In need of a diagnosis, 4 years of PAIN. 1st post!

Hello, I have been claiming esa for nearly 4 years now, plus recent addition of standard rate pip. This is due to being unable to work, previously having my own tree surgery business for 15 years. This is due to general pain, neuropathic pain from old neck injury, fibromyalgia, cfs, lymes disease??? I just don't know.

My question is, has anybody had a similar experience of being unable to get a solid diagnosis from a gp or specialist? If so can you please advise me how to.

I am currently taking pregablin, naproxen and amitryptiline daily medication, plus tramodol when needed for the chronic pain flare ups I get most nights, sometimes lasting for weeks. I have visited all the gps in my surgery (7), several specialists, private doctors/surgeons, scans , mri, x Ray's, blood tests galore, pain management courses, massage, hydrotherapy, : you name it I have tried it, in constant pain of varying degrees, and all the doctors don't really know what's the cause or cure.
This makes my benefit claims very complicated, as it's obvious something is wrong but no name for it is making life difficult.

I got passed around for years before getting a diagnosis which still isn't 100% solid and labelled.

I got quite a few different opinions, lots of tests, some diagnoses which fitted some test results, xrays etc. i currently have four diagnoses which means there's four conditions/diseases going on at the same time which doesn't happen to a lot of people in my position.

Primary overriding diagnosis is arthritis but not rheumatoid or osteo or classic AS although I did get a diagnosis of juvenile onset but no ankylosing which can be true of certain subsets of AS diagnoses and symptoms etc. however also got CPPD crystal arthritis although the crystals could be bystanders but not in the big toe that was subject of an arthrodesis!!

Main thing is I now have a GP specialising in pain who treats my symptoms and doesn't worry about the diagnoses.
After nearly 40 years I still have no idea how you get a solid diagnosis if they can't label you but it sure drives 'em crazeeeeeeeee. Lol

Hi Richard,
It certainly is difficult when you don't get a box ticked but believe me as someone who has several definite diagnosis plus what they class as associated conditions it doesn't necessarily make claiming easier as some people I know from Lupus clinic have to put UDCTD Undiagnosed Connective Tissue Disorder on their claims as show all symptoms but none exact to specific and had lengthy awards given or MCTD Multi Connective Tissue Disorder which show definite diagnosis of multi illnesses including Systemic lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis ,Ehlers Danlos etc and have been turned down completely. So I suggest that you tasks the most important piece of the b&W guides which is concentrate on the difficulties you experience day to day with any supporting evidence from medical professionals and try not to knock yourself out getting the box ticked.as infuriating as that can be.I have ehlers Danlos from birth and Lupus for eleven years before diagnosis confirmed.Fibromyalgia took four years then the Rheumatoid Arthritis, thyroid cancer,sjogrens, Raynaud's and CRPS.
None of these have made my claiming any easier following the guides have.
Good luck and please take care of yourself.