MPs debate fibromyalgia after Chesterfield woman’s petition
Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, organised the debate along with constituent and fibromyalgia campaigner Adrienne Lakin.
She launched the petition calling for more funding and support for sufferers.
Mr Perkins said ministers had offered to meet him and campaigners to discuss further action.
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition which causes widespread pain, fatigue and slows mental processes.
Its causes are unknown but are believed to be linked to chemical changes in the brain and wider nervous system, sometimes triggered by a stressful event.
Some sufferers complain of slow or sceptical reactions from health professionals, employers and benefits officials.
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During the debate at Westminster Hall a number of MPs and speakers pressed for faster and more consistent diagnosis and greater support.
Mr Perkins said: “It is sometimes called an ‘invisible condition’ as there are no outward signs.
“Often the symptoms are masked as other conditions, so sufferers go through many time-consuming treatments which don’t get to the root of the problem.”
Phenomenal’ response
The motion to back extra help for sufferers was passed unanimously.
Speaking after the debate, 26-year-old Ms Lakin said getting such support was a huge boost.
“It is really phenomenal,” she said. When there were ‘ayes’ all around the room I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it.
“It’s going to make a lot of changes to people’s lives. I can’t even put it into context yet what it is going to achieve.”
Work and pensions minister Sarah Newton paid tribute to Ms Lakin’s campaign.While insisting the benefits system did recognise fibromyalgia as a disability, she accepted more work needed to be done and invited campaigners to meet with her and other ministers for further talks.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body, and is estimated to affect nearly 1 in 20 people to some degree. The condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50 but can occur at any age, and affects around seven times as many women as men.
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to changes in the way the central nervous system processes pain messages around the body and abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain. In many cases it can be triggered by a physically or emotionally stressful event such as having an operation, giving birth, the death of a loved one or the breakdown of a relationship.
What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, which could be worse in particular areas such as your back or neck. The pain is typically continuous, but may be better or worse at certain times. Other symptoms include:
- Extreme sensitivity: This can lead to people feeling pain from even a light touch
- Stiffness and muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep quality
- Cognitive problems
- Headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS
- How is Fibromyalgia diagnosed?
- There is no specific test for fibromyalgia, but if you believe you may have the condition it is important to see your GP, who will first have to rule out all other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome or MS. The following criteria usually have to be met for fibromyalgia to be diagnosed:
You either have severe pain in three to six different areas of your body, or you have milder pain in seven or more different areas.
Your symptoms have stayed at a similar level for at least three months.
No other reason for your symptoms has been found.
What is the treatment for Fibromyalgia?
There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, but a variety of treatments could help to ease some of the symptoms and improve quality of life. Sufferers may need to try a variety of different treatments – usually a combination of medication and lifestyle changes – to manage their symptoms.
