Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider

Managing fibromyalgia may often require a team approach involving several healthcare providers. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to see a:

• Primary care or family physician
• Rheumatologist
• Pain management specialist
• Physical therapist
• Psychiatrist or other counselor

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses your particular symptoms. Sharing your answers to the Fibromyalgia Doctor Discussion Guide is a great conversation starter.
Your doctor may ask you questions such as:

• What kind of symptoms are you experiencing?
• How do these symptoms impact your life?
• What do you think causes these symptoms?
• What do you think makes your symptoms worse?

In addition to your healthcare team, there are a number of organizations and support groups ready to help you learn more about fibromyalgia and how to manage it. Please discuss the resources available with your healthcare provider.

Link to discussion print out:  http://www.webmd.com/living-with-fibro/fibro-pain-impact-tool

For Newly Diagnosed. "What do I do now?"

For Newly Diagnosed. "What do I do now?"

First thing to do is take a deep breath. Make sure you have a general practitioner that is willing to help you manage your symptoms.

Second; research, research, research. I can't say it enough. A well informed patient is a well managed patient. I... would recommend starting with this blog. www.chronicpainramblings.blogspot.com. I would also retain a copy of "Fibromyalgia for Dummies". This has been a great asset to me through the years and will help in your research tremendously.

Third; take care of yourself. You have to let others help you. Let your significant other help with the dishes for a night, or go out for dinner. Anything to make your life just a little easier. It's hard to give up control at first, but in the end, you will be happy you did so.

Hope this is helpful to your as a new Fibromyalgia patient and remember to breathe, one breath at a time is how you get through it.

Good luck,
Amanda Lakso