Fibromyalgia awareness (5/15/03)

I am writing to inform the public that May 12 was “International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day,” and to ask that we use this means to educate health care persons and the general public about Fibromyalgia.

The number of people who suffer from Fibromyalgia (FM) is estimated at 10 million in the United States alone, and this disease strikes men, women and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Currently the cause of FM is unknown and there is no cure. The effects of it, in addition to severe pain, are so complex and no two people experience it in exactly the same way, which makes for a misdiagnosis in many cases.

Some of the other symptoms are unrelenting fatigue; an inability to achieve restful, restorative sleep; problems with cognitive functioning, memory and concentration; headaches and migraines; irritable bowel; and neurological symptoms such as dizziness, vision problems, numbness, noise sensitivity and impaired coordination.

Since people with FM tend to look healthy and conventional tests are typically normal, a physician knowledgeable about the illness is necessary to make a diagnosis. Many persons have seen doctors for an average of five years before getting a diagnosis of FM.

That is why increased media coverage is crucial to draw attention to this poorly-understood condition if a cause and cure are to be found.

A support group was started in September 2002 and meetings are held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 204 E. Arch St., Portland. The next meeting is Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m.

Please use the north parking lot entrance.

The church is handicapped accessible.

For more information, call me at (260) 726-2167.

Thank you,

Betty Sue Manor

Portland, group leader,

Fibromyalgia Support Group

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