During my last exam with my General Practicioner he was examining my stomach area near my ribs and pressed a little too hard. I involuntarily did a sharp intake of breath and said "Ow!". His reply was "ticklish or painful?". I told him 'fibro'.
He was still poking around so I really didn't have a way to stop him and tell him exactly what was going on. But, from his questions I could tell that he really doesn't know anything about where fibro patients feel pain. If he doesn't know, then the general populace who doen't have fibromyalgia probably doesn't either. So, I took one of the graphics they use for diagnosis that shows the "tender points" and added my own colorization to show exactly where they are for me.
You can click on the picture for a larger view, but I hope you can see the extent of the areas are not confined to just a few little dots on the body. That diagnosis graphic, in my opinion, is very misleading to patients and doctors. It might sound a little weird, but I went from the top of my head (yes, sometimes it feels like even my hair hurts) to my feet. I wasn't able to show the soles of my feet, but even those hurt sometimes too.
My next plan is to take this graphic with me to my next doctor appointment and discuss it with him. It may help him understand what it's like to have fibro other than just what he reads in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference). If you think the picture is something that can help you or someone you care about, feel free to use it. I would appreciate a link back to this blog or iPentimento if you choose to do that, but it isn't mandatory.
Wouldn't you agree that my amended example gives a better idea of how extensive the pain areas really are? (At least, for me).
If you are interested in promoting Fibromyalgia Awareness, please visit my Cafe Press shop Fibro Hurts Shop.
He was still poking around so I really didn't have a way to stop him and tell him exactly what was going on. But, from his questions I could tell that he really doesn't know anything about where fibro patients feel pain. If he doesn't know, then the general populace who doen't have fibromyalgia probably doesn't either. So, I took one of the graphics they use for diagnosis that shows the "tender points" and added my own colorization to show exactly where they are for me.
Fibromyalgia "Zones"
You can click on the picture for a larger view, but I hope you can see the extent of the areas are not confined to just a few little dots on the body. That diagnosis graphic, in my opinion, is very misleading to patients and doctors. It might sound a little weird, but I went from the top of my head (yes, sometimes it feels like even my hair hurts) to my feet. I wasn't able to show the soles of my feet, but even those hurt sometimes too.
My next plan is to take this graphic with me to my next doctor appointment and discuss it with him. It may help him understand what it's like to have fibro other than just what he reads in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference). If you think the picture is something that can help you or someone you care about, feel free to use it. I would appreciate a link back to this blog or iPentimento if you choose to do that, but it isn't mandatory.
Wouldn't you agree that my amended example gives a better idea of how extensive the pain areas really are? (At least, for me).
If you are interested in promoting Fibromyalgia Awareness, please visit my Cafe Press shop Fibro Hurts Shop.
