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Positive Smythe points. ( fibro )

Posted , 4 users are following.

paula189
paula189

Hi everyone.

Got my letter from Rheumatology. And in the diagnosis it say Positive Smythe points 18/18.

Not to sure what that means.

Does anyone know what it means please.

Thanks P

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Teddy41
    Teddy41 paula189

    Posted

    Hi Paula 189

    Smythe points are tender points found in Fibromyalgia sufferers, made famous by Hugh Smythe.  It seems there are 18 tender points and your score is the maximum.  Tenderpoints along with many other symptoms are usually used to  diagnose Fibromyalgia after ruling out other illnesses with blood tests etc.

    When you saw the Rheumatologist she/he probably poked and pushed on various parts of your body and more than likely heard you yelp out in pain or asked you 'does this hurt?'

    I think I scored 11/18 at the time, however, it does sometimes depends on the day and I was having a reasonable day at the time of my appointment. Had I been checked the next day it would have been much higher as I was exhausted from the hospital visit the day before.

    Hope this helps.

    • paula189
      paula189 Teddy41

      Posted

      Hi sweet.

      Thanks for reply. Yes he poked & pushed me from top to toe. At first I wondered what the hell was he doing lol.

      Then he asked me from lying down to sit up which I cant do. I have to turn on my side and get up that way.

      He did explain things but there was alot to take in. He did give me leaflets and a support group info.

      Px

  • Kikirae
    Kikirae paula189

    Posted

    You have all 18 tender points associated with fibromyalgia criteria.
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