Thanks so much for sharing the details of your experience, AzPerson. That is helpful.

I'm sorry you have had such a frustrating time. From other accounts I've read on this site, it seem like that is, unfortunately, typical. That is why I have never sought medical assistance before. I have had symptoms for 25+ years (maybe longer), but back in the day, most doctors didn't even believe that fibromyalgia was a real condition, so I didn't see the point in pursuing it. From what you've been told, it may not be worth pursuing now, either!

Best of luck with getting an effective treatment plan. I will add you to my team. Please keep me posted.

Hi Moonpower, I'm in Tucson. The first two rheumatologists I was referred to declined to see me at all. They said they'd reviewed my medical records and didn't think they could help me - my nephrologist who was the doctor pushing for this, said he found out that some rheumatologists don't like working with fibro patients because there's nothing they can do for them. That's very discouraging!
Anyway, on my 3rd referral I saw Dr. Debra Michel (pronounced like Micheal) at Banner Hospital rheumatology clinic, on Ajo Way. She saw me once, asked a few questions and ordered bloodwork and xrays, and at the follow-up visit said good news, I don't have RA and I do have fibro. It took over 2 years to get to that diagnosis.
She then said "no need to see me again, your primary care can handle it from here".
It's just been a few weeks and I don't yet have a treatment plan. I tried Cymbalta and that did not go well. I have another appt in June to talk about what's next. Honestly at this point I'm just thrilled to finally have an official diagnosis!

Hello moonpowered. I am in the Benson, AZ area and went to Dr. Jeffrey Loomer in Tucson, he is a rheumatologist. He told me more in 10 min. than any doctor (primary care, ENT, Neurologist) told me in 10 months. He doesn't treat fibromyalgia but at least he gave me answers. Good luck!

Thanks @A MyFibroTeam Member, I will! You, too 😊

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A MyFibro...

I think it's absolutely worth pursuing! Finding out the cause is the first step to looking at how to best manage it - for example, I can once and for all quit getting guilty about not getting out to the gym, something everyone wants to advise, because fibro does not benefit from strenuous or prolonged exercise, it only exhausts us. Instead I can look at ways to add short, gentle bursts of exercise throughout the day, to help keep muscles from atrophying and to possibly build a little stamina.
Keep at it, Moon! 😍