IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA AND CFIDS

Posted on 03. Nov, 2008 by Robin August, Ph.D. in Uncategorized, Working with physicians

It is so important that you get together a list of questions that you have for your physician. As I have stated in earlier blogs, when you are actually in the Doctor's office, everything may just get jumbled up in your head. So, MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT and WRITE DOWN THE ANSWERS WHILE WITH THE DOCTOR. Don't depend on your memory!!

Here are some suggestions but please add your own.

1. How do you arrive at a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome?

2. What lab tests need to be done?

3. What are the treatments available to try to help me including medications, exercise, physical therapy, biofeedback, alternative treatments (such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation, supplements, stress reduction, and diet)? What additional treatments might you suggest?

4. If you are to be put on medications, ask what side effects are common and don't forget to bring a list of those medications that you are currently taking including supplements?

5. Is there anything that I should avoid like certain medications, exercise, foods?

6. What particular exercises should I do and for what period of time? Note, if you do too much exercise, it often results in a relapse. How about physical therapy and massage?

7. Are you aware of any resources to help such as a local support group, internet groups, books that you would recommend?

8. Do you recommend any counseling and if so, do you have someone who you would recommend who has experience with fibro/cfids? The counselor might provide support as well as help with dealing with pain and sleep more effectively. Cognitive/behavioral therapy is also being used a lot for Fibro and CFIDS. You might ask your physician if he/she knows someone who specializes in this area.

If you have already been through a number of treatments with little or no change, you might want to ask the following:

9. Are there any clinical trials that would be appropriate for me?

10. How can I explain to family, friends, and business associates what my illness is about and how they can help me?

11. Should I have a sleep study?

12. How much will I be able to work, if at all?

I would also suggest that you keep a file with all of the questions and answers that you have asked and received an answer to. Because most of us can experience fbro fog or brain fog, you may forget some important information if you leave it up to your memory. And remember that tape recorder and/or bring a friend with you.

Please, write in with some of the questions that you have asked your doctor that aren't on this list. It might help someone else.

Warm fuzzies to you;

Dr. Robin

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