How can I partner with my doctor to manage my fibromyalgia symptoms?
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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:You are smart to want to partner with your doctor to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies show that although there is no cure for fibromyalgia you may be able to reduce your symptoms with treatments including medication, therapies such as massage and acupuncture, and healthy lifestyle choices including regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicine for you to relieve pain and improve your overall functioning. You may also want to ask him or her to refer you to other health professionals such as a physical therapist or a psychologist or counselor who specializes in treating people with chronic (ongoing) illnesses. Your doctor may also be able to recommend resources for more information about fibromyalgia or help you find a local support group for people with fibromyalgia.You are smart to want to partner with your doctor to manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Studies show that although there is no cure for fibromyalgia you may be able to reduce your symptoms with treatments including medication, therapies such... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Working with your doctor is essential to getting the greatest relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. Together you can find the combination of traditional and alternative therapies, as well as lifestyle changes, that work best for you.
The first step in that process is making sure your doctor shares your collaborative attitude. You want to find a physician (he or she can be a family practice doctor, rheumatologist or neurologist) who has experience in treating fibromyalgia. Next you want to make sure that he or she sees your treatment as a joint effort. With those two conditions met, the two of you can talk about all the options you have to manage your condition. These are likely to include some (or all) of the following:
- one or more medications for pain management
- establishing sleep habits to achieve consistent and good sleep
- exercise
- changes in nutrition
- relaxation techniques
- psychological support
- complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and others
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulWorking with your doctor is essential to getting the greatest relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. Together you can find the combination of traditional and alternative therapies, as well as lifestyle changes, that work best for you. The... More -
Pfizer LYRICA™ (pregabalin) Team answered:You know how you feel better than anyone. So it is very important that you take an active role in your own healthcare. That way you can help your doctor help you.
Taking an active role in your treatment
There are a number of steps that you can take to successfully partner with your doctor. If you haven’t already read the section above about preparing for your appointment, it’s a great place to start.
Here are a few tips to remember for your next appointment:
Open communication is essential
It’s important to be completely open and honest. Your doctor needs all the information available to make the right diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
Don’t leave out details
Don’t be embarrassed to share details—your doctor will want to hear all about your symptoms, experiences, and how you feel.
Take it one step at a time
Getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia may not happen in just one visit. So it is important to ask how you can help move things along. This will help you and your doctor build a strong partnership.
Ask what additional treatment approaches may be right for you
Bring up any treatments that you want to learn more about. Then work with your doctor to decide if they could be right for you.
Remember, you and your doctor are a team. Be sure to ask your doctor questions and keep him or her informed of your progress. This will enable your doctor to decide the best course of action to help you get the most from your treatment plan.
You know how you feel better than anyone. So it is very important that you take an active role in your own healthcare. That way you can help your doctor help you. Taking an active role in your treatment There are a number of steps that you can take... More
