Thanks Al and especially Kerrie! Its nice to know Im not alone! I
called all day today to try to get an appointment with Dr.
Silversmith, in between running errands, but didn't get through the
busy signals. I will try again today in the morning (tues). Your
letters have been a boost of hope as I usually get the run around or
poo-pooed everyplace I go. Im hoping she will be able to help me out,
atleast like you said Al, give me a thorough exam (man, an amazing
thing that would be!! lol most dont bother!!) and even if she doesnt
take me as a patient a referral would be very welcome. Ive been going
through a mess trying to apply for GPA lately. I first applied at DHS
for EBT benefits, but when they spoke to me, the social worker pressed
me to try to apply for GPA. The forms are pretty long, which doesn't
bother me, but up until now the only constant doctor I have had in the
past year has been my obgyn. She really isnt quallified to fill out
the papers and fill in info on my other problems. I havent seen the
others because of lack of funds. Im hoping to get to a decent doctor
soon, before deadlines... and if not will just go into debt to get
what info I need from my previous, unhelpful doctors. I would much
rather spend it on someone who could help though.
Every doctor I speak to believes I should be applying for disability,
which I never wanted to do... I feel as though Im giving up on my life
at such a young age...but the pain and symptoms are so unbearable that
I am starting to cave in and realize that it just may the best thing,
but none are willing to help sign any papers to get the ball rolling.
figures huh lol. I just dont know where to start or how to begin...
what to look for etc. You never know what help is out there, no
matter how much you ask until you find the one person that has some
info.

If I can get in to see Dr Wendy, what should I expect from her exam...
what sorts of procedures did she go through when she first saw you
guys?? Im a little nervous! :) Also.. it sounds silly.. but what
should I be asking her, if anything. I always have an idea before
seeing a doctor, but get intimidated in the office and stay quiet. If
I had an idea of what to bring up or expect I think Id be a little
less shy.

I had to see a different obgyn for an emergency visit for other
problems a few days ago, because my doc was on vacation... and the
fill in refused to help or even try switiching my meds. She berated
and patronized me at every question and just left me in a silent,
intimidated, upset ball, holding back tears as hard as I could. Most
doc visits go like this for me. I got more upset because I knew I
couldnt afford to just ignore that appointment and schedule another
one with my doc when she returned to put my mind at ease, make sure I
was actually ok etc. If it was my mother, she would give the woman a
piece of her mind, Im not so good at that.

I appreciate all your help, I am so glad to have found this board, and
I appoligize for not being able to write back so quickly. Kerrie, I
will definatley be writing a letter to you soon!! Seems we have soooo
much in common its uncanny!!!

wish me luck!
~Shannon




--- In RHODE_ISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT@yahoogroups.com,
"singlew4" <singlew4@...> wrote:
>
> Shannon,
> I saw Dr Silversmith and Kerrie accurately describes my response. She
> did not take me as a patient but gave me a thorough exam and a referal.
> I am seeing a neurologist and a pain doc but I think that if you have
> no one treating your FM she does not seem the type to slam a door in
> your face. Call Dr Silversmith, she has several offices in the state.
> She is very knowledgeable, thorough and clearly a compassionate
> provider.
>
> She is a young doctor so call quick before she becomes a bitter and
> uncaring burnout.
>
> BTW, I too had my first symptoms of both neuropathy and FM in
> childhood. I thought it was a normal part of life and being a guy was
> told men do not complain about pain. I am 54 now and it took a car
> crash 10 years ago to lead a doctor to suggest to me I had another set
> of symptoms of pain unrelated to the car accident. In other words it is
> good to find out about this at your age, it would have been better had
> it been investigasted earlier. I know, believe me. Al
>