'Secret illness' group supporting Moray for a decade
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AN organisation set up in Moray to support people with the 'secret illness' has reached its ten-year anniversary.
The Lossiemouth Fibromyalgia Support Group meets once a month at the social club belonging to the town's football team.
But its ten members come from all over Moray, with one even travelling all the way from Inverness.
Karen McSheffrey, who founded the group a decade ago, was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the late 1980s.
She said: "My condition has got worse over the years to the point I'm now in pain nearly all the time. But, compared to many others, I'm still relatively fortunate.
"For some people it really is agony."
Fibromyalgia is thought to be related to nerve damage, but research into its causes is still ongoing.
Karen says the little-understood condition has as many as 200 different symptoms
Some with fibromyalgia experience a sharp stabbing pain while, for others, it's more like a dull ache or even a burning sensation.
In addition to the pain, it can also cause depression as well as overwhelming feelings of fatigue.
Karen said: "On the outside you might look fine, but inside you're a mess.
"Fortunately my husband Eddie and my daughters, Jen and Mhairi, have been fantastic, but it can be difficult when you've agreed to do something or go somewhere, then you end up having to cancel because you're feeling too tired or sore."
Karen adds that the attitude of other people can sometimes add to the problems of those with fibromyalgia – and that's why the support group continues to be so valuable to its members.
She said: "If you've broken your leg, then people are sympathetic. They can see you've got a cast on and they realise it must hurt.
"However, if you have fibromyalgia, some folk refuse to believe that there's anything really wrong with you.
"Obviously, that can be very frustrating, especially on a day when you're in a lot of pain.
"The group is here for people who are all in the same boat.
"Their exact symptoms may vary from the ones you have but they understand the problems and the issues.
"You can come along each month to our support group and have a chat, or even have a bit of a moan if feel like it.
"A lot of friendships have been built up since we began meeting a decade ago."
The support group meets from 7.30pm to about 9pm on the last Wednesday of every month at Lossiemouth FC Social Club.
It's also open to family members and carers of those with the condition.
Contact Karen on 07583 834453 if you have any questions.
