question

[benedwards1]

I want to see a specialist for my possible CFS/fibromyalgia.  Should I see a Rheumotolgist or immunolgist?

[PlateletGal]

And unfortunately many of the physicians who are treating fibromyalgia, are only prescribing medications. If you check out the experts treatment plans, they suggest other things such as exercise and taking supplements.

[patsy10]

I would call around and ask questions from the office staff.  Make sure the doctor you see knows how to diagnose and treat fibro.   Otherwise you are wasting your time.  Many doctors don't believe in it so if you go to one of them you will not be taken seriously.

[PlateletGal]

For your physician to diagnose you with CFIDS, he/she would have to rule out many other diseases... including other autoimmune conditions.  You would also have to have your symptoms for at least 6 months to get an official diagnosis.

Here's a link to my website that I created as a resource guide to those of us who have CFIDS and/or fibro. This is the page for diagnostic tests physicians often use to help diagnose their patient with either CFIDS or fibro. Of course this is after all of the other tests have been run.

http://groups.msn.com/Neuro-ImmuneSupport/diagnostictests

All the best,

PlateletGal

[benedwards1]

what kind of test would the dr run to find out if it is fibro or cfs.  I have had cfs symptoms for 5 weeks now and really scared.

[Barb925]

Around here you would be referred to a rheumatologist. My gp takes care of my Fibromyalgia. He refers to a pain management for any pain pills and takes care of the rest. I trust my gp. So I'm happy with what is going on.

Barb

[PlateletGal]

My rheumatologist told me that they didn't recognize CFS and/or fibromyalgia. However this was in late 2005 (I hope they have changed their minds and educated themselves since then). After several appointments and no diagnosis, I was furious and especially since I knew the head physician in the department. (arrggg) I had read online about CFS and believed that was my diagnosis, but they refused to acknowledge that CFS was a true disease. But fortunately the wheels are turning, although slowly, and more rhematologists now are diagnosing people with fibro or CFS. However, I am still concerned that these physicians don't understand how disabling these conditions can be. Dr. Nancy Kilmas recently posted an article on CFS in Current Rheumatology Reports, hoping to share her knowledge with other physicians.

If you have problems finding a physician who can diagnose you, here's a link from my website that may be helpful.

http://groups.msn.com/Neuro-ImmuneSupport/physicianscenters.msnw

All the best,

Plateletgal

[fibromed]

we have to be referred by our gp here and its usually a rheumatologist