Hello, i've never joined a forum before but having just moved to Fareham I wondered if there's a fibro or arthritis support group locally?

[Shads]

I'd also welcome any advice about finding an understanding gp. I only know my partner here, who is very supportive of me but I still feel a little isolated away from my family and friends. Many thanks x

[Hidden]

Hi, I can't help I'm afraid but just wanted to say hello as I'm just outside of Southampton. I think there was one near to Portsmouth but I can't find the link now ( my brain goes to bed hours before I do lol )

xx

[Shads in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helen, thanks for replying to say hi, thats really kind of you and I think my brain does the same - that's if it wakes up in the first place xx

[susie59]

hi and welcome, there is one in portsmouth, i think there may be one nearer to you, like

locksheath or somewhere, you could try and look under support groups in fareham, or google it.

[susie59 in reply to susie59]

i think its a shame you only got one answer up to now, not much support!,

[Shads in reply to susie59]

Thank you Susie, I have goggled a little while ago but seemed found some links that didn't connect to anything or was out of date - I'm sure this site didn't come up first time round. I didn't how long it would take to get responses to my query as I don't spend too long on my laptop, especially when I have a flare up, and I'm grateful to any response however long it takes as it would take me a while to get my act together to actually attend anything just now.

Shads xx

[ladymoth]

Hi all,

I have just moved to Southampton - don't know if there are any support groups locally, but maybe we could all meet up and compare notes some day? It's always good to make new friends, anyway.

Look at the websites of your local medical practices - they usually give a list of their partners and their particular interests. Don't be afraid to ring a practice and ask which of their doctors is interested in rheumatology, If you get a negative response, try a different practice!

Hope this helps.

Luv Moffy x

[Shads in reply to ladymoth]

Hi Moffy,

You're right, it is good to make new friends and it would be good to compare notes, especially about things that people have found helpful in managing their health and wellbeing.

I will check the local gp surgeries again and have a go at phoning them too. I used to work with carers and its mad that this is the type of suggestion I'd make but don't seem to consider doing the same for me!

Many thanks

Shads xx

[BaileyBoy]

There is a support group in Portsmouth cos I'm a member. Meets on Mondays fortnightly next one this Monday 7-9pm at St. Peter's church, website is friends4usupportgroup.co.uk or find it on Facebook. Hope that helps don't think their is one in fareham yet! xx

[Shads in reply to BaileyBoy]

Thanks BaileyBoy, I'll have a look at your link. I still haven't got my head round the area yet - when i feel a little better i'll have a drive round so i get some idea of distances and where places are. Evenings are a bit hit and miss just now but it would be good to get out and meet new people.

Thanks again xx

[susie59 in reply to BaileyBoy]

Hello B aily boy, i went to one of the meetings you are referring to, but then i got poorly and very weak, i hope to be at the next one as i did enjoy it.

[Hidden]

hya I'm in Hedge end. The Hampshire friends with ME (which welcomes FM) is really good. They have a good FB page and meet up in Portsmouth and Southampton. Its £7.50 a year so doesn't break the bank. Theres an FM meeting in Winchester through Fibromyalgia UK. I don't know the GP's in Fareham unfortunately and don't have much contact with my own GP here now. Quite happy to meeting up for a coffee (decaf of course). welcome to the area Shads and ladymoth. feel free to contact either or both of you. Please don't feel isolated xxx

Sorry I didn't contact before. I've only just seen the thread

stepper (mon)

[Hidden]

Me too ive just seen this thread ~ so apologies and a warm welcome to you.. Im sorry i dont know that area or can help but it looks like youve had some great suggestions from other members... And yes I would phone local surgeries or even the hospital to see if they know.. or maybe put an ad in the paper and set up one of your own.. a sure way of making like minded ( and bodily..lol) friends.. Good luck and I wish you well. x

[Shads]

Hi Stepper and Lacey, many thanks for both of your answers and I will follow up on the various suggestions very soon I hope, After having a pretty positive day last week and joining this site I've had a nasty flare up (was expecting something after having a holiday - but was worth it, i think) and hoping it will ease off quickly. It would be lovely to meet up with Stepper and Ladymoth and anyone else who's interested.

Thank you all for your very kind replies and good wishes xxx

[LindseyMid]

If anyone else is looking for a group, there is a Support Group Directory on the FibroAction website:

fibroaction.org/Pages/Suppo...

If your local group isn't on there, suggest it to the chairperson as it's just a free publicity opportunity.