Living with Fibromyalgia
Kirsty Young spent a ‘long time’ in pain before being diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Photograph courtesy of The Guardian: Ashley Coombes/Shutterstock for Edinburgh TV Festival
Exploring the Loneliness and Struggle of Living with Chronic Pain and the Hope of Emerging Treatments Like rTMS
The debilitating impact of chronic pain can be challenging for others to fully understand. Recently, the broadcaster Kirsty Young opened up about her experience of living with fibromyalgia, shedding light on the physical and emotional toll that these conditions can have on an individual. In a candid interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Young described the deep isolation, sense of failure, and reluctance to discuss her struggles with those around her. Her words resonate with many who are silently enduring the invisible burden of chronic pain. With emerging treatments such as rTMS now available in some chronic pain clinics, is there finally light at the end of the tunnel?
The Hidden Struggles of Chronic Pain
Kirsty Young, best known as the former host of Desert Island Discs, revealed that her decision to step back from her role in 2018 was driven by her battle with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and severe fatigue. For Young, her chronic pain was a “private horror,” something she rarely spoke about even with close colleagues and friends. Her reluctance to share her experience is a common theme among those living with invisible illnesses. There is often a pervasive sense of shame and self-consciousness, as Young poignantly described, that makes people hesitant to reach out for support.
This feeling of isolation is further compounded by societal perceptions and the misunderstanding of conditions like fibromyalgia. Despite being a recognised medical condition, fibromyalgia is often met with scepticism, as Young herself experienced when a doctor “snorted” at her suggestion that she might have it. The dismissal of such chronic pain conditions can leave patients feeling invalidated and overlooked by the healthcare system, increasing their sense of loneliness.
The Importance of Taking Chronic Pain Seriously
Young’s story highlights a crucial point: the healthcare system must take chronic pain seriously. With chronic pain affecting millions of people worldwide, it is essential that it is not merely dismissed with heavy doses of painkillers or antidepressants. While these medications can play a role in managing symptoms, a more holistic and targeted approach is needed to address the complexity of chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
As Young noted, failing to adequately address chronic pain can place further strain on already overstretched healthcare services. When patients are not given the right support early on, they may experience a worsening of symptoms, leading to more frequent visits to doctors and increased demand on the healthcare system. Access to a fibromyalgia pain specialist or a dedicated fibromyalgia pain clinic can be instrumental in ensuring patients receive the right care and support.
Emerging Hope: rTMS as a Treatment for Fibromyalgia
While it is often said that there is no cure for fibromyalgia, promising new treatments are emerging that offer hope to those suffering from chronic pain. One such treatment is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive therapy that is gaining attention for its potential to cause significant and life-changing improvements in all aspects of fibromyalgia.
rTMS works by using electromagnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with pain perception and mood regulation. For patients with fibromyalgia, rTMS has shown positive results in reducing pain intensity, improving sleep quality, reducing depression and anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life. As research continues to develop, rTMS is becoming a viable treatment option that could provide much-needed relief without the side effects associated with traditional pain medications.
Unlike medication-based treatments, rTMS offers a non-drug alternative that can be particularly appealing to those who are wary of relying on long-term medication. It also holds potential benefits for individuals like Kirsty Young, who have faced both chronic pain and the accompanying emotional toll that it brings. For those suffering from neuropathic pain, hypermobility pain, or conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, specialist-led treatments such as rTMS and other emerging therapies could be life-changing.
Light on the Horizon
Kirsty Young’s honest discussion about living with fibromyalgia serves as a reminder of the often invisible yet profound impact of chronic pain. For those who feel isolated in their struggle, hearing a public figure express these shared experiences can be a source of comfort and solidarity. Her call for the healthcare system to take chronic pain seriously is timely, particularly as emerging treatments like rTMS offer new avenues for relief.
As awareness of conditions like fibromyalgia grows and treatments evolve, there is hope that more people will find the support they need to reclaim a better quality of life. At The BrainWave Clinic, we specialise in innovative treatments for chronic pain, including rTMS therapy, and offer expert care for fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and hypermobility-related pain. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain, our experienced team is here to help and discuss treatment options.