My Progression with the nhs.

[Dimplez18]

Hi everyone. I've been quiet for a while just trying to get on with what I'm going through. Been too physio and they gave tips on exercise but they said for fibromyalgia you need to be referred to rheumatologist and said you gp should have done this. Typical lol. She going to have a word and get me referred. I waited 6 weeks for the physio appointment. I asked how long will this take she said because your condition is acute it should be quicker. Do you guys know how long that Is? For those who have been referred?

[Sorebones]

Not all of us get referred. If your GP is confident with the diagnosis then there is no need to see a rheumatologist. Most of us who have seen one can tell you that they will confirm the diagnosis, recommend some meds (if your GP hasn't already done this) then discharge you straight back to your GP. 🐸

[neesey1005]

Hi I have been going through two years of tests - bloods , xrays, MRI, and electro muscle , I have seen the rheumatologist , neurologist, and came up clear - then back to doctor now waiting for rheumatologist in august for confirmation and have been waiting for pain clinic (referred in January - forms returned a month ago!!!). I know I have fibromyalgia have known for a long time the doctor says I have fibromyalgia just waiting for confirmation from rheumatologist in august - its been a long road - good luck ----Neese. x

[Hypo101 in reply to neesey1005]

I would advice you to get tested for thyoid disease/hashimotos if/before they diagnose you with fibomyalgia

[neesey1005 in reply to Hypo101]

Had the thyroid test done - it was clear😊

[Hypo101 in reply to neesey1005]

did they do antibodies test?

[Dimplez18 in reply to Hypo101]

I'm not sure

[Hypo101 in reply to Dimplez18]

Please check. If they haven't ask them to and if they refuse find a doctor that will. Also be good if you can get copy if thyroid blood results and post them here or on thyroid group.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Dimplez18

I had my diagnosis (went privately) and then was referred to physio. I found the time I spent there exceedingly useful. I still do my gentle exercise programme daily. I am not really sure what a Rheumatologist can add that has not already been looked at when you have a diagnosis and an exercise regime? (Mediation maybe?).

I think if you have had your thyroid tested and it is clear then it will not be thyroid related? There was an episode of ''GP's behind closed doors'' the other night and a patient was insistent that a condition they were suffering was thyroid related and the GP said her thyroid came back clear.

The patient then said that testing levels in the US were different to the UK, to which the GP rightly said that you have to have a cut off line somewhere! I agree with this wholeheartedly as for the pain levels that we experience with Fibro to match a thyroid anomaly, then the thyroid must be in pretty poor condition and this would surely show up on a standard test?

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hypo101 in reply to TheAuthor]

Heard of Dr skinner? He treated lot of people with fibro and cfs with thyroid replacement and they got better. Other doctors also saying that fibro is just a poorly treated thyroid. Don't forget that eve boys body is unique and behaves differently so just because poor thyroid doesn't show in standard tests doesn't mean it's not that. Also doesn't that mean if labs are normal and on standard treatment but still having all symptoms that doesn't it's not your thyroid either.

Also I think if you go to different countries they will be all different in the tests, the cut offs etc thst determine thyroid disease. Like I said she should test antibodies and get ultrasound at least if she hasn't.

[TheAuthor in reply to Hypo101]

Hi Hypo101

Oh yes! I think a scan would be very useful. I am sure there are many a misdiagnosed thyroid issue being mistaken for Fibro. There is an interesting post that I have pasted a link and an excerpt from below:

Thyroid issues should be ruled out (or isolated) before a diagnosis of Fibro is made. Does this always happen? No, so some people are mis-diagnosed. Does that mean that Fibro is hypothyroidism? No.

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Take care

Ken

[Dimplez18 in reply to Hypo101]

What is the purpose to test for antibodies? How does this link with fibromyalgia?

[Hypo101 in reply to Dimplez18]

Because if antibodies back positive it means you have hashimotos which is where immune system attacks your thyroid. So your fibro could be undiagnosed or poorly treated hashimotos disease.