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.

[Guest]

Keep in mind that fibromyalgia is a cluster of symptoms. If you feel that they are getting worst, you need to see a doctor. Get the symptoms treated and noted in your VAMC medical records. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia takes time, a doctor must review your medical history or monitor your symptoms and treatment to give a good diagnosis.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, some medication works on some people and some do not. Most doctors prescribe medication for a period of time 6 to 8 weeks. If the medication is not working you need to go back to the doctor. No medication will take all the pain and burning completely away from your muscles and joints. Some medications can take the edge off but there are other symptoms that the medication will aggravate while trying to treat your pain.

It's your choice to see a private doctor or the VA but the doctor will still need time to review your history (medical Records) or to monitor your symptoms. Unfortunately doctors rely on medical documentation and not your word so when you feel sick or in pain you need to get treated but you have to give the medication time to work before going back to the doctor.

Sorry for the bad news but this is what most fibromyalgia patients go through.

Yes, people who have fibromyalgia have vitamin D deficiency.

Edited February 11, 2015 by pete992