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Online Groups |
Illinois
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Wisconsin
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Miscellaneous Groups |
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Fibromyalgia is
a complex condition but can be managed
Know you are not alone
in your search and there are resources available to help
you. To date there is no one treatment that fits all. There
is research taking place to find answers, and caring
physicians and researchers working diligently for all of
us.
There are many treatment
modalities available that work to help diminish the pain and
other symptoms. Also many categories of drugs being used
for help with pain, sleep and fatigue as well as the myriad
of other symptoms experienced. What works on one may not
work on someone else. We all respond differently. Our
complex conditions take a multi-discipline approach and
often combining Traditional and Complementary/Alternative
treatments with medication can work. A few suggestions to
get you started:
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Have a discussion with
your doctor about medications such as Lyrica now officially
approved by the FDA for fibromyalgia, also Xyrem and many
others now being used for FMS to help with pain and sleep.
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Explore a few examples of
treatments that have worked for some, such as: Acupuncture,
Biofeedback, Chiropractic Care, Cognitive Therapy, Massage,
and Guided Relaxation to name a few. Research any therapies
you may be interested in. It is important to find certified
specialists who understand the complexities of fibromyalgia.
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Seek the counsel of a professional for the depression you
are feeling, someone certified in Cognitive Therapy can be
very helpful. Also let your physician know of your
depression.
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Warm water exercise is
most beneficial as well. It protects the joints, keeps the
muscles relaxed while strengthening and increasing
physical endurance, aerobic capacity and can help with our
emotional feelings of wellbeing.
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Be sure and tell you
health care provider of any over the counter
medications, vitamins or herbal supplements you may be
taking as well as any other treatments.
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The degree of pain is
different for all of us and must be tailored to our
individual needs.
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Education is key; you should learn as much as you can about
your condition so you know what kinds of things to talk to
your doctor about. Take any information you have and discuss
it with your doctor. This can be the beginning of developing
a partnership with your doctor an, ideally giving you an
opportunity to be a part of the decision making process
regarding treatment options.
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Support groups offer
unconditional support and good resources.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
FIBROMYALGIA/CHRONIC FATIGUE/LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP:
This support group meets the first Saturday of each month at 884 Main
Street (Route 83) in Antioch, IL from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This group is open
to all individuals who have chronic pain conditions, particularly
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Lupus. There is no cost to attend and
family members are welcome. Seating is limited, so reservations are
recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, please call
847-362-7807.
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AFFTER
facilitates an on-line support group that involves members
from around the world. This is a good method of
communicating with others who understand because they suffer
with the same symptoms as you do. It is a place to get
doctor referrals, discuss symptoms and treatment options, do
some venting, give or receive support, and develop
friendships with others if you want to.
Link:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/affter/join
(on-line support group - interactive)
Our group is open to anyone who:
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Has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, with or without other
related syndromes
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Thinks they may have Fibromyalgia
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Has a loved one with Fibromyalgia
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Is a support person such as a doctor, nurse, attorney, etc.
Whenever someone sends a message or replies to a message, the
message is then sent to all members via e-mail. Unlike public newsgroups or
forums, the messages are private and can only be received by members. The only
address that shows up on an e-mail is the address of the sender and the address
of the AFFTER support group. This protects the privacy of our members and keeps
addresses from being “harvested” for spam.
When you sign up, you will have three (3) options;
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Receive individual e-mails - (receive a copy of the e-mail as it
is sent)
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Receive the digest version - (several e-mails are saved up and
sent as one)
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No mail - (You have to go to the Support group’s online site to
read the e-mails)
To sign up, click on the purple link to the
left. There you will find
detailed information about the group as well as instructions for signing up for
the group. If you need assistance in signing up for a group simply email
info@affter.org.
Australian FM and
CMP ON-LINE Support group with info
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Australian_FMS_CMP/
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Antioch, IL. - First Saturday of each month
884 Main Street (Route 83) in Antioch from 10:00 am to noon.
This group is open to all individuals who have chronic pain conditions,
particularly Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Lupus.
There is "No cost" to attend and family members are welcome.
Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 847-362-7807.
The Greensburg
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Meets the first Wednesday of every month at Excela
Westermoreland Regional Hospital from 6:15–7:30pm at 532
West Pittsburgh St, Greensburg, PA. Check the meeting
schedule board for conference room.
For more information, please call Elaine Bohatch at
724-516-5820. -OR- Betty J. Kowaluk at 724-989-4061.
Rantoul Fibromyalgia Support Group,
Rantoul, IL
1st Monday and last Friday each month -
Pauline Poremba - 217-892-5513
CFS/FMS and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
Support Group, Normal, IL
Last Tuesday each month -
Evonne Wurmnest - 309-452-2477
Fibromyalgia Support Group, Normal, IL
Arthritis Foundation -
3rd Monday each month -
Karen Ferguson: 398/451-0785
Fibromyalgia Support Group and Self-Help
Courses, Workshops, Champaign, IL
Arthritis Foundation -
Mary Dennis - 217-398-7815
New Beginnings Support Group, Bloomington, IL
Arthritis Foundation -
309-451-0785
Fibromyalgia
Support Group, Geneva, IL
Delnor Hospital
2nd Sunday evening each month; 4th Wednesday lunch
Jayne Holley: 630-641-6942
larjay41 @ comcast.net
Chicago Chronic Fatigue Association
www.ChicagoCFS.org
For support group meeting locations and dates contact
EditorCCFSA @ aol.com -
312-409-5363
A 501(c)(3) organization where you can find out information about Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome and other related illnesses, find out about support groups,
upcoming events and other news.
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Kenosha Fibromyalgia Support Group, Kenosha, WI
3rd Wednesday each month -
Debbie - 262-654-2612
FLAVOR Support Group of Racine, Racine, WI
FMS, Lupus, Arthritis, Vulvodynia, CFS -
2nd Tuesday of each month -
Judy - 262-886-1277
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St Louis Fibromyalgia Support Groups:
Daytime Meeting- Last Tuesday of the month from 10:00 -
11:30am lindastlmo @ yahoo.com
Evening meeting- Last Thursday of the month from 6:00- 7:30 pm stlfibro @
gmail.com
Wyoming, MI - Ivanrest Fibromyalgia Support Group:
1st Thursday each month -
Gord and Judy Ellens - 616-534-5913
Orangeburg, SC Fibromyalgia
Support Group:
1st Tuesday each month -
Martha - 803-534-6989
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Why Donate To AFFTER?
AFFTER continues to
grow and prosper as a not-for-profit organization, just as awareness of
fibromyalgia has spread throughout the general population. Recent TV commercials
about fibromyalgia have caused people to seek a diagnosis for their myriad of
symptoms; they are seeking information and support. AFFTER is proud to be the
one that so many turn to. Our presence and credibility within the medical and
fibromyalgia communities are undisputed as we celebrate our 12th year as a
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
AFFTER is on a mission to help those affected by fibromyalgia. We continue to
advocate and create awareness for fibromyalgia; provide educational materials
for the patient population, medical community and the general public; and
coordinate charitable events to fund fibromyalgia research, including some of
our own.
Results of our research were the subject of abstract presentations at the annual
conference of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Our 5k Charitable Event in 2009 was fruitful, as was the “Hope Rocks” pageant in
2010. AFFTER keeps momentum going into 2011 with two events; “Miss Hope”
charitable pageant in May to celebrate Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, and AFFTER’s
“Hope Relay for Fibromyalgia” in August. Proceeds from these events go directly
into an account designated specifically tor research.
Donations entrusted to AFFTER are used wisely and are necessary for us to
operate. AFFTER is passionate about our cause. We offer ongoing support and
education to keep you informed of research news, updates from the medical
community and educational materials from a variety of sources. Our on-line news
groups have been helping to connect and support people from around the globe for
almost a decade.
Facebook has enabled us to reach out to even more people in recent months.
Please join AFFTER in our quest to make a difference in the lives of those with
fibromyalgia!
Click
here to print out a Donation Form or use the PayPal Button to the left.
* You do not need a
PayPal account to Donate to AFFTER, All donations are 100% tax deductible.
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