DECEMBER 2009 FAMILY - UK Fibromyalgia

www.UKFibromyalgia.com Year 10 Issue 2 December 2009
£20.85 for 12 monthly issues. Price frozen since December 2006!
Merry Christmas
SWINE FLU AND FIBROMYALGIA
The NHS has now received first batches of the licensed swine flu
vaccine and the vaccination programme began in the UK from the
21 October 2009. Approximately 50 million doses are expected by
the end of the year.
Swine flu and FM symptoms can both be joint pain and fatigue but
the differences to look out for is a cough or a raised temperature
of over 38°C/100.4°F. You need to be careful that you do not delay
seeing your doctor for treatment of flu because you mistake the
symptoms for a flare up of FM.
Preparation
Fibromyalgia has not been identified as a priority case for early
immunization so you need to plan for the risk of infection over the
winter. (Priority immunization has been targeted at people
suffering from chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease,
liver disease, chronic neurological disease, diabetes and immuno
suppression diseases.)
Jobs to do when you are feeling fit
Confirm a network of “flu friends” (friends and relatives) who could
help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other
supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly
spread the virus.
Know your NHS Number and those of other family members. Keep
them in a safe place. It is not essential to have your NHS Number
in order to receive treatment, but it can help NHS staff to find your
health records. You will be able to find your NHS Number on your
medical card or other items such as prescribed medication, a letter
from your GP or hospital appointment card/letter.
Have a reliable thermometer and enough cold and cough remedies
in your medicine cupboard, in case you or your family get swine
flu
Stock up on your fibromyalgia medications and basic flu
medications and household basics like tissues and toilet paper
and easily prepared food like tins of soup.
Avoiding the flu
The most important way is to have good respiratory and hand
hygiene. In other words, always sneeze in to a tissue, and
quickly put it in a bin. Wash your hands ofter especially after
visiting doctors surgeries, hospitals, shops and care homes.
Clean your home work surfaces work surfaces regularly and
thoroughly to kill the virus. Try to build your strength by getting 8
hours of sleep a night and try to avoid excessive stress. If your
partner has swine flu or is developing flu-like symptoms, avoiding
hugging and kissing and, if possible, sleep separately. Avoid
unnecessary travel and avoid crowded places if possible. If you
can work from home and change doctors appointments to
telephone consultations, then do so.
Have you caught Swine flu
With the pre existing symptoms of fibromyalgia catching swine flu
will feel particularly bad for you so ring the help line quickly
Explain that you suffer from fibromyalgia which as chronic
neurological disorder can affect your immune system. At the same
time explain all the other medications you take. Under these
circumstances they should quickly prescribe you your Tamiflu, for
your flu buddy to collect.
Tamiflu is the recommended anti viral agent in times of a
pandemic.It works by inhibiting the virus replicating and can
therefore lessen the severity and the duration of the flu illness.
You can get more information about flu symptoms from
www.nhs.uk and the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If you have severe symptoms which are not like flu you should
contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England, NHS 24
on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.
Tamiflu has the following side effects:
Very common: (More than 1 in 10 adults or adolescents who take
Tamiflu)
Headaches
Common: (More than 1 in 100 adults or adolescents who take
Tamiflu)
Respiratory tract infection, stomach pain, bronchitis, cough
dermatitis, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, feeling dizzy, indigestion
nausea, pain, runny nose, tiredness, vomiting
Feedback!
We don't at present have any feedback from people with FM
who have had the swine flu vaccine. If you do get vaccinated
please let us know if there were any problems.
In this issue: Central Sensitization Syndromes, Guaifenesin – does it work, Get Your
Priorities Right At Christmas, £357,000 Critical Illness payout for Fibromyalgia sufferer,
Authoritative report into herbal medicines & complementary therapies for FM, Supporting
the Support, The Soapbox, Hot Topics, Letters, Christines Recipe, Fibromyalgia Resources
This magazine is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice or services of your health care providers.
Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. This information and adverts are not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or the justification for accepting
or declining any medical treatment for any health problems or diseases. Any application of the information presented in these pages is at the reader's own discretion.
The Independent voice of UK Fibromyalgia

Central Sensitization Syndromes by the Editor
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and M.E
Page one - Central Sensitization Syndromes
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is long-term tiredness that
does not go away with sleep, or rest, and affects everyday
life. CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis).
Myalgia is muscle pain, and encephalomyelitis is
inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. ME is a
commonly used term, although it can be thought to be too
specific to cover all the symptoms.
CFS is the term that is often used to describe long-term
tiredness by GPs and medical professionals. This is
because in the majority of cases, the main symptom is
chronic fatigue. This is usually the preferred term, rather
than ME, as in CFS, there is little evidence that
inflammation of the brain and spinal cord occurs.
ME is often the preferred term of people who have CFS.
This is due to the fact that they feel fatigue is too general
and does not reflect the severity, and different types of
fatigue. Also, it is felt that even though fatigue may occur in
most cases, it is not the main, or only, symptom people
experience.
It is estimated that 150,000 people in the UK have CFS.
Anyone can get CFS, although it is more common in
women than in men. It usually develops in the early
twenties to mid-forties. Children can also be affected, most
commonly between the ages of 13 15.
What's the Difference
Some doctors treat fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS) separately, while others think they are
actually the same thing – or at least, variations of the
same condition. According to the Arthritis Foundation,
research shows that 50 to 70 percent of people with one
diagnosis also fit the criteria for the other.
Similarities
FM and CFS are known to have a host of symptoms in
common. They include:
Pain
Fatigue
Sleep disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
Chronic headaches
Association with Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Cognitive or memory impairment
Dizziness
Impaired coordination
Differences
One key difference, when it comes to a diagnosis, is which
symptom is worst – pain or fatigue The former meant FM,
the latter CFS. In the past the diagnosis could also be
influenced by whether your doctor was more familiar with
the American College of Rheumatology's criteria for FMS or
the CDC's guidelines for CFS. CFS tends to begin after flulike
symptoms and may be linked to a virus. CFS patients
often have high levels of a cellular antiviral enzyme called
RNase L, while the level is normal in FM patients. Also, CFS
diagnostic criteria include low-grade fever and sore throat,
while FM criteria do not. Meanwhile, the onset of FM
frequently is traced to a physical or emotional trauma. The
pain of FM gets better with heat and massage, while the
pain of CFS does not. Further, people with FM have tender
points and abnormal levels of a cellular chemical called
substance P (which transmits pain signals), and this level
appears to be normal in those with CF
These differences between CFS and FM became even
clearer two months ago (October 2009) when a new study
published in the journal Science, showed that a virus,
called murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV), was
found in 68 of 101 patients from around the US with
chronic fatigue syndrome. This compared with just eight of
218 healthy "controls" drawn at random from the same
parts of the US.
The senior author of the study, Judy Mikovits, director of
research at the Whittemore Peterson Institute in Reno,
Nevada, said further blood tests have revealed that more
than 95 per cent of patients with the syndrome have
antibodies to the virus – indicating they have been
infected with XMRV, which can lie dormant within a
patient's DNA. "With those numbers, I would say, yes
we've found the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. We
also have data showing that the virus attacks the human
immune system," said Dr Mikovits. She is testing a further
500 blood samples gathered from chronic fatigue patients
diagnosed in London. "The same percentages are holding
up," she said.

The Whittemore Peterson Institute, which made this
discovery, says it's currently securing funding for tests to
see if drugs already on the market are effective at
suppressing XMRV. If the viral hypothesis works out then
anti-viral medications might well have a role to play in
treating CFS in the early stages. The hunt is on for drugs
which will boost the immune system, but unfortunately if
they find one a treatment is still some years away.
Does the CFS/ME breakthrough offer hope for
fibromyalgia
It is unlikely that a virus is also going to be discovered to
be the cause of fibromyalgia because the two illness
onsets are so different but perhaps there will be some
positive results. Until they examine a larger number of
people with fibromyalgia, we won't know for sure what this
discovery means to fibromites.
However the benefits in the short term for FM are that it
has raised the public profile of ME/CFS and is educating
more people about how serious these conditions are,
which will have a knock on effect for fibromyalgia. It also
may help convince your doctor that if ME/CFS is "real" and
"viral," then that other disease you suffer from, may be
worth taking more seriously!
In the medium-term if a universal diagnostic test for XMRV
is produced then fibromyalgia patients can have their
blood tested. If the same high rates of the virus are not
found that will help further confirm the uniqueness of
fibromyalgia and more research can be undertaken to
create a diagnostic test for fibromyalgia. (Perhaps based
aimed at substance P)
Most doctors don't understand either condition well and
may not be able to distinguish between them. Some
doctors also believe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome are really the same condition.
When we have a universal diagnostic test for at least one
of these illnesses, we will have a reliable way to separate
test subjects.
about.....
Central Sensitization Syndromes
Over the years we have learnt that the
symptoms of fibromyalgia can also over lap
into other conditions. This “family” of
conditions share several characteristics,
including pain, hyperalgesia, poor sleep, and
fatigue. This means it is important to look at
these conditions so that you can decide
whether they seem to apply to you so you can
bring up your concerns with your health care
team.
In this issue we look at Chronic fatigue and in
future editions we shall look at the other
conditions, such as depression, dysmenorrhea,
irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis
migraine headaches, multiple chemical
sensitivity, myofascial pain syndrome, post
traumatic stress disorder, restless legs
syndrome and temporomandibular joint pain
(TMJ). The connecting thread for this family of
12 illnesses appears to be central sensitization,
sometimes called pain amplification. This
simply means that the central nervous system
has an exaggerated response to stimuli.
Page two - Central Sensitization Syndromes

Guaifenesin – does it work
By Christine Craggs-Hinton
Page three - Guaifenesin – does it work
In recent years, a medicine called ‘guaifenesin’,
derived from the guaiac tree, has been
propounded by some as a possible cure for
fibromyalgia. However, there are plenty of
others who assert that it is no more effective
than a placebo (simple sugar pill). So what is the
truth of the matter
Guaifenesin was introduced as a medicine in the 20th
century and is a component of many over-the-counter
cough and cold remedies, its function being to loosen
phlegm and mucus in the lungs. It was endocrinologist Dr
R. Paul St. Armand who first advocated its use in
fibromyalgia after determining that the muscles in this
condition become clogged by calcium phosphate build-up
(this is a type of salt). He believes that guaifenesin prompts
the kidneys to eliminate this and other unwanted stored
matter from the body via the urine and sweat, which is
liable to become dark and pungent-smelling, as a result.
For years, the odour and colour-change was taken as a
clear sign that something positive was happening and so
seemed to confirm the efficacy of guaifenesin, as did the
muscle aches, headaches, anal irritation, overwhelming
fatigue and mild depression which arises during the
therapy – difficult to cope with when you are already
struggling with fibromyalgia. In fact, the therapy came with
the warning, ‘Not for wimps’.
In Dr St. Armand’s 2006 book, What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You About Fibromyalgia: The Revolutionary Treatment
That Can Reverse the Disease’, he asserts that guaifenesin
therapy prompts a reversal of the fibromyalgia process,
with increasingly longer cycles of symptom-free periods.
He adds a strong warning that products containing
salicylates should be avoided as they can interfere with
guaifenesin function. Salicylates is a plant hormone, used
in topical creams to ease aches and pains and reduce
fever. It is also a key ingredient in makeup and many
topical products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis,
calluses, corns and warts. It is used in shampoos to treat
dandruff, too.
Interestingly, though, a one-year placebo-controlled
double-blind study which was never published indicated
that guaifenesin was no more effective than a placebo.
Blood tests also showed that it could not possibly work as
Dr St. Armand believes (as shown below). When the chief
author of the study, Robert Bennett M.D., was interviewed
by the U.S. Fibromyalgia Network, he stated that
guaifenesin had been popular for so long because there
are many internet sites promoting it as a ‘cure’ for the
condition – and what fibromyalgia sufferer can’t resist
that
However, advocates for the use of guaifenesin claim that
Dr Bennett’s study was fatally flawed because patients
may involuntarily have used salicylates, which would
render the therapy ineffective. In the interview mentioned
above, Dr Bennett, gave several scientifically-based
reasons that guaifenesin therapy is ‘grossly over-rated’:
In the study, both the serum and urinary levels of uric acid
and calcium phosphate were all in the normal range and
no increase in excretions was noted over time. Thus the
postulated action of guaifenesin was not demonstrated.
If some patients were using salicylates by some means,
there would have been a significantly reduced urinary
excretion and elevated serum level of uric acid. This was
not observed.
Dermatology consultants to Dr. Bennett have explained
that patients would have to plaster their face with makeup
several times a day to absorb enough salicylates to affect
their urinary excretion of uric acid.
In the early days of fibromyalgia, symptoms come and go
on a cyclical basis, becoming more frequent and
heightening in intensity as time goes by. Guaifenesin
therapy is said to take the person back through those early
days except that the symptoms now show themselves in
reverse order through increasingly shorter and less severe
cycles. This claimed ‘cycling of symptoms’ was not
observed in the study.
I have attempted here to present the facts of a contentious
issue – so whether or not you try guaifenesin is entirely
your choice. Plenty people with fibromyalgia are still opting
to use it in the belief anything is worth a try. If it doesn’t
work, they say, there’s no harm done.

Fibromyalgia sufferers praise the Alpha-Stim
100 microcurrent device
There is rapidly increasing evidence that a small hand held
American device called Alpha-Stim 100 may be able to provide
some welcome relief for the many Fibromyalgia sufferers here
in the UK.
The Alpha-Stim device uses microcurrent therapy, a form of
electric medicine, to naturally and safely stimulate cell repair.
Working in conjunction with the body’s natural ability to heal
itself, Alpha-Stim 100 is clinically proven and FDA approved to
treat some of the many symptoms of Fibromyalgia such as
anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain.
Having been successfully used for many years in the U.S. FM
patients in the U.K. now have access to this excellent
technology and the results so far are very encouraging.
Linda Horncastle, Co-ordinator of the South Bucks Fibromyalgia Support Group has been using the Alpha-
Stim 100 since June. “I have now been using the Alpha-stim 100 for 4 months and I’m still improving. My
fibro fog has gone and my sense of humour has returned. I feel better able to cope with life’s stresses.
I find the improvements I get from the Alpha-stim are very gentle and subtle and that I still use the ear-clips
daily but I don’t have to use the probes and AS-trodes (sticky pads) quite so often. I now only get the odd
twinge from my TMJ (jaw pain), and a quick go with the probes and the pain has gone again. The hygienist
at the dentist was amazed that I was so much better, in the past I’d complain of pain after a minute of
treatment this time it was after 20 minutes!
Recently I went to see Cliff Richard and the Shadows and really enjoyed it. I didn't have to put on my
sunglasses even though there were VERY bright lights, and I didn't have to use ear plugs!! In the past after
such a busy weekend I would have needed days to recover. I’ve only a slight headache and this afternoon I
reversed parked into a very small parking place without a thought. In the past this would have caused me a
lot of neck and shoulder pain and I would have gone round and round the streets until I could have found a
very large parking place. Itis all thanks to the Alpha-stim.
I know taking a tablet is the easiest way to get well if it works, but
if you're as fed-up with side-effects as I am then try the Alpha-stim
it is brilliant!”.
There has been lots of research into the effectiveness of Alpha-
Stim in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. Clinical studies carried out
in America indicate a significant improvement in the condition in
over 90% of people tested. Furthermore, we have been testing
the product on a number of Fibromyalgia sufferers here in the U.K
with some excellent results that will be shared with you during the
coming weeks and months.
In some cases, Fibromyalgia sufferers may qualify for VAT relief
on the Alpha-Stim products, in addition we are offering a 15%
discount on all products for readers of Family Magazine. A rentto-buy
scheme is also available, details upon request. Please
quote Family magazine when purchasing.
For further information on Alpha-Stim
and any other questions please call
The Microcurrent Site Ltd on 01487 831495,
email info@themicrocurrentsite.co.uk
or visit our website
www.themicrocurrentsite.co.uk
Page four - Alpha-Stim Advertisment

Page five - Pam Wright
GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT AT
CHRISTMAS
by Life Balance and
Health Coach
Pam Wright, author of
“The Fibromyalgia
Coach”.
The Christmas season is well
underway with all its social pressure to
buy the perfect gift, plan the perfect
celebratory meal and entertain lavishly
with every detail sorted out – perfectly,
of course! For anyone who is still
‘trying to do everything right’ according to the rules of others, as
well as deal with chronic pain, these perceived pressures can feel
like a nightmare. Less than perfect is unacceptable it seems. So
what’s it all about And how can you have a great time without
joining in with the commercial hype and feel good about doing
things well without compromising your health still further
If you feel at all pressured, ask yourself whose rules are you living
by Could it be that your value system needs an update Are you
carrying around extra mental baggage that is actually restricting
the ability to respond well to your present and today’s reality
Some DOs and DON’Ts to help you feel good about everything and
everyone (including yourself of course).
DO
• Ask yourself what would be the perfect Christmas
and New Year scenario for you this year
• Take into consideration your health needs and reality
at this time.
• Recognise that it’s time to minimise, delegate or share
out the workload
• Work out what truly matters and find ways of achieving
those priorities
• Remember to be kind to yourself and also to have your
Fibro-speech ready at all times.
DON’T
• Try to be too heroic or go into martyr-ish behaviour!
• Pretend that you have no health issues to deal with.
• Forget that you need recovery time in between social
events.
POSITIVE ACTION
• Communicate! Be upfront, realistic and open about your
fears and worries.
Ask for support and help (more than once if necessary!)
• Enable youngsters to take more responsibility by giving
them more choices than normal (you’ll be giving them
confidence along the way by enlisting their help).
• Think outside the box by asking others what changes
they would like.
• Use words like ‘how can we make it great in a different
way’
• Notice any feelings of ‘should’ ‘ought’ and ‘must do’ and
remember to let go of any old values that no longer
serve you well.
• Do what’s right for you and yours.
• Think creatively about how you spend your money.
Sometimes the gift of conversation is worth more than
a present.
Jenny, who has teenage children, worked on this idea successfully
last year. She talked over how she normally runs out of energy
after doing all the preparations and has to retire to bed for the rest
of the day. Not much fun for her or the rest of the family. So they
ditched the idea of a full turkey dinner and had a ‘rolling buffet’ of
all sorts of wonderful food on the go all day. The whole family
took a trip to a well-known frozen food store and turned what had
been seen as a problem into a fun time for everyone. The kids
thought it was really cool, the washing up was minimal and
everyone had a good time. Their Christmas had truly become a
family time again.
But what if your family link is no longer strong, how can you deal
with any negative feelings of being ‘different’ from the marketing
men’s view of Christmas in which everyone appears wealthy, fit,
well fed and happy only in the company of others
Think about what is the essence of your best personal Christmas.
It could be as simple as being warm, comfortable and having
some peace. Make those things a priority, then whatever else
happens, you will feel fine. This is part of looking out for what is
right for you. You are also giving yourself a great Christmas present
by actively caring about what happens to you at a time that
reflects the notion of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All. Have a
good talk to yourself about this. You’ll get the best answers!
An elderly man I once knew was inundated with well-meaning
friends and family wanting to invite him to Christmas Dinner. He
agreed to go away to a hotel with some friends but that had to be
cancelled when the friends caught the ‘flu. Was he downhearted
No, he saw it as a blessing in disguise and spent one of the best
Christmases ever in his own home. He made sure that he had his
favourite food and consciously behaved as if he was on holiday.
He changed his routine, stayed up late, got up late, watched TV,
prepared himself some nice meals, read things he’d been meaning
to get around to for ages and enjoyed the peace and quiet of no
phone calls - everyone thought he was away!
My Christmas wish for you all is that you find your inner strength
to take control of situations that, for whatever reason, you have
felt unable to tackle during 2009. Keep working on yourself, and
believe that you can and will come through whatever you are
dealing with. Take time just ‘to be’ during the holiday season and
if you have a quiet moment remember the words that help me in
my personal life and also my work as a life coach ‘God grant me
SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change COURAGE to
change the things I can, and WISDOM to know the difference’.
Happy Christmas
Pam
Coaching Gift certificates for personal coaching and “The
Fibromyalgia Coach” book are available from my website
www.pamwright.org These are long-lasting, positively lifechanging
gifts. Need more information Just phone 01227 277217

Page six - Cherry Active Advertisment

£357,000 Critical Illness payout for
Fibromyalgia sufferer
Brian Barr Solicitors have managed to achieve a full £357,000
payout under a Critical Illness policy for Mr GR, a fibromyalgia
sufferer.
46 year old Mr GR was a successful company director who took
out a substantial critical illness policy in 2002. The policy would
pay him £356,903 if he were to suffer “total and permanent
disability in respect of his own occupation”.
During the spring of 2004 Mr GR began to suffer several worrying
symptoms. His feet and hands started to get spasms, tingling,
cramps and the like and his muscles could be seen to be
twitching under the skin. One Sunday in the summer of 2004 he
collapsed with severe pins and needles and loss of movement
in his hands. The doctors made an initial diagnosis of cramp
fasciculation syndrome.
By August 2005 Mr GR’s condition had deteriorated considerably
to the extent that he was finding it difficult to walk, write and
think. He stopped work in August 2005 and by autumn 2005 he
was walking aided with a stick. A Consultant Rheumatologist
made a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
In February 2006, given his ongoing chronic health problems, Mr
GR contacted his critical illness insurers and made a claim. The
insurers sent Mr GR to several doctors and an Occupational
Therapist, each of whom recommended courses of action which
might alleviate Mr GR’s symptoms. The insurers refused to settle
Mr GR’s claim on the basis that his disability was not expected to
be “total and permanent”, arguing that the courses of action
recommended by the various specialists might enable Mr GR to
return to work at a later date.
of specific limbs, but will also have provision for permanent
incapacity. Critical Illness, Permanent Health Insurance cover,
Accident Protection and Mortgage Protection policies can all
benefit Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain sufferers”.
If you would like us to look at any policies you have, without
obligation, please contact us.
Brian Barr Solicitors, Enfield House, Bury Old Road,
Manchester, M7 4QX
Tel: 0161 720 6700 Fax: 0161 721 4274
e-mail:" info@brianbarr.co.uk
ASK BRIAN
Starting in the January 2010 issue
Brian Barr will answer your legal
questions in respect of fibromyalgia.
Please send your questions by email to
office@ukfibromyalgia.com or by post to UK
Fibromyalgia, 7 Ashbourne Road,
Bournemouth, Dorset. Please state whether
you wish to remain anonymous when your
question is published.
Page seven - Brian Barr Solicitors
In October 2007 Mr GR approached Brian Barr Solicitors. Mr Barr
instructed a Consultant Rheumatologist to examine Mr GR and
prepare a report. He confirmed the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
and recommended that Mr GR attend a Pain Management
Programme. However, crucially, the Consultant stated in his
report that Mr GR would probably never be able to return to his
occupation, even after completing a Pain Management
Programme. In the face of this evidence, Mr GR’s insurers agreed
to settle the claim in full.
Mr GR says: “During the period of time that legal proceedings
were taking place I found that I was dealt with in a very
professional manner and was kept informed as to how the case
was proceeding. Mr Barr personally dealt with the case and was
at hand to advise. Without his help and assistance I doubt
whether I would have won the case as insurance companies
have the ability to ignore individuals and expect that you will
give up the fight. I was recommended the services of Brian Barr
Associates by Fibromyalgia UK, the charity set up to help
sufferers."
“We feel” says Brian Barr “that this case shows that we can
make a real difference on these insurance claims. People often
feel that Critical Illness cover just means specific conditions like
cancer, strokes and heart attacks, but invariably there will be
provision for payment in the event of total permanent incapacity,
usually defined as being unable to work until normal retirement.
Likewise, Accident Protection Policies will frequently refer to loss

Authoritative report into herbal medicines &
complementary therapies for FM
The report summarises the body of scientific evidence on 40 alternative treatments and scores their effectiveness and
safety. The full report can be seen online at: www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/documents/6300.pdf
The report was commissioned by the ARC, a UK charity supporting research into arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
The corresponding author was Professor Gary J Macfarlane from the University of Aberdeen School of Medicine and
Dentistry.
There are lots of compounds that have
been proposed as treatments for
fibromyalgia, and the authors of the
report aimed to identify all of those
where there has been some claim
supported by research evidence.
Specifically, the researchers were
interested in compounds that were
taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
They excluded therapies such as
acupuncture, chiropractic, massage
and several other hands-on therapies
that have been commonly used for
arthritis and musculoskeletal
conditions. The report covers forty
complementary and alternative
medicines including deer antler velvet,
vitamins and willow bark.
These summaries were compiled by
systematically searching medical and
scientific literature on these popular
alternative treatments. The study’s
authors used experts in the field to
search for and evaluate the evidence.
As the report was aimed at the general
public, it also included input from a
patient representative.
The authors relied heavily on the
results of randomised trials and gave
preference to this type of evidence
when estimating an effectiveness
score. The scoring system assessed the
quality of trials, appraised based on a
This evidence-based
review summarises
evidence on the
effectiveness and
safety of several
herbal and
complementary
medicines commonly
used to treat arthritic
conditions, including
fibromyalgia.
scoring system called the “Jadad
scoring scale”. This commonly used
scale has levels from 1 (very poor
quality) to 5 (very good quality). The
researchers collapsed the scale into
two categories: good/high quality
(Jadad score 3 or above), and low
quality (Jadad score below 3).
They took this into account when
scoring the compounds’ overall
research evidence base, defining the
scores as follows:
1 - There is, overall, no evidence to
suggest that the compound works or
only a little evidence which is
outweighed by much stronger
evidence that it does not work.
2 - There is only a little evidence to
suggest the compound might work.
The evidence from studies in this
category often came from only a single
study which reported positive results.
There are, therefore, important doubts
about whether or not it works.
3 - There is some promising evidence
to suggest that the compound works.
The evidence will be from more than
one study. However, there may also be
some studies showing that it does not
work. Therefore, we are still uncertain
whether compounds in this category
work or not.
4 - There is some consistency to the
evidence, which will come from more
than one study, to suggest that the
compound works. Although there are
still doubts from the evidence that it
works, on balance, we feel that it is
more likely to be effective than not.
5 - There is consistent evidence across
several studies to suggest that this
compound is effective.
The safety categories are based on a
scheme developed by the authors:
Green “traffic light” was awarded to
compounds with reported adverse
effects which were mainly minor
symptoms and infrequent. A
classification of green does not mean
that the compound has no reported
adverse effects and patients should
check in the product information leaflet
what these are.
Amber “traffic light” was awarded to
compounds with adverse effects
reported as common (even if they were
mainly minor symptoms) or with more
serious adverse effects.
Red “traffic light” was awarded to
compounds where serious adverse
effects were reported. Patients should
carefully consider these before
deciding whether to take these
medicines
What were the results of the
study
The only products that were
reviewed for fibromyalgia were:
Anthocyadins
Capsaican gel
Homeopathy
SAME
The researchers report that of the
four products assessed, none was
highly effective, with three medicines
scoring 2 points out of 5, and the
fourth considered ineffective, scoring
just 1 point.
Page eight - Authoritative report into herbal medicines & complementary therapies for FM

References:
• Edwards AM, Blackburn L, Christie S, Townsend
RGN, David J. Food supplements in the treatment
of fibromyalgia: a double- blind, crossover trial of
anthocyanidins. J Nutrition Environ Med 2000;
10:189-99.
Classification:
Effectiveness score: 1
Safety classification: Amber
Anthocyadins
Description of the compound: A
subgroup of flavonoids, which are
chemicals derived from non-nutritive
components of some plants.
Mechanism of action: Several studies in
the laboratory have shown that
anthocyanidins can act as strong antioxidants
(i.e. can prevent cell damage in
the body by interacting with harmful
molecules produced within the cells
known as free radicals). Anthocyanidins
can also prevent the destruction of
collagen in the muscles, a problem that
has been observed in some patients with
fibromyalgia.
Safety and toxicity: Reported adverse
effects on short-term usage include
stomach upset, skin rash and problems in
passing urine. There are no reports on the
long-term safety of anthocyanidins.
Availability: The compound is available
over-the-counter in pharmacies in the
form of capsules (Colladeen®). This
dietary supplement can also be ordered
via the internet.
Interactions: Interactions with other drugs
have not been well studied.
Dosage: Doses ranging from 40mg/day to
120mg/day have been used in a previous
randomised controlled study. No trials
have been conducted to establish
appropriate dosage in musculoskeletal
conditions.
The role in treatment of arthritis and
musculoskeletal conditions:
One small RCT was conducted to evaluate
the role of anthocyanidins in treating
patients with fibromyalgia. In this trial, 12
patients with fibromyalgia were
randomised to receive one of the
following three daily doses of
anthocyanidins (120mg, 80mg,
40mg/day) or placebo tablets for three
months. All patients in this trial were
asked to report daily the severity of their
pain and the degree of fatigue and sleep
problems in a diary. The degree of
improvement in pain, fatigue and sleep
were also evaluated by the investigator by
interviewing the patients once every
month. Anthocyanidin was not effective
in reducing pain (as evaluated by the
patient and the investigator) at any daily
doses during any part of the follow-up. A
similar lack of effect on fatigue was also
reported by patients, although some
beneficial effect was observed by the
investigators during the interview.
Based on patients’ daily reports in diaries,
a significant reduction in sleep
disturbance was reported by patients
who were taking anthocyanidins
compared to patients on the placebo.
However, such beneficial effects on sleep
pattern were not confirmed by the
investigators during the interviews.
Patients who were on anthocyanidins
reported more adverse effects (stomach
upset, skin rash and urinary disturbance)
than those who were allocated placebo
capsules.
Conclusion: Anthocyanidins are a
subgroup of flavonoids with strong antioxidant
properties that can theoretically
support and prevent the destruction of
collagen in muscles. The effectiveness of
these food supplements in the treatment
of patients with fibromyalgia was only
tested in one small RCT, in which no
reduction in pain and an unconfirmed
improvement in fatigue and sleeping
problems were found. The limited data
available does not yet allow for reliable
evaluation of the role of this treatment for
fibromyalgia.
Capsaican gel
Family: Herbal medicine extracted from
chilli peppers (Genus Capsicum family).
Scientific name: Capsaicin.
Other names: Axsain®, Zacin®, chilli,
pepper gel, cayenne.
Description of the compound:
Capsaicin, which is the main medicinally
active component of chilli peppers, is
extracted from the placental tissue and
internal membranes of the plant.
Mechanism of action: Several studies
have found that capsaicin can deplete
Substance P, which plays an important
role in the transmission of pain signals
from nerve endings to the brain and is
involved in activating inflammatory
substances in joints.
Safety and toxicity: There are no major
safety concerns in topical application of
capsaicin gel/cream. Most patients will
feel a burning sensation when the gel
comes
into contact with their skin. This is
because capsaicin also binds to specific
receptors in nerve endings called VR1,
producing a burning sensation, which is
not caused by any tissue damage. Brief
redness of the skin is common, but high
doses of capsaicin can cause skin
blisters. It is important to keep capsaicin
away from the eyes, mouth and open
wounds as it is highly irritant.

Availability: Capsaicin is available on
prescription as a cream, licensed in the
UK for the treatment of pain associated
with OA.
Interactions: There have been no
reported drug interactions.
Dosage: Most trials have used either
0.025 per cent or 0.075 per cent of
capsaicin gel applied to the skin four
times/day.
The role in treatment of arthritis and
musculoskeletal conditions:
A review article summarised results of
three RCTs that have been published up to
1994 which investigated the effectiveness
of topical application of capsaicin gel in
treating patients with OA when compared
to placebo gel. In these three trials
capsaicin (0.025 per cent in two trials and
0.075 per cent in one) was applied four
times/day for a treatment period ranging
between four and 12 weeks. Capsaicin
was found to be more effective than
placebo in all three trials, and when data
from the trials were analysed together
in order to get a single estimate of
effectiveness, it was found that capsaicin
was four times more effective in
improving pain and joint tenderness in
patients with OA as compared to placebo
gel. In a trial, which was published in 1994
and not included in the previously
mentioned review, 11 OA patients were
randomly selected to apply either
capsaicin cream or placebo to the
affected joint four times/day for a period
of 12 weeks.
At the end of the trial period, significantly
more patients using capsaicin cream had
reduction in both self-reported and
doctor-judged pain. In addition, the
severity of pain and joint tenderness was
significantly reduced in patients using
capsaicin. In a RCT published in 2000, 200
OA patients were randomly selected to
apply one of the following four topical
creams in affected joints: 0.025 per cent
capsaicin cream; placebo cream; glyceryl
trinitrate cream; or a cream containing
both capsaicin and glyceryl trinitrate
creams. After six weeks of treatment, and
compared to patients who received the
placebo cream, patients given any of the
three active treatments had a significant
reduction of both joint pain and amount
of consumed painkillers. Patients who
used the cream that contained both active
treatments had the greatest improvement
in pain and the most significant reduction
of painkillers. Similar beneficial results
were found in another RCT ( 6 people)
which evaluated the effectiveness of an
ointment containing several herbal
compounds, including 0.015 per cent
capsaicin (Arthritis Relief Plus) in treating
joint pain and stiffness in patients with
OA. One RCT investigated the
effectiveness of topical application of
capsaicin gel in the treatment of
fibromyalgia. In this trial, 45 patients with
fibromyalgia were randomised to either
apply capsaicin gel (0.025 per cent; four
times/day) or placebo gel to body areas
with pain. After four weeks of treatment,
patients who used capsaicin reported
less tenderness and experienced
significant increase in grip strength when
compared to patients on the placebo.
Conclusion: Capsaicin, which is extracted
from chilli peppers, is available on
prescription in pharmacies in the form of
gel/cream and plasters. Its mechanism of
action is mainly related to its ability to
deplete Substance P, which is a pain
transmitter in human nerves. Results from
RCTs evaluating its role in treating patients
with OA indicates that it has no major
safety problems and can be effective in
reducing pain and tenderness in affected
joints. Evidence for its effectiveness in
patients with fibromyalgia is related to a
single trial.
References:
• Zhang WY, Li Wan Po A. The effectiveness of topically
applied Capsaicin. A meta-analysis. Eur J Clin
Pharmacol 1994;46(6):517-22.
• Altman RD, Aven A, Holmburg CE, Pfeifer LM, Sack M,
Young GT. Capsaicin cream 0.025% as monotherapy for
osteoarthritis: a double- blind study. Semin Arthritis
Rheum 1994;2 (Suppl):25- .
• McCleane G. The analgesic efficacy of topical
capsaicin is enhanced by glyceryl trinitrate in painful
osteoarthritis: a randomized, double blind, placebo
controlled study. Eur J Pain 2000;4(4): 55-60.
• Gemmell HA, Jacobson BH, Hayes BM. Effect of a
topical herbal cream on osteoarthritis of the hand and
knee: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 200
;26(5): 15-2 .
• McCarty DJ, Csuka M, McCarthy G, Trotter D. Treatment
of pain due to fibromyalgia with topical Capsaicin: a
pilot study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1994;2 (Suppl ):41-7.
Classification:
Effectiveness score in fibromyalgia: 2
Safety classification: Green
Homeopathy
Description of the compound:
Homeopathy is a form of treatment
founded by Samuel Hahnemann in the
18th century. According to The Society of
Homeopaths in England, homeopathy is
based on the theory of “treating like with
like” and based on an observation that
symptoms of an illness are identical to
those experienced by a healthy person
treated for that illness. Homeopathic
remedies are produced by a sequence of
dilutions of an active substance causing
similar symptoms in the belief that this
will reduce the likelihood of harm.
The philosophy behind the practice of
homeopathy: Similar to traditional
Chinese medicine, homeopathy is a
holistic method of treatment and hence,
the mechanism of action of its remedies
is not clear. Remedies are often diluted to
the point where there may be no
molecules of original substance left.
Safety and toxicity: Homeopathic
remedies are considered to be safe,
although allergic reactions (e.g. rash) have

een reported by some patients.
Worsening of symptoms might also occur
in some patients at the beginning of
treatment.
Availability: Homeopathy is a system of
treatment practised by professional
homeopaths who are qualified to
prescribe remedies according to their
diagnosis of the disease. However,
homeopathic remedies are readily
available over-the-counter in pharmacies
and health food shops throughout the UK.
These remedies, which are in the form of
granules, tablets, powders or drops, are
mainly for symptomatic treatment of
disease-related symptoms (e.g. for pain).
Interactions: Interactions with other drugs
have not been well studied, although this
is unlikely to occur given the high dilution
of these remedies.
Dosage: Not well studied. There are many
homeopathic remedies that can be used
in the treatment of various forms of
arthritis. Patients should follow the
dosage recommended by the homeopath
or the homeopathic pharmaceutical
company.
role in treatment of arthritis and
musculoskeletal conditions: A
systematic review identified three RCTs of
oral or topical homeopathic treatment of
OA; two trials were conducted on patients
with knee OA and one trial was on
patients with hip and/or knee OA; the
number of patients included in these
trials ranged from 6 to 184 and the
duration of treatment from two to five
weeks. The first trial (65 people)
compared oral administration of a
homeopathic remedy Rhus
toxicodendron, and Lacc Vaccinum for one
month with placebo drops and
paracetamol tablets for the same
treatment period. A significant, but similar,
reduction of pain was observed in the
two treatment groups. The second trial (6
people) compared oral administration of a
homeopathic remedy, Rhus
toxicodendron (group 1); oral
administration of 600mg/day of an NSAID,
Fenoprofen (group 2); and oral
administration of placebo tablets and
drops (group ). After two weeks of
treatment, significant reduction in pain
was only achieved by patients in-group 2
(i.e. those on NSAIDs). The third trial (184
people) compared topical application of a
homeopathic remedy “SRL” for four
weeks with that of an NSAID gel
(Piroxicam). Patients who were given
homeopathic gel had a more favourable
reduction in pain on walking.
Two trials investigated homeopathic
treatment for patients with fibromyalgia.
The first trial (62 people), oral
administration of a homeopathic remedy,
prescribed by a homeopath, was
compared to placebo oral drops. After four
weeks of treatment, patients who got
homeopathic drops showed significantly
greater improvement in the number of
tender points, pain levels and in quality of
life compared to the placebo group. In the
second trial ( 0 people), oral
administration of a homeopathic remedy
(Rhus toxicodendron) was compared to
placebo tablets. After four weeks of
treatment, and similar to the results of the
first trial, patients who were assigned
homeopathic tablets showed significantly
greater improvement in number of tender
points and in quality of life compared to
the placebo group. A systematic review
identified three RCTs of homeopathic
treatment for RA. Results were
inconsistent, with one trial (of reasonable
quality, but with high drop-outs) showing
a significant benefit from homeopathy
and two trials (one of reasonable. quality)
showing no significant effect. More
recently, a larger RCT (112 people)
compared the potential beneficial effects
of a mixture of 42 homeopathic
medicines taken orally with that of
placebo tablets. After three months of
treatment, the study found no evidence
that homeopathy improved the
symptoms of RA (pain, morning stiffness
and mobility).
Conclusion: Homeopathic remedies are
widely available over-the-counter in
pharmacies and health food shops
throughout the UK. The mechanism of
action of these remedies is not clear.
There is no evident safety risk and
interactions with other drugs are unlikely.
Even though isolated reports have
suggested positive effects of homeopathy
in the treatment of fibromyalgia, evidence
is still not conclusive. Trials which
investigated the role of these remedies in
OA and RA yielded inconsistent results.
References:
• Jonas WB, Linde K, Ramirez G. Homeopathy and
rheumatic disease. Rheum Dis Clin North Am
2000;26(1):117-2 .
• Soeken KL. Selected CAM therapies for arthritisrelated
pain: the evidence from systematic reviews. Clin
J Pain 2004;20(1):1 -8.
• Fisher P, Scott DL. A randomized controlled trial of
homeopathy in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology
(Oxford) 2001;40(9):1052-5.
• Bell IR, Lewis DA, Brooks AJ, Shwartz GE, Lewis SE,
Walsh BT, et al. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia
patients treated with individualized homeopathic
remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology (Oxford)
2004;4 (5):577-82.
• Long L, Ernst E. Homeopathic remedies for the
treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Br
Homeopath J 2001;90(1): 7-4 .
• Fisher P, Greenwood A, Huskisson EC, Turner P, Belon
P. Effect of homoeopathic treatment on fibrositis
(primary fibromyalgia). BMJ 1989;299(6695): 65-6.
Effectiveness score in fibromyalgia: 2
Safety classification Green

SAMe
Family: Nutritional supplement.
Scientific name: S-adenosylmethionine.
Description of the compound: A
chemical compound derived from two
acids: methionine, an amino acid also
found in protein-rich foods; and
adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), a nucleic acid and the end-point of
all energy- gaining reactions in the
human body. SAMe was discovered in
1952 and was first studied as a possible
treatment for depression.
Mechanism of action: SAMe is found
naturally in the body. It contributes to
several biochemical pathways and in the
synthesis of hormones and
neurotransmitters.
Studies in the laboratory suggested that
SAMe has some analgesic activity and
stimulates the synthesis of collagen and
proteoglycans, the major constituents of
joint cartilage. The mechanism of action
of SAMe as a potential anti-depressant is
still unknown.
Safety and toxicity: Adverse effects,
which are usually mild and infrequent,
include nausea, restlessness, headache,
dry mouth and stomach upset. Severe
adverse effects, in the form of anxiety
and mania, have also been reported in
patients with depression.
Availability: This nutritional supplement
is available over-the-counter in some UK
pharmacies in the form of capsules.
Interactions: Theoretically, SAMe might
increase the risk of bleeding if taken with
other medications which affect blood
clotting like aspirin, heparin and warfarin.
For that reason, patients on these
medications are advised to take SAMe
under a doctor’s supervision. The drug
can also magnify the activity of antidepressants.
Dosage: Optimal dose has not been well
established. Most previous studies have
used doses of 400-1,600mg daily.
The role in treatment of arthritis and
musculoskeletal conditions: The
potential beneficial role of SAMe has
been a subject of investigation in RCTs on
patients with OA and fibromyalgia. A
review article, published in 2002,
analysed RCTs that investigated the
effectiveness of this medication in
treating patients with OA. Eleven RCTs
were included; one trial compared the
effect of SAMe with that of a placebo;
nine trials compared SAMe with aspirin or
an NSAID and one compared SAMe with a
placebo and an NSAID. The number of
patients included in these studies ranged
from 6 to 49 patients and duration of the
trials ranged from ten days to 84 days.
The SAMe dosage used in these trials
was 1,200mg/day (six trials), 600mg/day
(three trials), 400mg/day (one trial), and in
one study the dose varied between
patients. Data from all these trials were
combined and re-analysed. SAMe was
significantly better than placebo and had
an effect similar to that of NSAIDs in
reducing functional limitations attributed
to the disease. In terms of pain reduction,
SAMe had an effect equivalent to that of
NSAIDs. Two trials compared the effect of
SAMe versus that of a placebo in reducing
pain in patients with OA: both of them
reported a significant superiority in favour
of SAMe. The combined re-analysis of the
ten trials which had NSAID comparative
groups, found that patients treated with
SAMe were 58 per cent less likely to
experience adverse effects than those
treated with NSAIDs, regardless of the
dose of SAMe and the duration of
treatment. A more recent RCT (published
in 2004) compared the effectiveness of
SAMe to celecoxib (an NSAID; COX-2
inhibitor) for pain control, functional
improvement and reported adverse
effects in patients with OA. The study
found that SAMe had a slower onset of
action but was as effective as celecoxib in
relieving pain and improving the physical
function after 16 weeks of treatment. With
respect to its role in treating patients with
fibromyalgia, three out of four published
RCTs found that SAMe was effective,
when compared to placebo, in reducing
the number of tender points and/or the
intensity of tenderness in these points.
The three studies also found that SAMe
was effective, compared to placebo, in
reducing depressive symptoms in
patients with fibromyalgia. The fourth RCT
found that SAMe was not significantly
better than placebo in reducing almost all
disease-related symptoms. However, the
number of patients who took part in
these four trials was small (17 to 44
patients) and duration of the treatment
was short (ten days to six weeks).
Conclusion: S-adenosylmethionine (or
SAMe) is a chemical compound found
naturally in the body. In addition to its
potential anti-depressant properties,
studies in the laboratory suggest that
SAMe has some analgesic activities. It
also stimulates the synthesis of major
constituents of joint cartilage. The
chemical compound can be purchased
from pharmacies in the form of capsules.
Evidence from RCTs suggests that it is
effective in reducing functional
limitations, and to a lesser extent pain in
patients with OA. Evidence for its
effectiveness in patients with
fibromyalgia, from a small number of
trials only, suggests that SAMe might be
of benefit in reducing body tenderness
and depressive symptoms.
References:
• Najm WI, Reinsch S, Hoehler F, Tobis JS, Harvey PW. S-
adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the
treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: a double-blind
cross-over trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2004:26;5-6.
• Soeken KL, Lee WL, Bausell RB, Agelli M, Berman BM.
Safety and efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
for osteoarthritis. J Fam Pract 2002;51(5):425- 0.
• Sarac AJ, Gur AJ. Complementary and alternative
medical therapies in
fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006;12(1):47-57
Effectiveness score in fibromyalgia: 2
Safety classification Green
FaMily
Comments
There is no doubt that this is an
authoritative review of complementary
treatments and there is no reason to
suspect ARC to have an anti
complementary treatment bias. That all
said the results are disappointing and a
large omission was Ginko Biloba that a
lot of FM sufferers use to remedy so
called “ brain fog” . Also Vitamin D was
not assessed in conjunction with
fibromyalgia research only for OA
(Osteo Arthritis) patients. Accupuncture
and cherry concentrate were other
notable omissions. Remember with
your FaMily subscription you qualify for
a whopping 25% discount at the
Nutricentre and they have trained staff
who can talk to you about the full range
of complementary products.(See their
advert on the back of the magazine)

FaMily Comments (cont.)
In a separate article Alyson Huntley PHD (a research
associate at Bristol University for the UK magazine
Healthcare Republic September 2009) also looked at
Complementary therapies in fibromyalgia and did mention
acupuncture.
“Acupuncture is one of the most popular alternative
therapies among fibromyalgia patients, and rheumatology
patients in general.4 It is thought to benefit pain by
enhancing endogenous descending inhibitionin the CNS via
a neurochemical cascade of pain-modulating endorphins,
serotonin and noradrenaline, resulting in analgesia. A recent
systematic review described five small, randomised clinical
trials.5 Three studies of electro-acupuncture showed
positive short-term benefits, not persisting more than one
month beyond intervention. In the remaining two studies,
patients improved in the acupuncture group but the effects
were not superior to control groups, which included at least
some patients receiving an intervention.”
She finished her article looking at Mind-body therapies:
“A Cochrane review assessing multidisciplinary rehabilitation
for fibromyalgia of working age adults included seven RCTs,
of which more than half were of poor quality.10 The authors
conclude that these studies suggest that behavioural
treatment and stress management appear to be important
components of pain management.
Evidence suggests cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and
relaxation techniques are of some value, but the effect is
modest and positive outcomes largely disappear over the
long term.11
Although hypnotherapy has been investigated in the
treatment of fibromyalgia, the studies are generally of poor
quality.12 Bearing this in mind, hypnosis seems to be more
effective than attention control, physical therapies and
education.
Qigong, a part of traditional Chinese medicine, is based on
a philosophy similar to acupuncture. There are a few small,
low-quality studies looking at its benefits for fibromyalgia.
The largest (n=128), most rigorous study compared a
combination of qigong and mindful meditation with a
control group of education over a 24-week period.
It showed that both groups improved in terms of
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores, pain and
depression, but that there was no difference between
them”.13
References
4. Breuer G, Orbach H, Elkayam O et al. Perceived efficacy among patients
of various methods of complementary alternative medicine for
rheumatologic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23: 693-6.
5. Mayhew E, Ernst E. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia - a systematic review
of randomized clinical trials. Rheumatology 2007; 46: 801-4.
10. Karjalainen K, Malmivaara A, van Tulder M et al. Multidisciplinary
rehabilitation for fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal pain in working age
adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000; 2: CD001984.
11. Abeles M, Solitar B, Pillinger M, Abeles A. Update on fibromyalgia
therapy. Am J Med 2008; 121: 555-61.
12. Elkins G, Jensen M, Patterson D. Hypnotherapy for the management of
chronic pain. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2007; 55: 275-87.
13. Astin J, Berman B, Bausell B et al. The efficacy of mindfulness
meditation plus Qigong movement therapy in the treatment of
fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2003: 30: 2,257-62.
Page thirteen - FaMily Comments
Ask the Doctor
For 2009 we have updated and added to our popular
“Ask the Doctor” telephone service.
Several fibromyalgia topics are particularly popular and
we have asked Dr Allinson to put his answers to these
questions on tape.
You can access these answers by dialling the
appropriate telephone number shown below. These
numbers are currently only available to UK residents -
they cost just 50p per minute and last on average no
more than 5-6 minutes. Call costs from mobiles will vary
as networks charge different rates.
09050960010
How to get your GP on your side - the insider’s guide to
getting the most from your Doctor
09050960011
Which medication for fibromyalgia
09050960012
"I think I've got fibromyalgia" - what to look for
09050960013
Which exercise for fibromyalgia
09050960014
What is CBT (Cognitative behaviour treatment)
09050960015
Which complementary treatments work best
09050960016
What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
09050960017
Thyroid treatment and fibromyalgia
09050960018
Help getting to sleep with fibromyalgia
09050960019
Managing the pain of fibromyalgia

SUPPORTING THE SUPPORT
By The Editor
Fibromyalgia Support Group Grants
The monies that FaMily generated previously for the FMAUK
will now be made available to all UK Fibromyalgia support
groups in the form of small grants. My aim is to provide a
transparent system where as many support groups as
possible can quickly source small items that are essential to
the running of their local support groups, such as printers,
books, train tickets, speakers fees, PR materials, hall rental
costs, photocopying, etc. All grants paid out will be publicised
in FaMily magazine.
To apply please go online and complete the form at:
www.ukfibromyalgia.com/fm-support-groups/apply-forfunds/apply-for-funds.php
There is no minimum amount but the maximum is
£200.00.Funds are finite and the philosophy is to give a little
but often so your bid is more likely to be successful if you
apply for small funding for indispensable items that will be
key to the running of your group.
Grants awarded
*Jane Jones from Bridgend Fibromyalgia Support Group has
applied for a £60.00 grant to fund the hall rental for two
meetings whilst they organise the long term funding.
*Margaret Robson from the Medway Group has applied for
£120.00 to photocopy information to distribute at a local
awareness day her group have organised.
Donations
The money available is finite and I do not want to give all my
annual budget to say 3 support groups when there are
another 94 that don’t get any help. We welcome additional
donations towards helping local support groups from private
individuals. If you want to help put money into your local FM
support group please click the “Donate” button on the
website, or ring 01202 259155. Every penny of additional
donations will go to local FM Support Groups. You can also
specify which group you would like to receive the funds if you
wish.
Donations Received
Professor Geoffrey Philpott £29.15
Srabanti Huda £4.00
Alphastim
Alphastim have generously decided to donate a percentage
of their sales raised to FM support groups.(See their adverts
on page 4 & 16).
News from the Fibromyalgia Association UK
The last year has certainly been very busy for all those
involved with FMA UK and our thanks go to all those that
have helped at national events, regional events or raised
awareness locally.
On an international level FMA UK is supporting the European
Network of Fibromyalgia Associations in trying to ensure the
points made in the Written Declaration on Fibromyalgia last
year are being out into action in the various commission
departments.
On a national level FMA UK has been represented and
worked with the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition to push to make
pain a priority and become a routine factor in diagnosis and
treatment.
We also co-operated with Alliance for Rheumatism and
Musculoskeletal Association (ARMA) in their audit of the
musculoskeletal framework, which should form the basis for
treatment. We knew this was not being effective for
fibromyalgia patients, but by working together with other
organisations we could see that it is not working for any
group. Also through our membership of ARMA we attended
the British Rheumatology conference in Scotland, where the
stand was constantly busy with members of the
rheumatology team seeking information.
We were also present at Nursing in Practice conferences with
a similar enthusiasm for the material we had on offer. The
medical profession is keen to learn more about fibromyalgia
and our updated booklet for medical teams treating
fibromyalgia has been well received.
This year also saw the launch of our new booklet for young
people, their parents and teaching staff. Adults have said the
wished it had been around when they were younger and we
have requests for these on a regular basis.
The awareness flyers and posters have had to be reprinted
because of the demand with nearly 1000 leaflets and 150
posters per month being sent out on request.
By the time you read this there will have been a meeting with
Ann Keen (Minster of health) and the All Party Parliamentary
Group on Fibromyalgia (APPG) on 16th November as a result
of the Westminster Hall Debate on Fibromyalgia.
Group News
One new group has joined those working with FMA UK and
we thank Ruth for taking this on. Ann has taken over the
Halesowen Group as this and rescued it from closing, so
thanks to her as well.
Oxfordshire FMS Group
Leader: Ruth Winn
Tel: 0845 458 3781
ruthwinn@hotmail.co.uk
Change of Leader
Halesowen & District Support Group
Leader: Ann Tee
Tel: 0845 345 5973
Email: kinglorytee@hotmail.co.uk
Page fourteen - Supporting the Support

Page fifteen - The Soapbox
THE
SOAPBOX
by Jeanne Hambleton
IT IS REAL AND NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD!
Yes, it is real. It is not all on your head. You are not imagining it or going
mad. There is a Fibromyalgia Conference and Pamper Weekend just for you
at £125 for 3 nights in a delightful coastal setting known as ‘God’s Little Acre’.
We usually do very well for good weather. Tell your family this would be a
great Christmas present for you!
This event is designed to be affordable, achievable and attainable with an
instalment pay plan. If you do nothing else this December make a New Year
Resolution to come to our fun filled and non-boring Fibromyalgia
Conference & Pamper Weekend in the south of England.
In a great setting next Spring while the daffodils are in bloom - April 23/26
2010 - the event takes place at the Southdowns Holiday Village,
Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex. This is seven miles south of Chichester and
surrounded by historic things to see. The Holiday Village is minutes from the
sea - bring the surfboard and wet suit. Visit the local scuba diving club.
There is kite-surfing, searching for fossils, a deep sea fishing trip on the
Saturday for ‘him indoors’, golf, bowles, darts, snooker and even bingo if
you wish - we have tried to think of everything.
In our efforts to make the conference available for those on ‘hard times’ we
managed to secure an instalment payment plan. As the total cost of £125
must be paid in full before February 23rd we are suggesting the following
payment plan - 1x£45 and 2x£40 payable prior to December 23rd, January
23rd and February 23rd. Or you can pay 50% deposit now and the balance
before February 23rd, or pay in full by cheque with cheque card number or
by using your credit card through Paypal to my email address -
jeannehambleton@mac.com.
The postal strike has caused us nightmares so maybe we should talk before
you post your cheques unless you are paying by Paypal with your credit
card.
Oh yes there are also specialist speakers on fibromyalgia, lifestyle and well
being plus a variety of workshops, and free pamper tasters. One of our
keynote speakers will be Dr. Ernest Choy, consultant rheumatologist from
Kings College Hospital, London. Dr. Choy who has a special interest in FMS
was actively involved in the presentation of the EULAR evidence based
recommendation for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. A multidisciplinary
task force was formed representing eleven European Countries
to undertake the survey (http://www.enfa-europe.eu/downloads/eular.pdf).
We have a number of outstanding invitations to specialists including two
American doctors, to support a full programme of speakers on Saturday and
Sunday.
The conference will also be supported by workshops on ‘diversions’ and a
range of lifestyle issues. We are hoping to have someone talk about
benefits, nutrition, pain management, stress as well as diversions.
On the pamper scene there is also the option to enjoy a one to one therapy
session with your favourite therapist but there would be a nominal charge
for this personal treatment. So far we have therapists for full body or neck,
massages and facials, Indian Head massage, Bach flower essence,
aromatherapy, reiki, Tarot cards with lots more to come.
Also high on the agenda is laughter and fun - in that order. Sunday morning
will start with a laughter workshop - not to be missed. We know fibromites
love to talk to like-minded people - there will be lots of time for that - and
we know fibromites loves to laugh. With this in mind we have arranged
some really fun evenings.
Bring your posh frock or fancy dress for the gala dinner and Folly Pogs Ball
on the Saturday. Dig out your unwanted gifts, the picture your mother in
law gave you that your husband hates, any unwanted diamonds or old gold
- seriously we do love costume jewellery, bric-a-brac, anything that will
raise funds for research in our fun charity auction on the Sunday evening.
We know you would like to help raise funds towards finding a cure. I can
send you more information about the auction in the hope you will email me
a description of the item you wish to donate and maybe a digital
photograph.
I should warn you I am drawing the line at any 6ft stuffed gorillas. Maybe
a 4ft gorilla would be acceptable but please not 6ft. How would we get in
him in the car to go to his new home Someone would have to run behind
all the way home or ride on top, if he took up a whole seat. If he did not
sell, and I had to take him home, I think my husband would see me and
the gorilla in the divorce courts. He might draw the line at sharing our bed
with a hairy monster. But seriously we would love collectables, knickknacks,
artwork and autographed items as well as raffle and tombola
prizes. If in doubt please ask.
For giggles we have some silly competitions - so please prepare yourself
before you come – we would love you to enter and get into the fibro spirit.
1. The Daftest Dickie Bow Tie competition for the men – start making your
own.
2. The Gorgeous Garter competition for the daring ladies - be ready to show
a leg. If you are shy but clever we might find some volunteers
3. For the more modest Head Gear - bold hats, creations, designs. There
may be several classes for the ladies and gents entering. To get a-head get
a hat….. we can all join in this.
4. The Fibro Factor We have all heard of the controversial X-Factor. This is
our version -
The Fibro Factor. If enough people enter we might have a mini-type X
Factor on Friday evening, as well as a bit of strictly come dancing. However
some might fancy a flutter at the bingo table before dinner. This could be
nightly pre-dinner event if enough people are interested. We will need to
know if you want to give us a turn and enter The Fibro Factor but we cannot
promise a record contract or a million pounds - a drink on the house maybe.
Do let us have your details, what you propose to do and better bring your
own music. You do not have to have fibromyalgia to make a fool of yourself
or enter this Fibro Factor competition.
If you fancy yourself as a comedian and would like A FUNNY MOMENT, a
few minutes of fame telling funny jokes, let us know and we will put you
in the spotlight…but please no racial, offensive or blue jokes - all good clean
fun please. Our F word is fibromyalgia.
So far fibromites from all around the country have been booking in small
groups, determined to have fun and enjoy a ‘good weekend away’ with a
bit of ‘me’ time. Have I got you interested Now you know this will not be
some boring conference - all doom and gloom. We will be lifting our spirits
and I hope your sides ache with laughter. Hurry if you want to be part of
the instalment plan and be sure of a place. Sorry no single rooms only
double beds or twin beds, or group accommodation - 1 double and 1 single.
No worries about drink driving as long as you can find your way back to
your bed… and a late night bar.
How do you get some of this prescriptive fun and education - email me for
a brochure and booking form at jeanne@fibropals.co.uk. We will have fun.
Take care.
Jeanne

TAKE A
BREAK IN
TENERIFE
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supermarket, car hire and an
excursion shop.
The complex is a slow 10-minute walk to the beach, with a
mobility shop that rents out wheelchairs and
disability tricycles close by.
Prices: £225 per week for two people, and £40 extra each
for a third and fourth person.
For year round sunshine, come to Tenerife!
TEL. 0034 922 796715, ANYTIME.
MOBILE: 0034 665 344232
email: cc.hinton@virgin.net
Alpha-Stim
The Microcurrentsite are looking to build
close working relationships with
Fibromylagia Support groups across the
country to help us educate and inform
Fibro sufferers of the possible benefits
through using the alpha-stim technology
whilst at the same time raising much
needed awareness of the plight of
sufferers everywhere.
In return for this support we are happy to
put a significant contribution of the sales
generated by the
groups back into their coffers.
If you'd like to find out more
please contact Steve Hutchinson on
01487 831495 or
07766 780449
to discuss further.
Why not keep your FaMily
magazines pristine in
FaMily Binders
Clinics in London, Oxford and Bristol
We now have a
Private Clinic in Oxford
every other Wednesday,
please see our
main Advert on page 20.
For further information on our clinics,
please visit our website www.fmsclinic.co.uk
or contact our Clinic Manager,
Daniel Austen, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
07777 654436/01438 821188
or email: danielausten@fmsclinic.co.uk
Each binder holds 12 issues and
costs only £9.95
including postage and packing
TO ORDER : Send a cheque payable to UK
Fibromyalgia to
7 Ashbourne Road, Bournemouth BH5 2JS
or ring your card details through on
01202 259155

Dear FaMily,
My name is Sarah and Im 15, I have had fibromyalgia for just over a year now. I was diagnosed on April 7th
2009. I was just writing to ask whether or not you could perhaps put some more teen friendly advice and articles
in family magazine. I know there are probably not a lot of teenagers who have fibromyalgia but those of us who
do have it have great difficulty in trying to lead a normal teenage life. as im sure you can imagine teenage life is
hard enough without the stress of fibromyalgia. I find it very hard to make sense of some of the articles due to
the fact that they can be quite complicated!! if you could maybe think about doing a page where teenagers with
fibromyalgia could share advice and views on how to cope with exams, friends and all the other things that
occupy teenage minds!! Im sure a lot of us would find it very useful and would appreciate it very much!!! even
if people who are no longer teenagers but were diagnosed with fibromyalgia when they were teenagers gave us
advice and even stories from when they were younger Im sure that would help. I would be very grateful if you
could help me with this, and it would mean a lot to me. I have struggled in dealing with fibromyalgia and its
consequences, I used to enjoy a lot of sport especially rugby, which i miss very much! Its very hard trying to
transition into a life that is totally different from what you are used to!!
best wishes
Sarah Mcinnes
sarahmcinnes@hotmail.co.uk
(Thankyou Sarah, Family will address this topic in a future FaMily magazine-Ed)
Page seventeen - Letters
Dear FaMily
Dr Nye says that fibromyalgia, once triggered - usually
by sleep deprivation - causes imbalance in brain
chemicals which, in turn, results in constriction of the
body's fluid vessels.
My own research (based purely on observation)
showed that sufferers with whom I spoke had, indeed,
all suffered sleep deprivation, though from a number of
different causes. Bad sleep is both trigger and effect.
This becomes cyclical so that the poorer the sleep, the
worse the pain which, in turn, causes even poorer
sleep. (Personally, I have on average three relatively
good nights' sleep per year. I'm experimenting with
various meditation machines to see if I can induce an
increase in the - largely missing - deep sleep periods.)*
I also found that I can cure FM-based sinus pain by
immersing my face in a bowl of hot water, thus
dilating blood vessels (as against the sinus pain that
I've suffered periodically all my adult life which
absolutely nothing but enduring three days of misery
will cure!)
I realised that, just as a cold will settle in the head or
chest, depending on where there's a weakness, FM will
especially attack any sensitive or damaged area. In
my case, this is my injured spine; in my Dad's it was
his colon.
Additionally, as a former dancer I'm well acquainted
with both the tightening and the tearing of muscle
fibres so I know that this is the cause of the forms of
pain I associate with FM.
Jane
janette.cook@sky.com
PS I don't know if it's generally known that the Native
Americans have recognised FM for centuries as the
sign of an hereditary shaman. I find this fascinating
since a "sensitive" is far more likely to suffer sleep
deprivation than a very 'grounded' person and it also
suggests a genetic factor.

Christine’s Recipe
Here are two more great Christmas recipes, to get you in the spirit of things. The traditional
plum pudding can be made in advance and stored or frozen until required. The festive salad
is a tasty, low-calorie option that will be a welcome relief to many an abused digestive
system over the celebrations. It will keep for several days if stored in an air-tight container
and placed in the fridge.
Plum Pudding Makes 2 x 1.5 lb. (675g) puddings
8 oz. (225g) figs, roughly chopped, 8 oz. (225g) prunes, stoned and chopped
2 oz. (50g) mixed peel, 6 oz. (150g) sultanas
2 oz. (50g) blanched almonds, chopped, 1 dessert apple, peeled, cored and coarsely grated
3 pieces of stem ginger, chopped, 3 oz. (75g) self-raising flour
6 oz. (150g) browned breadcrumbs, 4 oz. (100g) shredded suet
6 oz. soft brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of clear honey
half a teaspoon of mixed spice, 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
3 eggs, beaten, pinch of salt, quarter of a pint (140ml.) of barley wine
Grease two 1.5 lb. (675g) pudding basins with lard. Place all the fruit and dry ingredients in a
large bowl and mix well. Beat together the eggs, honey and wine then add to the fruit
mixture and stir well. Share the mixture between the two pudding basins. Cover the basins
with a double layer of greaseproof paper, then a piece of pleated foil and tie securely with
string. Place in a steamer over a pan of boiling water or in a pan of boiling water that comes
two thirds of the way up the sides of the basins. Steam the puddings for 4 hours, topping up
with boiling water as necessary. If the pudding is to be stored, replace the wrappings with
fresh greaseproof paper, foil and string as before. Seal, label and place in a freezer or cool,
dry cupboard for up to 12 months. To re-heat, thaw the frozen pudding overnight, unwrap
and steam for 20 minutes. Turn the pudding out onto a serving plate, dust with icing sugar
and decorate with a sprig of holly.
Festive Salad Serves 4
2 carrots, peeled and grated, 2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 oz.(50g) sultanas, 4 oz. (125g) walnuts, chopped
2 oranges, peeled and segmented, 5 oz. (150g) red cabbage, washed and shredded
2 dessert apples, cored and chopped, 4oz. (125g) Stilton cheese, chopped
quarter pint (150ml) low calorie salad dressing
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Place all the ingredients in a large salad bowl and mix well. Season to taste and serve cold.
To store, put the salad into an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Christine Craggs-Hinton is the author of ‘Living with Fibromyalgia’,
The Fibromyalgia Healing Diet’,‘The Chronic Fatigue Healing Diet’, ‘How to Beat Pain’ from
Sheldon Press. They are available from the
www.ukfibromyalgia.com website and from all good book shops.
in next months magazine
Two great new columnists join FaMily magazine:
A new series starts on understanding the Benefits system from a fibromyalgia sufferers
perspective, by Steve Donnison.
Leading FM solicitor Brian Barr will answer your fibromyalgia related questions.
Plus Dear Pam-a new monthly column answering all your FM worries.
Four page supplement with UK directory of fibromyalgia support groups.
Plus all our usual features.
Published by UKfibromyalgia.com,
7 Ashbourne Road,
Bournemouth, Dorset BH5 2JS
www.ukfibromyalgia.com
Tel: 01202 259155
Fax: +44 (0)870 169 3701
E-mail: family@ukfibromyalgia.com
Managing Editor: Martin Westby
All content remains the property of
FaMily Magazine unless copyright is
acknowledged and can only be
reproduced with prior agreement with
the copyright holder.
Back issues of FaMily
Printed copies are available at £1.95
including postage The first issue came
out in October 2000.
Email family@ukfibromyalgia.com
Secure online ordering facility
www.ukfibromyalgia.com
Cheque payments should be made to:
UKFibromyalgia and posted with order to:
UKFibromyalgia, 7 Ashbourne Road,
Bournemouth, Dorset. BH5 2JS •
Fax: 0870 169 3701
A percentage of the net profit of UK
Fibromyalgia is donated to UK
Fibromyalgia Support groups in the
form of small grants.
Subscription Services
Support Group Distribution
FaMily is available in printed version
through UK support groups. Copies can
be sent every month to leaders to be
distributed at their meetings. A year’s
subscription in this format will cost £16.50
per person for a 12-month period.
The group leaders need to collect the
cheques and organise the administration
for the first order.If you run a support
group and are interested in this option
email family@ukfibromyalgia.com or call
the number below.
Home Delivery
Home delivery of a printed version costs
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Please note that partial refunds are not
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period has passed from time of
ordering.
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costs an additional £6.00 -
Making a total of £26.85 + Rest of the
world £34.00
Advertise
Advertising is available in this
magazine as well as the UK
Fibromyalgia website and the UK
Fibromyalgia email newsletter. To
discuss advertising rates please ring
Martin on 01202 259155.
Page eighteen - Christine’s Recipe

HOT TOPICS FROM THE FORUM
by Jeanne Hambleton
FOR THE NON BELIEVERS
Page nineteen - Hot Topics from the Forum
Searching for inspiration on www.ukfibromyalgia.com/forums
I looked at Living with Fibromyalgia and a sub heading called
‘One to show the non believer's’. Posted by one of our
moderators, Shaz. This is one for the non believers at
Christmas.
If you were born with healthy genes, you may know me but
you do not understand me. I was not as lucky as you. I
inherited the predisposition to chronic pain, fatigue and
forgetfulness. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FMS) after
months, years or even decades of mysterious physical and
emotional problems. Because you did not know how sick I
was, you called me lazy, a malingerer, or simply ridiculous. If
you have the time to read on, I would like to help you
understand how different I am from you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA
1. FMS is not the newest fad disease. In fact, it is not a disease
at all, and it is not even new. In 1815, a surgeon at the
University of Edinburgh, William Balfour, described
fibromyalgia.
2. The many physical and emotional problems associated
with FMS are not psychological in origin. This is not an "all in
your head" disorder.
3. Syndromes strike life-long athletes as viciously as they do
couch potatoes. They can be disabling and depressing,
interfering with even the simplest activities of daily life.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME
1. My pain - My pain is not your pain. It is not caused by
inflammation. Taking your arthritis medication will not help
me. I cannot work my pain out or shake it off. It is not even a
pain that stays put. Today it is in my shoulder, but tomorrow it
may be in my foot or gone. My pain is believed to be caused
by improper signals sent to the brain, possibly due to sleep
disorders. It is not well understood, but it is real.
2. My fatigue - I am not merely tired. I am often in a severe
state of exhaustion. I may want to participate in physical
activities, but I cannot. If you saw me shopping yesterday, but
I cannot help you today, I am, most likely, paying the price for
stressing my muscles beyond their capability.
3. My forgetfulness - Those of us who suffer from it call it fibro
fog. I may not remember your name, but I do remember you.
I may not remember what I promised to do for you, even
though you told me just seconds ago. My problem has
nothing to do with my age but may be related to sleep
deprivation. I do not have a selective memory.
4. My clumsiness - If I step on your toes, I am not purposely
targeting you. I do not have the muscle control for that. If you
are behind me on the stairs, please be patient.
5. My sensitivities - I just cannot stand it! "It" could be any
number of things: bright sunlight, loud or high-pitched noises
and odours. FMS has been called the "aggravating everything
disorder."
6. My intolerance - I cannot stand heat, either. Or humidity. If I
am a man, I sweat...profusely. If I am a lady, I perspire. Both
are equally embarrassing, so please do not feel compelled to
point this shortcoming out to me. I know. And do not be
surprised if I shake uncontrollably when it is cold. My internal
thermostat is broken, and nobody knows how to fix it.
7. My depression - Yes, there are days when I would rather
stay in bed or in the house or die. Severe, unrelenting pain can
cause depression. Your sincere concern and understanding
can pull me back from the brink.
8. My stress - My body does not handle stress well. If I have
to give up my job, work part time, or handle my
responsibilities from home, I am not lazy. Everyday stresses
make my symptoms worse.
9. My weight - I may be fat or I may be skinny. Either way, it is
not by choice. My appestat is broken, and nobody can tell me
how to fix it.
10. My need for therapy - If I get a massage every week, do
not envy me. Consider how a massage would feel if that
muscle cramp you had was all over your body. Massaging it
was very painful. My body is knot-filled. Regular massage can
help, at least temporarily.
11. My good days - If you see me smiling and functioning
normally, do not assume I am well. I suffer from a chronic pain
and fatigue illness with no cure. I can have my good days or
weeks or even months. The good days are what keep me
going.
12. My uniqueness - Even those who suffer from FMS are not
alike. I may not have all of the problems mentioned. I do have
pain above and below the waist and on both sides of my
body, which has lasted for a long time. I may have migraines
or hip pain or shoulder pain or knee pain, but I do not have
exactly the same pain as anyone else.
Pace yourself as we come up to Christmas. If you convert a
few non-believers, well done. The seasons’ greetings for a
great pain-free 2010.
Jeanne.

Medical Director
Professor John E Davies MRCS D Phys Med FFSEM,
Head of the NHS FM Clinic at Guy's Hospital, London.
• We specialise in treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain.
• We use evidence-based medicine, based on the latest
scientific research and years of clinical experience.
• We are recognised by all major insurance companies.
• We offer big price reductions to patients on benefits.
• We have Private and NHS Clinics.
For further information on our clinics, please visit
our website: www.fmsclinic.co.uk
or contact our Clinic Manager, Daniel Austen
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
07777 654436 / 01438 821188
or email: danielausten@fmsclinic.co.uk
www.fmsclinic.co.uk
Page twenty - FM Clinics Advertisment

FIBROMYAGIA RESOURCES
If you have a have a suggestion for an organisation or person to be added to this page please contact 01202 259155.
FM Friendly Doctors
Page twenty one - Fibromyalgia Resources
NORTH
Dr R Deering
Springfield Surgery
24 Commercial Rd
Hazel Grove
Stockport SK7 4AA
Tel 0161 426 5250
Recommended by Pamela Harrison
Dr Jacqui Thompson
Glebe House
Firby Road
Bedale, North Yorks Dl8 2AT
Tel 01677 422616
Recommended by Angela Abel
Dr G T R Spencer
Earnswood Medical Centre
Eagle Bridge
Dunwoody Way
Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3AW
Tel 01270 376666
Recommended by David Jewkes
Dr Paul Culliney
New St Group Practice
New St, Milnsbridge
Huddersfield HD3 4RN
Tel 01484 651622
Recommended by Sheila Haigh
MIDLANDS
Dr Abdul Ghafoor
Bents Lane Medical Practice
100 Lower Bents Lane
Bredbury
Stockport
Cheshire SK6 2NL
Tel 0161 430 8708
Dr Walton
104 Castlecroft Road
Wolverhampton WV3 8LU
Tel 01902 761644
Dr Mulley
Clarendon Lodge Medical Centre
Leamington Spa
Tel 08444 773985
Recommended by Bianca Embley
Dr D Blindt MBBS, BMed Sc
The Cottons, Meadow Lane
Raunds, Northants NN9 6UA
Tel 01933 623327
Recommended by Mrs Joyce E Betts
Drs Faisal, Watkins, Cheel
Romsley Road
Bartley Green
Birmingham B32 3PR
Tel 0845 601 6584
Recommended by Kathleen Ward
Dr Maggie Fardon
The Old Station Surgery
Heanor Road, Ilkeston DE7 8ES
Tel 0115 930 1055
Recommended by Mrs Lynne Strange
Dr O’Hagen
Mansefield Medical Centre
Binley Rd, Coventry
Tel 02476 457551
Recommended by Jeanette Plester
SCOTLAND
Dr John Sommerville
31 Portland Road
Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Tel 01543 522118
Recommended by Mrs May Law
Dr J Clyde
Charlotte Street Surgery
Nithbank, Dumfries G1 2SD
Tel 01387 267626
Recommended by Mrs Denise Cochrane
SOUTH EAST / SOUTH
Dr Paton
Eastfield House Surgery
6 St Johns Road
Newbury, Berks, RG14 7LW
Tel 01635 41495
Dr Judy Baxter
Sandy Health Centre
Northcroft
Sandy, Beds SG19 2JS
Tel 01767 682525
Recommended by Mrs Gail Peake
Dr Claudia M Clapton
Cedar House Surgery
269A Nine Mile Ride
Finchampstead, Berks RG40 3NS
Tel 08444 772517
Recommended by Mr Robert Storrar
Dr Craig White
Aston Clinton Surgery
136 London Rd
Aston Clinton
Aylesbury, Bucks NP22 5LB
Tel 01296 630241
Recommended by Mrs Paula Allen
Dr Karina Turner
Charter Medical Centre
88 Davidgor Rd, Hove BN3 1RF
Tel 01273 204059
Christine Rottner adds: "Dr Turner has been
amazing! Has known me for 10 years. Recently
prescribed me Lyrica! I am a new woman after
6 weeks of treatment! Have suffered FM for
approx 10 years but diagnosed Feb 05. My
contact 07917 667731."
Dr Korea
Church Road
Lyminge
Folkestone, Kent
Tel 01303 862109
Recommended by Laraine Mortell
Dr J D Hill
Ship Street Surgery
Ship Street, East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 4EE
Tel 01342 325 959
This was our GP at our previous address. We
cannot praise him highly enough!! He had an
holistic approach, treating mind, body
emotional and spiritual needs.
Mr & Mrs Gleeson
Dr Sheila Cassidy (FM friendly)
Dr Richard Cribb (ME friendly)
The Surgery
Station Road
Alresford, Hants SO24 9JL
Tel 01962 732345
www.alresfordsurgery.co.uk
Recommended by Yvonne Hammond
Dr Emmett
The Maples
Vancouver Road
Broxbourne, Herts EN10 6FD
Recommended by Mrs Christine Howell
Dr Jetha
50 Conisborough Crescent
South Lewisham Group Practice
Catford, London SE6 2SP
Tel 020 8698 8921
"This surgery also gave me aromatherapy,
which was a great help to me – and on the
NHS – wow!". Sean-Alan Corcoran
Doctor Varty
Orchard Surgery
Penstone Park
Lancing
West Sussex BN15 9AG
Tel 01903 844333
"He has been fantastic considering we only
moved last year". Rosemary Walker
Dr Bashir Dodhy
Kingsway Surgery
Wood End Park Centre
Judge Heath Lane
Hayes, Middx UB3 2PB
EAST ANGLIA
Dr Spiros Macris
Thorpewood Medical Group
Dussindale Branch Surgery
Pound Lane
Thorpe-St-Andrew
Norwich NR7 0SR
Tel 01603 700992
Recommended by Sean-Alan Corcoran
WEST / SOUTH WEST
Dr Goodger
Gaywood House Surgery
North St, Bristol
Tel 0117 966 1412
Recommended by Mrs K A Chard

Dr Helen Lewis
Thornbury Health Centre
Eastland Rd, Thornbury, South Glos BS35 1DP
Tel 01454 412167
www.thornburyhealthcentre.nhs.uk
Recommended by Lynne Cullen
Richard Sherriff
Kinnedy Way Surgery
Yate, South Glos
Tel 01454 313849
Recommended by Mrs Ann Walker
Dr Jonathan Minty
Tower House Surgery
Chudleigh, Devon TQ13
Tel 01626 852379
Recommended by Mrs Elizabeth Welby
HOSPITAL DOCTORS / CONSULTANTS
If in the area you could ask your GP for a
referral.
The London FMS/CFS Clinic
Central London and Guys Hospital
For a free information pack contact
Daniel Austen on 01438 812165
danielausten@btinternet.com
www.fmsclinic.co.uk
Dr El Rakshy
Pain Management Consultant
Scunthorpe General Hospital
Cliff Gardens, Scunthorpe
South Humberside DN15 7BH
Tel 01724 282282
Dr Binyman
Consultant Rheumatologist
Southport & Formby District General Hospital
Town Lane, Kew
Southport, Merseyside PR8 6PN
01704 547471
Dr Struthers
Nuffield Hospital
Leamington Spa, Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry
Tel 02476 966705
Dr Butler
Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital, Shropshire
Tel 01691 404384
Dr R Powell
Senior Lecturer in Immunology & Allergy
Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham
Tel 0115 924 9924
Dr A Hussaini (private, not NHS) is available at
the following hospitals:
FaMily Phone Friends- Make a new friend-Phone Today!
Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Road, London SW5 OTU
Telephone: 020 7460 2000 ext 5915
London Independent Hospital
1 Beaumont Square
Stepney Green, London E1 4NL
Tel: 020 7780 2400
Clementine Churchill Hospital
Sudbury Hill
Harrow , Middlesex HA1 3RX
Tel: 020 8872 3939
BUPA Gatwick Park Hospital
Povey Cross Road Surrey RH5 OBB
Tel: 01293 785511
Dr Sahli, Rheumatologist
Warrington General Hospital
Lovely Lane
Warrington WA5 1QG
Tel 01925 572795
Dr Llewellyn
St Woolos Hospital
Stow Hill
Newport , Gwent NP20 4SZ
Tel 01633 234234
We receive a lot of requests from FaMily readers who do not have access to the internet (or a local support group) to have telephone numbers of fellow
FM sufferers, so that people can chat to people who understand what having FM entails. We have launched this FREE service for paid up FaMily subscribers
where you can add your details for people to get in contact. To appear on this page we need your Name, Town, County, Telephone number and convenient
contact times. Send to: 7 Ashbourne Rd, Bournemouth, BH5 2JS Tel 01202 259155 Fax 01202 259155 Email: family@UKFibromyalgia.com
Manju Laroya Maidenhead, Berks 01628 625081
Jo Marsh
Reading West Berks 0845 3452603 jomarsh10@hotmail.com
Sandy McFall Bristol FM Support Group 0845 458 2029 After 10am
Jennifer Carter Hailsham, East Sussex 01323 848590 7 days a week
Linda Allen Stoke on Trent Weekdays 10am-2pm 01782 261948
Ms Gill Galyer 5 Winston Drive Elston, Newark NG23 5NX 01636 526160
Miss Bede Miles West London 020 8840 7759 Not mornings
Mrs Viv Norrie Angus & Mearns Fibromyalgia Support Network (Montrose, Scotland) Monday & Friday 6pm to 8pm 0845 345 2311
or e-mail am-fm@hotmail.co.uk
Maureen Schofield Stoke on Trent 01782 264071 7 days a week
Mary Grice (widow) Oxford 01865 515032 Anytime (retired)
Mrs Linda Pedder Heysham Lancs. 01524 859068 Anytime
Mrs Julia Barns Littleover, Derby 01332 521605 9am - 3pm
Julie Bull
Leeds 01132 72107112 - 3pm or email julie.bull@sky.com
Shirley Taylor Worcs. 01584 811615 Friday to Tuesday 10am-1.00pm & 5.00 - 7.00pm shirleytaylor24@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs Coral Duvall Blackburn, Lancs 01254 609576 Mon-Fri after 10am
Margaret Evans Cardiff 02920 258526 12noon-6pm weekdays
Gary Mellers 12 The Walk, Beulah. Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys LG5 4YA. Please write to arrange a chat (phone number not given)
Ann Adams Ring Anytime 01304 382335
Jeanne Hambleton East Hants - Chichester & Horndean Group Meetings & Social Lunches 0845 345 5942
jeannehambleton@me.com
Yvonne Singleton Fibromyalgia support group South Wales 01639 681468
Pamela Buckle Warwickshire 01789 765587 Tues/Wed/Thurs 17.00-22.00
Janice Dipper Winchester Fybromyalgia Support 0845 345 2678 janicedipper@googlemail.com
Mrs Ulla Deichelmann Redruth, Cornwall 01209 213123 10am – 10pm ulla.deichelmann@btinternet.com
Bexhill & Hastings FMA UK Helpline, Bexhill On-Sea, East Sussex. 0845 345 5974 Tuesday & Thursday 10am until 12pm only.
Liz Barber
Hull & East Riding Support Group 0845 3452435 11am – 7pm barber101@barber101.karoo.co.uk
Pamela Smith Lincolnshire Tel 01754 810440 Mon –Fri Evenings please.
Nicki Southwell Carlisle FM support group 0845 345 2391 4-7pm weekdays
Mandy Wordsworth TEL: 0113 2795936 Leeds Contact anytime.
Pat Gearing
Bexhill on Sea 01424 221012 3pm-10pm
Jenette
Leeds Fibromyalgia Support Group - 0845 345 2399 - 11am - 5pm
Page twenty two - Fibromyalgia Resources