How to get diagnosed.

Posted by codakay @codakay, May 31 11:10pm

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this starting in January. Everything I’ve read matches the bill(unfortunately ) to what’s going on with me. My Gp thinks I have it but he sent me to a neurologist. I can’t afford the 2k to get tested to rule it out . I got a referral for a rheumatologist. I’m just reaching out to see if anyone knows a faster way to get diagnosed. I don’t want the pain meds. I just need a diagnoses for work.

Also I’m on duloxetine. Tried gabapentin. Hated it.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

hraka13 | @hraka13 | Jun 15 1:25am

Dang. I take it not covered or dint have insurance?

codakay | @codakay | Jun 15 8:15am

In reply to @hraka13 "Dang. I take it not covered or dint have insurance?" + (show)

I have insurance, not the best insurance apparently haha.

profcnrn | @profcnrn | Jun 16 2:47pm

IMHO: There isn't a specific test for Fibromyalgia. It starts with engaged Q&A about what you are experiencing and connect the dots by a knowledgeable doctor. It becomes a R/O of associated Dx that have lab tests... Lupus, Sjogren
I definitely would ask the doctor to do a panel of Viral specific antibodies with assays. Reactivation of a virus (Epstein Bar, Shingles, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes 1-6 ---) all related and under the umbrella of Chicken Pox.
I was reading several books Chronic, Metabolical, Thyroid Healing - Hashimoto's PLUS support groups and YouTube podcasts by various healers. Different sources pointed to the "Viral Reactivation".
The labs my doctor ordered showed elevations in 3 viruses. He prescribed anti-viral Rx and LDN for pain.
I also add Meloxicam 1/2 tab (7.5mg) 2-3x a day for inflammation. I am also juicing and using herbal adaptogens for inflammation.
This protocol fully cemented for me about 1 week ago, so I'll keep you posted on my progress. It's been 3 years in search of a Dx, conventional treatment plus alternative. I use Epsom salt baths, NSAIDS as needed, massage, topical heat and cold packs...
I've also seen my share of Endocrinologists, Rheumatologists and PCP.
Don't give up. Ask questions. Educate yourself. Stay strong and pray.

celia16 | @celia16 | Jun 18 6:31am

Can you describe the type of pain?

sbhubb107 | @sbhubb107 | Jun 29 6:04pm

Am a rookie. Undiagnosed. Don’t know the language. Physical, mental, emotional hot mess. This blog has helped me learn real life experiences and given me a resolve to take control of everything I can as soon as I can. Not to get into the weeds……Attributed my symptoms beginning six months ago to house remodel: packing, moving, unloading boxes, stretching, straining, contractor stress, etc. It took me weeks and weeks to determine something was terribly wrong. My ARNP is heaven-sent and has educated, medicated, and advocated for me since April. Labs are ANA+, RF elevated, and Sogren’s+. Am being treated for all the symptoms w/o diagnosis. Cleared for Mayo and have Sept appt and hoping to learn what I’m dealing with. It’s the not knowing that adds unnecessary stress not only on myself but on my family as well. This blog has taught me how to be bold, pushy, and advocate for myself. And to listen to my body and react accordingly. Unless you have this AI condition (whatever it is), you can’t explain it. Thanks everyone for helping me thru this. 💕

codakay | @codakay | Jun 29 9:23pm

In reply to @celia16 "Can you describe the type of pain?" + (show)

Sorry, yes. Mostly in my neck and back. I get a lot of leg pain in the sense of tingly or numbness. Sometimes it’s incredibly painful. I’m tired constantly, but nothing hurts me more mentally than the muscle exhaustion. I can’t do the same stuff I use to down to daily tasks and it takes the heaviest toll on me. The most constant, to answer your question, if my neck and back.