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My first appointment with Rheumatology is a "Shared Medical Appointment" (SMA) Has anyone else done one of these?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
White River Junction, VT

I received my appointment information for my first visit to Rheumatology and it's a "Shared Medical Appointment" (SMA for short). I haven't officially been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I worry that this appointment may just be some way of them to sort of 'humor' us but not take us seriously. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I just want real help
They sent out a 4 page form to fill out but there will be 6-9 other people there who think they have fibromyalgia. We will each spend some time alone… read more

November 27, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members initially expressed skepticism about shared medical appointments for fibromyalgia diagnosis, with many never having heard of the... Read more

Members initially expressed skepticism about shared medical appointments for fibromyalgia diagnosis, with many never having heard of the format and some suggesting it might not provide adequate individual attention. The original poster followed up after attending, sharing that the appointment was surprisingly helpful, including one-on-one time with a doctor who officially diagnosed them with fibromyalgia, ordered additional testing, and prescribed continued treatment with Tramadol and Cymbalta. A recurring theme was appreciation for the group aspect, where members learned coping strategies from others, built local connections, and discovered they could bring family members to future appointments to help loved ones better understand their condition.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I've never heard of it.

November 28, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I definitely plan on going as waiting for an individual appointment can take months at the hospital I go to... and I can see the benefits of it (I was thinking more along the lines of questions someone else might ask that I hadn't thought of) but I still worry about it since I haven't been officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm fairly certain that I have it but I just want that little confirmation as my family seems to all think I'm a hypochondriac or something. The paperwork I received said I can actually bring one guest with me so I'm hoping a family member can come to learn more about it and hopefully understand what I'm actually feeling a little more.
Thank you for finding that article, Penelope! It was very informative! I'm curious if anyone on here has ever been to one... if you come across anyone, please send them to me! :-)

November 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Never heard of group meeting with a rheumatologist . The test you for many other diseases first by having numerous blood tests, x-rays, scans and physical exams. The rheumatologist is the one who actually diagnosis you with fibromyalgia.
Good luck!

November 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have never heard of this either.

November 28, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hummmm maybe you will like it. I never heard about it until I just googled it. Did you see this?

http://healthland.time.com/2013/08/07/need-to-s...

November 27, 2016

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