Two fibromyalgia sufferers are hoping to bring relief and education to others who live with the syndrome by forming a support group.

Joan Evans and Lauriejean Jones both suffer from fibromyalgia, a condition that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons and creates debilitating pain throughout the body in otherwise seemingly healthy people.

The cause of the syndrome is still unknown.

"We want to start a group to get the information out about fibromyalgia so that hopefully we are giving someone relief," said Ms Evans who was diagnosed with the syndrome two-and-a-half years ago.

Ms Jones said the support group would be an "umbrella" organisation offering information and education for fibromyalgia sufferers.

She was diagnosed with the syndrome five years ago but she suspects she has suffered from it since puberty.

"I had to do so much research for myself so this group will help educate people on therapies that can help and what they need to avoid," she said.

Ms Jones started a reflexology studio, Unique Touch Complementary Healthcare, after she found the alternative medicine worked best for her symptoms.

"Alternative medicines seem to be the best help but each person has to find what helps them the most because there is no cure," she said.

Symptoms and treatments of fibromyalgia are different from individual to individual, Ms Evans said.

Acupuncture has helped her, she said, as well as staying away from certain foods such as white rice, pasta and ice cream.

Unfortunately, many people are not aware of how fibromyalgia affects the body and how much pain the syndrome causes in people who may look healthy.

Most patients affected by the syndrome are women, said Dr. Constance Richards but men can get fibromyalgia.

Symptoms can occur as early as age 16 but normally begin around age 30 or 40.

"The syndrome has been misconstrued and we're just starting to understand how this syndrome affects people," said Dr. Richards.

Fibromyalgia can be debilitating but it is not life threatening.

"You have to be positive and keep yourself motivated and don't give up and don't think you can't be helped you don't have to go through life in pain. Even though there is no cure there are avenues that can make it better," Ms Evans said

The support group also hopes to make employers more aware of the effects of the fibromyalgia.

"It's hard to explain to people how you're feeling they don't really understand and any stress can trigger the symptoms," Ms Evans said.

A meeting time has not been set but Ms Jones hoped the first meeting would be November 1 provided there is enough interest in starting the group.

People who suffer from fibromyalgia or have family members with the syndrome should call Lauriejean Jones at 296-6195 or Joan Evans at 234-0048 or 234-4559.