Fibromyalgia - who cares enough?

By Maurice S Clarke

My wife Mary has suffered from Fibromyalgia for over 10 years and in that time I have seen her physical and emotional condition deteriorate to a point she needs my constant support and help.

Fibromyalgia affects more women than men in ratio 9:1, and can strike younger people in their 30s or younger and is essentially pain in the muscles and joints which causes constant discomfort and reduced mobility. Mary currently uses a stick and can walk only short distances and tires easily. Many sufferers end up in a wheel chair as the disease is usually progressive.

Pain also effects the sufferers emotional state, they get more depressed and irritable and sleep is regularly disturbed. Some carers may find the constant demands, disruptions, financial pressures and complaining hard to endure.

Like most carers for Fibromyalgia sufferers you drift into the role as the condition advances, first doing a little to help, then a bit more and then most things. I have learnt to cook, help dress Mary, walk our dogs a lot, drive as close to places as you can. Getting a disability parking badge is a must. We do more via the internet and phone as traditional shopping is a major trauma.

Thankfully I am retired so have more time to care, but for younger couples the strain on work and finances can be greater since potentially BOTH breadwinners can be housebound due to the advancement of Fibromyalgia.

It seems more YOUNGER people are being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, the cause still remains a mystery and the condition has similar symptoms to other diseases and one is often confused for the other. There is an ongoing need for more information and research and support for carers as well as the sufferers.

As yet there is no known CURE, only treatment, and life style changes to make the condition tolerable.

We have both benefited from belonging to the growing number of support groups that are starting around the country and are setting up a web based directory and calendar to make finding locations and contacts easier. Being a support group member makes new friends, gives access to more knowledge and information and allows a greater understanding of the disease.

Never in a million years would I want Fibromyalgia, being a carer for a sufferer is not easy, but my needs and wants are insignificant compared with my wife's and she is assured of my continuing support and love. I am sure I am not alone, nor need to be.