When you want a SECOND OPINION.....

[AlisonWonderland]

Okay, so my doc failed the biggest thing, in my eyes, when it came to concluding that I have fibromyalgia.  He said there is no test for it, you just have to rule out other stuff.  THERE IS A TEST!!!  It's called having 11 out of 18 tender points.  He didn't do that!  He didn't even see if I had that.  So, how does he know?  I'm not a doctor, but I did research, a lot of it.  I also have a family member who has had fibromyalgia for almost 30 years, who has seen the diagnosis "evolve" over the years.  Anyway, enough of that....... I want a second opinion.

If I get one, should I tell the new doctor "I'm here for a second opinion", giving him details, so he can compare notes?  OR should i just tell him what is going on with my body and let him do the work without any hints of what I may already know?

Where I live the hundreds of doctors are all part of one giant company and I know if my doc gives me a referral, she's gonna send me to another person who can see my chart.  BUT, I can go to any doc, as I have a PPO and do not need a referral to go to a specialist.  So maybe I should go to a different doctor, so that they will have no knowledge and "influence" from their peers..... I need some suggestions.  'm new to this and I know a lot of you have been dealing with this for years.  It's only been 9 months for me, so...... THANKS

[AlisonWonderland]

It's a huge possibility that I have fibro, based on my research, but, I want to be sure.  I don't want to be misdiagnosed, and I don't want a lazy, or shall I say lacking doctor.....   But, I have some other symptoms that lean another way.  I won't put diagnoses in a doctor's mouth, because I want them to figure it out, but, as you said fibro is in its infancy stage when it comes to a diagnosis!

Hope you fine relief!

[sara12345]

Yes, this disease is in it's infancy.  Some doctors don't even believe in it! But it can be somewhat to very disabling.  A number of people go on disability from work.  Mine is mostly controlled by a large dose of Trazodone at night.  But I still have a number of problems from it.  Without the medication I had extreme difficulty even getting dressed.  So I'm so glad that you found a doctor to diagnose it so that you can get help.

[yesterdayschild]

I figured my illness of fibro by a list that my daughter found online, I wish I knew the website, it had 120 yes and no questions which would help to figure out if you have this disease..I answered 111 yes and some of my no's were female or male questions that did not apply, I had my female organs removed many years ago so all the mens. questions were no....some of the questions were really strange,...I had a real fibro moment today...it can affect your memory and such...I went to see my daughter at work and couldn't figure out where my door handle was in my car I"ve driven it for 2 years...it was only a minute but boy I felt just lost.....now that is a symptom you would never consider...lol...I'm just glad I finally have a diagn. I have had a non caring butt head of a assigned doc for many years and he thinks everything is weight...hang nails are my weight!!! I wanted to smack him most of the time...what I have found is this disease is in its infancy and the docs are still learning....thank God I found a doc that specializes in this and demanded with a very loud outside voice that my doc do something...now I am referred to her and she is taking over my care....

[sara12345]

I can see why you want another doctor's opinion after this doctor gave you another diagnosis and prescribed in a detrimental way.

Let me know what your second opinion doctor comes up with.

Good luck.

[AlisonWonderland]

I'm not upset that I may have fibro.  If I do, I do.  I am a very happy person and accept whatever comes my way, HOWEVER, he didn't check to see if I have fibro.  Everywhere I read states that you need to have at least 11 tender points.  He never checked for any... So, how does he know?  Also, he gave me a prescription for an anti-depressant.  My records show, and I told him that I am already taking an anti-dep.  I asked would that cause a conflict?  He said "No".  So,  I called my psychiatrist and he told me I should NOT take that medicine along with what I already take, because it could cause heart problems.  So, it seems like he hasn't done all he could for treating me.  


Again, trust me, I am not mad.  Just perplexed and I want a new doc to take over and figure out what I have.  If they figure I have fibromyalgia and they have done the ONE test (tender points), I will accept it and live on.  But, don't tell me I have something you haven't checked for.  And don;t give me meds that will give me heart problems.

This isn't the first diagnosis he has given me.  So, it's not like I'm just an unsatisfied patient.  I'm just like "Are you sure?  Or is this an educated guess?"  I have worked for lawyers for over 14 years, I don't accept things without proof.... Just how it is.

I will embrace whatever I have and go from there, just want a different doctor.

[sara12345]

I'm not sure if you got a fibromyalgia diagnosis or not?  It sounds like you are upset that you got a diagnosis for fibromyalgia.  If you don't have fibromyalgia, then you are left with the pain with no reason for it.  Yes, your doctor is right that there is no test.   You may NOT have all the tender points, but may still have fibromyalgia in the absence of anything else.  I have been to lectures by the top researcher on fibromyalgia in the world (Dr. Clauwsan at Univ of MI) who specifically told us the information.

I'm not sure why you are upset that you got a diagnosis for fibromyalgia.  You can just ignore it if you want to.  You don't need to take any of the available medications for it.  

Help me understand better, so that I can help you more.

[AlisonWonderland]

Thanks for advice!  I was thinking of the best way to go about this..... I think if I go to a doc within the "Corporate" cult, which most doctors are in around here, then I will tell him/her They are being used for a second opinion.  If I get a doc that is out of the Cult, then I will just start all over.  I mean, the other doc can red my chart, anyway, so it's not like I can hide anything.  But, I can definitely let him know that the tender points weren't tested, so how am I to believe I have fibro?  

Thanks, again!

[lilmisskris0307]

Maybe see a neurologist to get a second opinion? My rheumatologist barely tested me for anything, didnt really do the tender points, and said it was all in my head. Went to my neurologist and he did the tender points, etc and then I got my fibro diagnosis ( granted at 22 this is a bit of a blow). I told him I was sent to him for a second opinion and it didnt seem to change his answers, id say make it known that your other doctor did NOT do the tender points and see how it goes. Good luck!