What next?

[RuAlice]

Hi,

I am trying to get a diagnosis. For years, I have had achey pain everywhere, it's like trying to carry too many shopping bags, but in my feet, my face too. I'm trying to lose weight but I struggle to exercise because I am so exhausted all the time, even after a 'good' night's sleep I am tired.

I persuaded the GP to send me for blood tests, but she said "well if you had chronic pain you would be more ill." I don't really understand that; because I have children that I have to look after so I have to keep going despite how I feel and what my body needs that means I don't have anything wrong? My hubby has taken the day off to look after me today.

I am on naprosyn and cocodamol but they really don't make a difference anymore.

I don't know what to do. I am ready to end everything, I can't cope with it anymore, I can't cope with the pain and I can't cope with the disbelief.

[tulips123]

In all due respect, that is a lousy doctor, and sadly there are too many of them in the NHS. You have done amazingly well to get this far, but I think if I were you I would go looking for another gp. You need a dr. who understands the problems of living with conditions like this, and the first thing would be to find adequate pain relief. You may need a referral to see a consultant. I'm glad you have a sympathetic and supportive husband. I'm sure if you can get adequate treatment it will make life easier, You must be a strong woman to cope this far, so hold on in there, find a decent dr. and take it from there!

Please let us know how things go, post on here anytime for support or if you have any questions. Tulip xx

[ladymoth]

I agree with Tulips - your GP sounds very unkind and uncaring! You do have classic fibro symptoms, but you really should have blood tests to exclude other diseases. Find another GP and insist on some investigations - take your husband with you if possible, and don't put up with this shoddy treatment.

Please don't lose heart - fibro is manageable with good treatment, and your life will be worth living again.

If you feel desperate, don't forget that Samaritans are always there to listen to you and support you samaritans.org This is a 24/7 confidential service for people in distress, or who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Moffy x

[RuAlice]

Thank you for the replies, I'm feeling a little bit better now, I've slept most of the day.

How do I go about finding a decent GP in my area? I live in gosport/fareham area.

I have thought for a while that we should change. I asked this morning for an appointment to talk about the blood results, they have no appointments for the next 4 weeks! My eldest son has special needs and they have been awful with him too.

[ladymoth]

Here's a link to NHS choices, where you can find available GPs.

I have put the search in for Gosport, but you can change the area if you wish.

It's quite in order to telephone or write to the practice manager and ask if any of their GPs has a particular interest in rheumatology.

Moffy x

nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/Go...