what can I expect: seeing as the curve... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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what can I expect

anbuma profile image
12 Replies

seeing as the curve in my spine is worsening and the gp made no suggestion about it what treatment is there ?just physio or does it mean an op to correct?

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anbuma
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12 Replies

I note from your other post that the Dr suggested Pilates for the curve in your spine? It's not a bad idea as the curve is most likely postural as most are. Physio is likely to suggest core strengthening exercises too, to try and strengthen the supporting muscles. Surgery would only be necessary if you had a deformity of the spine which it doesn't sound like they are suggesting you have, so try not to worry. It's really very common.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi anbuma

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I am of the opinion that physio works well for this sort of thing, as I have recently started my physio and the gentle exercises suit me really well.

I genuinely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to this issue.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

anbuma profile image
anbuma in reply to TheAuthor

thank you Ken and jigsawcat .will ask for referral next time.cant be going to any pilates or other groups-not cope with crowds .still not taken seriously about other symptoms-lupus and thyroid.dont know why they don't investigate all possible causes or dismiss symptoms especially when recurring time and time again or persistent.persistent pelvic pain and protein in urine for at least a year.tehy need to believe my dogs!

in reply to anbuma

You can get one to one physio led Pilates especially for someone with muscular/joint problems, it doesn't mean going to a class at all. I had a lady come out to my house to teach me as I wouldn't have been able to keep up with a group session. My physio was also a Pilates teacher and gave me some exercises to do, so it is worth looking into. Don't rule it out just yet.

in reply to anbuma

Have you been tested for Lupus or Thyroid disease? It seems odd that your GP wouldn't even order blood tests if you think you have these diseases. Have you thought about paying privately for blood tests? That's how I got my hypothyroid diagnosis from my GP, by taking the private blood results to him.

anbuma profile image
anbuma in reply to

haven't specifically been tested fro lupus.is there a blood test for it.dont think there is.have all the symptoms.my TSH was high at 3.2,and as far as gp concerned "in range" so dismissed symptoms,he says lab wont do T3 or T4.hsoudltn go on bloods alone -but take symptoms into account alongside like they did years ago.gp's should have the final say not path labs.as several other members who have had gallbladder removed ,say they became hypothyroid.only said I dont have OC btu not considered any of many alternatives saying its IBS which I don't or havent had an never complained of to him..and if IBS then that is also a symptom of OC.havign gallbladder out could also cause other problems -bile related.liver .

in reply to anbuma

No, your GP won't be able to test T3 and T4 if TSH is in range, but if you order a private test, you can then take the results to your GP. This is what I had to do, the private tests showed that T3 and T4 were under range, and that is how I got my diagnosis.

With Lupus, they can run tests although the results aren't necessarily conclusive, but a good indicator. They test for antibodies and inflammation, rheumatoid factor, vit d, b12, folate, ferritin and C2 and C3 (compliments I believe), as well as kidney function, blood count etc. Often the antibody test is inconclusive but the rest of the blood tests give an indication that something is wrong. They normally do a chest X-ray too. If you get skin sores, they can biopsy the sores and rule lupus in or out that way too. There are lots of other illnesses that have similar symptoms to Lupus, so try not to worry too much. You could always ask your GP to try you on a low dose of steroid medication to see if this improves your symptoms, this very rarely helps Fibro but if you felt vastly improved, could point more towards an inflammatory condition...

in reply to anbuma

If you go through Blue Horizon, the full thyroid profile is £112 plus postage and you can also get a creatinine ratio urine test for around £55 I think, which will tell you whether the protein in your urine is something to worry about. Hopefully that will give you answers to 2 of your worries. Lupus will need to be done through your doctor though as they need a lot of blood for all of those tests.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to anbuma

Hi anbuma

I know a lot of people who do not like exercising in a group or crowd, so the physio is one on one and I really like that.

Take care

Ken x

anbuma profile image
anbuma in reply to TheAuthor

ask gp when I next see him.bad posture down to fibro cos shoulders and elbows deformed -doing as physio suggested-back straightening exercises whilst washing up etc.

My sympathies go out to you. My daughter has had 'chronic back pain', as diagnosed by the GP for 4yrs, she is only 18!! After many years and thousands of co-codamol later we finally got strong. She has now had an x-ray (get results today), if nothing is detected then I will be requesting a CT scan. She is attending physio which seems to help a bit. She does however see a chiropractor who concentrates on building up the core muscles which is helping significantly. the only problem there is that its not on the NHS and is costing us £32 per session. Hard to find as I am on ESA with FM. Confused and frustrated but determined to be taken seriously. My only advice to you is listen to yourself and don't be fobbed off. Fight for what is rightfully yours under the NHS directives.

I truly empathise and wish you the very best of luck. K x

anbuma profile image
anbuma

thanks .battlingfor 3 years.will get answers eventually.years ago drs would do every investigation possible and not just dismiss things cos consultants cant be bothered. gp yesterday said take paracetemol and went to prescribe it -er already taking paracetemol on prescription!!

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