What Do You Think?

Although this is the most read Fibromyalgia newsletter on the Web, I think there is room for improvement. Sure, we try to provide information that is accurate, timely, and relevant - because we want to support you in making health and lifestyle choices important to your wellness. But until now, readers have not been able to hear from the greatest collection of FM experts in the world - each other.

That's too bad, because the collective wisdom of the group (you included) is far more important than any article. Starting today, we will publish more of our readers' letters. We can all learn from each other. Have a comment? Share it with the community.

Also, you should have the opportunity to comment on individual news items, as well as to read comments left by others. To this end, ProHealth has begun programming our Website and newsletters to give you the chance to participate - making it much more of a two-way flow. Read an article and comment on it right then and there - for all to see. Look for this functionality to go live sometime soon.

Finally, starting with this issue, we are increasing our emphasis on scientific studies, and will attempt to cover all published Fibromyalgia research occurring anywhere in the world. You can read abstracts on this research and decide what is helpful and what is not. Take a look at the "FM Research Abstracts" section below and see what you think. And you thought there wasn't much research going on in the Fibro world!

Do you have any suggestions to help us improve our newsletters, Website, or the products we offer? Then by all means write to us and let us know. Your opinion matters.

Wishing you good health,

Rich Carson
ProHealth Founder and CFS Patient

PS. Check out the article below on Evening Primrose Oil. It is one of my favorites, and along with EPA/DHA (fish oil caps), is part of the foundation of my daily wellness program.

Men with FM: On the Fringes

"Two doctors said that if I were a woman, they would say it was FM," says Fibromyalgia patient Michael Alsup. He and other male FM patients talk about the unique problems they face, and their individual solutions.   more

A sampling of your letters from the past week, including a variety of comments on the topic of the September 13 Founder's Corner - "Critical New Piece of Fibromyalgia Puzzle Found?"
On September 13 Founder's Corner: Critical New Piece of Fibromyalgia Puzzle Found?
Other Experiences, Suggestions, and Questions

Evening Primrose Oil: A Valued Nutrient For Hundreds of Years

Long a valued nutrient for native peoples of the Americas, this nutritional supplement is gathering respect for its support of healthful cellular functioning - and is of particular interest for CFS and FM patients.   more

Guidance for FM Patients Who Are Having Elective Surgery

If you will be having a major surgical procedure, the Oregon Fibromyalgia Team has some suggestions you could discuss with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to help reduce the "fibro-flare" that often occurs after surgery.   more

Discovering the Benefits of a Support Group

What's the best thing a support group can do for a person just testing the water? One FM patient, now a group leader, describes lessons learned from the good, the bad, and the angry.   more

Food Allergies Could Be Gone Within a Decade:
"Light at the end of a long dark tunnel"

"Food allergies could be consigned to the history books within a decade if the combination of biotechnology and vaccines work as planned," Dutch researchers reported at a recent international research symposium. If so, it might be good news for the many people with CFS who are prone to food allergies.*   more

Free Guide to Pain Treatment Options for You and Your Doctor

The American Pain Foundation invites pain patients, health professionals, and caregivers to download its new 84-page book on pain treatment options.*   more

DEA Proposes New Painkiller Prescription Rule

Currently, physicians prescribing a controlled painkiller are required to limit any prescription to a 30-day supply.*   more

Topics in this week's FM abstract collection range widely - from "Therapy insight: Fibromyalgia - a different type of pain needing a different type of treatment," to "Short and long-term results of connective tissue manipulation and combined ultrasound therapy in patients with Fibromyalgia."   more

I Can Smile Again: A letter from Gloria, an FM patient

I just wanted others to know that not everyone has to take a pill for the rest of their lives to make life with Fibromyalgia better. Those who suffer from FM need to educate and work at getting better themselves, with the help of a good doctor. It's not the quick fixes that last but the ones you put effort into that have long term effects... I was diagnosed several years ago: After many visits to several different doctors, I found one who didn't attribute all my complaints as being psychological. At first I waded into a deep depression... Then I started going to a chiropractor... symptoms started going away... I started taking a water aerobics class... after six months, more symptoms gone. I also started taking vitamins... After a year, 80 percent of the symptoms are gone. I can now contribute my art to the world again. The most important thing to me is I can smile again!

"My Solitude," pastel of her garden created in May 2006 by Gloria.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

At ProHealth we are committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. We are always striving to improve our services, and your opinion counts. If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas, please let us know. Include your full name if you agree that we might share your letter with other readers.

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