Diagnosed? PIP

[JessFM]

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently being given Duloxetine 60mg and Naproxen for Fibromyalgia. My Doctor said I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in November 2021. (They only told me this last weeks, April 2022). I have never seen a rheumatologist who I have been told are the only ones able to diagnose Fibromyalgia. My Doctor said my blood tests all shown up normal with no inflammation and that the rheumatologist only wants to see patients who have inflammation.

What do I do? Should I ask my doctor for a letter saying I have Fibromyalgia?

This is for my PIP claim.

Thankyou in advance

[golly123]

Hi Jess, if it were me, I would get my GP to refer me to a rheumatologist. I was in pain from October 2021 of which I was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist in February/early March this year. I have no signs of inflammation.

My gp just dismissed the pain I was in. The pain got so bad that I dialled 111 several times. I rang the GP surgery several times too in tears about the joint pain which is especially bad in my hands. My GP eventually fast tracked me to rheumatology who diagnosed me with FM and a variety of osteo problems.

Hope you had a lovely day today. Nice to have some sunshine too.

Happy Easter 🐣 Golly

[JessFM in reply to golly123]

Oh Dear, I can relate with the pain in the hands, I have dropped things and find it painful to hold a spoon to feed my son or to mix his porridge at times which also makes me arms ache. For me, pain in my hips and back are the worst ESPECIALLY when it comes to bedtime 👎

Thinking I might have to dial 111 if it comes to it. Pain meds don't do anything for me. Glad you got your diagnosis Golly.

Thankyou for your reply, Happy Easter to you too

🐥

[Welshcatlady]

Hi JessFM I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by my GP, she just ran some blood tests and a few other things and because they were all normal, she said that it is Fibromyalgia. Any letters you have about your condition are helpful for the PIP claim. I would certainly as my GP for a letter saying you have Fibromyalgia.

[JessFM in reply to Welshcatlady]

Oh so i'm not the only one then. I'll definately be sending a few emails in the morning and start gathering my supporting evidence.

Thankyou very much

😄

[fibrogirl41]

hi I would definitely ask for a referral for a rheumatologist. I saw one and I did not have imflamation either. It might take a while but if you are an urgent case they could fast track you down the list. I hope you are ok and get some luck.

[JessFM in reply to fibrogirl41]

My doctor told me the wait to see a Rheumatologist will be about 18months! & thankyou very much. Sometimes the pain is so bad but i' pushing through. I hope you are ok too x

[fibrogirl41 in reply to JessFM]

hi thank you. I pestered the msk place and it did take a while about nearly six months 😵 but I hope you get somewhere soon x

[JessFM in reply to fibrogirl41]

Thankyou, fingers crossed! 🌸

[Darkfairy]

I was diagnosed by doctor after multiple bloods and xrays then confirmed by physio and pain management team. It could be useful to get in writing off your doc but they focus more on how your life's effected than what is wrong and will contact your doc if they need more info

[JessFM in reply to Darkfairy]

I am currently waiting for physio and the doctor wants to see if i can do hydrotherapy too. I have been waiting since before christmas.

[Darkfairy in reply to JessFM]

Hopefully you'll not have to wait too much longer and be able to do hydro. I did it for over a year before covid and found it very helpful

[JessFM in reply to Darkfairy]

I hope not too. I used to love swimming when I was younger. I have anxiety going in the water now and being seen in a swim suit, even more so after giving birth

[Eastermary]

I think the problem with PIP and other benefits is that they don't take into account the different levels of pain you are in on different days so give them the worse days and how many you have. Other people can not quantify your pain but might try. My worse diagnosis was a low pain threshold but might go away and feel better in the spring! won't depress people by saying how long ago. Anyway, the PIP people want to know how it affects you at you worse, what you can and can't do eg if your hand pain means you can't lift a full saucepan even if you haven't tried for ages. You know what you can't do so avoid it and gradually take it for granted or try anyway and make things hurt more.

[Vonnie1948]

I would ask dr for a letter,

[JessFM in reply to Vonnie1948]

I have emailed my doctors surgery for a letter and to be referred to a rheumatologist too

[Veiga]

Hi Jess goid luck, as folk have said the pip assessor will ask about your daily activities and how they're affected by your fibromyalgia. In relation to your prescription if you're taking Naproxen regularly/ long term for pain you should ask your GP whether omeprazole should be prescribed too as it protects the stomach lining. Have you been referred for a pain management group therapy programme?

This is one of the recommended therapies for managing fibromyalgia symptoms and helps with both physical, psychological & psychosocial effects of the condition . Good luck xx

[JessFM in reply to Veiga]

The Naproxen doesn't help me so i think they need to scrap that medication altogether. I haven't been referred for a pain management programme either. I am currently waiting for physio and hydrotherapy.

Thankyou very much, gentle hugs.

[releasethemagic]

Jess, take a look at my previous post here as it will help you with your PIP claim. The Guides are excellent. healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

[JessFM in reply to releasethemagic]

I will do, thankyou very much

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello , I was diagnosed by my own doctor and never saw a rheumatologist , my bloods didnt show any inflammation either. Yes differently you need some kind of evidence that goes on your own health records in general , hope you get sorted soon xx

[JessFM in reply to Yassytina]

Hi, I was told a GP can't diagnose it and that only a Rheumatologist can. Hope i get it sorted quick too. Thankyou x