Fibromyalgia recognised as long-term condition in Northern Ireland

Fibromyalgia has finally been recognised as a long-term condition in Northern Ireland, brining it in line with NHS Choices in England and Scotland.

People with fibromyalgia experience aches all over the body, profound fatigue, severe headaches, sleep deprivation and difficulty concentrating. It’s hard to diagnose, however, as it doesn’t display on scans or in blood tests.

Fibromyalgia is recognised by NHS Choices in England and Scotland, so treatment should be available to patients. But people in Northern Ireland who have fibromyalgia report their symptoms have been ignored.

Three years ago, the Patient and Client Council in Northern Ireland argued that fibromyalgia should be recognised as a long-term condition. And now, after interviews with people with fibromyalgia and healthcare professionals and much lobbying work, dedicated services will be established across the health trusts.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia but severe cases can be treated with medication. Some research shows that lifestyle changes including relaxation, diet and exercise can improve symptoms.

“What we are surprised about is how many patients have come forward, wanting to share their stories,” Louise Skelly, director of operations at the Patient and Client Council, said to the BBC. “They felt very isolated and very alone and what we also discovered is that the clinicians also have found this a difficult area to work in so they have welcomed the sharing of knowledge and information.”

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