Time to Take Some Tests

You need to talk to your doctor about getting some tests

You need to take charge of your treatment options.

Dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can be a daunting task. Feelings of hopelessness and despair are common in people who have this disease.  You may not be able to do everything but there is a lot you can do toward helping yourself get well.  Being proactive about your own care and treatment options is a good place to start.  Once you have a doctor that you trust there are certain things you need to discuss with him or her.

First and foremost you need to get as much patient education as possible regarding your illness.  In addition to the information your physician gives you there is a wealth of information online. 

Because many illnesses have symptoms similar to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome you need to have a series of blood tests to rule out other possible illnesses.  There are other problems that sometimes go along with this disease that can be found with appropriate laboratory work. You need evaluation to make sure you do not have a thyroid or vitamin deficiency, anemia, elevated rheumatoid factor, or other complicating issue. Here are some tests to request from your doctor:

Complete metabolic profile (CMP)

Complete blood count (CBC)

Thyroid panel

Vitamin D level

Vitamin B 12 level

Rheumatoid factor and ANA

Your physician may recommend other laboratory tests.  You need to have some or all of these tests repeated each year.

My first series of laboratory tests at the time of the onset of my symptoms were all within normal limits.  However, two years later when the laboratory tests were repeated at my annual checkup, the test results showed I had a Vitamin D deficiency and a low B 12 level.  Both of these conditions can be treated with medicine.  I am doing many other things that have improved my condition greatly but taking Vitamin D and B 12 supplements has helped the healing process.

What laboratory tests have you had since receiving your fibromyalgia diagnosis?

Do you have any vitamin deficiencies or other complicating factors with your disease?