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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to various other disorders, you may see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Your family physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
- Information about medical problems you've had in the past
- Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
- All the medications and dietary supplements you take
- Questions you want to ask the doctor
What to expect from your doctor
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will probably ask you if you have problems sleeping, and if you've been feeling depressed or anxious.
- Fibromyalgia. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225054422-4/1077621679/1492/1050.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50300-1_13277. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: An overview. American Journal of Medicine. 2009;122:S3.
- Bennett RM. Clinical manifestations of diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2009;35:215.
- Goldenberg DL. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of fibromyalgia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Muller D, et al. Fibromyalgia syndrome. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/225324736-4/1078619948/1494/93.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50050-8_2384. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Goldenberg DL. Treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Wolfe F, et al. The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care and Research. 2010;62:600.
- Hassett AL, et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment for fibromyalgia: Patient education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and complementary and alternative medicine. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2009;35:393.
- Fibromyalgia and CAM: At a glance. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/fibromyalgia.htm. Accessed Nov. 4, 2010.
- Carson JW, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the Yoga of Awareness program in the management of fibromyalgia. Pain. 2010;151:530.
- Wang C, et al. A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363:743.
- Vincent A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 16, 2010.
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