How many did you see?

[VaBreeze]

Prior to obtaining your dx for FMS or CFS/ME and considering the symptoms/ailments you can contribute to that dx when looking back, how many individuals in the medical field did you see?  (Not including visits to physicians in the same field of specialty, ie. 2 different Neurologists).

Neurologist, Internal Med., Rheumatologist, Family Phy., Ortho., Infectious Dis., Alternative Medicine...anyone who was treating your symptoms.  If you could list the ones you did see, that would be a bonus!  Thank you.

[buriedinfur]

Primary dr, neuro, internist, opthamoligist, and finally the Rhumy who dx me.

[zippazappa]

Iv lost count of the number of gps, 1 rhumy app that was waited for 12 mths and lasted all of five mins, with go home nothink wrong with yu attatude, i have seen many other specialist when admited to a&e and still it draws a blanc, after given up on the medical professionals, i had a slight car accident and oh and by the way doc i have heat patches on my legs oh you have fibro....seen this gp lots of time so where he pulled this from i dont know..probably the same place he had been speaking out of for the past year!! so after all i did get a dx but only by accident???????

[dai3symae]

I started with
...... infectious disease doc (coincidence, he was my primary at the time)
......rhuematologist (gave me vioxx for arthritis that I didn't have, I'll never forgive him for that)
........neurologist (made me a topamax zombie, what happens to their brains after med school?).
.....endocronologist (he and a med student stared at my palm for a long time-what were they looking for?)
.......OB/GYN (included only because every year told her all my symptoms)

finally my non-medical friend suggested I go to her rhuematologist.  He ran tests (a new experience for me) and made the diagnosis after two appts.

[deedee332]

I was fortunate as I was diagnosed immediately after seeing a Neurologist in 2001.  My insurance covers FM and that truly helps.  My insurance that I have had since October 08 also just recently sent me a letter to call if I wanted to set up this Care Essentials program where a nurse manager will contact me regularly and coordinate with my doctors as well.  Haven't started this process yet but it sounds like something beneficial.

[grendslori]

I was one of the lucky ones. My Primary doctor sent me to a Rhuematologist because I also have Raynauds. The Rhuematologist diagnosed me after a couple of visits.

[ott70]

19 if I count right, and I haven't been officially diagnosed yet. That doesn't include urgent care and ER docs. Of course, at least half of those docs I wouldn't expect them to give me a diagnosis but the visits were symptom-related to everything I have dealt with.

[lvfrogs]

I have been to so many doctors for the last 3 years and it wasn't until my pulmonologist asked me what were my main symptoms and when I told him, that if I could, I would stay in bed all day and sleep, that he sent me for blood work. I told ALL my doctors that, including my primary, my gyn, my gastro, cardio and pulmonologist. due to insurance reasons, I have a new primary. I think she would have listened initially.  all my other doctors give me a pat on the head and say everyone is bloated and tired.  Well, my bloating make me look 7 months pregnant and I am exhausted beyond belief. That is such a pet peeve of mine. I am 51 years old. I KNOW my body and when I say it is new or not normal for ME, they should pay attention. Ok, done ranting LOL

[kiddthekatt]

I was very fortunate as far as my doctors are concerned. I went to my internist/primary doc and he started the ball rolling. He then sent me to my Rheumy and he took over. They both are firm believers of Fibro/CFS and I was so happy that I wasn't going to have to search Houston all over to find a doctor. Our insurance covers all aspects of this disease. So I have been very fortunate since I became ill.

gentle hugs
Angel

[PlateletGal]

10-15 ---- this is why I'm telling my health insurance company that they need to add fibromyalgia, CFS and lyme practitioners on their website ! It would save them a TON of $$$$$ too.