Hi to all members and those new to the blog - update: Monday 17 May 2010

As you may have been aware, Saturday 15 May was Fibromyalgia Day!  As a group which has recently formed, we did not arrange a funtion or awareness day this year however the initial group of members spread the word and we have a few more members resulting from their efforts - we hope to form a fundraising group who will look at marking FM day in the future as well as other fundraising and group events.  If you have any ideas do let us know.
This blog is for Stevenage FM Support Group members their carers, family and friends or anyone wishing to support and volunteer to assist with various tasks wherever expertise can be offered and to join in to meet the aims and objectives of the group, being to raise awareness of Fibromyalgia, support members, raise funds to promote the work of FM in general, and raise awareness especially to medical professionals, hospitals, clinics and other support groups in order to reach more people who would otherwise not be aware that there is a support group locally for their benefit and membership.  If anyone reading this would like more information these are the ways to get in touch:
email:  sgfmsg1@gmail.com  - members note new email, the original email will still redirect to the new one.
helpline:  08448 872 355
mobile:  07765601707 (for text and messages)
this blog:  'letsblogaboutfm'

Any volunteers in the group who would like to monitor and contribute useful and relevant info to this blog about every second week? Get in touch, help and support is needed to make the group a success.

best wishes,
Pam

letsblogaboutfm - petitions

Hi everyone,
Would be interesting to get feedback from all of you with regards to your thoughts on various petitions.  Often many petitions overlap each other, how are these petitions approached by government and how do you think responses to petitions successful or otherwise should be handled?   Are we just signing petitions for the sake of it?  Any real success stories out there?

Here's another one for our group: 
  http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/chronicpain/

    The petition was created by Mr Julian R Yon and reads:

    'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to recognise
    specifically that chronic pain and chronic fatigue cause
    incapacity for work.'

have a paced out day...
kind regards,

Pam Cantrell
SGFMSG

letsblogaboutfm - meeting up for coffee Tuesday 16th March 2010

Hi to everyone who has made contact,

Look forward to meeting you all soon!  Details of date time venue were emailed to you if you have indicated you are interested in joining this group, SGFMSG.  Please respond so I know who can attend. 

If you haven't yet made contact, live in Stevenage, Herts, or surrounding area, and would like to join the group, please email:  fmasupportgroupstevenage@gmail.com  giving your name, address, post code, contact home and mobile numbers, best time of the day to receive calls, and if possible the day and month of your birthday.  If you know of anyone who may benefit from this support group please spread the word.

best wishes,


Pam Cantrell
SGFMSG Group Leader
working with FMA UK
a registered charity. no. 1042582

100218 letsblogaboutfm - Having your say

Hi everyone,

Have your say about fibromyalgia and chronic pain - take a look and sign the petition before Aug 2010 at:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/chronicpain/

Wishing you all a painfree day,
kind regards
Pam Cantrell
FM Support Group Stevenage
working with FMA UK
Registered Charity No: 1042528

New Link for some useful reading

Hi Everyone,
With not being too well myself over the past week, I havent been able to make any progress or arrangements with a suitable date and venue for our first meet up, I am hoping our Regional Coordinator will be able to join us at the end of Feb but failing this, I am going to suggest we all meet up at a coffee bar in Stevenage.  I will send everyone who has made contact and given me their email addresses more about when this will happen and where by the end of next week.
In the meantime.... take a look at this link for some positive reading:
http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec2009/ortho1209.html

Please remember, you can contact me anytime on the group email of:  fmasupportstevenage@gmail.com and I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as I can or my mobile 07901668681.

kind regards
Pam Cantrell
Stevenage Group Leader
working with Fibromyalgia Assoc UK
registered charity No. 1042582

Useful video on Fibromyalgia - Susannes Story

http://www.nhs.uk/video/pages/medialibrary.aspx?Id={57FD82AA-781D-4AAA-A24C-AA8D15C483FE}&Uri=video/2009/May/Pages/Fibromyalgia.aspx

update and FREE live webinar on Kangen water

extract from email received: 

Invitation to a Live, Virtual, Kangen Water Demo - NO COST!

Hello Everyone,

I respect the fact that your time is extremely valuable and I want to deliver the information that you have requested in the most convenient way possible. I am inviting you to attend an online demonstration about Enagic and the Japanese technology that creates Kangen Water. This presentation is only around 45 minutes and is loaded with all of the information that you have been seeking about this life-changing technology and it's incredible benefits so that you can be well informed and empowered to create better health and longevity for yourself and your loved ones.

• Learn why it is important to alkalize, super-hydrate, and anti-oxidize your body
• Hear a dirty little secret about bottled water and how it is often worse than tap water
• Learn why many of the drinks that you consume daily are hurting you
• Learn why this technology is so important in today's world and how it works
• Experience a LIVE Presentation of our technology in streaming video
• Learn about the many benefits of drinking Kangen Water and how it can help restore health
• Hear what the Experts have to say about the Kangen Water technology
• Learn how easy it is to own a machine -AND- how to receive an immediate return on your investment

This Live Internet Event is offered to you at absolutely NO-COST or obligation!

We are doing this global event via webinar technology... It's easy to join and you can do this from the comfort and privacy of your own home! All that you need to join is a computer with a broadband internet connection.

To accept this invitation:

1. Visit KangenWebinar.com
2. Click on the presentation from the calendar that best fits your schedule.
3. Click on the link inside the event detail window to register
4. You will be sent via email all of the information you need to join.

We update the schedule every week... so do check back often and join us anytime you wish.

Hi everyone,
I was sent this link about ionised water for cfs and fibromyalgia. Would love to hear what others think.

http://www.water-for-health.co.uk/index.php/Alkaline-Water-in-the-Treatment-and-Prevention-of-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome.html

or email: fmasupportstevenage@gmail.com

Pam

100207 letsblogabout..... pain gone pen

Hello everyone,

Has anyone else tried this?

I ordered the 'pain gone' pen a few days ago, so I've only tried it a few times and already I feel there is already definitely some benefit of pain relief! It's small enough to keep in your bag, ready to use whenever or wherever you may be. No batteries, leads or refills!! and no I'm not a sales rep for the pen!!!

If anyone would like more info and where to order from let me know....

kind regards
Pam Cantrell
FM Support Group Stevenage

100121letsblogaboutFM

Hi everyone,
2 new contacts this week, and our new regional co-ordinator will be joining us at a meeting soon.
Please do get in touch, send me your details, if you are interested in joining the Stevenage FM Support Group. We aim to be there for each other.

email: fmasupportstevenage@gmail.com
Stevenage Help line telephone number to follow soon.

Kind regards,
Pam

Hi everyone,
Just to let you know... the news is circulating.... about this new fibromyalgia support group... and as soon as there are sufficient numbers to warrant arranging a meeting and get together, I will email those who have indicated their interest to arrange.

"Working with FMAUK

Registered Charity 1042582"

If you have other ideas on fundraising and fm support for sufferers, caregivers, family, friends do get in touch on fmasupportstevenage@gmail.com

best wishes,
Pam

100104letsblogaboutFM

Hi this is the first posting for the newly formed fibromyalgia support group in Stevenage, Hertfordshire UK.
This support group has been set up for fibromyalgia sufferers, their carers, family and friends to share information and support.
The group being brand new has yet to set up an initial meeting, but watch this space.....
If you are interested in joining please email me on
fmasupportstevenage@gmail.com
The group has been set up to provide support to the Stevenage area, but all are welcome to contact me, and I will do my best to pass on to you your nearest support group's contact details.

Group Co-Ordinator
Pam