Bookmark this page to come back for more useful links. note: Go directly to Fibrothoughts for updates on tips for daily living with fms

Stage One: The Basics.
When first dx'd (that's "diagnosed", btw), we seem to want all the information we can possibly find. Is this symptom normal? Is this progressive? Is there a cure? Is there hope? Great basic information is in the Fibro FAQ.

Stage Two: Uh-Oh.
Then, PWFMS (that's "People With FMS") realize we have new limitations with this syndrome, and we want support. Sheri Graber's page is an excellent reference point.

Stage Three: Yes!
At this stage, PWFMS realize life goes on. We can offer support and laughter and love to those who need it, including ourselves. We work within our limitations, not against them.

CHAT's unofficial FAQ is found here, as it's a bit too long to include on this page.

Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, Crohn's and Colitis, Dyslexia, Dealing with Hand Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraines.

Anxiety Disorder Links Try: Noodles' Panic-Anxiety Page (tAPIr), Anxiety Checklist, Panic Info.

Attention Deficit Disorder Links Try: ADD FAQ.

Crohn's and Colitis I highly recommend www.ccfa.org, to obtain more information on either of these conditions.

Dyslexia Dyslexia is thought to be the result of a communication imbalance between the left and right halves of the brain. It is not a sign of stupidity, mental illness, or laziness. People with dyslexia may have problems telling right from left. They may become confused if given more than 2 commands at one time. Tying shoelaces and arranging objects in order may be difficult due to dyslexia. Since I am dyslexic, I must take special care to ensure I don't type "N" when I mean "M", or "q" when I mean "d". Letters sometimes stretch out of shape, and simple words can become unrecognizable. The good news is: you can beat dyslexia and lead a productive life! Other benefits include the fact that many dyslexics are also highly intelligent, including such people as Albert Einstein, and (it is suspected) Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, and sculptor Auguste Rodin. Note that these people were all highly creative, imaginative, and didn't let dyslexia stand in their way. If you, or someone you love, shows signs of dyslexia, please contact your family doctor and/or learning specialists, to obtain a proper diagnosis and information on available treatment. As outlined on my external links page, Dyslexia.com is a good starting point, and the Shriners have a page with excellent links.

Dealing with Hand Pain If, like me, you experience a great deal of pain in your hands, consider visiting the Handwel Glove site. I have no affiliation with this company; I simply use their products 24 hours a day so I can continue with a semblance of normal hand motions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Information on IBS is available thru Canadian IBS Self Help Group.

Migraine Links Try: general migraine info, lots of links to migraine-related sites, children using self-hypnosis to deal with migraines.

General health information can be found at The Health Explorer.

My thanks to all the fibrans who contributed ideas and links for this page.

Some Housekeeping Tips
Some of us are unable to do laundry on a regular basis. This generally means 1) someone else in the house does the laundry, or 2) we use our creative talents to build Mount Laundy (courtesy of Crazy Patty).
To understand the next part, it is important to remember that household appliances, like all machines, have feelings.
Now, if someone else in the house has done the laundry regularly, your washing machine will be surprised, perhaps even shocked, when you arrive with a load of clothes to be washed. If, on the other hand, no one else has done laundry in a while, your arrival at the machine awakens the machine to the fact that Mount Laundry is arriving with you. In either case, this is clearly a frightening situation for the machine.
In my experience, it is best to start slowly. Often it is not a good idea to start the washing machine by dumping clothes in. This can result in blown fuses, split hoses, or other signs of stress as the washing machine attempts to deal with a frightening situation.
So, I suggest the "plain water" load first, as so many of us have done. This gives the machine a chance to adjust to your arrival (and the arrival of however many clothes also need washing). This "test run" give the machine a chance to adjust at it's own pace, thereby safely preparing it for a real load of clothes.
If, in spite of these precautions, you inadvertently toss clothes in for the first load some day (after all, pwfms have no need to remember everything, that's what mere mortals are for!), I recommend returning to your kitchen area and relaxing with a soothing drink and some gentle stretches before returning to the laundry. It is important that you maintain a calm and peaceful outlook to avoid causing the machine further stress.
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