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I have just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia

Posted , 2 users are following.

ann32761
ann32761

After very extensive testing by my GP who is brilliant she believes I have fibro. Not sure what comes next or which symptoms are

Caused by this. I am also diabetic so not sure if that affects fibromyalgia

3 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • caroline87056
    caroline87056 ann32761

    Posted

    Hi like you it was my GP who first thought I had fibromalgia, and after some time and a lot of tests it was confirmed by a Rheumatologist. 

    I am not sure what level of pain or mobility problems you have with your case as it seems you can ( if very very lucky) have a milder form of it where you can keep working and carrying on with daliy life with the help of some physio and or pain killers. 

    I have ( what I have been told) is a more severe case , which has left me housebound and unable to do most things. I also have to take ( to me ) large amounts of pain meds including two types of morphine in order just to move around.

    i am not sure if being diabetic is in anyway connected, I know some diabetics get neuropathic pain which I also get but I don't have diabetes.

    As to what happens next, you should be seen by a Rheumatologist to rule out any other cause and then it will be down to your GP to sort out the first lot of pain killers. If these don't help then I would guess you will need to see the Pain Team who can look at a bigger range of drugs that can help in different ways. 

    Its not all bad news , Fibromalgia can come and go or you can have long periods of time when your pain is very well controlled ,and flares when for hopefully short periods when it gets worse. These flares can last from hours to weeks but there is no set development of the condition as far as I know. Just because you have been given this diagnosis a lot of people with it are able to cope and continue on with their lives.

    the only real advice I have , if you are able get help with the day to day jobs around the home, decrease any stress you have as this ( I think) has been shown to help. Take time for yourself, relax and try not to worry about it. Fibromyalgia is a condition with a life of its on. 

    Lastly get medical help, you say your GP is wonderful and that is good. To hear as she will always be your first point of contact. But make sure you are referred.

    if I can help just let me know .

    just so you know I am a 42 year old mum of two grown up girls. I used to work but had to give it up due to this. I also now have high blood pressure , and severe depression which is re active due to the fibro 

    • ann32761
      ann32761 caroline87056

      Posted

      Hi Caroline.. I had to give up work two years ago because of my health. I have the diabetes and copd and have been experiencing widespread pain ending up in hospital on morphine. The GP has given me gabapentin but I seem to have developed a sensitivity to a lot of medications. Don't know if this is all part of it. I am 62 with three grown up children. Three grandchildren and I live alone but am well supported by my family.
  • kaz_40
    kaz_40 ann32761

    Posted

    Mornig annee32761. I was diagnosed last year after 10 years lots lots of tests and blood tests. my gp said I think its fibromyalgia I am refering you to see a rheumatologist. It appears different rheumatologists differ in the way they do things, as the rheumatologist that did mine. did a pressure point test over different areas over the body, sent me for blood test bone scan. Some of the ladies on the forum their rheumatologist tested differently. its normally a rheumatologist that diagnoses fibro. so your gp should you refer you to see one. Then I was refered back to my gp for pain relif. your gp will give you pain relif meds. she can send you to a pain clinic for cbt therapy some areas do 12 weeks free acupuncture and also some are offered so many weeks free hydrotherapy in a pool at the hospital. your gp can advise what is available for you. I have diabetes fibro hasnt up to now affected the diabetes. also you could see if your area has a local support support group. anything you need to know just ask if we can help we will. fibro varies on the severity of it from person to person. fibro affects us all differently. their are many symptoms of fibro. perhaps google fibro symptoms.take care gentle hug
    • ann32761
      ann32761 kaz_40

      Posted

      Thank you kaz 40 for your information. I've been in pain since I had surgery three years ago. Although I've had surgery before that time was particularly stressful. I'm confused about fibro because the thinking many years ago was that it was all in the mind. I'm not sure if all health professionals will take me seriously. I would be interested in your experiences with this. Have you come across this attitude. I know fibro is real. My doctor did some of the pressure points but I think she is referring me. It's good to know there is support though.
    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 ann32761

      Posted

      Hi anne32761 It most certainly isnt in your head. I had an experience with 1 specialist who was very rude to me basically thought I was wasteing his time and off my rocker.so I put him in his place as I wasnt going to be treated in that way and looked down on and not believed.basically being called a liar. I was very angry with him. he said you can have an mri but nothing will show on it. he then said well who ordered an mri. I said well it came from your department so Im presumeing you did silly man.I had an mri it showed I had a tear in a disc.I put in a complaint to my gp about him and said Im not seeing him again. you will have to refer me to some one else. which would of meant travelling to another hospital. Other specialists I saw and their were many wernt so rude and simply said all tests have come back fine sorry I cant help you. I was tested from head to toe mris ct scan you name I had it blood tests galore I felt like a pin cushion. In the end my gp refered me to see a rheumatologist after more tests to rule out rhematoid arthritus. he then said its fibro discharged me back to my gp. So you can get the odd specialist that May be dissmissive but the majority I found to be fine.Fibro still needs to better understood especially by drs and other health professionals. Their are organisations in the uk like fibromyalgia uk who are doing all they can to get fibro more recognised and put out their more. take care 
    • ann32761
      ann32761 kaz_40

      Posted

      Thank you for taking the time out to answer my questions. I have had MRI scans of my head because of the pins and needles that come and go in my face. I've had several tests for bowel problems after which the consultant said he couldn't find anything wrong. Therefore he would refer me to a psychotherapist. I was very polite when I told him where to shove the therapist. I can only leave the house after a lot of preparation and had to give up my job as a chef because of the bowel problems and the pain. I also get severe headaches which are there every day. Frankly the only healthcare person to believe me has been my incredible doctor who remembers what I used to be like. She has been my doctor for fifteen years. I've checked out other sites for fibro symptoms but there seems to be lots of symptoms reported. Once again thank you for taking the trouble to support me
    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 ann32761

      Posted

      Your welcome Anne Im so pleased you have such a good dr we need to have agood one and an understanding one who doesnt dismiss us I am going to send you a private message that you can access by the grey envelope. 
    • kaz_40
      kaz_40

      Posted

      Hi ann32761 I have private messaged you you can access this in your messages box. the grey envelop is for if you want to private message any one. take care regards kaz40
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