Fibro friends, an important thought for your diagnosis...

Today, I did some reading on hormonal levels in women. On of the things that this article brought up was hyper/hypo-thyroid problems. It made me think about something very IMPORTANT with regard to getting a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. 

Fibromyalgia, for better or worse, should be....well, no....MUST BE a diagnosis of exclusion. 

What does that mean? 

A diagnosis of exclusion is one where your doctor has eliminated any other, possibly more serious illness. Some examples of this might be Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis and similar illnesses. The thyroid is another level that should be checked. 

I say this because, you certainly DO NOT want a doctor who says immediately, on your first visit, that you have Fibro. He may think that you have it but he should do extensive blood work, possibly an MRI, or any other tests he deems necessary to rule out those other illnesses. 

Not that Fibro isn't serious and I DO NOT mean to make light of it at all. The pain and discomfort of it sometimes make you so miserable you can't believe you don't have something more serious. 

HOWEVER, the last thing you want is an immediate Fibro diagnosis, only to find out month or even years later, upon visiting a different doctor, that you have Lupus, RA, or something that should have been treated with different medications and therapies. 

Please make sure your doctor doesn't just "blow you off". Do your homework and if he seems to want to rush you out of the office and/or not do any additional testing, then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE find yourself another doctor (preferably a rheumatologist) who WILL give you the time and effort you deserve. 

The thing with Fibro is that it is not a degenerative disease. RA, Lupus and MS ARE degenerative illnesses which means that they cause ongoing and permanent damage to the body. If you are diagnosed with Fibro and have MS, there could be permanent nervous system damage, etc. that could change your life forever. 

It's your health, your body, make it a priority!!! Today if at all possible!! I care about you....and God cares about you...honor the temple which he gave you...your body!

Until later..................

Blessings........................

Mo M.