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The Oregon Convention on Fibromyalgia

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

The Oregon Fibromyalgia Convention takes place on September 19 - 20th. Information about this convention can be found at The Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation, which is maintained by Dr. Rob Bennett. Registration ends on August 31, 1998, but on-site registration is available, subject to availability of space.

I will be attending this convention, along with Michelle Struik, Suite 101's Disability Editor. Hopefully, both of us will return from the convention with new information about fibromyalgia, and it's impact upon our lives in regard to treatment, research, and living with a chronic illness.

Attending conventions of this type are very hard on those of us with fibromyalgia, but the added support and new information that is available is invaluable. I worked as a volunteer during the Fibromyalgia Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1997, and my fatigue and pain levels were greatly increased. Those who sat for a hour trying to take notes and listen to the speakers were also in a great deal of physical discomfort, and it wasn't unusual to see people getting up to stretch or walk around periodically. As a volunteer, I had different roles to play, plus I could take breaks when I needed them.

This convention in September will be the first that I've attended where I will have to sit for long periods of time, but I did notice that the program calls for long breaks, and each speaker will generally speak for only half an hour. The frequent change in speakers will make it easier to focus on smaller amounts of information at one time. Also, it won't be a full day on Sunday, which will greatly decrease the amount of pain and fatigue that those of us with fibromyalgia will experience.

Participating in these valuable conventions can be difficult for us due to travelling, the cost, and the fatigue and pain that occur from sitting and trying to focus on information. I have arranged to either share the driving to Portland with Michelle, or my husband will drive both of us down there. We will leave early on the Friday before the convention in order to be able to stop frequently if we need to get out of the car to stretch or just walk around. We have chosen a hotel which is close to the convention centre, which will make it easier for us to take time to lie down and rest if needed. On our way home, we have made arrangements to visit with a high school classmate of mine who also is a nurse, and since she now lives just outside of Seattle, it will break up the trip home for us.

The copyright of the article The Oregon Convention on Fibromyalgia in Fibromyalgia is owned by Cynthia Webber (Jausten). Permission to republish The Oregon Convention on Fibromyalgia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.