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June 21, 2007... FDA Approves First Drug for Treating Fibromyalgia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Lyrica (pregabalin), the first drug to treat fibromyalgia...Lyrica reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia. ______________________________________

This could be great news for some fibromyalgia patients. A handout will be provided at our upcoming support group meetings. Don't miss this chance to learn all about Lyrica and how it may help you live life with less pain!

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Support Group Meetings for August

The next fibromyalgia support group meetings will be held:

1. Saturday, August 4th at Princeton Community Hospital, Education Classrooms 1 & 2 beginning at 1:00pm

2. Saturday, August 11th at Raleigh General Hospital, Education Center beginning at 1:00pm

Remember that the Princeton area group meets the first Saturday each month and the Beckley area group meets the second Saturday each month (except October 2007 which is the 3rd Saturday) throughout 2007.

Everyone is welcome...especially fibromyalgia patients, their families & friends, and health practitioners who want to learn more about the latest science-based, peer-reviewed research and treatments. Come share your unique experience about living with fibromyalgia with others and as a group learn how to better cope with this challenging chronic illness.

JULY SUPPORT GROUPS CANCELLED

Due to the upcoming holiday and the fact that I'll be away from the area until mid-July, I've decided to cancel the July support group meetings. I suspect many of our regular attendees will also be either away or very busy before, during and after the Independence Day holiday. Our attendence at the June meetings were way off our average and I think taking time to assess why that has happened will be valuable. I would appreciate your comments about how the support group meetings can become more useful and more appealing. Just drop me an email or leave a response here at the blog site.

Our regular support group meetings will resume August 4th at Princeton Community Hospital and August 11th at Raleigh General Hospital, both in the respective education classrooms beginning at 1pm.

Until then, have a safe and enjoyable 4th.

Best regards,

FibroJoe

Support Group Meetings in June

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness of 10 Million Americans

Our next support group meetings will be held as follows:

• Princeton, WV...Saturday, June 2nd at 1pm at Princeton Community Hospital, Education Classrooms 1 & 2 ___________________________
• Beckley, WV... Saturday, June 9th at 1pm at Raleigh General Hospital, Education Department (inquire at volunteer desk)

Everyone is welcome at either location. There is no cost.

Next Support Group Meeting To Be Held At Tamarack, Beckley, WV

The regional Fibromyalgia Support Group Meeting usually held at Princeton Community Hospital is traveling to Beckley, WV at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia on Saturday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Gov. Hulett C. Smith Theater.

This meeting will present the Greater Beckley premiere of the first feature-length documentary about the lives of fibromyalgia patients. It's called "Living with Fibromyalgia: A Journey of Hope and Understanding" made by Trillusion Media. An informal Q&A session and discussion about fibromyalgia will follow immediately after the film. Everyone is encouraged to invite as many fibromyalgia patients, their families and friends, physicians and anyone else who may have an interest in learning more about fibromyalgia syndrome and what life with fibromyalgia is really like.

This meeting will serve to inform those living in the greater Beckley area that a local fibromyalgia support group has been established to serve their area in addition to the Princeton location. We're asking all of our regular participants to "get the word out" by inviting 5 others to the showing. There is no cost to attend. Everyone is welcome. Valuable door prizes will be awarded at the meeting, chosen from the registrants attending.

This is a ground-breaking documentary...the first to explore the most intimate feelings and life-altering experiences of people living with fibromyalgia. It also offers some professional insights into the syndrome and how patients can manage this often debilitating chronic illness. The documentary screening is part of the "Fibromyalgia in Focus 2007" campaign launched by the National Fibromyalgia Association for National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12th.

Click on the NFA link (above left) to learn more about the film, the campaign, additional resources and National Fibromyagia Awareness Day marked on May 12th each year.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Scheduled for SATURDAY, APRIL 7 at 1pm

The next regional Fibromyalgia Support Group meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 7th at 1pm at Princeton Community Hospital, 12th Street, Princeton, WV...Education Classrooms 1 & 2 as usual. This meeting will present the regional premiere of the first feature-length documentary about the lives of fibromyalgia patients. It's called "Living with Fibromyalgia: A Journey of Hope and Understanding" made by Trillusion Media. This showing will also include a special extended interview with Lynne Matellana, Founder & President of the National Fibromyalgia Association. An informal Q&A session and discussion about fibromyalgia will follow immediately after the film. Everyone is encouraged to invite as many fibromyalgia patients, their families and friends, physicians and anyone else who may have an interest in learning more about fibromyalgia syndrome and what life with fibromyalgia is really like. There is no cost to attend. Everyone is welcome.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Scheduled for SATURDAY, MARCH 3rd at 1pm

The next regional Fibromyalgia Support Group meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd at 1pm at Princeton Community Hospital, 12th Street, Princeton, WV...Education Classrooms 1 & 2 as usual.
It will feature a look back at all the subject matter we've covered since last June 2006. I've put together a sort of "highlights reel" on DVD. There are many new participants who have not seen and heard much of the audio visual presentations that have been offered at our meetings. For those of you who have been at most of our sessions, it will be a good time to review. To recap some of the content that will be featured at this meeting, here's a list:

• We began with Dr. M. Yunus who is considered the "Father of modern fibromyalgia research" and his presentation entitled New Hope for Fibromyalgia a fibromyalgia seminar at CalState, Fullerton, Sept. 2004.
• Next, we viewed Dr. Patrick Wood's presentation (LSU) about the dopamine theory of fibromyalgia and treatment protocol entitled Fibromyalgia: Show Me Where It Hurts produced in late 2005.
• Then, we sat in on the Fibromyalgia 101 seminar held in Charleston, WV in early 2006 with Drs. Phister and Linton of WVU School of Medicine and the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. This was part of the CAMC Mini-Medical School for the Public series.
• Later, we reviewed the National Institute of Health's flash presentation, Fibromyalgia Syndrome Overview.
• Then, after a couple postponements, came the opportunity to view an important roundtable discussion of noted physicians and fibromyalgia clinicians from around the country including Dr. Daniel Clauw of the University of Michigan who is perhaps the leading FM researcher of 2006. This was part of a health information series for physicians produced by UCTV held at the University of California at San Diego last June. It also featured a demonstration of how a doctor examines a patient for fibromyalgia and showed slides of fMRI scans showing that fibromyalgia produces physical changes in the brain...a very important development for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome.
• Finally, we learned the importance of exercise for fibromyalgia patients and witnessed a demonstration of appropriate exercises developed by Dr. Jessie Jones of University of California, part of the NFA Strategies for Life series and a preview of their new Pain Management Center Program.
• As if that weren't enough, I've thrown in radio interview segments from Patient Power with Andrew Shorr with Dr. Andrew Holman, a noted fibromyalgia researcher and clinician at the University of Washington and highlights from seminars held at Arizona State University and University of Texas featuring Drs. Bell and Russell, respectively. Dr. I. Jon Russell is a noted fibromyalgia researcher and rheumatologist.

WOW!!! Is that enough information or what?? Luckily, the materials reviewed on the DVD for the upcoming meeting are highly condensed so you won't feel overwhelmed. A Q&A session will follow as well as some time to get to know one another and exchange fibro war stories. Don't miss this meeting! It is an opportunity to catch-up on the latest fibromyalgia research and treatments. By the way, the full-length versions of all these audio/video presentations will soon be available at local public libraries throughout our region.

All regional Fibromyalgia Support Group meetings at PCH will continue to be the FIRST SATURDAY each month at 1pm throughout 2007.

Please note that the theme for this year's Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event has been announced by the NFA: It is (drum roll, please)..."FOCUS ON FIBROMYALGIA" and the event will cover the day before National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on Saturday, May 12th and the day after...a 3-day event for 2007.

VHFA will be holding regional showings of the documentary "Living with Fibromyalgia: A Journey of Hope and Understanding" throughout March, April and May. We need volunteers to assist with all facets of this awareness project. If you can help, send me an email: vhfa@suddenlink.net

Support Group Meets Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm

The regular monthly meeting of the regional Fibromyalgia Support Group will be held Saturday, February 3rd beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Princeton Community Hospital Education Classrooms 1 & 2. The meeting topic will be"Strategies For Life with Fibromyalgia: The Importance of Exercise". The program will feature a demonstration of the fitness program developed by California State University for fibromyalgia patients and endorsed by the National Fibromyalgia Association.

Let me take this opportunity to thank once again our guest speakers from our last meeting on January 6th. Dr. Bailes and Tom Beasley certainly had the group on their feet and experiencing first hand the healing properties of magnetic field therapy. Also, Dr. Maxwell's presentation on chiropractic and how it may provide relief from chronic pain as part of a comprehensive fibromyalgia syndrome management plan was well received. Check out the photos.

Don't miss our next meetng on Saturday, February 3rd. It's another "hands on" type of session of which I know everyone can benefit.

Next Support Group Meeting scheduled for SATURDAY, JANUARY 6th at 1pm

First let me extend a "Happy Holidays" greeting to one and all. I truly hope that you are blessed with better health for the new year.

The first support group meeting of 2007 will be on Saturday, January 6th and will feature LIVE talks and HANDS-ON demonstrations by Complimentary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners. Don't miss this one! It should be very interesting and may prove beneficial to some members in fine-tuning their overall treatment strategy to achieve greater symptom management and less pain.

Keep checking back here for updates on future topics to be covered. We have lots more valuable information to share. Be sure to invite others who may benefit from the latest news about fibromyalgia and related medical disorders. Also, feel free to make your own posts here on our blog...your questions, comments, suggestions or perhaps some recommendations you think may help someone else. Or, tell us your fibro story. Hey, we want to hear from you.It's easy to post your comments. Try it. You may like it!

Next Support Group Meeting scheduled for SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2nd at 1pm

At our last meeting we viewed PART ONE of the UCSD Chronic Pain Management video series on Fibromyalgia followed by a brief discussion. The group decided to conclude the presentation at our December 2nd meeting. Handouts will be available at the meeting which will summarize this important medical content and bring those who could not attend up-to-date on the medical experts' findings and treatment recommendations.

The regional support group will continue to meet in Education Classrooms 1 & 2 at Princeton Community Hospital.

Our December 2nd meeting will feature "Finding A Doctor Who Is Right For You" and will utilize much of what we've learned about current, evidence-based medical findings and what your primary care physician should be doing in the diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms according to the latest best medical practices for fibromyalgia syndrome.

The first support group meeting of 2007 will be on Saturday, January 6th and will feature LIVE talks and HANDS-ON demonstrations by Complimentary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners. Don't miss this one! It should be very interesting and may prove beneficial to some members in fine-tuning their overall treatment strategy to achieve greater symptom management and less pain.

Keep checking back here for updates on future topics to be covered. We have lots more valuable information to share. Be sure to invite others who may benefit from the latest news about fibromyalgia and related medical disorders.

Also, feel free to make your own posts here on our blog...your questions, comments, suggestions or perhaps some recommendations you think may help someone else. Or, tell us your fibro story. Hey, we want to hear from you.

It's easy to post your comments. Try it. You may like it!

Next Support Group Meeting scheduled for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4th at 1pm

The next regional fibromyalgia support group will meet on Saturday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m. in Education Classrooms 1 & 2 at Princeton Community Hospital. I've been assured by the PCH Education Dept. staff that we will not be moved again this year or next. The 2007 schedule will remain the FIRST SATURDAY of EACH MONTH.

Our October 7th meeting's content had to be postponed for a second time. Unfortunately, that meeting had to be moved to a room in which there was no audio-video equipment. So, the important content planned for the last two meetings is now scheduled for the upcoming session on November 4th.

By the way, I would like to take this opportunity to publically thank Debby Ramella for stepping up to lead our last support group session. A big thanks also to Katie Robinett for her help in getting the materials to the meeting in my absence. I understand from first-hand reports that the meeting went well even under the difficult circumstance that was unexpectedly encountered just prior to meeting time which required relocation to a much smaller, unequipped room.

Way to go, Debby! Again, many thanks.

The upcoming meeting will begin with a brief synopsis of the content of past meetings. Then, a multi-media presentation will feature the July 6, 2006 University of California at San Diego (UCSD)Chronic Pain Management Roundtable. A panel of multi-disciplinary medical experts knowledgeable in the practical treatment of fibromyalgia patients present how doctors should approach and treat fibromyalgia syndrome patients. This would be a good meeting to bring your doctor along with you or any other health care practitioner you can get to attend.

Our December 2nd meeting will feature "Finding A Doctor Who Is Right For You" and will utilize much of what we've learned about current, evidence-based medical findings and what your primary care physician should be doing in diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms according to the latest findings and best practices.

Keep checking back here for updates on future topics to be covered. We have lots more valuable information to share. Be sure to invite others who may benefit from the latest news about fibromyalgia and related medical disorders.

Next support group meeting scheduled for SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Due to the Labor Day holiday which prevented a larger turn-out on September 2nd, the lengthy, but important presentation planned was postponed until our October 7th meeting to be held at Princeton Community Hospital, Education Classrooms 1 &2.

The upcoming meeting will begin with a brief synopsis of the content of past meetings. Then, a multi-media presentation will feature the July 6, 2006 University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Pain Management Roundtable. A panel of multi-disciplinary medical experts knowledgeable in the practical treatment of fibromyalgia patients present how doctors should approach and treat fibromyalgia syndrome patients. This would be a good meeting to bring your doctor along with you.

Our November 4th meeting will feature "Finding A Doctor Who Is Right For You" and will utilize much of what we've learned about current, evidence-based medical findings and what your primary care physician should be doing in diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms.

Keep checking back here for updates on future topics to be covered. We have lots more valuable information to share. Be sure to invite others who may benefit from the latest news about fibromyalgia and related medical disorders.

Next Support Group Meeting September 2nd

Our next support group meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2006 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Princeton Community Hospital Education Classrooms 1&2.

I know it's the same day as the WVU vs. Marshall football game. We'll finish well before kick-off...
I promise! Hey, I want to watch the game too!

The upcoming meeting will begin with a brief synopsis of the content of past meetings. Then, a multi-media presentation will feature the July 6, 2006 University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Pain Management Roundtable. A panel of multi-disciplinary medical experts knowledgeable in the practical treatment of fibromyalgia patients present how doctors should approach and treat fibromyalgia syndrome patients. This would be a good meeting to bring your doctor along with you.

Our October 7th meeting will feature "Finding A Doctor Who Is Right For You" and will utilize much of what we've learned about current, evidence-based medical findings.

Keep checking back here for updates on future topics to be covered. We have lots more valuable information to share. Be sure to invite others who may benefit from the latest news about fibromyalgia and related medical disorders.

Different Points of View...

Some of our members caught from different points of view in the same photo. We express different points of view intellectually as well as photographically.

August 5th Support Group Meeting Well Attended

Our August 5th support group meeting was well attended. We reviewed important reference information about fibromyalgia and current clinical treatment options as presented by Drs. Pfister and Linton of WVU School of Medicine, Charleston division. It was time well spent for those seeking answers to the management of fibromyalgia syndrome.

National Fibromyalgia Association Official Support Group Listing for WV

If you haven't checked out the NFA's web site, just click on the link above. From our listing page, you can visit each of the other pages which are filled with helpful information and links to other sites about fibromyalgia. It is highly recommended.

NEXT MEETING AUGUST 5th at PCH, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

The next support group meeting will be held Saturday, August 5th at the Princeton Community Hospital Education Classrooms 1&2 at 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. A video presentation of the Spring 2006 Fibromyalgia 101 Seminar held in Charleston,WV will be presented. The seminar was sponsored jointly by CAMC Health Information Institute, the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and the WVU School of Medicine. Featured presenters will be Drs. Alfred K. Phister and John Linton. Audience questions are answered at the end of the presentation concerning various aspects of fibromyalgia treatment plans. Participation in the live Q&A session is encouraged where specific treatment options will be discussed relative to patient's own experiences.

Friday, May 12th was National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. CVS Drug Stores across the country participated with the National Fibromyalgia Association in setting up display tables and providing free information via brochures and other printed materials about fibromyalgia syndrome.

Joe Damewood, Group Leader of VHFA's local support group and John Smallwood, Manager of CVS located on Stafford Drive in Princeton, WV are shown in the photograph along with the store and the official poster advertising the occasion.

New research now documents the physical basis of fibromyalgia pain through cutting-edge technologies as functional MRI and brain wave studies.