Rheumatologist first or Neurologist first?

[Morars]

Hi all hope your all okay,

Just a quickie. I have never been sent to see a rheumatologist for my fibromyalgia, just straight to neurologist is this what should of happened? Grateful for any help or information please.

[Welshcatlady]

Good morning, I have never seen a Rheumatologist or neurologist regarding my Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed by my GP. Numerous blood tests and x rays to rule out other conditions and she was happy to diagnose FM.

[Katherine294]

Good morning, I’ve never seen neurologist or rheumatologist, my Gp referred me to physiotherapist, he ordered all the bloods and examined me, he spoke to my Gp and they both agreed in diagnosis of fibromyalgia x

[lioncub]

I was referred to muscular-skeletal clinic by OH in 2016, then rheumatology, neurology and back to rheumatology who officially diagnosed me with fibromyalgia in 2017 and discharged me back to GP as the only thing they could do to help was give me pain killers and anti-depressants, which the GP can prescribe. Also sent on a couple hour course on how to manage lifestyle. I only use pain killers to help me sleep when I have a flare up and the side affects of the anti-depressants outweighed their benefits for me so I focus on lifestyle. The neurologist (not rheumatologist as stated before I edited this) said it was probably fibro but it was for rheumatology to confirm.

[Morars in reply to lioncub]

Thank you for replying,it really helps

[lioncub in reply to Morars]

Sorry, just read my post again I meant neurology thought it was fibro but it was for rheumatology to confirm!

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

In the UK it will normally be a rheumatologist but a lot more diagnoses are and will be made by GPs.

However, the factor that is a significant variable in this is the patients presentation. Your symptoms and history will direct where you go. Anything that sounds more neurological or is emphasised by the patient may take the referral in that direction although HCPs will ask questions to try and remove unintentional patient bias.

So numbness, seizures, cognitive issues, or headaches may move more towards a neuro consult whereas widespread pain and fatigue will move towards a rheumi. But it is the person making the referral after processing your presentation that will decide where you go.