ask for consultation with that person and ask lots of questions. If they hesitate to do this or whatever, then I'd move on to the next person. It is okay to ask questions and refuse any medical advice, it is your body. I read a book called "The 10 Best Questions for Living with Fibromyalgia". You can find it on amazon or check out your local library. It is a very good book and empowers you to take charge of your health.
Doctors are pushing more drugs these days. I've refused medications several times and even changed my neurologist because he was too focused on 1 problem not me as a person. I fired him and found one that listens and who responds to me as a person who understands my body & how it reacts!
Also, I have upped my supplements. I take vitamin D and B complex. Those seem to help with some pain & energy. Finding a support group also helps. I'm vice president of my local group & we find even if all of us are feeling bad, it's nice when we get together. Good luck in your adventures to finding what works best for you.
gentle ((HUGS))
Lynna
This Comment
Lynna,
Thank you for your helpful post!
You mentioned that it is helpful to get together with a local group. Do you have suggestions for women who are looking for a group in their area?
April 17, 2011 - 2:39pmThis Comment
Alison,
My Support Group Database consists of 646 Support Groups in 16 countries worldwide that meet in person to offer support to people with FM and/or CFS/ME. Here's the link: http://fmcfsme.com/support_group_database.php
You're Not Alone,
Misty Roberts
April 17, 2011 - 9:37pmOwner/Patient
FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES
This Comment
Alison,
April 17, 2011 - 8:43pmYou can check your local paper's calendar of events or community pages, NFA's website (www.fmaware.org) or the updated site for National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (http://www.fmcpaware.org). Another thought is ask your doctors if they know of a support group. Our group is trying to raise awareness locally with all the healthcare professionals, but we are taking it slow and steady. It's difficult sometimes when I don't feel well or can't remember what to say, but we are working on this. I began physical therapy at a facility and in my initial discussion with the therapist, she got excited that there is a local group. They even offered their meeting room for us to use for free! Sometimes it is right place, right time (and we just started our group towards getting our tax exempt status).
Hope everyone can find a group near them, it's well worth the time to visit & compare with others face to face.
This Comment
Thank you, Misty, I'm on your sight. It may be just what I've been looking for. EVERYONE here should check it out.
March 22, 2011 - 10:04pmThis Comment
I have a database of doctors who treat people with FM and CFS/ME, you might be interested in seeing of there is someone near you.
*Doctor Database: http://fmcfsme.com/doctor_database.php
You're Never Alone,
Misty Roberts
March 22, 2011 - 4:31pmPatient/Owner
FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES
This Comment
I'm in Southern California. My doctor was a leading physician for FM, people came from all over just for a visit. The support groups referred people to him. He had such an influx he had to cut off new patients and then reduced the number of his regular patients.
March 3, 2011 - 12:11pmI was heavily involved in the support groups and the main ones have disbanded in my area. This is why I've gone to the internet. People who have the condition, dealt with doctor dilemmas, and treatment issues are the best resources for referring good doctors. And thank you to the three of you who responded. Any more suggestions?
This Comment
Can't offer you a doctor but you might check out my website and I will do phone consultations. [link removed by EmpowHer Moderator]
March 3, 2011 - 12:52amThis Comment