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help me please.

Posted , 4 users are following.

sar85
sar85

Hi. I am 31 years old and have the symptoms of fibro, my gp has put me on duloxetine 20mg twice a day but due to pain level they have upped it to 60mg daily. Im currently off work due to the symptoms and the constant fatigue. My hair is falling out too. I have been referred to rheumatology but the waiting list is12-14weeks.i am really struggling to cope and even daily tasks around house are hard.i dont go out the house much as the pain is bad and its just an effort. Any advice please x

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • stasil29136
    stasil29136 sar85

    Posted

    Hi sar . May I ask what your symptoms are. I myself am thirty female and also been told by my gp I have fibro x
    • sar85
      sar85 stasil29136

      Posted

      Hi. My symptoms are constant pain all over body, disturbed sleep,waking up still tired constant fatigue.numbness to my arms.headache.hair loss recently. 

      What are your symptoms x

    • stasil29136
      stasil29136 sar85

      Posted

      My symptoms are involuntary movements whe going to sleep they happen all over my body. Swollen neck. Both hips severe shooting pains. Stinging pains all around rib cage. Sternum ache. Burning back shoulder blades both sides. Stings numbing cramps down my arms and in hands. Stinging pains along collar bone and in any lymph node. Hair falling out easy x
  • UKSteve
    UKSteve sar85

    Posted

    First & foremost dont put too much into the importance of the reumy appointment. There's little they can add other than diagnose Fibro or not.

    Ultimately the treatment options will be the same & at least your GP isnt waiting before trying you on one of the first choice meds:-

    Duloxetine, Pregabalin

    Because that's effectively all the reumy is going to do anyway. ( Whether you have fibro, CFS, ME,....much of the treatment plans are identical)

    I assume the GP will have done all necessary blood tests to rule out other issues like thyroid or hormonal abnormalities, CFS ir anxiety/depression?

    If so then in the meantime assume yourself that its fibro and use online resources to explore self help treatments alongside the Duloxetine.

    (Rest, excercise,diet,meditation, physical therapy, heatpacks, massage, acupuncture, pacing activities, stress reduction, CBT, fun with friends or quiet "me" time).......?

    There will be enough there to be giving you some relief and occupation whilst you wait for medical opinions.

    The meds take time to work, 20mg was too low for pain 30mg to 80mg is the therapeutic range. It can be very effective.

    You may ultimately need a combination of medication depending on the severity of symptoms.

    • sar85
      sar85 UKSteve

      Posted

      Hi. Yeah gp has done all blood tests to rule out other causes. Do you know what will happen at the rheumy appointment please
    • UKSteve
      UKSteve sar85

      Posted

      It varies

      some will do blood tests again and a full neuromuscular examination plus questions about your symptoms, duration, progress etc.

      Others just look at you and make a diagnosis on the spot or not.

      They will be looking to rule out arthritis, polymyalgia or other bone & or muscular conditions ir CFS which they can easily identify from tests. If these are all negative then fibro tend to be the last conclusion.

      If you are diagnosed then the standard process is to give you a leaflet on fibromyalgia and sources of reference for you to look up to understand the condition, what to expect & how to manage it.

      They may then either refer you to a pain clinic to manage symptoms ongoing or prescribe medication or ask your GP to prescribe medication.

      Since you are already on Duloxetine, then they will probably want too see the longer term effects of that before trying another.

      They may or may not ask to see you again at a later stage unless they have referred you on to a pain clinic or other specialists.

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