Hello, I was diagnosed with widespread osteoarthritis in 2011 after prolapsing discs 4 and 5 in 2010. After a diagnosis of needing a knee replacement in 2015 I was told I would have to wait because of my age ! The following year strange symptoms appeared and a blood test showed an abnormality. I was sent to see a rheumatologist who dismissed me totally telling me there was nothing wrong with me and my knee was fine !! I struggled on coping with major falls and increasing pain and extreme fatigue and numbness in my lower limbs. I was sent back to the rheumatologist and have a letter saying there is nothing wrong with me, in medical terms it was all in my head !! Lockdown 2020 was difficult for many. My knee collapsed and I was dragging my leg and depending on sticks to move just short distances. My self employed business failed and the extreme pain and fatigue continued. After having to beg for a face to face consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon I seemed to be fast tracked and had my knee replaced in February 2021. I found that although the recovery went well I was still feeling so unwell. I asked the GP if I could be referred to see someone she refused saying that my knee had been replaced because of the osteoarthritis and that is what I have !!! I then sold my home as I could cope with the size and upkeep. When I moved I paid to see a rheumatologist. A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. I have seen the GP twice since then. The last time I was getting severe ingestion, a tight chest and tingling pains in my left arm. He moved my arm up and down and just said "it was one of those things !!!" I feel so very let down. I am almost 65, a WASPI woman who suddenly had her pension age raised by 6 years with little notice. I live on my own, its a struggle and I am living off the few savings left. I applied for PIP but had my case dismissed after waiting 6 months and will try to appeal. It is though exhausting to try to cope with the red tape and the extreme pain and fatigue. I cared for my parents who both had health issues and one with vascular demetia and the other with alzheimers at the same time. Not easy.
I am now asking for help and do not know where to go.
SoSoSore
