How can I start to get my head round my totally unexpected diagnosis of fibromyalgia?

Options
GrandmaT
GrandmaT Member Posts: 13
in Chat to our Helpline Team

I have had osteoarthritis and Raynauds for many years and managed to convince my GP last year that I was really struggling. I thought I had rheumatoid arthritis as it is rife in my family. I have seen a consultant who immediately described everything I was experiencing and said that I should have been diagnosed years ago!

I just don't know where to start with this condition and am so disappointed that, for me, pain relief isn't an option. I have started Leo's programme, but I don't know if I have the mental strength now to keep trying after years of struggling with keeping active. I am 82 years old.

Tagged:

Comments

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,490
    Options

    Hi GrandmaT

    Thank you for posting on the forum. I’m so sorry to hear that it has taken so long for you to get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and how frustrating for you that it should have been diagnosed years ago. For some people it can take quite some time to get their head around a condition, hopefully by becoming informed it will become a little easier for you. 

    As you say you ‘don’t know where to start’ I would suggest giving us a ring on our freephone helpline: 0800 5200 520 (weekdays 9am – 8pm) here we can take our time to talk through the condition which hopefully will be a helpful start for you.

    You also say that pain relief is not an option and that can be difficult to manage, so for a start I am giving you links to our information on fibromyalgia and FMAUK which is the specialist organization for fibromyalgia.  If you would like to read about the experiences of others, please repost on the living with arthritis forum where you will receive more responses.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/fibromyalgia/
    http://www.fmauk.org/
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/categories/living-with-arthritis-forum

    Its great to hear that you have started the Leo’s programme, I think you are referring to the Let’s move with Leon programme. Even if you do little bits of it that would be good, as some movement is going to be better than no movement.  Once again please give us a ring, sometimes a listening ear can be really helpful.

    Best wishes

    Lynda

    Helpline Advisor

Back to top

Categories