At Your Appointment

Fibromyalgia Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • In the last week, how many days did you feel good?
  • In the last week, how often have you missed work or were you unable to complete daily activities, such as housework?
  • In the last week, how much has fibromyalgia interfered with your work or activities? Not at all, somewhat, or greatly?
  • In the last week, how would you rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being very severe pain?
  • In the last week, how would you rate your pain and other symptoms, such as fatigue or stiffness?
  • In the last week, have you felt anxious or depressed?
  • What symptoms are you experiencing, including pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and memory problems?
  • How long have you had these symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms come and go or are they constant?
  • Have you felt depressed or anxious?
  • What other medical conditions do you have?
  • Does anyone in your family have fibromyalgia?
  • What side effects are you experiencing with your fibromyalgia medicine?
  • What is your main concern about a fibromyalgia diagnosis?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have fibromyalgia?
  • How do you diagnose fibromyalgia?
  • Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need to rule out other medical conditions?
  • How do you treat fibromyalgia?
  • What treatment do you recommend for my fibromyalgia?
  • Do I have to use medications to treat fibromyalgia?
  • What kinds of exercise or physical therapy could help my symptoms?
  • Are there any restrictions to my physical activity?
  • What lifestyle changes can I make to help relieve my symptoms?
  • Are there any alternative medicine therapies that are effective for fibromyalgia?
  • Could a different medicine do a better job of controlling my symptoms with fewer side effects?
  • Could my new or different symptoms be related to fibromyalgia?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my fibromyalgia?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Dec 20
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Fibromyalgia. American College of Rheumatology. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia  
  2. Fibromyalgia. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785   
  3. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0715/afp20070715p247-of1.pdf