Why do all doctor's attribute everything to Fibromyalgia?

[Kris1123]

I am so tired of Doctors' connecting everything to my Fibromyalgia. My neck causes alot of pain, which radiates down my arm and into my head; Fibromyalgia. I have a hemmoragic ovarian cysts, which is causing intolerable pain; exasperated by Fibromyalgia. Chronic Migraine Headaches; Fibromyalgia. Knee pain and clicking; Fibromyalgia. I feel like finding all new doctors and not disclosing my Fibromyalgia, just so I can get an oppinion not fogged by Fibromyalgia. How do you get a doctor to see beyond the Fibromyalgia, and take other concerns seriously.

[Kris1123]

Thank you for your comments. I have seen rhuematologists in the past, but for the most part I go through my family doctor. I saw a nuerologist who wanted to do fussion surgery on my neck, but I'm just not comfortable with that.

[grendslori]

I guess my question to you would be are you seeing a Rhuematologist for your Fibro? That is their specialty and they would be the ones I would be seeking out. The neck and knee problems could also be caused by arthritis. I would look to another doctor.

[Caroline565]

They say we are more sensitive to pain (pain amplification).  Our increased pain may be related to fibromyalgia, but not all our health issues should be written off as a symptom of FMS. If it seems like your doctor blames everything on fibromyalgia, I think I would be a little concerned. If you suspect this is happening, come right out and voice your concerns. Do it in a tactful way and in a calm manner. If in the future you are still treated this way, it may be time to look for another physician. We can and often do have other unrelated problems.

My doctor does not automatically treat my complaints as FMS related. Whenever she suspects it could be something other, she will order tests in order to rule out any other possibilities. Some people will complain about that, especially when they can find nothing wrong. I can't understand why, though. I always hope for the less serious thing and am relieved to know that after testing, it is only the fibro.

[VaBreeze]

Unfortunately, FMS is related to all of those issues and more.  You could find new docs. and not disclose it, but it will result in the same thing...treating symptoms.

Have you ever had whiplash?  If so, that could be causing the neck problems.  Migraines can be caused by so many things, it would be difficult to know what is setting them off...but they are a symptom of FMS/CFS.  Allergies, tension and anxiety can also cause migraines.

I believe that many do not realize how complicated and devastating fibromyalgia can be.  It can effect the whole body.  I'm not saying that "everything" is FMS, but if you have had that dx and actually do have the illness...it means having a multitude of health problems.  There are over 100 symptoms that come with the dx, not counting overlapping conditions.  However, in light of all this, I do feel that doctors are to quick in giving FMS as a dx.  Typically, one who has it will go on to develop more serious health problems (ie. Lupus, RA, etc.) and I believe it's because their FMS/CFS wasn't being properly treated.  Some have undx'd Lyme Disease.

I'm sorry you are in so much pain and yes, we all know it's frustrating to not get answers.  I couldn't count how many different doctors I have been to, nor how many tests I have had in the past 35 yrs. only to find there is nothing they can pinpoint. It's a rough road until they find out the cause...if they ever do.  

I hope you feel better soon.

[patsy10]

I think that when we get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia many physicians stop looking.  Myself, I do  not disclose this diagnosis so that I get a fair, unbiased evaluation.