help with gp

[NannaMillie21]

hi everyone. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a couple of years ago and initially just told to take paracetamol and pace myself by my gp. Early 2023 I saw my gp as my pain was so bad I was off work. I wasn’t sleeping and was prescribed amitriptalyne 10-20 mg each night and my gp made a referral to the pain clinic. I am still on the waiting list to be seen. My pain got worse but I was getting to sleep a little better. My gp then gave me a month of codeine but wouldn’t prescribe more. I have been back several times and they don’t want to change my meds until I’ve been to the pain clinic or refer me to a specialist. I have since had to give up work. A job I loved due to constant sever pain, fatigue and brain fog. I am going to book another gp appointment. Any suggestions on how I can approach them about further pain relief?

[Nelly1]

Hi

I originally had a very similar issue with my GP and a friend suggested I request a referral to a Rheumatologist.

Best thing I ever did. I got lots of help and further referrals from them, even onto the pain management program. Tried all different meds over a couple of years and finally got settled on the meds I’m still on now. Took a long time to get the right meds but the ones I’m on work best for me. Each individual has a different reaction to meds so it’s trial and error to see what works for you. My meds do not and have never taken the pain away but they relieve it a bit so it’s tolerable.

When you request the referral ensure you back it up with a written request too so it’s on your records.

It took me a year or so to finally get to see Rheumatology but it was worth it in the end.

Good luck and I hope you get the help you need.

[NannaMillie21 in reply to Nelly1]

Thank you I’ll certainly give that a go.

[PAULINE15 in reply to Nelly1]

my son has fibro like me and his GP said a rheumatologist appointment is not necessary due to GP’s being more up to date with fibro 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Nelly1 in reply to PAULINE15]

Usually I would agree but in this case the GP doesn’t seem to be dealing with it very well and there are some GP’s who are quite dismissive of Fibro and not sure how to treat it.

[NannaMillie21]

Thank you I’ll take my sister with me to see gp she can help explain things. Hopefully I won’t have to change gp

[Smilesalot]

I'm sorry you are suffering.My suggestion is to take someone with you. And a a large notepad and pen.

They take you more seriously then.

Good luck sweetie hugs x

[NannaMillie21 in reply to Smilesalot]

Thank you xx

[Tilly4290]

I wish I knew. I am on 30mg co-codemol which takes the edge off the pain but its not the solution. I feel your pain and send you gentle hugs.

[NannaMillie21 in reply to Tilly4290]

Thank you xx

[tje2611]

Hi, I also take Amytryptiline for sleep, only 10mgs, but this is to compliment the progesterone I take as part of my HRT, as this hormone deficiency can also cause sleep disorders. As for the brain fog, I have this too, was told it is lack of the estrogen. HRT has helped but the brain fog is sporadic. I wondered if you were on HRT? Menopuase plays havoc with so many things, including muscles and ligaments hence the pain and aching. I also have Fibro. Its so difficult to work out what is working and what isnt!

[Dinkie]

You could try taking the route I did to get a referral to the Guys and St Thomas's fibro clinic. Firstly put your request in writing to your gp. This letter will form part of your notes and cannot be ignored or missed off your notes when the GP writes them up. Follow this up with a telephone consult. When I had my consultation I had a meltdown (not my intention but it happened). Bingo one immediate referral after 2 years of suggesting that is what I felt would help me. Worth a try, nothing to lose.