Question
Hi,

About 1 year ago, I began experiencing a diffuse pain in my right wrist.  I figured that it was likely related to the new job that I had just started (lots of fine motor work with my hands), but it actually didn't make much sense since I had been doing this type of work for ~7 years at my previous job.

The pain would sometimes spread to my right elbow and left wrist, but is now persistently there.  One month ago both of my shoulders also began hurting.  Just today my ring finger started hurting.  The pain is very migratory (some days it's my shoulders, next day elbows, etc.).

I've tried PT, strong NSAIDs (diclofenac) and muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), as well as ice and cortisone, but none have really led to any improvement.  What my Physiatrist calls "standard bloodwork," testing for RA, etc. was all negative.  

This has become a major strain in my life.  I'd appreciate any advice of what types of doctors to see, what types of tests to ask for, etc.  Thanks for your time,
Steve

Answer
In my own experience, pain like you describe with no evidence of another disease is likely fibromyalgia.  If you haven't already, see a rheumatologist.  In the meantime, keep a "pain diary" - where the pain is, when it starts, how long it lasts, what you did before the pain started, what gave you relief, etc.  Anything you can think of that will help the doctor understand it better and get you an accurate diagnosis.  Note your questions for her/him in it, too.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed after anything else is ruled out, so you may still have some testing to go through. I understand the struggle with pain and how discouraging it can be, but work with your doctor to find a treatment that will give you some relief.