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...
What great news Alex, well done you, I am very happy that you managed to face your fears and get something sorted out. It is these small steps that keep us going. Linda
Good for you Alex. I'm really pleased for you. Now you have a great doc who is actually on your side and I'm sure you will soon be feeling a lot better.
Oh Alex, sorry for the delay in replying, but I'm being held by the evil cats ......
I'm so pleased you went for it and got such a good response from the doctor, maybe now you can make sure you see her as opposed anyone else, if she has shown a good understanding of fibro.
With an outstretched hand ready to be virtually held when needed (and be grabbed if you are rescuing me from the evil cats )
No need to apologise. It's so good to know you've been taken seriously and are getting what seems like progress. I hope it all kicks in soon and you are at least comfortable if not pain free.
Isn't it amazing, once you pluck up courage ,take a deep breath and hey, it wasn't so bad after all.
Well done Alex, and maybe the extra tramadol will help ease the pains, and glad this doctor has listened to you, you take care now, sending you gentle hugs and a handful of sunshine.....Dee xx
Hi just to say the list may need updating re Dr Davies at Guys...who I thought had sadly passed away as per mentioned in the fibro action blog about 1 or 2 months ago..?
I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and beautiful post with us all. It is absolutely great to read what your GP has done.
You must be be feeling very pleased and proud of yourself, and so you should!
All my hopes and dreams for you
Ken x
sometimes it really is worth the risk and anxiety to see a different doctor! Way to go! I hope your positivity stays with you.
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Have Just Got My Date For My ESA Appeal - Am Feeling Sick!
I would like some advice please, I have Osteoarthritis in my back and had an Atos medical
Hoovering up! What a pain.
Today I got my appointment for my pip consultation, have lots of questions I need advice on hoping you lovely people can answer them for me.
ive got my appeal on tuesday, 
