Referrals

[AmyFx]

Hi all after being seen by rheumatology do you get referred to neurology? Weather you have to ask your g.p/rheumatologist or not... it seems I have been diagnosed, left without a follow up appointment and been referred to a special pain clinic called optimise for patients with conditions like ours. I’m feeling really deflated 😞

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

it would be unusual after being seen by a rheumatologist to be referred to a neuroligist. Being referrer to a plain clinic is a good step.

[AmyFx in reply to desquinn]

Oh ok thank you! I read somewhere that it’s more of a neuro problem that’s why I thought this.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to AmyFx]

it most (very) likely is a neuro condition but within the NHS you are going to have other conditions ruled out first which is where you are at. Then you need symptomatic relief and the Rheumi and then GP will be able to gateway you to the correct resource just as a neuro would. Argument that a anesthesiologist is the best dr for a fibro patient could be made as they tend to understand pain best

but seriously what is needed is a good and understanding doctor that will work with you to find the right treatment regime rather than this or that specialist.

[AmyFx in reply to desquinn]

Thank you you’ve been very helpful!

[Dizzytwo]

Hi there, nice to meet you and welcome you to our group. If you would like to lock your post to keep what you write so no one else can see it only people in our group. This link will show you how

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Getting a referral to the pain clinic is normal for for most people with fibro. Unfortunately some don't get one. So its good news you have been reffered. I hope you don't have to wait too long. The waiting list depending which part of the country you live can be very long unfortunately. Good luck and I hope you hear from them soon

Momo

[AmyFx in reply to Dizzytwo]

Oh thank you! I read somewhere that it was more of a neuro problem that’s why I thought this. It’s good to know I’m going in the right direction!

[Hidden]

I find every area has a different approach to fibro and M.E, if the rheumatologist has diagnosed fibro then you dont really need to see neuro aswell.. SOME areas of fibro would be a neuro doctor but based on what you told your g.p when he referred you it probably isnt nerve pain related. go to pain clinic as many also have a different idea about helping fibro, find otu if you can also have some hydrotherapy, I find it a god send for my muscle soreness.

[AmyFx in reply to Hidden]

Ahh Ok thank you! I will do that I’m still trying to understand it all.

[bobbybobb]

I think the origin of Fibromyalgia isn't fully understood. The NHS are far behind in keeping up with current thinking and where research is pointing. I think somewhere in the future Fibromyalgia will come under the realm of Neurology but I don't think it will be any time soon.

[Patdoyle]

I saw the rheumatologist just once and was told I had fibromyalgia and given a leaflet on it. I had to go back to GP for a neurologist referral. I found the neurologist was more thorough in ruling out any other illnesses.

[AmyFx in reply to Patdoyle]

Hmm see I wasn’t too convinced with my diagnosis at first I felt he diagnosed me very quickly before seeing scans and having blood tests (which I still havnt been asked to have) however I have had a spine and pelvis mri. But because I have Crohn’s disease and I am already on biological medicine he was convinced the scan would be normal. I am still waiting to here the results for the scan.

[Patdoyle]

Yes I was diagnosed within 10 minutes without scans or x rays or blood results. No follow up appointment forresults and when I rang the hospital they said I wouldn’t hear unless something showed up. The neurologist on the other hand did all the tests and explained the results on my second visit. He wanted to rule out MS so sent me for MRI on brain and spine which were clear. My GP was reluctant initially to refer me so I went privately. Best £250 I ever spent