In Control of my Fibro: Symptoms tracker, pacing advice and notebook for Fibromyalgia warriors

Product Information

Survey B questions were grouped under three subheadings: demographic information; use of non-NHS services (including type of treatment/service, frequency, reasons for and experiences of access); and other comments. Analysis of free text data about diagnosis of fibromyalgia generated the theme ‘A troublesome label’. The study, however, looked at the levels normal for the patients’ age and this highlighted the differences between the patients and the control subjects. These were targeted to NHS healthcare professionals consulting with people with fibromyalgia (Survey A) and people ≥16 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia using non-NHS services to manage their condition (Survey B).

The study treated the patients with metformin – a drug used to combat insulin resistance in diabetes. Two online open surveys (A and B) incorporating questions about diagnosis, treatment and management of fibromyalgia and gaps in healthcare services were conducted between 11th September 2019 and 3rd February 2020. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain in any area of the body although the most common places are the neck and back. Comments from some NHS professionals hinted at associations between self-diagnosis and a propensity to ‘opt out’ of society and seek social benefits.

I don’t talk to them [people with fibromyalgia] about holistic things such as sleep hygiene, pain management, pacing. A simple example would be that a minor knock for most people could be extremely painful for someone with fibromyalgia.

Occupational therapists support people by finding ways of adapting everyday tasks, to ensure they can live as independently as possible.Part of dealing with this painful condition is gaining an understanding of what irritates your bowels. Her journey was the inspiration for their new book: From Fibromyalgia to Freedom Clair, Caroline and Ellie take you through their diagnosis process. This can also be accompanied by a poor sleep pattern and fibromyalgia sufferers may wake un-refreshed and feeling exhausted. Psychological approaches to pain management try to address the emotional effects of your pain and the things that can make your pain worse. Other goals include the reduction of muscle spasms, increase energy levels, improve pain management and improve sleep patterns.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the local liver doctors and nurses who support us and without whom we could not run these events.We have very limited options for referral - including exercise referral and the EPP [Expert Patient Programme] which is run through the voluntary sector. This can be difficult if you’re in pain, but regular exercise has been shown to help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life.