If I could only give one piece of advise.........

[SapphireStanton]

.... it would be this. KNOWLEDGE of 2 things

1 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: see if you can find an Expert Patient Programme in your area..... you will learn what you are entitled to expect from your GP. If you have done this course and you tell this to your GP they are less likely to try and fob you off.

2 KNOW YOUR SYMPTOMS. know what it is that concerns you and why. If you are clear confident and concise with your GP there is no reason for you to go in with a concern and come out feeling more confused and frustrated by the oh so common "it is just the fibro"

with a condition like fibro it is all to easy for problems to be left un-investigated as the GP says "it is just the fibro"

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THAT.

The trick to getting a GP to listen is to

1- explain clearly what the symptom is... write a list if it helps.

2- explain what you are concerned about...... do this by researching what you are feeling, take in print offs from your research

3- Ask for peace of mind.

Your GP is just that a General Practitioner they DO NOT HAVE EXPERT KNOWLEDGE IN ALL CONDITIONS it would be an impossibility.

Stay strong....

Be confident.....

Good luck peops

xx

[Ang01]

Sound advice, thanks xx

[Hidden]

I think once Fibro is diagnosed some GP's are far too quick to write any new symptoms off to that .

It's difficult when you have a chronic condition that is so variable , to know when to " bother " the doctor ".. and that's sometimes how it feels .. bothering them .

We're often made to feel like hypochondriacs for going back to the doctor time and time again but until doctors take it seriously that's how it has to be.

Because it isn't life threatening , they often think it isn't serious . But it is a limiting condition and it can be scary .

I was with my last GP practice since I was 15 ( I'm now 48 ) and they knew me really well. Since moving south I've had to register with a new practice and they don't know me at all . I now have to start all over again. It's not easy .

[Linco in reply to Hidden]

I know what you mean Helen I'm the same dont want to phone the doc cos it will be the fibro but not sure if it is, I feel I'm in pain, Ive got meds what more can the doc do but at the same time wonder if I should be going more often so that its recorded because on paper it probably looks like I'm coping really well while in reality I'm not x

[soulsusie]

Hi Sapphire, a brilliant blog!!!

I assume that you yourself have attended the Expert Patient Programme ?

I also did this and am now an accredditted tutor which I really enjoy.

Also my GP specialises in Fibro so I feel extremley blessed.

Hugs,

Sue x x x

[SapphireStanton]

Yes sue i have done the programme. it is really valuable. my gp is very caring and has over the years become very knowledgeable on fibro.

i am signing off for the night as i can feel a migraine brewing

Xx

[fairytails]

i am actually panicking as my rheumotologist called me today to arrange an appt to see me back in may because i asked for a letter backing me up in applying for dla and other help as i find that even though i work for 3 days it knocks me for 6 literally as you will know , i hope that she will understand

[BlueBunny]

Thank you so much, I'll have to look into that, I have major confidence issues with the Dr's, I avoid them like the plague.

xx

[linksy]

thanks for that it really helped i will look for a course near me x

[SapphireStanton in reply to linksy]

really glad it was helpful xx