NEWSBRIEF: People with fibromyalgia (FMS), arthritis and breast cancer who participate in online support groups feel empowered and better informed, according to a study out of The Netherlands.
Researchers also say the participants had enhanced social well-being. They recommend that health care providers acquaint their patients with the potential benefits of these groups and say the groups make a valuable contribution to our lives.
Related Content: Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum
I totally agree. Support Groups provide a wealth of information on certain illnesses and are typically set-up by medical names accordingly. I have managed two such groups for fibromyalgia, however, they do tend to focus on the pain, how badly one feels and what one can no longer accomplish because of their illness.
The group I have now is a support group, but we try to focus on positive aspects of our lives, instead of the negative ones. We like to call it a friendship group. Yes, we have fibro and other medical conditions…but we won’t let it have us…and I will take this opportunity to “plug” my group: http://groups.msn.com/WiserWomen
We are there every single day and no one will be ignored or unanswered.
Health care providers should recognize the efforts, understanding and information afforded by Support Groups. There are many disabled people at home who have no other contact with the world, or ability to socialize, except through the internet.
Thanks Adrienne for bringing this to light.
P.S. In no way did my reply above intend to dismiss those Support Groups whom focus on their illnesses, as they have so much wonderful information available to those who want to learn more about their medical condition(s) and be among others who are able to show empathy and understanding.
Would love to know if there are any support groups in Australia for people with Fibromyalgia itself, would be greatly appreciated
Don’t forget Usenet news groups! You will need to find a news reader (some are free and some others come at a faily reasonable price). I’m on two newsgroups: alt.med.fibromyalgia and alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info. There are many people from different countries on both groups–including Australia. You can download a newsreader from http://www.tucows.com. Type in “newsreaders” and you’ll find several listed. There are over 30,000 groups listed so you can probably find a group for anything you’re interested in….
Until my son gave me an iPad I had no idea there were support
Groups for my disease- fibromyagia and chronic pain syndrome .This has helped me so much. I’ve learned that my experience
With pain and brain fog is pretty much the main thing that is talked about which I’m so happy to know that I’m not going co-co. Another symptom I have is a very painful headache that 1st
Starts with what feels like a hard painful hit on the top of my head like someone has cracked an egg on my head and the yolk then starts oozing down my head. I know the oozing sensation is the nerves however it feels so scary and sometimes it is painful also. Anyone else experience anything like it or similar?
Thankyou for the wonderful newsletter and support .