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If you have an insurance company with a preferred provider list, call
the office(s) of the providers and ask which of their doctors is fibro
friendly or if the office staff has any recommendations as to which
doctor to see. You want a doctor to treat you, not just your fibro! A
general or family practice doctor can see you for all of the conditions
that can add to your fibro and also refer you to specialists such as
rheumatologists, pain specialists, therapists, etc.
When you’ve made this list or if you can choose your own doctor, ask
your friends, family, co-workers, and (best) the members of your support
group for their recommendations. Recommendations from people closest to
your own personality are probably the best choice. Listen closely as
each person describes what she/he likes or dislikes about the doctor and
make your decision based on your own personal needs. Often when you
call to make an appointment you will be told that the doctor’s practice
is full (that they are not taking on new patients.) Ask to speak with
the doctor’s assistant and explain to them why you have chosen this
doctor. If you feel that the doctor will remember and respect the
friend who recommended them, use that person’s name (with permission of
course.)
Don’t define yourself as a “fibromyalgia patient” but as a person who
has fibromyalgia. Explain that you understand that (at this time) there
is no cure but that you intend to work as a team with your doctor to
relieve as many symptoms as possible.
When you have an appointment be prepared to tell the doctor what is
working for you and what you need to work on. Educate yourself (with
web sites, books, journals, and the help of a good support group) about
your illness. Tell your doctor what you are doing to help yourself such
as exercise, massage and relaxation. Ask for refills of prescriptions
if the medication works but asking for new pain medication at the first
visit may cause the doctor to question your need. If you do need to ask
about new medications be prepared to explain where your information
comes from and why you feel it will work for you. Plan to follow the
doctors recommendations or be prepared to explain why you can’t or
won’t. If you have limited finances, tell the doctor so that you can
get a less expensive (older or generic) medication.
1. Prepare For
Your Visit
Take With You:
1. A complete written health history.
2. Current medication/supplement list to
each visit. Keep one with your
Drivers license in case of
emergencies.
3. Some reading material - just in case
your doctor is behind time!!
List all supplements and herbs.
They impact your health and may interact negatively with
medications.
List
all supplements and herbs. They impact your health and may interact
negatively with
medications. |
SAMPLE TABLE OF MEDICATIONS, SUPPLEMENTS,
HERBS
|
Prescription |
Strength |
Dose |
Doctor |
|
Prozac |
20 mg |
1 daily |
Dr. J. Smith |
|
Xxxxxxx |
5 mg |
As needed |
Dr. J. Smith |
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Supplements |
Strength |
Dose |
Reason |
|
Benadryl |
25 mg |
As needed |
Allergy |
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Multivitamin |
|
1 daily |
|
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L-Lysine |
500 mg |
As needed |
Cold sores |
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Allergies |
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Sulfa, penicillin, iodine, peanuts, shellfish |
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2.
Take a copy of a journal or website article to support your inquiry.
New or unusual symptoms (pain or fatigue)
How long have you had it? (hours, days, weeks)
How long does it last? (minutes, hours, always)
Quality of pain (burning, stabbing, crushing, tingling)
What brings it on? (reaching, coughing, over work)
What relieves it? (medication, warm bath, sleep)
Unusual activity or stressor
If you have no new symptoms:
What one or two items do you want to address? (e.g.sleep, change medication, referral)
3. Take a copy of a journal or website article to support your inquiry.
Highlight a small portion of interest.
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