Newbie seeking advice please

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have suffered with a catalogue of 'minor ailments' for a few years now.  Things seem to go downhill following a rather hideous chest infection.  Anyhow have seen various Dr's, most of which are only interested in one symptom at a time, the others claim i'm depressed.  Anyhow too many symptoms to go to the Dr's one at a time.  Have done counselling, CBT without any relief.  At the moment things are particularly bad especially the muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, IBS, restless legs etc.  I came across an article on facebook about 200 symptoms of fibromyalgia and ticked off about 130 of them.  I don't get them all the time, all at once but definitely get through them in a month.  And all of a sudden it makes sense.  Have made an appointment to see a new GP (just moved house) but wondered about previous experience.  I know i shouldn't diagnose myself but i certainly think its worth a thought. Any advice most appreciated. Thanks

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    We know our own bodies Annmarie. So have confidence. Good that you are seeing another doctor. You may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals which can bring on many of the symptoms. I myself, take a mineral supplement and I also make sure I get enough iron each day in my diet. Our diet is very important to get the right nutrients because any deficiency can really affect our well being. Fibromyalgia can certainly bring on depression. We feel exhausted and sad because we have little energy or motivation. So of course this can lead to feeling depressed. It is a condition however, that you can manage Annmarie. Acceptance is a big factor in coping. Stress can make the symptoms worse of course because it puts a strain on our bodies. So managing our emotions is also very important. Talking to a trusted friend or therapist can be very beneficial. I write in a journal at times to get things into perspective. It is good to get our thoughts out of our head and then we can be more rational in resolving some issues. And also in accepting the things we cannot change, for example, the behaviours and attitudes of others. And if you do have FM, you will be able to manage this condition like millions of women around the world. You are not alone in your struggles sweetie. So don't despair. Things will get better. One step at a time. Take good care of yourself. xx
    • Posted

      I had some blood tests at the start of the year but nothing showed up. Certainly will try a supplement though to see if that helps but certainly have felt shocking lately which of course has left me feeling extremely fed up to say the least. I'm not very good at expressing myself at all so don't get anywhere at the Dr's. Fingers crossed this new one is better. Thanks x
  • Posted

    A good start is the testing thru you dr. Fibromyalgia can mimic other conditions. Seemingly unrelated symptoms may lead your doctor to suspect other diseases. Doctors often test for other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, and mononucleosis before reaching a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

    good luck

    • Posted

      I went through a lot of those tests, then came to the conclusion, that it was Fabriomyalgia that was a good few years ago, but only told 2 years ago, dr thought he had told me!!! What a mess! At least I know now 👌
  • Posted

    Well just come back from the Dr's. Said I have fibromyalgia.  Also said its a psychological disorder and only I can cure myself.

    He suggested jogging 3miles a day cry

    So no further forward and not very helpful

    • Posted

      Oh my goodness! How Primitive is that doctor! It is a very real condition in the medical journals now and they are doing much more research into the condition since. It is a very real debilitating physical condition. You need to change doctors. I was diagnosed by a Rheumatologist over 30 years ago AnnMarie and not once did he mention it being a psychological problem. How ahead of his time was he! He also told me that it was chronic and that it would get harder to deal with as I aged. He was right. So don't allow these quacks to put those dark thoughts into your head. Is this a woman doctor or a male?  Usually a doctor that speaks like that is somewhat of a male chauvinist thinking that women are just silly emotional creatures. I am so sorry that you were told that. Just read the accounts of the ladies on this blog and you will see how you are not alone and that it is a Real and difficult condition to deal with. But it is also manageable sweetie. And be careful with exercise because it can knock you flat. I go for walks now and then when I feel up to it. What an irresponsible thing for that Dr to say to you! Jogging is one of the worst things you could be doing! What I recommend is to go to a Remedial Massage Therapist. That will help you with the pain. Mine does wonders for me. They can loosen up the tight muscles and improve circulation. Just read up on Fibromyalgia and take all the good input you can get from those who are dealing with this on a daily basis. Usually the onset of the condition is due to severe prolonged stress. So now take charge of your emotional and pysical health sweetie. Healthy nutrition is crucial. You now have a diagnosis and that will help you to cope. Acceptance first sweetie. Get another Doctor who has been educated! xx

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.