I'M glad to see the Evening Advertiser giving publicity to an 'ignored' illness, fibromyalgia.

I was told by a doctor 15 years ago that I had this illness in a throwaway remark with the comment that nothing could be done to ease what can only be described as a severe muscular toothache that never goes away.

When you struggle to get out of bed, put socks on or try to bend down, you realise that any information is worth its weight in gold. For example I did not know until it appeared in your article that bad sleeping habits was an important factor.

I understand from American internet sites there are tests to determine the degree of illness but have yet to find a local doctor who can spot the symptoms.

There does not appear to be a local Fibromyalgia support group as this would enable sufferers to get together and publicise this very real illness that has a dramatic but not visual effect on those with it.

JOHN ALLEN

Templars Firs

Wootton Bassett

Swindon