Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Debbie started noticing symptoms about two years ago which gradually got worse over several months. In 2019, she was diagnosed. She has a very supportive friend who also has fibromyalgia, and she finds her local support group incredibly helpful.
Debbie is 30 and lives with her husband and school-aged daughter. She works part-time as a care assistant. Ethnicity: White Northern Irish
Martina started experiencing pain after a car accident in 1997 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia ten years later. She finds her local support group incredibly helpful, and over the years she has worked out how to manage her symptoms.
Martina is 46. She is unable to work due to her ill-health. Ethnicity: White Northern Irish
Karen experienced pain for several years before she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2017. She has her own Facebook page and hopes that she can raise awareness and help others by sharing what it's like to live with fibromyalgia.
Karen is 33 and studies towards a degree. Ethnicity: White British
Michael was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2018. He is concerned about a lack of information and guidance for patients with fibromyalgia. He thinks that those with the condition would benefit from having a care plan; and regular reviews with their GP.
Michael is 63. He had to retire early due to complex health issues. Ethnicity: White English
After experiencing pain for four years, Jacqueline was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist around 2000. She is active in a local support group that tries to support those living with fibromyalgia and educate others about the condition.
Jacqueline is 53, married and the mother of two adult children. She is retired. Ethnicity: White Irish
After first experiencing pain in 2018, Alexis was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist. Her advice to other people with fibromyalgia would be to ask health professionals about support groups when being diagnosed.
Alexis is 24 and single. She lives with her parents. Alexis works part-time as a church choir singer. Ethnicity: White English
Kristie was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2020 after experiencing pain for two years. Her advice to other people with fibromyalgia would be to be open with how you;re feeling, don't feel guilty about not feeling well, and just look after yourselfrdquo;.
Kristie is 32, single and lives with flat mates. She works full-time. Ethnicity: White English
Elsie experienced pain for several years before being diagnosed with fibromyalgia by her rheumatologist. She and her friends started a support group after feeling that there was nothing much being don to support people with fibromyalgia in their area.
Elsie is 58. She had to give up her work due to ill-health. Ethnicity: White English
After experiencing pain for about two years, Rachel was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2019. She attended a 12-week physiotherapy programme which she found useful. She thinks that sometimes one-one sessions may be better to discuss certain concerns.
Rachel is 31 and married. She works part-time as a senior research assistant. Ethnicity: White English
After experiencing pain and other symptoms for many years, Chrissie was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist. Although she finds it a difficult journe, Chrissie feels that it's one that you will get through some way or another
Chrissie is 27. Ethnicity: White British
