Amanda thought her life was over... but it’s only just beginning
Diagnosis has led Buddie on a whole new path ... and a fundraising mission
A Paisley woman living with a chronic pain condition has been inspired by the number 12 to take part in a fundraising challenge.
Amanda Mck in lay was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago.
To celebrate Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day on May 12, she’s decided to walk one mile for the first 12 days in May and will record videos and share her health journey.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system which causes chronic pain and can have other symptoms like fatigue, muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, irritable bowel syndrome, and problems with memory and concentration.
Amanda said she started experiencing fatigue and aches while working in a care home 15 years ago but she put it down to the rigours of her job.
It was only with the support of a sympathetic GP and friends who had the condition that she was finally diagnosed.
She said: “I was diagnosed with ME when I was in my teens, so a certain level of fatigue was second nature to me. I was back and forward to the doctors and it took between a year and a half to two years to get a diagnosis.
“Friends had fibromyalgia, so I had a good idea that’s what it was, but it’s only diagnosed once every other possibility is eliminated.”
After her diagnosis, Amanda continued working at Stanely Park Care Home for two years, which she now admits was a mistake.
“I was in denial,” she said. “My employers were wonderful and really supported me, but I was in denial about how bad it was.
“I didn’t want to admit I couldn’t do my job any more because I loved it.”
Amanda used strong pain medication to deal with her symptoms for five years after her diagnosis, but even as they got progressively stronger, they didn’t work.
She credits a referral to the NHS Centre for Integrative Care with turning things around.
“It gave me a new life,” she said. “It let me accept the condition was part of my life now.
“I did cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness and that really started to change things. I’m not anti-medication, but it just didn’t work for me.
“I thought my life was over when I was diagnosed and that’s why I want to do something big for this anniversary.”
Amanda now works as a wellbeing and creativity coach through her own business, The Butterfly Room.
She has numerous qualifications in subjects like meditation, mindfulness, holistic pain management, crystal therapy and therapeutic arts coaching.
She has a space inside What If on Moss Street, which is a social enterprise promoting creativity and well-being.
Amanda hopes her challenge will raise awareness and money for the national charity Fibromyalgia UK, which is based in Paisley.
She said: “For most people, walking a mile a day isn’t a big deal but for people with a chronic condition it is. It’s an extra thing to take into account when planning my days and how many clients I’m seeing.”
She added: “One of the reasons I want to raise awareness is that I was very well looked after.
“I had friends who pointed me in the right direction for support and a supportive GP who believed me. My employers at the time were also fantastic and very supportive.
“Not everyone will have that, so I want people to know there is support out there.”
To support Amanda’s fundraising, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-mckinlay-walk
And to follow her progress and find out more about fibromyalgia, go to www.facebook.com/TheButterflyRoomPaisley
One of the reasons I want to raise awareness is that I was very well looked after