Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone whose new doctor dismissed their fibromyalgia diagnosis simply because they are a 33-year-old male, with the... Read more

Members rallied around someone whose new doctor dismissed their fibromyalgia diagnosis simply because they are a 33-year-old male, with the overwhelming consensus being to seek a rheumatologist or neurologist who specializes in fibromyalgia rather than relying on a general practitioner. Several members shared that finding the right specialist often takes persistence and multiple attempts, especially in rural areas where options may be limited, but emphasized that requesting something as basic as a muscle relaxer should not be difficult for any reasonable doctor. A recurring theme was frustration with medical professionals who don't believe in fibromyalgia and the importance of self-advocacy, including transferring medical records to new providers and directly asking potential doctors about their experience treating the condition before committing to care.