I was diagnosed with Fibro and it took 2 years before I got to a doctor who said it was RA and AS. Fibro is a very real condition, but it is overly diagnosed. The only true way to be diagnosed with Fibro is to be tested for everything else using more than just blood work and x-rays. If you come back negative for everything they can test or scan for, then you have fibro.
I do believe you could be the "test biscuit" your dad needs to see before he will get the help he needs. I know it has worked that way between my friends, we take turns leading the way through the labyrinth.
Start keeping a log of everyhting you experience that is a symptom of something, even if it does not seem to be related. Dry eyes count. Flaky, crusty spots on toes count. Keep a log of the pain, where it is, how long it lasts, if it gets better or worse with exercise, what kind of pain is it (burning, stabbing, dull, throbbing) and start to compile a family history of who had what. Start a history for yourself, too. Write about accidents, surgeries, infections, growing pains, anything you can remember. All of this will be helpful to the doctor. It also can keep you from filling out a lot of forms! I maintain a list of meds I am on too. If you would like to see a blank spreadsheet I use, let me know and I will gladly share it with you.
Keep us posted! We want to be here to help you or just be sounding posts if you need us.
That sounds great... I actually bumped into information on Fibromyalgia and it sounds a little too familiar. I had never heard of the disease before. Stress fits, for sure. I've always had horrible migraines, problems sleeping, and sensetivity to smells. I just never combined them with my achiness. My dad has the exact same problems as I do... he's had them since he was young. But being 50 years old, his problems are much more severe. Maybe If I can get to a doctor, and find something that helps me, it will urge him to go to the doctor too. By the way, I do have insurance... So maybe it won't be as bad as I thought.
Welcome to the forum! We are here to help in any way we can.
I am sorry to read you are in pain and suffering. As much as the web is a great tool for collecting information, I would not rule out RA as it can affect more than just your joints. I hope you will reconsider and get in to see a rheumatologist. Yes, seeing a specialist is expensive (many will set up a payment plan or even reduce the cost if you do not have insurance), but if you have something degenerative you need to catch it early so that you can slow the progression. It could make a drastic difference in your quality of life.
You also need to know what you have so that you do not find yourself on an exercise program that makes things worse. This has happened to a few people I have encountered. No point in making a bad situation worse or incurring more expense when you can do some leg work up front and find out what you are dealing with.
Let us know what you decide. If you do make the appointment, we have some pointers to make that first appointment easier and to help you evaluate your doctor.