I Want to Hear From You

I want to hear from you, our readers.

Writing in a void can be difficult. As someone who does not suffer from fibromyalgia but who cares for patients with the condition, and has a family member who suffers from FM, I may have a good understanding of how fibromyalgia affects people on many different levels; however, I am still an “outsider”.

I have been writing for this site for many months (and I thank all of you who write in with questions and comments). I try to tailor my blogs to issues that I feel may be interesting to the readers based on questions that you ask. I have written about medications, treatments, studies, exercise, how FM affects relationships…and the list goes on. But I could use your help to make this site all about you- what would you like to know more about, and what topics you would like to see more emphasis on?

I read your stories through your questions and comments and I am struck by one thing- how difficult it can be to live with this disorder for which there is no cure. I am also struck by how difficult it must be to live with a condition that many people simply do not understand. Lay people and physicians alike can sometimes be hurtful and may be less than supportive, and I have learned that this can be one of the most difficult parts of FM to live with- the fact that some do not believe that FM is real, and can’t see how devastating the condition it can be.

Know that I believe your pain is real, and others on this site do, too. We know that FM is a challenging and painful condition that can sap your strength physically and emotionally. I ask you to help me help others. Please suggest topics that I can write about that can help others. Ask yourself: what do I wish I had known when I was first diagnosed that no one told me about? Together, we can help others who may be struggling with specific questions or lack of knowledge. Knowledge is power, and I believe that knowing all you can about your condition empowers you to help yourself when others fail to.