No matter what the current state of your fibromyalgia, there are others who feel just like you. By connecting with local and national fibromyalgia support groups, you can stay up-to-date on the latest information and helpful resources.
National Organizations
National Fibromyalgia Association
2200 North Glassell Street, Suite A
Orange, CA 92865
714-921-0150
FMaware.org
American College of Rheumatology
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345-4300
404-633-3777
rheumatology.org
Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-872-7100 / 1-800-283-7800 or call your local chapter
arthritis.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
1-877-22-NIAMS
miams.nih.gov
What is a support group?
A support group is a group of people that gather because they share a similar situation, problem or illness. The goal of a fibromyalgia support group is to share information that offers support and helps provide education, resources and solutions. Any activities that the group might do are determined by the needs of the members.
Most fibromyalgia support groups are independent local groups led and organized by volunteers. Some are associated with a doctor's office or hospital. Visit more than one, if possible, so that you can compare leadership, beliefs and dynamics. Groups will vary in many ways. Some will be formal while others will be very informal.
What to look for:
- They discusses various treatment options and doesn't push just one particular product or method
- They have a "positive" attitude that is contagious (not a bunch of complainers that make you feel worse when you leave than when you arrived)
- They provide good educational information
- You feel comfortable with the members
- They are well organized and aren't dominated by one or two people
- There is a time for questions
- They have at least one medical adviser to ensure any information disseminated to the group is accurate
- They meets in a convenient location
If you cannot locate a local support group, a virtual Internet fibromyalgia support groups may be an option. Some support live "chat" while others are forums with threaded discussions. Just as in a local support group, you should check them out before getting too involved.
About the Author:
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a disease with no known cure and a host of possible symptoms. Lisa McMahon is a contributing author and research analyst for http://fibromyalgia-solutions.com. Lisa has taken a personal interest in fibromyalgia to help her sister who was recently diagnosed with FMS. Learn how you can get ten tips to improve the quality of your life with fibromyalgia.
