Can't find a doctor willing to treat me

[JuliewithFibro]

I have Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Myofacial Syndome.  I was diagnosed with Fibro and CFS last year, but I cannot find a doctor who is willing to treat me.  Everyone I have seen says they only diagnose these problems, but do not treat it.  I keep getting passed off to someone else who won't treat me either.  I was finally referred to a pain management and rehabilitation clinic who do treat Fibro, but they refuse to see me because I donnot have insurance.  I don't know what to do.  I can not get anyone to help me, and no one seems to care.  I can't keep doing what I'm doing.  If anyone knows anything that can help me please please let me know.

[kimpton]

hi julie.  i've posted this info in other areas.  i can only comment on the myofascial syndrome.  i found great relief from a barnes trained practitioner.  http://www.myofascialrelease.com/home.asp.  they have a retreat that you can go to and they'll design a pain management plan for you...i don't know about the cost though.  it's very passive and there's just something about my nervous system that doesn't like the direct approach.  shots, acupuncture, deep tissue work, etc.   i felt so much relief after the first treatment that it overwhelmed me.  i was diagnosed with CFS when i had a b12 deficiency.  for me, my b12 was caused by candida overgrowth.  you might want to read about candida and see if it sounds like you.  if it sounds like you i can let you know what worked for me.  the anti candida diet; however not the easiest, really helped me reduce inflammation.  i've never figured out the inflammation component in all of this but it seems to be an issue in many disorders/illnesses.  i hope you find the help that you need.  hang in there!  kimpton

[PlateletGal]

Please check your inbox. I sent you a link to my website, where I have posted links to various fibro/CFS communities and their list of physicians around the country.

Best,

PlateletGal

[idesofmarch]

Call a few docs and ask their nurses what the doc believes when it comes to Fibro your other illness'.  An RA doctor is actually your best one to chose for treating your symptoms.  RA docs' are the ones that stay up to date on the symptoms and newest tried meds. Also I suggest Yoga even if you can just start with the deep breathing and a simple relaxing type stretch. Less than 3 minutes of yoga to start, don't push it or force a complete stretch. With Fibro No Pain No Gain hurts us for days.  If you feel pain, slowly back up to a place where you don't feel pain.  Then rest in a comfortable position when you're done.  Don't move fast,  no quick changes and don't add on anything that hurts you. Listen to your body when it comes to excercise. I pray that you find the right doctor for you.  Also if you say you are a cash patient, the charge is less than what they would charge insurance companies. Stick with a doc. once you find one, don't miss any appointments, right done your questions, symptoms old new or questionable for your appts..  Best wishes

[MonkeyPeng]

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble finding a doctor. I had the same problem a few years ago. I did manage to find a small town doctor who would take me on a cash basis, but he would only give me very minimal care. I have a lot of spine issues and basically I would go see him when I literally could not stand up straight and the pain was more than I could handle. I only went to him every 3 or 4 months and he would give me 5 days worth of vicodin and flexeril just to get me through the roughest part. After about a year and a half of this he finally told me that I was going to have to come up with the money for an mri and get some real help. His office helped me find the cheapest place to get an mri, helped me find a neurosurgeon who would take cash to evaluate me and finally to get on medicaid. I was really lucky to find this doctor I know, but maybe I can help you with a few pointers.

First, check and see if there is a teaching hospital in your area. They will often take cash patients at a reduced rate.

Call every doctors office in the phone book. Start with the small offices and work up. Don't tell them all of your problems on the initial call. Just tell them that you are looking for a doctor that is taking new, cash paying patients. When you find one go ahead and schedule a general exam so that you can feel the doctor out. No matter how tempting it is to pour out all your problems on the first exam, don't.  Don't tell them that you have already been diagnosed or they will think you are just looking for a place to get drugs.

Unfortuntely, you are going to have a hard time finding a doctor that will treat you without running their own tests (as you are finding out). This can get really expensive. You can try to get on medicaid through your local dept of human services. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you won't qualify, just go and apply. I didn't think I would qualify, but I did.

Even if you do get medicaid you are still going to have a hard time finding a dr. who will take it. At least I did. I am fortunate to have a teaching hospital near by because I could not find any private physicians who would take medicaid. Even the ones who take medicare wouldn't take medicaid.

I know this probably doesn't give you a lot of hope, but just keep trying. Start with the teaching facility, then smallest doctor's office, give out minimal  information over the phone and use your first visit to feel out the doctor and his staff. I know it sounds like this could be expensive, but you will probably be lucky to find one or two doctors who will even see you. If you bombard them on your first visit, it is likely to be your last.

Be patient. Stay strong. Write your congressman and senator(s) about the sad state of  medical care in this country. I hope you find someone soon who will help you, I know how frustrating it is.