The Fibromyalgia Friends Support Group
Coping with a chronic illness, such as FMS, can be a long and lonely journey. Finding support is essential to our physical as well as emotional health. Often, when we need help the most is when we find it most difficult to reach out to others, but this is exactly what we must do. It is the act of reaching out, to help one another, that will enable us to cope most effectively. The journey then becomes a little less frightening, long, and lonely.
In November of 1999 I was surfing the web searching for information about Fibromyalgia. I had finally decided to take matters into my own hands and find out as much information as I could. For the past year I had not only been dealing with chronic pain and fatigue, but with a myriad of emotions that were spiraling out of control. I was depressed and felt lost and alone. I hadn't really talked about my diagnosis with many others as my initial reactions from some family members and friends were so negative. I felt that I was carrying a shameful secret, and over time became more depressed and withdrawn.
I really can't remember now how I first happened upon Suite 101, but I do remember that I was very taken with their motto of "Real People Helping Real People". Then I discovered Carol Webber's topic "Coping With Fibromyalgia." I was so overwhelmed, as I sat there reading the posts, I began to cry. I remember thinking I was reading my own life story. At last I had found not one, but a whole group of people who understood exactly what I was going through. I was able to express my feelings, share my joys and sorrows, exchange ideas, coping skills, information, and talk with others who not only got it, but lived it as well. The response to my first post was so warm and welcoming that I immediately knew I had found something very special.
A lot has changed since then. The Fibro Friends have had many homes. We have gained new members and lost some old ones. But, the one thing that has remained constant is our unfailing support and caring for one another. I firmly believe that finding this support was the single most significant factor in my journey toward coming to terms with Fibromyalgia.
The Fibro Friends have a home of their own now in the Fibromyalgia Friends' Topic, and it is my privilege to be the contributing editor. Together we are learning the skills required
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