Neurologist appointmen

[Domi1041]

As I’m sure many of you understand the similarities between ms and fibromyalgia are so similar so I had my first neurologist appointment today to look at ms first (process of elimination). It was about 20mins long and he tested all my reflexes and done a neurological exam (finger to noes ect) which was all fine but my extensive list of symptoms I took in with me took him a while to read through! He did say he not concern led neurologically as it was be really obvious he said in exam so he’s ruled out ms but because I have permanent tender-spots all over my body he suggested my gp refer me to rheumatologist to look at fibromyalgia! It would make perfect sense thinking about it if I had fibromyalgia but I feel friends and family will not take the condition seriously as they would have if it was ms which I think is so wrong!does anyone else have this problem !?obviously they were relieved neurologist isn’t concerned but I felt the attitude was phew it might only be fibromyalgia!and that upset me as I’m really suffering!plus is ms still a possibility as I’ve had no scans to rule it out just a quite neurology exam!??any help /advice or passed experiences shared will be appreciated!!thank youxxxxxx

[Domi1041]

Yes I know very true!my other half is very supportive and says the exact same to me!my friends have dramatically dwindled down in the last year since I’ve been suffering badly and had to cancel last minute on girls nights out...and I have real drink intolerance even to 1 now which they just don’t understand!but like you say I know who my true friends are now! I am more than relieved he’s satisfied it’s not ms but at the same time feel like I’m constantly going to be justifying how I feel and why I can’t do things sometimes as I feel the attitude to fibromyalgia is taken lightly when just as MS it’s very unpredictable not any 2 people will have the same symptoms and some may suffer more than others!feel it very misunderstood condition whether I have it or not! I’m in the navy and I’ve been down graded at work mostly due to memory and concentration problems but that’s just the half of it ...the discomfort the pain...the IBS is so hard for others to understand that i truely don’t feel fit enough to be in the forces anymore !i think I will be going to occupational health if I get a diagnosis on top of my already existing hypothyroidism (hashimotos) which is also very mis understood!but once again I know I shouldn’t care and I try hard not to but the word hypochondriac has been mentioned several times at work and I sooo wish they could put themselves in my body for one day to understand!!

Xx

[redmaple-5]

Hi, I was diagnosed by a consultant neurologist after all tests for MS. Tests included examinations, scans, bloods, lumbar puncture and nerve conduction study. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and is very hard to live with, you will need help and understanding from your family. Xx

[Domi1041 in reply to redmaple-5]

Sorry do you mean they done all test for ms...rules it out and then diagnosed with fibromyalgia? My neurologist said it would be rheumatologist that would diagnose fibromyalgia ?is all so confusing as soo many of my symptoms like electric shocks...burning...buzzing...needles...feel so nerve related!but just because I passed neurological exam that doesn’t rule out my nerve are playing a part in possible fibromyalgia?

Xxx

[redmaple-5 in reply to Domi1041]

Hi, Tests ruled out MS in my case. I now take medication which helps to calm the nerve pains. I think once you are seen by rheumatologist things will be clearer hopefully. Xx

[Regnofibro1]

Cat scans are part of my life. I have MS and that is how they keep a check on it. Fibromyalgia is something I also have. My family is so use to me having both that I don't think they think about the pain.

[Fra22-57]

I don't have faith in neurologists.had bad experiences with 2 who's diagnosis both wacky.I knew they were wrong but doctors should be right shouldn't they. Rheumatologist best.

[Domi1041 in reply to Fra22-57]

What did they diagnose you with on those occasions??and have you finally got correct diagnosis?i did think was very simple tests to rule out ms without any scans?!?!i wonder if people pass neuro exam but still have ms and find out later down the line??x

[DogMamma]

I have fibromyalgia - possible diagnosed 1993 and sometimes wonder if I have MS, as well! First: I live with MS 24/7, Care giver to my hubby, diagnosed with MS - 2004. Before that my best friend since we were 18 - diagnosed with MS 1997! Feel that my rheumatologist would have found MS when she gave me final diagnosis in 2004. But I can certainly tell all of you, YES, FIBRO mimics MS, in so many ways. But as much as I would not wish Fibro on anyone, I definitely would not wish MS on my worse enemy. I may have Fibromyalgia and ALL that goes with it (I seem to have everything that could possibly be related to Fibro) plus OA, but I can personally tell you MS is MUCH WORSE. Love and Peace to All. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mary