newly diagnosed

[texasgirl150]

Hi there~ i was diagnosed with probable FM this past Thursday. I was actually concerned about MS and never really thought about  FM. My mother had it. The nuero started me on 50 mg of Lyrica and I am to increase it to 100 mg in about a week. I go in 2 weeks for a nerve conduction study and I am to go have some blood work this week.

I am not complaining about the Dr. quickly taking action-I really liked the Dr-but, I see on these forums how long it has taken for some of you to be diagnosed and wonder if he should be doing something else to confirm or rule it out. Am I making sense?

It just seems really fast......or maybe I am just having a heard time accepting it.

Your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
thanks!
jen

[concerned621]

I am not a doctor I've was diagnosed with FM in 1992. Months before being put on any meds especially one like Lyrica I was referred to a rheumatologist. That is the doctor who will rule out MS, lupus and arthritis. Unfortunately there are too many commercials and too many people jumping the gun with Lyrica. I have heard on Medhelp Lyrica helps some people but I would say the majority on here experience so many side effects.  So follow the doctors instructions but listen to your body.  Read the list of side effects. For me my vision was so adversely affected I had to stop taking it within in weeks of starting Lyrica. I also gained weight almost instantly on it.  
There are combinations of medications and supplements that can help you, also foods affect FM pain.  Foods like simple sugars like cakes, cookies, white bread, and also white potatoes, white rice.  
I personally would see a rheumatologist especially if you have concerns about MS.  Now that you think you have a diagnosis it's important to be your own advocate.  Ask for the referral and find out how much experience your doctor has with FM and pain management.  It's hard to find what works for FM and it can take quite some time to fine what's right for you.  It's  a lot of trial and error.  Again, be as proactive as you can, read all side effects and question often.  So many things can make your pain worse, from my experience any way.  
Best of luck.

[texasgirl150]

I may have miscommunicated. My mother had FM-not MS. I was told by an ophthalmologist several years ago that i was someone that should be watched for MS. I had an MRI about 3 weeks ago (ordered by by PCP when I went in crying about all my pain). I had 2 lesions that were there from a prior MRI, but no significant change since my MRI in 2006.
I have a lot of numbness and burning in my body. The last 3-4 months my symptoms have reached a level that I cannot deal with an that is why i originally went to see my PCP who ordered the MRI and referred me to the nuero. my mother died of a glioblastoma multiforma and my sister had a glio as well. Mother also had 2 primary breast cancers, so i am monitored very closely. Had a full hysterectomy in 11/08 because of some changes that were of a concern. my maternal grandmother and great aunt both died of ovarian cancer in their 40s. needless to say, i am a bit paranoid about my health :)

[dustybrown]

Hello and welcome,
It sounds like your doctor is already getting started narrowing down the possibilities and that the FM diagnosis may be just a start to get you some relief while he begins to rule some other things out. Many FM symptoms are very similar to MS. Since you do have MS in your family, and you have communicated this to the doctor, I am sure he has got this on his mind and that might be why you are scheduled for the nerve conduction test so soon.

If I were you I would communicate your concerns to him about the quick FM diagnosis and that you would like some further testing since MS does run in your family. Maybe ask for a CT scan or MRI of your brain to look for lesions. If he doesn't respect your concerns, perhaps you should look for a different Neurologist, but at this point it seems as though he is working with you. Good luck to you.
-Dusty