If it's not real then why is it ruining my life!? What a horrible article.

I say in most things in life, follow the money. I would imagine Dr. Wolfe made quite a bit of money off of FMS. Now something is probably happening that makes him believe he will achieve greater success with the "fibro is a hoax" idea. Just a thought.
It certainly is interesting to know that when I was a child crying at night because my legs hurt so badly, I was just a whiney, drug seeking nut.

I swear it is just that Fibro isn't a sickness that they can make money through the FDA on trying to help people. I was already agitated today and my body just aches so now I am just effin pissed off and would love to send a truck load of responses to their little article.

I like how the author mentioned that there is no test for fibromyaliga. However, from the Fibro. Foundation, they say that there is a test that can usually determine fibro. besides the tender points. It is where they take spinal fluid and those with fibro. have 3/4 times more of the P substance and a higher level of another thing. Basically, it is not done often because of the great risks associated with the procedure and due to the insurance.

Well this bozo is certainly going to hear from me too. Clearly he had his mind already made up about fibromyalgia and mainly wanted to find sources to support his own opinion. Nice journalism tactics. It's time I write to Pfizer about my favorite commercial too. I went on a cruise last week and they had satellite televison and I couldn't even escape that Lyrica commericial on vacation! Fibromyalgia is not a made up disease just for drug companies to make lots of money on.

Maye

Here's what I sent to letters@nytimes.com:

I am writing in response to the January 14th article by Alex Berenson, Drug Approved, Is it Real? Clearly Mr. Berenson has his own misguided perception of fibromyalgia and looked to find outside sources to support his own opinion. Millions of people like myself struggle daily with this misunderstood illness and while the Pfizer commercial is a misrepresentation of the disease, at least it brings some needed recognition to this real illness that greatly affects the quality of our lives. Mr. Berenson should have interviewed people who suffer with fibromyalgia to learn and see first hand what we deal with every day. There are always going to be differing opinions in treating and diagnosing diseases, but I found this article to be rather insulting.

I have really studied this commercial that is on T.V. and watched the woman move. She is walking in shoes that I could never wear again and when she raises her arms over her shoulder to tape a piece of paper on the wall, I could never do that as I cannot raise my arms over my shoulders anymore. It all looks like she is having fun at work and that so misrepresents us in our world. I truly would like for them to use a comm. that is like what we really have to go thru each day. Our pain is more like the Cymbalta comm. that they have on T.V. In my opinion the people on the Cymbalta comm. look like they are suffering and the lady on the fibro comm. looks like it's just another wonderful day teaching art. We are so misrepresented.....I take Cymbalta, but it does nothing for my pain only my depression.....Helen

I feel its true that commercial misrepresents the majority of us, also.

I wish I could still draw and paint, unfortunately my hands, arms and shoulders won't allow me to anynore. Its so sad, that was always something I enjoyed.

I also loved to sit and write short stories, but my handwriting looks like chicken scrtach anymore. Its just not the same trying to keep up with your thoughts on the computer, to write. I used to carry a notebook and write my thoughts down, now it hurts my hands too much.

I agree the Cymbalta commercial is much more realistic.

Maybe Pfizer they should use REAL FM sufferers in their next commercial!

I wrote both of them...two different letters both criticizing the lack of compassion and research.

There was so much against fibro in that article, it makes me sad.

I just emailed the Times and nicely told them that they should not have published this article...and gave the reasons why.
I urge you all to write a short, civil letter to them.
Thanks

This is messed up I have been suffering from fibro for 7 years now, un like what the aarticle said i am not over weight and I'm a young adult. I'm only 19. This just makes me mad and I'm gonig to wirte to the editor.

I agree... very depressing...

I had severe fibro fog long before I ever had any drugs to take or insomnia. That all came later.

When researching a lot of us have found scientific data showing that due to a sluggish adrenal gland we have trouble getting enough oxygen to our brains.

As for the article, I can't be upbeat about it at all. It is just fuel for the nonbelievers. That article made my blood boil and I would personally like to wring the necks of the writer and the so called doctor he quoted.

Him and his vicissitudes....meaning the ups and downs of life. I would like to personally give him a few major vicissitudes. sue

Well here we go ladies ..A great reason for us to speak our minds and tell them what fibro is really like...I will write a letter also.I think it would be great if we all did..