Ok everyone, I need your help. I decided to write an essay to Doug on Fibro for his charity donation thingy. But, I want everyone to participate. So,, I want your opinions on what I have written so far. Advice/ Critics welcome. IF you think I should add or delete something let me know. Also you will notice at the end of the article I have stated that I have enclosed some personal posts made by this board....that's where I really need your help. If you posted something that you think would make an emotional impact to this article, and if you give me permission...copy and paste it in this discussion with your note of permission and I will consider putting it in. If you know someone who has posted an emotional and moving post let me know or get in contact with them yourself and ask permission to use it. I have one in mind and I will be contacting her soon to ask for permission. WE need to hurry though...I think the deadline is tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dixie



Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic syndrome characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, and/or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms such as wide spread pain, heightened skin and sound and light sensitivity, achiness in the joints, nerve pain, chronic sleep disturbances and in some cases insomnia, characteristics of Parkinsons disease and restless leg syndrome. It also causes brain fog, or forgetful ness and slow responses even the inability to focus the thoughts, Physical and chronic fatigue, chronic bladder conditions, Irritable bowl syndrome, migraines, facial twitches, and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Fibromyalgia is seen in 3% to 6% of the general population. The nature of fibromyalgia is not understood, and many doctors accuse their patients of faking illness or believe them to be hypochondriacs. Fibromyalgia robs its victims of their lifestyle. Patients are sometimes unable to work or even able to maintain day to day activities, such as driving a care, walking up stairs or even cooking and cleaning. They lose their jobs, homes, sometimes even spouses, family and friends. Single parents are unable to provide for their children since the disease is so misunderstood patients are unable, in most cases, to get government assistance or disability if needed. Research is desperately needed so that Dr.s and society can better understand this disease and the impact it has on an individual. For those patients who are fortunate enough to have a dr. who believes this disease is real, and it has been proven to be very real, struggle with finding medication combinations that will somewhat relieve them of their pain and symptoms. Depression is also a common symptom of Fibro due to the inability to find relief from the pain and understanding and support. As yet, there is no cure and scientists do not know what causes Fibromyalgia. It is very misunderstood, and does not get the attention it deserves for research. People just do not understand or realize how debilitating this disease is.
I would like to see a donation made to the NFRA (National Fibromyalgia Research Organization)
I have enclosed with permission some of the posts off the Fibro community boards so that you can see just how severely this disease affects its victims. Research is desperately needed in this area.
I hope you will seriously consider supporting this organization so that, even if a cure cannot be found, we will be understood and able to get the help and support we so desperately need from our Drs., family and friends.
Thank You,
(Dixe4me)