Fibromyalgia- Louth - GPs

why_not82

Dear Members

Ive recently been diagnosed with the most severe form of FM (18/18 tender points) and have all the other ailments that go along side FM such as allergies, IBS, leaky gut, kidney and bladder problems, anxiety, rashes to name but a few. I don't feel like I am getting much support off my GP and sense an apathetic approach to my diagnosis from her, she told me to cancel my rheumatologist appointments as she would devise a treatment plan, which has never materialised. I am wondering if anyone on here has been diagnosed and what support they get from their GP?
Due to lack of understanding and support I am considering changing GP.. has anyone out there had a similar experience and if so, can someone give me the name to a Dr who may have a lot of experience with this diagnosis??
I live in louth. I appreciate any feedback
Regards
Why_not82

Gremlinertia

Have you looked into specific support groups?. Boards has a big geographic spread.. Do you have a hospital consultant currently, that may help with your treatment plan also..

njs030

The most experienced doctor is a rheumatologist so going back to them is the best idea.

Arbie

Who gave you the FM diagnosis? A consultant or your own GP?

why_not82

Arbie wrote: »

Who gave you the FM diagnosis? A consultant or your own GP?

Geraldine McCarthy..rheumatologist in the mater private.

njs030

why_not82 wrote: »

Geraldine McCarthy..rheumatologist in the mater private.

Go back to her then. It makes no sense to stop seeing a specialist in a condition and be treated by a GP.

why_not82

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Have you looked into specific support groups?. Boards has a big geographic spread.. Do you have a hospital consultant currently, that may help with your treatment plan also..

My Gp told me once I got the diagnosis from the rheumatologist that she would be devise a plan.But she has not followed through and has been full of empty promises.I feel quite let down by her.i thinks its Time for another trip back to see my rheumatologist😊

why_not82

why_not82 wrote: »

My Gp told me once I got the diagnosis from the rheumatologist that she would be devise a plan.But she has not followed through and has been full of empty promises.I feel quite let down by her.i thinks its Time for another trip back to see my rheumatologist😊

No I haven't tried any support groups.have spoken to a few people that have it and it definitely is good to get some feed back.I must try one out.Thanks for your replyðŸ˜

Tropheus

There is a support group around the Drogheda area. You'll find them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/nefibro/

byte

notjustsweet wrote: »

Go back to her then. It makes no sense to stop seeing a specialist in a condition and be treated by a GP.

Yes. I think it was rather poor advice to cancel your rheumy appointments from your GP to begin with.

Tropheus

In my experience, there is very little a rheumatologist can do for Fibro. I was diagnosed 4 years ago and he just gave me a prescription for Lyrica and told me to work with my GP if I needed to up the dose. After that, he said there wasn't much more he could do. I'm involved in a support group and aware that others have a similar experience.

Generally the support network for people with Fibro is non-existent unlike Arthritis that does have some services in place. From a Fibro perspective, we don't even have a national organisation which is pretty incredible given the numbers that suffer with the condition.

PLL

I hope I'm not hijacking the thread but due to anxiety I get a little nervous telling my GP things due to maybe feeling like an idiot and overeacting.

After some reading on the Mayo Clinic I think I might have fibromyalgia. I cannot suffer any form of cold. I was out in it for 3 minutes and cried due to the pain in my hands. I have very sensitive points all around my upper chest and back, also my thighs are extremely sensitive. I have PTSD and apparently it is linked with fibromyalgia which is what made me suspicious.

I know medical advice can't be given but do you think it sounds reasonable to suspect fibro? Basically I just don't want the doc to think I'm trying to randomly diagnose myself.

Thanks.

Arbie

PLL wrote: »

I hope I'm not hijacking the thread but due to anxiety I get a little nervous telling my GP things due to maybe feeling like an idiot and overeacting.

After some reading on the Mayo Clinic I think I might have fibromyalgia. I cannot suffer any form of cold. I was out in it for 3 minutes and cried due to the pain in my hands. I have very sensitive points all around my upper chest and back, also my thighs are extremely sensitive. I have PTSD and apparently it is linked with fibromyalgia which is what made me suspicious.

I know medical advice can't be given but do you think it sounds reasonable to suspect fibro? Basically I just don't want the doc to think I'm trying to randomly diagnose myself.

Thanks.

You sound like someone who is concerned about their health and who has taken the initiative to read up using a reputable source - most doctors would be delighted to see a patient who is so proactive and well prepared.

I find it helps to write down questions/concerns as short bullet points. It's a good reminder in case you feel anxious and the mind goes blank, and it shows the doc that you are prepared. It is totally reasonable to tell your GP that you have symptoms A, B & C and that you are worried that you have condition X or Y.

Definitely worth seeing your GP. Best of luck.

cassid

You need a treatment plan and if your gp is not doing it go back to the rheumatologist. It can take a while to find a solution that is right for you and you need someone overseeing the different elements of FM.

Sometimes medics react to treat the symptoms but you can do a lot to empower yourself, even start looking at your diet, can you do any type of exercise, how are you handling the emotional side.

As FM is rather complex , the more you can do for yourself will hopefully benefit you (as long as your pain levels are under control a bit ).Link in with other people with FM, watch webinars and video's and learn about the condition and what has worked for other people.