Re: Savella for Fribo

[Guest guest]

Low K causes all the symptoms of FM. I would wait until you are off all BP meds and be sure you are DASHing for awhile to see if "FM" gets better. Give us full details of how Dx of FM was made and if it was when you had PA. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

2 weeks ago i had blood work done. It had been a while but prior to 2 - 3 weeks bp had been good as has everything else. While BP still seemed stable, I started feeling like K was low with my leg weakness, cramps, run down etc. So i go into LABCORP and have it done. It's 4.4. BUT....when the lady did it she put the tourniquet on and said make a fist. Of course I told her I was needing my K checked and its critical she do it right. She argues and says what alot of them do "you have to do it fast." she says and just sticks me and draws it. I was mad but since I was curious and feeling really run down by this day, i just wanted out of there before I really got pissed.

So it came back 4.4.... high for me historically and rare even when i do feel good, so obviously I am certain it is off. So i don't take my K for a few days and i feel worse and worse - almost flu-like. So day 3, i start back on my K and already after first AM dose I feel so much better little by little through the day. It was clearly my K.

They got a letter, my story, and a copy of how to do it right.

More important Randal, keep in mind that we so underestimate the potassium, in my opinion. My symptoms for years, well over 5 at least, I know now, was PA, BUT the way I felt was due to low K. No doubt about it and I so know the feeling immediately today. Thus in the 20 or so ER visits over that time, when I had about 2-3 days of feeling good (but never ANY change in my critical BP of always 160-180ish/ 120-130 range) after the ER visit, was not due to the pain medicine they often gave me for the headaches etc, as they always presumed (and sometimes so did I), nor was my BP due to withdrawals or anxiety as they presumed (PA wasnt mentioned or diagnosed for years and years), but the few days after I felt good was because they always treated my low K either briefly IV or orally - usually after some MS so I don't know if I always put 2 and 2 together myself, but I was also very sick and fighting through a fog.

K is such a common electrolyte I think it is just ignored usually. And since we have high BP the low K is blamed on the meds and not the illness. Those of us who's K is bad at times can tell you many stories about it.

I would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated.

I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

There are standards used to Dx FM. Look them up.. It is a Dx of exclusion. Unless you meet these criteria and have a normal K and no HTN I would not take anything for it "FM" yet.But need to believe your Dr. knows you best so discuss with him again.Look for controlled trials of this medicine in FM by searching PUBMED. CE Grim MD 2 weeks ago i had blood work done. It had been a while but prior to 2 - 3 weeks bp had been good as has everything else. While BP still seemed stable, I started feeling like K was low with my leg weakness, cramps, run down etc. So i go into LABCORP and have it done. It's 4.4. BUT....when the lady did it she put the tourniquet on and said make a fist. Of course I told her I was needing my K checked and its critical she do it right. She argues and says what alot of them do "you have to do it fast." she says and just sticks me and draws it. I was mad but since I was curious and feeling really run down by this day, i just wanted out of there before I really got pissed. So it came back 4.4.... high for me historically and rare even when i do feel good, so obviously I am certain it is off. So i don't take my K for a few days and i feel worse and worse - almost flu-like. So day 3, i start back on my K and already after first AM dose I feel so much better little by little through the day. It was clearly my K. They got a letter, my story, and a copy of how to do it right. More important Randal, keep in mind that we so underestimate the potassium, in my opinion. My symptoms for years, well over 5 at least, I know now, was PA, BUT the way I felt was due to low K. No doubt about it and I so know the feeling immediately today. Thus in the 20 or so ER visits over that time, when I had about 2-3 days of feeling good (but never ANY change in my critical BP of always 160-180ish/ 120-130 range) after the ER visit, was not due to the pain medicine they often gave me for the headaches etc, as they always presumed (and sometimes so did I), nor was my BP due to withdrawals or anxiety as they presumed (PA wasnt mentioned or diagnosed for years and years), but the few days after I felt good was because they always treated my low K either briefly IV or orally - usually after some MS so I don't know if I always put 2 and 2 together myself, but I was also very sick and fighting through a fog. K is such a common electrolyte I think it is just ignored usually. And since we have high BP the low K is blamed on the meds and not the illness. Those of us who's K is bad at times can tell you many stories about it. I would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Research is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme   I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as " fact " - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Like many, I was Dx with Fibro before PA. I have 11 out of 14 tender points on the clinical exam. I remember as the doc was poking around on my legs I told him if you move down just below the knee cap, it hurts even worse than the spot he was testing. I never beleived the fibro, and did not go the the "education" sessions on how to treat/live with it. I am probably a bad patient, but i dont care what my blood K level says anymore. I am popping K pills based on how I feel. 40MEQ per day isnot enough. I bumped it up to 60 and I started to feel better. The thumb weakness/twitching started to fade away over about a weeks time. I am going to try adding in another 20MEQ as needed to see if the FM symptoms go away. Fall is always tough on me with the temp &

pressure changes. I have pretty much trimmed out salt from my diet as much as i possibly can, short of eating nothing but whole raw foods. I am pretty close to that now. It is still social events that mess me up. Like this weekend, two invited to pizza parties and movies. Grrr, I just cant eat pizza without suffering with muscle aches and pains, along with increased headaches. Every time I go grocery shopping, it gets harder and harder to find anything I can eat that isnt a raw natural food. I did find some really good "no salt" ketchup that tastes very much like the real thing. I think it is made with "realSalt" for something like that. I dont have it in front of me, but i remember a single tablespoons has 180mg of K in it and 0 Na...yet it says in the fine print it contains sodium. But, if it is less than a gram per serving, then i guess they can say zero. Eitherway, it was nice to find

something. I really like ketchup on roastbeef. ============================================================================45-Male-Caucasian, 5'9"- 242lbs, PA Diagnosed 2007 Suspected Hyperplasia-No tumors on CT - No AVS.Meds: 50mg Inspra, 40meq Potassium, 2400mg Calcium, 1000mg Magnesium, 100,000UI Vit D (weekly), 20mg OmeprazoleSide effects: Gynecomastia, stomach inflammation (from potassium citrate)Other Diags: GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Metabolic Syndrome - PreDiabetic, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism caused by Renal calcium leak, Bone Cyct in left Femoral Head and Pelvis. Benign Lung Nodules, Fibromyalgia, Scarring on Right Kidney Lower Pole, Right Flank PainDASH: Started "sort of" DASHing 5/3/2011Status: Last Urine K/Na ratio was 1.1. But

total of Na high alsoInitial Presenting Symptom: Muscle twitching all over body with low normal K, Mg, Ca, Low Ionized Ca, High PTH, low Vitamin DTo: hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011

12:37 PMSubject: RE: Savella for Fribo

Research is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K

and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

As I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been excluded. CE Grim MD Research is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Think you mean mg per serving a gram is 1000 mg.Have you tried low Na V-8 instead of K pills? They can really mess up one's stomach (note Omeprazole Rx). One cup gets you 820 mg or 820/40 ~ 20 mEq per glass.The less Na you take in the more K you keep out of urine as well. And it must be going into the urine. Someone here must have a good recipe for low sodium pizza?Then you could take your own and have others taste it and you may be on your way to being a low salt Pizza businessman and candidate for Pres. Think of the 70 million with HTN would would flock to it. CE Grim MD Like many, I was Dx with Fibro before PA. I have 11 out of 14 tender points on the clinical exam. I remember as the doc was poking around on my legs I told him if you move down just below the knee cap, it hurts even worse than the spot he was testing. I never beleived the fibro, and did not go the the "education" sessions on how to treat/live with it. I am probably a bad patient, but i dont care what my blood K level says anymore. I am popping K pills based on how I feel. 40MEQ per day isnot enough. I bumped it up to 60 and I started to feel better. The thumb weakness/twitching started to fade away over about a weeks time. I am going to try adding in another 20MEQ as needed to see if the FM symptoms go away. Fall is always tough on me with the temp & pressure changes. I have pretty much trimmed out salt from my diet as much as i possibly can, short of eating nothing but whole raw foods. I am pretty close to that now. It is still social events that mess me up. Like this weekend, two invited to pizza parties and movies. Grrr, I just cant eat pizza without suffering with muscle aches and pains, along with increased headaches. Every time I go grocery shopping, it gets harder and harder to find anything I can eat that isnt a raw natural food. I did find some really good "no salt" ketchup that tastes very much like the real thing. I think it is made with "realSalt" for something like that. I dont have it in front of me, but i remember a single tablespoons has 180mg of K in it and 0 Na...yet it says in the fine print it contains sodium. But, if it is less than a gram per serving, then i guess they can say zero. Eitherway, it was nice to find something. I really like ketchup on roastbeef. ============================================================================45-Male-Caucasian, 5'9"- 242lbs, PA Diagnosed 2007 Suspected Hyperplasia-No tumors on CT - No AVS.Meds: 50mg Inspra, 40meq Potassium, 2400mg Calcium, 1000mg Magnesium, 100,000UI Vit D (weekly), 20mg OmeprazoleSide effects: Gynecomastia, stomach inflammation (from potassium citrate)Other Diags: GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Metabolic Syndrome - PreDiabetic, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism caused by Renal calcium leak, Bone Cyct in left Femoral Head and Pelvis. Benign Lung Nodules, Fibromyalgia, Scarring on Right Kidney Lower Pole, Right Flank PainDASH: Started "sort of" DASHing 5/3/2011Status: Last Urine K/Na ratio was 1.1. But total of Na high alsoInitial Presenting Symptom: Muscle twitching all over body with low normal K, Mg, Ca, Low Ionized Ca, High PTH, low Vitamin DTo: hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 12:37 PMSubject: RE: Savella for Fribo Research is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Both are clinical diagnoses because there is no good test for either one of them. Among other things, I was diagnosed with " polymyalgia " (whatever that is). I don’t' think FM and " polymalgia " would not respond to antibiotics.Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence Grim As I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been excluded. CE Grim MDResearch is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as " fact " - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

I was thinking that there are good tests for Lyme. Otherwise how do you know you have it. I recall your tests were +. CE Grim MD Both are clinical diagnoses because there is no good test for either one of them. Among other things, I was diagnosed with "polymyalgia" (whatever that is). I don’t' think FM and "polymalgia" would not respond to antibiotics.Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence Grim As I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been excluded. CE Grim MDResearch is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as "fact" - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Related to this is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Many with PA are given this Dx.

Definition of CFS

CFS is a systemic disorder consisting of a complex of symptoms that may vary in

incidence, duration, and severity. It is characterized in part by prolonged

fatigue that lasts 6 months or more and that results in substantial reduction in

previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities. In

accordance with criteria established by the CDC, a physician should make a

diagnosis of CFS " only after alternative medical and psychiatric causes of

chronic fatiguing illness have been excluded " (ls of Internal Medicine,

121:953-9, 1994). CFS has been diagnosed in children, particularly adolescents,

as well as in adults.

Under the CDC definition, the hallmark of CFS is the presence of clinically

evaluated, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is of new or definite

onset (i.e., has not been lifelong), cannot be explained by another physical or

mental disorder, is not the result of ongoing exertion, is not substantially

alleviated by rest, and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of

occupational, educational, social, or personal activities. Additionally, the

current CDC definition of CFS requires the concurrence of 4 or more of the

following symptoms, all of which must have persisted or recurred during 6 or

more consecutive months of illness and must not have pre-dated the fatigue:

Self-reported impairment in short-term memory or concentration severe enough to

cause substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational,

social, or personal activities;

Sore throat;

Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes;

Muscle pain;

Multi-joint pain without joint swelling or redness;

Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity;

Unrefreshing sleep; and

Postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

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> > I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo.

> > Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three

> > meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in

> > muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My positive result was a very involved process and never a test that could be used for screening or simple diagnosis. It is not a test a typical doc would ever consider. Even a negative on a urine antigen test cannot guarantee a real negative. The easy test for Lyme misses 50% of people who have it. ELISA and Western Blot both measure antibodies. If one has progressed beyond the antibody stage, those tests won't pick it up. When I got a positive hypothyroid TSH (78), my antibodies were in the 700 range (<15 = normal). Now, my thyroid antibodies are zero. When my BP responded to spiro but I felt no better and no other symptoms resolved, I knew it had to be something additional. I was correct and I thank God I found someone. I have to travel 1,000 miles to see him though. My diagnosis of " polymyaliga " was an easy out for a lazy doctor. My BP was raging at the time. Val_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Female, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hyperaldosterone (all endocrine, BTW), and Lyme + HTN that have responded very well to IV antibiotics; breast cancer caught early and probably cured. From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence GrimI was thinking that there are good tests for Lyme. Otherwise how do you know you have it. I recall your tests were +. CE Grim MDBoth are clinical diagnoses because there is no good test for either one of them. Among other things, I was diagnosed with " polymyalgia " (whatever that is). I don’t' think FM and " polymalgia " would respond to antibiotics.ValFrom: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence GrimAs I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been excluded. CE Grim MDResearch is showing a large overlap of fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. http://www.canlyme.com/fibrocfslyme.html Google fibromyalgia + Lyme I've read some recent research about the incidence of Lyme in fibro but don't remember where I found it. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of BinghamI would be willing to bet that many many many cases of fibro (which they usually give the diagnosis to someone after they can't solve the problem, and to give the patient validation for their pain, but wherein it can't really be proven or documented as " fact " - the fibro I mean) are low K or similar - but that answer is too easy, so they don't think it could be. We also lose mag with K and that one is still overlooked in PA. But these are muscle function electrolytes and creep into every part of our mind and body when we are ill. I would say BE CERTAIN they checked your K properly, and be certain that's not it. IF it is the low K you most likely will notice the change so dramatically it will make a big impact on you once treated. I was just wondering if anyone is taking Savella for there fribo. Had adrenalectome a month ago bp is doing great down to just three meds off K and it was 4.7 today. Still having alot of pain in muscles and joint my FP just started me on Savella.

[Guest guest]

Dr Grim, You are under the assumption that all doctors are thorough. I was

diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist who spoke to me from the

doorway, never touched me, only read the consult letter sent over by my PCP and

by the negative testing for RA and lupus...

At the time I had low serum K and uncontrolled HTN and no one tested for

Hyperaldosteronism either let alone Lyme...come to find out I had both and do

not have Fibromyalgia.

In other words...in today's fast paced office visit doctors are not taking the

time to think about the individual patient but are trying to fit the patient

into some diagnositic code to receive compensation for the visit...also to

justify repeat visits that do nothing to help the patient.

I worked for years in hospitals and then providers offices, I saw first hand how

dismissive many providers can be.

The patient must be their own advocate.

>

> As I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme

> as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been

> excluded.

>

>

[Guest guest]

No I am not under that assumption at all and that was the point. FM is a good wastebasket Dx these days.However I am convinced that Drs behave this way on purpose to hurt patients. They just don't know any better which is a pity and an inditement of our current methods of selecting and educating those who become our health care providers. CE Grim MD Dr Grim, You are under the assumption that all doctors are thorough. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist who spoke to me from the doorway, never touched me, only read the consult letter sent over by my PCP and by the negative testing for RA and lupus... At the time I had low serum K and uncontrolled HTN and no one tested for Hyperaldosteronism either let alone Lyme...come to find out I had both and do not have Fibromyalgia. In other words...in today's fast paced office visit doctors are not taking the time to think about the individual patient but are trying to fit the patient into some diagnositic code to receive compensation for the visit...also to justify repeat visits that do nothing to help the patient. I worked for years in hospitals and then providers offices, I saw first hand how dismissive many providers can be. The patient must be their own advocate. > > As I understand it FM would not be diagnosed without testing for Lyme > as FM is a Dx that can only been made when everything else has been > excluded. > >