Have you lost faith with your GP or S... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

60,319 members67,537 posts

Have you lost faith with your GP or Specialist?

Sue15197 profile image
5 Replies

After being Disabled for nearly fifteen years now, I actually rarely go to the GP. They cannot seem to help me, I've had all the help possible, hydro, Tens machine, umpteen tablets. Sorry fibro brain, needles??? Cannot remember the flippjng word, argh!

I am going now for a couple of times as they have discovered I am severely anemic, GP is amazed that I don't see her more often, what's the point???

Written by
Sue15197 profile image
Sue15197
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Rach1977 profile image
Rach1977

Hi,

Was accupuncture the word??? !!! Don't worry I am just as bad!!! It sure is frustrating though isn't it!!

I have lost faith with my Gp and will be finding a new one!!!.l..oh and the whole system!!

Good luck when you see your Dr, atleast your Dr isn't telling you to go away and seems approachable.

xx

Cazie50 profile image
Cazie50

Yeah, I'm with you on that one. It's really a waste of my time going to see my GP, or any other GP in the practice. I almost do feel that they're waiting for me to come up with something for them. I was at a training event a while ago at work and it's very true that GP's are great for those things they feel the can 'fix', because that is what they are trained to do. For Long Term Conditions I think they are out of their depth and require more input from those in the know.

For those of you who live in Scotland there is the Long Term Conditions Alliance ltcas.org.uk/ and I've found them very helpful.

LindseyMid profile image
LindseyMid

It's worth going to see your GP with information, whether this is on things that perhaps you should be tested for and might not have been (e.g. anaemia!) or treatments you would like to try.

It is the unfortunate situation in the UK that the NHS does not deal well with chronic conditions. And as Fibro has a lack of specialist consultants, specialist nurses and specialist clinics, we are left even more than usual to our GPs, who do not have the training to deal with us. Therefore it is vitally important with Fibro that you become an expert patient and take charge of your healthcare.

The Becoming an Expert Patient articles on the FibroAction website (see below) are now quite old but most of what is in them is still valid (I will probably add more detail if I ever get time to update them):

fibroaction.org/Pages/learn...

Fortunately my GP is very understanding, so I am fortunate there. However when I was referred to a Specialist at my local hospital, he was awful! I ended up crying every time I saw him as I got the impression he didn't believe a word I said. This went on for months, hubby came with me and in the end after speaking to a fellow Fibro friend, she persuaded me to try to switch to her Specialist who was understanding of Fibromyalgia, CFS/ME. It was quite a lengthy process but I manage to change Specialists and now my medication has all been changed and really helps me, whereas I was completely spaced out with the meds I used to take. Also I feel I am getting the help and support I need. It's worth thinking about changing your GP or Specialist if you feel you aren't getting the advice, help and support you need. It worked for me. :)

Sue15197 profile image
Sue15197

I did go to see my GP, well another GP in the same surgery, a woman. She said that I am low on iron and folic acid, so extra tablet a day, also 3 extra anti biotics too, am getting concerned as that takes me up to 26 tablets a day now, then back down to 23. We have discussed treatments and she appears to be agrteeing with me to try to get me better, yay!

As for specialists, I did see a guy, and he was horrible, he tried to belittle me in front of his young doctors by asking me why I didn't like him. I explained that he had the beside manner of Ghenkis Khan, well he DID ask lolol

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

How do you manage your pain?

Good morning all, I was recently diagnosed with Fibro but haven't had much help with managing pain....
Zee1973 profile image

Could I have fibro ? How do you get GP to diagnose? Help please

Hello All. I'm new to this forum. I have endometriosis and adenomyosis - but I have seen several...
Curlymum profile image

Does anyone else have very or no appetite.?

Feel nauseous and full/bloated/painful tummy.Seem to have lost taste.Extremely tired but not on any...
Petra profile image

Explaining on-going pain issues with GP

Hello Everyone I am new to this site but have been reading some of your experience in regards of...
Shanpa69 profile image

Bed topper or not? Double or single? What is your opinion on bed toppers please.

I sleep in a kingsize bed with my lovely husband. Sometimes I become hot, but I am in need of...
Sarah-Jane profile image

Moderation team

See all
Hazel_Angelstar profile image
Hazel_AngelstarAdministrator
Lynda_FMA_UK profile image
Lynda_FMA_UKModerator
Sarah_fmauk profile image
Sarah_fmaukModerator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.