How to get diagnoised...

Due to lack of health insurance and money, I am unable to get formally diagnosed with FMS and CFS - to get the appropriate testing done. However, about 6-10 years ago, when I was going to various doctors for odds n ends, I was told by all of them that I had FMS and CFS - both of which were extremely mild compared to how I have progressed since. And I know I'm still "mild" compared to others I know on fibro boards. You've been given excellent suggestions on where to start. I would also suggest, in addition to the fine group of folks here who have these two syndromes, to also join a fibro message board or two. Where I live in North Carolina, there is nearly no FMS/CFS friendly doctors of any variety. I think the closest one is nearly 2 hours ago. I have a car that is barely running, so long distance driving is out of the question. So, I continue to suffer with no medicine or money for alternative treatment/relief. Thankfully, I am in a position where I can work from home, as hubby is the breadwinner of the family. Sibiology (love the nick btw), if you have done the research and believe you do suffer from FMS, then know you are not alone! We're here for ya! Vent if need be - we totally know what you are going through. HUGS (gently, don't want to hurt those tender points *winks*)

I hear this so often and it makes me so angry. It seems like just because they can't find a reason for your illness then you must not be sick. When in reality it's their lack of education. I was one of the lucky ones. The very first doctor I went to see believed me. After many tests and finding no other reasons for my symptoms, plus meeting the critera for classic FM symptoms I was diagnosed. Here are some good sites for info on Fibromyalgia. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=1 http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/fibromyalgia/fibrofs.htm#fib_i Before finding another doctor I would call their office first and ask if the doctor treats patients with Fibromyalgia. It'll save a lot of gas and fruitless office visits. Best of luck to you!

I am sorry you are going through such a struggle. You need a rheumatologist to give a proper FM diagnosis. If you are having trouble finding a doctor that knows the illness then contact FibroBetsy at kindness@fibrobetsy.com. She has a very large list of doctors referred to her by patients, not by other doctors. Email her and tell her the area you live in and she will put together a package of doctors in your area that are fibro-friendly. Good luck!