Their are 18 pressure points in fibromyalgia, a rheumatologist will normally test different areas of your body, this test helps with the diagnoseing of fibromyalgia.
The recent pain clinic appointment I had the Dr had a student in the room who he was talking through things and he said they are no longer using the 18 points as a diagnosis. He said they are taking into account the whole picture these days. I'm sure it will take a while for this to role out across seas and hospitals but I think that will be the future.
He was a lovely Dr though so perhaps he's just a bit more advanced than most or listens to his patients more.
I see this as a bad thing in a way as they are going to use fibro as a diagnosis for all complaints they can't see immediate problems for and leave treatable conditions untreated.
When I saw the CMAT lady on Tuesday she also had other points on her tick list I.e. Pain in the jaw area, neck & shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, knees. Memory loss, confused speech etc. as I had made a list of my symptoms to take with me she said I matched them all, so the 18 point test was not necessary, she touched a few spots and said 'enough'
she said the 18 point test is not done in isolation, as not everyone will match all 18 points, they consider other indicators too now in their diagnosis.
she sounded really really good and very thorough also gave you help support which was excellent unlike the rheummy that I saw. he did the pressure point test sent me for a bone scan and blood test. never mentioned other areas like jaw neck shoulders wrists ankles knees memory loss.handed me a leaflet on fibro said Im dischargeing back to your gp for pain relief that was it. so pleased for you that she did a much better job.and was more understanding kind.wish the 1 I saw was like her? take care gentle hug
Hi charlottee 1824 WhenI had my diagnoses last year he did the pressure point test bone scan bloods. Things appear to may be moving on to how they perhaps doing it now or at least in some areas.My rheummy wasnt as good as some of the other ladies have been very fortunate and lucky to have.I totally agree with you that fibro could be used as a diagnosis for all other complaints. and other probles missed and left untreated. take care
are there more tender points than the ones in the pic as i think i have this but have tender points in my arms and shoulder blades and head?
Hi Meljenk The pressure points I have are the ones shown the picture, thats where the rheumatologist I saw tested me. Im unsure about tender points in the areas you have mentioned you could ask your rheumatologist or dr about the areas you mentioned. sorry I couldnt be more help to you.Take care