In October of last year (4-5 full months before this depressive episode started) my GP refered me to a Rheumatologist after me having complained being very stiff and sore every single morning and pains/aches throughout the day.
She completed some bloods and the results showed I was deficient in vit D and that I had a + RF result - hence her referral for further investigation. I also made it known to the GP that is suffered with these aches/pains/stiffness since my daughter was around 2 (she's now 8) and that in an effort to try help myself feel better, I'd lost 6 stone in weight - yet I did not feel any relief from pain.

My Rheunatology appointment was a couple of weeks ago, initial questions from consultant were current meds, brief history etc. I obliqued giving list of meds, including pain relief and a/d's explained currently I was absent from work due to sever depressive episod and anxiety. I noticed he seemed to probe a lot of questions around this but thought nothing of it.
He continued with physical examination of my joints - lots of obvious pain which I highlighted during exam etc. I also took a notebook with me is used as a diary for a few weeks prior so he could have a good idea of how pain interfered etc, he never bothered to as much as open it.

Afterwards he said, good news for you is no rheumatoid arthritis, I was surprised as I was almost certain this was going to be the diagnosis I would be given. Family history, + RF, pain & symptoms etc seemed certain this was where this was going, however he said he could give me his word there was absolutely no RA.
He then proceeded to tell me that he believe ALL the "chronic widespread pain" as he described it, that I had was purely as a result of the depression ??? I was completely baffled by this. I further explained that I had had the pain for many years, much longer prior to this depressive episode. I actually went as far as to point out to him that I thought actually the pain was a main contributor to the depression as it is due to pain & discomfort that I rarely sleep and hence very low mood etc etc.
He was adamant that depression = pain. I'm still baffled by this, as was my GP.

The consultant did however say he was going to refer me to physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and CTB, with also physi being able to treat specific areas of pain with acupuncture (which I have never heard of being available on NHS?)

I have also to try amtryptline (sp?) gabapentin or pregablin (so?) depending on GP's preference in order to better manage pain.

Had GP appointment yesterday to discuss consultants recommendations, unfortunately GP has not yet received letter from consultant as yet so he was reluctant to take any next steps until he had read it. I explained about taking pain diary too, he asked if I could leave it with him so he could have a proper read when he wasn't pressed for appointments - which I thought was a sign of a good Dr more than anything else but finally felt like someone was actually listening to me.