Re: A Small Amount from Book I am working on

[Guest guest]

Just a question... how many of you have been in arguements about your disease with a spouse or family member.....

I always feel so guilty... and such a burden.. they just don't understand.....

trying to explain is like beating a dead horse.....

you tell them if that "if I had a missing limb or cancer you would be more sympathetic"

It's like if they can't see it... then it must be in your head...

so many tears shed over this... I just can't handle it.....

they actually told me that I needed to have a more positive additude about it.... and that would help

ugh.. I am so sad.... I am ready just to live and be all on my own.

rgw

A Small Amount from Book I am working on

OK all, let me know what you think so far, the next section will be all that I've been sent so far from our members.

Living with an Invisible Illness:

The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

And how they cope.

By LV Dutton

Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today, maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs. Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a condition that cares about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first th! ink that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms. Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over aches never goes away.

Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they refuse to even leave their homes.

At times it seems that the world doesn’t understand that Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we are not making it up for attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think tha! t the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the years that I’ve heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more comes out about it. First let’s look at what it is from a doctors point of view.

As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is something different. Each of the people that are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed diff! erently. Each person was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs, this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all, then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn’t.

When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it’s hard for the doctor to explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around wondering what caused this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and! varied sleep problems. Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make symptoms worse.

With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and with that different people show different symptoms. But most times it’s diagnosed when all other problems are ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of the body above and below the waist.

Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia. Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes. Mostly Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few males that have been recorded t! o have this condition. But reading their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we each are the others support system. People who don’t know each other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that has no reason, or cure.

Living with an Invisible Illness:

The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

And how they cope.

By LV Dutton

Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today, maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs. Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a cond! ition that cares about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first think that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms. Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over aches never goes away.

Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they refuse to even leave their homes.

At times it seems that the world doesn’t understand that Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we ar! e not making it up for attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think that the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the years that I’ve heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more comes out about it. First let’s look at what it is from a doctors point of view.

As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is something different.! Each of the people that are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed differently. Each person was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs, this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all, then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn’t.

When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it’s hard for the doctor to explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around wondering what caus! ed this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and varied sleep problems. Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make symptoms worse.

With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and with that different people show different symptoms. But most times it’s diagnosed when all other problems are ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of the body above and below the waist.

Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia. Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes. Mostly Fibr! omyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few males that have been recorded to have this condition. But reading their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we each are the others support system. People who don’t know each other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that has no reason, or cure.

Vicki/Lady Vader

http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton

http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

I've had people tell me that I am only doing this for attention. But

I dare any one that says we are making this up, to sit down and take

our lives for one day, live our lives when we are feeling our worst.

That's the reason I am writting this book, I want the normals to see

what our lives are like, what we do daily to make our lives better

or easier on ourselves, let them see that we reach out to total

strangers that are more understanding than our own family. Believe

me your not less than anything nor are you a burdon, your a person

that just needs love and compassion, and you will find that here,

and soon within your own family.

>

> Just a question... how many of you have been in arguements about

your disease with a spouse or family member.....

>

> I always feel so guilty... and such a burden.. they just don't

understand.....

>

> trying to explain is like beating a dead horse.....

>

> you tell them if that " if I had a missing limb or cancer you would

be more sympathetic "

>

> It's like if they can't see it... then it must be in your head...

>

> so many tears shed over this... I just can't handle it.....

>

> they actually told me that I needed to have a more positive

additude about it.... and that would help

>

> ugh.. I am so sad.... I am ready just to live and be all on my

own.

>

> rgw

> A Small Amount from Book I am working on

>

>

> OK all, let me know what you think so far, the next section will

be all that I've been sent so far from our members.

>

>

> Living with an Invisible Illness:

> The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> And how they cope.

> By LV Dutton

> Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today,

maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot

be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But

we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each

person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs.

Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a condition that cares

about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first th!

ink that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms.

Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss

of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is

the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

aches never goes away.

> Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering

if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to

find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers

to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with

friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

refuse to even leave their homes.

> At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we are not making it up for

attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think tha! t

the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make

us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

point of view.

> As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a

condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know

best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for

several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and

lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem

before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is

something different. Each of the people that are diagnosed with

Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed diff! erently. Each person

was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition

does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the

person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner

and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But

that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change

their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But

without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around

wondering what caused this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go,

some feel periods of pain, fatigue and! varied sleep problems.

Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

symptoms worse.

> With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of

the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

other conditions, and with that different people show different

symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are

ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with

that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with

the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of

the body above and below the waist.

> Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia.

Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes.

Mostly Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few

males that have been recorded t! o have this condition. But reading

their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

each are the others support system. People who don't know each

other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that

has no reason, or cure.

> Living with an Invisible Illness:

> The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> And how they cope.

> By LV Dutton

> Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today,

maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot

be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But

we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each

person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs.

Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a cond! ition that cares

about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first

think that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms.

Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss

of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is

the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

aches never goes away.

> Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering

if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to

find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers

to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with

friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

refuse to even leave their homes.

> At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we ar! e not making it up for

attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think that

the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make

us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

point of view.

> As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a

condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know

best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for

several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and

lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem

before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is

something different.! Each of the people that are diagnosed with

Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed differently. Each person was

told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition

does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the

person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner

and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But

that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change

their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But

without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around

wondering what caus! ed this condition. Symptoms tend to come and

go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and varied sleep problems.

Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

symptoms worse.

> With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of

the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

other conditions, and with that different people show different

symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are

ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with

that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with

the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of

the body above and below the waist.

> Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia.

Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes.

Mostly Fibr! omyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few

males that have been recorded to have this condition. But reading

their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

each are the others support system. People who don't know each

other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that

has no reason, or cure.

>

>

>

> Vicki/Lady Vader

> http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton

> http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton

> www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

>

>

> -------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

> Yahoo! Photos - Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover

> Photo Books. You design it and we'll bind it!

>

> 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone

on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls

always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given

along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or

just dangerous in general.

>

> 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it

is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to

trying to make that situation better.

>

> 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-

unsubscribe

>

> 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be

feeling bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that

potentially take something another member says the wrong way. And

that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if

it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with illness

whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

of humor.

>

> 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a

bad day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our

support.

>

> Have a nice day everyone.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thank you!

A Small Amount from Book I am working on

> >

> >

> > OK all, let me know what you think so far, the next section will

> be all that I've been sent so far from our members.

> >

> >

> > Living with an Invisible Illness:

> > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> > And how they cope.

> > By LV Dutton

> > Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today,

> maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot

> be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But

> we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

> sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each

> person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs.

> Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

> with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a condition that cares

> about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first th!

> ink that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms.

> Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss

> of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is

> the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

> aches never goes away.

> > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

> never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering

> if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to

> find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers

> to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

> live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with

> friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

> refuse to even leave their homes.

> > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

> Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we are not making it up for

> attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think tha! t

> the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

> the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make

> us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

> actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

> years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

> comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

> point of view.

> > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a

> condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know

> best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for

> several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and

> lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem

> before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

> blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is

> something different. Each of the people that are diagnosed with

> Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed diff! erently. Each person

> was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition

> does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

> this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the

> person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

> then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner

> and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But

> that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change

> their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> > When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

> explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

> Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

> kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But

> without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around

> wondering what caused this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go,

> some feel periods of pain, fatigue and! varied sleep problems.

> Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

> seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

> symptoms worse.

> > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of

> the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

> other conditions, and with that different people show different

> symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are

> ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with

> that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with

> the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of

> the body above and below the waist.

> > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

> how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia.

> Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes.

> Mostly Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few

> males that have been recorded t! o have this condition. But reading

> their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

> each are the others support system. People who don't know each

> other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that

> has no reason, or cure.

> > Living with an Invisible Illness:

> > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> > And how they cope.

> > By LV Dutton

> > Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today,

> maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot

> be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But

> we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

> sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each

> person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs.

> Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

> with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a cond! ition that cares

> about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first

> think that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms.

> Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss

> of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is

> the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

> aches never goes away.

> > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

> never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering

> if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to

> find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers

> to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

> live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with

> friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

> refuse to even leave their homes.

> > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

> Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we ar! e not making it up for

> attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think that

> the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

> the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make

> us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

> actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

> years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

> comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

> point of view.

> > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a

> condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know

> best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for

> several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and

> lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem

> before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

> blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is

> something different.! Each of the people that are diagnosed with

> Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed differently. Each person was

> told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition

> does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

> this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the

> person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

> then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner

> and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But

> that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change

> their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> > When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

> explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

> Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

> kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But

> without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around

> wondering what caus! ed this condition. Symptoms tend to come and

> go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and varied sleep problems.

> Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

> seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

> symptoms worse.

> > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of

> the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

> other conditions, and with that different people show different

> symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are

> ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with

> that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with

> the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of

> the body above and below the waist.

> > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

> how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia.

> Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes.

> Mostly Fibr! omyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few

> males that have been recorded to have this condition. But reading

> their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

> each are the others support system. People who don't know each

> other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that

> has no reason, or cure.

> >

> >

> >

> > Vicki/Lady Vader

> > http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton

> > http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton

> > www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

> >

> >

> > -------------------------------------------------------------------

> -----------

> > Yahoo! Photos - Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover

> > Photo Books. You design it and we'll bind it!

> >

> > 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone

> on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls

> always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given

> along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or

> just dangerous in general.

> >

> > 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it

> is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to

> trying to make that situation better.

> >

> > 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-

> unsubscribe

> >

> > 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be

> feeling bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that

> potentially take something another member says the wrong way. And

> that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if

> it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with illness

> whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense

> of humor.

> >

> > 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a

> bad day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our

> support.

> >

> > Have a nice day everyone.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Your very welcome and your more than welcome to IM me anytime. I am

Vicki co owner and daughter of the founder of this group. my IM is

unicorn_vicki2@...

I am on most days.

> > >

> > > Just a question... how many of you have been in arguements

about

> > your disease with a spouse or family member.....

> > >

> > > I always feel so guilty... and such a burden.. they just don't

> > understand.....

> > >

> > > trying to explain is like beating a dead horse.....

> > >

> > > you tell them if that " if I had a missing limb or cancer you

would

> > be more sympathetic "

> > >

> > > It's like if they can't see it... then it must be in your

head...

> > >

> > > so many tears shed over this... I just can't handle it.....

> > >

> > > they actually told me that I needed to have a more positive

> > additude about it.... and that would help

> > >

> > > ugh.. I am so sad.... I am ready just to live and be all on my

> > own.

> > >

> > > rgw

> > > A Small Amount from Book I am working on

> > >

> > >

> > > OK all, let me know what you think so far, the next section

will

> > be all that I've been sent so far from our members.

> > >

> > >

> > > Living with an Invisible Illness:

> > > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> > > And how they cope.

> > > By LV Dutton

> > > Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US

today,

> > maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it

cannot

> > be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal.

But

> > we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

> > sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks.

Each

> > person that has this debilitating condition shows different

signs.

> > Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

> > with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a condition that

cares

> > about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first

th!

> > ink that they have the flu as that is most of the common

symptoms.

> > Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the

loss

> > of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu,

is

> > the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

> > aches never goes away.

> > > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

> > never understand what is going on with their own bodies.

Wondering

> > if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors

to

> > find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get

answers

> > to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

> > live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things

with

> > friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

> > refuse to even leave their homes.

> > > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

> > Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we are not making it up

for

> > attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think

tha! t

> > the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

> > the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and

make

> > us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

> > actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

> > years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

> > comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

> > point of view.

> > > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but

a

> > condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they

know

> > best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look

for

> > several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points

and

> > lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the

problem

> > before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

> > blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong

is

> > something different. Each of the people that are diagnosed with

> > Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed diff! erently. Each person

> > was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the

condition

> > does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

> > this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when

the

> > person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

> > then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark

corner

> > and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them.

But

> > that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must

change

> > their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> > > When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

> > explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

> > Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

> > kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body.

But

> > without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go

around

> > wondering what caused this condition. Symptoms tend to come and

go,

> > some feel periods of pain, fatigue and! varied sleep problems.

> > Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

> > seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

> > symptoms worse.

> > > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the

frustration of

> > the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

> > other conditions, and with that different people show different

> > symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems

are

> > ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and

with

> > that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed

with

> > the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides

of

> > the body above and below the waist.

> > > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

> > how each of the people listed in here cope with their

Fibromyalgia.

> > Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even

sexes.

> > Mostly Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the

few

> > males that have been recorded t! o have this condition. But

reading

> > their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

> > each are the others support system. People who don't know each

> > other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition

that

> > has no reason, or cure.

> > > Living with an Invisible Illness:

> > > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia

> > > And how they cope.

> > > By LV Dutton

> > > Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US

today,

> > maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it

cannot

> > be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal.

But

> > we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of

> > sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks.

Each

> > person that has this debilitating condition shows different

signs.

> > Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed

> > with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a cond! ition that

cares

> > about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first

> > think that they have the flu as that is most of the common

symptoms.

> > Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the

loss

> > of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu,

is

> > the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over

> > aches never goes away.

> > > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They

> > never understand what is going on with their own bodies.

Wondering

> > if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors

to

> > find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get

answers

> > to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to

> > live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things

with

> > friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they

> > refuse to even leave their homes.

> > > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that

> > Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we ar! e not making it up

for

> > attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think that

> > the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even

> > the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and

make

> > us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are

> > actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the

> > years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more

> > comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors

> > point of view.

> > > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but

a

> > condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they

know

> > best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look

for

> > several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points

and

> > lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the

problem

> > before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take

> > blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong

is

> > something different.! Each of the people that are diagnosed with

> > Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed differently. Each person

was

> > told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition

> > does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs,

> > this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when

the

> > person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all,

> > then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark

corner

> > and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them.

But

> > that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must

change

> > their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> > > When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to

> > explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why

> > Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any

> > kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body.

But

> > without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go

around

> > wondering what caus! ed this condition. Symptoms tend to come and

> > go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and varied sleep problems.

> > Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that

> > seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make

> > symptoms worse.

> > > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the

frustration of

> > the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to

> > other conditions, and with that different people show different

> > symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems

are

> > ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and

with

> > that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed

with

> > the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides

of

> > the body above and below the waist.

> > > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn

> > how each of the people listed in here cope with their

Fibromyalgia.

> > Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even

sexes.

> > Mostly Fibr! omyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the

few

> > males that have been recorded to have this condition. But reading

> > their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we

> > each are the others support system. People who don't know each

> > other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition

that

> > has no reason, or cure.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Vicki/Lady Vader

> > > http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton

> > > http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton

> > > www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------

----

> > -----------

> > > Yahoo! Photos - Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover

> > > Photo Books. You design it and we'll bind it!

> > >

> > > 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with

everyone

> > on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls

> > always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when

given

> > along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or

> > just dangerous in general.

> > >

> > > 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what

it

> > is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to

> > trying to make that situation better.

> > >

> > > 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-

> > unsubscribe

> > >

> > > 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be

> > feeling bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of

that

> > potentially take something another member says the wrong way.

And

> > that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if

> > it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with

illness

> > whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a

sense

> > of humor.

> > >

> > > 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are

having a

> > bad day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our

> > support.

> > >

> > > Have a nice day everyone.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki, Thanks for writing this. I'm a first year grad student, age 44, and have had this diagnosis for 6 years...the illness for much longer, possibly since childhood. I've been on disability, but find it almost impossible to make it financially...no family support. My hope is that with completing a Master's and getting counselor licensure I will be able to work part time and earn enough to support myself, get the treatment I need, etc. I know no one gets rich being a counselor, but my income on disability puts me well below US poverty levels, plus I can't keep my undergrad student loans in deferment forever. And the gov't WILL take payments out of my disablility checks if it comes to that. My brother told me I could get a job, at Wal-Mart even, and make enough money, that I needed to just get over it, that I thought I was too good to work like other people. In my entire working life I never earned as much as he earned his first year of work. My other

brother told me to just pray about it. Huh...it didn't help. I have friends who try to help, but only one who really gets it, and encourages me to take care of myself. Others want me to try to do the things I used to, like go hiking with them. "We'll take it slow" they say. They don't understand that my energy may give out 500 yards down the trail and I will be unable to get back. Or that it isn't just a matter of being out of shape. Or that it hurts my feet just to walk to the bathroom some days and hiking just isn't an option right now. Or that when I DO try to do something with them, that no matter how small it seems to them, I'm really giving it my all and I will suffer the next day, and the next... I feel like a freak at school...the dining hall has to fix special meals for me with no grain, sugar or any of my other allergens. I have to have an ottoman in the classroom to keep my feet elevated. I have to get up and move around, stand at the back of the

room, sometimes leave the room and never have the energy for any of the social stuff. They all think I'm a great counselor already, want to do dyads with me, look with awe when they see me doing practice work...but really, I need them to be friends and colleagues. And I need the dorm to be quiet during quiet hours, and outside the dorm too. Its only three days a month, but I really need to sleep during sleep time, not listen to their party, or phone conversation, etc. I'm giving all I've got to be in class 9-12 hours for three days. I don't have anything left. I really meant just to say thank you, but this came out anyway. Peace, Riverunicorn_vicki2 wrote: I've had people tell me that I am only doing this for attention.

Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

River, First off your welcome, I am working on that book, and it seems what you wrote would work perfectly in it, if u don't mind I would love to use it. I mean if we can get the word out and make normals understand that we are hurting, that we are truly having problems maybe it will open their eyes.River DeHart wrote: Hi Vicki, Thanks for writing this. I'm a first year grad student, age 44, and have had this diagnosis for 6 years...the illness for much longer, possibly since childhood. I've been on disability, but find it almost impossible to make it financially...no family support. My hope is that with completing a Master's and getting counselor licensure I will be able to work part time and earn enough to support myself, get the treatment I need, etc. I know no one gets rich being

a counselor, but my income on disability puts me well below US poverty levels, plus I can't keep my undergrad student loans in deferment forever. And the gov't WILL take payments out of my disablility checks if it comes to that. My brother told me I could get a job, at Wal-Mart even, and make enough money, that I needed to just get over it, that I thought I was too good to work like other people. In my entire working life I never earned as much as he earned his first year of work. My other brother told me to just pray about it. Huh...it didn't help. I have friends who try to help, but only one who really gets it, and encourages me to take care of myself. Others want me to try to do the things I used to, like go hiking with them. "We'll take it slow" they say. They don't understand that my energy may give out 500 yards down the trail and I will be unable to get back. Or that it isn't just a matter of being out of shape. Or that it hurts my feet just to walk to

the bathroom some days and hiking just isn't an option right now. Or that when I DO try to do something with them, that no matter how small it seems to them, I'm really giving it my all and I will suffer the next day, and the next... I feel like a freak at school...the dining hall has to fix special meals for me with no grain, sugar or any of my other allergens. I have to have an ottoman in the classroom to keep my feet elevated. I have to get up and move around, stand at the back of the room, sometimes leave the room and never have the energy for any of the social stuff. They all think I'm a great counselor already, want to do dyads with me, look with awe when they see me doing practice work...but really, I need them to be friends and colleagues. And I need the dorm to be quiet during quiet hours, and outside the dorm too. Its only three days a month, but I really need to sleep during sleep time, not listen to their party, or phone conversation, etc. I'm giving all I've

got to be in class 9-12 hours for three days. I don't have anything left. I really meant just to say thank you, but this came out anyway. Peace, Riverunicorn_vicki2 wrote: I've had people tell me that I am only doing this for attention. Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Vicki/Lady Vader http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

Yahoo! Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.

[Guest guest]

As long as you agree that when I am ready to use this (my own) material in my own book when I am ready to write it, I don't mind if it goes in your book. I'm not ready to write that book, but I may be doing my thesis on working with FM clients and I need to know I won't be breaking any copyright laws by using my own writing. Your book will probably be long-published by the time I'm ready for a book publication, but my thesis is only a year and a half away. Can we make an agreement about this?RiverLady Vader/ Dutton wrote: River, First off your welcome, I am working on that book, and it seems what you wrote would work perfectly in it, if u don't mind I would love to use it.

Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

That sounds like a perfect bargan River DeHart wrote: As long as you agree that when I am ready to use this (my own) material in my own book when I am ready to write it, I don't mind if it goes in your book. I'm not ready to write that book, but I may be doing my thesis on working with FM clients and I need to know I won't be breaking any copyright laws by using my own writing. Your book will probably be long-published by the time I'm ready for a book publication, but my thesis is only a year and a half away. Can we make an agreement about this?RiverLady Vader/ Dutton wrote: River, First off your welcome, I am working

on that book, and it seems what you wrote would work perfectly in it, if u don't mind I would love to use it. Yahoo! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Vicki/Lady Vader http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton

Yahoo! Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

[Guest guest]

One idea for your book would be to have tons of pics of peoples with Fm (on cover or whatever) to show how normal we look. Its always good to give a face to something. Ususually people are more empathetic when seeing someone like themselves who is suffering. How some are working and some bedridden to show the wide scope. The books a great idea Good luck with it unicorn_vicki2 wrote: I've had people tell me that I am only doing this for attention. But I dare any one that says we are making this up, to sit down and take our lives for one day, live our lives when we

are feeling our worst. That's the reason I am writting this book, I want the normals to see what our lives are like, what we do daily to make our lives better or easier on ourselves, let them see that we reach out to total strangers that are more understanding than our own family. Believe me your not less than anything nor are you a burdon, your a person that just needs love and compassion, and you will find that here, and soon within your own family.>> Just a question... how many of you have been in arguements about your disease with a spouse or family member.....> > I always feel so guilty... and such a burden.. they just don't understand.....> > trying to explain is like beating a dead horse.....> > you tell them if that "if I had a missing limb or cancer you would be more

sympathetic"> > It's like if they can't see it... then it must be in your head...> > so many tears shed over this... I just can't handle it.....> > they actually told me that I needed to have a more positive additude about it.... and that would help> > ugh.. I am so sad.... I am ready just to live and be all on my own.> > rgw> A Small Amount from Book I am working on> > > OK all, let me know what you think so far, the next section will be all that I've been sent so far from our members. > > > Living with

an Invisible Illness: > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia > And how they cope. > By LV Dutton> Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today, maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each person that has this debilitating condition shows different signs. Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a condition that cares about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first th! ink that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms. Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss of energy. But what

makes this condition different from the flu, is the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over aches never goes away. > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do things with friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they refuse to even leave their homes. > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we are not making it up for attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think tha! t the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even the doctors we

see seem to only want to give us medication and make us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors point of view. > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look for several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is something different. Each of the people that are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed diff! erently. Each person

was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs, this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all, then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't. > When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around wondering what caused this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go,

some feel periods of pain, fatigue and! varied sleep problems. Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make symptoms worse. > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and with that different people show different symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are ruled out, there is no set test to check for Fibromyalgia and with that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of the body above and below the waist. > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia. Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even

sexes. Mostly Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few males that have been recorded t! o have this condition. But reading their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we each are the others support system. People who don't know each other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that has no reason, or cure. > Living with an Invisible Illness: > The day to Day struggles of those living with Fibromyalgia > And how they cope. > By LV Dutton> Fibromyalgia is the most misdiagnosed disorder in the US today, maybe even the world. What makes it worse is the fact that it cannot be seen. To the average person, a Fibromyalgia person is normal. But we are far from normal. Living with a condition that robs us of sleep, energy and the ability to handle the simplest of tasks. Each person that has this

debilitating condition shows different signs. Each person varies in age and gender. More females are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia than males, but it is not a cond! ition that cares about race, color or sex. Most people with Fibromyalgia at first think that they have the flu as that is most of the common symptoms. Starting with the minor aches and pains, the tiredness and the loss of energy. But what makes this condition different from the flu, is the fact that the pains, the tiredness and the general all over aches never goes away. > Many that suffer with this condition suffer for years. They never understand what is going on with their own bodies. Wondering if they may have something far worse. Going to countless doctors to find out what is wrong. Jumping from doctor to doctor to get answers to a question that for some seems to have no answer. Many try to live their lives as normally as they can, trying to do

things with friends and family. But then the pain becomes to much and they refuse to even leave their homes. > At times it seems that the world doesn't understand that Fibromyalgia is a real condition, that we ar! e not making it up for attention. Families of those with Fibromyalgia seem to think that the family member is just making things up to get attention. Even the doctors we see seem to only want to give us medication and make us go away. They see us as wanting attention, but when we are actually hurting it seems they turn a blind eye to that. Over the years that I've heard of Fibromyalgia it seems that more and more comes out about it. First let's look at what it is from a doctors point of view. > As a doctor would say that Fibromyalgia is not a disease but a condition. Many would argue that point but doctors think they know best. As a doctor would diagnose the condition they would look

for several factors from wide spread pain, pain in pressure points and lack of sleep. It may take a doctor a while to pinpoint the problem before giving a straight diagnosis. Many doctors will even take blood tests, x-rays and other tests to prove that what is wrong is something different.! Each of the people that are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have it and was diagnosed differently. Each person was told a possible way they got it and why. Now while the condition does not cause permanent damage to the tissue or internal organs, this condition is painful to say the least. There are times when the person feels on top of the world, with little to no pain at all, then there are the days when they are wanting to find a dark corner and hide from the pain that their body has inflicted upon them. But that is where someone with Fibromyalgia learns that they must change their sometimes busy lifestyle to fit the one that isn't.

> When Fibromyalgia is diagnosed, it's hard for the doctor to explain a clear cause, as there are many reasons and ideas why Fibromyalgia appears. Many have said it could be from abuse, any kind, to any form of trauma that may have happened to the body. But without enough evidence to support any claim, the patience go around wondering what caus! ed this condition. Symptoms tend to come and go, some feel periods of pain, fatigue and varied sleep problems. Others feel nothing at all, there are factors of the weather that seem to make the symptoms worse. Cold and damp areas seem to make symptoms worse. > With the difficulty of diagnosis, there comes the frustration of the person with the Fibro, many times the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and with that different people show different symptoms. But most times it's diagnosed when all other problems are ruled out, there is no set test to

check for Fibromyalgia and with that comes the trouble of finding the cause. Many are diagnosed with the tender points and with the wide spread pain over both sides of the body above and below the waist. > Through out the time of this book, as you read you will learn how each of the people listed in here cope with their Fibromyalgia. Each of them listed are of different ages, cultures and even sexes. Mostly Fibr! omyalgia is diagnosed in Females, but there are the few males that have been recorded to have this condition. But reading their words will make you understand how we each cope and how we each are the others support system. People who don't know each other, or whom never met, become a family through a condition that has no reason, or cure. > > > > Vicki/Lady Vader > http://www.trueteam.com/vdutton> http://www.greathealthcareplan.com/vdutton > www.freewebs.com/victoriadutton > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Yahoo! Photos - Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover> Photo Books. You design it and we'll bind it! > > 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.> > 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first

step to trying to make that situation better.> > 3. To unsubscribe the e-mail is: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group-unsubscribe > > 4. Also, it is not uncommon for more than one member to be feeling bad at the same time when it comes to flares and b/c of that potentially take something another member says the wrong way. And that includes the things that one member may find funny (even if it's laughing at fibro itself) even though we who deal with illness whether one such as fibro or multiple illnesses try to keep a sense of humor.> > 5. Pls let's be gentle with each other, and if you are having a bad day pls let us know so that we can do our best to offer our support.> > Have a nice day everyone.> > > > >

[Guest guest]

River, I understand you being on disability but if you can ever find a

way to try D Ribose I think it could help you with some of your

symptoms. I know money is a problem, been there done that. I actually

got a credit card solely to pay for my DRibose and meds so I will

never be without. I know you may not be able to afford it now but keep

it in mind please. There are soon to be studies on it and it helps so

many people.

deb