Finding Dr. Right for Your Fibromyalgia

[Guest guest]

Finding Dr. Right for Your Fibromyalgia

Do you need a specialist?

By Jeanie Lerche

WebMD FeatureReviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Not every doctor understands fibromyalgia well -- yet it's critical

to find one who is up to date on the latest fibromyalgia treatment

and research. Wherever you live, you'll have to do some research to

find a health care provider who is the best fit for you.

Here's the good news: " It's easier now to find someone to treat

fibromyalgia, " says Kim , PhD, associate professor at Oregon

Health & Science University School of Nursing and Medicine in

Portland.

" Fibromyalgia has come a long way in gaining acceptance in the

medical community -- now that we understand the mechanisms of this

disease and have treatments proven to help. "

Traditionally, fibromyalgia falls under the scope of

rheumatologists. But today, primary care doctors, podiatrists,

osteopaths, psychiatrists, neurologists -- plus nurse practitioners -

- are overseeing long-term fibromyalgia treatment. " People in

primary care are learning more about diagnosis and management of

fibromyalgia, " tells WebMD.

Wanted: Fibromyalgia Provider

In small communities, finding a doctor willing to handle

fibromyalgia treatment has been difficult. In large urban areas,

specialists may be easier to find -- but may not take new patients.

Support groups: " Find out who in your town has fibromyalgia and who

is taking care of them, " says. " Call local hospitals. Ask

about support groups for fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue.

People in those groups will know which health care providers treat

fibromyalgia. "

Don't limit your search to rheumatologists: Many rheumatologists

have big, demanding patient loads. Some prefer to treat only

autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, says.

Consider the team approach: Ideally, you would like to have one

provider take care of you. If you can't get that, the next best

option is a treatment team -- a provider who manages your long-term

fibromyalgia treatment, plus therapists who address special problems.

For Long-term fibromyalgia treatment: Talk to doctors of osteopathy

(DO), primary care physicians, nurse practitioners. If you're seeing

a podiatrist, psychiatrist, or neurologist, talk to them about your

overall condition. " Very often, patients go to these specialists for

treatment of symptoms -- like plantar fasciitis, depression, sleep

problems, headaches. They may be open to managing your overall

fibromyalgia treatment long-term, " says.

" Even if they don't have a great deal of experience treating

fibromyalgia, willingness to treat it certainly counts, " she tells

WebMD. " It makes less difference how many patients they're treating

with fibromyalgia, if they're open-minded. "

For short-term fibromyalgia therapy: You will likely need physical,

occupational, speech, and cognitive therapists who can treat certain

aspects of your illness. You won't see them long-term, just for

awhile to get exercises you can do on your own. " They can really

help with quality of life -- make a big improvement, " says.

Physical therapists can treat plantar fasciitis, posture, and other

conditions related to fibromyalgia. " It's very important to find

someone who is not just focused on sports medicine, " she adds.

Occupational therapists can make suggestions to minimize stress on

certain parts of your body.

Wanted: Fibromyalgia Provider continued...

Speech therapists who treat head trauma and stroke patients can help

fibromyalgia patients with 'fibro fog.' " The therapies they utilize

can help with cognitive problems -- memory and thinking

difficulties, " says. " It's a big quality of life improvement

for these patients. There's nothing more distressing than having

trouble thinking. "

If therapists in the past haven't helped you, don't give up,

advises. " Find someone who knows fibromyalgia -- or who at least

works with older people. That's a bitter pill to swallow if you're

40 years old, but the exercises they prescribe will be similar. "

Check with pain clinics. Some treat chronic fatigue, but not

fibromyalgia. Ask if they treat fibromyalgia. How many patients have

that diagnosis? Ask if one of the fibromyalgia patients could call

you to discuss their experience with the pain clinic. " Pain clinics

can be hit-and-miss, whether they treat fibromyalgia or not, "

says.

Interviewing Your Potential Health Care Providers

Schedule a no-cost interview with each provider who interests you.

Make it clear to the receptionist or nurse scheduling appointments

that this is not a medical exam -- just an interview. At your

interview, provide a short list of your medical problems or

symptoms. Be brief. Keep the interview to 10 or 15 minutes.

The National Fibromyalgia Association suggests this list of

questions:

Are you comfortable with diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia?

How many fibromyalgia patients have you treated?

Are you familiar with my other conditions?

What medications do you usually prescribe for fibromyalgia? Do you

have a problem with the medications I am currently taking?

What do you feel is adequate pain control?

Can you treat depression or must I see a specialist?

Are you familiar with alternatives therapies? What therapies do you

recommend?

How can you and I communicate best?

After the interview, jot down your impressions. Did this person

believe in fibromyalgia? Were your questions answered? Is this a

person you feel will listen to you? Trust your gut instinct.

Finding the right person to treat your fibromyalgia is important.

Don't give up. Even if you've had bad experiences in the past,

things are improving in fibromyalgia treatment. There's a medical

professional out there who is just right for you.