It's Official - I have Fibromyalgia

[Kenderyl]

I went to see the Rheumatologist that my insurance referred me to and it turns out she's not board certified but she did go through my list of symptoms and history and did confirm (after an extensive discussion and checking pressure points) that I have Fibromyalgia. She recommended Physical therapy and Anti-depressants to start with but I quickly declined the anti-depressants as I'm still nursing my daughter. I also received a copy of my latest blood work results and was hoping that someone here might shed some light as to what they mean? I'm not even sure which numbers to post as there were a lot of tests done! I see various ANA tests (titer & pattern), Antinuclear antibodies RDL?, WBC 1211, RBC 1214, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Platelets 1218, Lymphocyte, Monocytes....honestly, there's a ton here and I'm clueless as to what it all means.  I can say that my Vitamin D lvls were explained to me that a normal range is between 50-60... mine was 24. I'm currently taking supplements to increase this and was told I'd be tested again in a few months.

With that said, this new Dr today said that my Lupus test wasn't a "negative" as my previous (and now obsolete) Dr had said, but was a "low normal"....what does that mean? She then said that based on my list of symptoms I presented today, that Fibromyalgia is likely the only suspect to my pain and muscular-skeletal issues. She asked me if I'd seen a Psychiatrist for my cognitive issues?!!! Seriously?! I was a bit offended but my Fiance suggested that I be patient with her because she was a foreign doctor. On the upside, my new PCP had suggested (during a phone call I had with her) that we not rule out Lupus, regardless of the first test and that we'd likely test a few more times to be sure. I see her on Nov 20th. What does a "low normal" mean anyway?

[Yvette97]

Low normal is the way they explain a result that doesn't quite fit a definite diagnostic number. I have a high ANA which is antinuclear antibodies that are seen in autoimmune diseases..sometimes! Mine is 1>640. anything over 40 is high. This being said the doc told  me perfectly healthy people can show a blood test like mine and having 640 really doesn't mean alot. Well, why the hell take the test then???is my question. Because I feel like **** and I too was told to go to a shrink. DUH!!! I am already on shrink meds for depression so maybe when they see me they think "head case" before they look for anything. I had to beg my doc to send me for tests because I had trouble swallowing and was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I do have fibro too so this has been challenging to say the least. Don't give up on getting the right answers.

[VaBreeze]

http://www.dalesplace.net/lab_values.php

I had bloodwork done and was also curious about what the values meant.  Here is a link that I came across in my search for answers.  It helped me and I hope it will assist you also.

Take care of yourself and best of luck to you.

[helena333]

Hi, Kenderyl, I was diagnosed with fibro years ago, after asking my doctor if there was any test for it---he said there was no point in even bothering to test for it, as there was no cure anyway! I had looked it up( I am in the UK) and found out that one of our gp's was a specialist in fibro, so went to see her, and after exams she said she was positive that was what I had. Some Drs. seem to think it does not really exist--Still!! and think it a just agroup of symptoms, that they can't diagnose so they call it fibro. I don't know whether this is right or not, but it doesn't help all of us that are in pain, and struggling to lead some kind of a normal life does it? Over here we have chronic pain management courses, which are led by physios, and Psychiatrists who deal with chronic pain, by using cognitive therapy. They really don't think it's all in your head or anything, but they try to help you see things in a different way, and are very sympathetic. If you have the chance to go see one--go for it. They totally understand what you are dealing with, and while they can't cure you, they can help an awful lot, after all, it's a dreadful thing to live with, any help is better than none. Swimming-- or rather lying in the water has helped me a lot, though the getting dressd after is a pain--literally! Also, dosulapein helps a lot with sleep-- I'm actually getting some now. It doesn't always last forever--it just feels like it does!

[selmaS]

stop by the thyroid forum, there r many there that know thyroid levels.
898, stella.....are a couple that seem to know their stuff.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[Kenderyl]

Yeah, sorry about that. All these tests make no sense to me on paper. I am thinking that the numbers immediately following the test title is the code for insurance? In any case, the reference range is listed...hopefully I'll get my Thyroid test results today. Does anyone have a link to where I can find what the updated "norms" are for that?

[PlateletGal]

OK... it looks like your platelet count is 204,000. That should be within normal range (your first result had me worried... lol !)

A positive ANA titer is seen in over 25% of people who have a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

[Kenderyl]

OH, and all those tests that had been recommended by (I think) Phtartist, the Dr I saw today said they were "unnecessary" and that there was "No studies to prove that any of those tests would be necessary".....

Any advice on whether or not I should pressure my PCP for those tests, and if so, what should I be asking?

[Kenderyl]

This is what the tests look like on paper (or as close as I can make them look without a word document format to post with)

ANA Titer  1:80   A
ANA Pattern   Homogeneous   A
Antinuclear Antibodies RDL    Positive   A
.....
WBC 1211    7.2
RBC 1214     4.78
.....
Platelets 1218     204
Mean Platele Volume (MPV) 1219    8.9
.....
Hematocrit 1213    40.2
Hemoglobin 1221    13.7



There's loads more, just not sure which are useful here.

[PlateletGal]

Please check and report your platelet count again.. if you could please.

[selmaS]

I understand ur frustration with the phyc meds.....drs don't always seem to believe that all the symptoms r related, so they try and seperate them in to little categories.....Vit D levels being low is something all woman seem to be having issues with...according to my dr, the use of sun screens and the way alot of us work indoors we do not get the natural vit D levels we need.
My lupus was also not ruled out, something very near whaat ur dr said......

if no one can help with the lab results ask one of the CLs to find a nurse...there are some on here......

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"