Fibromyalgia - getting referred

Do you have a question related to an arthritis condition that doesn't fit in any of the other boards? Perhaps you're living with spondylitis, spondylosis, rheumatica, polymyalgia, fibromyalgia or something else we've not covered? Your questions and discussions can be posted here.

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by Guest Posts on Wed Oct 05, 2016 11:06 am

Fibromyalgia - getting referred

On behalf of our guest visitor, Jules:
I was diagnosed with suspected fibromyalgia last year (my GP says it's the most likely diagnosis but cannot say definitively?!) and I've been trying to get a referral to a pain specialist ever since. My GP seems reluctant for some reason, saying I don't meet the requirements to be referred. I struggle with pain every day, it stops me leaving the house and I am almost always exhausted. I need some help from somewhere, so how do I get referred to see a pain specialist?
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Dr Sandeep Bawa
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by Dr Sandeep Bawa on Thu Oct 06, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: Fibromyalgia - getting referred

Jules,

Firstly if the diagnosis is not confirmed then you should be seen by a Rheumatologist. We refer onto the Pain Clinic if patients are not adequately controlled with the recommendations we give.

Physiotherapy/Hydrotherapy/Acupuncture/medications/exercise programme/swimming exercises are some options available.

http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arth ... algia.aspx

the above link may give you more information.

Hope this helps

Sandeep
Dr Sandeep Bawa
Consultant Rheumatologist - MBChB, MRCP, MSc (Sports Exercise Medicine)
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... p_bawa.php

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by Arthritis Action on Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:53 pm

Re: Fibromyalgia - getting referred

Hello Jules,

Several other conditions can cause similar symptoms to fibromyalgia and so it is important that you have some basic investigations including blood tests and are examined by a rheumatologist first to make sure that you do not have a different condition which might need different treatment.

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden

Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist
www.arthritisaction.org.uk /
info@arthritisaction.org /

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by Arthritis Care on Mon Oct 10, 2016 4:10 pm

Re: Fibromyalgia - getting referred

Hi Jules,

If you do think that fibromyalgia may be the issue, it's a condition that seems to be helped by self - management. So in this case gentle exercise and healthy eating, but paying particular attention to a lifestyle that supports you sleeping well (you can look up sleep hygene on sites such as NHS Choices). Some people are exploring avoiding using so many strong painkillers because fibro. seems to be associated with side effects to medication. But everyone is aware that more knowledge is needed about this complicated syndrome.

I hope this is helpful.

Guy
Arthritis Care Helpline
Tel 0808 800 4050 10am to 4pm weekdays

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by frosty9081 on Wed Oct 19, 2016 5:16 pm

Re: Fibromyalgia - getting referred

i had to nag my gp after having pain (which was triggered in 1997 by a nasty fall). to get a referal for pain help, i was sent to physio first , but as i was in so much pain the phsio refered me back to my gp and then to a pain management team then a programme. this programme was for one morning for seven weeks and it was lots of talking n rather naff gentle exercises. I felt that it was a bit of a waste of time as all the info etc i mostly knew already, others in the group said they found out new things etc and was bit of help to them. The programme was for pain in general and not to a percific condition , this i felt was where they went wrong as it shouldve been for selected pain groups not general random. I havent seen my gp since the referal and have stopped takling the medication as i was getting side effects and shaking, and i feel better for not taking it. If you get offered a referal take it up as you may get some tips on ways to help with fibro etc. Also i have found that joining a online support group in my local area has helped as i can share problems and ask questions etc to them.. Only thing i wish is that id be seen by some one who deals with fibromyalgia only and understands what it does n doesnt do.

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