How to prepare for a video visit about Fibromyalgia (Education)

Audience: adult

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Preparing well for your video visit about fibromyalgia can help you get the most from your time with your healthcare provider. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, treatment options, and ways to manage your condition. This guide helps you prepare by explaining what to expect, how to organize your information, and what questions to ask. It also covers when to seek urgent care and what telemedicine can and cannot do for fibromyalgia. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and follow-up but does not replace in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in arms or legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — go to the emergency room right away.
• Sudden, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and their impact on daily life
• Medication review and management
• Providing education about fibromyalgia
• Guidance on lifestyle changes and symptom management
• Follow-up visits for stable symptoms

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment
• Ordering or conducting diagnostic tests like blood work or imaging
• Treating emergency symptoms or sudden severe changes
• Administering injections or physical therapies

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. People with fibromyalgia often feel tired and may have trouble sleeping. Other symptoms include headaches, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to touch. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves how the brain processes pain signals.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, write down your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Note when your symptoms started and any treatments you have tried. Prepare a list of your current medications, including supplements. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a reliable internet connection for the visit. Have a family member or friend nearby if you want support.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They may guide you through simple physical movements to observe your pain areas. The provider will discuss possible treatments, lifestyle changes, and ways to manage symptoms. You can ask questions about your condition and next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience sudden severe pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, seek emergency care immediately. These symptoms are not typical of fibromyalgia and need urgent evaluation. Also, if your symptoms worsen quickly or new symptoms develop, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Managing Fibromyalgia with Telemedicine

Telemedicine can help with ongoing education, symptom monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle advice. It allows you to check in with your provider without traveling. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, diagnostic tests, or emergency treatments. Your provider may recommend in-person visits when needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Make a list of your current symptoms and how they affect you.
• Write down when your symptoms started and any changes over time.
• Prepare a list of all medications, supplements, and treatments you use.
• Find a quiet, private place with good lighting and internet for the video call.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Have a notepad ready to write down important information or questions.
• Consider having a trusted person with you for support if desired.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or you develop new concerns.
• Use recommended lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management.
• Keep a symptom diary to share at future visits.

FAQs

Can fibromyalgia be diagnosed through a video visit?

Fibromyalgia diagnosis often requires a detailed medical history and physical exam. While a video visit can help discuss symptoms and rule out other causes, your provider may recommend an in-person visit for a full evaluation.

What treatments can be managed through telemedicine?

Medications, lifestyle advice, and symptom management plans can often be discussed and adjusted during telemedicine visits. However, some treatments may require in-person care.

How can I best describe my pain during a video visit?

Try to explain where your pain is, how it feels (sharp, dull, burning), how severe it is on a scale of 1 to 10, and what makes it better or worse. Using simple, clear descriptions helps your provider understand your experience.

What should I do if my symptoms suddenly worsen?

If you have sudden severe symptoms like weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder control, seek emergency care immediately. For gradual worsening, contact your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.

Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine for fibromyalgia?

Your provider may prescribe or adjust medications during a telemedicine visit if appropriate. However, some medications may require an in-person evaluation or follow local regulations.

Sources

1. Fibromyalgia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Fibromyalgia: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Fibromyalgia — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Fibromyalgia: Patient Information — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek in-person medical attention promptly.