Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Francis

Francis started experiencing pain from the 1990s. Several years later, he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. He found the early years very difficult. His advice to other people with fibromyalgia would be don't give u.

  • Background

    Francis is 77 and married. He was self-employed before retiring. His speech is affected by a stroke he had two years ago. Ethnicity: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 77
  • Audra

    After experiencing pain for about two and a half years, Audra was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2018. Though she still tries to find out how best to manage the condition, Audra has found alternative therapies and staying as active as possible helpful.

  • Background

    Audra is 53 and a single mother of four adult children. She runs her own business. Ethnicity: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 53
  • Lisa

    Lisa was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2014 after experiencing pain for several years. Her advice to other people with fibromyalgia would be to stay strong as over time you will learn to manage it better.

  • Background

    Lisa is 40, single and a full-time administrator. Ethnicity: White Scottish

  • Age at interview 40
  • Bette

    Bette started experiencing pain more than 20 years ago, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist. Bette thinks she missed out on self-management support after her diagnosis and would benefit from a course to learn more coping strategies.

  • Background

    Bette is 63. She worked as a nurse before she had to retire early. Ethnicity: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 63
  • Chris

    Chris began noticing he had a lot of pain in his joints around 2000. In 2005 he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Chris's advice to other people with fibromyalgia is that it should not define you as a person, but to keep your mobility as much as possible.

  • Background

    Chris is 58 and married. Ethnicity: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 58
  • Lyn

    Lyn started experiencing pain around the age of 50 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by her GP. She would like to receive more advice from her doctors and thinks that she would benefit from a review around her treatment and support needs.

  • Background

    Lyn is 68 and married with an adult child. She works part-time as a street patrol crosser (lollipop lad) at the local school. Ethnicity: White British.

  • Age at interview 68
  • Melanie

    Melanie was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2012 after experiencing pain for several years. She has found ways to adapt to and manage everyday life better after going to a rehabilitation centre and seeing occupational therapists from her local council.

  • Background

    Melanie lives with her wife and young son. She is currently unable to work due to her disability. Ethnicity: White British

  • Mary

    Mary started experiencing pain many years ago. A rheumatologist diagnosed her then with fibromyalgia. After trying various treatments with limited success, she is hopeful that a referral to a homeopathic clinic offers a more holistic and helpful approach.

  • Background

    Mary is 59 and retired. Ethnicity: White English

  • Age at interview 59
  • Liz

    Liz started experiencing pain at 47 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia nine months later. Over the years, Liz has engaged with different ways to cope better with her condition. At times she finds having to rely on support from others frustrating.

  • Background

    Liz is 66 and is widowed with four adult children. She used to run her own hospitality business before retiring. Ethnicity: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 66
  • Julie

    Julie started experiencing extreme pain at 31. Many years later, after several referrals she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 45/46. Although she takes various medications, she is very frustrated as she still experiences extreme pain after 17 years.

  • Background

    Julie is 48, single, and has long-standing disabilities. She teaches music part-time. Ethnicity: White English

  • Age at interview 48