My GP is 100 % certain that i have Firbomyalgia, I also have PTSD and Anxiety and Depression.
He has referred my to Rhumatology but they have said it could be 6 months wait. I am really struggling with the symptoms and how they have changed my daily living, I feel like i cant cope anymore.
Any help or advice is much appreciated.
I just wonder if your GP is 100% sure it is fibro why has he referred you to rheumatology. Many on this site have been diagnosed by their GP without referral to rheumatology. Has your GP done all the usual tests to rule out other conditions?
Unfortunately even after a referral to rheumatology you are unlikely to get a diagnosis from the consultant until everything else has been ruled out. It's a very long road and some, like myself, waited years and years for the label to be pinned on us.
Now the good news, there are lots of things you can try to help. Firstly remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It's very much a trial and error type of situation. You may be offered prescription medications such as anti depressants, or medication for nerve pain such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin. Some of us can't tolerate these drugs but some find them very helpful. Sometimes it can take a while to sort out the right combination for you. Referral to the pain clinic is also useful for some.
For me, a diet free of processed foods and refined sugars works well. I have regular chiropractor appointments when I can afford it which helps keep me upright and reasonably mobile. Biofreeze gel and the wheat bags that can be heated in a microwave are also my go to for pain relief. Weighted blankets help some of us too. Gentle exercise is important, be that a walk up the garden path, or some tai chi or gentle stretching. Some GPs have suggested CBT and that works for some, all I would say is if you go down this route go with an open mind and complete the course, even if you come out with one useful piece of information it will have been worth it.
The art of pacing - the tricky one. Try not, on better days, to rush around doing all those things you haven't been able to do because sure as eggs is eggs the fibro sprite will come back and bite you and you will risk a flare. Better to do a bit and rest.
Lastly, as my consultant told me, a positive mental attitude helps. Hard I know, particularly when first diagnosed as it takes a while to accept the new you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, nothing too silly to ask, as you can bet someone has already asked the same question or thought about asking it.
Dinks
Thank you for the reply.
I have been going back and forth to the GP for a good few years with widespread pain, particulary in the joints muscles etc and have loads of other symptoms.
I have had tests for just about everything you can think of, The GP has come to this conclusion, not sure if that helps?
if your GP is sure its fibro then a referral to one of the fibro clinics would possibly be of more help to you. I went to the Guys and St Thomas’s one. Saw rheumatologist, physio, psychologist and one other specialist all at the same appointment. They put together a plan of action and sent it to my GP. It would possibly be much quicker and more helpful route to treatment.
You might find the replies on a previous post interesting. I mention the possible genetic polymorphisms that some link to this group of conditions, and testing that may help you get to the bottom of that. healthunlocked.com/fibromya...
Best wishes
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