Need to convince my GP

[Prestonbloke]

Hi I'm a 59 years old bloke. I know I have fibromyalgia but need to be diagnosed by my GP. Due to pain and stiffness all over my body my GP has sent me for scans, x-rays, blood tests etc. I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips, shoulder, collar bone and have also had pysiotherapy for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, which had no positive effect whatsoever. Im due to visit my GP later this afternoon for results of xrays to both hands and wrists for possible osteoarthritis and also blood test results for rheumatoid arthritis. I know Im suffering from fibromyalgia because I have all the symptoms but convincing my GP could prove difficult. I cannot bear more xrays, blood tests etc. I just want a diagnosis for peace of mind and to enable me to move forwards with my life because at the moment I feel I'm stuck in limbo. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

[RayB]

It's a bit of a merry-go-round really.

My personal opinion is Dr's dislike to be told anything,,, if you have to you could ask if it could be Fibromyalgia? I he says it is a posibility then ask for a referal to a rhumatologist but even if you see one of them it can be a protracted process.

If you feel that your Dr seems to be a bit behind the times in his attitude then you could go to a different Dr for an opinion.

Best Wishes, Ray

[MichelleButterfly]

It can take many years to be diagnosed. Try to be referred to a Rheumatologist. Most people are diagnosed this way and they can help you with your next step. I am lucky my doctor is supportive of Fibro but he only has limited knowledge.

[Dinkie]

It can take almost forever to get a diagnosis of fibro. From 1987 to a couple of years ago for me! Best bet would be to ask for referral to rheumatologist as they are normally the ones to diagnose fibro although it is only usually diagnosed when everything else has been discounted. Having a label didn't really alter anything for me, I was still the same person after diagnosis as before, I appreciate you feel in limbo but as I say the diagnosis didn't really progress treatment. Most rheumatologists will just diagnose and refer back to GP as there isn't really much they can do. I did eventually get a referral after having a meltdown at the GPs, to the fibro clinic at Guys Hospital but you would have to have a formal diagnosis first. It is only one appointment at the fibro clinic. They only suggested pain clinic approach and some CBT. Fibro is different for all of us so what works for one may not work for another. Some of us on this site cannot tolerate prescription medications, so we have to rely on other things such as tens machines,heatpads, epsom salts and the like. The biggest thing for me was changing diet and exclude all processed foods and refined sugars. I too have osteoarthritis and a few other ailments so sometimes it's difficult to know what is fibro and what isn't! If your doctor isn't listening I find the best approach has been to write to them, follow it up with a telephone consultation and that way everything is on record. Good luck I hope you get some answers soon.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

If all your tests come back clear, then it's worth having the conversation with your gp as to whether it could be fibro... Although depending what tests he's done, they're nasty still be more needed to eliminate other conditions.

Provided that tests have been done to eliminate other conditions, a gp can make a fibro diagnosis. It does not need to be a rheumatologist. Many health boards are now encouraging GPS to diagnose more. Xxx