hello I'm new to this wondering if any one can advise me... i have arthritis in my hips
iv also been have having symptoms of fibromyalgia for several months with pain thats getting worse every day been the doctors a couple of times but they keep saying theres nothing wrong with me they don't even examine me I'm 26 and i feel about 90 the pain and stiffness is wearing me down any advice on how to get doctors to take me seriously or wot i can do?
thank you
Hello
Welcome to the forum 
Unfortunately to get a definitive diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can take many years. Other conditions and illnesses need to be rule out first, such as Lyme Disease. It is very important that this is done, as the symptoms are very similar.
In order to get your GP to take you seriously perhaps you could start writing a diary of what pain you are getting and where.
What is your sleep pattern like? Do you tend to sleep well?
Have a look at our mother site fmauk.org. You will find a list of common Fibromyalgia symptoms on there.
If your GP is not taking you seriously, perhaps you could think about seeing another doctor in your practice or changing to a different surgery.
Is it possible that you could have arthritis in other parts of your body?
Wishing you all the very best
Lu x
Administrator
my sleep is not great when I'm in pain
when i last went to doctors and had X-rays they cos i was in so much pain with my neck shoulders and arms they told me it must be a stiff neck 
Unfortunately it is a case of just keep seeing your GP. You could ask if he/she would refer you to see a Rheumatologist.
It's worth a try.
Lu xx
thank you
Hi....I think we have all been through similar experiences in the past.....the doctors have to eliminate everything before they diagnose Fibro....it can take a while!! Don't give up keep on badgering until you are satisfied.....xx
Hi scarrott13 welcome to our wonderful forum. I see BlueMermaid3 has already given you some good tips so I juste wanted to say Hi ☺
Sorry you are in so much pain, I have arthritis also, so I know what it's like.
If you have been diagnosed as having arthritis, maybe you could suggest to your doctor to do some more tests to see if it has worsened, if your pain is worse.
Ask your doctor to refer you to a Rhuematologist or as Lu suggested, try to change your doctor.
Peace, luv n light
Jan x
Hi scarrott13
I think I would get a double appointment with another doctor in the practice and ask about some blood tests for inflammation and bone, including Vitamin D. Also discuss your pain and stiffness and ask, (not tell!) if it seems to be like fibro.
There is no age for fibro, it strikes young and old, the same with some arthritic diseases.
Also ask if you could get a referral for a rheumatologist. You should not be fobbed off or rushed as you have a double appointment which means more time to discuss your condition.
As has been said, fibro tends to be the name of the condition once everything else has been eliminated and may take some time to get a firm diagnosis.
Whatever happens do not leave the surgery without a commitment from the doctor to find out what is going on.
Hi you have to ask to see a specialist. I have an arthritis in my spine and fibro they are completely different things. It was easy with the arthritis MRI scan done. But it took over 5yrs with the fibro. They test you for everything else first. Instead they can give you a simple test. Once I had it they told me I had fibro. I have always had trouble with GPS. But good luck to you.
thanks for every ones advice xx
I have Fibro, OA in neck, mid spine, lower spine & hips (just been told last week left hip has gone from mild/moderate changes to moderate/severe in the last 2/3 years since last X-ray) - there is definitely a difference in the symptoms.
I'm sure most on here will tell you that a diagnosis of Fibro can take a long time - 5 years of nagging at GP before I finally got a referral to a Rheumatologist. It only happened then because the oral/max consultant who examined me for TMJD said it was highly likely I had Fibro. GP kept telling me Fibro was a diagnosis of elimination so armed with what the oral/max doc said I asked him to refer me to someone who could do just that.
Over a year ago I had asked GP for a referral back to Rheumy as I felt my symptoms were getting worse, so she did, however, the Rheumy wouldn't see me as she felt she was unable to help me any further - I was pretty p*ss3d off by that to say the least.
Hi scarrott13
I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. If you are not happy with the quality of care being afforded to you then you could write to your practice manager and highlight the issues that you have faced?
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
thank you i recently got married and moved and I'm in the process of changing doctors surgery i think once I'm all registered i will make an appointment and see wot they can do for me
my sister as fibo and she keeps telling me to keep going till i get some answers so i think thats wot i need to do
Good luck my friend.
Help
Help doctors help you
