Although I am not convinced that the cause of the pain in my calves that has been so debilitating is from Fibromyalgia, I took my Rheumatologist’s advice and referral and decided to start physical therapy.  I am not a fan of P.T. for Fibros because so many physical therapists do not know the first thing about how to treat someone with Fibromyalgia.  A few years ago I had to “drop out” of P.T. because it was actually flaring up my Fibromyalgia and I was being treated for something else.  I have never found a therapist that amounted to little more than a trainer.

But this person came well recommended so I went in yesterday with my hopes high.  I had a list of my diseases and conditions and medications for him and he asked me some questions. When he asked me what my goals were I said, “I am not looking to be able to run a marathon. I would be happy to take a walk around the block with my son.”  So, the guy tested my range of motion but other than that he didn’t even TOUCH me!  He just started me on some stretches and then takes me over to a recumbent cross trainer and says to do it for 10 minutes. I pushed myself, even though I was very upset.  I sat there afterwards wondering how I was supposed to get back up.  I practically crawled over to the table.  Then he shows me to the machine where you put on a belt that is connected to weights and wanted me to walk back and forth.  I said, “Look, I don’t think I can do this”, and he told me to do what I could.  Being the insane person I am I did what he asked.  At this point I am holding back my tears.  Then he said he would see me next time.

I cried in the car to my husband who was as angry and as disappointed as I was.  I was completely going to tell this guy to forget my other appointments but my friend suggested that perhaps this was an assessment rather than my treatment and that maybe I should call him and ask what these sessions will consist of.  So I talked to him today and he said that based on my goals that strengthening my muscles was what was needed.  “So, there will be no heat or massage or anything like that?” “I would doubt it.  You could put heat on your legs yourself.  As for your pain, well, we’ll have to find a way around that.”

That’s right, you IDIOT; massage, heat, a TENS unit, etc. are ways AROUND my pain so that I can do your STUPID exercises!  I think if I told a even a FRIEND that my calves were killing me and I was wheelchair bound at times that even he or she would at least TOUCH my calves, much less a professional to find out what was going on.  Are my muscles in knots?  Are they in spasms?  How the Hell would this guy know?!

My God, if I knew a way around my pain I would be home with my son or working full time, not at his office!  If I wasn’t in so much pain I would be getting a natural workout just by keeping pace with my two-and-a-half-year-old!  (I used to be the mom who climbed up on the jungle gym with him before I got this sick)

So, I’m a bit peeved at the Physical Therapy world, if you hadn’t already gathered.  And still looking for answers.