Can I Test Myself for Fibromyalgia?
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult since there is no specific test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If you have the notion that you have fibromyalgia, the best thing to do is to not google but visit your nearest doctor. In this case, a General Physician or a GP can help you refer a specialist. However, if you try to figure out if you have fibromyalgia yourself, then it can be quite challenging.
On the basis of symptoms, it is hard to find out the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It is because the symptoms of the condition are varied from one person to another. Also, most symptoms happen to overlap with other conditions, which can make differentiation quite challenging. Only a specialist knows how to go about a differential diagnosis in this matter.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
There are different symptoms of fibromyalgia that hugely vary from one patient of fibromyalgia to the other one. For instance, some patients are highly sensitive to stimulations such as bright light or sharp noise around them. On the other hand, some patients with fibromyalgia will have conditions such as stiffness in their muscles, which ultimately results in body pain. These symptoms can debilitate the person, and they feel their daily functions of life can be affected.
However, the most important point to note is that the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is not based on simple steps circling the symptoms. Also, there is no particular diagnostic test for the condition, so it is important to recognize the different ways through which a doctor might reach a final decision. After a differential diagnosis of the condition is made, they will need to look at the symptoms you are facing. So, it is important to realize the exact symptoms you are having. Note every symptom and report it accurately to the doctor. Also, note the time, intensity, and frequency of every sign you think is important enough to report to the doctor.
How Does the Diagnosis Proceed?
Your general physician will be asking about how your overall symptoms affect your life on a daily level. You will also have to undergo a body examination to see if there are any visible signs indicating a fibromyalgia status. For instance, you might have swollen joints, which may suggest you may have arthritis instead of fibromyalgia.
Making a Differential Diagnosis
After a differential diagnosis, the next step is to rule out possible conditions which are not relevant. For example, your GP, upon doubting if you have fibromyalgia, will be considering other conditions to check out. These conditions might include but are not limited to the following:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – It is a condition that results in tiredness that goes on long term
Rheumatoid Arthritis – It is a condition in which the joints undergo swelling, causing pain
Multiple Sclerosis – It is a neurological condition in which the nerve impulses are slowed down due to a deficit in the myelin sheath forming cells. It results in a loss in balance and overall movement.
What Tests to Go For?
There are some tests that you might be asked to go for in a clinic. Some of the tests include conditions such as blood tests, urine, etc., although you might have been having any other scans or X-rays.
If you are having some other type of condition in your body, you might also have fibromyalgia as comorbidity.
What are the Criteria for Diagnosis?
Although there is no specific test for the diagnosis of the condition, there is a different diagnostic criterion for the doctors to define. Some points that fall in here include the following:
● You might have been having pain in three to six different regions of your body, or you might be having mild pain in more than six areas in different parts of the body.
● You might have lasting symptoms related to the condition that stay for at least three months of initial observation.
● There is no other possible cause for your symptoms
These are different points that make a diagnosis of fibromyalgia significant. However, it is important to consult your doctor before reaching a final diagnosis. For more info, you can visit healthylineoutlet.com.
