Occupational Therapy

[Isla63]

A what point do you get a referral to Occupational Therapy for Fibromyalgia? I am finding it difficult to do day to day tasks and this is affecting my mental health.

[Ladymog]

Hi Isla , I was referred to occupational therapy by the pain counsellor attached to the rheumatology clinic . I would advise you ask your GP to refer you if you aren't already being seen .I struggled for ages to be heard and felt like nobody believed me but eventually I saw a GP that listened and knew where I would get help . I hope you get the help you need soon xx

[Isla63 in reply to Ladymog]

Thank you for your reply Ladymog. I have a telephone consultation booked with my GP next week so I’ll raise this with her and hopefully will be able to sort something out.

[Ladymog in reply to Isla63]

😊 will keep my fingers crossed for you .

[Flyby7]

If I was you contact your doctor and ask if you can be referd to occupational therapy or pain clinic thats how I got mine hope it helps

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

You can self refer to occupational therapy in many areas

[Isla63 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you for your reply and I will certainly look to see if I can self refer in my area!

[Greenpeace]

Hi Isla63 , if you live in England you self refer.

Either go online, or phone your local council and ask for Adult Social Services, Occupational Therapy Department. They will ask you some questions, and will then hopefully come visit you. They will contact your Dr if need be.

Hope you get a good outcome.

GP. 😊😊

[Isla63 in reply to Greenpeace]

Thank you for your reply Greenpeace. I now have a telephone consultation with Adult Social Services tomorrow for a Carers Assessment so hopefully they will help me with this.

[LoneEra in reply to Greenpeace]

Silly question but what does occupational therapy offer you? What can they do for someone with fibro?

[Isla63 in reply to LoneEra]

Hi LoneEra. I am hoping they can at least offer advice to enable me to get up from the floor when I need to clean the shower tray, when I find it difficult to lift a pan of boiling water from the stove, and get out of the bath when I have no strength in my legs 🤞. I’ll let you know when I have had the assessment.

[LoneEra in reply to Isla63]

I've never had anything to do with them so it's interesting to learn what they can offer or suggest. Really hope you can get some help xx

[Greenpeace in reply to LoneEra]

Hi LoneEra , I can only say what they can offer you in England as other parts of uk , Councils may be different.

When you get an Occupational Therapy Assessment it can be telephonically, or they may visit your home, or you may be asked to go to them for an assessment for a Blue Badge.

You may feel that you could use a Personal Assistant ((carer), you may have trouble getting in and out the bath, they can offer a board to go across the bath, or grab rails, or they may even offer to replace your bath with a walk in shower. It doesn’t matter whether you own your house or not, but if you rent, you have to have permission from landlord. There are lots of “aids” like high stools to sit on, walking frames to help with mobility, even rise and recliner chairs, rails to help you get out of bed. If the need is there, they assess you and offer solutions to help you keep safe and mobile in your home.

Hope this helps.

GP. 😊😊

[LoneEra in reply to Greenpeace]

Right, thanks. So basically just making it easier for you to do things on a daily basis. The name does not suggest that at all 🙂 I’ve never looked into it but maybe I will. Thanks! x

[Fibro56]

When I saw occupational health it was after a few weeks. I was laid up in bed in pain for 6 months at the time and off work

[Midori]

If you are in UK you can self refer to Occupational Therapy through your Council.

[aaron1234]

Hi, I had an assessment a few weeks ago via the telephone through the council. She just asked sone questions etc not sure what I would get out of it but will let you know lol

[Kernowdot]

I’m undiagnosed, but council have moved quickly installing things like grab rails, but still waiting on putting together the package for carers assessment.

[Isla63]

So, I had my telephone assessment and it was quite good. It was suggested that I apply for a Blue Badge and claim PIP. Some devices were discussed to help me around the house and sign posting to other organisations such as the Pain Clinic, Citizens Advice and CRISP.

[Sky122]

What meds are you on for fibro

[Isla63 in reply to Sky122]

Hi Sky122. I am on no meds for Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in 2011 and prescribed ibuprofen. In 2013/14 approximately I had to stop those meds due to intestinal bleeding. Since then I have used Paracetamol, Diclofenac and Tiger Balm. I was prescribed Amitiptyline by the Pain clinic in 2020 following a change in Doctors. I didn’t want to take but feel now that I have no alternative because I am in so much pain.

[LoneEra in reply to Isla63]

Oh poor you. No wonder you’re struggling! Will your GP not discuss other options with you?