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How many more Suicides until We are Heard?

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

Last month, ABCNEWS.Com posted an article under their Health & Living section which dealt with the suicide of a woman in 1997 who could no longer live with fibromyalgia. Her words from her eulogy say what is true for those of us with fibromyalgia. "When you start hearing there is no hope, no treatment, and no cure, over and over, you lose your will to fight. What most people saw of me was a shell of what was going on inside."

There were several responses to this article which also was shown as a segment on ABC Good Morning America in April. These responses were from people who are living daily with the chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Most of the responses were positive in that people are sick and tired of being put off by doctors and the media about this chronic condition.

From the number of e-mails and visits to my web site that I get each day from people who are seeking answers for their fibromyalgia, I believe that it is time for our government officials, the media, and all doctors to really look at fibromyalgia and its effects upon our lives.

Personally, I do not think that suicide is the answer, but I totally understand why this woman chose that route. She was sick and tired of not being heard, and sick and tired of living half a life. I have had moments and even days when I've wished that I was dead. However, I'm one of the lucky ones in that my two physicians totally understand not only fibromyalgia, but also understand me.

May 12 is suppose to be International FMS, CFS, MPS and GWS Awareness Day, but I don't see it listed on any of the calendars that are throughout my house. I see other days such as Friendship Day, Grandparents Day, Nurses' Day, Secretaries Day, National Boss Day, and even Sweetest Day listed, but nothing is listed for May 12 for those of us who deal with chronic pain on a daily basis. Most of these holidays are only celebrated in the United States, but if May 12 is the International Day for us, then why isn't it listed?

There are many doctors who are doing research into fibromyalgia and related chronic painful conditions, but in order for the research to continue money must be provided by our governments and other sources. Every year, one of my neighbors canvasses the neighborhood for donations for cancer, heart disease, alzheimer's, or diabetic research, plus other diseases and conditions receive funding from the general public. I know of one man whose wife died from breast cancer, and he is actively supporting more funding for this disease which took the life of his wife. I wonder if the woman who chose suicide has family members who are doing the same for fibromyalgia.

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