Yes, fibromyalgia has been and continues to be a widely misunderstood syndrome, and after over 40 years it is still not accepted as a diagnosis by many.

That is why I think it is important to seek a practitioner who "believes in" and will help me manage my fibro, rather than someone in a particular specialty. Since some of the hallmarks are chronic pain, fatigue and hypersensitivity, learning to manage these and live well was my goal. In addition, I live with arthritis & lung disease. That led my primary to partner with a pain management specialist and therapists.

This is by far the most effective treatment I have ever had, but it was no "magic pill" - it involves my efforts every day to manage my pain & expectations, monitor my activity, stretch, exercise, eat healthy & rest as needed. Most of all, it requires me to be a "person who lives with conditions" and not a victim of those conditions, or a person who identifies by them.

Do you think this is something you would consider taking up with your doctor, in place of finding a sympathetic rheumatologist?
Sue