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Dealing with a spouse who feels that the tests ruling out rheumatoid and dermatology conditions for a proper diagnosis are not necessary?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question đź’­

Two PC's diagnosed me with fibromyalgia, while refusing to allow me to see specialists that I've been asking to see for five years. (VA) medical.
Went to see rheumatologist on my own outside VA.

March 3
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Reactions
A MyFibroTeam Member

You know your own body, I'd get what tests you can đź’ś

March 3
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thank you for your kind words.

March 3
A MyFibroTeam Member

Rhumetologist are very helpful. Loved ones think they know best sometimes. But we are the ones living in this body! You have to ignore the outside voices, and do what you think is right. I was diagnosed with a lung disease ,a few years ago. And one of my family members said, I don’t think that’s what you have. I think they’re gonna find out later down the line, that it’s something different.🤷🏻‍♀️

March 3
A MyFibroTeam Member

Going to see a rheumatologist this month after 15 yrs qith fibro crps cervical spondylosis
And back degeneration anf misplaced disc on nerves and devere deorsdoon dsevere anxietyand cptsd. As my pain is so high I cant take it I could have auto immune disease
Wish me
luck

March 3 (edited)
MyFibroTeam

How can you help your spouse understand why ruling out other conditions is necessary for a proper fibromyalgia diagnosis?

It's completely understandable that you sought a rheumatologist on your own after five years of requesting specialist care. Your instinct to get a thorough evaluation was absolutely right.

Here's why Show Full Answer

How can you help your spouse understand why ruling out other conditions is necessary for a proper fibromyalgia diagnosis?

It's completely understandable that you sought a rheumatologist on your own after five years of requesting specialist care. Your instinct to get a thorough evaluation was absolutely right.

Here's why those tests matter: Fibromyalgia diagnosis requires ruling out dozens of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms like widespread pain and fatigue. Blood tests can detect inflammatory markers and autoantibodies that point to autoimmune conditions, while fibromyalgia won't show these markers.

Without ruling out other conditions, there's a risk of missing something treatable or managing symptoms incorrectly. A MyFibroTeam member shared their experience of seeing doctor after doctor with theories, but without definitive testing, they didn't know what to call it until everything else was ruled out.

You might explain to your spouse that:
- Fibromyalgia has no single conclusive test
- Proper diagnosis requires eliminating other possibilities
- Some conditions need different treatments than fibromyalgia
- Getting the right diagnosis means getting the right treatment plan

The diagnostic process can take months or even years, and seeing a rheumatologist who specializes in these conditions is an important step in getting clarity and proper care.

March 3

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Does anyone have nerve pain and attribute it solely to their fibromyalgia?

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Crittenden, KY
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Wh

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Warren, OH
March 31, 2016

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