Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Rainbowsearching 01/30/2014

Last week was my first full week at work in nearly 2 months due to holidays and car troubles! By Friday my body was rebelling. I have been taking a low dose of trimipramine since October and although it hasn't had much effect on my pain levels it has definitely improved my sleep pattern and therefor dealing with the pain has been easier as not so exhausted. However it did not help me cope with last week. At the weekend all I did was sleep but by Sunday morning I had an awful migraine and was feeling quite nauseous. I went to work Monday but did not make it to the end of my shift. Still off sick now. I went to gp on weds and he has advised that I up the dose of trimipramine. He is also going to refer me to a rheumatologist as he believes it is FMS and wants a diagnosis for me.

I am scared. Not sure what to expect from the appointment but mainly I'm worried that I won't get a diagnosis and then what do I do?? Having read some peoples experiences I realise I am lucky as I am not completely incapacitated but it still doesn't change the fact that I hurt all over every day

skinnybinny 01/31/2014

Just take it one day at a time.

Not all Rhuemy's are the same so if you don't have a good experience seek out a new one.

Standard Rhuemy appt should order blood tests to rule out other diseases like Lupus, Arthritis, polymyalgia, Vit D deficiency, etc. They should do the tender point test and ask you questions about sleep, fatigue. Also, mention if you are having bowel issues.

As with any disease they may discuss treatment options.

Sorry you're having a rough time, hopefully this will give you some answers.

deleted_user 01/31/2014

Skinny is right on about rheumy, if this one does not spend enough time with you, consider a 2nd opinion. My first rheumy was in a huge hurry and I was not able to explain all my symptoms. The good news is that there is now a lot of attention on fibro, much more than just 5 years ago. Good luck!! ((hugs))

Rainbowsearching 01/31/2014

Thanks for your replies, I was unsure about which symptoms to talk about, do I just focus on the joint and muscle pain as that is their area of expertise or do I list all the random symptoms as well?

I am in the uk and being treated on the NHS so not sure I get to have a second opinion unless I pay privately which I can't afford so let's hope they do a good job first time round. The good news is my gp is very understanding and I have no concerns about going back to him if I'm not satisfied with the outcome.

skinnybinny 01/31/2014

check out this article on preparing for an appt, it might give you some answers

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/04/03/doctors-lists-preparing-for-an-appointment-with-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm

deleted_user 02/01/2014

hi, i too live in the UK and am waiting for my appointment for to see a rheumotologist. Just wondering what you have been prescribed so far and if you have found any benefits?
i also have the same fear. What if i dont get the diagnosis?? what will i do then?? i think you are right that we would be hard pushed to get a second referral to another rheumatologist "/

Rainbowsearching 02/01/2014

Blimey, not sure that article was helpful, I have a massively long list, even if I tried to summarise not sure I could narrow it down to less than 5 points. I think it's wrong that patients should feel harrassed at appointments and not able to convey all their problems, does that not lead to misdiagnosis? The issues that are most problematic to me may not be the most telling issues. Also if I summarise how I'm feeling I risk sounding like I've learnt the key symptoms by heart off the internet and I'm just putting it on, seeing as there are no specific tests to prove otherwise.

I sometimes doubt myself, asking does it really hurt that much? Am I really not able to do this simple task or am I just not trying hard enough? In order for other people to believe me they need to understand exactly how it feels. I need to accept exactly how it feels.

Really struggling with all this, just want to be out of pain and living life normally :/

Rainbowsearching 02/01/2014

Hi cathevs, I am currently taking trimipramine. Originally half a 25mg tablet at night but last week gp upped it to a whole tab. I was struggling with just half a tab as I often slept through my alarm if I did not take it early enough (at least 8 hours before my alarm) so I was worried about upping the dose but having taken it for 4 days it's working better than before. I think I must be sleeping even better as I have been waking up feeling refreshed which I have NEVER experienced before in my life. It hasn't however done anything to ease the pain yet, but at least I'm not exhausted all day.

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