Hi everyone 👋

[Fibromum12]

Hey everyone. I wanted to introduce myself. I’m 27 and recently diagnosed within fibromyalgia. Won’t go into my long boring story but I approached doctor today to ask for help and a referral to rheumatologist to be told that you no longer get referred for fibromyalgia... does this sound right to other people? Thanks for reading 😁😁

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Depending on area you live, then yes some areas no longer refer you to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis, as a gp can arrange all the necessary tests to eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms and make the diagnosis. Xxxx

[WF2k]

Yeah, I've been diagnosed with FM by three different GP's, had blood tests this year to rule out other problems, they came back normal.

Even I was concerned about it until I emailed FMA UK and I believe I may have spoken to the lady who posted above who gave me some information and reassured me.

[Fibromum12]

Thank you for your replies. I’ve had mri scans done to rule out slipped discs in back and neck and I’ve had a whole load of bloods done and everything was normal. I just feel like I’ve been left to get on with it. I’m in constant pain and it’s like no one cares or wants to help... maybe just how I’m feeling just now as I’ve had to go part time as I was struggling too much so now I have the dreaded money stress on top of everything else 🙈

[Scenicroute in reply to Fibromum12]

That's how I've been made to feel for at least5 years

[Dinkie]

Hi and welcome to our happy little band, even if it is a club none of us particularly wants to be in. It sounds about right although I was diagnosed by rheumatologist I was discharged straight back to GP. You may find applying for PIP may help financially if you have had to go part time. It's not means tested and you can work and claim.

[Fibromum12 in reply to Dinkie]

Thank you. Happy(ish) to be here 😂. I was under the care of rheumatologist 5 years ago when I got diagnosed with raynauds but my pains weren’t half as bad as they are now so never took much notice of them. Can I be silly and ask what’s PIP?

[Dinkie in reply to Fibromum12]

not a silly question - there are no silly questions on here. Whatever the question it's been asked before or thought about before. Personal Independent Payment (look at the self assessment form on benefits and work). Not easy to get as DWP like to refuse most at first but with perseverance and the right advice it's possible. Lots of posts on here about PIP and we do have the lovely Janet our benefits advisor to help if you need advice, or Ajay or many of the others will only be too happy to answer questions.

[Sarahvit]

Hi Fibromum12, like you I was a little older when I was diagnosed but still young in my life 33yrs or there about. I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ about the UK but I saw a rheumatologist once back in the early years and he just confirmed the fibromyalgia Dx but really didn’t do anything so never went back and have never been referred to see one. So I know here not everyone who has fibro sees a rheumatologist. Welcome to this forum you are not alone. 😊💕🦋🎄🎁

[Queenpink]

I have just been diagnosed and I have been referred but by a locum doctor that couldn’t give me the time of day tbh. My actual GP diagnosed me before that and provided me medication. I’m having to go back tomorrow to discuss meds