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Stigma

By August 3, 2010 - 6:45pm

There can still be a real stigma associated with a fibro diagnosis, and it can take a long time to get to that diagnosis as well. How did you figure out you had fibro?

By January 15, 2011 - 5:17pm

I was actually one of the very lucky ones. About a dozen years ago, I began having a lot of overall body pain and depression and tried to get in to see my regular family practice doc who ended up being out of town. Instead I got in to see a physician's assistant, who asked me more questions than I had ever been asked before in a doctor's office. At that visit, he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, which has been confirmed a couple of times since. He treated me for about nine years, and we eventually started and facilitated a fibro support group in the small town in which we lived. I learned a lot from him and from the other fibro "survivors" in the group. I know I was much luckier than most of you out there. But take encouragement from the fact that there ARE providers out there who recognize the devastating symtoms of fibro and who will work with us as individuals to try to help us live healthier lives.

January 15, 2011 - 5:17pm
By November 9, 2010 - 7:20am

I have run into that myself. It is embarrassing but it also makes me angry. Nothing like being marginalized by my own profession while I am seriously feeling crummy.

I think attitudes are improving a bit, at least in the Chicagoland area they are, but I don't know about elsewhere. Sometimes health care professionals are awfully judgmental.

Thanks for sharing.

November 9, 2010 - 7:20am
By November 8, 2010 - 3:02pm

It took a long time for my diagnoses and by the time I got there I had two back surgeries that weren't helpful and was checked for every type of arthritis I can think of. I've been diagnosed for two years now and I still get an attitude from people, even health professionals. The last time that happened, I was at an appt. for occupational therapy and the specialist told me that Fibro is just a diagnoses that doctors give when they don't know what is wrong with you. I told her that she might benefit from reading some of the latest information and get up to date on it.

November 8, 2010 - 3:02pm

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