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More on KentOnline
An 18-year-old who quit her job after struggling with fibromyalgia is hoping to remove the stigma associated with the condition.
Paige Rabbitts from Herne Bay was diagnosed with the illness in November after experiencing extreme tiredness and muscle stiffness over the previous two years.
Before doctors realised she had fibromyalgia, she says her family did not sympathise with her.
Scroll down to hear from Paige Rabbitts
“I get aching pains all over my body,” she said.
“It’s constant but I do get flare ups of severe, unbearable pain every two weeks that can last for a week or two and sometimes even a month.
“It makes the little things that people take for granted really hard to do.
“My family didn't understand at first what I was going through with fibromyalgia.
"I was viewed as lazy and weak, so I didn’t get much sympathy from them.”
Treatment for fibromyalgia can involve taking a variety of medicines, antidepressants, undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy and psychological support. However, there is no cure.
Up until last month, Ms Rabbitts had been working as a cleaner at the Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Chestfield and Broomfield.
“I would come home from work and my legs would be so achey that I wouldn’t be able to sleep well,” she explained.
“The next day I would wake up late, still be tired and aching.”
As a result, Ms Rabbitts has set up a group - called Fibromyalgia Herne Bay - for those who are living with the condition to attend.
After establishing it earlier this month, more than 50 people have signed up and two meetings have been held.
“It’s important to be in a group with people who understand,” she added.
“It’ll be for people who suffer with the condition to advise others about it.”
