April Fibro Focus Highlights

Happy Easter!  I hope you're enjoying the Easter break and the indulgence of large quantities of chocolate bunnies.

Ever fancied taking part in a reality TV show?  Our cover girl, Becky Magson, has done just that.  She took part in the TV show, Brides on a Bus, where 10 hopeful brides-to-be travelled on a double-decker bus from Land's End to Gretna Green carrying out challenges along the way to qualify to stay on the bus.  Having fibromyalgia meant that Becky faced an extra challenge of coping with her symptoms, especially in the physical tasks.  This month she tells us about what it was like to take part in the programme and how it has helped her to gain self-confidence and the courage to push new barriers.

Becky said, "I definitely have more self-confidence since going on the bus.  With having fibromyalgia, it’s easy to be very reliant on others and I long felt incapable and useless.  I had to fly down to Lands End to begin the show, something I’d never done before, let alone by myself; I was petrified and hated to say goodbye to Sean.  When I finally arrived there I felt very liberated, I’d made it.  Doing something so drastic on my own has proved to me I can at least try and do anything I want."

Many people with FM struggle to stay in employment due to their symptoms and the lack of understanding of their employers.  This month Melanie Forde talks to four women about their experiences at work and tells you where you can get help and support.

Melanie writes: Despite the pain of the illness, FM sufferers all around the country are striving to remain in employment. The Disability Discrimination Act states that employers need to make reasonable adjustments to enable a disabled or chronically sick employee to carry on with their job, so when Marianne’s FM worsened she felt confident that her employer would support her. “I requested reduced hours,” says Marianne. “I also asked for meetings to be held by telephone conference and for a more suitable desk and chair.” Sadly, not one of these adjustments was considered despite adjustments being in place for other employees.

Don't forget to keep sending in your ideas, poems and stories to me here or using this form here.

Last Updated on Thursday, 18 March 2010 19:43 Created: Thursday, 18 March 2010 18:52