Advice needed

craftiecockney

hi I’m Becky I’m 47 I have fibromyalgia, ibs , Rheumatoid arthritis And a label tear of the right hip collar

I can’t get my doctor to believe me that my pain and swelling is not a flair up of my fibromyalgia but is the starts of Rheumatoid arthritis

What can I do to get help please hope someone can help

Ellen

Hi @craftiecockney

Lovely to meet you and welcome you to the Online Community.

It can be very difficult when you have dual diagnoses to feel understood by our Drs I do understand your frustration. I was wondering whether the Dr you are referring to is your GP or your Rheumatologist. It would be reasonable to expect the latter to understand the difference between the two just by examination.

Many of our members suggest writing symptoms down so that they are clear with their medical team and also to take someone with you to appointments for support.

Hopefully some of our members may have some ideas to help you.

Best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Hi @craftiecockney

Nice to meet you too.😊

I was also wondering whether someone is depriving you of treatment for your RA because they are blaming it all on the fibro?

I know a lot of symptoms do overlap because I have family with fibro we can both be utterly exhausted for instance, but there should be other clues as to which is flaring.

When are you next seeing Rheumatology I think that's the way forwards. My Rheumatologist was really supportive to me when I initially was diagnosed in ensuring the GP prescribed the right meds. Oh and yes I never go to appointments alone if I can help it you are far less likely to be fobbed off that way.

Take care

Toni x

Ellen

Just a quick add @craftiecockney

Have you seen this?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/in-your-area/in-your-area-search-results/versus-arthritis-online-fibromyalgia-support-group/

Might be worth a quick look?

Ellen.