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 up”.
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.
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From the 1990s, Francis started to have trouble walking and began to forget people’s names (including family members). He sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME), and several years afterwards, fibromyalgia. Francis thinks that doctors struggled to diagnose him with fibromyalgia because it was a “new phenomenon”. Francis found this early period really difficult; he was in extreme pain and felt very suicidal.
After the diagnosis, he was referred to a physiotherapist. Francis has also been using alternative therapies such as bio-energetic medicine (which includes taking tailor-made vitamins and minerals) over the years. Whilst Francis feels that the doctors “do their best”, he thinks that doctors and complementary therapists should “work together a lot more” to better support people with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia has affected Francis in various ways. His family life was turned “upside-down”, and he had to give up activities he enjoyed (including squash, soccer and swimming). However, he feels the pain is not as bad as it was 30 years ago, and no longer needs to use a wheelchair. Francis continued to be self-employed up until his retirement. However, at one point he had to apply for benefits for medical reasons, causing him concern about being able to pay his bills. He felt that his doctor did not respond well to his worries which made the process more difficult.
Although Francis has struggled with fibromyalgia, as well as other health problems over the years, he considers himself “lucky” and is “glad to be here”. He states that his humour has helped him not to give up. Francis also feels happy about what he is “capable of doing now”. He has discovered an interest in nature, and regularly goes out to take pictures of wildlife. His advice to other people with fibromyalgia would be “Don’t give up. There must be a cure around the corner.”
Francis was frustrated as he experienced some difficulties in claiming for benefits.
Francis was frustrated as he experienced some difficulties in claiming for benefits.
And the first of all, when I was seeking benefits I thought I’d committed a murder. And, but I told everybody it’s all right for them getting their [smiles], their salaries, but I’ve got bills to pay as well which is very important.
Just coming back a bit, so you talked about earlier, you know, that it had been a bit of a difficulty with the benefits. Can you tell me a bit about that, what made it difficult?
My doctor.
What do you mean with your doctor?
My doctor was the main one. I’m, I wrote him a letter and I just said, “It’s all right for you and your fantastic salary and your expenses. But I’ve got to pay the bills.” It’s really ludicrous that the way we’re behaving, even today, people are struggling. They’ve got to eat, they’ve got to pay the bills. I know, I’m not complaining, really. There’s people worse off than me.
Francis says that “you mustn’t give up.”
Francis says that “you mustn’t give up.”
Yes. I couldn’t turn a page of a book or a newspaper. But over the years… and the medication, the vitamins and minerals it subsided. I was told to keep on thinking and walking, and sadly, in the last week my walking ability has deteriorated a little bit. But you, you can see, my speech is not good just now [smiles], the longer I go on, but my enemies say, “Thank goodness his mouth is shut.” [laughs] Aye. Now [coughs], that’s a sad remark but you’ve got to have humour in your life. You mustn’t give up. That’s my message, no matter what…
What helps you not to give up?
Humour. Humour. Our world can be a cruel place but it also can be a beautiful place, be strong. That’s my message.