AN INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS STUDY ON THE EXPERIENCES OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH FIBROMYALGIA IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Individuals with fibromyalgia must negotiate the journey from symptom onset to living life post-diagnosis. That journey is typically difficult because fibromyalgia has an uncertain aetiology, occurs without a clearly identifiable disease process, and is largely resistant to treatment. Consequently, individuals often report scepticism and invalidation, but whether that is the experience of individuals in Singapore remains uncertain – there is a paucity of local studies on fibromyalgia. Six individuals living with fibromyalgia in Singapore were engaged in semi-structured interviews conducted over email. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to cohere their responses into five themes: Participants described living with a constellation of unpredictable, uncontrollable, and limiting symptoms; the highs and lows as they searched for a diagnosis that was only useful for some; their personal approach to alleviating symptoms using multiple strategies; the pains of being invalidated and the struggles to be heard and seen by others; and their process of healing and reconnecting to a fulfilling life. These themes overlap with those reported in Western countries, especially the difficulty in being diagnosed, the somewhat autobiographical nature of symptoms and treatments, and the scepticism and invalidation from medical professionals, colleagues, friends and family. The communication struggles, especially with medical professionals, highlight that fibromyalgia is poorly understood and recognised in Singapore. More awareness in Singapore is needed as support and understanding from others are pivotal in helping individuals lead fulfilling life alongside fibromyalgia.