Fibromyalgia Network

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/20/2007 at 11:06AM

Fibromyalgia can affect every aspect of your life, including your relationships. It’s important to develop a strong network of support to help you cope with the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of this condition. As part of this support group, you should seek out a Fibromyalgia network that can connect you with others who can empathize with your condition. A Fibromyalgia network found at www.fibromyalgia-support.org can help improve your life in a number of ways:

Improves Your Quality of Life: Fibromyalgia can change or limit your physical and emotional life. It can be difficult to remember what life was like before you became a "Fibromyalgia sufferer." Connecting with others who have been in your position can help you remember that there are many aspects of your life that are not affected by your condition. Your values, your character, your imagination, your generosity, and your creativity are just a few of the factors of your life that are not disabled by Fibromyalgia.
Uncover New Skills and Talents: People who suffer from Fibromyalgia tend to focus quite a bit on the skills, talents, and activities that they can no longer do. But a Fibromyalgia network can connect you with other people who have Fibromyalgia and still continue to try new activities and skills. Through you Fibromyalgia network you may discover new talents and skills that you never even knew you had.
Increase Self Esteem: Fibromyalgia can be a very debilitating condition, not just physically, but emotionally as well. It can be difficult to constantly rely on others for help with physical tasks. Many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia have low self-esteem as result. A strong Fibromyalgia network can help you put your problems in perspective. And through the network, you meet even meet other Fibromyalgia sufferers that need emotional support from you. There's nothing better for your self-esteem than helping others in need.
Take Control: The pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia can make you feel like you have completely lost control. It is so important for you to take control of some aspect of your life. And a Fibromyalgia network can help you accomplish this by putting you in touch with others who have been where you are. Whether you decide to run the church choir, or create a beautiful herb garden, you can share your success with those in your network.
Understand Your Symptoms: Fibromyalgia seems to affect so many aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be difficult to understand which symptoms are actually caused by your condition, and which ones are actually cause for concern. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can sometimes mimic or mask the symptoms of other conditions. You should keep in close contact with your health care provider, to inform him or her about the status of your symptoms. But a Fibromyalgia network can also give you a better idea about which symptoms you should pay closer attention to.
Manage Your Time: It can be very difficult to manage day to day activities along with the pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia. A good Fibromyalgia network can help you connect with others who have been in a similar situation and can offer tips, ideas, and suggestions for effectively prioritizing your tasks and accomplishing the necessary tasks.
Take Care of Yourself: Caring for your medical needs can seem like a full-time job. You need the support of a Fibromyalgia network to remind you to take care of yourself beyond your medical condition. What are the other interests or needs in your life? What do you want to do more or less of?
Evaluate Your Health Care Professional: Fibromyalgia can be subjective in its symptoms and its diagnosis. And it can be very difficult to find a health care provider who thoroughly understands your condition. Talking with others in your Fibromyalgia network can give you a better idea of quality of recommendations your health care provider is offering.

There are a number of informative sources that can help you learn more about your condition and connect you with others who can empathize with your symptoms, your feelings, your frustrations, and your successes. Here are some good sites to learn more about Fibromyalgia, and to strengthen your Fibromyalgia network.

The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Network: This organization is dedicated to research, education, and patient advocacy. (http://www.afsa.org).
The American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This is a non-profit organization that promotes physician education and increased awareness of chronic fatigue syndrome. (http://www.aacfs.org)
The American Massage Therapy Association can assist you in finding a good massage therapist in your area. (http://www.amtamassage.org)

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