BURNING pain, aching muscles, and chronic fatigue . . . these are symptoms we all suffer at one time or another.

But imagine feeling like that all the time, so much so that you can't even sleep.

That's how sufferers of Fibromyalgia feel and the only moments of peace are when they manage to dose off.

It's not a new illness and used to be known as Fibrositis, when it was thought to have been caused by an inflammation in the joints. These days, although the cause is still unknown, research has come closer to identifying what's behind it and doctors nowadays tend to agree how painful it can leave the muscles feeling.

One woman who knows all about it is 54-year-old Vivienne Hayes. She has just set up a support group for sufferers of Fibromyalgia.

Vivienne started with the symptoms two-and-a-half years ago and was forced to take early retirement from her job as a trading standards officer, when the pain prevented her from sitting for long periods.

"I was in terrible pain, it was unbelievable for about two years," she said. "I couldn't lift my arms, I could barely move. It's a burning aching feeling in your muscles or ligaments that doesn't go away."

For Vivienne, one of the worst things is being misunderstood. "Doctors sometimes suggest seeing a psychiatrist," she said.

The other problem is the time it takes to be diagnosed. It was a year before Vivienne's condition was recognised. "It doesn't make it any easier having it diagnosed, but at least you know what you are up against and you can read up on it and try different things."

Initially her doctor sent her for an X-ray, but it wasn't until she was referred to a specialist of arthritis that her condition was diagnosed.

She started with Fibromyalgia after a fall on her spine while walking in Wales.

"It wasn't serious, just like a bad fall or a jolt, and I have no proof that that brought it on" she said: "but everything I have read since indicates that a bad fall, whiplash, stress, or something like that, can incite it."

Since recovering from the initial shock of suffering an almost alien illness, Vivienne has now set to helping others.

She said the pain has subsided slightly and she can now concentrate her energy on a support group to offer an understanding ear to those who are just coming to terms with Fibromyalgia.

The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Fulwood Health Clinic in Lytham Road. The next meeting is on November 4, but if you can't wait until then, call Vivienne on 01772 724412.

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