Useful Information

These articles contain information that you may find useful. It could be travelling with your fibro or preparing for a Dr's appointment.

The History of Fibromyalgia

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Sunday, 12 May 2024 16:24; Hits: 59

It is International Awareness Day which falls on Florence Nightingales birthday each year. Around the world on May 12th there are events, awareness being raised and activities about increasing the awareness of fibromyalgia.

We thought this year as we have been creating a series of video content that we would create one that shows the history of fibromyalgia. Some people think it is a new condition with some dismissing it as a fad or made up. It is not and it is certainly not new. Veterans returning from World War 2 were dismissed as some still are today.

When checking out the videos on our YouTube channel be sure to Like and Subscribe and keep an eye out for new videos.

Further Sources of Help for your Mental Health

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Sunday, 15 May 2022 14:11; Hits: 1621

Managing your mental health can be difficult when you are also trying to cope with a chronic pain condition. If you feel that your mood is low or you are struggling, it is vital that you reach out and talk to someone. That could be your GP, a family member, a friend, or someone your trust.

You may wish to consider the other sources of help that we have listed below.

In the case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.

Helplines

Helplines are there to listen to you in a non-judgmental way. They can often be a source of support and understanding in times of crisis.

Samaritans
Freephone: 116 123
Text: 07725 90 90 90
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: samaritans.org
Whatever you're going through, call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.24-hour. Emotional support for anyone struggling to cope.
Shout
Text: Text SHOUT to 85258
Website: giveusashout.org
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Mind
Website: Mind's guide to getting help in a crisis.
NSPA
Website: NSPA's webpage of places to find support in a crisis

ENFA Conference 2018 Report

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Sunday, 08 July 2018 20:54; Hits: 6348

Please see attached a copy of the report from the European Network of Fibromyalgia Associations (ENFA) Conference held in Malta this May, which Simon Stones attended on behalf of FMA UK.

Pain Concern: Airing Pain 103: Pain and Relationships

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Sunday, 08 July 2018 20:42; Hits: 3675

How pain’s unpredictability can affect interpersonal relationships, and recognising help when it appears.

With between one third and one half of people living with chronic pain in the UK alone, the number of people experiencing the effects of pain explodes when considering family and friendships. For some of these people, life can become a cycle of hospital visits, blood tests, and scans. So, what can be done to ease these relationships?

In this edition of Airing Pain, Paul Evans and eminent psychotherapist Dr Barry Mason speak about their personal experiences with fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.

With many chronic pain conditions being “invisible”, explaining your pain may seem impossible, and as the family’s “uninvited guest”, it can cause people to close up to those looking to help. Dr Mason explains that not speaking about this uncomfortable topic can lead to further issues, and how opening up can lead to better family teamwork.

We hope this edition of Airing Pain will help those living with pain to understand the importance of communication within relationships.

Airing Pain 103: Pain and Relationships is now available on our Audioboom page, which you can find here.

Article: The Pain Brain: Hippocampal Atrophy found in Fibromyalgia

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Monday, 02 March 2015 13:25; Hits: 5996

Reduced volume in the hippocampus is just the latest of many brain finding in fibronyalgia

Read more: The Pain Brain: Hippocampal Atrophy Found in Fibromyalgia http://www.cortjohnson.org/blog/2015/02/16/pain-brain-hippocampal-atrophy-found-fibromyalgia/

Prescription Charges Coalition statement on the proposed reintroduction of prescription charges in Northern Ireland

Details: Category: Useful Information; Published on Wednesday, 25 February 2015 13:19; Hits: 4679

FMA UK are a member of the Prescription Charges Coalition

The Prescription Charges Coalition of nearly 40 charities and organisations believes that everyone with a long-term condition should be exempt from prescription charges wherever they live in the UK. Currently, people with long-term conditions do not pay prescription charges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, the majority of those who are of working age in England are charged.

Medication is extremely important to help people with long-term conditions to manage their symptoms and lead independent lives. There is a strong evidence base which demonstrates that prescription charges act as a barrier to people with long-term conditions obtaining the medication they require. This can lead to poor management of the condition and complications that may result in greater cost to health and social services.

People with long-term conditions in Northern Ireland would be disadvantaged by the reintroduction of charges and some may be unable to afford their medicines, potentially leading to poor health, increased hospital admissions and lower productivity.

Governments can choose how to raise revenue and support the availability of specialist medicines. The Prescription Charges Coalition do not believe it is appropriate, reasonable or fair to do this at the expense of those with long-term conditions and will be responding accordingly to the consultation.

February 2015

Highlights

How to Contact Us and get more info

Our professionally printed Information pack on fibromyalgia can be found here to view. You will also receive a free copy on request. We also have a booklet for young people with fibromyalgia that you can obtain on request and will be on the website soon.

FMA UK has recently changed some of its telephone numbers for helplines and groups. Please check here for more information on the New Contact Numbers if required.

FMA UK offers a range of support and information including:

National Helpline 0300 999 3333 (10am - 4pm Mon - Fri)
Benefits Helpline 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon, Wed and Fri)
Complimentary information booklets for doctors and other professionals (fully referenced)
Books and videos
Website Contacts with legal specialists
Conferences
Local support group and helpline contacts

The charity is run by volunteers, most of whom have fibromyalgia.

Health Professional Pack

If your Health Care Professional needs some education in fibromyalgia you can request that an FMA UK Health Professionals Pack is sent out to them. All we need is the name of the Health CareProfessional and the address of their practice. We will then send a pack to their surgery addressed from us to them.

You can request a medical pack using this form.

Join a Support Group

You can find a Support Group near you by contacting the Regional Coordinator for your area. If there does not happen to be a support group near you then maybe you can join with some other members and set one up. Support groups provide a social benefit as well as the opportunity to share tips on coping with fibro. They come in all shapes and sizes and we are often told how they have helped people.

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