Cotton Alley Home
CD Trading
Bearsville, NY
Folk Tour 2000
Town Hall, NYC
Me
FM
Motherland
Music
Movies
TV
Writing
Tour Info
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a little known chronic illness that strikes many women and is similar to arthritis, lupus, Lyme's disease, etc. Because it is an "invisible" disease (ie little or no physical effects), it is often dismissed as being "all in the head". In fact, it is a real, very painful syndrome-I know; I have it! Over the last few years there has finally been some discussion/legislation about it, but we need your help! Please stop by the NFRA site to see what you can do to help. They currently take donations, and EVERY CENT goes to research for "education, treatment, and finding a cure for FM".
Treating FM can be time consuming (trying numerous different medications to determine side effects, potency, etc) and quite costly. Here is what I find works well for me:
These drugs & vitamins, while often effective, are quite costly. A 30 count bottle of SAM-e retails at about $40. Ultram (available by prescription only) is one of the few pain relieving drugs I have found truly effective in the long run; however it is also one of the most expensive. Health insurance plans (especially HMOs) typically try to encourage you to avoid such medicines due to their cost. However, I have found it is worth fighting for because it works!
There are also many support groups available now, often right near home. If one is not available (or you are unable to leave the house), there are virtual FM support groups online to help. I can honestly say that they do help at times. While the love and support of family & friends is essential and helpful, there is no substitute for personal experience--especially with chronic pain like FM. Those on FM mailing lists are always willing to talk, make suggestions, or just to listen.
~Helpful Links~
Who's your buddy? ;)