Fibromyalgia is a complicated and sometimes difficult-to-diagnose disease, so it's natural to feel frustrated at times during your journey from a fibromyalgia diagnosis to effective treatment. It takes time to figure out exactly what you're dealing with and exactly what fibromyalgia treatments work best for you. But if, after a while, you're still not getting the relief you need to live your life, it may be time to reevaluate your approach to your fibro treatment plan. You may need to be proactive to get more out of your doctor or consider seeing a fibromyalgia specialist. Here are three tips to help you get more out of your healthcare:
1. Consider Working with a Fibromyalgia Specialist
If your general practitioner is not well versed in treating fibromyalgia, don't be afraid to ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or neurologist. A specialist may be able to provide more effective in-depth fibromyalgia care. It may be worthwhile to visit a few doctors until you find one you're comfortable with—someone who listens, makes eye contact, seems responsive to all your questions, and is on the same page as you.
2. Prepare for Appointments
Once you have a doctor you feel good about, you'll want to do more than just show up for exams. With a little preparation, you'll likely get more out of the appointment. Keep a fibromyalgia symptoms journal and take it to appointments. Beforehand, note your family medical history, your personal medical history, and any medications or supplements you're taking.
3. Jot Down Your Questions About Fibromyalgia
It's natural to have questions about your fibromyalgia and your fibro treatments. But it's easy to draw a blank once you finally get face time with the doctor, so jot down your questions ahead of time and take them with you.
