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Diagnosis today

Posted , 9 users are following.

deborah07681
deborah07681

Just got home from rheumatology appointment. Met a lovely doctor who finally diagnosed me with having chronic fatigue, fibro and raynards. He has prescribed Gabapentin to help kick start a sleeping patten, anyone taking it? He is also testing for Lupus as my father has it but isn't convinced I have that. As nice as is was he basically told me to go home and research these conditions and to go back in 4 month when he will decide if I go down CBT route or psychology to release the underlaying causes. Feel better for having a name for how I feel but also very much left to my own devise.

2 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • TeresaJS
    TeresaJS deborah07681

    Posted

    Hi Deborah. I would like to congratulate you on havinh a diagnosis and also having found a lovely doctor. On any condition it's of critical importantce to be well informed. So you doctor besides of being lovely is also right. If he suggested CBT and if you have that possibility My suggestion is go for it ASAP. Why wait 4 months?

    In here you're going to find lots of people with FibroM and related conditions so, you're not alone. It's also important to give this forum some feed back on you therapeutic process so that people can learn from your experience.

    X

    • deborah07681
      deborah07681 TeresaJS

      Posted

      Thank you. I really appreciate your support and I hope that I can turn this experience into a positive one and help others. I've a feeling that today is the first step on a long medical journey x
  • jrichards50
    jrichards50 deborah07681

    Posted

    Hi Deborah , Gabapentin didn't work for me , I've also tried Pregabalin which left me feeling like a zombie, now on Amitriptyline but not really sure if these are helping but only been on them a week . Hope they work for you. My Rhuematologist did the same to me basically gave me a leaflet on Fibromyalgia and told me to see my GP for pain relief . Some Gps I've spoken to don't believe it exists which then makes me feel like a hypochondriac . Good luck
  • leona18728
    leona18728 deborah07681

    Posted

    Hi. I have lupus fibro and raynards among other conditions,

    I was off work for nearly six months and Gabapentin got me back to work which was great for a few months,

    I'm still taking them 3 times a day but I feel they have not been working for me for a while now, my GP has told me to keep going with them because a flare up will come on whatever anyone takes there's not really anything that works for Fibro it's trial and error and what works for one might not suit another,

    Do read all you can, and if offered any treatment try it,

    Your Dr seems to be well informed and a diagnosis is always a relief

    Keep us updated on how you get on.

  • jeanne81532
    jeanne81532 deborah07681

    Posted

    I tried Gabapentin but couldn't cope with the side-effects. Pregabalin suits me much better, but it's trial and error for all of us. Good that you have a diagnosis though. Hugs. x
  • shelagh6
    shelagh6 deborah07681

    Posted

    Hi, I'm surprised that he is suggesting these two alternatives, unless I've got it wrong and the CBT he has mentioned isn't Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but something I haven't heard of. If it is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy why is he suggesting it for a physical condition? If I'm right then it appears he doesn't believe in FM either. Anyway Gabapentin didn't work for me, it made me ill, however Pregabalin does a similar job and is helping me sleep. I have been referred to the pain clinic, hoping they can help. At the minute I take Gabapentin, Amitryptiline, Dyhidrocodeine, Paracetmol and wear Morphine patches, I'm still in pain!

    feel better soon 

    Shelagh x

    • jeanne81532
      jeanne81532 shelagh6

      Posted

      Hi shelagh, CBT IS prescribed for physical conditions to enable sufferers to cope with pain. x
    • shelagh6
      shelagh6 jeanne81532

      Posted

      I can see how that works, thanks for clearing that up.

      S x

    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 shelagh6

      Posted

      Hi Shelagh and Deborah;    I also suffer from some of the conditons listed above, and do find Gabapentin, Amitrytilline, Valium and Oxycontin 20mgs SL along with the Panadol, Voltaren and Pariet, all help to decrease my probs...but as my Rhuemy says, and we all need to understand, that we are ALWAYS going to have some pain...there has not been enough research yet to find "the miracle medication/cure"...so as others have said, it is a case of "trial and error" until the patient finds what works for them...along with some physio/massages....as for the CBT, as many researchers feel, the Fibro comes after many years of excessive stress (which we can get from many causes...our jobs/lives/genetic makeup etc), and I really agree that undertaking sessions of Cognitative Behaviour, may help/find what our stressors are, and how to handle these, which will/could decrease our Fibro flare-ups???....as mentioned...if someone is prepared to trial all pathways for our treatment, go for it....good luck, and keep us informed, Deborah.....Bron
  • Bee70
    Bee70 deborah07681

    Posted

    Hi Deborah

    I bet you frrl relieved to finally get a diagnosis.

    I do hope you will keep us posted with your progress.  

    I truly believe in CBT therapy, it is a mindful way of thinking and will help your thought process on a day to day basis.  Give it a go.

    Good Luck and take a day at a time.

    • deborah07681
      deborah07681 Bee70

      Posted

      I will. Its nice to feel like someone actually believes the things I feel are real, its so easy to start to doubt yourself
  • christine26761
    christine26761 deborah07681

    Posted

    We'll done you Deborah, a diagnosis, as silly as it may sound, was like a huge celebration for me years ago...your doctor is right to ask you to research...once you get that knowledge and understanding..you can take your health in your own hands and do what's good for you..Apparantky the CBT is really good to have..I'm not in the UK, but very many recommend it..have a lovely day..be blessed..gentle hugs from afar..:-) xxx
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