What Type Of Doctor Treats Your Fibromyalgia? | MyFibroTeam

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What Type Of Doctor Treats Your Fibromyalgia?
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

In Michigan, I saw a rheumatologist. I am new to California and need to get connected with someone for fibromyalgia, I called my G.P. and they said to see a specialist. The insurance company referred me to pain specialists and one rheumatologist - called rheum and they said they only treat immunological issues, not fibro. I am a bit put off by pain specialists but maybe I am stereotyping. What do you recommend?

General practitioner? Rheumatologist? Pain Specialist? Psychiatrist? Psychologist… read more

posted August 22, 2022
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A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes you can ask for a recommendation on nextdoor ... it's an app AND it's also on your computer.

Years ago there used to be lots more Fibro Support Groups, but now one is really blessed IF they have a Fibro Support Group that meets locally. A local group is an excellent place to get recommendations for a good Rheumatologist, Pain Specialist, etc.

posted September 14, 2022
A MyFibroTeam Member

I go to a rheumatologist but a pain specialist could help also. A Psychologist is great to see just to vent your feelings and frustrations over fibro and how it's affecting you. It's someone to talk to. A psychiatrist is mostly for medication management such as antidepressants for depression and or anxiety. They prescribe and monitor your meds and also work with psychologists.

posted August 31, 2022
A MyFibroTeam Member

I went to a rheumatologist with a laundry list all of my aches and pains and strange symptoms and of course my past cancer crap. He’s the one who diagnosed me and recommended a pain specialist. Pain specialist is who I stay with, but I also have a GP and a psychiatrist. I wonder if you could find a way to read reviews on doctors and see if the word fibromyalgia is mentioned? That might be a good way before you get in the door to tell if you might have the right person
Best of luck, you can do this!

posted August 23, 2022
A MyFibroTeam Member

My worst doctor for Fibro was a Rheumatologist, my Fibro is far worse because of him.

The best doctor I had was a pain specialist, she took time with me and listened to me. Sadly, she retired.

But I think it depends more on the actual doctor. Ask the right questions to be sure they have an idea of how actually debilitating and exhausting Fibro is.

Do they spend time with you OR do they rush you in & out of the office? Are they actually trying to help you OR do they see you as a cash cow and try to drain as much money from you as possible? When they prescribe something at one visit, do they follow up at the next visit to determine if their prescription/treatment is helping?

Example: Medicine to help you sleep … well did it actually help you sleep? IF your waking up exhausted, IF your having nightmares … then that medicine isn’t really helping. Does the doctor just assume their prescription worked? Or does the doctor ask the right questions to make sure their prescription is actually helping?

posted August 22, 2022
A MyFibroTeam Member

Unfortunately, I would call around and see which specialist has experience in working with patients who have fibromyalgia.
Does your insurance company have any more rheumatologists they can refer you to? As you know, some do work with us.
Regarding the pain specialists, what are their practices like? Do they see many patients with chronic pain? Are they more geared toward helping people who are addicted to opiates find different solutions? It might take a lot of time and calling but I think it would be better to do that then find yourself in an office with someone who just isn't the right fit.
Some GPs will be your "specialist" for want of a better word if they have experience in fibromyalgia.
Wishing you the best of luck!

posted August 22, 2022

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