Fibromyalgia diagnosis

[MushroomMama]

Just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia this morning. Bit shell shocked as I'd convinced myself it was a) nothing or b) just my osteoarthritis playing up making me feel ropey.

I have no idea about it and doctor just told me to google nhs choices as they had no leaflets!

Can anyone point me in the right direction or give me an idea what I can expect in terms of care and medication?

I know someone with fibromyalgia and she gets a lot of support via an online Facebook group. I don't know the name but if you look on there it should be easy to find. How are you feeling?

Thank you shall have a look on there!

I feel rough physically and a bit bereft emotionally :( I already struggle with arthritis so to have this on top is a bit of a kick in the teeth so to speak

I was diagnosed 6 months ago.

My GP got me a referral to a physiotherapy self management course.

I am on one now and they teach you how to manage your condition. They do exercise in a hot pool an also you attend a training course each week. They talk about the drugs (I am on 30 mg Amitriptyline) and how to plan and pace your day.

There are various types of drugs you can get but everybody is different. My amitriptyline works for me but others it doesn't help at all.

You need continuing support from your GP in terms of getting the right drug therapy to manage symptoms and some training to show you how to help yourself.

He's referred me to the physic course and wrote a letter to my gp

Problem is my gp is so rubbish they've had me in tears before but I can't change them as it's all based on catchment areas.

Can I ask how you felt about your diagnosis abetadad1

Physio*

Mushroom - well I went to my GP with the NHS Choices fibromyalgia symptoms checklist and told him I thought I had fibromyalgia. I tick every box and had had the symptoms 3 years. I told him I wanted to try Amitrityline and he agreed and also referred me on to the rheumatism specialist and they referred me to the physio.

I have felt better with the drugs but I have felt in myself very down about realising I had a long term incurable condition. I also have an autoimmune condition that was the trigger.

I went to my first physio session last week and didn't feel like going. I felt like it was an admission that I was 'old' and things were never going to be better.

To be fair, on the course they do talk explicitly about the process of accepting your condition as being an essential part of the process of 'grieving'. One lady was in tears. I have 5 more sessions to go of hot water therapy and counselling/training.

I am feeling a lot better today but had a bad week last week both physically and mentally..

Thank you, I think that's what I need help accepting the diagnosis. I can accept my osteo as it was due to an accident but this has come out of the blue in the last 6 months!

I know what you mean by feeling old as such. I keep thinking I'm only 26 what's going on!

I will see what they say at the doctors on Thursday regarding tablets I need to get my pain under control.

Thank you for your advice it's much appreciated