Last time I was on here it was Sept. Hope someone can help!!
I have several things wrong with me so I will list them.
Pain and stiffness in my legs also back. I have had 3 epidurals in the past. Problem with my stomach similar to IBS but I am going to a follow up app. With gastroenterology in January. I have started getting very small spots on my face more like a rash really .
I think that's about it. I have not been to the doctors for ages due to the fact I have lost faith in them, aIso was told once that I have only got ten minutes. ANY SUGGESTIONS as to how I can get someone to listen.
Sorry for three rant
Kind regards
Pippajo19
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pippajo19
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Hi pippajo19 I see you only joined the forum in Sept.& I don't think we have spoken, so firstly it's nice to know you. Have you been on the mother site ? If not, you should go have a look because you will find lots of information on fibromyalgia & other useful links. Do you think you have Fibro ? You don't say.
The first port of call has to be the GP I'm afraid & there is normally a series of blood tests to determine anything going on like, RA, Thyroid disorders etc. Then if these are all clear, your doctor should then be referring you to a Rheumatologist, you can request this if you've already had blood tests done. Then it is the Rhuemy who will diagnose after further tests.
I'm afraid we are not doctors so can not give you medical advise, only help with our own experiences. Rash on the face could be associated with Lupus, it goes across the nose & cheeks, almost like a butterfly, this is why it's called the butterfly rash, so I'm sure if your rash is like this, your doctor will definitely take you seriously because it's the most common symptom of Lupus. I would also write down all your symptoms and pass to your doctor on your visit.
I hope you can manage to bite the bullet & make an appointment, it's a good idea to take someone along with you for support.
Please let us know how it all goes & do go check out the site fmauk.org
I am sorry to hear that you're suffering so much at the moment.
I think it would be a good idea to buy yourself a cheap diary and make a note each day of your pain, where it is, and how bad it is on a level of 0-10. 0 being no pain to 10 being the worst you have ever had.
Your GP and Rheumatologist will find this information very useful.
As our Jan ( Janet28 ) has said you need to see your GP and ask for a referral to see a Rheumatologist. These are the Consultants that deal with diagnosing Fibromyalgia.
Make a list of all of the symptoms that you have been experiencing and take this with you to your appointment.
Do you have any family or a friend that you could take with you to your appointment?
It is not unusual to wait many years for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. There are so many other illnesses that need to be ruled out first such as Lyme Disease and MS.
Again as Jan has said, I was thinking to myself that your rash may be Lupus if it is a butterfly shaped rash, but we are not medical professionals so cannot diagnose you.
Please do make an appointment to see your GP and take someone with you for moral support. You are important and have every right to see a doctor. Please don't suffer in silence.
Hi Pippajo welcome to the friendly Fibro forum and see you've already been contacted by two of our lovely admin girls.
I agree with everything you've been advised to do by Lu and Jan.
Unfortunately this is a problem with most GPs but it shouldn't stop you from going as they are the only ones who can help you - the reason they give 10mins is because of what symptoms you are presenting them/receptionist with before you go in - however - once you are in there then 10 mins can be a longer 10 mins if you get my drift - maybe it was the doc you saw so try and see a different one - this worked for me - remember it's your health your body and you need relief
Wish you the best of luck and hope you are sorted soon please keep in touch to let us know how you get on. 😘🤗
Hi Pippajo, I write a bullet list of my issues and put them in order, with the worse one first. Try to keep the list brief and short!
I hand to the doctor when I go in, he reads it and we take it from there. It saves a lot of time and helps when my brain is foggy. Doctors seem to like it too - especially the list is short! 😄
It means you make the most of the time as you don't waste time explaining things!
I use it with both the GP and hospital doctors. Hope this helps!
The NHS have some great guidelines called what to ask the doctor, they are worth a read.
Yes I agree and there's just been a news report that for English surgeries it could be upto a month before people get to see a GP - this will in turn put even more pressure on the hospital service - my hubby works for ambo service so I am sure he will tell me how things change it's bad enough now and he works for Welsh ambo service. Take care 😘🤗
Hi, pippajo19 a warm welcome to this friendly site.
I would follow all of the above recommendations, particularly if you feel a bit overwhelmed trying to explain your condition. I suggest you make a double appointment and this way, neither you nor he will feel rushed. You could ask your GP receptionist when you make your appointment, which doctor is better to treat rheumatic pain and hopefully you will not end up with the one you had before.
Do not be surprised if he wants lots of blood tests done before he refers you to a specialist, and he may also prescribe you something to help with the pain.
When your rash is particularly bad, take two or three selfies, because you can bet there will be no trace of a rash at your appointment!
I am so genuinely sorry to read of how you are suffering and struggling and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to these issues. I can see that you have been given some wonderful replies and advice so I will simply and sincerely wish you all the best of luck my friend. Please take care of yourself.
I agree with most of the things mentioned already but I can add a personal aspect. In July I was diagnosed with very bad lactose intolerance. I was getting rashes on my face, IBS type symptoms and many others. GP originally put me on an exclusion diet before referral to gastro consultant.
My experience, but something to think about as you are seeing the gastro team in Jan. Intolerances of various kinds and levels can be linked to many symptoms those with fibromyalgia have and can help in assisting in the alleviating of some of these specific symptoms that can exacerbated by intolerances etc.
Hope you get some support from your drs and appointments.
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