How to mention it to a GP?

[Danceidol]

How would I go about mentioning fibromyalgia to a GP ? I wouldn't know what to say when calling and making an appointment. I really feel as though I may have found an answer to my pain upon seeing all of the symptoms and I would like to explore it further with a GP and hopefully get a diagnosis

[dippystuff]

It wasn't really an issue with me, because when I went to see them I was in so much pain I needed my husband to help me to walk in, and when the GP asked me 'What can I help you with today ?' I simply burst into sobs and said 'I can't do this any more.... '

I don't know who was most shocked, me, my husband or the GP

😳.

I'd suggest leading with something like

'I've been self medicating for global pain for ....weeks/months/years, and I now need to see the GP to discuss further help and possibly medication, as I cannot cope any longer.'

[Hidden]

Hi. I just came right out with it! I’ve been suffering so long and have been backwards and forwards to my GP that I had become quite frustrated with what had become something of a pantomime. I would see the doctor and explain my condition, he would then send me for a blood test which would come back clear and then round the circle I would go again! The covid situation then got in the way of appointment making so I turned to the internet for help. I found this forum and checked my symptoms on the NHS website and realised my symptoms fit fibromyalgia. So I made a new appointment - this time it was a telephone appointment - and without letting the GP speak I poured it all out. Lo and behold I got an appointment with a specialist in fibromyalgia! It took ages for it to come through but I finally got to talk everything through with someone who listened! I have to wait for the outcome and I may not have fibromyalgia as there are lots of other symptoms going on for me, but now I feel like someone in the medical profession actually cares! So go ahead and tell your GP, tell her/him that you would like a fibromyalgia specialist appointment and don’t be fobbed off. Be kind but firm and hopefully you will make some progress. In the meantime keep looking in on this forum as there are lots of lovely and helpful people here who will support and encourage you in your journey.

I sincerely hope you will get the help you need and I send you my love and hugs.

As an extra - if you have someone to be with you in these appointments it would really help. My wife has been a super support to me in mine xx

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Hidden]

Hi, may I ask what part of the country you saw the fibro specialist please. My GP as never mentioned such specialists to me. It may be worth asking about 😊

[Arymretep in reply to Dizzytwo]

I think there are some but they are mostly private here in Wales

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Arymretep]

Hi there 😊 yes I thought it would more than likely be a private specialist. Everyone seems to be a specialist in fibro these days. Or is that just how it feels 😂

[Hidden in reply to Dizzytwo]

I live in Southend on Sea. I believe the department is Rheumatology but the person I spoke to said they dealt with fibromyalgia and the questions she asked she told me were related to it. I know i get muddled sometimes but I’m sure I got this right. Because it is through the NHS and not a private consultation I just assumed that this would be available nationwide. If not, it should be! Hopefully you’ll get the help you need x

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, thank you for your reply. I have had fibro for 40 yrs. So you can say I have been round the block a few times dealing with meds, doctors etc 😂

Sorry but I thought you were talking about seeing a fibro specialist on a regular basis.

Seeing a rheumatologist on a one of visit is the normal part of the process in ruling out other things that maybe wrong. Like having blood tests etc.

I don't think they are fibro specialists or we would be seeing them on a regular basis for some kind of treatment or follow up.

They would have our notes. And if thier tests come back negative along with other test we may have had done. They can suggest to our GP we may have fibro. But IMO that would not make them a fibro specialist. Take care and I hope you have a good day xx

Momo

PS 67 is not old I'm 66 this year. Were still young chicks 👍😂

[ButtercupDaisy in reply to Hidden]

Hi,When you say a specialist in fibro, do you mean a rheumatologist who specialises in fibro? I’ve seen four rheumatologists but whilst they all diagnose and treat fibro under their remit, they don’t identify as ‘specialists in fibro’.

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupDaisy]

Yes. I think you are correct. I shall have to wait now for a response to know what they decide thanks xx

[NavyWave]

Hi Danceidol! Simply tell WHATS happening…… unexplained pain in arms, legs…That’s all the receptionist needs to know! When you see the Dr. explain the type of pain (sharp, dull, shooting, pop up kind). Your Dr. should ask: any particular time of day, or after a certain activity……etc. DO NOT SELF DIAGNOSE IN FRONT OF THE DR. LOL! Good Luck!

[Cat00]

I just went to the doctor with a printout and said I think I have this. I'd been going for over 10 years with separate symptoms. I would say though in 20 years I've never been offered an appointment with a "fibromyalgia" specialist though.

[Fra22-57]

My original pain was swelling in hand and medication prescribed didn’t help then my shoulder pain was unbearable.I was prescribed gabapentin.This didn’t help or agree with me so was switched to pregabalin.Dose highered and highered plus by this time I was months off work.Gp then sent me to a rheumatologist where blood tests and X-ray and tender point test(?) was done n diagnosed with fibromyalgia which then escalated further. Just tell them symptoms and say that you think it might be fibromyalgia

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

I would differently book in and reel off what’s been going on and list the symptoms you experience on a daily basis, sometime s a doctor will actually see physically what pain you are in as soon as you enter the room and once you open up the conversation will flow, they normally will get blood tests done 1st to eliminate anything else that might be going on , my doc diagnosed me after a few months of clear blood tests and the fact my symptoms had been going on awhile, also applied pressure certain places on my body which I reacted too, some will refer to rheumatologist , so I hope you can get into your surgery fairly quickly x

[SlothMode]

Hiya Danceidol,

Firstly I think you just need to make an appointment to see your doctor and not mention Fibromyalgia at all. What you need to take with you is a list of all the pain etc you have been suffering and where. It is too easy to diagnose yourself but these symptoms could be another condition as most are very similar. I had a friend who had some of my symptoms, self diagnosed herself told the doctor but afterwards she found out that she actually had Lupus!