Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The symptoms may be worse at some times more than at other times.
Fibromyalgia
Jo, Sam and Tony from the local Fibromyalgia support group share their stories on what is Fibromyalgia, the challenges they face with the condition, work, socially and their coping mechanisms, finishing with some tips for the community on how to make inclusion easier for any with their Hidden Disability.
What is Fibromyalgia?
The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles; and “algia” meaning pain.
Fibromyalgia is a condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The symptoms may be worse at some times more than at other times.
The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone just “pulled the plug”.
If symptoms are severe people may not be able to hold down a paying job and some people can feel quite frustrated, isolated and alone.
While fibromyalgia’s symptoms are not easy to understand or deal with, fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening disease.
Resources
Tel: 0844 887 2465
E-mail fibrosupport@cwgsy.net
www.fibromyalgia-guernsey.org
www.ukfibromyalgia.com
Facebook
Coping Strategies
- Rest frequently
- Review your work situation, can you reduce working hours to part-time, change roles or consider bank (temporary) work
- Find a sense of balance between work, rest and life in order to maintain a good quality of life
- Attend a local support group
- Do not be afraid to ask for help
- Use mobility aids such as a walking stick, a Zimmer frame or a wheelchair if necessary
However, people who suffer with fibromyalgia do not necessarily have all of these symptoms and can have the symptoms in different degrees, at different times.
Top Tips
Top Tips for the community interacting with someone with Fibromyalgia.