RA or FMS? Update: Diagnosis is FMS.

UPDATE: So today I got the closest to a diagnosis that I have ever gotten. The Rheumatologist told me that it is the only possibility left, since all of my auto-immune tests came back negative, on top of all of the negative, cardio, endocrine, etc tests. I think I am still going to seek a 2nd opinion, as I have been advised to do so with a FMS diagnosis. The last thing she wants me to do is get an MRA and have a neuro review it to look for vascular issues.

Thanks for the responses!

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I took some blood tests (well, a butt load of blood tests) to rule out things like Lupus, Lyme Disease, and most recently RA. The more I read about Fibromyalgia, the more it sounds exactly like what I am experiencing. I am seeing a Rheumatoligist, but she is *hesistant* to diagnose the FMS. My pcp is not educated in this area, and actually thinks that FMS is a "catch-all diagnosis and has no medical merit (oh BTW if anyone has a pcp suggestion in the Pt Jeff area I am open to suggestions). Is any one else familiar with this hesitation in diagnosis? On the Checklist for FMA, I experience all but 4 of the symptoms every single day. I know there is no definitive test for FMS to date, but what does it take to get diagnosed?

The quicker I get a diagnosis, the sooner I can get things like Accupuncture & PT approved by my DHs insurance. I have been experiencing symptoms for about 7 years on & off, the most recent 2 years constantly.

If anyone can share their experiences, I would be grateful.

Message edited 2/21/2011 3:35:49 PM.

Re: RA or FMS? Why is it so hard to get a diagnosis?

My uncle has fibromyalgia. He was diagnosed and is treated by a neurologist.

Re: RA or FMS? Why is it so hard to get a diagnosis?

You need to see a Neurologist who specializes in FM.

What doc did you see for RA?

Re: RA or FMS? Why is it so hard to get a diagnosis?

Re: RA or FMS? Why is it so hard to get a diagnosis?

I think JenniferEver might have FMS... maybe you could FM her.

Good luck, it must be so frustrating!

Re: RA or FMS? Update: Diagnosis is FMS.

Posted by MsMBV

Posted by Blu-ize

You need to see a Neurologist who specializes in FM.

What doc did you see for RA?

Sara Johnson in Pt. Jefferson. I also have a visit tomorrow with Dr. Sidorsky in Babylon. They are both Rheumatologists. I was told by my pcp to see a rheumatologist. I wonder why she did not tell me to go to a neuro...

Re: RA or FMS? Update: Diagnosis is FMS.

Posted by Blu-ize

Posted by MsMBV

Posted by Blu-ize

You need to see a Neurologist who specializes in FM.

What doc did you see for RA?

Sara Johnson in Pt. Jefferson. I also have a visit tomorrow with Dr. Sidorsky in Babylon. They are both Rheumatologists. I was told by my pcp to see a rheumatologist. I wonder why she did not tell me to go to a neuro...

Rhemys are for RA and other autoimmune stuff but with a Neuro there are other tests to run.