Gironde Breaks Silence on Taboo Disease
- La Réole,Gironde,France - A new association,"Les Tortues" (The Turtles),has launched in the historic city of La Réole,dedicated to supporting individuals living with fibromyalgia and other invisible illnesses.
- What: Launch of "Les Tortues," an association supporting people with fibromyalgia and invisible illnesses.
- The association's name, inspired by the turtle, reflects a deliberate approach to progress - "step by step," according to its founders.
new Association “Les Tortues” Offers Support for Fibromyalgia and Invisible Illnesses in la Réole,France
La Réole,Gironde,France – A new association,”Les Tortues” (The Turtles),has launched in the historic city of La Réole,dedicated to supporting individuals living with fibromyalgia and other invisible illnesses. Founded by Cédric Berthe and coordinated by Sophie Monchany and Sophie Jolivet Galy, the organization aims to provide resources and a community for those frequently enough navigating complex and isolating health challenges.
The association’s name, inspired by the turtle, reflects a deliberate approach to progress – “step by step,” according to its founders. This is particularly relevant given the chronic and often fluctuating nature of the conditions they aim to support. Fibromyalgia, affecting an estimated two million people in France, is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.Though, the scope of “Les Tortues” extends beyond fibromyalgia to encompass a broader range of “invisible disorders,” including those related to mental health such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Sophie Monchany, a trained therapist and co-coordinator, highlighted the difficulties many face in receiving a diagnosis. She recounted a personal experience: “She had just sold me a house. When I saw how she looked, I understood that she had fibro. She had been wandering around medically for a while, and no one had said anything about her problems.” This anecdote underscores the challenges of recognizing and validating these frequently enough-misunderstood conditions.
– drjenniferchen
The launch of “Les Tortues” is a significant growth for the La Réole community and beyond. Fibromyalgia, and the broader category of chronic invisible illnesses, present unique challenges to both patients and healthcare systems.The lack of objective diagnostic markers frequently enough leads to dismissal of symptoms, delayed diagnoses, and a sense of isolation for those affected. Support groups and patient-led organizations like this one are crucial for providing education, advocacy, and a sense of community. The focus on both physical and mental health aspects is particularly commendable, recognizing the interconnectedness of these conditions. The “step-by-step” approach is also wise; building enduring support networks takes time and careful planning.
The association plans to offer a range of workshops designed to help individuals better manage their illnesses. While specific workshop details haven’t been released, the focus will be on providing “the basics” and establishing “Les Tortues” as a key resource for those in need.
Here’s a breakdown of the prevalence of chronic pain conditions in France (data is illustrative, as precise figures fluctuate):
| Condition | Estimated Prevalence (France) |
|---|---|
| Fibromyalgia | ~2 million |
| Chronic Back Pain | ~15 million |
| Arthritis (various types) | ~10 million |
| Chronic Migraine | ~7 million |
The founders emphasize the insidious nature of chronic pain, noting that individuals often become accustomed to it, making it arduous to articulate the extent of their suffering. “what’s very hard is that you get used to the pain. Sometiems we can no longer feel it,” explains Sophie Jolivet Galy. “Les Tortues” aims to provide a safe and understanding space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and access the support they need to navigate the complexities of living with an invisible illness.