Wakefield and District Fibromyalgia Support Group

A support group working with FMAUK
Registered Charity Number - 1042582

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects many people, but is often misunderstood by the medical community, and some professionals tell their patients that Fibromyalgia does not exist. The misconceptions surrounding Fibromyalgia is one of the reasons why we created our support group, a place where you can come to meet with friendly and compassionate people who are suffering in the same way you are.

Become a member of our support group and join us at our regular meetings at West Wakefield Methodist Church, Thornes Road, Wakefield, WF2 8UR. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 10.30am. In addition to holding regular meetings, we also organise events throughout the year, including meals, coffee mornings, and lots more.

About Us

Lead a fulfilling life and learn how to manage Fibromyalgia when you join our support group. Here at Wakefield and District Fibromyalgia Support Group, we are passionate about providing a place where people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia can receive help and meet other sufferers. We pride ourselves on being an active, friendly, and a sociable group. Moreover, Fibromyalgia is a condition which is often disregarded by medical professionals who say it does not exist. At our charity, we understand how debilitating Fibromyalgia can be, with common symptoms including, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and depression. Our committed team work hard to provide regular meetings and social events where members feel reassured that they will be listened to and understood. To find out more about our work or how to join our group, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team. Our mission is to provide the support you need.

Become a Member
A one-off payment of £15 gives 12 months membership to our support group. You will be given access to all our meetings and social events at no extra cost to yourself. Plus, when at our support meetings, you will receive unlimited refreshments for just £1.00 per person. 
our support group image

Fibromyalgia is becoming a very common diagnosis for sufferers of widespread pain. It is the second most common condition after osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed as it shows no pathology in blood tests, x-rays, etc. In the medical industry, professionals do not believe Fibromyalgia is a condition, and they often tell this to patients. Some professionals would even tell patients that their symptoms are all in their heads. The main symptom of Fibromyalgia is a widespread muscle and joint pain; fatigue, exhaustion, and depression are also commonly reported symptoms.

This information about Fibromyalgia covers symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and the impact Fibromyalgia has on our lives. Patients are affected in different ways; one person’s symptoms are rarely the same as another. For some patients, they may see flare-ups of the condition, particularly if they overdo things or during times of increased stress. Others will find the condition very debilitating and will struggle with symptoms every day. The strain of the condition can lead to reduced working hours, reduced earnings, and even loss of a job. Many employers do not understand the condition; others will understand and make ‘reasonable adjustments’ where possible.

 

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is also known as a syndrome, and many medical professionals refer to it as FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome). To explain Fibromyalgia, we need to split the word in two. Fibro refers to the Fibrous Tissues (muscles), Myalgia refers to pain. Fibromyalgia often includes the following symptoms: 

  1. Widespread Muscle and Joint Pain.
  2. Increased Pain Around 'Pressure Points.'
  3. Fatigue and Exhaustion.
  4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
  5. Difficulty Achieving a Restful Sleep.
  6. Memory Problems - Also Known as 'Fibro Fog.'
  7. Heightened Sensitivity to Cold and Cold Conditions.
  8. Limb Weakness.
  9. Numbness and Tingling.
  10. Depression and Anxiety.
  11. Weight Gain due to Reduced Activity.


Differential diagnosis could be Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Some people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also suffer from ME/CFS. Another differential diagnosis is Polymyalgia Rheumatica; patients often recover after a course of steroids.

Treatment

There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia. Treatment available focuses on helping patients live with the condition. The first stage is to visit your GP. They will look for a pathological cause of your symptoms by ordering a blood test. In some instances, the medical professional may want to refer you to a Rheumatology Specialist. Alternatively, they may try referring you to a physiotherapist and try pain medications first. The healthcare professional will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may refer you for further tests to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Upon receiving your Fibromyalgia diagnosis, the healthcare professional will inform your GP. Your GP will decide the next step and will discuss medication. Different medications work for different people in different ways. You may receive a referral to a Pain Clinic in your area. Different treatments are available on the NHS dependent on the area in which you live.

Living With Fibromyalgia

There is life after a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. It will be a different kind of life, but with support from your family, friends, and the Fibromyalgia Community, you can still have a good quality of life. Hopefully you can learn to smile and laugh again!

Crisis Text Line

Did you know that if you text 741741 when you are feeling depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker will text with you? Many people do not like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It is a free service run by Crisis Text Line. Mental illness touches all our lives. #mentalhealthawareness It's ok not to be ok.


  •  16/05/2023 10:30 - 16/05/2023 12:30
  •   Victoria Garden Centre

Please join us for an informal coffee morning. Join us for a cuppa and conversation. Everyone welcome!

  •  02/05/2023 10:30 - 02/05/2023 13:00
  •   West Wakefield Methodist Church

At this group meeting we will be celebrating 13 years since the foundation of our group. Refreshments provided. We will also have our shop, library, information table and therapy area available.

  •  18/04/2023 10:30 - 18/04/2023 12:30
  •   Grind Coffee Lounge, The Ridings, Wakefield, WF1 1DS.

Please join us for an informal coffee morning at Grind Coffee Lounge near the entrance to the Everyman Cinema. Everyone welcome!

  •  04/04/2023 10:30 - 04/04/2023 13:00
  •   West Wakefield Methodist Church

Please join us for our April group meeting. At this meeting we will be having a Workshop delivered by Turning Point ‘Living With Chronic Pain.’ We will also be renewing memberships and taking new memberships for 2023/2024. Membership is £15 for 12 months or £7.50 for Associate members (friends or partners supporting full members). We also have our shop, library, information table and therapy area available.

  •  21/03/2023 10:30 - 28/03/2023 12:30
  •   Hampsons Garden Centre, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3AZ.

Please join us for an informal coffee morning in the Café at Hampsons. Everyone welcome!