CWU Issues New Fibromyalgia Factsheet

Fibromyalgia is a very misunderstood illness, and there is still controversy over exaclty what it is and whether or not it is recognised by the medical profession in it's entirety.

But for those suffering from this totally debilitating illness, there remains no questions over it's validity in their eyes.

No one chooses to suffer from Fibromyalgia! It has not only a real physical componenet, but also has severe effects upon the mental health of sufferers. What doesn't help of course is its mis-diagnosis or worse still, it being dismissed as the 'lazy disease' and a 'scroungers excuse' to claim disability benefit.

Fortunately, the NHS Choices website gives some clarity and total validity to the illness:

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:

• increased sensitivity to pain
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• muscle stiffness
• difficulty sleeping
• problems with mental processes (known as "fibro-fog") – such as problems with memory and concentration
• headaches
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating

The CWU Equal Opportunities department has produced a two page leaflet which gives brief details of the illness, it's causes and symptoms along with where sufferers can get help and support.

You can download it from the E-Library Database and directly from this page link here

Source: CWU / NHS Choices

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