New to Fibromyalgia

[Gavlar1980]

Good morning everyone.

I have recently been told I have Fibromyalgia after a good few years of going to and from the doctors. I was really struggling working part time and was made redundant due to Covid. As other posts I have read I have been made to feel like I am making a big deal about nothing and been told by the doctors there is not much more they can do as I am on the medication for Fibromyalgia. I feel my condition has not improved at all .I decided to claim Universal Credit and ESA but I am finding it difficult to pay the mortgage and bills and also I am being forced to look for work when I really feel I am no use to anyone at present, Any advice of anything I can claim to help and take the stress away of constant searching for jobs worrying if I do not apply they will stop my money. My partner has always been at home looking after our Boy and she also is having to search for work due to the joint claim for Universal Credit. Really in a bad place at the moment. Please Help

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to our community. Sorry to hear that things are so difficult for you just now

You don't mention what medication you are taking - but the usual ones that are tried include amitriptyline,. Duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, tramadol & paracetamol.

However, medication does not work for everyone, and those who do get some benefit may still be in some pain.

Our main website at fmauk.org had general information on fibromyalgia and you can read our patient booklets at fmauk.org/publications

Regarding benefits, you can contact FMA UK's benefit helpine on 0300 999 0055 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00-12.00) or email [e-mail] for further information and advice

[Gavlar1980 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Hi Hazel thanks for your message at first I was taking amitriptyline but then it was changed to Duloxetine due to no relief of symptoms. I believe the only reason I have had some relief is because not being stressed at work. As my work was quite active being at home has helped also having time to rest . I will contact the benefits helpline for help thanks so much for your quick response. Much appreciated Gavin

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Gavlar1980]

It can be trial and error finding out what helps you and what doesn't. Reducing stress can definitely help. Other useful pain management tools include pacing, activity/exercise - keeping your body moving is really important, heat or cold - some people find one more effective than the other, meditation, mindfulness ... also enjoying interests and hobbies as that can distract your mind from the pain.

[LoneEra]

Hi Gavin. Sorry to hear this. What a tough situation.

I’d definitely go back to your GP and ask for some different meds. You may also need some actual pain relief to see you through.

You could also ask for a referral to a rheumatologist if you haven’t seen one yet and some physiotherapy sessions.

Hopefully with the right treatment, you might be able to get to a point where you’re able to work part time or even full time. I work part time, but I have a job I can do from home (even before the pandemic) and I can more or less choose my own hours.

Good luck 🤞

[Gavlar1980 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you i have been referred to a fatigue clinic but yet to receive my appointment so fingers crossed that is a way forward. Thanks so much for you advice and I’m certainly hoping to get back to some type of normal. Thanks again Gavin

[Fizzwizz35]

Depending on how it affects your ability to carry out daily activities you could apply for PIP but it isn’t a quick process. Have a look at the CAB website for advice and help applying.

[Gavlar1980]

Thank you I will certainly look into that. I have been looking at the CAB website for information so thanks again

[Sugarhobbit]

Hi there.

Sorry to hear your news. I am not sure but the benefits you are claiming are you entitled to claiming housing benefit to help with your mortgage payments and get a reduction on council tax etc? Are you in the support group of the ESA?

Maybe phone the welfare rights people for further advice on benefits. Or the fybromyalgia link that another member has already suggested.

Kind regards

Sugarhobbit x

[Gavlar1980 in reply to Sugarhobbit]

Morning thanks for your message. I have just been placed in the support group within ESA after a phone assessment. I will be making a few calls today to try and find out what we are entitled to.