Welcome to PC kiwiguy!

If you want some good information on fibro, check out the Mayo Clinic website. I refer to them a lot for medical issues and I always find them to be very helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

Do you see a specialist for your arthritis? If so, you probably should speak to that doctor about your dx.

Some general practitioners may have a good background in dealing with fibro, many do not. Some believe in it, some don't. Regardless of this, if you don't feel you are comfortable or getting the right care from the gp you are seeing now, by all means, do some shopping around and find someone that fits your style more. Also, second opinions are a good option as well.

For the next month before you go back to the dr., do some good self care. Rest when you need to, that's very important. If you have any meds that you take that help with the pain, use them when needed. If you are having difficulty sleeping, try to have a schedule each night, that may help you get into a routine. If you exercise you can continue to do so, but don't push yourself past your limits right now. You don't want to overdo it and find yourself hurting way too much or too exhausted to do anything else.

If you find you are foggy brained, make notes of everything. I'm having to get into doing that now myself. It's kind of a pain, but it helps to have something to remind you of what you need to do and of appts. etc.

If you find that weather fronts bother you a lot (they do me!), keep an eye on the weather so you can plan around it as much as possible. If you know that one is coming through in a day or two, try to get stuff done before it hits so you can do your self care on the days when you are feeling like garbage.

Fibro is a pain...literally. But, it's not life threatening, just life altering. That's probably why the doc didn't schedule you sooner than a month out.

I wish you well and hope you get some answers soon!

Take good care,
sabby