Who you see to get help matters…they must be right for you – a guide
Who you get help from matters.
It also depends on where you are in your journey and your needs.
Here is a guide to help you decide.
diagnosis
If you are unsure about your diagnosis, a rheumatologist (a specialist doctor) can help you.
Your GP may also be able to help.
Some people find it useful to make a list of questions beforehand, to take along.
It is important your questions are answered and concerns allayed.
The purpose of a diagnosis is to give you insight into your experiences and to provide a direction.
WhO can help you ease your pain and symptoms?
The choice of who to see for help can be daunting.
There are many therapists who practice different therapies.
One step you can take before choosing is to clarify your needs and picture(s) of success.
What do you want to achieve specifically?
What to look out for?
Most importantly, you are looking for a therapist/clinician who is qualified, and experienced helping people who have fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
If in doubt, you can ask.
With specific needs, you can check to see if they can help you.
You can ask: I have ……, do you have ways you can help me?
It turns out that the approach taken and the therapist’s way of being matters as much as the particular therapy or technique.
Therefore it is most helpful if you can relate to them. This can take time of course.
Once you have told your story and clarified your picture of success, together you agree on the way forward.
It is a collaboration.
Suggested Themes to work to…
As an example, there are 4 main themes I focus on with people, once their pain and symptoms are understood (the important start point).
- Day to day living skills — these are skills you use for your daily activities that make up the bulk of your time (waking hours), including how you plan and periodise your time, incorporating recharge time to manage and build your energy
- Specific skills and strategies to work towards particular goals and aspirations.
- Skills of being well
- Skills to relate and respond to challenging and painful moments
These are accompanied by the know-how — how you use the skills to get best results.
Mostly people know what they want to achieve, they know why they want to achieve it, but don’t know how.
They have tried different methods and not found the way forward yet.
Maybe this is you. Or maybe you have found some things that help.
Essentially, improving your life and transforming your experiences is an active process, like learning a musical instrument.
Passive treatments (things done to you) can bring short-term relief, but the sustained changes come about from daily habits of thinking and action that are steps towards your picture of success.
The person you work with should be able to guide, support and encourage you on your journey.
Hope that helps.
See you tomorrow.
r.s.