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As you may or may not be aware I have just recently returned to work after a prolonged period of illness, I am now thankfully feeling a lot better.  The condition I have is Fibromyalgia which is an extremely debilitating condition, you can see some of the symptoms listed below, these are only some of the problems, there are a lot more.

Given the fact that I have started to feel better I have been feeling much better I began to think that I would like to take part in this years Belfast Marathon.  Whilst talking about this one day Mal McGreevy, General Manager Rail, very kindly offered to support me and to join me if I got a team together.

So on May 3^rd 2010, Mal McGreevy, Martin Welshman, David Stewart, Brian Murphy and I will be taking part in the Team Relay event.  We are hoping to raise some funds for ‘Fibromyalgia Association UK.

I know that there have been quite a few requests recently from various individual runners and teams for support, but if you could even donate £1.00 it would be very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Philip

Fibromyalgia Symptoms/Information

Pain - Pain is the most prominent symptom of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia pain has been described in a variety of ways including: burning, radiating, gnawing, sore, stiff, and aching.  Patients feel that the pain is mainly in their muscles and often note that Fibromyalgia feels like a persistent flu.   

Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances - About 90% of people with Fibromyalgia describe moderate or severe fatigue with lack of energy, decreased exercise endurance, or the kind of exhaustion felt with the flu or with lack of sleep. Often the fatigue is more of a problem and more troubling than the pain. Scientific studies have demonstrated that most people with Fibromyalgia have an abnormal sleep pattern, especially an interruption in their deep sleep.
  
Morning Stiffness – This can present as tightness in the muscles and joints throughout the body. It will usually last for about 30 minutes but in some it can last for hours.

 

Nervous System Symptoms - Changes in mood and thinking are common in Fibromyalgia. Generally, the depression and anxiety seem to follow the onset of Fibromyalgia symptoms and may be the result of the Fibromyalgia rather than a cause of it. As with other chronic illnesses, people with Fibromyalgia may report difficulty concentrating or performing simple mental tasks.

 

Chronic Headaches - People with Fibromyalgia tend to suffer from three different types of headaches: muscle tension headaches, migraines and combination headaches.

 

FibroFog - Fibrofog encompasses memory loss, difficulties using language, and difficulties with learning. These symptoms tend to descend in a haze or “fog,” around the sufferer. Fibrofogs can occur at any time and can vary in intensity when they do occur.  Fibrofogs tend to be at their most severe during flare ups.

Costochondritis - Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the inner end of each rib with the breastbone (sternum), which causes chronic chest pain.

 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - TMJD is a disorder that affects the functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), more commonly referred to as the jawbone. TMJD also attacks the muscles and cartilage throughout the face, head, and neck. TMJ dysfunction can cause a variety of problems, ranging from headaches to a locked jaw.

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome - MCS is a syndrome that causes hypersensitivity to certain chemicals and smells. It can also cause you to be extra sensitive to lights, temperature, and loud sounds.

 

Other Symptoms

As Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition there are a number of other symptoms which can be attributed to the illness. It is rare for a patient to experience all of these symptoms – it varies from patient to patient.

Other symptoms include:

·         - Problems with Vision

·         - Nausea

·         - Pelvic Problems

·         - Weight Gain

·         - Dizziness

·         - Cognitive or Memory Impairment

·         - Skin Complaints/Sensitivity

·         - Dry eyes, skin and mouth

·         - Chest Problems

·         - Anxiety

·         - Dysmenorrhea (cramping during menstruation)

·         - Muscle Spasms/Twitches and Tingling

·         - Restless Legs Syndrome

·         - Balance Disturbance

·         - Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Spastic

·         - Irritable Bladder Syndrome

·         - Abdominal pain/bloating

·         - Digestive Disturbances