looking for help

[MTB123]

Just joined and looking for help in finding a local face-to-face support group in the Watford, St Albans or Hemel Hempstead area of Hertfordshire.

Thank you

[Ramjets]

Hi MTB123 , if you go to our main site you can search for local support groups there, plus there is plenty of other information and useful links that you may be interested in. The link below will take you to the main page and if you look towards the bottom of page you will see "Join a Support Group".

fmauk.org/

You will also receive lots of support on here from our friendly members so I hope you continue to post so we can get to know you better. However I notice you haven’t locked your post. You don't have to but many of our members are not too keen on responding to unlocked ones therefore you are likely to receive more replies if you do, as it stops the whole thread being read by internet search engines. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the link below but if you get stuck please don’t hesitate to ask for help.

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

In the meantime welcome to the forum, I look forward to seeing you around. Take care. x

[MTB123 in reply to Ramjets]

Hi Ramlets

Thanks you for your reply.

I have received work back from the regional coordinator of FMUK and she has directed me to a group near by so all is good.

I have made note of your comments about locking my post which I will do in the future as it makes perfect sense.

Biggest problem form me right now is coming to grips with the fact that my Fybro has gotten to the point whereby I do not think I can return to full time employment in my current profession.

Have applied for Universal Credit etc. but doubt very much that my GP will complete any of the paperwork needed to apply for any other types of disability benefits.

Have noticed there is info on this site so will look it up.

Take care,

[Ramjets in reply to MTB123]

I have been in a similar situation. I was self-employed and worked full time but came to a point where I had to stop work as I was feeling so dreadful and I was popping pills just to get through the day. I have been out of work for nearly 2 years and during that time I was diagnosed with fibro but it's also given me the chance to come to terms with the condition and learn how to manage it to a certain degree. It wasn't easy but I reached a point where I felt able to return to work however I didn't want to go back full time straight away. Going back to what I was doing previously wasn't really an option on a part time basis so I have been lucky enough to find a part-time job close to home which I start next month. Whilst unemployed, I was not eligible for Universal Credit so I claimed contribution-based ESA for 12mths. I didn't need to go for any assessments in that time and just had to send sick-notes from my GP. I must admit, never having claimed benefits previously, I found the whole benefit system quite confusing and slightly intimidating and I wish I had been aware of this forum at the time as it does contain lots of helpful information. It is definitely worth checking out the main site for more details but just for convenience, I have put a link below that contains information you may find useful:

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

I note you say you doubt your GP will be wiling to help with paperwork needed for any other claims - are they just unhelpful in this area generally? Are there any other medical professionals you have consulted who may be more willing to help you out maybe?

Take care and good luck. x

[MTB123 in reply to Ramjets]

Hi Ramjet

You obviously have been there and done that and know exactly how I am feeling. Been working full time since I was 14 and now might have to stop. Not handling it well. Downloaded the Fybro Medical Pack which is loaded with good information about addressing this issue with GPs who might need some education on the subject. Will be taking it to my next appointment. Have just received my medical report from the Consulting Psychiatrist I saw last month and he only makes a passing reference to the Fybro and spends more time going on and on about the depression. Which is very common with most of the medical staff I have encountered. Depression is a symptom no the problem. Why don't they get this??????

Thanks for letting me vent.

Talk again soon.

[Ramjets in reply to MTB123]

Oh yes I have been there too. One of the first questions my Neurologist asked me was "Are you depressed?" I explained that I had never suffered depression prior to developing chronic headaches and other symptoms however I was getting depressed because no one could tell me what was wrong with me. As you say they often just latch onto a symptom rather than addressing the root cause. Saying that even though your Consulting Psychiatrist has focused more on the depression, this could still prove helpful with your claim for disability benefits do you think?

It took me a while to get my head around being unemployed as I had never been out of work since leaving school. I did get quite low at one point when I thought that was it for me and I was written off in my 40s. However as I said previously, the break away plus having a good supportive GP has given me the chance to discover my limits and thankfully I still have something left to give, so there is still hope. Good luck and feel free to vent anytime. x

[MTB123 in reply to Ramjets]

Thanks mate, really helped

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Good evening MTB123 just wanted to wish you a very warm welcome to our great group. The members here are best on the net and I hope we you make yourself at home and we get to know you better. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening

Momo

[MTB123 in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hi Momo

Thanks you for your reply.

looking forward to catching up with every one soon.

Take care,