Fibromyalgia support: physiotherapy/psychological groups

[KatieERoberts]

Hello I've been asked by my consultant to attend some pain management groups at my local hospital. I was told this last August and that I would get a letter in a few weeks however I only received it yesterday, besides the point.....

I've had a long time to research into the groups and to see exactly what to expect however I never got round to it and now my first meeting is next week and I have no idea what I'm going to be faced with.

My consultant warned me most people in there will be st least double my age (I am only 21) therefore I may feel the odd one out for a while.

On the list of what each session (every Tuesday for 2 hours for 8 weeks straight) there's different titles such as partner days, psychologist therapy, pain management but I have no idea what that consists of.

Could anyone help me if anyone has been to meeting like this please

[TheAuthor]

Hi KatieERoberts

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I have pasted you below a link to the *NHS - Pain Management Programmes cache on this issue. They say that:

*NHS Pain Management Programmes (PMPs) help people to live with chronic pain by helping them to learn ways of dealing with the disabling effects and distress caused by being in pain.

They involve talks and practical sessions where people learn about pain and ways to try and control and limit pain and how to exercise safely and build up activity levels. They use a number of different techniques on these programmes

healthtalk.org/peoples-expe...

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[kmc-cudsleepforaweek]

Hi Katie,

I am so sorry you are having to go through this at such a young age. This comdition is cruel 😔

I've been to one of these & its as Ken says, there will be a nurse who introduces the programme and there will be a different professional for each topic who will be able to give you advice on how to manage your Fibro both mentally & physically. At.mine, I think there were about 15 of us and yes sweetheart they are most probably all going to be at least twice your age. The positive from attending the group is that you will hear from others how Fibro affects them and be able to take comfort from others who truly understand and you never know, there might be someone going who is a similar age and is feeling exactly the way you are now and from the same area 🤔 I now consider someone I met at mine as one of my closest friends now. We have only seen each other 4 times in 3 years due to our mobility and fatigue issues but we adapt and we share an unbreakable bond & we don't have to explain ourselves! Also huny, this is a cost to the NHS and without attendance, the programmes will be cut, it also shows in your medical reports that you are following the advice of your GP.

I know it must be scary for you but if you can make it, it's worth it.

Thinking of you and please let us know how you get on.

Lots of love & hugs 💕🤗💕🤗💕🤗

[KatieERoberts in reply to kmc-cudsleepforaweek]

Aww thank you. I hope there is someone my age that would make me feel a lot more comfortable. And to make friends with some of them that understand what I go through would be amazing as none of my friends or family understand.

I'm looking forward to it but also extremely scared ive never been someone who's keen on therapy or talking about issues. Tend to bottle them up and just get on with life xx

[deejames]

At my group I was the odd one out in that most were a lot younger than me. In their 20s and 30s. You may find that not all have Fibromyalgia but others conditions resulting in chronic pain. The techniques and stratagies for dealing with pain and disability are the same no matter your age or condition though. Keep an open mind and don't think just because the others are not the same age you won't be able to relate.

Good luck and I hope it helps

Dee

[KatieERoberts in reply to deejames]

Okay thank you I will try! Xx

[london]

I went to one last year for 8 weeks .. their was all age groups there .. Every week they talked about the same thing .. also the same exercises .. ( light exercises ) .. My self i thought they was trying to make us feel it was all in are head .. and by doing exercise and staying slim etc .. we would get better .. i was so glad when it was over .. but thats not saying you will not enjoy going etc ..

[KatieERoberts in reply to london]

That's my only worry there's 3 out of the 8 classes are called 'psychology' which makes me think they will be trying to say it's in my head which I don't agree with. But I will see, thank you xx

[jannah]

Hi Katie

Count yourself lucky to be sent to these pain management clinic because its hard to get it and also many off us can't even get it like myself who is going through alot yet no referral what's so ever.

You might enjoy it so go for it and might learn something new maybe you could let us know what goes on and how it helpedso maybe we might get a head start in helping ourselves too.

Go for it...enjoy it. Wish you luck.

[KatieERoberts in reply to jannah]

I was sent through them from a consultant she was very willing for me to go to them but reminded me that I may be one of the only young people there!

I will keep you updated how I go, first one is Tuesday xx

[london]

I am only saying .. what it was like for me going to the pain clinic .. I have had Fibro for over 20yrs .. plus other illness .. Katie .. you might enjoy going .. i am not trying to put you off .. Let me know how you get on please xxx

[KatieERoberts in reply to london]

Had one on Tuesday. The teacher was a psychologist which didn't exactly make a great impression to any of us. She went on to explain she's a researcher in psychological effects within a physical conditions. Also a physio there who was lovely.

It was just an introduction so we didnt get to know a lot but quite a few weeks out of the 8 week period I see alot of 'psychology' for sleep, for pain, for foods etc. Which dosent fill me with confidence.

Next week I'm going again on Tuesday. Without my mom this time

I will update after then x

[london]

I use to go on a Tuesday Katie ..at Luton Hospital .. some of the people was nice .. Glad you have had your 1st one .. all the best for the rest of them