Every one is different, and fibromyalgia is becoming more widely accepted in the medical field. Those who have had it for decades probably took longer to receive a diagnosis because doctor's avoided the diagnosis. Personally, I was just recently diagnosed this past summer after about 2 years of actively insisting my doctor refer me to various specialists to determine what was going on. There were symptoms before that, though, and it wasn't until I decided to take my medical health into my own hands that things started moving. You have to be your own advocate and fight for yourself because your doctor won't. They want easy answers and fibro is definitely not an easy answer.

Oh Jeanette ! Just about everything !! At my worst I had 17 specialists - you name it, I had it ! Luckily my Primary care coordinated them all, but I think that is not necessary if you PC won't do that !!!

Old Sue

It was my third episode, and I wanted to retire because I was finding it so difficult to manage work. In the end. I had to go privately to see a consultant an
Endochronologist doctrine. Having the diagnosis has enabled me to claim what I am eligible for. My Blue Badge has been life changing.

Old sue can I ask what they are treating separately. My understanding is that each symptom should be treated separately. However, my GP didn’t want to do that at all

I am pretty sure I've had it since a small child due to concussions. - I gather I was active !!!!! I was diagnosed in Jan. 2000. I lost the strength in my right side and went down. Made it to the Dr's. office. He sent me to a Neurologist the next day and I had a sleep deprived EEG, and an MRI and was diagnosed the next day. Still, no one knew about it, but I was glad it wasn't MS !! My wonderful PC in about 2005 sent me to specialists for each problem and then coordinated them all !!! That was when my road to recovery started ! I am now in a good place and living comfortable - still fatigue, but probably that is my age - 84+ !!!!!

Old Sue

That's what I was eluding to - the way women in bygone eras were labelled with situational depression when they had chronic widespread pain. You totally understood.