After a rather restless night of pain and self-pity, I woke with my alarm and rang the surgery asking to see a Dr today. When asked if I thought it was urgent (bearing in mind appointments are booked at least 4 weeks ahead), I said yes, I am in unbearable pain. After a big sigh, and an impatient response I was told I could see a Dr at 10:30. Only when I got there did I discover which Dr I was seeing, and the name instantly rang alarm bells, as the ever helpful mother had told me that this one was fierce and wouldn't appreciate a frequent visitor attending an urgent appointment with 'ache of the week'. Imagine my surprise when she welcomed me warmly, and asked did I mind a medical student sitting in with her. I said nope. Anyway she was great, asked why none had done anything about a letter from 1st Feb and queried the need to stop my pain meds. She prescribed as suggested by rheumy, and showed a very good knowledge of Fibro, far better than I've seen from any GP before. She reviewed my current meds too, and noticed I wasn't on the full dose of tramadol which she believed to be one of the most useful for Fibro sufferers, and also said that the modified release wasn't necessarily the right preparation for high pain levels/break through pain so did me a prescription for the normal acting type with full doseage instructions to substitute for a while to see if it helps. Small steps but she was willing to try and help, and had no hesitations in trying new things, where my other Dr refused.
Meanwhile, I've sent an Octanauts sticker book to my nephew with a note saying I was sorry I couldn't come and play, but that the book was to keep him out of mischief, and he could show me what he'd done with all the stickers when I came to play really soon. I have no doubt there will be something to criticize about this, but George will love it and that's all that matters 
Anyway, sorry for the essay, but you were all so lovely and kind, I though I would let you know that your hugs and wisdom made me face the doctors and get something sorted despite my anxiety. I pretended you were all with me in the waiting room cheering me on, or holding my hand like this bear. Even bears need reassurance you know...
So thank you!
Alex
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Stuck in the middle. Pain management and GP 
The on going Saga of my Rude Rheumatologist Consultant!!
Pain Management clinic update 
Frozen Shoulder
