Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

Karen Hannaford
(from Fibromyalgia Focus Oct-Dec 2008)

Karen is a long-standing member and supporter of the group. About two years ago, her husband, John, walked all the way from the City of London to their home in Lingfield, raising about £1,200 for FMSSAS in the process. (See report here.)

 Hi fellow Fibromites,
My name is Karen, some of you know me. I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for around 15 years now.

  I was suffering from Endometriosis, and taking a drug called Depoprovera, which disagreed with me, so I came off it. But I was a hairdresser and was struggling with pain in my arms, hands and back. I was diagnosed with 'Carpal tunnel' and depression. I didn't stop working as I loved it, but kept getting various treatments. However, the pain got worse and I was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  I gave up my job and sunk into more depression. I tried Prozac but hated it, and tried every painkiller I could get my hands on.  I was having two massages per week and although it relaxed me it didn't take the awful 'stabbing' pains away throughout the body (I call them my 'voodoo' points).

  Over the years I have tried acupunture, osteopathy, physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Shiatsu, well the list goes on!! Also every natural supplement.

Recently I met Caroline Hinks who set up the 'tried and tested' programme, and it was like a breath of fresh air Carolinetraining@aol.com.  She told me about an American doctor named William Wong, who had exactly the same symptoms as me and perhaps many fellow fibromyalgia sufferers. Through his protocol I am now 70% better and one happy lady!! It will sound controversial to a lot of you but please don't knock it until you have tried it!!

  He told me to take a large dose of 'systemic enzymes'. I took 15 to 20 tablets a day and had no side effects apart from day one. I felt a slight burning in my worst area (right shoulder) which meant that it was kicking in. I'm afraid you won't like this next bit and neither did I!!! Dr Wong absolutely insisted that I went to the gym and started a weight strengthening programme. I know what you are all thinking!! NO BLOODY WAY!! Well I thought 'to hell with it, in for a penny' and all that. He warned me that, over the first month, I would feel worse, (which I did) but I was really enthused as I had a really good feeling about it. On my first consultation with a lovely young male gym instructor, after discussing my illness we did some basic 'core building exercises' and I couldn't even do one sit up!! Now I do 2 to 3 days a week stretching, weight machines, on a low weight!!; swimming (which I haven't done for years); I also use the treadmill and 'cross trainer'.    I cannot begin to tell you how much better I feel. I had lost all hope as I had tried everything going. I am now strong enough to pick up my adorable nephew for a cuddle (without treatment and bed the next day). I can cope with everyday things such as putting the rubbish out, housework, sex! (which has cheered the husband up  no end)!!! My 'voodoo' stabbing has completely gone, I still get achy, especially when I get my period, but I can cope with that!!!

I get 'myofacial release' once a week from a wonderful lady called Tina Rymer (who has studied fibromyalgia and been on courses to treat us). I also take a follow-up supplement.   I wish you all the best of luck on what ever you try, and hope it works for you too.

  This is the story of what did and didn’t work for Karen. Information about the protocol that Karen has been following and the pills she is taking has been omitted. We are not qualified to judge medical or complementary medicines and procedures which should always be discussed with a qualified professional. Karen is quite happy to pass on contact details for anyone who wants to find out more. Her e-mail address is kazhannaford@msn.com. Also, Caroline Hinkes’ “Tried and Tested” project was featured in the July/September issue of Fibromyalgia Focus and can be seen here.