When should I seek a second opinion regarding my fibromyalgia treatment?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:One size doesn't fit all when it comes to treatment options for fibromyalgia. It is not unusual for people with fibromyalgia to talk with several doctors until they find a treatment plan that works for their individual issues. The process can be frustrating because there is not one gold-standrad approach to treating fibromyalgia. Don't wait until you are frustrated with the process, but seek other opinions when you feel you need a different approach to your fibromyalgia care.
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to treatment options for fibromyalgia. It is not unusual for people with fibromyalgia to talk with several doctors until they find a treatment plan that works for their individual issues. The process... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You should seek a second opinion if you aren't getting the relief you need from your treatment plan. It's especially important to get a second opinion if you feel that your doctor dismisses your concerns or suggests that he or she can't do anything else to help you. Not every doctor has experience with fibromyalgia, which is a complicated condition. Seeking a second opinion, especially from a rheumatologist or a pain specialist, may open new doors for you.
You should seek a second opinion if you aren't getting the relief you need from your treatment plan. It's especially important to get a second opinion if you feel that your doctor dismisses your concerns or suggests that he or she can't do... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:You should get a second opinion if the physician making the diagnosis is not qualified to do so, or omits a thorough history a physical exam.
The clinician that is qualified will know to check for widespread pain, tenderness, sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, and test for conditions that occur more frequently with fibromyalgia. (see http://thesethree.com/Fibromyalgia.html )
All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com
Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD http://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=121_0_1_59
Find out more about this book: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofa...
You should get a second opinion if the physician making the diagnosis is not qualified to do so, or omits a thorough history a physical exam. The clinician that is qualified will know to check for widespread pain, tenderness, sleep... More -
As with any other medical problem, I would advise seeking a second opinion if you are unsatisfied with the results of your current treatment regimen. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can sometimes be vague, and the formal diagnosis requires exclusion of other underlying medical conditions. Keeping an open dialogue with your physician is an important aspect to the treatment of fibromyalgia. Also, keeping a pain diary is a good way to monitor your response to whatever treatment your physician has prescribed. In addition to daily exercise and behavioral therapy, fibromyalgia is commonly treated with neuropathic medications, such as amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin. Before seeking a formal second opinion, I would recommend discussing your concerns with your treating physician.
As with any other medical problem, I would advise seeking a second opinion if you are unsatisfied with the results of your current treatment regimen. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can sometimes be vague, and the formal diagnosis requires... More
