Posted by TENA/DIAMOND on 4/10/2009, 7:51 pm, in reply to "Finding Dr. Right for Your Fibromyalgia#1"
Finding Dr. Right for Your Fibromyalgia#2
Do you need a specialist?
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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," Jones 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, Jones 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," Jones 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.
SOURCES:
Kim Jones, PhD, associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing and Medicine in Portland.
National Fibromyalgia Association: "The Perfect Fit."
Fibromyalgia Information Foundation.
Reviewed on April 29, 2008
TENA/DIAMOND
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