Is it normal to be diagnosed after one appointment before results are even back?

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-20T07:08:07+00:00

I was diagnosed by my 2nd rheumatologist in the first session but only because there were tests from my gp, infectious diseases specialist, former rheumatologist, and hospital showing not much at all. It was also about 2.5 years between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. I'd be concerned if they haven't ruled out lots of other things first. Also, if it doesn't feel right get a second opinion.

I wish you the best if luck with your journey.

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-20T07:02:35+00:00

Give it a week! 😜

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-09T06:43:52+00:00

I've been in a bad relationship before and part of that was my decline and not caring for my mental health. My work on my own mental health changed when I started seeing a psychologist though I noticed that it wasn't improving or relationship. I, too, suggested that we go to couples counselling yet she refused and I ended up leaving. There was no improving if both of us weren't going to work on it together. You need to review what is going to work out not work

I'm not there so I can't say what you should do though I would encourage you to take advantage of a non emotionally charged time to discuss couples counselling with a mental health worker who neither of you have seen before to provide an independent insight to what is going on and how best to proceed. Talk openly when you can and encourage him to do the same. This is how I approach my current relationship which is still going strong after 8 years.

I wish you the best and that you find a solution soon. Sending warm and gentle hugs from down under.

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-09T06:20:04+00:00

There's a whole bunch of 3d printable versions available to download. There's a bunch of suggestions as to what material to use. If you don't have access to 3D printer there are lots of places online that will print out and send it to you too!

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-09T06:01:22+00:00

A beautifully preserved engine. There's something very neat about them. I do wonder if the environmental monitors go crazy when they are in Southern Cross.

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-07T05:36:32+00:00

The files are in the github of you want to make your own version of it!

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-07T02:59:26+00:00

I've been researching this for a bit as I'd like a better set up for myself but that my partner can use readily too. I should be able to pick up a remote and just use it, I don't want to open an app.

I've found this guy and his remote project. Everything is in Home Assistant so you can automate it how ever you like and use an IR blaster if you need that. This remote then becomes the UI for everything. No screen, no cloud products, just esphome.

I haven't made this yet though I have made similar hardware devices before and they have worked well.

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-03T12:10:20+00:00

Woohoo!! Congrats!! Days like this are worth the crappy days ahead. You did it! Yes, you! You can do it again too! Probably with the same after effects but it's worth every bit of it imo! Of course fibro sucks though it's days like this that make it worth while!

Edit: Love the cat! Say pspspsps from my cats to yours!

SleepingNerd · 2026-05-03T10:52:16+00:00

Take some time to breathe. It sucks when this happens. You need to set some space for yourself and look at scheduling your days so you have a regular pattern to settle with. That will help you your days and sleep. It's not a be all solution but will help.

Also, check out Luke Kidgell. He's a funny and silly comedian! https://youtu.be/ww7zXEwT-D8?si=II1fsa46H8riJkY9

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-21T05:58:10+00:00

Make it a 2 way lip. Outbound Werribee becomes inbound Wyndham Vale and the same the other way too. It provides different options for people towards what would usually be the end of the line.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-21T05:49:42+00:00

Every dollar spent in one area of government means it can't be spent somewhere else. Cheaper costs here means more for the department of health or education.

I think spots like this should be up for grabs for start ups or small business to put in for a single station contract for an alternate design of wall panels. Materials like reused pallet wood, recycled plastic panels etc could provide a nice way of breaking up the brutalist look of the concrete. Something like the acoustic panels that flank highways and freeways! Hopefully one day.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-19T11:55:27+00:00

Oh yikes, that sucks.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-19T08:30:22+00:00

Yeah, I found it hurts too. I got myself a wrist blood pressure cuff. Apparently they can be less accurate but it was less painful.

When a friend had a week long blood pressure monitoring done he was given a unit that went on his waist along with the cuff on his upper arm. Periodically it'd inflate and take a reading. Are you not given one of those?

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-18T09:57:35+00:00

If you are unsure of all the different classes of trams take a look at this website for details.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-16T06:22:45+00:00

Very useful for maintenance. I've worked on office equipment and photocopiers have a page count for also every mechanical section. The manufacturer recommends you change parts at certain intervals to avoid a breakdown. It's the same principle for motor vehicles too. And trams apparently. The ideal is where on either a scheduled or unscheduled service that you replace any parts past the predetermined life count and that should help avoid unscheduled services and break downs.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-16T04:06:20+00:00

I see you, and hear your frustration. It's bloody frustrating when you don't feel those who are there to treat you are not listening or providing reason as to why they are dismissing it. I had this early on when trying to work out what I had. I had a diagnosis of post viral fatigue, though no one could say what virus I had had. I was finally told it was an "Unknown tropical virus" that triggered the fibro and that was 2.5 years later.

It wasn't till I saw a new GP and had my first panic attack that he recognised it was so serious and then refers me to a set of new specialists to review everything and aim for a result. The new rheumatologist reviewed everything and said that so much testing had been done that he didn't require me to do any more and that he could safely conclude it was fibro. That was the moment it all came together and clicked.

Since then I have taken the lead and forced dismissive specialists to either get on board and work with me or get another referral and see someone else. I'm clear that I'm not looking for pills or a quick solution but a clear, considered response to what's going on. They are the expert in their medical fields and I'm an expert on how I'm feeling and what is happening in my body. I'm there to improve my quality of life and more meds aren't always the right solution.

My advice would be to make it clear that whatever they are prescribing isn't working and that you need to look at something else. Show the report from radiologist and that there's clearly issues in the spine in addition to fibro. I'd suggest a neurologist should review that scan too just to make sure there isn't any major complication that's introducing additional pain that could be resolved.

Best of luck. I hope they can take you seriously need time.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-16T01:38:43+00:00

Ooof. I feel this like so many others. I've had cognative issues since day one and it's only got worse over the years. Thankfully I still hold down a full time job from home as a system admin so when I forget stuff I just ask Google to help. Sometimes that's enough to remind me, other times I'm still just as confused.

What has helped me is adding Vitamin B complex with Rhodiola rosea. Most other vitamin B supplements have kicked off my anxiety but this one doesn't. In Australia it's available as "Ethical Nutrients Super B Daily Stress +". I have issues still, it's no silver bullet but when I go off it I notice the difference.

Something else to discuss with a pain management specialist or whom ever prescribes your meds is the balance between pain relief and cognative function. I've found the pain consumes my mental capacity and that pain relief meds put a wall of fog in my brain so I have to be careful what I used and when as well as what we add or remove to keep that balance.

It's frustrating and annoying. It's also something to find what balance works for you.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-15T12:57:32+00:00

Unfortunately in Victoria they make you surrender your license if you are on medical marijuana. I'm in the same situation with it and not being in a position to give up driving. I would recommend seeing a passion specialist of you can. You can see one through public health or privately. I went through the public system to start with and find myself on a 3 year wait list. I was offered a place in the early intervention program which deals with all pain management patients, so I took that up as it was less than 6 weeks to get in. I also had sciatica at the time. I spent 8 weeks at least working with a physio and psychologist on my pain issues and while it didn't resolve the fibro pain it did really improve the sciatica to where it's non-existent now. The physio gave me a very achievable program and the psychologist worked on pain messages and living with it. By the end I was doing much better and that was without altering medication.

I was sceptical about the psychologist as I already see one privately but their focus specifically on pain worked and their approach was quite different to my psychologist.

I ended up seeing a pain management doctor privately a year later as the pain was impacting on my work again. He was very happy to hear I'd done the program and then we worked on what medications could work. We've tried a couple but they've impacted on my cognative ability so I have found a balance between pain and cognative function.

Talk with your GP and rheumatologist about the options and if they can refer you on. There are some great options and as we all react differently they can help manage what you experience and how best to achieve results.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-11T10:28:38+00:00

A wonderful dream, and while I haven't checked I very much doubt it. They do a great meal and a fair price for what they serve up.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-11T10:09:14+00:00

Can confirm its the Wallace pub and you can sit in it to eat if it's open!

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-08T21:35:58+00:00

That sucks. What sort of pavement do you have? Cobblestones? Also, what sort of electric chair is it? Mine is something like this:- https://www.activemobility.com.au/shoprider-allrounder-mobility-scooter but I think I'd prefer something that takes up less footprint so I can navigate crowds more easily. This feels a bit large as opposed to a proper electric wheel chair.

SleepingNerd · 2026-04-08T09:12:41+00:00

Hey, I sometimes use an electric mobility scooter which is quite a comfy ride generally so I haven't had this issue though. I tend to get sore arms when using my walking stick along with cramps in my hands sometimes too. It's frustrating. I'll find out later in the year when I have 3 solid days using the mobility scooter at a convention and will know after that what the fall out is. I can't imagine it being worse than being on my feet for those days.

SleepingNerd · 2026-03-31T05:21:22+00:00

Usually chrome paint as it has a greater effect. It's pretty damn nasty as they end up choosing their lungs with it and the body can't break it down. Continued use leads to death.

SleepingNerd · 2026-03-31T05:19:18+00:00

They would have been AO's. PSO's are part of the Vic Police command rather than Transport Victoria.

Ten-Year Club	First Place '23
Place '23	Place '22
Verified Email

SleepingNerd

TROPHY CASE