New here,

[Gem58]

Told February last year that I have fibromyalgia and CFS after many tests. I started reading about it and am trying to adjust life style to make things better, eating the right thing, meditation etc. Things haven't got any better. I feel a better sense if peace and have gained acceptance (most of the time) but the fatigue drags me down. Too tired at times to do the things recommended.

The past week the pain has increased. I can't take pain killers. Still waiting for appointment from pain clinic. I really must head off to doctors again when I find the energy.

Any tips for getting the best from doctors as I feel that going is a waste of time.

[Sue_64]

Make appt with GP that you get on with and is good at listening if you can do that. That's what I've done recently, as my named GP was hopeless, got second opinion to another GP in practice who is amazing. I wrote down every single thing I was suffering, how I felt physically and mentally, the doctor read it herself, there was a lot?! but it made her sit up & take notice. She noticed a problem on recent bloods and gave me meds for that and it's helped, but don't know why other GP mentioned it. Now waiting for other bloods to come back, she said she will get me sorted. So don't worry you are entitled to a second opinion, be brave, you have loads of support on here. We shouldn't put up with being fobbed off and left I'll and in pain with no where to go. Hugs🤗🤗 Sue

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., morning I too have fibro/cfs along side treated sleep apnea, I totally get how you feel with chronic fatigue, the pain side of things is easier to manage than the cfs for me. I have a good doctor, on duloxtene once a day which I think for me is more of a relaxant and codiene when needed. I am laid up today as lack of sleep and a long day yesterday with my wonderful little grandboy had put paid to what I was going to do today, like you I try and accept things and living each day as it arrives , I thought I had tried to pace yesterday but you can never really tell till you wake up what sort of day it is going to be. You sound like with meditation, diet , you are doing what you can. Are you at home ?? I’ve no job out side of being a homemaker as cfs/fibro have put paid to that. I hope you get some helpful replies , I’ve posted a link above if you would like to lock your posts as then only our community can see and generates more privacy for you and other members , xx

[Dinkie]

Hi Gem58. I find the following useful for dealing with GPs. Firstly write a letter to your GP listing everything you wish to address. Allow the GP a couple of days to read the letter then telephone and arrange a telephone consultation. This usually works for me - they have my concerns in writing so they are recorded and then the telephone call confirms the way forward. I had to resort to this method as I was getting nowhere and somehow putting it in writing has the desired results. The letter forms part of your notes and therefore can't be ignored and they can't deny that you raised the issues. Good luck.