The music you are listening to is called 'Let it Be' by the Beatles

RJ's Fibromyalgia Help and Support
You are not Alone

Please come in and sit down

This page is dedicated to my sister Debbie and Deb, my angel friend, and all other Fibromyalgia sufferers

Hi. My name is Rosanne and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia two years ago. This is after battling back from a motor vehicle accident where I was a passenger in a car. Since the time I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I have had to go on disability as I can not work. My life has been turned upside down due to this illness but I try to have as positive an attitude about it as I can.

With this page I hope to be able to help others that have Fibromyalgia or have it's symptoms but no name yet for what it is. I draw on my own personal experience and don't claim to have all the answers as I am not a medical professional. Please see your physician for a diagnosis.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

General

widespread pain in arms, legs, back, chest, hands, feet, and even cheekbones and jaws
sleep disorders that consist of constant interuptions of deep, restful sleep which causes profound chronic fatigue
stiffness all over and morning stiffness that can take up to an hour or two to wear off
depression do to low levels of serotonin in the brain

Mental and Emotional Problems

memory blanks
word mix-ups
confusion
trouble concentrating
panic attacks
forgetfulness

This is constantly referred to by sufferers as fibro-haze.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by two criteria.

Widespread pain for at least three months
A number of tender points found in precise locations on the body

For a diagnosis the criteria of tender points must be 11 of 18 known tender points only found in Fibromyalgia. A "tender point" is a specific point on the body that really hurts when pressure is applied to it. The best person to diagnose Fibromyalgia is a Rheumatologist. You will probably need a referral because they are specialist in their field of medicine.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms because there is no cure for this. It is also an individual thing. What helps one person might not help another.

Medication: -prescribed to improve sleep, depression, and relieve pain
Excercise: -tailored to individual ability, has been found to improve symptoms
Pillows that Provide Neck Support: -this can help avoid pain while sleeping from emanating from the neck and back
Massage, Heat, and Rest: -often will relieve pain temporarily
Stress Management: -this includes counselling, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques
T.E.N.S Machine: -a small machine that sends small electrical shocks through electrodes attached to the skin into the muscle. It helps to relieve pain. Please do not use this unless you talk to your doctor or physical therapist first to show you how to use it.
Pain Clinics: -great place for learning coping strategies, stress management and support.

Outlook

Fibromyalgia affects two to five percent of the population. The ratio of women to men is eight to one. Children with fibromyalgia are often misdiagnosed as having 'growing pains'.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can be triggered by a number of factors. Those are:

a fall
auto accident
childbirth
puberty
hysterectomy
a viral infection

It can run in families suggesting a genetic predisposition. Hopefully with more research into its many aspects, more affective treatments will soon be found. Please lend your support and understanding to the thousands of people afflicted with this horrible illness. We need all the understanding you can give us. It's an everyday struggle just to get up in the morning and have a reason for doing so. The problem with Fibromyalgia is on the outside we don't look all that disabled but believe me this illness is a day to day struggle and we can't always do what we want or go where we want when we want. Believe us when we say it is not in our heads and that the pain is real. We need your support and understanding so much.

Comfort Corner

These are a collection of Prayers, Meditations, and Poetry that have a lot of meaning to me. They have helped me through some real rough times. I hope they will have the same meaning to you also. I will be adding more in the future so please check back often.

God grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.

He nurses them when they are sick,
and soothes all their pains and worries.
-Psalms 41:3

And their prayer, if offered in faith,
will heal him, for the Lord will make him well.
-James 5:15

Resource Information

Below is a list of books, booklets and videos that I think you will find useful

Booklets

'Coping with Fibromyalgia' by Beth Edigar
'Fibromyalgia: Fighting Back' by Bev Spencer
'The Fibromyalgia Syndrome' by Mary Anne Saathoff
'Getting the Most out of Your Medication' by Kristen Thorson

Books

'The Fibromyalgia Help Book' by Jenny A. Fransen
'Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired' by Paul J Donghue and Mary E Seigal
'Fibromyalgia: Managing the Pain' by Dr. Mark J. Pellegrino

Videos

'Fibromyalgia: Face to Face' (14 minutes)
'Fibromyalgia: What do We Know' (30 minutes)
'What's New in Fibromyalgia' (7 video set)

Many of these books, booklets, and videos can be found in your local library. Another source of information is the Arthritis Society. They usually have a Fibromyalgia Association.

I hope I have helped at least one person that visits this page. I hope you come away feeling like you are not alone and have the information and resources that will help you to understand this and go on. This will make my own journey on the road to feeling better just that much easier. Please visit this page often. Consider it a place of refuge when your not feeling good and are fed up. I will add more information and I will update as time permits. Thanks for coming.

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There Are Angels Here
Please Help Me to Get Home
RJ's World of Star Trek

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