The chronic symptoms I suffered from were:

• Intense lumbago
• Intense cervical pains (pains in the neck)
  
• Intense sciatica (pains in the hips, legs and knees)
• Burning sensations and severe shooting pains along the back
• Chronic tiredness
• Migraines
• Very painful periods
• Bad digestion
• Nightly cramps and sudden jerks resulting in disturbed sleep
• Bad circulation
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the extremities
• Loss of concentration and memory
• Strong sensitivity to cold, humidity and air currents
• Pains in the chest, heart, breastbone and breasts
• Occasional difficulty in breathing
• Inevitably all of these symptoms produce a weakened immune system subject to many flus and colds.

After the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia was made I followed many therapies with determination and discipline because I had become a virtual invalid, although not acknowledged as such by the medical establishment. It was this scepticism and lack of understanding of the severity of my condition by the medical authorities that hindered and frustrated all my attempts to receive welfare benefits and financial aid. My application for invalidity benefits was not upheld and an application for a programme of professional re-training was also refused despite the fact that a medical Specialist had agreed to support it.

The system failed me at every turn. I had nothing more to lose and it seemed that this experience would be the biggest challenge of my life. I passionately wanted to be well - to be healed and so I embarked with determination on a lonely journey to accomplish this:-