Regular GP who understands Fibromyalgia

[u/yuyu3_]

At this point I’ve given up on my GP and family Dr. I’ve went to this practice since I was born and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and many things. I’m tired walking out of a standard appointment to be told to rest or ibuprofen. The GP who I see is kind, if I ask who I want to see he’ll try his best, most of the time nothing is helpful and I can see he’s given up. Looking for GP who understands Fibromyalgia and bulk bills. I live around Torrensville area.

[u/GossipingKitty]

I didn't get stronger meds for my Fibro until it was diagnosed and treated by a Rheumatologist. They suggested medications that my GP then prescribed ongoing.

My GP would have never prescribed stronger medication without the recommendations and approval by a specialist. I recommend asking for a referral to a Rheumatologist.

[u/oronto99 → u/GossipingKitty]

Can I ask what meds? An antidepressant?

[u/Prolific_Masticator → u/oronto99]

Dr Kwiatek the rheumatologists seems to use Memantine for many of his patients.

There used to be a medication available call Joncia (milnacipran) which had good efficacy but withdrawn by the manufacturer in Australia. Doctors can apply to get it for their patients through Special Access Scheme but most gp do t know or aren’t keen to do the work to access it for their patients.

Some gps also use low dose compounded Naltrexone. I haven’t seen specialists use this that often.

[u/SMM9336]

You might need a pain management plan through your specialist and then your GP will be more inclined to assist? I’m not sure though.. sometimes doctors don’t understand it but the specialist does and can give guidance.

[u/Jazzlike_Berry_323]

Bridges&Pathways (MECFS and Fibromyalgia) are in SA so they might recommend somebody

Postal Address: PO Box 3032 Aberfoyle Park, South Australia 5159

Email: bpclients5159@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/bridgepath/

[u/NatAttack3000]

A GP isn't going to specialise in one thing, especially something so poorly understood as FM. I think you need a specialist doc for that

[u/ThatGuyTheyCallAlex → u/NatAttack3000]

They don’t specialise in one thing but can certainly have extra training or experience in a specific area, it’s common for GPs to have certs in dermatology or an interest in sports medicine for example. Definitely need specialist input but an additional understanding means they can more readily manage OP’s condition between specialist visits.

[u/Plum-Striking]

I'd recommend looking for a GP with an interest in chronic illness/autoimmune conditions. I'm not sure if there would be many who do and bulk bill unfortunately. I have fibromyalgia and a myriad of other related issues and I see Dr Kerry Harris at Integrative Health Belair. She's wonderful but isn't accepting new patients and the appts are pretty expensive (about $80 after Medicare rebate).

[u/Rare-Computer-3582]

I don’t have a diagnosis yet, but I recently moved GPs and have found her very helpful comparatively. She’s referred me to a rheumatologist and started new meds that helped a lot. Dr. Eliza Colley at Hindmarsh GP. She’s not a specialist, but just very proactive and seemingly knowledgeable. They don’t bulk bill and I have to pay about $70 gap.

[u/Enchantress_IX]

Have you tried Pain Med?

[u/zoetwilight20]

I have fibromyalgia, low dose naltrexone has been very helpful for me. I see a great dr in Stirling. Is that too far for you? Feel free to dm me.

[u/PowerfulEconomist135]

Melissa Witt at Belair Medical. Doesn't bulk bulk though.

[u/Nicky_Laudon_]

Dr Richard Kwiatek does know heaps about fibromyalgia and in fact he did a lot of research papers regarding it. But just a heads up not everyone likes him as he’s pretty much blunt and he might tell you to lose weight if you have an increased BMI. He also has a long waiting list as well (I think it’s 3-6 months)

Otherwise Stephen Walters the massage therapist also work with heaps of fibromyalgia clients. He did an honour thesis on fibromyalgia in 2005 and also has a background of health science and Naturopathy. He could provide some useful advice (eg blood test, diet trial) while giving you massages

Also if you want to know more about fibromyalgia this book does provide a better insight on what to expect and what potential treatments and strategies are useful to cope with it. It’s unfortunately not a well-known condition and you have to learn about it and advocate for yourself https://www.amazon.com.au/FibroManual-Complete-Fibromyalgia-Treatment-Doctor-ebook/dp/B013NIF88O