Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is characterised by longstanding persistent wide spread pain. While each individual patient’s history and presentation vary, early intervention and a tailored patient centred management approach can improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Fibromyalgia SA provides information, education and support for people living with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), their families, carers and service providers.

Regular meetings are held throughout the year with guest speakers from different areas of the medical profession, other support services and alternative therapies.  Click here for dates and times.


Additional meetings set for 2011 are:
20th March - Kaye Kenefick, discussing 'Movement, Exercise and Living well with FMS'
3rd July - Physiotherapist, Julie Peacock discussing 'Managing Chronic Pain'
16th October - Rheumatologist, Dr Richard Kwiatek discussing reports on current research into Fibromyalgia

If you would like to attend, please register by phoning Arthritis SA (08) 8379 5711.


Meetings are held at:
Arthritis Foundation of SA
118 Richmond Road, Marleston SA 5033
Phone: (08) 8379 5711

Quarterly meetings.

FMSA also facilitates education workshops / seminar presentations. These include:
.  The Lay-Person's Guide to Making Sense of Fibromyalgia
.  Coping with Movement
.  Pain & FMS Management Workshops
.  Introduction to Fibromyalgia (pre Moving Towards Wellness) Module
.  Fibromyalgia & Chronic Disease Self Management (post Moving Towards Wellness) Module.

These presentations enable those affected by FMS to gain a greater understanding of the condition and develop better management strategies.  Please click here for dates and times of the next presentation.

Membership Details
Membership includes copies of "FM Tender Points Newsletter", the quarterly newsletter for our group.  Concession membership is available.  Please make enquiries;
Phone Arthritis SA on 8379 5711
Country free call on 1800 011 041
email info@arthritissa.org.au

Telephone Help Line
For advice and support please phone between 9.30am - 3.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Phone Arthritis SA on 8379 5711
Country free call on 1800 011 041

Tuesday afternoons from 1.00 pm are particularly recommended as you can speak to someone who has Fibromyalgia themselves. 

Support is also available via email: fibromyalgia@arthritissa.org.au

Library
A comprehensive range of books are available for loan from the Arthritis SA library
Borrowing privileges extend to members only, in both urban and rural areas (postal services available).

Moving Towards Wellness Course
For people with chronic conditions including Fibromyalgia, who want to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to effectively manage and control their condition
6 weeks x 2.5 hours

Click here  for further information on Self Management Courses




Lupus / Scleroderma/ Sjögren's Syndrome SA
This group was formed in 1980 to provide ongoing support, information and education to those who suffer from Lupus, Scleroderma or Sjögren's Syndrome and to their families and carers.

Due to the complex nature of autoimmune diseases our aim is to better assist our members in understanding their conditions and how to manage it successfully.

The support group has regular monthly meetings throughout the year with guest speakers from different areas of the medical profession, other support services and alternative therapies. These meetings are open to members, their carers and families.


2011 LSS Support Group meetings
Thursday 17th March 10.30am - Kylie Maher, author 'Shedding the Layers'
Tuesday 10th may 7.30pm - Dr Geetha Chandran, Rheumatologist
Thursday 15th September 10.30am - Dr Robbin Geddes, Rhematologist
Tuesday 11th October 7.30pm - A practical session with Jenni Brown, Podiatrist and Occupational Therapist
Thursday 17th November 10.30am - Christmas morning tea


All meetings are held at;
Arthritis Foundation of SA
118 Richmond Road, Marleston S.A. 5033
Phone: (08) 8379 5711

We also have regular sharing and discussion groups, where members (and their carers) with similar conditions can share experiences.

For those who need "one on one" time or have special needs, telephone advisers are available by contacting the Arthritis Foundation Telephone Advisory Service on 8379 5711, or country call 1800 011 041 between 9.30am - 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

There is also a support group that meets at Goolwa for people living in the Fleurieu Peninsula please contact the Arthritis Foundation for details.

Membership Details
Membership includes copies of "Connective Issues", the quarterly newsletter for our group
Some health funds will refund part costs of membership fees
Concession membership available, please make enquiries
• Phone Arthritis SA on 8379 5711
• Email info@arthritissa.org.au

Library
A comprehensive range of books are available for loan from the Arthritis SA library
Borrowing privileges extend to members only

Fact Sheets
A variety of fact sheets are available, free of charge, including a list of Rheumatologists and Immunologists who have expressed an interest in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma and Sjögren's Syndrome
• Email advisors@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your postal address in email)

Question and Answer Booklet on Sjögren's Syndrome
Available from Arthritis SA or support group meetings
• Phone Arthritis SA on 8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
• Cost is $5 plus $1 postage

We do not endorse products or recommend treatments. Information obtained via the web is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Arthritis SA recommends that you consult your doctor about specific medical conditions.



Paget's Disease
The Paget's Disease of the Bone Support Group provides information, friendship and mutual support for those living with this condition.

The group meets three times a year at Arthritis SA at Fullarton. Each meeting features a guest speaker and an opportunity to discuss particular issues related to this disease.

Families and carers are most welcome as are newly diagnosed. The support group also distributes its own newsletter, available to members.

Click here for meeting dates or for more information or membership details please call Arthritis SA during office hours on 8379 5711 or country free call 1800 011 041.