If you've experienced trouble in getting a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, you're not alone. Let's look at 3 reasons why.
1) Not all medical professionals can easily diagnose Fibromyalgia.
The truth be told, this illness should not be that confusing, but it often is. Specific diagnosis criteria available to any medical professional can lead to a definitive diagnosis. Either your symptoms merit them or they don't. After taking a careful medical history and doing a thorough exam, a doctor should be able to make a diagnosis for or against Fibromyalgia.
2) Some doctors seem to lose focus when examining a patient with a confusing, abundance of symptoms. Erroneous suppositions may be made and a definitive diagnosis becomes a pipe dream. If this happens to you, keep bringing your physician back to the FMS diagnosis critera. Anyone can have additional conditions going on in the body at the same time as Fibromyalgia, but if you have it, you have it. Try to stay on track and get your diagnosis.
3) Sadly, this reason is the most distressing. In our world of abundant information, research reports, scientific studies, etc., etc., etc., there are some doctors who "do not believe" in Fibromyalgia. I guess they missed the ruling by the Social Security Administrations' 99-2p, which spells out the specific disability criteria that a person must meet to qualify for disability due to a severe case of Fibromyalgia. There are hundreds and thousands of other documents to prove the illness exists, including the American Rheumatologist Association's diagnosis criteria.
BONUS INFORMATION: The keys to being successful are (a) go to your doctor visits prepared, (b) certainly investigate all troublesome health conditions, but don't allow the exercise to hinder you in getting a correct diagnosis, and (c) don't be dissuaded by one or two nay-sayers. If you suspect that you have the condition and you want a doctor to address this health issue in your life, then stay the course. Look for a professional who will take you seriously and give you an accurate diagnosis. They are out there.
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show
