Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Are There Blood Test to Determine Fibromyalgia?

I am on the docket for having a physical in April so I am scheduling for my blood tests now so that I will have the results in plenty of time to show my doctor.

I was reading the different ones she put a check by and noticed there was one marked "Fibromyalgia". I thought that was odd as to my knowledge there is no blood test.
Sure enough, I was researching it on the web and did not see anything about an actual fibro blood test, only tests to rule out other illnesses. So why does my lab test sheet have a place for the doctor to check for fibroymyalgia. I do not know, but you can bet I will be asking both the lab tech and my doctor.

This is what I found about blood testing on the web. I have a tendency to gravitate to the Mayo Clinic site, but all the ones I read basically say the same thing.

"Blood tests: While there is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms". Blood tests may include:
Complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Thyroid function tests

Now, if you lived inside my brain your first thought would be: "What if fibromyalgia doesn't come up positive on the blood results? Does that mean she will take my meds away?"
I know that is my negative bent coming out, but when waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, it generally has so I have become somewhat cynical. I truly hate to even admit that as I am a Christian woman who believes all things are possible with God, but after many years of very stressful events it's been difficult to stay positive.

My appointment isn't until the latter half of March, but I will post what I find out. If any of you have had a Fibromyalgia blood test, please enlighten me.

On another note, I have been listening to Joel Osteen's newest cd, "It's Your Time", and it has really helped me to stay postive about so many parts of my life. This particular cd is geared to audiences who may be having difficult times in this recession, but he is such an encouraging person that it can work for any area of your life. I highly recommend it for anyone who has been seriously affected by our economic times and may be fearful of what's to come.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you in regards to Joel Osteen. He was the commencement speaker at my graduation in 2007. Incredible man of God.

I have never heard of a blood test for FMS. I have to be honest, I would be questioning why my insurance company, or me in my situation, would be paying for such a blood test to begin with. And why call it such. Odd to say the least.

I don't think you are being over the top I think you have just learned that you have to look out for yourself because unfortunately not all medical personnel are looking out for us.

Again, I really love your blog theme. It just makes me feel 'up'. Nice job.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend!

Christine Burgess said...

Thank you so much, Dominique. I am glad I can brighten your day in any way.
I will definitely be checking out the cost with the insurance. Thanks for that tip.
God Bless
Chris

Lafe's Hidden Treasures said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. I have a dear friend that suffers from this...so sad and I wish I could make everyone feel better.

Christine Burgess said...

Thanks so very much for commenting Lafe's Hidden Treasures. It can be devastating to some and my heart goes out to them too.