You have been living with constant pain and, after what is probably many months of testing and doctor’s appointments, you have finally been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. You have been given prescriptions to take and then nothing seems the same. You really need someone to talk to who can understand what you are going through and finding the right support group can be the key to getting a handle on this very complicated disease.
The first and easiest outlet for information is, of course, online. Just like you are reading this now, there are people out there who have created wonderful blogs sharing their journey with fibromyalgia and how it has affected their lives. Writing about your personal journey will help you feel more understood and recognize the fact that your life is just as meaningful as it always was. It is so important to remember that, although you now have to live with a disorder that is still not fully understood, you are not alone. There are many people out there that understand what is happening to you who have blogs for fibromyalgia support. A particularly helpful site is Fibro Haven. They have the motto “learn, laugh, love, and above all live” which pretty much sums up everything you need to remember when having to live with something like fibromyalgia. (Rusnak, 2010)
Fibro Haven also has a support group on Facebook. Their plan is to create a community of understanding and support for anyone that is learning to live with fibromyalgia. (Rusnak D. &., 2010)
The National Fibromyalgia Association has a network of support groups across the United States. They stress the importance of being a part of a support group. They can provide the opportunity to reach out to others who have faced a similar situation and learn from their experiences. (Convio, 2010) They have a complete state by state listing of support group meetings and their locations on their web site. Also included at this site is a link to each city and the specific group you might be interested in joining. The National Fibromyalgia Association also has a Facebook component for their support group network. (Convio, 2010)
NFP is The National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc., and it’s the largest non-profit, group serving fibromyalgia sufferers in the United States. This organization maintains a data base of support organizations from all over the world. The listings include contact information and details on available programs and activities. From this site, you can request a written copy of a list of all the organizations involved in fibromyalgia support. (Russell Rothenberg, 2010)
Life with Fibromyalgia can be a challenging proposition. But you can be proactive by taking action. Your doctor is your most important resource but maintaining contact with people who really understand what you are going through can be just a important. You have options and becoming a member of a support group whether online or at regular meetings near you is an important step in maximizing those options.
Works Cited
Convio. (2010). National Fibromyalgia Association. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Support Group Directory: http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_supportGroupDirectory
Rusnak, D. &. (2010). Facebook. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Fibrohaven: http://www.facebook.com/FibroHaven
Rusnak, D. M. (2010). Blog Haven. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Fibro Haven: http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/fibromyalgia-haven/095b3c00c1669e203f2f2c7fac7918df
Russell Rothenberg, M. (2010). National Fibromyalgia Partnership. Retrieved February 3, 2010, from Online News Group: http://www.fmpartnership.org/FMPartnership.htm