Group therapy for arthritic pain including PMR

[Markandevie]

Does anyone know of any face-to-face groups within the Portsmouth area? Or, does anyone know who to contact to find out? Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you

[Queenie1901]

I am the local group organiser for the Portsmouth area PMR/GCA support group, supported by the charity. Our details are on the charity website. Do feel free to join us at our meetings. Our contact email is on the website. Also, we have a great link with the Rheumatology Dept at Q A. hospital in Portsmouth and they have been a mine of formation so perhaps they may be able to recommend a pain clinic or local group to you.

[Markandevie in reply to Queenie1901]

That is great news. Can you let me know the full address of the charity website so I can email them. Thank you so much

[Markandevie in reply to Queenie1901]

Thank you. I have emailed them directly to ask when the meetings take place.

[Queenie1901 in reply to Markandevie]

Here is the link to the website local support groups. We are the Havant (Portsmouth) group. Full details are on there. pmrgca.org.uk/get-support/g...

[paintpots in reply to Queenie1901]

Hi Florrie.I wish I had known that there was a local support group 4 years ago, it would have helped so much, when I was floundering about looking for answers. I am actively involved in a head and neck cancer support group and know how much help it gives to cancer patients. I think I would like to come along at some time to your group , so I will look on the web site for your email.

Thanks

Paint pots

[Markandevie]

Thank you so much for your help. Really appreciated

[paintpots]

My advice would be to ask the rheumatology dept at QA Hospital or Macmillan.

[Markandevie in reply to paintpots]

All arranged thank you

[Rugger]

Would you be interested in this?

nuffieldhealth.com/about-us...

I have just completed the first 12 weeks of the programme in Yorkshire, but it is a nationwide initiative - free of charge.

[Markandevie in reply to Rugger]

Thank you. I will sign up for anything that helps with pain. Thanks for the heads up, very much appreciated.

[Rugger]

The programme is designed to build up strength, mobility and cardiac function, through the exercises during the classes and what we do at home. Hopefully it might help to relieve some pain from "arthritis" (in the title of your post) and I witnessed this in some of the members of my group. Out of 11, I was the only one with PMR - the others had OA, RA and fibromyalgia.

All prospective participants are assessed before being entered into the programme, giving an opportunity to discuss your personal situation with the Rehab Specialist.

I would add a note of caution with PMR, not to overdo things when muscles are actively inflamed. I am 7+ years post diagnosis and on 2mg pred, so felt it was the right time to be more proactive in trying to regain some strength in my muscles. As far as PMR pain is concerned, pred is our 'painkiller'.

Best wishes.