Skipton Fibromyalgia group supports sufferers
September 5, 2009
A support group for Craven people with a little-known chronic illness is going from strength to strength.
Since its launch earlier this year, the Skipton Fibromyalgia Support Group has attracted sufferers from all over the area.
And it is hoping more people will get to know about the devastating illness during next week’s Fibromyalgia awareness week.
People with fibromyalgia suffer a variety of symptoms, including severe pain, chronic tiredness, depression and exhaustion.
It can take years for the condition to be diagnosed. People rarely recover completely from the illness, but most learn to live with their symptoms.
One local sufferer, who was diagnosed in 2006 after many years of unexplained symptoms, said she faced a daily battle.
The woman, who is in her early 40s, said: “In October, 2008, I just could not carry on any longer and had a complete mental and physical breakdown.
“I believed I was useless – why could everyone else cope when I couldn’t.”
She has now joined the group and is gaining support from her fellow members.
“It is such a great feeling to meet people who understand exactly what I am feeling and what I am going through,” she said.
The group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 3pm at the Friends Meeting House, Skipton.
For more information contact Barbara Wallbank on 0845 4582016
Invisable Illnesses
Fibromyalgia