Fibro Flare??

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, I haven't been on this forum for a while. My GP has changed her mind about referring me to a rheumatologist so I'm still not sure IF I have Fibro or not. In my earlier posts, I have mentioned all of my symptoms. I have had lovely posts from forum members who tend to agree with my suspicions of Fibro.  Was tested recently for Arthritic markers and bloods have all come back in normal range.

The Neurologist, has signed me off after tests show I have nothing neurological going on - some muscle weakness.  He has stated that perhaps 'Life style changes' would help my fatigue and muscle weakness - suggestiing in his 'professional opinion' that I am like this because I'm overweight.  I was devastated when I left his office, and was depressed for days.  

Started to feel better a few days ago and some of my symptoms died down a little.  On Wednesday I took my Cat to the Vet - 15 min walk to bus stop, 1 hour bus ride, nearly two hours at vet and back home again.

I spent nearly all day in bed yesterday - slept most of the afternoon and ALL MY SYMPTOMS HAVE RETURNED. Really achey muscles, pelvic spasms, losing my balance, joint pain, itchy skin, slurred speech, foggy thinking, terrible backache, tight jaw, stiff fingers, clumsy, losing my grip on items in my hand, bashing into furniture, noise sensitivity, shallow breathing, total and utter exhuastion. 

Does this sound similar to Fibro Fog?

If I don't have Firbormyalgia, something is not right - I aim to speak to my GP again to ask why she won't refer me.  If I have not luck, I will complain.

Sorry about the long moaning post - just need to share with people who have travelled on this long winding road before me.

E.x

2

Hello Ela. I,too have had no diagnosis from my GP as to whether I have Fibromyalgia or not. He also won't refer me to a rheumatologist. I think it's to do with cost. Everything is budgeted these days and if they think that you don't need to be referred then you're not.Your symptoms sound similar to mine. My son laughs at me and sings through the alphabet song "A is for Arthritis,B is for Backache etc", sad to say I have many symptoms that fit into the whole song!!! I'm afraid I'm just muddling along and doing what I can~if I can't,I can't.  I've learnt a lot from the posts on these forums. Some of my symptoms, like brain fog and stiff fingers and clumsiness I would never have associated with Fibro. Youre correct in thinking that if it isn't Fibro then something isn't right. Like you I'd feel better with a definite diagnosis I wish you well with your GP. Is there another at the pracice who you could see? I'll be interested to see how things progress. Best wishes. Dorothy

3

I've had Fibro for over twenty years diagnosed that is..had it fir 10 yrs prior to diagnoses..it wasn't until I saw a Rhumotologist fir the first time that he diagnosed Fibro...wonder how a doctor can change their mind like that..beyond belief..you are either referred there and then, or your not .didn't he/she send a referral when it was first mentioned..grr..no wonder one can get depressed and put weight on..,to say that to you..I would be looking at going to another dr..or ringing them back up and demanding one..isn't it your right to be properly diagnosed..you would like to believe that....try staying stressless mm it's very hard, but stress is a shocker for Fibro...take your health into your own hand ela and start being a bit more proactive..or maybe a tad demanding..I had to..it did work..too bad if "they feel sad..your not bad". .your the one feeling pain/muscle spasms etc...hope that you have much better days ahead ela...be blessed,,have a lovely weekend..:-) xxx please do keep is informed.....and your not moaning..we all understand on here..without eachother...where would we be..

4

Hi Dotcon,

Thanks for your reply.  I laughed out loud when i read about your son's alphabet song describing your symptoms.  In my house we have a comical way of identifying my symptoms. - Symptom 28b, or 56.3 subsection ii.  My sense of humour has certainly kept me sane.

I made up a song a couple of month's ago called 'It's all in my head' .

I'm beginning to know what I can and cannot manage, and if I have to do something, I know I won't be much use for a while after.  This time however, was a shock to the system - I know I overdid things.

I agree with you about costs, I've been reffered to a endocrinologist, neurologist and also waiting to see a gastro specialist because of the stomach spasms.

I made an appointment with my GP for next week, if I get no luck, I will try to find another gp in the area.  I'll let you know how i get on.

Thank you for making me laugh this morning.

Have a good weekend.

Elaine

 

5

Thanks christine26761,

I rang my GP this morning and have an appointment next week. I have had 3 different referrals recently, Endo, Neuro, and waiting for Gastro. My gp said the neurologist would be my best bet, but he has discharged me. I'll wait and see what my gp says next week - I won't be holding back this time I will mention that I think I deserve a referral irrespective of costs - Ive paid tax and NI for over 30 years. 

Thanks for your encouraging reply - I feel very supported here.

Hope you have a peaceful weekend.

E.x

6

I am very sorry for your current issues that you are faced with. I would definitely get on the phone with the GP . I would explain that you know your body and you know what it is currently going through ,they can referr you to specialist or an RA or whatever ,but if not you will be looking for another GP who has your health in their interest. Doctors work for us and (insurance,pharmcies) but remember their is always a right to a 2nd opinion.

 

7

I have an appointment with my GP next week, im going to insist tht she explains WHY she hasn't referred me. So far  the specialists i have been referred to have ruled some of the obvious conditions. Even if the Rheumatologist rules out Fibro - I will know what it isn't. 

 

8

Hi ela! Where are you from? Your symptoms sound like mine.I was dignosed with rocky mountain spotted fever. I have not been dignosed with fibro yet but my dr says I have symptoms of its as well. If I were you I'd start off with getting tested for tick disease like lyme disease/ rocky mountain spotted fever/ also cat scrach / these lead to fibro & arthritis. Also ms has simlar symptoms as well. I would find a good dr and get tested for all the above. Hope your feel better soon.

9

Hi brenda42506, I live in harrow near london - not anywhere near the countryside though and havent been bitten by anything as far as i can remember. I thought of ms, or cfs but my symptoms more match fibro/RA.  I have an appointment with my GP next week - I am prepared to push for a rheumy referral. 

Had a long sleep this afternoon, feel a bit better.

Thanks

10

Hi ela808 It sounds very much like fibro to me. the symptoms you have listed I have have. I cannot understand why your dr wount refer you to see a rheumatologist I would insist she does. so you can get a diagnoses as to whether its fibro or not. I spent 10 years seeing every specialist you can think every test coming back normal. being told to loose weight. turns out I have thyroid problem which is affecting my weight . eventually my gp refered me last march to see a rheumatologist. he did more tests then finally when test results came back he said it was fibromyalgia. Cant you see another gp if not I would definitly complain if she wount refer you. hope you get some where soon take care gentle hugs

11

smile

12

Gooooooooo girl....be empowered here..rolleyes) cx

13

Hi ella808 it sounds very much like fibro to me as I have the symptoms that you are describing.Your gp really needs to send you see a rheumatologist so he can examine you run any tests he thinks are necessary and make adiagnoses as to whether its fibro or not. but it sounds very much like it is too me.Are you able to see another gp I would tell your gp you want refering, I would not give up until you get one. it took me 10 years to get a diagnoeses that was after I had seen every specialist you could think off blood tests galore and tests too many to name. after every thing was exhausted my gp finally refered me to a rheummy. where he sent me for more bloods? a bone scan he did a pressure point test on diferent parts of the body. Their are 18 I had the full 18. when tests came back bloods showed low in vitmamin d. he then diagnosed fibro. he discharged me sent me back to my gp . If it was me I would fight for a referal I wouldnt stop till I got one. gps have a duty of care and are their to help support you. if they dont they are in the wrong proffession. take care gentle hugs

14

hi i have been diagnosed and signed off work indeffinitly by my doctor and rheumatologist and have had it for 26 years and the symptoms you havd described are commen with fibro i would tell your doctor you want to see a rheumatologist and they have to by law give you the best medical care and advice and are also duty bound to get to the bottom of whats going on with you so ask your gp to be reffered toa rheumatologist and i hope you get a diagnosis soon and get help to manage your symptoms

15

Isn't it your RIGHT to have a diagnostic of what actually IS your medical problem.  AND isn't it your RIGHT to a 2nd Opinion!??   

Are you able to make an appointment yourself to a Rheumatologist?

If not, I feel a Letter to the Medical Ombudsman coming on.. telling him your NOT happy with your Health being Fobbed off... that you know your issues are not being adequately addressed.

Gentle hugs