Expert: Kathleen Lewis - 10/21/2006

Question
Hi Kathleen,
I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and was given cymbalta.  This medication helped with the tingling pains but I still have major joint pain and fatigue.  My Rheumatologist is a very dismissive man and has no time for questions.  I know I need to look for a new Dr.  My sed rate is always 60 or over and he says no big deal.  I have days where the pain would keep me in bed if I had that luxury.  I think this is a high sed rate.  Can you help?  Thanks, Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,
It does seem that getting a second opinion from another rheumatologist would be in order.

With rheumatic disease your labs are uniquely yours.  I know a patient with a sed rate of 5 who is very ill.  I know another one who's sed rate runs in the 70's and she's doing pretty well ... go figure!?

Check out http://www.myalgia.com for further info.

Let me know how you do?

Take care and God bless!

JOY;-}AWE!
Kathleen
joyawe@earthlink.net
http://www.letscelebratelife.com