Lesson 2: Medical Resources.
If Your Current Doctor Doesn't Work Out
Then it is time to find a new one. Ask around. Check with the Fibromyalgia Network - a good organization to belong to anyway - and they will send you a list of doctors in your area recommended by other people with fibro. You may also have a physicians' reference organization in your area. Call them. While you are on the line ask for references for a rheumatologist or a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist.
You will find that if you even mention having fibro most people will know someone who has it. Ask them about doctors. And if you can find a support group in your area you'll have an invaluable resource for finding doctors to seek out and those to avoid.
Finally - before you make any appointments, call the office ask a few important questions. You will probably not get to ask the doctor, but the staff can probably tell you if he or she accepts fibro patients, and if they seem to be comfortable treating them. Many physicians are not comfortable treating chronic patients and will say so up front.
And from now on, before accepting any doctor as one who will care for your health, be prepared to ask some good, sharp questions when you are finally in their presence.
My first question to the doctor I saw after I ditched the first one was "What is your feeling about fibromyalgia?"
I had already read everything the Fibromyalgia Network sent me, talked to other fellow fibromites and read a book or two, and so was able to tell immediately whether the response was satisfactory. You are taking a good step by enrolling in this course. It will help alert you to the right answers as well as the right questions to ask both of your primary care doctor and any specialist you may be referred to. Do NOT settle for anyone you have doubts about.
