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 The National Fibromyalgia Association has launched “Make Fibromyalgia Visible” its newest awareness and information campaign which will bring hope to those suffering and isolated by FM. This new national campaign will provide the public with a better understanding of this life altering disease and allow you to help share vital information with friends, family and others suffering with FM. Together we can let everyone know that even though people with FM don’t “look sick”… we are living with a very real and chronic neurological disorder.
Did you know?
- Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 10 million Americans and millions of others worldwide.
- The condition is often referred to as an “invisible disease” since the symptoms are not immediately apparent.
- FM can significantly impair normal activities of daily living.
- There are more than 4,000 published research papers on FM
- Studies show people with fibromyalgia have several neurologic signs and symptoms.
Lynne Matallana, Founder of the NFA
“Although many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia go unseen, the people affected by this disorder are worthy of the same support as those who suffer from other health conditions, such as cancer or thyroid disease,” says NFA president Lynne Matallana.
“It’s an exciting time in the field of fibromyalgia, from significant new research findings and the healthcare community’s increased interest in the disorder, to a new public service announcement airing on national TV,” says Matallana. “We want to take advantage of these developments to further understanding of fibromyalgia and the individuals who suffer from it.”
And here’s how you can help!
- Include the “Make Fibromyalgia Visible” logo as part of your email signature, or use it as a photo on your Facebook page, personal website, blog—or anywhere else you can think of!
- Ask friends and family to participate in the “Make Fibromyalgia Visible” campaign and provide them with the link to download the logo for free.
- Place one or more of the “Make Fibromyalgia Visible” awareness products in a place where everyone can see it. The NFA has launched three new products specifically designed for this campaign.
Your willingness to help make fibromyalgia visible will provide support to the millions of people living with FM!
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Watch for new developments in the Make Fibromyalgia Visible campaign including how you can get the NFA’s Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine FREE on line! Announcements will be made after New Years on the NFA’s web site: www.FMaware.org
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 The National Fibromyalgia Association, in partnership with Omnia Education, the University of California, Irvine, and Voxiva is pleased to announce the launch of a special Cell Phone Text Series for individuals affected by fibromyalgia. Once you register, you will receive text messages that will provide you with helpful information, as well as encouragement to help you to be an active member of your own healthcare team.
- You aren’t alone!
- Helpful FM tips and support right on your cell phone!
- Enrollment is limited, so sign up today!
To learn more about this innovative program register now!
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For thirteen years the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) has been dedicated to supporting the FM community and continually working to insure that everyone affected by FM will have a better quality of life in the future!
The NFA is working for you! Here are just a few of the things we do to support the FM community’s needs:
- Hosting conferences, workshops, educational programs, seminars and webinars for patients and health care providers.
- Developing informational materials and webs sites that provide the most up to date information on fibromyalgia and related topics.
- Working to eliminate the stigma of FM and building awareness through extensive media outreach.
Everyone with fibromyalgia knows that support is vital to living well with a chronic illness. At the NFA, we always want to be able to support the FM community by providing information, resource tools, individual support, and ways to find educated health care providers. Our focus has always been on improving awareness, facilitating research, acting as community advocates, and insuring that there will be additional and better treatments for patients in the future. Millions of people with FM have had their lives touched by the work of the NFA.
But now we need your help! As this year draws to a close, please consider supporting the National Fibromyalgia Association by making a donation to help us continue our work. Without your assistance our existence would not be possible. Please help us help you!
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Happy Holidays from everyone at the NFA!
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This FM Community Update is sponsored by Cymbalta.
Cymbalta is indicated for the management of Fibromyalgia.
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Important Safety Information About Cymbalta
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Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.
What should I talk about with my healthcare provider?
Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
You should not take Cymbalta if:
- You have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- You have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
- You are taking Mellaril® (thioridazine)
What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
Before starting Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:
- about all of your medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, seizures, or if you have bipolar disorder. Cymbalta may worsen a type of glaucoma or the control of blood sugar in some patients with diabetes
- about your alcohol use
- if you are taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, including those for migraine, to address a possible life-threatening condition
- if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breastfeeding an infant
While taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:
- if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
- if you have high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles to address a possible life-threatening condition
- before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
- if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta or when increasing the dose
- about your blood pressure. Cymbalta can increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
- if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady while taking Cymbalta which may be signs of low sodium levels
- if you develop problems with urine flow
If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.
What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?
The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.
Other safety information about Cymbalta:
Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
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