The  local support group for people with Fibromyalgia, ME and CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) F.A.M.E.,  held an awareness raising event on Saturday 12th May in the foyer of the Town Hall Kirkwall. As well as information leaflets to take away  members were also on hand to speak to the public and explain about the illness, how it affects people, their families and friends, and also the support available from the group.

Tina Ruiz,  the logistics member of the group, has estimated that there could be 487 Orcadians suffering with the illness but there may be many more.

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also known as ME is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS in Orkney: Find Out More

The support group, F.A.M.E., mainly meets during the daytime but will have occasional meetings in the evening. It is where sufferers can talk in confidence and share their experiences.

Lorraine Craigie, F.A.M.E. treasurer, explained that the purpose of the event was to make people in Orkney aware that there is a condition.

For Lorraine the support group has been incredibly important:

“The support group has helped me”, she said.

“People in the group know what you are talking about and understand.”

She said that it can be difficult for family members to understand the pain you are going through and that is where the support from F.A.M.E. comes in.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and there are some doctors who fail to take a person seriously  when they visit the local practice with a range of symptoms which differ from person to person.

Both Tina and Lorraine described how frightening and upsetting ‘brain fog’ can be when you cannot remember even the most common place of things like your own name or how to drive your car.

The support group welcomes anyone with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS.

Meetings

• 30th May 2018: Kirkwall Library 2 – 4pm
• 27th June 2018: Wellpark Garden Centre 2 – 4pm
• July: To be arranged
• 29th August 2018: Wellpark Garden Centre 2 – 4pm
• 26th September 2028: Kirkwall Library 2 – 4 pm
• 31st October 2018: Kirkwall Library 2 – 4pm
• 29th November 2018: Kirkwall Library 2 – 4pm
• December: Christmas Meal: To be arranged

Contact

Facebook: Orkney FAME

Phone: 07513297453

Reporter: Fiona Grahame