Scared and so alone

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 weeks and doctors haven't helped me at all just left me to deal with the all pain myself

[Alanna012]

Happened to me when diagnosed as well. Just handed a leaflet and told there was no cure. A lot of doctors don't know much about Fibromyalgia and many won't offer pain relief initially unless you go back and ask for it. If you get no improvement I suggest booking a double appointment to discuss pain relief.

In the meantime I suggest taking high dose magnesium, B complex and vitamin D (Vit D deficiency can result in worsening pain symptoms) and a GLA starflower or omega 6 -3 supplement (take with the Vit D) You can also add magnesium salts to a warm bath and soak, it helps.

You can also ask your doctor for an iron panel if not done already to make sure you don't have underlying chronic anaemia to deal with also as that will add exhaustion in the mix!

I think it's awful and unprofessional not to discuss these basic things with a patient. At the very least pain relief options ought to be discussed, even if the patient decides not to try them at first.

😡

[Matrix]

Well that’s not fair if it’s bad you need pain relief and also ask to go to pain clinic as you will be given lots of advice . Go back and see another dr please don’t give up . 💕😘

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to our community. Here you will find information support friendship and laughter too. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our main website fmauk.org

You may find it useful to keep a pain/symptom diary for a few weeks, and then make another appointment with your gp to discuss potential treatments.

You can also find FMA UK's patient booklet at fmauk.org/publications which has now information about managing treatments

Medication does not work for everyone, and many people find other ways of managing their pain

[Bramble71]

I'm sorry that you've been treated so poorly.

Are you in the UK? If yes, I would suggest going to your GP and ask for a referral to Occupational Therapy. My Rheumatologist referred me and they came out to the house to see what would help me. I was given lots of pieces of equipment; a rail to help me get out of bed, frames for the loo to help me stand up or sit down, ergonomic cutlery etc. I've found everything they supplied to be very useful and I believe they also assess if your home could be adapted to suit better; especially helpful if in local authority housing.

If you haven't been give any meds to help with the pain, you could also ask to be referred to a pain clinic.

Best wishes for finding helpful support.

[Hidden in reply to Bramble71]

Thank you for yr reply

[mummyken]

Hi I was put on amatriptaline before I saw a rheumatologist, he confirmed the diagnosis and only gave me leaflets. The amatriptaline really helps me sleep and helps a little with the pains. Although I'm currently having a flare up and have requested some pain meds from my GP who has given me zapain which seems to help. I do think you have to keep on at the docs to get meds to help. I find a hot water bottle eases my neck, shoulder and back pains too. Nice warm bath helps too. Hope you can get some help xx

[Bambi60]

Hiya, glad you found this site, lots of lovely folk. Wanted to suggest your GP surgery may know of a support group nearby and also there may be a fibromyalgia management training course at a later cal hospital - we have a health connections organisation here, you may have the equivalent in your area.Hope this helps you feel less alone and at the mercy of fibromyalgia - also you should be able to get help with the emotional impact via talking therapies.

Take care xx

[Sugarhobbit]

Hi there

I am a nurse and on long term sick and about to lose my job. I actually was seen by one of the consultants I work with in rheumatology. They were going to refer me to the fybromyalgia group at the hospital anyway that's not on at the moment due to Covid-19 however I didn't want another thing to attend as I am already being well looked after by chronic fatigue clinic in York via video call. 1992 I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and had no help except medication from the gp. Recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia I saw the consultant once then discharged back to the gp. I have been started on some new medication called Duloxetine from the gp which is helping my pain. If you go on to versus arthritis you can download the fybromyalgia leaflet or read on line. I would ask your gp about pain relief unless you have already done this already? They usually suggest amytriptaline which I refused as I had unpleasant side effects from it in the past. After speaking to the pharmacist about taking this new medication they were extremely helpful and said the medication does work although like I did you can experience side effects like anything but mine have worn off after 2 weeks. Good luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Sugarhobbit]

Thank you for your reply I am dulextine for depression as I also have schizophrenia take care and keep safe

[Sugarhobbit in reply to Hidden]

Your very welcome. Stay safe and take care too. I would only change Drs if they don't look at medications to help you. The reason why is because you may not find any difference changing GPS. Good luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Sugarhobbit]

Thank you for that advice I will be speaking with my doctors on Monday x

[Sugarhobbit in reply to Hidden]

That's a good plan. Just jot a few specific questions down in the meantime not too many as only short appointments. And have a pen and paper handy to write down the answers to your questions. My gp was reviewing me every week then every 2 weeks then 4 weekly now. Chronic fatigue clinic review. Me regularly as well as physio and occupational health Dr so I am very well looked after. But I definitely also know that this doesn't happen to everyone. That's why you need to speak up but in a kind way. Explain to them what your pain score is. Eg 10/10 or 7/10. Pace yourself etc you get the gist but lots of people on here to support you as well. I would like to hear an outcome from your experience with the gp on Monday. Gentle hugs and look after yourself xxxx

[Maud-ie]

This appears to be normal procedure, as if a diagnosis is the end of it. Research and use this forum and go back to your GP and ask to try different medications. Unless you push them nothing will happen.

[Hidden in reply to Maud-ie]

Thank you dor your reply I am seriously thinking of changing doctors