Difficulty in diagnosis

KIRSTY Young’s decision to take a break from Desert Island Discs last summer because of her struggle with fibromyalgia put the little understood condition into the spotlight.

But the BBC Radio presenter isn’t the only famous name to battle this long-term illness.

Lady Gaga is another high-profile fibro sufferer. The singer was so badly affected she had to cancel the last 10 dates of a world tour last year.

And actor Morgan Freeman has also spoken about coping with the condition’s all-over body pain.

A recent Parliamentary report estimates that almost two million Brits have fibromyalgia, which is most likely to strike between the ages of 20 and 50. And women are seven times more likely to be affected than men.

Symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, cognitive and memory problems, headaches and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Then there’s pins and needles, a burning sensation on the skin, leg cramps, restless legs, tingling and depression. Pain can be experienced all over or in specific areas, and these can change.

What causes it?

explains Dr Rod Hughes, consultant rheumatologist at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey. “Fibromyalgia is often seen as the result of some sort of stressful event, such as surgery, an accident or a big emotional trauma, such as divorce. Often, there’s been a stress flashpoint and sufferers may have a history of migraines or IBS-type symptoms.” BATTLE Radio presenter Kirsty As so many symptoms overlap with other conditions, and there are no definitive diagnostic tests, it can take some time – several years, in some cases – to get a diagnosis.

Hazel Borland, of the UK’s largest fibro charity Fibromyalgia Action UK, says whether patients get to see a sympathetic doctor or not is down to their postcode. “Lots of patients tell us their symptoms are dismissed or they’re told they’re depressed,” she says. “Although that may be true, they’re often depressed because of their fibro symptoms.

“Patients also report being passed from pillar to post between GPs and specialists, and there are only a handful of specialist fibro clinics.”

She adds: “The impact of fibromyalgia is underestimated. If people feel unsupported, this can lead to depression and isolation – and even suicide.”

Hazel recommends seeking a second opinion or asking for a referral to a centre that specialises in fibromyalgia.

■