Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, two similar chronic health conditions, can be painful and debilitating. Unfortunately, there is no laboratory test for either of the conditions, so there is not a definitive test for them. However, in order to diagnose fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, your doctor can evaluate diagnostic criterion based on your symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, you and your doctor can move forward and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better and live a productive life.
Instructions
Steps to Find Out if You Have CFS or Fibromyalgia
1. Start recording all of your symptoms in a journal. For at least a week, continuously, record what symptoms you experience, such as fatigue, along with what time you experience the symptoms and other pertinent details, such as your emotions or dietary patterns.
2. In your journal, draw a picture of yourself. It does not have to be detailed; simply draw an outline of your entire body, one version from the front and another from the back. Next, if you have pain in your muscles, mark a dot in that area. These dots will help the doctor make a diagnosis.
3. Set up an appointment with your regular physician. Bring your symptom journal. You may need to ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, if your doctor does not feel confident enough in his experiences with fibromyalgia or to make a diagnosis.
4. Bring your medical history to your doctor to review at your appointment. This, along with your symptoms, drawings and any medical tests will allow the doctor to make a diagnosis.
5. Your doctor may want to take blood test or urine samples to rule out other health diseases. Get all the tests your doctor recommends as they can be used to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan.
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