You have felt the pain and suffered the sleepless nights. You have read the books and done your research. Now, your next step is to find a doctor to get a correct diagnosis.

Research Doctors

The first place to begin when choosing a doctor is your insurance provider. Get a list of specialists or general practitioners that are covered on your insurance plan. This will save you a lot of headache, and probably a lot of money in the long run. However, you may find that you need to go outside of your plan to find the right doctor for you. If your recovery depends upon it, this may be something to consider.

Ask any of your current doctors for referrals. Talk with family and friends and see if they have anyone to recommend. If you live near a major university with a medical center or hospital, that may also be a good place to research a new doctor. These types of facilities are more likely to be up to date on the latest research regarding your condition and may even be involved in studies that may be of benefit to you and your treatment.

Track Your Symptoms

Before you head to your first visit, start a diary to keep track of your symptoms. Pay attention to your pain levels and assign them an intensity level from 1 to 10. Make notes of when the pain is more severe or when it is better. Comment on the weather conditions, how much sleep you got the night before, and your activity level for the day. Track your diet, along with any prescriptions or supplements you are taking. Do not leave out over-the-counter medications or vitamins as these are just as important. Bring the diary with you on your visit to help you guide your initial discussion with your doctor.

Your First Visit

Make a list of questions to take with you on your first doctor’s appointment. Ask some of the following:

• What are your insights about fibromyalgia?
• Have you treated any patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome? Have any of these patients improved with treatment?
• Do you think you can cure me if I am diagnosed with fibromyalgia? How long would you expect treatments to take?

Be honest with your doctor and answer any and all questions about your symptoms. Try and mention any and all symptoms you are experiencing; even if they seem insignificant to you. They may be of interest to your physician and may help in your diagnosis.

You are the only one who can decide if a doctor is right for you and your treatment. Do not let people make you feel that you are merely “doctor shopping” or just looking for a doctor who will tell you what you want to hear. You have every right to look for a doctor who will make you feel comfortable and who will work with you to find a diagnosis and a course of treatment that is the right fit. Gather the information you need and make the decision that is right for you.

Don’t Give Up

If you don’t get any answers from your doctor, keep trying. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation from your doctor of someone who may be able to help. If they tell you what isn’t causing your pain, then you can cross that off the list. But, there is a reason you are in pain and you deserve to know what is causing yours. There is actually something called oligoanalgesia, it refers to a situation where a patient either doesn’t receive any treatment for a condition, or not sufficient treatment. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep researching, keep your head up, and don’t give up.

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