getting diagnosed

hi I was just wondering how you get diagnosed does your gp have to refer you to someone else at the hospital or what,

[rosewine]

I was diagnosed by my GP but somehow he failed to mention it to me he just said osteo and arthralgia and costo chondritis it was only when my new GP referred me to physio and I saw an Occupational Therapist who wrote him a letter saying she thought I might have fibro that he looked astounded and said it was all through my notes for the last 6 years!!!!!! It had never been mentioned in any letters to specialists or when the previous GP had written to the ESA oe DLA.

I often think it is diagnosed when all tests for everything else like LUpus, RA etc come up negative and the pain etc continues.x

[Hidden]

Hi Molind. I went to GP with all over pain and flu like symptoms and she seemed to know straight away what it was but referred me to Rheumatology for comfirmation. I waited about 4 weeks for an appointment with Rheumy. They confirmed Fibromyalgia and told my GP to prescribe Amitryptiline which didnt work for me but I know others find it helpful. Gentle hugs Joolz.x

[Regnofibro1]

My was Gp then sent to neurologist! This time that is . First time I was a child and was part of a research study group. That was a long time ago. Back then they really didn't know what to do. That was in early 70's. They didn't even have a name for it! They thought it was something I was born with. Actually they still think my being born with broken hips caused it. I just know now days it's a matter of ruling out other things. They can also do a trigger point test. Warning that test HURTS! And all they do is test trigger points simply touch them! Usually 11 out of 17 . If you're really lucky you get to have 17 out of 17 . Then you are nice and sore for about a week at least!

[Hidden]

thankyou

[TheAuthor]

I am in agreement with the other replies and I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck with getting a diagnosis one way or the other.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden in reply to TheAuthor]

thankyou,

[Genevieve]

I saw my GP and, to be honest, I think he could have diagnosed me as we discussed the possibility of fibro. However, at my request, he referred me to a rheumatologist and she diagnosed me straight away. She also referred me to a physiotherapist, so it's certainly worth asking if you can be referred.

[Hidden in reply to Genevieve]

thankyou my care coordinator coming to see me Friday to talk through this and hopefully get things moving

[Hidden]

My gp "thought" I had it for years, but refused to treat me for any of the symptoms displayed. I asked for a referral to a rheumatologist who said she agreed with the disgnosis, but also diagnosed hypermobilty ehlers danlos syndrome, which has fibro as a symptom. I got referred to Pain Management, podiatrist, sleep clinic and ENT as a result of seeing the rheumy, so I'm very glad I asked for that referral. On my second visit she noted that there were some abnormal test results regarding my thyroid - I'm still waiting on those results. If you can ask for a referral to a rheumy, I'd highly recommend that.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thanks I will ask gp