How to approach my Dr

After doing quite a bit of research online,  I am almost 100% certain that I have fibromyalgia. I have every single one of the symptoms and they explain a lot of why I've always had trouble with so many things over the years. I've been taking a combination of 3 aleves, 2 ibuprofen and 2 tylenols which I'm pretty sure isnt real good for my stomach/liver and it only helps for a few hours - by nightfall I'm ready to cry from the pain.

My question to you all is how do I approach my Dr about it? Do I just make an appointment and tell the Dr "hey, I'm pretty sure Ihave fibromyalgia"? Maybe tell her I've been taking so many over the counter pain relievers and they arent helping?

After dealing with the pain, which I thought was just part of getting older (I'm 52), and not wanting to have to admit to needing some kind of stronger pain relief, I am ready to give in and ask for some help managing the pain.

Thanks
Melanie  

[geminigirl1963]

I'm sorry you've been dealing with so much pain.  Fibro can be a real bear.  I was diagnosed about 12 years ago (I think - can't remember that far back!), so I can definitely relate to what you're going through and I think it's good that you've realized that you're not able to control your symptoms on your own anymore.  You're absolutely right - the combination and amount of OTC meds you're taking certainly can't be good for your stomach/liver, etc.

I would definitely suggest making an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and what you've tried so far for relief.  Be sure and tell the doctor all of your symptoms, even those that you don't feel are really all that important.  Most doctors will want to at least do some bloodwork to check for other possibilities for your symptoms, so be prepared for that possibility.

I personally don't think I would go into the appointment and say something like "hey doc, I think I've got fibromyalgia" - unfortunately, some doctors either don't believe in or understand fibro or they may feel that you're "trying to do their job".  However, I do feel it's quite appropriate, after you've explained all yoru symptoms and the doc has done his/her exam, if you ASK them if they feel that fibro might be a possibility or if they have any ideas as to what might be causing your symptoms.

I also wouldn't go into the appointment requesting pain meds (not that you would) - most doctors do not look very kindly on that (with good reason).  But definitely be sure to let the doctor know what and how much of the OTC meds you're having to take to get any kind of relief.

Best of luck!

[blue_violet]

I have gone into the doctors office with print outs of different  diagnosis explaining that I thought I may have one of them based on symptoms I was currently having... The doctor didn't mind. After listening to my symptoms she pointed to the one I had and then we talked about treatment options... It didn't seem like too big of a deal.

Most doctors are pretty understanding, as long as you approach them the right way...

Best of luck!

[AnnaMariaQQss]

So many good med's out there none narcotic's too, give it a try. we only get to live once, Anna