new member

[Rug1]

hello everyone,

New member and was only officially diagnosed at beginning of the year.

Thought I would join for help,support and advice as it is getting harder to work full time with fibromyalgia,

Cheers Colin

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forums. You can find general information on fibromyalgia at our website fmauk.org and our patient information booklets at fmauk.org/publications

[CM1EDSUK]

Hi Colin - & welcome. Firstly, have you looked into 'reasonable adjustments' as far as your employer is concerned, as they may (but don't have to) be able to look at a way in which they may be able to help you continue to work full time. Please see: acas.org.uk/reasonable-adju...

Secondly, would it be possible for you to consider part time work? If this isn't financially possible, then perhaps look at benefits that may additionally help. Depending if you fit the criteria (& any work you do doesn't contradict the descriptors you're claiming for), you can claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), & still work. However, with PIP you need to have had problems with your disability for 3 months, & expect them to last for a further 9 months. Looking at the 12 activities/descriptors that are looked at with PIP may help: cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset...

Thirdly, depending on your National Insurance contributions in the past 2 financial years, you may be able to claim the Employment & Support Allowance (ESA). Please see: gov.uk/employment-support-a...

Try this benefits calculator to see what benefits & additional help may be available: entitledto.co.uk/benefits-c...

[Welshcatlady]

Good morning Rug1 and welcome to our forum. I'm sure you will get lots of help and suggestions on here. It was here that I first heard about using a weighted blanket and lavender pillow spray, which have really helped my sleeping, and Magnesium Spray which I use on my legs and has eased the pain considerably. It's all a case of trial and error, but well worth trying these things out.It's also good to know that there are others who are in the same boat as you.

[Gaballetto]

Hello Colin!

With such a short time since your diagnosis you are probably full of questions. Keep an eye on this forum and lots of them will be answered!

If you have any immediate questions, ask the forum yourself. There will always be someone there who's had FM longer than you, and been going through the grinder longer.

I have found the info/opinions very helpful and comforting.

Hope you are as lucky as I have been, and find your symptoms reduce and become more intermittent (as I have over the 20 years since my diagnosis).

Reading the posts on this forum reminds me there is always someone worse off than myself, and helps me not to dwell on my FM and not to let it rule my life ( a tough one)

[Rug1 in reply to Gaballetto]

Thank you for your encouragement,