Today I go to my new/old Rheumatologist:
Ever since I was diagnosed, I have seen a Rheumatologist (that's actually who diagnosed me). Now there have been several long periods (3 to be exact) where they have not been able to treat me because I was either pregnant or nursing. During that time, I would just try to survive my symptoms as best as I could. And I have still had that mindset until recently. Why should I live like that anymore? Why not take advantage of the medications and treatments available to me? Since there are no more children that will be taking over my body, it's time I take charge of my body. I am now armed with a new confidence and an understanding of FM and I am prepared to take a more active role in treatment of my symptoms.
Due to an insurance change, I am going back to my doc that I last saw in 2006. With looking back, I don't think my doctor or I was doing all that was possible to treat my FM. I think that my new/old doc is a good doctor (obviously I have chosen to go back to her), but I just never knew what questions to ask and just did what she told me. I was also unaware of all of the other illnesses/symptoms that I have that are actually associated with FM. So how can the doctor treat you if you don't tell the doctor what you are experiencing? And how can you know what to tell the doctor if you haven't educated yourself on your illness and all that's associated with it? It really takes a joint effort on your part and your doctors.
Ever since I was diagnosed, I have seen a Rheumatologist (that's actually who diagnosed me). Now there have been several long periods (3 to be exact) where they have not been able to treat me because I was either pregnant or nursing. During that time, I would just try to survive my symptoms as best as I could. And I have still had that mindset until recently. Why should I live like that anymore? Why not take advantage of the medications and treatments available to me? Since there are no more children that will be taking over my body, it's time I take charge of my body. I am now armed with a new confidence and an understanding of FM and I am prepared to take a more active role in treatment of my symptoms.
Due to an insurance change, I am going back to my doc that I last saw in 2006. With looking back, I don't think my doctor or I was doing all that was possible to treat my FM. I think that my new/old doc is a good doctor (obviously I have chosen to go back to her), but I just never knew what questions to ask and just did what she told me. I was also unaware of all of the other illnesses/symptoms that I have that are actually associated with FM. So how can the doctor treat you if you don't tell the doctor what you are experiencing? And how can you know what to tell the doctor if you haven't educated yourself on your illness and all that's associated with it? It really takes a joint effort on your part and your doctors.
There are a few states that have actual FM centers that treat just FM. (But I don't have that in AZ.) I would really like to be able to go to one of these centers one day, but I am confident that between me and my new/old doc I will start seeing some improvement in my life. I am excited to try and get my pain more under control or the proper medicine to treatment when it is at it's worst. I am excited on getting some medicine to help with some of the annoinances/side affects that come with FM. My theory is going to be: if there is help/treatment available, why not take advantage of it?
It is my body and I am the only one that can be in tune enough with it to help guide and direct the doctors to treat me to the best of their ability. Today will be a new start to me being in charge of my body, no more putting me aside. Like I like to say, "if there ain't no mommy, there ain't no family!" (I don't think I have actually ever said it out loud, but I think it quite often. And I don't mean to put the hubby's down at all, because I have a great hubby.)
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