Fibromyalgia diagnosis!

I’ve posted this message elsewhere so apologies to those who have already read this post –

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Hi Sara,

It is well worth getting tested for Lyme disease or other tick-borne infections. Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose and is a great mimicker of other illnesses. Many ME and Fibromyalgia patients have been misdiagnosed and in fact are suffering from Lyme disease.

Be aware that if you have had a negative Lyme disease test this, in NO way, is a conclusive result (most of the antibody tests are notoriously unreliable , producing false-negative results, few doctors in the UK are aware of this, or the prevalence of Lyme disease for that matter).

The best way to get conclusive proof of a Lyme disease infection is to have your blood screened under the microscope by a specialist. I know of only one ME specialist in the UK that provides darkfield microscopy screening. He sends out blood slide kits to those who are unable to come to his clinic (in Bolton) and is willing to have telephone consultations if need be. If you would like his details feel free to e-mail me.

I was (mis)diagnosed with ME 5 years ago. I continued to develop a myriad of symptoms over the years. Recently, I had my blood screened under a microscope by this ME specialist. He found Borrelia spirochetes in my blood - Lyme disease! He also tested my blood for other bacterial infections (one of which was also positive for Rickettsia).

After all these years of being told that I had ME and nothing could be done for me, I am now being treated for the real cause of my ill health - Lyme disease (and Rickettsia). I have a long course of antibiotics ahead (at least 18 months) but am starting to see a slow improvement. My arthritic and lethargic cat was also screened and he too has a Lyme disease infection (he is improving on antibiotics everyday)!

I highly recommend having the blood slide examination. Even if my test had been negative it would have been worth it just to be able to conclusively rule Lyme disease out.

This ME specialist in Bolton is very thorough and will also test your mitochondria function (very significant in ME), alongside other necessary blood tests.

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Information on Lyme disease –

The EuroLyme Yahoo group is a good resource and support network.

http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/lyme.htm

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/print.cfm?ID=6743

Huge range of possible symptoms - http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/symptoms.php

http://www.theoneclickgroup.co.uk/do...s/Borreliosis/

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Good luck with everything!!

NB. Please note that I am in no way affiliated with this specialist and am not a doctor. I am just speaking from personal experience and hope that it may help someone else.

Yes it can be classed as a disability. You can claim DLA (disability living allowance) depending on the severity of FMS that you have.

the medical diagnosis does make the claiming of DLA easier as we have said because to some others you can look fine. And the people in the claiming office do SOMETIMES try to make things difficult for those putting claims in. Also due to the fact that a few years ago it wasn't that well known most people didn't know how to regard FMS in disability and or claim wise.

Good post Ted_Hutchinson.

Savvy_Sue wrote:

and it does have to be both legs, I think you'll find, a single leg amputation doesn't normally get you any mobility component of DLA!

There have been cases where someone with amputated legs was able to walk with artificial legs more than 50meters so losing entitlement. The ability to walk includes the use of walking aids.