I have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, now thought to be a nervous system disorder, causes pain, muscle stiffness, sleep disorders, and fatigue. Other symptoms include irritable bowel, irritable bladder, in fact it has been referred to as the “irritable everything” syndrome. Treatment options include medication and supplements, massage therapy, chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy and biofeedback. If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, you may appreciate the following resources:
http://www.fmscommunity.org/ - Offering caring, sharing and understanding.
www.nfra.net (National Fibromyalgia Research Association)
http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer National Fibromyalgia Association – includes a list of support groups (including on line support groups) and access to their on line magazine, Fibromyalgia Aware. Registration is required to obtain access, but it’s free.
http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/ from the website: “Offering groups and resources for improving your quality of life as a person with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or fibromyalgia.” Includes on line courses, products and tips for managing CFS/FM.
Know Fibro – with Martha Beck – life coach, author, and fibromyalgia sufferer: http://knowfibro.com/index.jsp
For the latest research on fibromyalgia, visit www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/ Supplement purchases, available on their website, fund research.
If you’re a ‘babe’ with fibromyalgia, or other chronic illnesses, check this out: www.ChronicBabe.com
Canadian Pain Society: http://www.canadianpainsociety.ca/en/
Patients with fibromyagia, and other chronic illnesses, become experts in their own right. A significant number of them blog about their experiences. I’ve listed three blogs here, there are others on my blogroll under the category “Chronic Illness Blogs.”
Jolene blogs at http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com/ with honesty and compassion about her life with chronic pain.
Jenny at Cranky Fibro Girl http://www.jennyryan.com/ shows how a sense of humor helps you through the tough times. Her post You know you have fibro if” is awesome: http://www.jennyryan.com/?page_id=3673
Dot, who has fibromyalgia, and her Mom, who doesn’t, at Fibroworld http://www.fibroworld.com/talk about both sides of the coin: the caregiver and the patient and the struggles, joys and challenges of each.
