The day was warm but overcast and the fourth America's Cup race had been cancelled. What better conditions for travelling? And they did! On Saturday, 22 February 2003, 67 people attended the inaugural meeting of a Fibromyalgia Support Group for Rodney~Hibiscus Coast.

Held under the auspices of Arthritis New Zealand, Convenor Kerri St George and Health Educator Pam Antill welcomed the large group of people and introduced the guest speaker: Dr Terry Macedo, a diagnostic rheumatologist practicing in a Remuera, Auckland clinic.

Dr Macedo led the people through an interesting presentation, which was an abridged version of one that he normally gives to General Practitioners and other associated professional people.

He explained that there were many aspects of Fibromyalgia which go beyond the medical elements and he could only touch on some of these. It is because of the many myths about fibro that there are a number of misunderstandings in the community which he would try and dispel.

With this he took us to the ACR or American College of Rheumatologists Definition of fibromyalgia, which was clarified in 1989-90. Characterised by widespread symmetrical chronic pain in the muscles, fibromyalgia is defined by the presence of 18 tenderpoints in various parts of the body.

Fibromyalgia may occur alone as in primary fibromyalgia, where there is no other rheumatic condition. However, in secondary fibro it may occur as a result of an event or as a result of another associated condition. Strikingly, it may be the result of a genetic or familial inheritance.

It is particularly important that the condition is carefully diagnosed as it may be easily confused with 4/5 similar conditions which can all be successfully treated. Fibro at present may be relieved by some medications but by far the most successful treatment is gained through a person's education and knowledge, leading to their self-management. Gentle exercise, diet and physical therapy are fundamental and particularly vital to obtaining a good quality life.

The importance of people's attitudes and understanding from relatives, carers and friends cannot be underestimated. However, it is by reducing a person's dependence on passive treatment or medications, and encouraging healthy illness behaviour and the development of coping skills, which is encouraged. The many gentle forms of relaxation and stress management, along with the person finding an appropriate therapy for themselves is the best course of long-term management.

Belonging to a support group could help in this self-management. Everyone agreed and with the volunteering of people to help manage a group, a course was set to meet again in the future. An online noticeboard and newsletters are available nationally and notices of future meetings will be publicly advertised.