GP isn't taking me seriously

andrea76

Hi all! 

Ive joined here as I really don’t know where to go next, I’m hoping for some advice. 
After years of constant pain all over, numbness, clumsiness, dizziness & fatigue I’ve been diagnosed with DDD & osteoarthritis. I’m having nerve blocks next week then hopefully surgery in 2 months.
Apart from the above I really feel like something else is lurking under the surface, I know my body and feel like I’m 82 not 42, I’m constantly sore to the touch, exhaustion is ever present but my gp has done bloods and said there’s no inflammatory markers?! Has anyone any advice please as where to go from here as I’m so fed up and it’s getting me down now. TIA XX

JennysDad

Hello Andrea @andrea76 and welcome to the community. My profound apologies for us not having been able to get back to you sooner.
I am very sorry to hear about your condition and that it is getting you down, which is perfectly understandable I hope very much that we can find ways to help you.

I am no authority on these things and as such I am asking the following question very guardedly: but has anybody made reference at all to fibromyalgia? It is principally your 'sore to the touch' comment which makes me wonder. 

Perhaps you could respond to this asap and allow me to get back to you?

Very warmest best wishes to you,
Richard

andrea76

Hi JennysDad

thanks for your reply. 
No, no one has ever mentioned this, I’ve had “oh well, being a working mum is hard at times!” 
This is all I get from my gp, I don’t feel I’m being taken seriously. We went out for lunch yesterday as it was Mother’s Day & this morning I’m struggling so much, it would be easier to list what isn’t hurting today! The simplest of things can completely wipe me out

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @andrea76, and welcome to the community!

Thanks for sharing this with us, it sounds like you're having a really frustrating time trying to find answers. I've been in a similar situation myself in the past and know how disheartening it can be.

Whilst we cannot give medical advice over the community, one thing that could be worth doing is seeing a different GP and getting a second opinion: you are always entitled to do this, and it could be that somebody looking at your circumstances with fresh eyes could really be beneficial and help to move things forward. What do you think? 

charlene

Hello, I have fibromyalgia. My symptoms are widespread pain, fatigue, memory loss, problems going up and downstairs.  Just recently I found small lumps in both legs just above my knees (fibre lumps). Difficulties pronouncing words and during conversation losing words or forgetting what I want to say. There other symptoms, I hope this has helped you.

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andrea76

Thank you all so much for your replies, I too forget half way through a conversation what I’m talking about but I put this & other symptoms down to my depression? I’ve been on meds for years for this but the symptoms I have been having the last 12 months are completely different. I see another GP at my practice next Monday so fingers crossed I have a bit more luck! 
Thanks guys 

butterflies

Hi Andrea

Have you had your thyroid levels checked or your B12 levels checked.
If you do not want to face your GP you can have blood tests done online via Medichecks or Blue Horizon which saves being fobbed off by NHS!
 
Being low in Magnesium can cause really awful symptoms of all kind and this can be taken as Epsom Salts baths(or small teaspoon in a drink of juice you can buy food grade) or Magnesium Oil Spray.

It's a process of elimination really to see what works for you.

charlene

Hi Andrea, depression can also be part of fibromyalgia, certainly one of my symptoms.

JennysDad

Hello again, @andrea76 and good to hear back from you. @PippaScope is spot-on here - try to get that second opinion. Hate to say it, but my understanding is that GPs are often 'lazy' when it comes to women's pain.
Warmest best wishes to you,
Richard

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andrea76

Thyroid, b12, vitamin d, had almost everything checked, the Magnesium sounds interesting though?! I will pick some up on my way home from work. How I’m managing to hold down my job I’ll never know. I’m a clinic support worker for the nhs so it’s not exactly a “I’m just going to take 5 mins to rest” job! 
I really feel like giving up lately, feel like nobody understands, if I had a cast on my leg then people could see what was wrong

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andrea76

A little light humour is appreciated at the min seriously though thanks guys, just knowing there’s people who support you makes all the difference. So glad I found this site   

butterflies

Hahaha!  @Victoriad  @andrea76
My grandma swore by Andrews Liver Salts and I used to tell her that joke!!!

I got the book the Magnesium Miracle a few years ago.
After a lot of research....
I'm also taking L-tryptophan(an essential amino acid) for depression(due to chronic illness) and Holy Basil capsules... an Ayurvedic herb which really helps with stress and sleep.
I don't know where I would be if I had not starting taking these.  I have been on them 6-9months and the difference is really noticeable.

I hope you manage to find some relief from your symptoms soon @andrea76

andrea76

Thank you. 
I’m currently taking sertraline for depression, gabapentin 300mg x3 three times a day and tramadol x 8 a day. Obviously driving and working do not allow me to take these doses, it would be impossible hence me not getting the adequate pain relief for the problems I’m experiencing. I informed my gp last month of this. 

Barbiesnemesis

My doctors told me my thyroid levels were fine - it turned out that it was on the borderline of ok/not ok. I found out via my psychiatrist and he put me on thyroxine. 

Matilda

Hi Andrea

Have you asked your GP to refer you to a specialist?

andrea76

Some gp’s are a joke aren’t they? 

Matilda

Yes, afraid so. Though I've been quite lucky with my GP practice.