confused diagnosis
 

hi I have been ill for 3 years now with severe ongoing pain both muscular and neuropathic, significant fatigue and multiple neurological symptoms such as difficulty walking, speech impediment etc. the doctor that I first saw suggested that I probably had fibromyalgia and that certainly seemed the case for the first 6 to 8 months. I had all of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However things began to change as I developed more symptoms that I don't think fit for the diagnosis including as I said before speech impediment, and other things such as photosensitivity, difficulties using my hands, etc.

I've ended up with two diagnoses both of which have created more problems than help. I don't really fit anywhere. My diagnoses are functional neurological disorder and Central sensitisation. Pain is by far the biggest issue but I have multiple other symptoms that affect my life a great deal.

I saw a pain specialist who examined me and she checked the 18 points that are sometimes used when a doctor is trying to diagnose fibromyalgia. 14 out of the 18 were extremely painful. I don't know if this is a good way to reach a diagnosis but it does make me wonder if I have fibromyalgia as 1 of the things I am dealing with. I guess my question is what has been the experience of other people with fibromyalgia? have some people then gone on to develop Central sensitisation or something similar? I have read some things on the Net about this.

I did see a rheumatologist but it was a complete waste of time and money. He didn't exam me and decided my symptoms were the result of using antidepressants. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I have seen 2 rheumatologists and both of them have checked the trigger points and I have had significant pain 18/18. Yes, Fibro is an individualized syndrome (as they like to call it) and I had all that you had. I don't think I would call what I experience a speech impediment, I have slurring, stuttering and stammering. I often forget words in the middle of sentences. I have also undergone testing for the past couple of years and recently been Dx'd with MS. I was originally Dx'd with Fibro 2 yrs ago when they could not conclusively Dx me with MS.

Both rheumies and my neuro (and my PCP) kept telling me my symptoms were normal for Fibro. I hope this helps a little.

Hey thank you very much. That is helpful. I have the same sort of difficulties with speech that you mention. I probably use speech impediment as short hand to describe what's happening. The neurologist in 2013 was almost certain that I had MS but all tests came back clear. Most medical people who see me presume I have MS because of the way I move. The hospital refuses to retest me. This week my GP confirmed she believes I have fibromyalgia (alongside the neurological and pain disorder)and she is allowed to diagnose me so next week I'm contacting the Arthritis foundation. Thanks for replying to my post. All the best.