Fibro 1st timers for RBS Call

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Created on Monday, 29 May 2017 06:36

Published on Monday, 29 May 2017 13:22

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What is fibro?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe. It may be worse at some times than at others. It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used the most. 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".

There are treatments available which can alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia. Various medicaitons can help but finding one that works can be a prolonged process. Other options include CBT, activity and other non medication options. The lack of effective treatment for some can leave them without employment, or being forced into early retirement. More info on fibromyalgia can be found here.

Who Are FMA UK

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a registered charity run primarily by unpaid volunteers. The majority of volunteers are also fibromyalgia sufferers who work extremely hard, despite their condition, in order to forward the cause of fibromyalgia.  FMA UK was established in order to provide information and support to sufferers and their families. In addition, the Association provides medical information for professionals and operates a national helpline.

What does FMA UK do?

FMA UK operates as a signpost to information and resource for people who are affected by fibromyalgia. From our initial beginnings, we have seen the range of services and resources increase. What we can offer is closely tied to the level of donations we receive and other funding sources.

Below is a short list of some of the services or resources that we offer:

• National Helplines on fibromyalgia and benefits issues
• An online support forum that is available 24/7 with office bearers of the charity being available to help e.g. our benefits advisor helps with benefits queries and sends information regularly.
• UK wide system of support groups
• Only fibro charity that helps create and provides resources to support UK Support Groups at creation and through their operation
• Providing the insurance cover required for registered fibromyalgia support groups to operate
• Email support system where Regional Coordinators answer questions and refer people to local support
• Signposting to legal support
• Awareness event support including awareness items including posters, leaflets, tshirts and many more items with many being offered free or at cost
• Fundraising support
• Sending of free patient information packs from head office

Contact Details

• Groups – www.fmauk.org/groups
• National Helpline (10am – 4pm weekdays) 0300 999 3333
• Benefits helpline (10am-12, Mon & Fri) 0300 999 0055
• Forum www.fmauk.org/forum
• Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ukfibro