How do I get a diagnosis ????
Posted , 4 users are following.
I have been suffering with the following symptoms for around 3 years....neck pain, stiff neck (left side only), shoulder pain (left side only), shoulder blade pain and stiffness that generates into my upper back, and severere headaches. The pain is constant and like a burning sensation. More recently (last five weeks) I have a problem with pain in my left eye/temple area and at the back of my head. Also extreme tiredness. I have been to the doctors on numerous occasions and feel that I am becoming an annoyance. They have tried medication for migrane, blood tests and found that I was slightly aneamic. I get so frustrated with the pain that I generally get tearful when I visit the doctor and so they think I am stressed or depressed. My last visit was five weeks ago because of the pain moving to my eye....before then I had just resigned myself to get on with the pain. I was prescribed amitriptalyne which have not helped at all, but made me even more tired !!!! Out of desparation I made an appointment privately with an osteopath. I have been twice and had no improvement....if anything its worse and more. I am a 42 years old female...what can I do????[/b]
0 likes, 10 replies
mrs_k
Posted
There are standard tests. Sometimes GPs have not come across these two illnesses and because the guidelines on these two - say mainly over 60 - younger people presenting with the symptoms are just not recognised. And these two illnesses do occur in younger people than the guidelines say.
Insist that you have a full spectrum blood test done. And do it fast.
And also look at the International Survey website.
Get cracking.
Guest
Posted
*Alison*
Posted
Alison
Guest
Posted
mrs_k
Posted
Just tell him/her you have been discussing your symptons with other people and they suggested that it might be PMR and would s/he be kind enough to arrange for a full spectrum blood test to put your mind at rest.
If the answer is no - then I am afraid you will have seriously have to contemplate changing your GP.
mrs k
PS Email pmrfighters@yahoo.co.uk
LSC_Singer
Posted
[quote:27703ead06=\"mrs k\"]Re-visit your GP and ask him to test you for Polymaelgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arthiritis.
There are standard tests. Sometimes GPs have not come across these two illnesses and because the guidelines on these two - say mainly over 60 - younger people presenting with the symptoms are just not recognised. And these two illnesses do occur in younger people than the guidelines say.
Insist that you have a full spectrum blood test done. And do it fast.
And also look at the International Survey website.
Get cracking.[/quote:27703ead06][quote:27703ead06][/quote:27703ead06]
*Alison*
Posted
Thanks Alison x
mrs_k
Posted
Ask for a second opinion and also stress that pain in the left eye and in neck and head are dealt with. I know that you are not entitiled to a second opinion but sometimes GPs agree when a patient requests this. You could also ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist.
Explain to your GP that you are extremely worried as the pain has now spread to your eye, neck and head and you have heard that these are symptoms of temporal arteritis. Could he please put you on a dose of steroids and see if the symptoms go away.
Please be firm and persistent.
*Alison*
Posted
I went back to the doctors this morning. He actually said that the blood tests had not come back normal, unlike the receptionist had told me. There is a rise in esr. So he did another esr and ck (?!) test today. He wants to refer me to a rheumatologist. He is also chasing up the x ray's I had taken three weeks ago.
Anybody know what a ck blood test is ???
Thanks again
Alison x
mrs_k
Posted
Could be a Creative Kerase test to check that statins are not causing the pain. Or it could be a C Re-active Protein test.
It is good that the GP is referring you to a Rheumatologist.