Too long for diagnosis and lack of treatment or support

Redpanda2026

Mis diagnosed twice took 19 months to get diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia in my knees no treatment or support offered by the consultant. In my early 40's so has been life changing and brutal no family support as I do not have family, lost my job due to lack of mobility. Unemployed almost two years now after working with no gaps since year 2000, which has been financially devastating.

Diagnosis took so long and total lack of treatment/ support for a life changing health condition has left me with crippling depression and anxiety. So know my mental health is as big an issue as my physical issues, anyone else experienced this? If the NHS had capable staff and diagnosis/ treatment/ support a priority surely millions of people would not end up with mental health issues after life changing health conditions?

Rosie_Scope

I'm so sorry this has happened to you @Redpanda2026. It's a huge adjustment living with such painful conditions and you're right, sometimes the support just isn't there and it's horrible to have to fight for what you need.

Have you spoken to your GP about how it's made you feel? When I was struggling a while back, my GP offered me a mental health support group with other people with long term conditions. It was basic stuff, but it was nice to be around people who understood what it was like. I wonder whether something similar might help you feel less alone in what's happened.

Are you getting any help managing your pain levels at all?

Redpanda2026

I am tempted to post an account of my experience with the NHS on here detailing all the mistakes made and crazy situations I was in with the staff, but no one would believe me. Was due to see the GP and complain about my experience and no treatment plan off the Rheumatologist, was involved in a huge car accident so now have no transport. So more stress on top of two years stress and health problems, I did attend a support group for acute pain sufferers for a while but everyone was so much older than me I did not fit in. Not having family is a huge issue and total lack of a support network, all these health issues should have hit me in my 60's plus not early 40's