I've not really posted before but have a question regarding finding a Dr who understands Fibro.
I have suffered symptoms for around 15 years. I have a family history of RA so I assumed it was mostly down to that. When it got to a point, around 9 years ago that I could no longer cope with the pain and it had begun to affect my day to day life, I went and spoke to my previous GP. He diagnoses RA (no tests just a physical exam) and prescribed me 75mg twice a day of Retard. It worked..ish...brilliant. He also referred me to the practice physio who confirmed the RA and gave me exercises and a stick to help me walk. However it became increasingly difficult to get the GP's to prescribe the Retard. At one appointment I was told that it was simply too expensive to give out on prescription so I was instead given dyhdracodeine and dyclophenac. These made me violently sick but I persevered for a month before going back having had no real pain relief in that time. I was very reluctantly give another prescription but told not to expect another. After that I didn't really bother going back and managed on over the counter pain killers. I moved home 2 years ago. So a new Dr's surgery. I went to see one of the Dr's who wanted to do blood tests to confirm the RA which I happily agreed to. When the results came back, he told me I didn't have RA at all and the the 2 tests were negative. A bit of a shock! So I asked him what I did have and his answer was to shrug his shoulders and suggest I become a bit more active and try to lose a little weight. I went home and just cried. I was absolutely beside myself. My husband suggested I saw the same GP at the practice that he was seeing. So finally, 6 months ago I did. I explained everything and he sent me for some x-rays. A week later he said that the xrays were normal. Again I was gutted. This time though he asked questions and did the pressure point test. OMG! I have never felt such pain. My knees, back, neck, shoulders, hips and arms still felt bruised and tender 3 days later! He explained he believed I had Fibro. He gave me Tramadol and Amytriptaline and a fact sheet and explained a bit about it as I'd never even heard of it! Anyway, when I made an appointment to see him 2 weeks ago, I was told he had left and was given an appointment to see another GP. She asked me why I was there and I explained it was for a medication review as I hadn't got on with the amytriptaline. She checked my notes and asked me to fill out a depression questionaire?? Afterwards, she prescribed me a low dose of Prozac to "Lift my mood..." (whatever that means). I do not feel depressed. I don't feel I have an issue with my "mood" other than suffering bouts of total fatigue where even getting out of bed wears me out! She also suggested that I begin to take regular exercise and socialise more which would all help with getting rid of the Fibro!!! I was, and still am stunned! If I could walk without 1 or 2 sticks of course I'd take up regular exercise.....I used to go to the Gym 3 times a week and I used to walk everywhere!!! I haven't taken the Prozac. She seemed to think it was all in my head ......................... gutted after finding a fab GP who believed my pain was real to suddenly, again being made to feel a fake!!! I just want a GP who believes me.