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How do you get diagnosed with Fibro? Can a regular general practioner do this or does it need to be a rhumatologist? (sp?) I know they have pressure points to touch, right? Is that the only way to get diagnosed? Can a regular doc do this? How did you others get diagnosed?
I have so many of the classic symptoms. I swear everytime I read the symptoms, I can identify with so many of them! I don't have the sensitivity to touch, though, or the migraines, so those two factors keep me from confirming this diagnosis. But the other ones are mo What is the treatment? Drugs? I hate drugs! Would an endocrinologist be able to diagnose this? I can't keep my docs straight!  How about a GI doc or an OB/Gynie? I just ask that because currently that's all the docs I have! I would probably need to get referal from a GP in order to get in to see a rhumitologist.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I had a pretty bad childhood myself. And I suffered from anorexia for years and a bit of bulimia. I have pretty bad self esteem now as well. I know there have been studies linking abuse and development of both IBS and eating disorders.
Ruchie, what natural products do you take for depression and/or anxiety? Just the valerian? I take lexapro and klonopin and valerian. I'm not sure if the drugs help me or not. But I do know I'm afraid to go off of them for fear of things getting even worse. I know that AD are recommended for people with severe IBS even when not depressed. Since I have both, I think I am best to probably stay on them for a while. Just wish they would help with the pain, which I thought they were suppose to do, as people with only IBS and not with depression are prescribed AD's for help with the IBS alone.
Chrissy, is this a new doctor you are seeing? Is he/she a GI specialist or a general practitioner? Are you giving up on your naturopath/allergist whom you have trusted and relied on? Isn't his diet working for you?
Take care!
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Ruchie
#165256 - 03/30/05 10:18 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Although I've read that definition before, I've also learnt that it's not that clear cut. A fibro patient can have the major symptom of fatigue and a cfs patient can have lots of pain!
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Talk to your GP first...some are knowledgeable enough to diagnose on their own, some feel that another doc could do it better....rheumatologist, physologist, pain management consultant, whatever.
The sensitivities can be to anything...I didn't develop the one to touch for a while and even now it's only sometimes. Migraines aren't neccessary either.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic...as they don't know what causes it they can't treat the cause! A-d's are the nearest thing to a treatment for the cause there is. Painkillers are used for pain, supplements are useful and seadtives and stimulants can be used. Alternative therapies like acupuncture, TENS and massage can help.
At the end of the day, all the treatment is just geared towards sufficiently managing your symptoms so you can live a life. The most useful thing I've found is getting the diagnosis and then learning LOTS.
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I did NOT mean to say that a fibro patient will not have TONS of fatigue...that was one of my telling symptoms! I was giving the defintion I had read in a medical book. I hope I didn't confuse anyone  And if you have fibro you can be EXHAUSTED and if you have CF you can have LOTs of PAIN....
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Beth...I do not take anything for mood except 5HTP. You can't take St. John's Wort if you want to get pregnant and since I hope to one day in the not too distant future I do not want to start something I will have to go off in the next year or two.
Plus my naturopath and I are on a mision to find out WHY I am depressed. For me...there is something chemical there, most likely hypothyroidism, celiac, and possibly hypoglycemia and adrenal issues. We don't want to treat the dperession until we know the casue. Plus I gotta say...going GF seems to be helping (little by little...day by day)...so that might be the answer right there!
You're doing GREAT Beth! Coming to the boards and posting...I know that one day you will know what ails you and you will find relief. keep learning about things and asking questions...you're doing all the right things! 
with love, Ruchie
P.S. Please make sure you can take valerian WITH klonopin. It sounds like a bit much. Did a doc ok this? For pain...feverfew is good. But again...please make sure it will not interact poorly with the other things you take.
Another thing that's grat for pain in peppermint oil. Put some on a cold wash cloth (follow the directions on the bottle) and place it where you feel pain.
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Hey Beth! Since I have been struggling so much with the anxiety, my doc recommended Rescue Remedy (made w/ flowers and alcohol, but u only take a few drops) and Calms Forte. The Calms Forte is homeopathic, but it actually has a small amount of lactose so I am scared to try it!!  The Rescue Remedy doesn't seem to help THAT much, but I am still testing it. I cannot tolerate valerian at all. it makes me feel dizzy and weird. In my Prescriptions for Natural Healing book, it recommends lemon balm, willow bark, and Liquid Kyolic (I think this is a garlic supplement, which may not be good for IBS), but I haven't tried these. I think what I really need is more intense therapy, but this can certainly help in the short term.
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~Angela
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Hi Beth,
I am still seeing my allergist, however despite the diet he has me on, I've been noticing lots of new symptoms - back and shoulder aches, fatigue, depression, poor concentration and blurred/ hazy vision (hard to explain.. its not like I need glasses, its like I'm reading something or looking at someone and I just can't seem to be able to focus and process information... I don't know, strange).
So based on these new symptoms I've decided I need to get checked out for non IBS problems (all my testing to date has been digestion related). It may well be just gluten as Ruchie suggested, but I don't want to make assumptions with my health. So I'm not seeing a GI, I'm seeing my regular doctor, who was very good last time I saw her, and hopefully will take me seriously again this time. I'm worried she'll 'pooh pooh' me when I ask whether I can be tested for fibro and hypothyroid........ so I'm thinking I'll give her my symptoms first and see what she thinks. I hate going to doctors sounding like a know it all, they never take me seriously.
Anyway, appointment is on Monday. Will let you know what happens. Plus did you see Kandee's wonderful article in Heathers newsletter? She's such a gem. After reading her article I've decided to get my gliadin levels retested as I had them tested after being strictly GF for 6 weeks so the tests may have been inaccurate. I still can't understand how someone can be gluten intolerant without being coeliac I'm so confused
Take care xxxx
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~ Live life, don't let life live you ~
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Ruchie! Thanx for your post. How wonderful it would be if we weren't worlds apart! Nevermind, the beauty of the internet means we can still be close yet so far. I can feel your big hugs 
Well the overeating seems to only happen in stressful food situations, so I've decided to avoid those until I'm on top of things. Lucky for me I go walking every morning along the beach with my two gorgeous puppie dogs. And I get out and about quite a lot, so I'm not cooped up and depressed, I've just got a constant depressive feeling that lurks behind me every step of the way. I'm not chronically depressed by any means, I'm just not very happy. I've always suffered depression, albeit usually very mild, but I have my stages where it affects me quite badly, like now. I've never had my seratonin levels tested. Perhaps another test for Monday!
I would like to email you, just to chat and share stories, and some GF recipes! That would be nice
Hope you're well. I feel much better today (felt so sick yesterday, it was horrible) but the bloat is still striking with a vengence, and now to join the party is the dreaded C. Sigh......... nevermind, I'm dressed in my fushia pink sweater today, so that's enough to brighten anyones mood 
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~ Live life, don't let life live you ~
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