My GP diagnosed Fibro end of Jan this year and sent a referral to see Rheumatologist (appointment next week). My GP is now on maternity leave so I had to see a different GP yesterday. This new GP told me there is no way what I have is Fibro as my pain is more one sided (I would say 70/30 with the left side being the worse) and Fibro is equally on both sides. She didn't offer any more tests or suggestions what it could be but did give me a repeat prescription for Amitriptyline. So now I am confused and wondering what to do next. Any ideas anyone?
Confusing isn't it. Then again my fibro is more one sided at times. I suggest waiting to see what the rheumatologist says as your appointment isn't far away. Have you had any blood tests to rule out low vit D and thyroid problems? Suggest you make some notes as I always forget something I wanted to ask at the appointment. Good luck
Over the last 2 years I've been tested for just about everything. I did have low vit D but have been on 2000 units vit D supplement for 2 years and that is now normal. Initially it was thought all my pains, tiredness, dizzy spells, palpitations, foot cramps, sleep problems and sore ribs were down to my early menopause but 18 months of HRT (4 different ones as nothing improved on them) my GP decided it wasn't to do with the menopause and did all sorts of other tests which all showed nothing so she diagnosed the Fibro even though she knew my left side was worse than the right.
Thankyou for taking the time to reply, I will just wait to see what the Rheumatologist says
Hi Daisy, are you by any chance left handed? Repetitive strain can influence where fibro pain is worse. I'm right handed and my right arm and shoulder are way more badly affected than my left due to having to use that arm more in repetitive actions eg using a computer mouse, writing, etc. I definitely have one sided issues with my fibro, my left side is only very slightly affected but my right is awful.
My pain moves around and isn't always symetrical. Don't forget too that it is possible that not all your pain is due to fibro. For instance I have back pain that I don't think is fibro as well as the fibro aches and pains. If I understand correctly, both a GP and a Rheumatologist have agreed that its fibro and another GP disagrees. Time to seek a fourth opinion I'd say. Many GPs are very reluctant to diagnose fibro as they can't back it up with scientific proof or tests. A retired doctor friend of mine tries to convince me every time we meet that I don't have fibro. I then ask him to explain not just the aches and pains but also the insomnia, cold hands and feet, pins and needles, costochondritis, 'fibro fog' etc. etc. He can't.
I would wait until I've seen the Rhumo...they are the ones that usually diagnose this Syndrome...I do hope you don't run out of Amitriptilyne in the meantime...I just don't know how a dr could just not write you out another script-that is surely quite culpable.. in this country-Australia,.you can only get a three month prescription at a time...so you must keep going back for more...its not like it's a new one is it..it's just a continuation..grr,,,.plus the fact that you can't just stop taking them like that..this doctor is sooo wrong...do hope you get properly diagnosed Daisydo really soon..at least you will know what it is-own it- and continue on with your life...really feeling for you..be blessed..gentle hugs across the seas..:-) xxxx
My pain tends to be down the whole left of my body and lower back. I was investigated for ovarian and bowel problems as a result but nothing conclusive showed up. I was told I developed IBS. Ive recently had an MRI and awaiting results. i went private back in Jan to be told that i had Fibro. Good luck with your appointment x
Just see the Rhumatologist and see what they say, I dont have this but I know some who do. Good luck
Fibro is multifaceted and can take over your entire body one day, then one finger the next. Your GP should not have said that to you. Fibro is diagnosed by the assessment of 18 points on the body that are in 9 pairs. Your Rheumatologist will do that. Wait to see what they say and then you will be better armed to take it from there. Good luck.x
No I am right handed. I worked with young children for 15 years ( stopped that 2 years ago) and always carried on my left side so that I could still use my right hand so could be from that I suppose.
Not seen the Rheumatologist yet, the appointment is next week. I'm hoping for some answers from him!! I also have back/neck problems caused by bulging discs but the surgeon said that wouldn't be causing the pains elsewhere or the other symptoms
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I can't wait for next week to come now so I can get a clear answer
I believe Daisy said that the second doctor did give her a repeat prescription for amitrip even though she didnt think it was fibro.
OOOPS, Thanks Loxie, I reread her post...your spot on there..I did rant on didn't I..mmm....must contain..have a lovely day..be blessed..:-) xx
Smiling here, I do exactly the same hon, I guess we're all just so sick and tired of it being an uphill battle to get doctors to listen to us and secondly actually agree with each other to do something constructive.
Just for info, my practice nurse told me that if you have fibro it's better to see a younger doctor as it was only in 1990 that the first set of guidelines to diagnosing it was written, so a lot of older doctors who graduated and practised before that didnt get schooled in the condition.
I just read that it wasn't until 2007 that the first prescription medicine for fibro was approved by the FDA. They can replace whole body parts but it's taken 100 years to get one med onto the market for this!
Apologies for misunderstanding. Write down all your symptoms before seeing the Rheumatologist. Good luck.
Thankyou Bluesman