REFERRAL TO RHEUMATOLOGIST
Posted , 6 users are following.
I have posted on here before wondering if I may have Fibromyalgia, I do have osteo arthritis as well.
On a recent gp appointment because I complaining of pain in a lot of places my gp examined me and concluded that I had quite a few of the Trigger? points for fibro. She has referred me to the hospital and I have an appointment at the beginning of June.
Can anyone tell me what to expect and how to prepare please. Thanks.
0 likes, 13 replies
gayle06571 libralady13
Posted
Try not to worry to much its just a 10 minute appointment. They will check your triggers and probably decide there and then. I was in and out so quick. They know what to look for.
libralady13 gayle06571
Posted
Thank you gayle0657.I am thinking it is probably just widespread arthritis plus not enough exercise and anxiety. I always associated fibro with younger people, I am 71. I know it is possible to have both. I am going really because the gp and trigger points but going with an open mind. I dont know from you reply whether or not you have it but I do know how much you all suffer and I feel for you and wish you all the best.
trish08400 libralady13
Posted
You don't need to 'prepare' for the appointment. At the end of the day you are simply telling the Rheumatologist how you are feeling. It is up to them to decide what is causing the pain and if they can help you get some relief from it.
My first appointment with the Rheumatologist was very lengthy but I suppose it just depends on each Consultant. She asked me when my pain began, where the pains on my body were and what they felt like. I was also asked in detail about other illnesses, medications, family history of illnesses etc. Then she carried out a physical examination. I had various blood tests taken too along with a urine sample. I saw her every 4-6 weeks after that and the appointments followed that same pattern. It was at least 6 months before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Because the pain can be caused by so many other things they have to rule everything else out before they are left with only Fibro as a cause.
libralady13
Posted
Thank you trish08400.From what you have said I will write down everything I feel is relevant and take a copy of the prescription drugs I take. Whether I do have it I am not sure my gp I think is just trying to rule it out or not. Maybe it is just worsening of arthritis knees and spine possible hips. I am 71 and seemed to think fibro affects younger people.Will see what he or she thinks. My only concern if I do get a diagnosis is that I can only take paracetamol for pain as I also have IBS, diverticulosis,gastritis, asthma and glaucoma. Lots of drugs are contraindicated with glaucoma as well. Any way will see what happens next month. I do you wish you all the best as a fibro sufferer. I know how much pain some of you go though. All the very best to you.
trish08400 libralady13
Posted
I also have other illnesses - Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Degenerative disc disease, heart attack. My IBS was out of control but I've since learnt it is also a symptom of Fibro. Can I suggest something in addition to the Rheumatologist? Last year I was so depressed with the pain and side effects (IBS especially) but brain fog, fatigue too) I went to see someone who specialises in natural remedies. She carried out kinesiology and explained that all the same symptoms of Fibro can be caused by a leaky gut. She gave me a very strict diet to follow for 1 month (based on my responses to the kinesiology) and advised me to take various natural supplements. I was so fed up I would have tried anything at that stage and I swear the difference in 1 month was unbelievable. I still had pain but everything was less intense, my IBS was 100% better than it had been in 10 years, my fatigue wasnt as bad and my skin/hair greatly improved. I also lost 14 lbs. i go back every couple of months now and she gives me natural supplements depending on what the kinesiology says. I've lost 3 stone. Im not saying this is a cure but I hadnt left the house in 8 months because of pain and now I'm back at work and managing my conditions better than I ever have. my IBS is non existent too. Just find someone reputable. The girl I use is fully accredited and has 25 years experience. She doesn't sell the supplements either - she just suggests what she feels would help. At least that way you know you aren't being sold things for the sake of it. Good luck and let us know the results if you decide to try kinesiology. Thanks
josephine33162 trish08400
Posted
Hi Trish, Thank you so much for sending me a message. I will look on Google to see if I can find a Kinesiologist near to me and maybe give them a ring. It's worth considering other options. Thank you and will keep in touch.
Josephine.
debbie31845 libralady13
Posted
yes its a simple test. My daughter has all the signs as well . Ive had it since i was 26. But didn't get diagnosed until about 20 years ago. She came over to my house last night in her pj's and bathrobe. so i knew she was in pain. Her feet and knees were swelling and i touch the areas on her back , legs and arms and she said yes they hurt so bad. She also had JRA as a kid. so she could have one or both. I'm older with arthritis on top of the fibro is just wonderful lol I feel like a bomb just dropped on me this year. i love spring but, the weather is cruel when it changes. sorry i just had to vent. I'm just hurting so bad. The other ladies are right . its easy. If they say you dont have it and cant find anything else. Find a doctor who will listen. Good Luck Hun
libralady13 debbie31845
Posted
Thank you for your reply debbie31845. First sorry that you and your daughter are suffering so badly and that even so you have taken the time to reply to me, this is much appreciated. I was surprised that my gp wanted to refer me. I have read that gp's are not so good at doing this but I must say mine seems good. The appointment is not for 2 months so I will post again once I know more.
josephine33162 libralady13
Posted
Hi Libralady,
I was never referred to hospital, just told that I had it by doc pressing on points. I just wish they would refer me so I could get more info about it. I too have Arthritis among many more problems. I just feel that they don't take me seriously and do enough for me. Sorry to be a moaner. Best of luck. Josephine.
libralady13 josephine33162
Posted
josephine 33162 thanks for your reply. Don't worry about moaning we all do it and it helps to get it off your chest. You might have seen from my original post like you I have other problems including ibs. I hear that this is common with fibro.I have in the past felt like you that gps and hospitals don't take you seriously. I moved 3 years a go and our gp now is very helpful. Whether or not I do have fibro remains to be seen. Will let you all know how it goes next month. At the moment I am doing a low fodmap diet for ibs and it is helping but it takes a long time and is complicated.In the meantime I wish you well and hope you will find something to help you. Are you on Facebook maybe there maybe a support group on there.
josephine33162 libralady13
Posted
Hi Libralady,
Thank you for your reply. I will look on fb. Yes, IBS does come with fibro. Good luck for next month.
Josephine.
debbie31845 josephine33162
Posted
Hi Libralady , Try the internet for more info. Or you might have fibromyalgia meetings in your Area. Also go to your doc and tell them you would like to know more about what your dealing with. There is plenty of info out there. Dont forget 😉 to ask your friends here about the things you would like to know. And for you also . Make sure you tell them you want a referral or maybe you might not need one . were here with listening ears
libralady13
Posted
An update for all those who were kind enough to reply to my original post. Today I saw a Rheumatology Consultant who was very nice. I have had xrays on my hips back and knees as I already suffer from osteoarthritis.I also had blood tests for B12 and inflammation markers. She looked at some blood tests in 2017 which must have been taken when I went to the hospital for something else. She said that my B12 levels were low 130? N one one had mentioned this before and I also had routine blood tests with my GP last year and nothing was said. She will report back to my GP with x ray and blood test results and any recommendations. She had said that I do have some trigger points for Fibro but thinks that it could be a mild case of fibromyalgia against a background of osteoarthritis. I will know more once the results are back.