fibro

[mystic]

i have just started on the course expert patient programme what a joke they think because we are in constant pain we are stupid or depressed .. as any one else been on a course

[Hidden]

I am going for an hours assesment to get on a pain management course... I hope if I get on it is good... At least it is free if it isn't ..... I paid good money for a book on coping with fibro and if it hadnt been so funny and made me and my OH laugh so much I would have demanded my money back... Funny after reviewing it online they have never asked me to reveiw anything again...

VG x

[justlilme]

I have not heard of this could u tell me more etc as and when u know! I am sure we all know pain inside out types and how we can try to deal with it! Tbh most of our pain is beyond control I am sure most will agree! I am 25 and cannot walk more tham 50metres without loss of breath legs giving way and dreadful pains spreading. Course just sounds new to be xxx gentle hugs xxx I am wheelchair bound outdoors Zimmer indoors isolated understatement sure u can all relate xx

[Hidden]

These types of courses although I haven't experienced one yet, is talking through ways of coping with your pain trying gentle stretching exercises relaxation and meeting other people who suffer chronic pain.... my GP who believes in fibro and referred me to the course when I mentioned it summed it up as..... But you have fibro and arthritis it's not in your head but if you want to try talking yourself out of pain I am happy to refer you. He's blunt but he keeps me sane....

VG x

[aura2]

I did the epp about 6yrs ago, 4 years after being medically retired from work. .. I learnt two things that changed my life .. I could still leave the house and talk to people i didnt know . And on one of my weekly challenges promised i would drive my oh new car.. I hadnt had the confidence to drive it . Moving on with new confidence i aswered an advert to help start a fibro support group for the nhs. Which i ran for 3yrs and still attend . It is not all about pain control but how to make our lifes better ..

[Petra]

I went on an EPP course some l8 months ago.Not everyone had Fibro, but one person did have ME.I found it very very good.I was much more positive than I am now as the Fibro has worsened.My gp referred me and I would recommend it.You meet other people and you receive lots of encouragement.The two "tutors" were open about how they had become tutors for the course, one had suffered from cancer the other depression, they were an inspiration to us.We got given a huge brochure coverng everything from diet, exercise and planning for the future and a relaxation CD all free. I am in touch with my GP but have so much fatigue and pain.My OH doesn't always understand and says that he cannot take the pain away or the fatigue.He has had various big health issues, growth on the pancreas,heart attack and currently a hip replacement last August.We are still working for ourselves from home but I am anxious and worry about the future its scary.I do get out, mainly because the house is becoming very untidy and cluttered by me and most things are hard to find. I do want to be organised but it has become quite daunting.I am waiting the result of an x ray on my left hip as the pain is keeping me awake at night so not sure if it is osteoarthritis or Fibro or hip replacement.I also went on an Arts on Prescription Course last year which encouraged me to draw and paint.I did not think I could do these but found great satisfaction and enjoyed the company of others on the course.This again was free and was for 3 months.We were able to take alll of our work home. It helped immensly by stopping the depression setting in by and occupying your mind on something different and rewarding.It has been done for research reasons.There has been a second course this year for another group.One benefit was meeting other people, sadly for me this is not happening lately so am feeling cut off apart from this blog site.I would encourage people to pursue the above and hope it is of some benefit.

[aura2]

Well said petra.. I really enjoyed epp .. I think one of the positives is that the tutors all have a chronic illness themselves and are volunteers and really understand . I to went on to go to college one afternoon a week for two years ending as a healer .. Which i now use to help others to relax .. My life was most defiantly improved following epp. My brother who has heart problems lost his much loved job because of it suffered with depression after the epp he took on volunteer work and never looked back. My friend that has fibro and cancer has just completed her first course as an lecturer and she is buzzing ... Ye go for it folks ..... We cant get rid of this awful illness only try everything thats offered to see if it helps xx

Warm soft hugs for you and yours petra

[sheena123]

I went on the Expert Patient Programme and found it really helpful and made a lot of friends

[ArctoLindy]

I tried the EPP but got thrown off for being sick! LOL