Advice on GP visit

[JoyW]

Hi everyone, I am 59 and have had Fibro for about twenty years. I've always felt fobbed off regarding visits to see GP or consultants over that time and have found out that there is a lot I can do to help myself and it's not just down to medication. However to cut a long story short I spent Christmas with my son and his family in Australia and he insisted I must go back to the doctor and ask for a second opinion as there must be new advances in the treatment of fibro. So I have an appointment for this Friday and what I'd like to know is what sort of questions should I be asking and who should I ask to be referred to? Any help or advice would be much appreciated and I hope that you all have a comfortable day and keep warm.

[Trikki]

Hello JoyW.....It might be an idea for a referral to a Rheumatologist if you haven't seen one before as they tend to be the ones who diagnose and recommend any treatments/medications/pain management that could help. I wish there were advances in the treatment but research is being done and at least Fibro is now considered a medical condition! Let us know how you get on...All the best x

[JoyW in reply to Trikki]

Thank you for your advice Trikki I will let you know how it goes.

[bluebell99]

Hi JoyW

It is always worth going back to your doctors to have a fresh look at medication and other options.

You could ask for a referral to a Pain Clinic, as they may be able to help with Pain Management.

As far as new treatments, I am not aware of anything that has come within the last few years, although there is research into the causes as well as treatments.

You could try gentle exercise like Tai Chi or swimming, make sure the pool is warm.

Otherwise it is really trial and error to find what works best for you.

Good luck!

Xx

[Hidden]

Hi Hun- instead of allowing the doc to throw more pills at you ask about alternative therapies like hydrotherapy and acupuncture, Ive had both and they help enormously, if he should try to riggle out by saying there isn't any in your area then get him to refer you to a hospital that has, it is your right, g.p,s are trying to save money nowadays due to funding cuts but yet I get very cross Edited By Admin maybe take someone with you who will speak on your behalf if you feel you will hit a brick wall.

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi JoyW

As our Trikki has said, it would probably be a good idea for you to ask for a referral to see a Rheumatologist, although your GP may say that it would be pointless as you have already (I presume?) been formally diagnosed.

There are various things that you can speak to your GP about. Some of them are referrals to a Pain Clinic, Physio and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

Many of our forum members have found CBT really good. It is basically a talking therapy of usually 6 sessions.

Out of interest how did you feel when you were in Australia? Did you find that the warmth from the sun helped your Fibro symptoms?

Many of our members have found that when they have been abroad somewhere warm that the heat of the sun has helped them enormously.

Wishing you much peace

Lu x

Administrator

[JoyW in reply to BlueMermaid3]

Hello and thank you for the reply, yes the warmth helped me a lot when out in Australia (better than any medication). I've tried all the things you mentioned but perhaps it's time to re-visit some of them.

[TheAuthor]

Hi JoyW

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? In my personal opinion I actually believe it is more about the doctor than the questions that you ask? many doctors still do not take Fibro seriously and believe it to be a manifestation in your head! I agree with Hidden about alternative therapies as I have tried a few with a modicum of success over the last few years. Also, as the others say, a referral to a Rheumatologist could also prove advantageous my friend.

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

[JoyW in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you Ken

[TheAuthor in reply to JoyW]

Good luck my friend.

[JoyW]

Thank you to everyone who replied with comments. I saw the GP on Friday and after a chat and examination he has decided I need further investigation and is referring me for an MRI scan. I feel optimistic that at least something is happening and will now just have to wait for the scan and see what, if anything, it shows up.