Residents suffering from chronic pain are helping each other cope. A chronic pain support group meets every second week in residents’ homes, alternating between Robindale and Berario. Once per month a guest speaker, such as a physiotherapist, discusses chronic pain. The group stays positive, telling jokes, while sharing coping methods and stories of their struggle.
Group members lend each other massage machines, smooth cloths (for stroking the skin), ointments, gadgets and other tools that lessen the pain. Tea, coffee and snacks are sometimes served, and a “library” of helpful books are available to borrow. Currently, most of the group suffer from fibromyalgia, a disorder characterised by widespread muscle pain, fatigue and increased pain sensations.
“We usually keep it simple because no one feels well,” said the group’s organiser Ineke Erasmus. “When it gets bad you don’t know where to go. You don’t see us because we hide in our beds. But we say come and see, come and listen [to the group].”
Details: Ineke Erasmus 072 247 5443, Vanthi Knight 074 138 6037.
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