Confused and need advice please

[Funkyfaerie]

Hi,

My doctor has been treating me for anxiety, and he thinks I may have fibromyalgia, so is going to send me to a rheumatologist for tests. I also have B12 deficiency, but have been told my Gp and a consultant that my symptoms won't be this as I have bimonthly injections.

I have suffered a lot of stress for about 4 years and lack of sleep. I stated to get headaches and back pain and now I ache all over arms, legs, back and neck, I have irritable bowels and feel nauseous a lot. Because I feel this way and don't know why, is actually making me anxious and then I get other symptoms of racing heart ,hyperventilating etc.

I am very upset with it all and it has taken nearly a year with the doctor to even get this far, I have had some counselling, but that hasn't helped with my aching.

Is there an official fibromyalgia website where I can get some proper information?

Thank you for reading. Jx

[Jan810]

Hi j. It is great that your doctor has acknowledged the fact that you may be suffering from fibromyalgia. And once you see the rheumatologist you should have many of your questions answered. A lot of people go years before they are officially diagnosed as there are so many other illnesses to rule out. I think anxiety and fibro go hand in hand with one another.

It does sound like you have many of the symptoms but the rheumatologist will clarify wether you have fibro or not. Hopefully you won't have to wait to long for an appointment.

Please don't get yourself worked up about your symptoms, it's hard yes, but you need to try to keep yourself relaxed. Try to rest when you can, overworking yourself or getting stressed can exacerbate your symptoms.

It took my doctor 4 years before they suggested a rheumatology appointment. I was diagnosed the day I saw him. You are on the right path to getting some help.

There are medications the doctor can prescribe to help with the pain that you are suffering from. I don't know whether he has discussed any options with you yet?

You have found a great place to come for information and a chat. The other members are so friendly and the admin are great and very helpful. They should be along soon to welcome you :). Don't feel as if your suffering alone, as your not.

I hope you are having a good day today. Janine. X

[Hidden in reply to Jan810]

Hi Funkyfaerie ,

welcome to our forum.

I just popped on the site for a brief glance at the posts and saw your post.

If you have a look at our mother site fmauk.org you should find all the information about Fibromyalgia and a lot more besides.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Take care.

GP 😊😊

[phlebo123]

Hi,

I am pleased to hear that your doctor is referring you to a Rheumatologist, because it is usually them that would diagnose fibromyalgia. A lot of your symptoms do point towards fibromyalgia, but they would only be able to diagnose it by ruling out other conditions. As far as I am aware the only test for fibromyalgia is the 18 points tender points test, where they apply pressure to certain parts of your body and it will feel very sore (that is how I was diagnosed, after many other tests).

I would suggest that you look on the mother website for this group fmauk.org which has lots of useful information. You can also request for an information pack to be sent to your doctor if he/she wants more information ( I think this section is towards the bottom of the home page).

And of course there are lots of lovely people on here who can help answer any other questions that you have.

Unfortunately it can take quite a long time to get a diagnosis (mine took several years) as they have to rule out other conditions.

Take care xxx

[phlebo123 in reply to phlebo123]

May I also suggest that you keep a list or a diary of your symptoms so that when you get your rheumatologist appointment you can show him what you are experiencing. I also found it beneficial to take my husband to the appointment with me because I tend to get anxious and forget things, so maybe you could ask a friend or family member to go with you for support. I also believe that the consultant listens to you better if you are not alone. Hope you don't have to wait too long for your appointment. X

[Hidden]

Fma uk

[TheAuthor]

Hi Funkyfaerie

I am so genuinely sorry to read this my friend, and I can see that you have been given the link for our mother site. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken