Finally Went To Va About Fibromyalgia

[fortitudine]

So after about a year and a half of feeling like shit, I stumbled on the fibromyalgia discussion on this forum. Long story short, I was convinced that I should seek treatment at the VA hospital.

I had my first appointment late December. Told the doctor (actually a nurse practitioner) about the constant and widespread pain, stiffness, depression, fatigue, and memory/concentration problems. She didn't seem to be paying much attention as I talked to her, and she even took a long phone call in the middle of my appointment. Then we spent an inordinate amount of time talking about how I should quit using tobacco (I agreed to the nicotine gum just to get the discussion back on track). She brought up arthritis and fibro, and asked me about meds I've tried. I told her I'd tried gabapentin, duexis (800 mg ibuprofin), and advil, none of which did anything for the pain. I got a ton of blood work done at the lab before she sent me away with the gum and a slip for 400mg Ibuprofen.

I called several times over the next few weeks inquiring about the blood work, but never heard back. So I returned Friday to see her again. I was in an enormous amount of pain that morning (more than usual), and I think she could see it. She referred me to the rheumatologist, ordered more blood work, and prescribed muscle relaxers and etodolac (arthritis pain medication). The muscle relaxer surprisingly made me feel worse. I'm not sure about the etodolac because it knocks me out before I can feel any improvement with the pain. But I'm at least satisfied that I'll be seeing a specialist in the near future.

Just want to thank you guys for sharing your stories and convincing me to get help with this. I'll keep this thread updated with any progress I make.

[63SIERRA]

Glad you got some help, thanks for your service!!!

[Buck52]

fortitudine

Usually when you go see a VA PCP and you had the labs prior then when you go see your medical provider they can check the computer for your blood work ? you can go to the records room and get a report on the exam!

[Fat]

"NEVER GIVE UP"

[Notorious Kelly]

Glad you went in, fort.

Have you checked on presumptives for that from Gulf War burn pit exposure etc? 20% may be low for you. And hound them until you get relief (while documenting the process including names and dates).

Myhealthevet is good to sign up for; you can view records, lab results, order pills etc online instead of having to contact Release of Information office.

Your doc sounds mediocre. Those new to the The System don't know the VA has their own agenda including The Flavor of The Month i.e. the MOVE program, quit smoking, suicide, Rate-Your-Pain, or whatever feel-good topic sounded good to The Suits that month.

You did right to take the gum so she could move on with her life

[Buck52]

Kelly,

How do you join ''Myhealthevet? and does VA have access of the information in it? Its a good deal not having to go to the information records room every time I want to see something.

Thanks

[Notorious Kelly]

Buck,

you can register for Myhealthevet here: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_nfto=false&_pageLabel=registrationHome

You want to upgrade to the Premium account when possible, which may require trip to VA in person to show id etc.

It should explain it all there.