Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

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Members' Fibro Stories
(from Fibro News / Fibromyalgia Focus)


When we read about other people’s experiences it often helps us to understand our own and put them into perspective. Below are a number of personal stories about people with Fibromyalgia, with the hope that these shared experiences will encourage and inform others. Will you share your story with us so that you can help others too? E-mail it to the Webmistress.

  1. 'New Beginnings' - Anonymous
  2. 'Computer Comort' - by Stella Bernardi
  3. 'My Animal Friends' - by Sue Cadman
  4. 'Being a Therapist is a Therapy' - by Janet Hearn
  5. 'Light at the end of my Tunnel' - by Gill Jordan
  6. 'Skiing Success' - by Viv Kemp
  7. 'Kinesiology helped me cope' - by Belinda Rae
  8. 'At Last - A Fibromyalgia Cure!! - almost.....' - by Patricia Robinson
  9. 'Mobility Freedom' - by Valerie Roots
  10. 'There is a Future with Fibromyalgia' - by Katie Rudge
  11. 'Determined to Conquer' - by Lynette Tate
  12. 'Exam success' - by Mary Tomsett
  13. 'Westie Bears' - by Andy West
  14. 'Linda's Story'
  15. Bobby (.doc)
  16. Lorraine (.doc)
  17. Sharon (.doc)
  18. Clare
  19. Sam Knell's Story
  20. Janet Boniface's Story
  21. Kachina (.doc)
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1. New Beginnings

We respect the wish of the writer (known to the editing team) to remain Anonymous

Hi! I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knees in 1996 and fibromyalgia in 1998. I would like to share my experiences of last year with you in a way to offer hope to someone who may have to cope with the same.

I married for the second time in May 1997. I had a pre-nuptial agreement created by a solicitor. My new husband was aware of my Arthritis, but of course the Fibro came later. We both signed the agreement as a safeguard thinking it would never be needed.

Last year my husband left me for a woman with six children by different fathers. I was completely shocked as you no doubt appreciate. Like a lot of women, I had not seen the signs of the affair until the penny dropped. Where the strength came from to cope with such a bomb shell, is still a mystery to me. Initially I was calm and collected to try and keep my home of the last 14 years. The more I struggled to hold on to it, the greater the resistance.

I started a “Divorce Diary” within two weeks of my husband leaving, a tip I picked up from the internet. Slowly after the divorce petition was served, I started the reflection of what had gone wrong with my marriage. It was many months before I accepted that my disabilities were not to blame. If someone really loves you they accept you “in sickness and health” don’t they?

Also I have always accepted what my grandmother said “Love yourself first before you can love another”. Over my seven years with my soon ex-husband, I had not loved me at all.

The light at the end of the tunnel for me was a difficult one. However when I let go of trying to control events, things became easier. I resigned myself to losing my home, unable to pay the mortgage. A new man came into my life in November. He invited me to live with him, and I threw caution to the wind, and moved in. Happiness swiftly arrived and laughter not heard in years. I am about to exchange contracts, and get my divorce granted. I have had the support of a wonderful doctor, and varied groups to get me through everything. So if you find yourself in the same position, be assured nothing is forever. New Beginnings are just around the corner, have faith, I have been there.

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2. Computer Comfort
by Stella Bernardi

Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex - Stella

On May 27th 2005 I reached the legendary three score years and ten . After that, it’s borrowed time – or so they say! So I’m happy to be alive and I try to make the most of life. I thank God daily for His blessings and try not to dwell on the problems that Fibro brings. My main escapism is using my computer – for all kinds of things. When the back aches and the legs won’t function properly I sit in a comfortable chair with my laptop on a small table. To help me forget the pain I indulge in some creativity. Sometimes its writing – like now. Sometimes it’s enhancing and manipulating photographs. Sometimes it’s creating graphics. Sometimes it’s designing web pages and sometimes it’s looking at other people’s web pages! Sometimes … I could go on. There are endless uses for a computer. I can always find something to do with it.

I was only diagnosed as having Fibromyalgia in August 2003 but I realise that it had been with me for many years before that. Doctors I saw could find nothing wrong with me as all tests that were carried out registered NORMAL. Then perchance, one day I found a web site that explained Fibro and its symptoms. My heart missed a beat as I realised that I had hit the jackpot. This was IT. I was sure I had found the answer. I printed out the article and sent it with a covering letter to my GP. When I saw him he was not convinced but he did me the courtesy of getting an appointment for me with a rheumatologist at Worthing Hospital. He was fortunately ‘au fait’ with Fibro. He tested the tender spots and confirmed my self-diagnosis. At least my condition now had a name and explained the non-results of tests. I was prescribed an anti-depressant, Sertraline. I was somewhat anti anti-depressants but I was assured that the reason for taking them is that they relax the muscles and nervous system, which eases the pain. I still have pain and I won’t know whether I would be worse without them unless I stop taking them! I also take Paracetamol as a back-up.

I moved to Southwater at the beginning of 2004 and in September I read in the local paper of the Fibro awareness day to be held at the Drill Hall in Horsham. I went to this, tried various therapies that were available and went home armed with a collection of literature. I joined the Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex and have this year been attending the monthly meetings at Crawley Hospital. The speakers give good advice on various aspects of coping – different therapies, treatments and equipment to make life easier. What works for one does not necessarily work for everyone, so lots of options are useful. I have also joined the Yoga class held on Friday mornings and find the exercises and breathing techniques to be very beneficial.

My worst problem is sleep! Or rather lack of it. Like many sufferers I have irregular sleep patterns. So when I can’t sleep at night I’ll do something else until I get tired enough to drop off. I read a book, do crossword puzzles or go back to my friend - the computer!

The Fibro group has given me not only help with managing the condition but also a new interest in researching for the group, promoting it through entering Jo Fisher in various award contests. She was commended in the BBC South Today Community Champions Awards – but that is another story and I’ve written another article about that! I would like to thank Jo for all the work and effort she has put in to making the Group what it is. I’m glad I found you all.

SInce writing this I have somehow become responsible for the 'Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex' web site. I wonder why!!!

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3. My Animal Friends - by Sue Cadman

Hi. I’ve been a member (very inactive!) of the group since September 2003, when I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Like many of you it was a relief to finally have a name for the diverse array of symptoms I was suffering from, again like many of you this came after months and months of scans, x-rays, blood tests, etc., with just about every consultant known to man!

What a relief when my husband heard Jo being interviewed on the radio and it all clicked! My symptoms were just as Jo was describing! A quick call to the beeb to get Jo’s telephone number and I was soon on my way to Dr Stephen Ward who confirmed it. Thanks Jo, you turned my life around.

Anyway a bit about myself. I live in Newdigate. I keep a pony and five others at Livery (D.I.Y. I’d be too knackered to do them as well!). I also have a husband of 28 and a half years, two dogs three cats assorted geese, ducks and seven elderly sheep; OH! And we have an aviary of foreign finches, waxbills, etc. No children, though not by choice. I ride when the fibro lets me and generally pace myself through the day. I was working as a community nurse until the fibro reared it’s ugly head, but have had to give that up. Hopefully I’ll get back to it. Apart from the animals and riding I also drive my pony and enjoy gardening and reading.

I’ve told Jo that I would love to be of some use! And perhaps I could organise lunches for Crawley Dorking & Horsham members and also perhaps a coffee morning at my house. My husband Gavin (bless his cotton socks) has said he could pick up and take home anyone that wanted to come that didn’t have transport. So over to you folks! Give me a ring on 01306 631419, preferably before 6.00 pm and I’ll try to organise whatever you want. I’ll look forward to talking to and meeting some of you soon.

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4. 'Being a Therapist is a Therapy' - by Janet Hearn

Hello, fellow FMS sufferers - some of you may know me from the Worthing meetings.

I guess that I have been the reluctant host for FMS for at least 30 years, undiagnosed for most of that time. Like a lot of us, I was treated by my GP as a practising hypochondriac, with delusional tendencies! Thankfully now, I have an enlightened doctor who doubtless only thinks I am slightly mad.

I am fortunate enough now to be working, mostly full-time, as a Holistic Therapist. The knowledge, experiences and skills I have gained through my work have also helped my own condition considerably. However, I have had to reduce the time I spend doing the physical and beauty therapies, as these became too painful to do regularly. As we all know, managing your energy and physical abilities is of key importance.

I teach relaxation and stress balancing skills, meditation, positive thinking, and healing; and all of these have proved invaluable in my success in improving my quality of life. The right attitudes of mind are great tools to use in our skirmishes with FMS. However; even these friends can desert us when we most need them, can’t they?

Meditation is a really rewarding skill to master, and it has improved my capacity to cope, and stay calm. There is one problem; and that is that sometimes I tend to fall asleep! I first began research into stress management (which I now prefer to think of as stress balancing) during a time in my life where I had serious problems over a long period. I found that conventional teaching required you to spend chunks of time in regular practice. Of course, the problem with Fibromyalgia is that you never know if you are going to have the resources to do this. So I set about to look for ways of integrating coping resources into my daily life without overburdening myself. The result of these years is my Relaxability teaching. These classes and workshops provide lots of different ideas to try, so that you can mix and match to suit your needs.

I will be launching a Relaxability CD in the next few months, to explain and practise some of these skills, so that people can use it at home whenever they need, or when they have the opportunity. This differs from other CDs on the market that have guided relaxations over music.

I have worked with David Warner, who has written the music to fit my words, and we teach four varied coping resources, to suit a wide range of needs. Successful relaxation and mediation brings blessed respite from pain and anxiety, and you are helping yourself and taking charge of at least some of your life again.

Please let me know if you would like to go on the mailing list for the CD or any classes and groups. The Relaxability course is 10 weekly classes, taken at my home in Worthing. I run Meditation Groups there for all levels during the week, and there is a 15% discount on all my treatments and teaching to FMS Support Group members.

Another good thing that came out of the tough period in my life was that I also discovered my ability to heal. I eventually I became a Reiki Master, and now teach Reiki at all three levels.

Level 1 is for use on you and your family and friends, pets, plants and to improve life in general. Reiki 2 is the professional level, and 3 for teaching and passing on your knowledge. Anyone can learn to heal, and my experience has been that Reiki in my life has been one of the main factors to coping and improved mental and physical health. It is so good to be able to help yourself and bring comfort and relief for all the physical and emotional pain. My healing treatments have moved on from using just one source and I am very grateful for the joy and satisfaction it brings. To be able to help others in most situations is real fulfilment.

Aromatherapy Massage can also bring soothing relief and it is such a lovely gentle experience. Medicine that tastes good! It can help with many symptoms, such a sleeplessness, pain, headache, tiredness, anxiety, chronic fatigue and feelings of isolation.

Please do ring me if you want more information. There is voicemail, as I have it on when working, so please leave your name and phone number for me to reply. I would be delighted to hear from you, as I always go on learning from other people and their experiences. My contact details are beautona@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01903 246381. However, I do warn you, I am slow in answering mail, so if you want an appointment or a quick reply, a phone call would be more effective.

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5. Light at the end of my Tunnel - by Gill Jordan

I thought I must let you know there is light at the end of the tunnel. My problems started after I had my last child 37 years ago!

I already had 2 other children of 3 and 4 years at the time, and thinking I was feeling fit and healthy, I got up straight after having him and went about looking after them. (Husbands at that time were not given maternity leave to help). A week later (I remember the day well) I woke up with excruciating pains in my upper back. I did mention this to my doctor who mumbled something like ‘well you’re bound to have backache after having a baby.’

This was not just a ‘backache’. I suffered with this problem for years with it flaring up whenever I overdid things or even exposed to cold winds. I went back and forth to hospitals and saw specialists who seemed baffled. Eventually 13 years later I was told it could be Ankylosing Spondylitis as I had HLB27 indicated in a blood test. I did some gentle back exercises, which helped for a while, but looking after 3 children and a big house didn’t help. I did have acupuncture in my 40’s, which also helped.

Gradually my immune system broke down when the stress of illness within the family took its toll over a long period of time. The menopause set in which pushed me into further depths of not being able to get on with my life.

Three years ago I had a lovely little grandson living nearby (I already had two in Manchester) and, thinking I could do all the things a grandmother should be able to do to help, I ended up with my back and body retaliating. It had had enough and consequently I felt as though my body was completely inflamed with severe back problems and muscle pain, alternating between migraines and dizziness etc.

One day a neighbour dropped in an article from the local paper about Fibromyalgia with Jo Fisher’s name running the support group. I phoned her and talking to her helped me so much as everything I had came under the same umbrella – what a relief! At last I could identify my problems.

Eventually I went to see Kate Hicks, a Kinesiologist from Handcross. She did the usual muscle testing and informed me that once my body was working efficiently I would feel a lot better. That was last September and as she deals progressively with one thing at a time it has taken up till now for me to feel definite improvement. She has even managed to get my thyroid medication down from 125mg to 75mg! (I have under-active thyroid) which obviously means my body is functioning more efficiently. She has helped me and I now feel I have the energy I haven’t had for years! My spirits have lifted and my friends and family have commented on how much better I seem. I now wake up early (too early sometimes) and no longer struggle through the day which seemed normal at one time.

I still have a little way to go, but I do take one day at a time. I pace myself and if I do get exhausted I listen to my body and will try to rest that day. I am careful with my back. I don’t ever lift my grandchildren now as I have learnt my lesson! And I try not to overdo things – its not going to go away – it's lying there awaiting resurrection – but I’m not going to let it overwhelm my life!

I hope this gives some of you some inspiration.

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6. Skiing Success - by Viv Kemp

It was suggested to me that my story of achievement despite Fibromyalgia may be of interest to other members - so here goes - I will attempt to put it into print and you can decide.....

My son is travelling the world having taken a 3 year career break and at Christmas he was in Whistler, Canada, enjoying the skiing and lifestyle; so much so that he rented a two bedroom apartment, having decided to stay for the whole skiing season. Completely unexpectedly for us, he then invited us to join him for Christmas. Of course we were so excited - the thought of seeing him again and to visit a new country and a guaranteed white Christmas.

It is just so beautiful there, clean air, stunning scenery and plenty to do whether you ski or not and in my case, not. Imagine my excitement when my son gave me and my husband a one hour cross country skiing lesson for our Christmas present! Neither of us had ever worn skis before so with a little bit of trepidation, off we set.

What can I say - it was wonderful! We skied round the lake, not that I noticed much of the scenery as all my attention was focused on staying upright. Of course I fell - and many times. The first fall was the most painful and I thought I wouldn't be able to carry on and was near to tears as I so wanted to achieve something new. I don't know what happened, was it just sheer determination, but every fall after that was nothing. Having learnt how to get back on my feet the falls no longer bothered me and certainly didn't hurt any more! The next thing to learn was how to stop - very important. I soon grasped that too and then I was off. It meant I could pick up a bit of speed and know that if I felt uncomfortable at any time I knew how to stop. This was so enjoyable - our one hour lesson turned into two hours as the instructor lost track of time and I have to say I was very sad when it finished.

This achievement will stay with me forever. It was both exhilarating and liberating. I was absolutely exhausted afterwards. The next day the bruises started coming out and days two and three my body stiffened up which made walking painful and my arms and shoulders were very stiff but every hurt was an achievement and I felt good! Who knows, it could be winter holidays for me in future.

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7. Kinesiology helped me cope
by Belinda Rae

I first got sick Christmas 1984 / '85.  I was 20 years old.  I was told that I had some kind of virus.  I was also told that it wasn't as bad as I thought it was.  So I soldiered on, and just got sicker.  The next year I was accepted into Drama School.  That was my dream come true. However, by the end of the first month, I was really tired and so stressed.  I could see my dream of professional theatre going out the window.

My GP tested me for everything she could think of and found nothing.  Eventually, I was sent home to be looked after by my mother. I found out later that the doctor hadn't expected to see me alive again.  When I got home, I was just under 9 stone.  (I'm 5' 8" )  My stomach was so distended it looked as if I had malnutrition, I couldn't stay awake for more than a few hours at a time, I was so light-sensitive that I couldn't go outside and I was so weak that I couldn't lift a kettle of water to make myself a coffee.

That was when things started turning around.  Mum sent me to a Naturopath.  She suggested that I cut certain foods out of my diet and recommended some herbs.  I slowly started getting better.  I finished my three years at college somehow and I got a job with a theatre company.  After six months I was almost as sick as I'd been when I'd been sent home to Mum .

I started going to an acupuncturist.  He treated me but it was when we overhauled my diet again that I really started to improve.  I could get through a day without sleeping, as long as I had a good night's sleep and ate well.  My diet was very restricted.  If I deviated, though, I was back in bed for a week.

At the end of that year I stopped working. I'd done everything I could think of stay on my feet - Doctors, Consultants and every kind of natural therapy imaginable and nothing had worked.  I could survive and cope and that was all.  I recovered a little over the next six months.   I was making ground but it was tortuously slow.

Over the next ten years I worked out that if I stuck to some basic rules I could cope.  Stress, food and caffeine were the big enemies.  If I had coffee, tea or chocolate I'd be exhausted the next day. If I got stressed, I could be out of action for a month or more afterwards.

I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after I had a traffic accident in 1996.  Because the Consultant said that I had "such a clear history of Fibromyalgia", the insurance company that was paying my medical bills no longer had to pay out.  But I had a diagnosis!

Three years ago I was put on an antidepressant for my mood swings and also Gabapentin for neuropathic pain.  I hated both of them.

I started training as a Kinesiologist  three years ago.  That's when I started getting answers that made sense to me. I found out why some supplements worked for me and others didn't.  I could test supplements to see if they suited me before I spent money on them.
The further I went with my course, the more I understood.  From a Kinesiology point of view, my problems were mostly so obviously endocrine problems.  The mood swings, weight fluctuations, feeling like I just couldn't cope, the aches and pains, the shoulder and back pains, the headaches, the anxiety and insomnia, the poor memory are, according to Kinesiology, classic thyroid symptoms.  The postural hypotension, the light sensitivity, the salt cravings, the weak legs, the varicose veins, the inability to cope after stress, the low resistance to infections and the perpetual exhaustion are all signs of unhappy adrenals.  Other symptoms pointed to other problems that Kinesiology could address and treat simply.

Another wonderful thing was that I could be tested to find all the foods that were worrying me.  I found that there were foods that I could reintroduce to my diet.  After twenty years, this was wonderful!  I'm feeling a lot better now.  It hasn't been an overnight cure.  However, my good days are wonderful.  I still have some not-so-wonderful days.  That's okay because the "normal" days are better than they used to be.  I've even come off my medication.  I really wish that I'd known twenty years ago what I know now.

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8. 'At Last - A Fibromyalgia Cure!! - almost.....' - by Patricia Robinson

Reading Gill Jordan's article in a Fibro News, I felt delighted that someone else was well; I certainly was, and Jo said she'd be pleased to have "my story" in the News. I knew exactly how, when and why I'd got better, and I wanted to share this with other sufferers, to give them hope. So - keep reading!

My fibromyalgia was diagnosed two and a half years ago; looking back, with the information I have now, I realise that I'd had it for several years before that; the unexplained aches and pains, sleeplessness, fatigue, anxiety, stress etc. I can trace the first signs to our last house move, twenty years ago, when I carried on lifting and shifting until my back went. I couldn't move, and the carpet fitter had to put me to bed, where I stayed for a fortnight, exhausted. But then, not knowing when to stop, and pushing yourself, is a feature of the condition, so perhaps I had it already.

Since then it's been there or thereabouts; my fibro is certainly not as bad as many of you, but when I go through the symptoms I can honestly say, "Yes, I've got that", and I often feel that existing is a huge effort, with this illness. I would never admit to being poorly. So imagine the shock when I wasn't allowed to work for a year for my own good; I would have struggled on for as long as possible, which, again, is a fibro thing to do. I was assessed by specialists at St. Richards Hospital in Chichester, and by the DSS doctor in Portsmouth, who told me I'd not work again, and confirmed my entitlement to Incapacity benefit. I was furious with them all.

I took my medication, and looking back, I have to accept that doctors do know what they're talking about - and I do have a great deal of confidence in mine. But as soon as I was able I was back at work, doing supply teaching, so that if I had a bad day I could take time off without inconveniencing colleagues or children. Gradually I was able to increase the number of days I worked, and I believe that doing something I love gives me a quality of life that I wouldn't have if I didn't teach. I'm very lucky - my family stops me doing too much, and tell me that I'm my own worst enemy!

And then came THE BREAKTHROUGH!! THE CURE!! As a supply teacher I didn't have the mounds of work that teachers have to do in the summer holidays, so my husband and I booked a self-catering gite in SW France for three weeks. I had decided to use this time to wean myself off my tablets. I'd done a lot of research and knew better than to stop; I gradually cut down, so by the time I got home I was drug-less. In the past if I'd forgotten one dose I'd have been immobile next day, in lots of pain, and it's difficult to understand why I was able to cut down. I believe that these things helped, so I call it: "THE CURE!"

A well thought out decision, so my body "knew" what to expect. Warmth and sunshine. A better diet - lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, little meat, no butter, margarine. Accepting that other people can do things as well as I can. Not rushing and pushing myself to do things; if they don't get done it's not the end of the world. Forcing myself to relax. Looking after myself.

And that was the cure!! Wonderful; all fibro sufferers could try a similar thing, and everyone would be well! I do admit that I still suffered a bit, but the aches seemed to move round my body and be manageable. I accepted that high heels were off limits for me, and now I wear the sort of shoes my Mum did; gorgeous earrings and heavy necklaces are a thing of the past because they hurt my neck (bother!).

I'm not silly enough to think that fibro is in the mind; I know what it's like not to function at all, but I do think that a positive attitude has helped me enormously. Which is just as well, because I have to tell you now that the cure is not a lasting one. Come October, with cold and damp weather and the pressures of life which we all have, the pains have come back, with the beginnings of the other wretched symptoms. Bother!!!!!! And I know I'm back to my wicked old ways of doing everything at a breakneck pace and not leaving any "me" time to relax and recover. I know my fibro will always be there but for three months I conquered it! It was great being well and normal again! I don't think three weeks away is vital (unless you want to come off medication, and if you do, you should really talk to your doctor first), and the warmth can be found at home, but the rest of the "cure" is "do-able", and it made such a difference! So try it!! I hope this gives someone, somewhere, a feeling of hope! GOOD LUCK!

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9. 'Mobility Freedom' - by Valerie Roots

My name is Valerie and I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for several years and added to that I have got very severe arthritis.

When spring arrived this year and the first primroses and other wild flowers started to appear, instead of feeling my usual happiness at these lovely awakenings, I felt very depressed as I could no longer go for my lovely walks and see and smell the sweet first air that heralds spring.

Quite by chance my husband and I got involved with a family firm that sells motorised electric scooters. A rep for the firm came out to talk to us and show us just one of the several types of scooters that they sell. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it! After a lot of discussion and negotiating, we finally bought one; it was the best thing we have done in a very long time.

I cannot express how much happiness it has brought me. I feel as though I’ve been given a new pair of legs. I can go out whenever I want to instead of having to wait until someone can take me. I have been to places that I thought I would not be able to go to again, I have even been out picking blackberries which, being born and bred a country girl, is a very happy annual event to me. I just love making my bramble jelly and blackberry and apple jam, not to mention blackberry and apple crumble with double cream!

I do urge any of you who suffer with your legs to try and get a scooter is you can possible afford it. It has really given me a new lease of life, instead of sitting and wishing I could go there, I just get on my scooter and off I go – look out! Here comes the silver streak!

If any of you are interested in buying one, give me a ring first and I’ll tell you how to get a good discount. My telephone number is 01403 242981. If you are in receipt of Mobility Allowance you can get one through that scheme.

Good luck to all of you.

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10. There is a Future with Fibromyalgia
by Katie Rudge

A very warm hello to everyone.  I am 29, live in Surrey and I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia since 1997 following a road traffic accident.  At present I am studying my final year in Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes, and working part time in the health care profession.  I also run a health & nutrition company from home on behalf of Herbalife and I am a qualified health & fitness consultant.  I have recently been in contact with Jo Fisher, a wonderful person, and we thought it would be a really useful for me to share with people some of my personal and professional experiences and knowledge about living with Fibromyalgia.  In the following issues of this magazine I aim to share valuable information about the services you can access in Occupational Therapy, and to highlight ways in which to maximise and maintain your independence when sharing your life with Fibromyalgia.  I hope to be able to share with others some of the skills which I have found enable me to take some control of this condition, rather than Fibromyalgia controlling my life!

A little history about myself.  I have been studying on a part time basis since 2001, and often working either full time or part time.  I have found tackling a degree course extremely challenging, with Fibromyalgia, as I have had many acute phases resulting in months of sick leave and immobility.  In 2001 I was informed by my consultant that I would have to give up work and my degree and that I would probably be in a wheelchair at the age of 30!  Being a very active, sport loving person, and passionate about fulfilling my dreams of being an Occupational Therapist, I was unwilling to accept this outcome!  So against the odds I set about taking control of my life and ensuring I achieved to succeed in the life I had planned for myself!

Well ok, that wasn't very realistic as I soon found out.  I became more unwell and less mobile, with the more I attempted to achieve, and everyone around me advised me to give up my degree and work part time, so I could function and be happy.  What people didn't realise was that Occupational Therapy was what made me happy!  So with the support of those very close to me I chose to plod on.  Now I knew that to succeed at this I had to re-think and re-evaluate how I lived my life.  So that is precisely what I did.

Amazingly it has actually been Occupational Therapy that has helped me achieve so much. Occupational Therapy focuses on maintaining independence in activities of daily living and as I have been gaining more experience and skills as a therapist, I have adapted them to my own life with great success.  I have learnt how to set realistic goals and the importance of reflecting on events in my life, to ensure I identify vital coping strategies during an acute phase. I have also learnt how to make simple and effective adaptations to my environment and behaviour towards life with Fibromyalgia.

The result has been that I have almost completed my degree, I still participate in sports and even work on a part time basis in healthcare and run a business from home.  I use my company's health & nutrition products to ensure I am getting all the vitamins and nutrients I need to maximise my health, and the most valuable asset has been using the coping strategies that work for my lifestyle and personality.  I have a wonderful life and am so excited about the future.  I know I am very fortunate as I often only experience mild symptoms, and have some acute phases about three-four times a year.  However I aim to share information that I feel will help many people, regardless of your condition and to what level it affects you.
The focus of the articles I plan to discuss in future issues are:

  • § What is Occupational Therapy and How to Access Services.

  • § Equipment and Adaptations to Promote Independence.

  • § How to Plan and Achieve Realistic Goals

  • § Reflection and Coping Strategies

I will be available to answer any questions on e-mail following the publication of each article.  I hope individuals feel as excited as I do about this and that it really does benefit people and help you to make some important life changes that will enable you to maximise your independence to achieve your goals.  Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to being involved in the magazine.

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11.'Determined to Conquer' - by Lynette Tate

Hi, I'm Lynette, known to my friends as Lyn. I'm 44, originally from the North East, but lived and worked in London for a large chunk of my life. I married my husband Robin, early in 2002, (having known him for 20 years) and moved to Brighton; my daughter, Eden Rose, was born later that year.

Back then I was the go-getting dynamic type, who loved pushing myself to the limits, enjoyed the thrill of seeing a job well done, was blessed with a photographic memory, and the ability to juggle a dozen (metaphorical) balls and never drop one. As Design and Technical Director I helped to establish the fashion company, I then worked for, as one of the most successful suppliers to the high street of its time. I worked hard and partied hard, believed life was too short to sit on my bum, holidays were adventures, sitting by the pool too long, was never my style. I preferred experiencing wonderful things, from safari to camel trekking in the Sahara, that was my real relaxation. I enjoyed my life!

I always knew how to relax, enjoyed meditation, occasional massage, and lazing around, with my cats, but as time went on I began to realise that I often got ill if I relaxed for too long, suffered badly with my sinuses, had trouble with my kidneys, flu's, stomach bugs, all manner of weird and wonderful ailments. I knew even back then, getting upset and dealing with negative people made me ill, kind of like a hangover, I used to joke about keeping away from emotional vampires, and made a point of cutting such people out of my life.

I kept busy, because I enjoyed being busy, even when I was ill, I just got on with it. If it got bad, I complained to doctors, but never really felt listened to, so when nothing really worked, or no real answers were found, I figured maybe I wasn't giving my body the right fuel and took to Nutritional therapy and Macrobiotic eating, This really worked for a long time, stopped my chronic kidney problems, and helped my energy levels. I gradually became more complacent and the eating regime slipped, though I still do eat a very healthy diet, I probably have relaxed a bit too much.

I think with hindsight I've probably always had this, I don't ever remember not having to drag myself out of bed in the morning, had childhood growing pains, the winter aches. I often suffered as a child, was usually diagnosed as having fibrositis (I've read that's the old name for FMS), was told it was a cold in the muscle, from sleeping in a draught! I was a clumsy kid, often suffered stomach aches, earaches and a myriad of other minor complaints, never really worried about it, my family are a pretty unhealthy lot, so I suppose it all seemed normal to me.

Whenever it did start, I can't really be sure, but I've lived with health problems, for as long as I can remember, had many potential, classic trigger points, but I do know, more recently, after a bout of severe physical and mental stress, IT GOT A LOT WORSE.

I was in charge of a large design room, responsible for creating the next season's ranges, implementing quality and technical standards, recruiting and managing staff, meeting tight and ever changing deadlines, in short, a very high pressure job, with no let up. I was in a situation to be able to recruit and train several valued friends, and was solely responsible for newest ideas, so when I was heavily pregnant and short staffed, I felt obliged to work until the last minute, (actually 2 days after my due date). My daughter's birth, was long and though natural, I lost a lot of blood, so had to be kept in hospital for several days, and it really took a lot out of me. I had told my employer (a friend and employer for over 12 years) that I would be back at work, as soon as possible, but as I had never had a baby before, I couldn't accurately say when that would be.

At eight weeks, Eden took seriously ill, I couldn't get anyone to listen to me, and by the time she was finally admitted to hospital, I hadn't slept in over 90 hours, it was several days before I could sleep again, she had Bronchiolitis, but, thanks to the wonderful care of the Brighton Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, she survived.

By the New Year, with Eden barely three months old, and after several calls from the office, I believed the company to be in serious trouble, so reluctantly, I returned to work, at first for three days, but too soon, was back to full time. Commuting, poor transport, long hours without proper breaks, meant I was suffering 12 - 13 hour days, and breastfeeding, on less than four hours sleep, I was ready for collapse, my health deteriorated badly, constant sinus infections, headaches, flu, aches, vertigo, pains in old wounds, back and neck pain, electric shocks in my hands, vision problems, crazy sense of smell, to mention but a few.

My working environment and my employer's attitude had changed for the worse; I was exhausted, seriously stressed and ill. After 9 months I finally snapped, resigned, and filed for Industrial Tribunal. The ensuing court case, was very distressing, I realised, though determined to fight my own case, I couldn't, I was totally overwhelmed at the first hearing, even the sound of the strip lights, was so overpowering. I felt sick, my mind blanked, I couldn't follow the proceedings. My usual ability to absorb everything around me, and not be fazed by confrontation, or public speaking had gone. I lost my voice, kept coming down with what appeared to be flu, so was forced to accept an out of court settlement, as I realised the stress of it all, was making me too ill.

At first I just thought I'd burnt myself out, and a few months rest, and counselling, would 'sort me out'. My G.P. though sympathetic, kept offering Prozac, and seemed stuck on my 'hyped up A type personality and depression'. I'm usually a pretty laid back kinda gal, but was in a lot of pain, she didn't want to listen, to my 'I've had a perfectly natural reaction, to a series, of stressful events'.

Eventually I gave in and took the pills. To be honest, they did help, but I was still in pain, and beyond exhausted, my neck and lower back hurt constantly, I kept dropping and walking into things, my grip and perception of space were weird, someone kept turning the volume button up in my head, so out of the blue I would be so overwhelmed by noise, smell and light, it hurt, my words muddled, my mind blanked, my hands got worse, and the slightest exertion, threw me into full-on flu, all over body aches and feeling like my throat was badly bruised.

Eventually after over a year, I was sent to see a Rheumatologist. He instantly diagnosed Fibromyalgia, whilst telling me 'you are very lucky not to have a nasty like Arthritis, and I believe you, your symptoms are very real, but its all in your head.' I was dumfounded, and very tearful, and asked if he was telling me it was a mental illness. 'Your mind is playing tricks on your body, that's all, my nurse here will tell you how to get better', and with that he swanned out of the room.

The nurse introduced herself, and told me I was very lucky, as the Rheumatologist was a very respected man, and he believed in this illness, many don't, and I would get better, with a bit of simple advice. I felt numb, confused, shaken, I wanted to believe I could get better, but couldn't have faith in someone who was telling me this was all in my head. I have been shaking this pain off for years, by sheer persistent will power alone, the illness was now winning, yet it was all in my mind? That couldn't be right. I returned the next day for my nurse appointment, she was a very warm, friendly person, who bubbled on about her course two years back, her file on FMS, and how I was a typical type A personality, (Aaagh, not again, she had only just met me), told me about unrestorative sleep, and learning how to relax.

I asked about the nerve pain, I suffered in my hands and arms, was told that it wasn't FMS (the Neurologist I later saw told me it was). She told me to go to bed at a regular time, every night. I'm lucky my 2 year old is a good sleeper, so I have a reasonably good bedtime routine, and mostly now, I do sleep, yet the only time I feel even slightly refreshed, are the nights I go to bed at 8.00 p.m., and wake at 8.30 a.m.

I spoke of wanting to be well enough to set up a bridal wear design business, something I could work around my young daughter and my health, and make full use of my skills. She was very dismissive of this, her parting words were: 'You will get better, but getting yourself a nice little job, will do your mind a lot of good'. It was such an insult, I felt squashed, like an insect.

I went home, and felt too embarrassed to even tell my husband what had happened. I tried to get on with things, but felt more and more down, I wanted my life back, and I was being made to feel somehow it was my fault, I felt lazy, and useless, for the first time in my life, I felt like I was losing hope, and no-one was there to help me.

I fell into a black hole, I wanted to cry, but had no tears, I felt so totally lost, but knew I had to pull myself together, for the sake of my family. I eventually told my husband what had happened and how I felt. He does try hard to understand, and in practical ways, he accepts I am not the person I used to be, and may never be again. He shoulders the responsibility of being the sole bread winner, and often works extra hours to keep us fed, but he can never understand the reality of FMS, and I am often hurt by his careless remarks, as regards my inability to do things for myself, or often think straight. I hate being reliant on him financially, but realise this is something we all have to live with, and that his reluctance to read about the reality of FMS is borne out of his own fear for our future.

I started searching the internet for information, the first site I found was e-fibro, the post boards were full of people suffering like me, people who ALL understood, many of whose suffering had been compounded too, by medical misunderstandings.

I got angry and decided to fight. I sent out an e-mail to everyone in my address book, containing a poem, and short note on the devastation caused by this dreadful illness, and I promised myself NEVER again would I be embarrassed by my affliction, and would make it my duty to enlighten everyone I meet.

I received a reply from Jo Fisher, (I must have already had the e-address, but my foggy memory?). That was my first contact with the FMSSAS; I received hoards of fantastic information from them, and an invitation to join them. (Unfortunately distance and ill health stand in the way of this, but I will be supporting them in any way I can, and raising awareness in any way possible). The comprehensive information on symptoms was hugely reassuring, I had previously been given very little information on symptoms, so had been left worrying as to what else was wrong with me.

So far, medically I've received no real help, I've pain killers, that I daren't take, (kidney trouble) promises of a special centre for M.E. and FMS opening in Brighton soon, but no date, a G.P. that I now realise, believes in FMS, but seems to see it as a psychological disorder. So far if I don't ask, I don't get, yet you have to be informed, to know what to ask for. I am now waiting for my appointment to come through for a pain centre, something I only found out about because of Jo and the others at Fibro News, and I had to fight for my referral, though I am hopeful I will find some help there.

A second visit to the rheumatology nurse, was more reassuring. She had updated her information, and though couldn't really offer me any more advice, as she believed I knew as much as she did. She was honest, and agreed that part of my problem was myofascial pain, (often linked to FMS) and I could get help for that, but needed the pain clinic. She also brought into question my GP's attitude, as she couldn't understand why I had not already been sent to a pain clinic.

A GP appointment later that same day had me flustered and in tears, the doctor's pointed questions as regards attitudes if ill as a child, implied attention seeking, and confirmed his negative attitude towards this illness (if its all in our heads, send us to a Hypnotherapist and cure us all. EASY!)

Where am I now? I am waiting for help, realising that if I am to survive this and claw back some quality of life, I must not be a victim of FMS, and I must do ALL I can to help myself, and in the process pass on anything I learn to other sufferers, and any medical professionals I come into contact with, so that hopefully, others will not suffer the same way as I have, and the profile of FMS will be raised. This is a very real illness, one that needs more research and understanding from the rest of the world. We ALL have to do our bit to achieve that.

I have found many things that help me cope, and reduce my symptoms. Aromatherapy helps with sleep, and aches; juicing, nutritional therapy and supplements help to boost my system; Chiropractic helps alleviate my pain, especially headaches, though doesn't unfortunately last long; Reiki (I am attuned for self healing) helps me stay calm and focussed, as does meditation and music. I am hopeful of Pilates and Yoga, though now realise I will have to deal with the myofascial problem, before this is possible for me (causes too much pain right now); candida diet is another avenue I intend to follow, having tested positive. This looks very hopeful, and I have read a lot of documented links with FMS, and similarity in symptoms.

Adjusting my attitude to accept that I cannot be who I once was, and to find the joy in that change, has been the hardest step forward, but every cloud does have a silver lining, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it. I can't pretend my life is easy, I hate many things about this illness, not least the effect my ill health has on my little girl, but I do still have hope, and I believe, God willing, I will find a way to beat this. For now I accept this is where I am today, and will accept where I am tomorrow, when that comes, hopefully with strength and perseverance, it will be a better place than today.

Thank you for reading this.

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12. 'Exam success' - by Mary Tomsett

I have been judging Labrador Retrievers for many years and over recent years the Kennel Club have added a number of written, practical and oral exams. Last Sunday I took the final exam required for judging at Championship Shows. My appointment was for 3.30 pm; or was it 3.15pm? - better get there early, so I arrived at 2.30 pm.

"Hello Mary", said the organiser, "We're running early, go straight in". I could feel my legs turning to jelly as I tossed my coat over a chair outside the examination room.

This was a practical and oral exam requiring 46 marks for a pass. I set off at a lick starting with the most difficult section and sailed along until the fog suddenly descended. I just couldn't think of a word, my blood ran cold and I was on the verge of a panic when I managed to say to the examiner: "I've gone blank". He smiled and hit his leg in pantomime swashbuckling fashion. "Oh yes", I replied and, pointing to the charming deerhound in front of me, continued: "This is the first thigh and below it here is the second thigh". "Well done, you've passed," came the reply from Dandini as he wrote 49/50 on my examination paper. I have been offered and accepted a big appointment thus achieving a life long ambition. Press on folks you CAN do it. There is life after FM!

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13. 'Westie Bears' - by Andy West

I'm Andy and I am a young 44 year old born and bred in Horsham. I have been married to Lesley for 23 years and we have been together a total of 27 years! We have three children, a geriatric deaf cat and a fat, man-hating rabbit! I have always worked in the social and caring profession in either residential care or community social work.

My health issues started about 9 years ago. I was travelling home from work in London and had to change trains at Three Bridges station. Well, I could not co-ordinate myself up the stairs and I had a headache which was like being stabbed in the head. I thought it was a sign of getting older or from working too much. Lesley made me go to the doctor, who admitted me to hospital where I was tested for brain tumours, M.S. and the like. Nothing was diagnosed. I decided to hell with a diagnosis - just treat the symptoms which included widespread pain, poor mobility and coordination.

Then about two years ago, Lesley read in a women’s magazine a letter re Fibromyalgia and said this letter could be about you! So off I trotted to the doctor, who admitted to knowing next to nothing about Fibromyalgia but agreed to refer me to a Rheumatologist at the Princess Royal Hospital. It was there that they diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. I continued to cope with most daily living activities until March of 2004 when the pain got much more severe, any task fatigued me, my mobility and co-ordination were nearly non existent (I now use a wheelchair when outside the home). On speaking, the words got jumbled up and I developed a severe stammer and developed epilepsy. (I am undergoing further tests as the medics feel I have something Neurological going on). Hence, at this stage I had to give up work as a senior social worker, a job I had been doing for 26 years! Although the last year has been difficult health wise it has made me sit up and re evaluate my life. I want to spend more time with my family and use my creative skills more.

Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex - Andy West

When I first started to have health problems one of the issues was limited feeling in my hands and fingers so my physiotherapist suggested I take up sewing!!! Well, I agreed to make my daughter a Teddy Bear. After much sweat and toil it turned out like a Martian!! So, as a joke, we visited a bear fair in Hove and there I met a Miniature Teddy Bear Artist who inspired me to make mini bears. After a while friends and family asked me to make bears for them. Then it snowballed to other people, hence now I have created my own business, “Westie Bears” and have started to sell my bears at specialist bear fairs. Last December I was honoured to be a runner up in the British Bear Artist Awards (the Oscars of the Teddy Bear world).

I have found the disability employment officers at the local job centre very helpful in advising me on how to set up my business. I am also the chairman for the Southwater Doll and Teddy Bear club which meets four times a year. If anyone is interested in this club, please contact me. So this goes to prove that the body may be broken, but the spirit is not and good can come out of poor health.

It was great when I read in the local paper re the support group and I rang Jo up. It was so useful talking to someone else who was going through a similar experience. That is why this group is so important and that we must all own it and do what ever we can (big or small) to ensure that it goes from strength to strength.

Mini Bear hugs from Andy West

To contact Andy: email him: telephone: 01403 241381 mobile: 0773 169 3512 or write to: 12 Norfolk Road Horsham West Sussex RH12 1BZ U.K. You can also visit his website.

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14. Linda’s Story

I was in my early 30’s when I had an electric shock which nearly ended my life and I was not aware that this could have been a contributory factor of my fibromyalgia, which was diagnosed only five years ago (I am now 69).

I would say, looking back that I cannot ever remember being without pain to some degree; I used to think it was because I had rheumatic fever as a child. Also I went to the doctor repeatedly complaining of feeling exhausted and having a seething burning pain all over; and that I had to have a rest after getting ready to go out before setting off. I told the doctor. that sometimes when I’m out I feel so tired that I could lay on the floor in Montague St. and go to sleep. I usually make my way to the nearest café for a “fix” and eat a banana. Even this did not bring forth a visit to a specialist. I was tested, dozens of times for anaemia and many other ailments but the tests always came back negative; I was in total despair because I knew what I was feeling but no-one was listening to me – or even suggested looking further.( I even thought I had cancer of the bones, particularly as my breast bone was painful to touch.) I asked if I could be referred to a rheumatologist, only to be told “I don’t think that will be necessary – you probably have an aching body!!” I would come home from the doctor in tears. I know doctors cannot be expected to know everything but I cannot understand why a referral wasn’t made – even if it was just so that they wouldn’t have to keep seeing me so often!! One doctor suggested I get some hobbies. You can imagine my reaction – I cannot say I’m prone to verbal abuse, but I excelled myself on that occasion. I told him I was not depressed or unhappy with my life; I did sculpture which I loved, also I had a very satisfying part-time job and was interested in gardening and had plenty of friends, etc. It was then that I decided enough was enough and changed to another doctor.

This was the turning point in my life because on the occasion when I was in so much pain that my husband had to take me to see the doctor, after examining me thoroughly (he was pressing different parts of my body which were extremely sensitive), he said: “I think you have fibromyalgia and I would like you to see a Consultant.” Neither my husband nor I had ever heard of it up to that point. When the diagnosis was confirmed by the specialist I felt overwhelmed and had to restrain myself from hugging him; I cried with relief that, at last, I could go forward and sort my life out with that in mind. I did not care that I was told: “I’m afraid you are going to have to learn to live with it” By now I was in my early sixties.

My new doctor was about 35 at the time and new to the practice. He has been very supportive and understanding and has suggested many pain-killing drugs from time to time, such as Amitryptylene at night (which I persevered with for months but I felt unable to function the next morning and as I found it did not really help my sleep pattern, or the pain, my doctor took me off it). I have never been able to take any drug with codeine in it as it gives me a headache and makes me nauseous but, even so, I have given many a second chance but without success. Then there was Gabapentin but in view of the fact that I cannot bear the feeling of being out of control, I did not even try them (I made the mistake of looking them up on the internet). I now have Tramadol as a standby for the times when I cannot cope with the pain but they make me feel very nauseous and spaced out; the first time I took one I felt very faint and had to lay down for hours. I rang the doctor as I was quite frightened and he said that when I take them I should not walk around as it lowers the blood pressure (I’m already on BP tablets). So this is another drug I do not think I will be taking very often. I cope with intense pain by visualization and deep breathing and I have an electric heat pad which I use frequently – or I have a whiskey!! Also, my penfriend in Australia sent me some emu oil for Xmas (instead of the usual calendar!) which, I understand, has been used by the aborigines for hundreds of years and has anti-inflammatory properties and, I must say, it has dulled the most seething pain; the downside is that I am sprouting feathers!!

I am used to intense pain as I have had several bouts of trigeminal neuralgia. To cope with that pain, which is worse than any pain I have had with Fibromyalgia, I concentrated very hard on it not belonging to me and eventually I was able to suspend it from the side of my face. I was completely exhausted afterwards, but it was something I could turn to. Also, for many years I experienced excruciating pain in my hands and wrists, travelling up to my elbows when pegging the washing out in cold weather. I have to dash into the house and plunge my hands into warm water. I used to refer to it as neuritis. All these things have been mentioned to doctors. And they look at my wrists and that’s that, so I have given up on that. I realise I have something wrong with my nervous system, presumably because of the electric shock. Also, I had encephalitis when I was in my early forties.

In my mid-fifties, I was referred to a neurologist because I had a balance problem (oscillopsia) which lasted six weeks. Within a couple of days I had a brain scan and electrical tests and was told that I had an abnormality in the sensory path to the brain on the left side (the electric shock had affected my left arm at that time). Also my extremities were very weak, in fact, I used to say that my three-year old daughter could get the better of me physically. The outcome of all this was that I had a mild form of multiple sclerosis. I know it is strange to say that it didn’t worry me too much, probably because he said it should not get any worse because of my age and, in any event, I have always lived with the saying: “That’s Not Going to Beat Me!”

About ten years ago I had a knee operation to remove a torn cartilage (arthroscopy) and it was during the treatment which ensued that the physiotherapist noticed that my knee was very hot to the touch, even though there was no infection present. She was very puzzled by this as she had never come across it before and was reluctant to continue treating my knee in the same way as she would have done. However, this persisted for quite a while and was detected by the surgeon during my follow-up appointment. He also had not come across it before and said “it must be your knee”. At that point I wondered if I had rheumatoid arthritis, especially as I had all the other pains as well, but thought that if it had been the case it would have shown up during the many blood tests I had had.

Looking back and having had the FM diagnosis, everything falls into place, but I cannot understand why even the top medical people had not twigged to this condition before. Perhaps, with all the FM awareness events and media coverage of this condition, other people will not have to suffer the humiliation and stress that we veteran fibromites have done.

All in all, I have not let it affect my life too much. When I was younger, I used to play squash and tennis (not very well, I might add) and belonged to Shapes Health Studio; I must say, I wondered at that time why, even after twelve months, I hadn’t progressed from the l.5 kg dumbbells, when everyone else was using 3.5 kg. We have been on some tremendous holidays – Thailand, Canada, America, etc. (we usually have a minor upgrade on the plane) and I just do what I can. My husband (of 47 years) is very supportive and understanding, thank goodness, and we take each day as it comes. We used to go on holiday with friends but in recent years I have felt that I’m holding them back as I cannot keep up with them so we now, very happily, do our major holidaying on our own. Also, I think twice before accepting an invitation to go out with “girlfriends” because I don’t want to spoil the day for them; this, I know, is me feeling inadequate (they are all aware of my capabilities and don’t mind).

My present situation is:-

I have been doing T’ai Chi for the past four years which has helped me to cope and focus. Also, I have many tapes of relaxing music which I use regularly; One of my main hobbies is gardening and I can achieve almost anything if I garden for ten minutes and then sit down – I always have my comfortable chair at the ready; I keep warm at all costs; even the most minor chill will start off the most severe pain. I look like an arctic explorer when it is mild to other people.

I try to avoid getting over-tired but this is very difficult as I am tired most of the time – but a very motivated person. If I have been out shopping and have become exhausted, when I arrive home I just sit in the armchair with my coat, gloves, etc. on and go to sleep; Fortunately, I have always had a good sense of humour and can see the funny side of most things. If I’m having a bad day I play a tape of a comedian or watch a humorous video like “The Vicar of Dibley”.

And, of course, last but not least, there’s the emu oil – everyone should have some.

At the end of the day, we are lucky that this is not a life-threatening illness. I have many friends who have undergone chemotherapy and it certainly has made me put things into perspective and treasure each day of my life…..

To see some of Linda's art-work please click here.
Update on Linda's latest treatments

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