I've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but don't feel the diagnosis is correctI've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but don't feel the diagnosis is correct

I have been suffering with chronic pain in my extremities for 10 years. (lower legs, feet, arms and legs.)My pain in legs and feet are at times unbearable. I was tested for lupus, lymes and MS among other disorders, all testing negative. I was given a diagnosis of Neuropathy. However 2 other neurologists disagreed and thought it could be MS without lesions. I've been treated with Neuropathy by Celebrex, Lyrica and Carbamanzapine (among others similar tried in the past. My pain is still chronic prohibiting me from working and enjoying regular activities. This spring I went to Mayo Clinic in Arizona. With all my records they were certain it was in fact Neuropathy. After 4 days of various testing the neurologist was surprised to conclude it was not Neuropathy. He stated he could not give me an answer for my condition. Advised me to continue with meds a currently prescribed. I asked during my stay IF this could be Fibromy. and he said no. My neurologist at home had given me the same response years prior. However, upon a followup with my hometown neurologist to review the Mayo reports he referred me to a R.A. doctor. When I went to the appt. with RA Dr. she did not receive my files/records by some clerical error and just visited with me the 15 min. allowed and I gave her quickly my history. She just told me, "you have Fibromyalgia and we can prescribe you Cymbalta. I am baffeled. Being told by various Drs. "you do, you don't, you do"!! FIRST QUESTION, I've been on Lyrica for approximately 4+ years. Lyrica is in fact a RX used for Fibromyalgia. Hence, I would think that the Lyrica would have improved my pain. I don't want to add more medication to my collection (Cymbalta) by a Dr. telling me I have Fibrom. without reviewing my files. SECOND QUESTION, is there some test that will positively diagnose Fibromyalgia? If so, what is that test? I need a resolution to my chronic pain, it's unbearable! I'm 43, and hate to know what I will deal with when I'm in my senior years

Answers from our Doctors

chad.boomershine's picture
Dr. Chad Boomershine says:

Fibromyalgia is a clinical diagnosis. This means there is no blood or other type of test that can diagnose it. The diagnosis must come from a clinician who has experience identifying the disorder.
Since I cannot review your records, there is no way for me to know whether you have fibromyalgia or not. However, I am fairly certain Mayo would have ruled out other conditions that could be causing your nerve pain and if your rheumatologist has experience diagnosing fibromyalgia it is possible she made the diagnosis in 15 minutes without reviewing your prior records (which are typically normal and therefore not helpful except in ruling out other conditions). Many fibromyalgia patients experience nerve pain similar to what you are describing, so the diagnosis is definitely possible.

Cymbalta is FDA approved for treating both fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and since you have failed many other treatments for your symptoms I think it is a reasonable medication to try. As with all medications for treating fibromyalgia, I recommend starting with a low dose (20 or 30mg once daily).

While Lyrica is and FDA approved treatment for fibromyalgia, it doesn't work for all fibromyalgia patients. Just because it didn't work for you does not rule out the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in you.

Answered on: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 12:59

Comments

Commenting: Guest
11/09/2010 - 08:29

Why not consider the condition to be Ehler-Danlos Syndrome? Ask your doctor :)

Commenting: Guest
02/08/2011 - 11:57

Your pain symptoms and mine sound the same. You may not be looking on this site anymore, but I thought I would comment. I have had chronic all over body pain for several years now with very high CRP counts. I finally found a Rheum doctor to help me. He has openly said that I am puzzeling him, but that is somewhat comforting that he is being honest with me. I am currently on Methotrexate, Cymbolta, Humira, have been on prednisone, but not right now. I have tried Lyrica, Sulfamethozine, placynall, mobic, tramidol. I am willing to try anything to get relief. I take controlled pain management narcodic. My blood work does not give a positive RA reading, but me father had positive RA at 40. We are assuming I have a inflammatory arthritis of some sort and with the treatment being somewhat the same, that is the route we are taking. I do have symtoms in Fibromyalgia, Polymialgia, Angolosing, & RA. There is not a answer for this condition, just a way to live with it. Not ever pain free, just somewhat under control. Sorry about the spelling.

Commenting: Guest
01/31/2019 - 13:03

I think you should go for a second opinion because you cannot rely on one doctor and make your life hell. If you have a doubt then consult another doctor or read some essayontime writers for better suggestions because there may be other patients who may feel same like you but don’t worry everything will be ok and be positive all the best

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