Today's followup with my GP firmly confirmed my suspicion that the rheum has lousy diagnostic skills. Again there was no formal TP test and she didn't review my history. She said that what I have is chronic pain and that I should be sent to a pain specialist. I could see what that would do: another copay and then get doped up on some drug which probably would not alleviate the pain and let all my other symptoms exacerbate. And there wouldn't be any diagnosis, just pill popping or who knows what.
I could do a second opinion rheum visit, but for the time being my GP and I agree to continue to look at it as fibromyalgia and see how the diagnosis is borne out in the treatment. I'm at 25mg amitryptaline which seems to work fairly well except my symptoms start returning as the day wears on. He told me to try adding 10mg at noon. Doesn't seem to snow me, so I'll stay there for now. And the reminder to exercise. Back in three weeks.
I can't think of a single reason to go to a pain specialist if this is working.
Mike
Hey Mike! I don't have the constant pain that would drive me to a pain clinic. If I did and it was really having a negative effect on my life I would consider it. But if you are able to live contentedly with whatever your pain level, I think I'd say no to more meds too. I hope you can get some more definitive answers soon.
Well... I hope the amitriptyline works for you.
My 80mg of Nortriptyline is making me sleepy right now LOL! I can't think... I am off to sleep.