also have found this a difficult area to work in so they have welcomed the sharing of knowledge and information.”
Concerns taken seriously
Its recognition as a condition will raise awareness of it among the public, but also among health professionals.
Once diagnosed, patients will receive a “pathway” that will outline what services are available including medication or advice around exercise and alternative therapies.
Louise Skelly said fibromyalgia sufferers felt very isolated
According to patients, the biggest breakthrough is having their concerns taken seriously.
Martina Marks was not diagnosed for 10 years.
“It was a very long journey. I hadn’t heard of it and neither had my GP,” she said.
“It was important that I got a diagnosis, because I’d been going through different treatments, seeing different doctors and nothing was giving me relief.
“Some of them don’t understand the illness and I think we need an awareness campaign for the medical profession to understand the variety of symptoms with fibromyalgia and the severity of it.”
While there is no cure for the condition, there is evidence that lifestyle changes including relaxation, heat, exercise and diet can make a difference.
Severe cases will be treated with medication
