New friends

[veggiefan70]

I know not everyone would have the courage for this, but I put a small advert in the local free newspaper, if any people in the area with Fibro would like to meet up, and I gave time date and name of a cafe. Five people turned up. Ive made some great new, supportive friends. Its great to be with people where you dont have to explain yourself and can relate to each other.

[Welshcatlady]

That's lovely, let's hope that your friendships grow, and continue for many years to come.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Where is group located. Please drop me an email to [e-mail] as you may wish to register as working with FMA UK to access resources and support.

[veggiefan70 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Many thanks for your offer. I did work with the Sheffield ME/Fibro charity for several years and hosted drop in around the city. But as I grew older and health issuses took more of a hold, I had to step down. I still have contacts within the charity with resources if needed. But I appreciate your suggestions.

[Demeb4dat]

The is a group in my area but evenings are too demanding for me.

[Prettywings]

this is great!! Love this for you 😁

[Wobblygirl]

Great!Congratulations on your initiative... X

[Gooddaysagain]

Well done for reaching out!

I was lucky. The lovely woman I bought my house from has Fibro. We've become firm friends and support each other - mainly through understanding as we know 'what it's like' when no-one else seems to.

Gentle hugs,

dx

[veggiefan70 in reply to Gooddaysagain]

It makes such a difference to spend time with people who can relate, and not have to explain all the while how it affects you.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Its so heart warming too read this ♥️I am so very pleased for you , may it continue x

[veggiefan70 in reply to Yassytina]

Many thanks. Its been a year since we all met up and our social lives have opened up as a result. Plus no-one gets upset if any of us are too unwell to turn up for an event as we are all in the same boat.

[Peptink]

That is truly wonderful! Good for you! 🌻

[Arnika]

What a wonderful idea veggiefan70. I have courage to do that advert, in my area, but my problem is that I have issues with always letting people down, because lately there are not many days, that I feel I can even leave my house. Winters are worse for me, since many other issues make my fibro much worse,

My sleeping bio clock is also all over the place at the moment. my best time for any activities is in the afternoon (I am barely able to function in the mornings, and by evening I am utterly exhausted even if I do nothing much).

But I will definitely consider your wonderful suggestions very seriously when the weather is milder and days a little longer.

Thank you very much for sharing this with us veggiefan 70🙂

Arnika

[veggiefan70 in reply to Arnika]

I too suffer more in the cold weather, it makes life very difficult. My head is usually groggy in the morning mainly from meds taken at night allowing me to sleep. I had to chose a time of day I could cope with and that it might be the same for others. I chose a cafe close by so no travelling.

If you can manage it sometime it so worth the effort. I hope you can get the same pleasure, supportive friendships and closeness Ive experienced from it. Good luck! And a big hug. X

[Arnika in reply to veggiefan70]

Thank You for your encouragement, veggiefan70, I will think of making a special effort to consider placing that advert, even if nothing much comes of it. I do miss company of other's, very much, especially company of people who understand our precarious situation so we can cry, and laugh , together and support each other, instead of endlessly apologising for, and explaining to family and friends our complex health issues and our "strange" behaviour. your entry on these pages gives us more courage and hope.

[veggiefan70 in reply to Arnika]

Thank you Arnika, I hope you manage to do it. An added note: I placed a folded piece of card on the table with 'Fibro' written on it so people could tell which table to find me. A couple of people brought a friend wuth them the first time, being a bit nervous and understandably so. But once we got chatting all nervousness disappeared.

As you say, we all need people in our lives who support us and understand. And yes, we do laugh, especially when Fibro fog makes us forget words or say the wrong thing and no explanation needed. Big hugs!

[westcountry]

Well done to you doing that and so glad it's worked for you. I'd love to do that as people (including family and friends) just haven't a clue how we all feel!