Kate Morrison lends voice to ending the stigma of chronic pain

October 19, 2011

It’s known as the invisible pain disorder, but Kate Morrison wants to share her spotlight with the muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue that is all too real to those who suffer from it.
The singer songwriter first became affiliated with the regional fibromyalgia association AFE (Association de la fibromyalgie de l'Estrie) in 2008 when she was asked to sing for the 15th anniversary of the group on Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.
“In my own life I know what it is like to have pain and what it’s like to be suffering but no one can really see it,” she said.
Although diagnosed with the chronic disorder in 1989, Morrison had never been treated for it and she found herself questioning her symptoms.
“When I talked to people about it, I was never sure if I really had it or if it was something else. It’s a hard disorder to diagnose too because it resembles so many other illnesses and there are no biological markers for doctors to detect it. You can’t tell if someone has fibromyalgia from a blood test.”
In addition to pain and fatigue, those suffering from fibromyalgia have difficulty sleeping, they feel stiff in the morning, have metabolic problems and their symptoms change day by day.
Also suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Morrison is all too familiar with the pain that she suffers through silently as she carries out her daily tasks.
When she became AFE’s official spokesperson last year she made it her mission to use her voice and creativity to help others understand fibromyalgia, a condition that is more common among women, and chronic pain. Her first major project was to collaborate with the group on a documentary film to help demystify fibromyalgia.
“There is still a common misconception that it's all in your head but it's not. The pain is very real,” she explained.
Launched last June, "Fibromyalgia step by step'' follows Esther as she tackles her daily activities while trying to cope with the disorder.
The French film, with English subtitles, also features experts such as CHUS neurophysiologist Serge Marchand, family physician Pierre Arsenault and psychologist Claude Sarrazin who explain the physical effects of the disorder, what triggers it and how to deal with it.
“It's innovative and done with a gentleness,” said Morrison. “It’s become something that people in the health profession can use to help those suffering and their families, better understand the disorder.”
While the documentary was progressing, Morrison was inspired to put her musical talents to use and try to convey a supportive message by song.
“I though I could write a song about fibro and chronic pain to help encourage those living with the disorder. So I met with people going through this and talked to them,” she said. “They all had such different stories.”
Morrison is extremely proud of the end product, ''Les mots des maux'' / ''The Words We Weep'', which she had recorded for the association to use as their theme song.
“When I try to write songs I try to find metaphor’s that will make the message mean more to those listening. This was different and more challenging for me because usually I write in English then translate it into French but this one I did it the other way around.”
While Morrison continues on her mission, she is also trying to make sure the English speaking community is aware of the information and assistance available through AFE’s centre at 1013 Galt West in Sherbrooke.
While the majority of AFE’s activities are in French, Morrison says the group does welcome English speakers and hosts a variety of workshops and activities including aqua-fibro (exercises in warm water), taï chi, monthly coffee meetings and conferences, for its members.
“The door is always open for anyone who needs information,” she said adding that the centre isn’t just there for sufferers. “There’s a stigma with fibromyalgia and it's important to dispel it. I’ve seen husbands and friends come in to the centre looking for information so they can understand what this person in their lives is going through. Its not a disorder that effects just one person.”
For more information visit www.fibromyalgie.ca or call 819-566-1067.