Advice Needed

[WelshWitchy]

For years I’ve been suffering from pain in my bones, sleeplessness, depression and sometimes inability to do general things. I’ve seen my GP who has given me a variety of painkillers. I’ve had an appointment with a Consultant Rheumatologist which has been cancelled by the hospital several times, and am now having to wait till July to see him/her.

I find it so difficult to concentrate at times, and can’t bear people touching me at times, because it hurts.

I find the pain worsens with bad weather, just recently it’s been unbearable. I keep fit by walking my dog, although that’s getting so difficult.

The GP has tested for rheumatoid arthritis, etc, and although the blood tests show some inflammation- there is nothing conclusive. I have suggested fibromyalgia, and he has said it could be! (Not very helpful)

How can I get a GP or someone to take me seriously? I’m at the end of my tether with the pain, I’ve more chance flying on a unicorn than seeing my GP (they are still implementing lockdown rules so it seems , and the most I get is a hurried phone call)

any suggestions on how to relieve the pain?

thank you for reading my long winded post 🤗

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forums. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

It can be so frustrating when you cannot get a straight answer from health professionals regarding a diagnosis (took me 12 years ago I understand that frustration well)

Medication does not always help - self management techniques I use include pacing, keeping active, heat, mindfulness, meditation, holistic therapies, weighted blankets, cbd, distraction etc

[SuzieSoo]

Why do you think the GP isn't taking you seriously? They've referred you to a Consultant so they'll be awaiting a specialist opnion before commiting to any concrete diagnosis, hence the reply, "it could be?"

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello and welcome, hopefully by referring you too a rheumatologist you will get some answers (such a shame every thing seems backed up from Covid still with appointments) you could try ringing the consultants office and explain the awful pain you are in and if a cancellation comes up would they keep you in mind, always worth a try , if not could ask your doctor too write a letter and chase it for you, seems we have too push all the time too get things going , staff shortages and a back log on appointments is not helpful and yes the cold weather keeps me indoors a lot more ☹️. I do need to keep my body warm to ease pain and differently need too pace , In general I never miss a bath early evening, hot water bottles , wheat pack for the microwave are so handy too. Xx

[Midori]

I can appreciate how you feel; I was like that while waiting for my diagnosis (had to wait 20 years as it wasn't recognised back in the day.)

Eventually I got to see a Rheumy and he diagnosed me. but the length of time it took, Phew!

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join!

Cheers, Midori

[fmlife]

Hi and welcome,

there is no quick fix, am sorry to say,

could do a food diary and a pain diary so that your rummy can see how are.

I eventually gave up gluten and dairy, finding did have an allergy to both.

I pace and basically am the opposite of what used to be.

Am now a fibro sloth who does not hang upside down or climb trees just so know, do not want to influence you doing either of those!!!.

I keep flexible and keep warm.

cold just slows everything down, nothing wants to move and a hat always helps the brain function better in cold weather.

try my best to deal with the tunnel vision of what is in front of me directly, not the wide view of problems I cannot fit into my day to sort.

I no longer feel guilty of what cannot do.

I choose not to watch the depressing news

I focus on the positives of everyday, today my garden is just as tidy as the neighbours, we had the white flaky stuff so cannot see the weeds. ps if use an led torch it sparkles like diamonds in the dark.

Am a pj wearer to save energy in getting dressed when at home. best to be comfortable, there are days when clothing feels way to heavy.

plan only one easy thing/ task a day, everything else is a bonus.

celebrate all achievements,

keep positive look for the positive, the negative just pulls you down.

rocking horse turds are just as rare too.. our gp's are the same, 5 weeks to get a talking appointment once told the receptionist why phoning, (who is awake to even call at 8am for emergency appoint if been awake most of dark hours,) mask to mask appointment is very difficult, there are somethings that are difficult to discuss on a phone call specially with brain fog.

sometimes we just got to write.

gentle virtual hugs