Getting diagnosed: Can anyone tell me... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Getting diagnosed

boobooandtom profile image
10 Replies

Can anyone tell me how to get diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have had pain now since November last year. Numerous blood tests and xrays that have come back normal. I have now been referred to the orthopaedic department at the hospital but can't be seen until July because of the covid 19. I have not been able to work now for a couple of months, due to the pain and reduced mobility. Financially I am not to bad for another month as I get full pay for 3 months but don't know what I'll do in another 4 weeks.

Any suggestions would be welcome

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10 Replies
Royalname profile image
Royalname

I think you are going down the right route by seeing an orthopaedic surgeon first. Only once full investigations been carried out, only then, if no conclusion, go to see a rheumatologist ( they are the Dr’s who diagnose Fibro). I have suffered years & years with OA, that eventually brought Fibromylagia as secondary complaint. If you have paid a full stamp, you are entitled to claim ESA/Universal Credit. Get in touch with the Dept if Work & Pensions for advice. (They are still working during this lockdown).

I recommend co-codomol and also ibuprofen for pain relief under you are seen by a consultant. I wish you some relief soon

boobooandtom profile image
boobooandtom in reply toRoyalname

Thank you so much for your reply. It is very helpful.

Hazel_Angelstar profile image
Hazel_AngelstarAdministratorFMA UK Staff

Hi, it sounds like you are going through the normal diagnostic process of having tests and x-rays etc to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. A fibromyalgia diagnosis is made by excluding other conditions

My GP did lots of blood tests and everything was clear apart from my ESR which was high, apparently this may indicate inflammation in the body. I was then referred to a Rheumatologist who diagnosed Fibromyalgia and PTSD. You can read more about this test if you go to LAB TESTS ONLINE UK and type testing for ESR in the search column. I hope this is useful to you?

Blueboy61 profile image
Blueboy61

Hi I was diagnosed in January this year . I was told by my doctor back in September there was a 17 week wait . For that reason I started keeping a diary . When the app was finally here I took the diary with me . My consultant asked to see the daily notes I had made and without hesitation said she could confirm from what I had written that I had fibromyalgia . May help your cause if you did the same ? The consultant still took bloods scans mri etc of course but she said diary in my own words helped immensely

Take care

boobooandtom profile image
boobooandtom in reply toBlueboy61

Thanks for that. I have started a diary.

Lexapug profile image
Lexapug

I got diagnosed by rheumatologist.

boobooandtom profile image
boobooandtom in reply toLexapug

Ok thanks for that.

Julesubu profile image
Julesubu

Really need a Rheumatologist as they look at the bloods specifically to their field and if normal then will diagnose with fibro if match criteria. Not sure Ortho will help unless they think its msk pain but generally that's not widespread in body.

boobooandtom profile image
boobooandtom in reply toJulesubu

Thanks for that. What is the criteria?

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