Update from gp visit

[Tinkerjack1912]

Hi guys today I went back to my gp I told her that I had spoken with my health visitor who had suggested referral to the pain clinic but my doc said no as she wants to treat me with drugs first before that avenue is gone down. So I am on amitrypline, tramadol and now fluoxetine plus my other meds for other conditions I really do feel like a walking pharamacy lol, anyway that's my update how are all my Fibro friends doing today? Gentle hugs. Xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Tinkerjack1912

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Are you bothered in any way that your GP said no to a pain management referral, or not bothered either way?

You have got a lot of medications there, so maybe it is worth a try first?

Good luck, and I genuinely hope that they work well for you.

Ken x

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to TheAuthor]

Thanks Ken I just feel that maybe they can help me cope I was supposed to be refered years ago but like everything else back then nothing came of it. I stick with what my doc says for now and see how it goes.

I hope you are having a good day.

[Sarah-Jane]

Hi, Im on Amytriptyline, Tegretol [epileptic - but also used for FM] Lyrica, co-dydramol for pain. I also have meds when I need them for reflux, constipation - either one or the other and use a TENs machine for my back. I didn't use a Pain Clinic as my doctor managed my FM really well and working together it was fine. Have heard of some Pain Management clinics causing some problems and so I would try with your doctor first. They know of any other illnesses you have including any allergies so I would think they were better. I went to Physio which was useless as she just said increase walking very slowly and hydro-therapy which nearly lost me my job because of the resulting pain [it can take weeks for your body to adjust and allow this extra exercise]. Sadly I was just getting into a new exercise regime when FM reared its ugly head. Anyway every one of us is an individual, so give it a go. I gave my gp a list of every ailment, even silly niggles, from the top of my head to my toes. He thanked me and said it was really useful. Well he is the doctor and will know which are connected. I was embarrassed because I sounded like a hypochondriac but he said no, it was useful. So maybe do that?

Good luck. Soft hugs

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Sarah-Jane]

Hi Sarah-Jane I also have meds for asthma, hayfever, folic acid supplements , meds for my skin and I also suffer with endo (more pain great) somedays I feel I have more meds than the chemist down the street.

Anything is worth a try but I recall trying fluoxetine before and having side effects so I has to stop taking it. Think the doc forgot that when she prescribed them today and with my Fibro fog I didn't recognise the name until someone pointed out it's the official name for Prozac. Oh well we will see. Thanks for replying and I hope you are having a cope able day today. X

[Fibrofoggiest]

Hi there, I'm not quite sure why your GP is against referring you to the pain clinic, that seems a tad odd to me, but nonetheless she has got you on drugs that can be very helpful, the only thing I would say is that Prozac (fluoxetine) can take time to kick in so don't give up on it, however, if you feel your mood lowering considerably please do contact your GP or A&E. I think most of fibromites are pharmacies on legs. I'm looking forward to a massage this evening, despite having not used this person before he comes very highly recommended, I have doglets on high security mode and Mr B will go for the ankles at a given squeak

I'm sending lots of positive healing vibes your way

Foggy x

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Fibrofoggiest]

Hi foggy thanks for replying I was put on Prozac before for depression but I had reactions to it, when I saw my gp last time she wouldn't put me on it because of that, it was almost like she forgot this time and like I said I didn't realise until someone mentioned it good old Fibro fog.

[Fibrofoggiest in reply to Tinkerjack1912]

Hi again

I think you should definitely raise the subject of Prozac with her, and sooner rather than later. It's so difficult to remember everything we want answers to when going to see our GP, nearly always there is something I've forgotten

Foggy x

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Fibrofoggiest]

I think I will, no point taking something that's going to make me worse. Going to take me amitrypline soon muscles are in spasam making it hard to reply.

Thanks foggy I do hope your ok today.

[Lucyhobbit]

If you haven't done so already, may I recommend getting a prescription pre-payment certificate. I pay £10.40 a month and then it doesn't matter how many prescriptions you get. A few months ago I had a lot of health problems - I ended up with more than 12 items on prescription over a month and a half! Saved me a fortune!!!

should also add that then you can try as many different meds as your GP wants you to try - and not have to worry about the financial side of it.

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to Lucyhobbit]

Thankyou Lucyhobbit luckily I get free scrips at the mo but that won't last forever so I will bear that in mind

[anemona]

Hi Tinkerjack :),

As already mentioned above, I would suggest you see your GP asap and remind about your previous reactions to Prozac. It seems to be a kind of medical protocol Re get a referral to a pain clinic. I am saying this because I have had a similar experience and got the same answer from my gp: to try first different drugs and if they don't have any beneficial effects a referral is to be considered. My physiotherapist has mentioned that complex patients who don't respond well to medication tend to be referred more often to a pain clinic but it may not be always the case. Seeing a pain psychologist may be helpful as well, especially for getting support for better understanding and coping with emotional/cognitive side of fibro symptoms.

Many research studies suggest that gentle exercise, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, yoga and tai chi, practiced on regular basis, result in symptom alleviation such as pain, sleep disturbances, stress relief and have a positive effects on moods and quality of life. From my personal experience, I can confirm that when I manage to combine 2-3 of these interventions, together with or without medication, I really feel uplifted, have more energy, lots of positive thoughts and put on a smiley face You can find more details on treatment approaches to fibromyalgia on different reputable websites such as:

Fibroaction

fibroaction.org/Articles/Be...

Mayo Clinic

mayoclinic.org/search/searc...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/175...

Being kind to yourself and getting support from your social network whenever possible can be of a great benefit too.

Take care,

A

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to anemona]

Thankyou

[ef59]

Hello

I have been attending pain clinic for over a year now. They organised a group clinic recently which I found really helpful. Definitely worth a shot the only problem I have is that they differ in your medication. Which often makes me feel like piggy in the middle. But as I always say try anything once. Good luck.

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to ef59]

Thankyou

[mitziblue]

So sorry sweetheart!!! Hopefully the med's will help if not keep on the GP!!! Hope you find relief!!! xxx Mitzi

[Tinkerjack1912 in reply to mitziblue]

Thanks Mitziblue. X