M. Mubashir Ahmed, M.D., and Faizan Hafeez, M.D., are collaborating on a Fibromyalgia Clinic – one of only two in Northwest Ohio – at Wyandot Memorial Hospital’s Specialty Healthcare Center.

 

The physicians are teaming up to provide care specifically for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes, chronic headaches, arthritis and neurologic and autoimmune disorders. 

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points on the body where slight pressure causes pain. Some people with fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, endometriosis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, restless legs syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

“We don’t know what causes fibromyalgia,” noted Specialty Healthcare Center nurse manager Tammy Leeth, “but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together.”

 

Leeth indicated those factors may include a family history of fibromyalgia, illnesses that trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia and physical or emotional trauma.

 

“Fibromyalgia isn’t progressive and generally doesn’t lead to other conditions,” she explained. “It can, though, interfere with the ability to function at home or on the job.”

 

There are no specific tests to diagnose fibromyalgia, so doctors rely on a comprehensive physical exam and medical history to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. There is also no cure for fibromyalgia, and no treatment that will address all of the symptoms.

 

“There are a wide array of treatments that have been shown to be effective in treating and managing fibromyalgia,” Leeth stated. “At the clinic, the doctors develop an individualized treatment plan designed to minimize symptoms and improve the general health of the patient.”

 

The nurse said having a neurologist – Dr. Hafeez is Board Certified in Neurology, Headache Medicine and Pain Medicine – and rheumatologist – Dr. Ahmed is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology – working together in the Fibromyalgia Clinic is key to well-rounded, comprehensive care. The neurologist concentrates on the nervous system, while the rheumatologist focuses on joints, soft tissue and connective tissue.

 

“These complex patients require a multidisciplinary approach to manage their condition,” Leeth emphasized. “Now, we can provide this at home.”

 

The multidisciplinary approach at the Fibromyalgia Clinic may include a rheumatological evaluation, neurological evaluation, diagnostic services, management and follow-up care. The Clinic is held on select Wednesdays and Thursdays.

 

For more information about the Fibromyalgia Clinic, contact your family physician or phone the Specialty Healthcare Center at 419-294-5887.