Holistic medicine

[RACHPOW79]

Hi I would like to know if anyone has been referred by their doctor to a fibromyalgia course.

I was told yesterday its not just about the medication you take its about treating it overall, the mind and the body.

[Pleco]

Not sure what is meant by "course". The one I was offered was an hours talk by physio therapists who didn't really know more than what you can read on here, Perhaps things have changed since I was diagnosed. I hope it has. Might be worth asking what it entails.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Services for people with fibromyalgia vary significantly from one health board area to another.

Fibromyalgia specific courses are still not common place, and where they are available - again the services will vary

In our local area, there is a rheumatology physio led fibromyalgia course, which is some basic information on fibromyalgia and how to manage it, with the option for some tai chi sessions afterwards.

In areas where there is nothing fibromyalgia specific, often there will be chronic pain self management courses available through pain clinics. But again, this will vary from once area to the next

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

just to add to what Hazel put the services that are offered can be under different agencies with the Rheumis and pain clinics perhaps being the norm. But also Mental Health or GPs or even social prescribers can be involved. There is a pot of services that these normally pick from but depending on availability, budget, the agency offering it and other factors you will have a variety in what is offered.

Vitamind in Derbyshire are someone we are talking to about their long term chronic illnesses course which is not fibro specific but has some CBT, pacing, and activity being offered via zoom as well as additional support as required. Hazel_Angelstar 's example is similar but was in person and had more access to physio and even hydro at one point I believe but no longer. So they can change over time.

[Sleepyhead22]

My Dr told me I either had CFS or Fibro and referred me to a CFS clinic which sounds similar to what you've been referred too.Because of COVID, appointments were over phone and video call but I first had appointments with a physio to teach me about pacing. Then saw a psychologist who spoke with me about some of the challenges people with these conditions face and to teach me how to properly relax and rest my body. She eventually encouraged me to do little bits of exercise too and helped me to explore different ways of doing things to make the best use of energy.

It was very informative and it did help me learn to cope a little better. I would do it again.