Am I losing the plot

[Paulie66]

Hi I'm a 51year old man I've never been diagnosed with this fibromyalgia but I've been to my gp with a few problems with neck shoulder pain in temples and where my neck meets my scull mild pain in my ears both of the palms of my hands are very painful. Especially when driving. I've just got a pain in the left-hand side of my back just above my buttocks that shoots down MY leg.a few months ago I went to see my gp about bowel problems I had a fall bloods checked all clear ultra sound on my stomach and all organs all clear and my gp said I have a clean bill of health and I said so why do I feel like this he said it's just you .which know puts me off going to see my gp about these problems that have got worse since. I have another appointment with a different gp in a few days time am I losing the plot. This is the first time I've ever heard of fidromyagia. I don't know if i have this

[Dinkie]

Hi Pauline and welcome. Pre diagnosis I thought I was losing the plot too, (although my husband would probably say I lost the plot years before that!). Have you been referred to a rheumatologist? They are the doctors who would normally diagnose fibro. Would suggest you ask your GP for a referral but please don't expect an instant diagnosis as it can sometimes take a long time. Fibro is usually diagnosed once all other conditions have been excluded. It can sometimes seem a long lonely road but any questions and the helpful folk on here will jump in and answer the queries for you. Good luck with the new GP.

[Jan101]

Hi Paulie I agree with Dinkie you need a referral to see a rheumatologist they will do lots of test on you that your gp might not do to find out what is causing your pain. If I was you I would push for a referral. Tell the rheumatologist everything and even write everything down before you go because that will help and give them the piece of paper as they will read it quicker than you telling them everything and then they can ask you about your problems. Good luck Hun and take good care of yourself. 🤗🤗🎅🤶🦌🎄☃️xxx

[granfalloon]

At least two years on and I'm still waiting for a diagnosis ... and I guess I have fairly classic symptoms and possible initial triggers (neck injury affecting nerves/spinal cord and fairly extreme emotional trauma - parents engaging in synchronised dementia/business problems etc.) - then pain at the standard pressure points, depression, sleep problems, itching (lower limbs), muzzy head (fog) etc., etc, - blood tests showing nothing but vit. D and B deficiencies and elevated CRP levels, x-rays OK (except the neck MRI's) - GP said everything points to Fibro, Neurologist agreed, but said she could not give a diagnosis as that would have to come from a rheumatologist ... my re-arranged appointment with one (two previous ones cancelled by NHS) is in January - one just waits in possibly over-optimistic hope!

Good luck!

[Mdaisy]

Welcome to the FMAUK Community Paulie66 !

I can imagine exactly how you feel, as I think in the beginning when nothing is showing up medically we can doubt ourselves due to feeling so ill yet seemingly all the tests are coming back OK. I remember thinking 'Am I actually feeling this pain and other symptoms' but it is real and not in our head! I would definitely consider asking for a referral to a Rheumatologist as others have mentioned.

Recently research highlighted that there may be more men with Fibro then originally thought due to many variables, one of which may be due diagnosis criteria and Tender Point Test that is considered to be performed differently between clinical settings. The American College of Rheumatology changed their diagnosis criteria in 2010, details of this can be found below, it may be of interest;

rheumatologynetwork.com/fib...

I sincerely wish you well in your search for a diagnosis Please do also check out the FMAUK website which has a wealth of information about Fibromyalgia fmauk.org

As you are a new member to the community, I've noticed you've not locked this post to the community. Please see the link below which contains information about locking posts and how to do this, if you wish to

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

I look forward to bumping into you around the community

All the best

Emma

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Welcome I see you have already had some helpful replies, I'm wishing you all the best in getting a diagnosis, no your not losing the plot I've been there wondering when a doctor would actually start listening , eventually got diagnosis this spring at the same surgery just different and very capable doctor, you will get there eventually . Hope you find the forum good place to chat there is normally a listening ear and some very good replies with offer of experiences and advice , but for now keep warm and take care. I have noticed there are few more men coming onto the site which is good then you won't be out numbered by us females xxxx

[Shazzzy]

Why not take a list of your symptoms and give it to the GP at your appointment and ask him if this sounds like fibromyalgia to him/her. Then ask for referral to rheumatology as gp has done all the tests that he can and you are still in a lot of pain. Good luck.