Hi everyone. Sorry to have dropped out of sight for awhile, but you
all know how it is.... My beloved Memere (grandmother) passed away
about a month ago, and it has been extremely difficult for my family.
My Memere is the first person I have been truly close to that I have
lost. Needless to say, it has not been easy. I'm so happy she is no
longer in pain and that she is in a better place, but I don't think I
will ever get used to life without her.

I have been having my good days, and my bad days, though it seems like
for every good day, there are 10 bad days.

I wanted to tell you all about where I stand with my disability claim.
I had filed a claim in 2003. I was denied. So, I appealed. It took
almost a year before I heard ANYTHING again. I had called disability a
few times to ask what was going on and to see if they had at least
gotten my appeal, but every time I was told that they had nothing, no
info. I had just about given up hope for ever getting it. The exact
same day that my grandmother passed away I received a packet of info
in the mail from disability. I had to fill out a ton more stuff
because they needed more info. Seems like they ALWAYS need more info.
After sending that in, a week later I received ANOTHER packet, this
one even bigger, of stuff to fill out because they need MORE info.
Funny thing is, this is all stuff I have already filled out. At least
now I know there is SOME hope. Besides, I have some changes since I
filed my first claim.

Anyway, today I received a letter from disability telling me that they
are sending me for an examination because they need additional medical
evidence about my THOUGHT PROCESS CONDITION. They are sending me to an
appointment with a psychiatrist. I have no idea why, other than
because I had told them how I have now been diagnosed with depression.
(Who wouldn't be depressed about being in pain ALL the time and hardly
EVER leaving the house?) I had received a call from the person in
charge of handling my disability case and she asked me if I had taken
my new primary care docs advice and gone to see a psychiatrist. Well,
I haven't. I just cannot afford it. My husband and I are living off of
one income, and it's not exactly the biggest one. So, my guess is this
is why they want me to go see this shrink. I have no problem with it,
I have nothing to hide and intend on telling him my whole story, no
matter how long it is. I feel it's about time I can be heard anyway. I
just thought it was a bit strange that I have to go see a shrink and
not an M.D. to be examined for the pain and all. Has anyone else had
to go through this process?

I just cannot get over how long it takes to get on disability. I have
already spoken with a lawyer who told me I have every right to be on
it and that he would take my case. I just don't know what I would do
if I didn't have my husband to fall back on. I cannot work. If it
wasn't for him I wouldn't even have medical insurance to go to see all
these doctors.

Honestly, what does someone do while they are waiting for the
disability to kick in? Even when I DO get it, I'll be LUCKY if I get
$100 a week. Who can live on that when you have all kinds of doctors
to see, all kinds of meds to buy, and not to mention the physical
therapy they want me to do. I have yet to be able to, only because I
cannot afford it. This doesn't even include all the stuff one NEEDS,
like a place to live, food, necessities, etc.... I just don't get it.
It all seems like a messed up thing to do to people who are DISABLED.
BTW- does anyone know if you are eligible for Section 8 when you are
on disability?

I don't even know if anyone is even reading this group anymore. I sure
hope so. I am in the process of trying to get someone to help me
manage it until I can do it all on my own. I just cannot sit out here
at the PC for long periods of time most days so this group ends up
getting neglected. I really have to promote it so we can get the word
out that there IS a group out here for Rhode Islanders who have
fibro/CFIDS. It's not JUST for Rhode Islanders, but it would be nice
for us to have our own group since Rhode Island is such a small state
and almost everyone knows someone who knows someone, etc... I would
love to be able to compare notes on doctors and the quality and/or
method of treatments we are all receiving. Not to mention how great it
would be to be able to make friends with people who we could actually
MEET in real life if we so desired. The possibilities for helping each
other out are endless, and it can all start here if we can just get
more people to join. If anyone out there is interested in being a
co-manager for this group, let me know. I would LOVE to have someone
in Rhode Island help me, but anyone would be a big help. If anyone is
interested, email me at: ladiekerrie613@...

Anyway, that's all for right now I guess. I hope someone reads this
and I hear back from some of you. Please, please try to help me get
this group to become active. It doesn't have to be one of those HUGE
fibro groups, but it would nice for SOMEONE to post!!! I know how it
is when you cannot get online every single day, but just post when you
can to let us know you're still out there and how you are doing.

I hope to hear from you soon! Take care of yourselves and stay
positive!

Big HUGS-

Kerrie

Hi all! Hope you are all doing well. Here is something I think we
should all read and if possible, take part in. All of us need to do
something, no matter how small, to raise awareness for this illness we
suffer from, and also for CHRONIC PAIN.

I received this info in the latest www.immunesupport.com newsletter:



National Fibromyalgia Research Association Fibromyalgia Awareness
Bracelet

The National Fibromyalgia Research Association has developed the
Fibromyalgia Awareness Bracelet to help raise consciousness. It is
made from a soft, durable silicone material and is pink (for women)
and crimson (for chronic pain) which equals "Women in Chronic
Pain."
We realize men and children with fibromyalgia are not directly
addressed by this wording.

However, because women's illnesses are in the limelight right now
and
fibromyalgia does affect more women than men, about nine to one, this
is the time to raise interest for research funding. Research will
eventually help all fibromyalgia suffers, regardless of gender or age.
These bracelets sell for just $1.00 each, plus shipping and handling
based on the number ordered. The money raised by the sale of these
bracelets will be used 100% for research, education and public
awareness with no administrative costs deducted.

This is a great way to support fibromyalgia awareness both as FM
patients and supporters of FM patients. Remember May 12, Fibromyalgia
Awareness Day, is coming. These bracelets can help spread the word
about this puzzling, painful illness.

For more information and to place an order, please go to the NFRA
site. Here is the address:

http://www.nfra.net/AwareBracelet.htm


PLEASE, everyone, pass this on to everyone you know who has
fibro/CFIDS or even their friends and family so they can help support
this cause and raise awareness. Every little bit helps!

Thanks folks! Take care of yourselves and have a pain-free day!

Kerrie

FIBROMYALGIA & CFIDS CONFERENCE 2005

Dallas Texas US MAY 27 - 29th

Speakers to  include:

Jeff Rabin -  Leading Disability Attorney

Frankie Burget - Fibromyalgia Therapist

Dr Larry Sharp - Dr at Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centre

Rhavada Emisson - Aromatherapist with knowledge of FM

Mary Heldenbrand - WATSU Practitioner

Patricia Danceing Elk - Reiki Healer.

More info at:

http://wearefmily.com/Conference.htm

Hi
I have PPS, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression, and FM and
had a diagnosis of CHF and Parkinson's symptoms. I was on oxygen
24/7 but I am off the oxygen now. Whew! finally am rid of that
leash. Please read on to discover what I am doing to improve my
quality of life. I would love to share my story and read yours. I am
a retired RN, and am now spending part of my time helping to find
answers to medical questions.

    	 I am inviting you to share your Alternative Medicine
experiences.
Let's learn together about the different non-traditional medicine
ways we have found to help us with our many difficulties. I hope you
will join me to add your comments and read what others with Post
Polio and Fibromyalgia have found to help make a better quality of
life for themselves. I have PPS and FM and have found ways improve
my life. Do not leave this site but add another to your bookmarks.
Post on our bulletin board and come to chat if you desire

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/learn_alternativetogether/

Hugs Dolores Light

When I was reading the Health & Fitness section in this Sunday's
ProJo, I came across this little tidbit of info. I don't know if
anyone here can use this, but I thought I'd post this anyway, just
incase. Maybe you can pass it on to an elderly resident of RI incase
they ever have any questions about the medications they take.
Sometimes it's hard for anyone, no matter what age, to have their
doctor or pharmacist take all the time that is needed to explain the
directions on the prescriptions that need to be taken. I know my
doctors and pharmacists are always extremely busy and often harried.
Also, most elderly folks don't have access to the internet like we
do, so they can't do all the research on all the meds that are
prescribed these days. One can never have enough resources....

URI (University of Rhode Island) Information Hot Line for questions
concerning proper drug use- Elderly encouraged to call!
1-800-287-5571- Monday-Friday, 8AM-NOON


Kerrie

Here is the info for the CFS support group in RI:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
401-323-9003
Meets second Thursday of the month- 6:30-8:00 PM at Greenville
Library- 573 Putnam Pike- Smithfield

Hello everyone! I hope you're all coping as well as possible this
holiday season. I know it's been a strain for me, and I absolutely
LOVE Christmas. I pushed myself a bit too much this past weekend and
now I'm really paying the price. Just the thought of going back to
the mall is making me tired, lol.

Anyway, the info for the latest fibromyalgia meeting was in this
Sunday's ProJo so I thought I'd post it for anyone who would like to
attend. Did anyone in RI make it to the last meeting? I had planned
on going, but yet again, my body did not want to cooperate. I am
planning on going to the next one, which is in January. Here's the
latest info:

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP sponsored by Arthritis Foundation
Southern New England Chapter- 401-739-3773; fax- 401-739-8990:

NEWPORT- Second Friday of the month- 7:15-9 PM- Newport Hospital-
Conference Room- Sheffield Conference Center

PAWTUCKET: Second Wednesday of the month (except in December)-
7-8:30 PM- Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island- Dining Room 3- 111
Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI


I hope I get a chance to see some of you at the meeting. I'm going
to the one in Pawtucket since it's closer to me. I think I said this
a couple months ago, but it's worth repeating. Those of us with
fibromyalgia/CFS IMO, can use all the support we can get. I just
think meeting people in real life would be great. There are so many
awesome people I've "met" online who have helped me so very much.
I'm looking forward to making new friends in real life, whether or
not they have these illnesses. Take care everyone!

Kerrie

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN R.I.KERRIE YOUR
DOING A GOOD JOB HERE WITH the links and everything.Maybe next year I
can tell you or show you how to advertise it more for free.I may also
start a public access T.V. show for CFIDS AND FIBRO.Looking into it
now.Then we can add thiws site to it?????Maybe,I need to look into it
more.Take Care,everyone,Ed Bauer    P.S. I may be on to something
good,and I never say that unless there's a possible light to be
seen.Will say more when confirmed.HAPPY HOLIDAYS,Ed

Fibromyalgia Testimonial:

I have Fibromyalgia. I just wanted to tell you a few of the problems
I have encountered with my Fibro and tell you about some of the
successes I have had with the Mangosteen Juice and my Fibro. I have
had Fibro for over 8 years. I have been on many pain pills, muscle
relaxers and anti inflammatories. I took all of these before I was
introduced to more natural and healthy ways a couple of years ago.

I started seeing a chiropractor and he started
me on different supplements. The Supplements
and the adjustments helped but I was still
having some issues. The issues I was having
were a severe case of irritable bowl syndrome,
acid reflux, chronic headaches, sore stomach,
leg aches and leg cramping, abdominal
cramping, sleep disorders and always being
tired and never having enough energy. I also
have an ovarian disease. Polycystic ovarian
disease. I was having excessive bleeding and
cramping and my cycle was very irregular.

My O.B. Told me that this disease is linked to
my insulin and my blood not being balanced.
Being young and single you can imagine this
puts a big damper on things. My chiropractor introduced me to a
Juice close to two months ago.

I was very skeptical. I have tried so many
vitamin supplements and natural things. But
having tried just about everything I figured
why not. I started taking this Juice
and within a couple of days I noticed a
difference. My stomach wasn't sore. I didn't
have the burning acid come up my throat.
My abdominal cramping and irritable bowls
were almost gone. I continued to take it.

My chronic headaches started disappearing.
I wasn't having all the aches and pains and
the leg cramping. Also my blood was being
neutralized and my insulin was as well so
My cycle became regular and not so heavy
and I wasn't cramping as much. So I
investigated the product.

WOW… I couldn't believe that it had a new yet unknown to many
nutrient. All the things that I needed
to be healthy, but especially the things I needed
because I had Fibro.  It is vital for everyone especially when you
have Fibro. One thing with Fibro is… Your
body is too acidic. This Juice helps
neutralize the blood and helps your body to
not be so acidic. Plus it is a natural anti
Inflammatory, natural anti fungal,natural
antibiotic, natural anti viral, natural anti
bacterial, natural anti depressant, natural
anti anxiety. This is only a few. The great
thing about this product is It's natural, It's
safe, It has medical and Scientific background
and it works.

I am so thankful that I was told about this
product. I have seen great success with my
family and friends and many of the patients
I come in contact with daily. It almost sounds
to good to be true,it all makes sense as to why it has so many
wonderful affects on people.

Becky T.
Orem, UT
http://www.good4u.natureswellnesssecret.com

ED Bauer <eddiebauer98055@...> wrote:

Hi,Carol,till there is a cure you treat the symptoms!!! If your in pain you treat that!!! If you can'rt sleep good??? You treat That.Also have ypou rules out Chari-malformation??? Your best weapon is educating yourself.There's a lot of great wesites and magasines and chronicles.The only thing is everyone is different and if I tell you what helps me thats doesn't mean it will help you.You need to experiment and find your own secrect formula.I the mean time I am many others are on the tail of things that can relly help us.Or even a possible cure on the horizen.Till then hang in there and research and be carefull of ripoffs.You can always run a product in front of me to let you know what I think of a product.Reseach www.fibrohugs.com    www.cfids.org  I belong to that. www.immunesupport.com  Also my favorite,I am proudly to be apart of this group.These are the smartest DRs in the world.I personally know several of them.I was interested in there information 8 years before I got CFIDS and Fibro. in 1993  www.lef.org  For intelligence enhanching and life extension.Take care,and please educate yourself.Also everyday I am yahoo messenger under the "HEADING HEALTH AND WELLNESS" click on "USER ROOM" and look for CFIDS/FM/MS/RA/etc... chatroom. take care,Ed Bauer

Carol <carolshinde@...> wrote:

Hi,
  I wanted to respond earlier but I've been bombarded with illness
these past few weeks which, of course, sets off the fibromyalgia. 
Just can't seem to get beyond that.  Does anyone have any advice on
how to treat the symptoms?  Does it help to lose weight?  Does it
help to stop taking sugar substitutes?  I hear so many different
things from people yet I would really like to understand this thing a
little better.  I really want to do what I can to be there for my 9
month old.  It's hard when he see's mommy always in bed because of
the fatigue and the pain.  I also have other issues with Cervical
Spinal Stenosis, NASH, polyneurapathy, muscle degeneration, and a
herniated disc at the moment.  Told ya I've been bombarded :o)  Any
suggestions are welcome.  I just want to do what I can to get this
thing under control.  Thanks :o)  Carol

---

Do you Yahoo!?
Meet the all-new My Yahoo! – Try it today!

Carol Shinde

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  ~Romans 8:28~

"*:._.:*~Kerrie~*:._.:*" <ladiekerrie613@...> wrote:

"Carol" <carolshinde@y...> wrote:

> Hi,
>   I wanted to respond earlier but I've been bombarded with illness
> these past few weeks which, of course, sets off the fibromyalgia. 
> Just can't seem to get beyond that.  Does anyone have any advice
on
> how to treat the symptoms?  Does it help to lose weight?  Does it
> help to stop taking sugar substitutes?  I hear so many different
> things from people yet I would really like to understand this
thing a
> little better.  I really want to do what I can to be there for my
9
> month old.  It's hard when he see's mommy always in bed because of
> the fatigue and the pain.  I also have other issues with Cervical
> Spinal Stenosis, NASH, polyneurapathy, muscle degeneration, and a
> herniated disc at the moment.  Told ya I've been bombarded :o) 
Any
> suggestions are welcome.  I just want to do what I can to get this
> thing under control.  Thanks :o)  Carol


Hi Carol! Welcome to the group. I'm so happy to have you and
everyone else here. Boy, you sure are going through one tough time.
I know I can sympathize with you, as I'm sure do most of the other
members. I'm sorry to hear about your pain. No one deserves to go
through this, it's awful. But we have been dealt these hands for
whatever reason, so we must make the best of it and cope as best as
we can, right? I always tell myself that no matter how bad I feel,
there is always someone out there who is feeling so much worse. Of
course, I have many times when I ask God "why me?" and I wallow in
my pity, but who doesn't? We're only human, after all.

I cannot personally imagine what it must be like to be in your
condition and have a small child for whom you must provide care. Do
you get any help, such as a nanny? Friends or family? I hope you do.
I just looked at your profile and see you are in CT. If I was closer
I would try to help you as much as I could. That's what we're all
here for. I have been wanting a child for so long but so far I
haven't been able to have one. I lost my only pregnancy which was
about 2 years ago. I would love to have a baby, but I fear I will
not be able to care for it. I just offer it up to God. If I am meant
to be a mother, I will be.

I will certainly keep you in my prayers. Are you in a great amount
of pain? Is your pain being managed? I found that once my pain was
being addressed, I wanted to live again. I have only had adequate
pain control since this past June, but it seems like a world of
difference from when I had nothing but Ultram. Finding a good doctor
is key though. Are you on SSDI?

What symptoms are you looking to treat? I have other illnesses
besides the fibromyalgia also, so I know how when one illness acts
up, it makes the fibro all that much more worse. Right now I am on
methadone 50 mg. (30 mg. in the AM and 20 mg. in the PM) for the
fibromyalgia pain. I also take Zanaflex, which is a muscle relaxer
for the stiffness. These two meds seem to work very well for me
compared to anything else they gave me. I was previously on Ultram
and Skelaxin and also trazadone. I experienced terrible side effects
from the Ultram and trazadone and did not get any relief from the
Skelaxin. After three years of going from doctor to doctor, I
finally found my current PCP who Rxes the methadone and Zanaflex.

I hope you find some help and answers in this group! I am going to
try going back on 5 HTP. I don't know if you have ever heard of it,
but it's supposed to be good for people with fibro. I was on it
years ago, before I even had fibro, and I did notice positive
results. It is supposed to help with insomnia, sleeping problems,
migraines, pain, cramps, weight loss, etc. Read up on it if you are
interested. It's just a supplement, it's not a prescription. But,
like everything else, it has it's warnings and drug interactions so
I don't recommend it to anyone unless their doc's approval. I will
keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and remember,
we're always here for you if you want to chat and even just vent.

Take care- Gentle hugs-

Kerrie

Carol Shinde

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  ~Romans 8:28~

I am happy to tell everyone that The hearing for my disability went
well, actually I think it went great.  =) All six doctors including
the states doctor agreed that I was not able to work.  When the judge
posed this hypthetical question, "If a person had to miss 4 or 5 days
a month due to illness, what is the likely hood of them being able to
work in any position?" to the rehabilitation lady she
replied, "ZERO."  I just felt a huge boulder being lifted off my
shoulders.  I figure since 6 doctors say I can't work how can a judge
go against them?

Okay so here I go thinking negatively for a moment:  "Would be my
luck he would be a judge to string me a long and make me see even
more doctors."  Afterall, Murphy's Law has always been true for me,
in that if anything can go wrong it will, as I was born a Murphy into
the life long curse.

Enough negativitive...thats depressing

As soon as I get my official letter of award I will let ya know.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
My Mother's Love is like the wind, I cannot see it, but I can feel it
Till we meet again,
Shawn

I can relate to exactly what u are saying.  I think my meds caused me
to gain about 40lbs myself.  However I have since lost 31 lbs and am
down 2 sizes.  My husband was dx'd a diabetic about 6 months ago and
so we changed our eating habits immediately.  We no longer fry
anything, all food is grilled or baked, we cut out all fast food
restaurants and limit ourselves to a total of 60 carbs per meal.  We
learned as much as we could about reading labels and knowing exactly
how much a "portion" size exactly is.  OMG I miss my Kraft Mac-a-roni
and Cheese Please.  But I feel so much better.  We also started
bringing in more fruits.

Take what u like and leave the rest behind,

Hello all. Since I have become ill, I have gained a great deal of
weight. I've had my thyroid tested and re-tested, but it always
comes out fine. I have an article about something called Wilson's
Thyroid Syndrome which I guess does not get ruled out by the normal
thyroid tests. I asked my rheumatologist about it, but she didn't
seem to have ever heard of it or read the article. I told her how
further tests were needed to rule this out, but she seemed to ignore
me. I have had this experience any time I bring in an article or
tell the doctors about something. They just flat out ignore me.
Perhaps you can Google "Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome" and read more
about it? Here's a good site to check out:
http://www.cfs-recovery.org/wilson's_syndrome.htm

Also, the methadone that I take has been a factor in my weight gain.
My doctor does not concur with this, but I have talked to thousands
of people who are on methadone, either for pain or for maintenance
for opiate addiction, and everyone agrees it has made them gain
weight and that it also makes you crave sweets. Since I've been on
it, I've gained about 20 lbs. This is in addition to the already 40
lbs. I had put on from hardly ever getting out of bed because of
pain. I went from being a rather slim person who was a size 9 to a
very chubby/fat person who is now a size 14-16 and 200 lbs. I am
only 5'2, so the weight gain is very noticeable. When I first became
ill with the fibromyalgia, I had lost a little over 60 lbs. in less
than 4 months. I had been throwing up all the time and had no
appetite. Come to find out, I have 2 ulcers, both a duodenal and a
peptic, which were causing the nausea and vomiting. I was tested for
H.Pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers, and use of NSAIDS was
ruled out as I cannot take them due to my aspirin sensitive asthma.
The ulcers were from the stress of being in so much pain all the
time and not getting any treatment. Now, here I am about a year and
a ½ later and I'm a little over 60 lbs. heavier. It is causing me
terrible depression. I try to exercise as much as I can, but I just
CAN'T do it some days. I get told to "just push myself" and things
like that, but I just can't make my body do what it won't. I am at
the point of trying drastic measures to lose this weight. I hardly
ever leave my apartment except for maybe once or twice a month so
thankfully I don't have to constantly see how none of my clothes fit.

I know there are millions of diet pills out there promising to melt
fat away, etc. Most of them are complete rip-offs. Since we can
purchase virtually any prescription diet pill online without a
prescription, I thought of asking my doctor to script me one. It
doesn't mean she will, but it would be a heck of a lot cheaper. I've
ordered prescription phentermine in the past, but it didn't seem to
be all that great. I just ordered a bottle of 5-HTP, which I
mentioned in another message. I've had positive results with it in
the past so I thought I'd give it a shot and see if it helps with
the pain of fibro.

What scares me is the things I think of to lose weight. I even
thought of trying Ipecac until I looked it up and learned it can
cause some serious heart problems or even death. I'd STILL rather be
fat than dead. I don't want to get an eating disorder out of wanting
to lose weight so badly but I have been trying SO HARD to lose
weight with no results. I know all about the sensible diet and
exercise route, which is the best way to do it. What I would like to
know, do any of you have any secrets or have you tried any of these
diet pills/supplements with any luck? I pretty much eat oatmeal,
cereal, yogurt and popsicles, and that's mostly it. I have little
appetite. So why can't I lose? Instead, I gain. I flat out refuse to
go on the Atkins Diet and think people who are on it are nuts. I
don't eat meat. I couldn't live without eating cereal and bread and
carbs, My mom is on Atkins and has lost a lot of weight, but she's
miserable and the stuff she eats turns my stomach.

I feel like I am at death's door most of the time, yet I gained all
this weight? People tell me how sick I look, how I look grey and so
tired all the time, but then they HAVE to point out how fat I got
and how I must at least still have a good appetite. It really makes
me angry cause I have many mirrors in my home so I do not need
someone to TELL me I have gained weight, especially since I barely
eat. Any clues? Hints? Help? Just please don't tell me to eat a
balanced diet and exercise regularly cause I know that already. I
guess I'm like most Americans and want a "quick fix" or a magic pill.

Has anyone else gained since they became ill? I know it can't ALL be
the meds I am on, which are many. I'm seriously considering that
gastric bypass surgery if there's any way I can get it. Any
responses are welcome. It actually made me feel better to write this
all out and vent it all. Gaining all this weight is one of the main
reasons I don't really leave my home more than once or twice a
month. But now I'm sick of that and ready to make some new friends
and get out as much as possible. If only I could just wake up
tomorrow morning and find myself thin.......

Take care everyone-

Kerrie

Hello everyone. I just wanted to tell all the Rhode Islanders here
about a fibromyalgia support group that I learned about recently.
This is a support group that meets in person. I found this
information in the Providence Sunday Journal a couple of weeks ago.
It was listed in the "Health & Fitness" section that comes in the
Sunday paper about once a month or so.

The meetings are held once a month. I believe there are two
different meeting spots, so there are actually two separate meetings
in two separate locations per month. Unfortunately, the meetings
have already been held this month but at least you will have the
phone number to call if you would like to go to one of the December
meetings.

The Fibromyalgia Support Group is sponsored by The Arthritis
Foundation, Southern New England Chapter. Here is their phone
number: 401-739-3773. Their fax number is: 401-739-8990.

This month, there was a meeting held in Newport at Newport Hospital-
Conference Room- Sheffield Conference Center. The meeting was on the
second Friday of the month at 7:15-9:00 PM.

The other meeting was held at Memorial Hospital of RI- Dining Room 3-
111 Brewster St., Pawtucket, RI. The meeting was on the 2nd
Wednesday of the month at 7:00-8:30 PM.

I am not sure if these are the regular meeting spots for the support
group, so make sure you call to make sure if you plan on going. They
are always listed in the "Health & Fitness" section of the Sunday
Providence Journal, but that section is not in EVERY Sunday paper.

I am going to call them to get the meeting information for December
and I will post it to the group for anyone who is interested. I was
wondering if those who would like to go would perhaps like to
carpool, or maybe assist others who do not have reliable
transportation, like myself. I can usually get my husband to drive
me, but he works a lot of overtime. If he CAN drive me, I will try
my best to assist anyone who is in need of a ride. If there is
anyone who would like to meet me in person, I'd be SO HAPPY to do
that. Not just to get a ride, but to make a new friend.

I'm planning on going to their next meeting, whichever one is
closest to Providence. I am hoping to tell the people there about
this group. I'm sure there are many people out there who can use all
the help and support they can get when it comes to fibromyalgia and
CFIDS. I plan on making some flyers or cards to hand out with this
groups website.

I hope some of you can make it to the next meeting. I think it is so
important to reach out and meet new people who know what we are
going through. Especially if you are like me and have no one in your
current circle of family and friends who knows what it is like to
have fibro. I look forward to hearing your thoughts or ideas about
this and will hopefully see some of you there.

Kerrie
--
All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance,
nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

"Carol" <carolshinde@y...> wrote:

> Hi,
>   I wanted to respond earlier but I've been bombarded with illness
> these past few weeks which, of course, sets off the fibromyalgia.
> Just can't seem to get beyond that.  Does anyone have any advice
on
> how to treat the symptoms?  Does it help to lose weight?  Does it
> help to stop taking sugar substitutes?  I hear so many different
> things from people yet I would really like to understand this
thing a
> little better.  I really want to do what I can to be there for my
9
> month old.  It's hard when he see's mommy always in bed because of
> the fatigue and the pain.  I also have other issues with Cervical
> Spinal Stenosis, NASH, polyneurapathy, muscle degeneration, and a
> herniated disc at the moment.  Told ya I've been bombarded :o)
Any
> suggestions are welcome.  I just want to do what I can to get this
> thing under control.  Thanks :o)  Carol


Hi Carol! Welcome to the group. I'm so happy to have you and
everyone else here. Boy, you sure are going through one tough time.
I know I can sympathize with you, as I'm sure do most of the other
members. I'm sorry to hear about your pain. No one deserves to go
through this, it's awful. But we have been dealt these hands for
whatever reason, so we must make the best of it and cope as best as
we can, right? I always tell myself that no matter how bad I feel,
there is always someone out there who is feeling so much worse. Of
course, I have many times when I ask God "why me?" and I wallow in
my pity, but who doesn't? We're only human, after all.

I cannot personally imagine what it must be like to be in your
condition and have a small child for whom you must provide care. Do
you get any help, such as a nanny? Friends or family? I hope you do.
I just looked at your profile and see you are in CT. If I was closer
I would try to help you as much as I could. That's what we're all
here for. I have been wanting a child for so long but so far I
haven't been able to have one. I lost my only pregnancy which was
about 2 years ago. I would love to have a baby, but I fear I will
not be able to care for it. I just offer it up to God. If I am meant
to be a mother, I will be.

I will certainly keep you in my prayers. Are you in a great amount
of pain? Is your pain being managed? I found that once my pain was
being addressed, I wanted to live again. I have only had adequate
pain control since this past June, but it seems like a world of
difference from when I had nothing but Ultram. Finding a good doctor
is key though. Are you on SSDI?

What symptoms are you looking to treat? I have other illnesses
besides the fibromyalgia also, so I know how when one illness acts
up, it makes the fibro all that much more worse. Right now I am on
methadone 50 mg. (30 mg. in the AM and 20 mg. in the PM) for the
fibromyalgia pain. I also take Zanaflex, which is a muscle relaxer
for the stiffness. These two meds seem to work very well for me
compared to anything else they gave me. I was previously on Ultram
and Skelaxin and also trazadone. I experienced terrible side effects
from the Ultram and trazadone and did not get any relief from the
Skelaxin. After three years of going from doctor to doctor, I
finally found my current PCP who Rxes the methadone and Zanaflex.

I hope you find some help and answers in this group! I am going to
try going back on 5 HTP. I don't know if you have ever heard of it,
but it's supposed to be good for people with fibro. I was on it
years ago, before I even had fibro, and I did notice positive
results. It is supposed to help with insomnia, sleeping problems,
migraines, pain, cramps, weight loss, etc. Read up on it if you are
interested. It's just a supplement, it's not a prescription. But,
like everything else, it has it's warnings and drug interactions so
I don't recommend it to anyone unless their doc's approval. I will
keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and remember,
we're always here for you if you want to chat and even just vent.

Take care- Gentle hugs-

Kerrie

Hi,
  I wanted to respond earlier but I've been bombarded with illness
these past few weeks which, of course, sets off the fibromyalgia. 
Just can't seem to get beyond that.  Does anyone have any advice on
how to treat the symptoms?  Does it help to lose weight?  Does it
help to stop taking sugar substitutes?  I hear so many different
things from people yet I would really like to understand this thing a
little better.  I really want to do what I can to be there for my 9
month old.  It's hard when he see's mommy always in bed because of
the fatigue and the pain.  I also have other issues with Cervical
Spinal Stenosis, NASH, polyneurapathy, muscle degeneration, and a
herniated disc at the moment.  Told ya I've been bombarded :o)  Any
suggestions are welcome.  I just want to do what I can to get this
thing under control.  Thanks :o)  Carol

Hi,
   I wanted to respond earlier but I've been bombarded with illness
these past few weeks which, of course, sets off the fibromyalgia.
Just can't seem to get beyond that.  Does anyone have any advice on
how to treat the symptoms?  Does it help to lose weight?  Does it
help to stop taking sugar substitutes?  I hear so many different
things from people yet I would really like to understand this thing a
little better.  I really want to do what I can to be there for my 9
month old.  It's hard when he see's mommy always in bed because of
the fatigue and the pain.  I also have other issues with Cervical
Spinal Stenosis, NASH, polyneurapathy, muscle degeneration, and a
herniated disc at the moment.  Told ya I've been bombarded :o)  Any
suggestions are welcome.  I just want to do what I can to get this
thing under control.  Thanks :o)  Carol

http://www.tidalweb.com/fms/fm_proof.shtml  PLEASE POST THESE ON YOUR
LINKS KERRIE THANKS,Ed Bauer  and Drs list here http://www.co-
cure.org/Good-Doc.htm and SSDI here
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?
forumid=17018&messageid=925918857  on that one I am not sure how to
get rid of the above add unless you cut and paste around it??? here's
the full website for SSDI http://www2.rpa.net/~lrandall/disabled.html
This should be a start you need to join and take what you want off of
my webite under links.Take it all or anything you want ok?Take
care,everyone and hang in there,age doesn't matter kids come down
with this awfull illness.In time I will show you new interesting
reseach pointing towards you feeling better and maybe in some cases a
cure.I am working with smart scientist and a lab.Also go to the CFIDS
NATIONAL FOUNDATION TOO GET A CIGUTARIA TEST TO HELP YOUR CASE.ALSO
THERE YOU WILL SE WHAT CAUSES OUR ILLNESS.It's a low molelecture
wieght viral pathway.That your genenticaly prediposed too!!!I am
right now busy on possible cures.take care,Ed Bauer of CFS and Fibro
Singles http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CFIDSandFMSingles/

--- In RHODE_ISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT@yahoogroups.com,
jcl4753@a... wrote:
> hi kerrie,
> i am a rhode islander with fibro, cfids, myfacial pain,
ibs,headaches, i  had
> a hysterectomy so i got rid of my endometreosis.
> i know what it is like to be alone with no one to believe you.
> i have been lucky in that most of the dr.s i have been to know
about my
> issues.
> i go to dr. rafal at rehab of rhode island in north smithfield.
> who are you seeing for your fibro?
> i have had it for a good part of my life but wasn't diagnosed
until about  17
> years ago. i am now 51.
> i am extreely interested in being part of the rhode island group.
> please feel free to email me to talk about anything. fibro or just
if we  are
> having a good/bad day.
> i'm disabled too so i am always home.
> joan

Hi Joan! Welcome to the group. Right now it's just the few of us
here, but I really hope in time we can get more RI'ers (or ANYONE
with fibro) to post here. The main reason I made this group was
because I searched all over the place looking for a RHODE ISLAND
based support group. It's been great chatting with people on the net
and I have made lots of awesome friends that way, but I would really
like to make some friends that I can possibly meet in real life. I
really believe that we fibro people should stick together. It's hard
enough to cope with the illness, but when you have to go it alone it
makes everything so much worse.

I have pretty much lost all the "friends" I had before I became ill.
I really feel that once they realized I could no longer do anything
FOR them that they forgot about me. I also know it didn't help to
have to decline every offer I received to go anywhere cause I feel
so crummy.

Speaking of feeling crummy...... I apologize for taking so long to
reply. I know you probably won't take it personally, but in my
experiences some people DO, so I feel the need to explain myself. I
just don't get on my PC as often as I would like. I have my good
days and bad days, but the bad sure do outnumber the good. Since I
last posted last month, I have been feeling very poorly. I just
haven't got ANY energy. I spend the majority of time in bed either
sleeping or resting. I know I should make an effort to get up and at
least stretch. That's what my rheumatologist says. BTW- I go to Dr.
Wendy Silversmith in Providence on Eddy Street. She is part of
University Medical Foundation. I have heard A LOT about Dr. Rafal.
Dr. Silversmith has referred me to him at the fibro clinic in
Smithfield. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to go due to
transportation issues. I live in Providence and I have no car. My
husband takes the car to work so I have no way to get anywhere
during the day. Most of the time I have to ask (or beg rather) my
parents for rides to doctor appointments so I know there's just no
way to get to the clinic. I sure would like to go though because Dr.
Silversmith has RXed heat therapy and deep tissue massages for me.
It's been about 2½ years since I was diagnosed with fibro but I
believe I have had it a lot longer than that. I'm hoping to get to
see Dr. Rafal eventually. Dr. Silversmith is a very good doctor,
IMO. She is the one who diagnosed me with the fibro when all the
other docs were stumped. I went to sooooo many docs too. I was
accused of faking it, just drug seeking, etc. all the time I KNEW I
was sick. I lost my job over this too. I haven't worked in 3½
years now and I am still not on disability. I applied and was denied
so I appealed and I have yet to hear back from them.

If you wouldn't mind, could I chat with you about disability? We can
take it to email if you'd like. I have spoken with a lawyer who told
me that I would win, but that it would be difficult due to my age. I
feel this is not fair and that it is age discrimination. I did not
ask to get sick and they are using my age against me. I was told by
disability that should I get it, they would be giving me a very
large sum of money in retro pay, which I need more than anyone could
know. At the moment I do not even have any heat in my apt. because
of not having any money. That makes the fibro so much worse too
cause of the cold. When I was first diagnosed, Dr. Silversmith told
me that I would never get on disability because fibro was not a
valid illness. But a few months later I learned that it was on the
list. I really think they are trying to screw me out of getting it
and are using my age as the excuse.

For the first few years, until this past June, the only thing I was
given for the terrible pain was Ultram and Skelaxin. The Ultram did
nothing but make me feel worse. I was taking so much Tylenol that I
have had abnormal liver enzyme counts. I have since found another
doctor who is now my primary care doc who actually takes the pain I
have seriously and believes that it should be treated, no matter
what my age. I think she saw how bad I was the first time I had an
appt. with her. I told her flat out that if I had to live my life in
such pain then I chose not to live at all. She RXed methadone for
me, at my request. She offered Oxycontin or morphine first, but I
chose methadone due to the fact that it lasts so much longer and
works SO MUCH better than Oxycontin or morphine, without
that "loopy" feeling. My husband has a RX for Oxycontin so I have
tried it but it is not for me. The methadone has worked wonders for
the pain. I feel like I WANT to live now.

Also, they had me on Skelaxin for the first 2 years but I did not
get much relief from that either so I asked my new primary doc about
trying a new muscle relaxer. She RXed Robaxin for me first, but it
didn't work for me so we tried Zanaflex next and that is what I am
now on. I don't know if any of you have tried it, but for me, it is
like a miracle drug. It works better than anything else they have
given me for the stiffness. The only other thing that worked any
better was Valium, which is a REAL muscle relaxer but they are not
about to script that for me. I wouldn't even bother asking. I can
always get it online though. When I first saw Dr. Silversmith I
asked her about methadone for pain because I have chatted with many
fibro patients who are on it for pain but she told me that they
could not RX methadone for pain. She said it was only used for drug
addiction, i.e., methadone maintenence. Come to find out, she was
wrong. I have some friends that are pharmacists who told me she was
wrong. I am so glad that I asked my new primary doc about it because
she went and called Dr. Silversmith right away and they discussed
trying me on the methadone. It has been so much better ever since. I
should also tell you that Dr. Silversmith has told me that I am one
of the most severe fibro cases she has ever seen, and she deals with
a lot of them. I KNEW I was in bad shape, but even I was a little
shocked to hear that. The only thing that has made anything any
better for me is the methadone and the Zanaflex.

I try to exercise when I can, but due to the adhesions I have,
it is very, very difficult. If I can chat with you about
endometriosis it would mean so much to me. I have gotten nowhere
with that. I had a laproscopy in Jan. 2003 and they found adhesions.
I was told there was no endo but I do not believe it because the doc
who did the lap. didn't know anything about endo. He wanted to put
me on Lupron without even checking to see if I had endo. I have
since left that doctor. So far, every single doctor I have seen,
both GYNs and other docs have told me that they have no idea what
would cause the adhesions. Not one of them knows that endo causes
them! This is beyond me. My current GYN wants to do another lap. but
I do not want him doing it. They don't know much about endo. I want
to go up to Brigham and WOmens in Boston to go to an expert to see
what is wrong with me. I have even contemplated having a
hysterectomy but I am only 27 y/o and I do not yet know if I want
children or if I can even have them. I am in such MISERY over this.
I have my period ALL YEAR. I've had it over a year straight, no
joke. The docs seem to think I am lying or something but I swear I'm
not. This happens to me all the time. I've gone months without
one and I can go a year or more with it. I have chatted with
hundreds of women with endo and I belong to all the endo groups and
sites. I have almost ALL the symptoms so I don't know why I can't
find a doc to help me. It seems like the docs in RI just don't know
much about it at all. I refuse to be put on Lupron due to the fact
that every woman who I have ever met or chatted with that was on it
told me to avoid it at all costs. Even a RN and a doc who has endo
told me not to go on it. THere's even a class action law suit about
Lupron. You can only be on it for a year in your whole lifetime. So
even if it does provide relief from the pain, it's only for a year.
And the side effects alone are worse than the endo in many, many
ways. No thanks. I have enough problems with adding to them. I
really believe I DO have endo though, I just have way too many of
the symptoms and the adhesions. I've never had any abdominal surgery
before the lap, so I didn't get them that way.

Wow, this is turning out to be a long post! I started this group to
hopefully help others with fibro and maybe have them help me. We all
need to help each other though. I know I can't be the only person
out here who feels so alone in it. It's ironic, I have looked and
looked for a support group that meets in person and I found one this
past weekend in the Sunday paper. Have any of you heard of it? If
you have, have any of you gone to it? I was planning on going
tonight but I don't feel up to it today. I will post the info on
that support group in my next post so everyone can see it.

Do you have fibro AND chronic fatigue syndrome too, Joan? I do. I
have an appt. at the end of this month with my rheumatologist, Dr.
Silversmith. I have been getting fevers almost every day and I get
sick at the drop of a hat. Every little cold or bug that comes
anywhere near me or if anyone who is around me who's sick- I get it.
Ed told me that these are big CFS symptoms. My rhem. told me that
the fibro wouldn't cause the fevers. As good of a doc she is, she
seems to be in the dark about a lot of things about the fibro and
CFS. I have gone to so many appts. with articles or documentation
about things I got off the net and they never want to read them.
They never even look at them. It's like they think I am trying to
come across like I know more than they do and they can't stand that.
I just hate that! All I want them to do is look at it and let me
know what they think. I've done things like make up forms in Excel
with my symptoms and how often I get them, etc. and they act like I
am just being a hypochondriac. Because of what I have gone through
with doctors, I just don't trust them. Even the ones I like I don't
totally trust. So many times I have been misdiagnosed or given meds
that I have told them I am allergic to.... It's so disheartening.

Do you or anyone else have multiple drug allergies and/or
sensitivities to chemicals? I am allergic to ALL NSAIDS (Motrin,
Aleve, Bextra, Vioxx, Toradol, etc.) and I'm even allergic to stuff
like Trazadone and Elavil. They have tried me on both trazadone and
Elavil but I had hallucinations on both. Even after that, I was told
to try the trazadone again. Don't they think we can tell when we
cannot tolerate a medication? Sheesh! I'm also asthmatic so if I
take any NSAIDS, my throat swells up and I cannot breathe. I've even
had allergies to certain birth control pills. It makes it hard for
them to treat me I guess. Most docs think I'm lying about the
allergies so they RX them for me anyway. Thankfully the pharmacy
refuses to fill them and they'll call the doc and tell them so. I
have worked as a certified pharmacy technician so I know a decent
amount about medications. What I don't know I can either look up or
ask one of the pharmacists I used to work with. It's nice to know
about the drugs they RX me cause it's something that will be going
in MY body. I won't take anything without learning about it first.
Look at what happened to Vioxx. I have had multiple doctors try to
RX that for me, even when I told them about my allergy to it! When I
worked in a pharmacy, we used to fill Vioxx for almost every kind of
pain a person had, whether it be for menstrual cramps or chronic
pain. I'll never forget the pharmacist saying that it was an outrage
that the doctors were scripting Vioxx for anything when the patient
could just as well take Motrin or something. The docs get certain
encentives from the drug companies like money or free "stuff" for
scripting certain meds, like Vioxx. Now Vioxx has been pulled off
the market due to the harm it was causing. This is a big reason why
I am wary of being put on newer meds. You just never know. They had
my dad on Vioxx and it ended up raising his blood pressure
dangerously high. Vioxx is just one of the many meds out there that
the docs prescribe freely because they get something out of it too.
It's just not right. There are so many of us fibro patients who are
not having our chronic pain treated at all or are barely being
treated. I hope we can end this sort of thing by banding together.

Anyway, before I start going off on a tirade here, I will wrap this
up. I hope to hear from you soon! If you don't see me post for a
while it just means that I am in a lot of pain and just can't sit at
the PC. I try to get on here as much as possible and post and keep
up with it all when I am up to it. Please, feel free to add any
links that you feel would be helpful to anyone.

If you would like to email me, Joan, my email address is:
LadieKerrie613@...   I'd really like to chat one on one with
you. Thanks and I hope you feel well. Talk to you soon!

~*Kerrie*~

--All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance,
nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire.

Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

--- In RHODE_ISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-
CFS_SUPPORT@yahoogroups.com, "Shawn" <smc0830@y...> wrote:
>
> Hello all...nice to meet ya...thanks for inviting me!!
>
> My name is Shawn, married 12 years, 2 children, 1 boy age 5 and 1
> girl age 11.  I am also the caretaker of my father whom has
> Alzheimers and Parkinson Disease.
>
> Stranger to Rhode Island but not Fibromyalgia, as well as, Lupus,
> Raynauds Disease, Dissassociative Identity Disorder, Depression,
> UGHHH just reading that makes me more depressed!!!!
>
> I am in the final stages before having to appear before the
> Administrative Law Judge.  Just got all my paperwork updated for
them
> and will send them in the next few days.  I am hoping that he will
be
> able to make a decision in my favor without having a hearing.
Keep
> your fingers crossed for me.


Hi Shawn! Thanks for joining and welcome to the group! Please let us
know how you make out with the judge. I wish you all the best. I
know what it's like to play the waiting game for disability, I'm
STILL waiting!!!

Take care and post when you can!

Kerrie

Hello,

The moderator of the RHODEISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT group has changed the
group's name.
This means that both the group's email address and the group home page
location have changed.

The group email address:
RHODE_ISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT@yahoogroups.com

The group home page location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RHODE_ISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT

If you have links which point to this group or an address book entry
for the group, you should update them, as the old addresses will no
longer work.

Regards,

Yahoo! Groups Customer Care

Hello all...nice to meet ya...thanks for inviting me!!

My name is Shawn, married 12 years, 2 children, 1 boy age 5 and 1
girl age 11.  I am also the caretaker of my father whom has
Alzheimers and Parkinson Disease.

Stranger to Rhode Island but not Fibromyalgia, as well as, Lupus,
Raynauds Disease, Dissassociative Identity Disorder, Depression,
UGHHH just reading that makes me more depressed!!!!

I am in the final stages before having to appear before the
Administrative Law Judge.  Just got all my paperwork updated for them
and will send them in the next few days.  I am hoping that he will be
able to make a decision in my favor without having a hearing.  Keep
your fingers crossed for me.

Hello to everyone! This is a new support group for Rhode Island
fibromyalgia and CFIDS patients and their friends and family
members. I hope to start seeing some posts soon! Let me start by
introducing myself...

My name is Kerrie and I live in Providence, RI with my husband,
Bill. I am 27 years old and I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome. I have been diagnosed with these diseases for about three
years now, but I believe I have suffered from them quite a bit
longer. I also have other medical problems such as endometriosis
(adhesions), asthma, allergies, and migraines, to name a few. I am
disabled and currently awaiting an SSDI appeal. I have not worked
for going on three years now. It sure is frustrating and lonely!

I met a WONDERFUL man on Yahoo Instant Messenger named Ed who was
actually the one who created this group. He signed it over to me, as
I am a Rhode Islander. I would like to thank him for his help with
the group. Ed is a very knowledgeable person when it comes to CFIDS
and fibro. I had told him how I have searched high and low for a
support group in RI for fibro/CFS with no luck so he created this
group for me.

I really hope to help out other RIers out there who have been living
with these diseases. It can be a very dark and lonely road to travel
if you are alone. No one but another person who has the same disease
as yourself can possibly understand what you are going through. When
I first talked to Ed on the phone, words cannot express the relief I
felt that someone else KNEW how I felt and what it was like. I cried
for almost an hour afterwards just out of sheer relief and
happiness. I had been living for almost three years with my
diagnosis and was feeling really, really low. I felt totally alone
and helpless.

I went through hell finding a doctor who would listen to me and
treat my pain. If I can prevent just ONE person from going through
that, this group will be worthwhile. I am hoping we can establish
some kind of list of names of doctors in RI and nearby MA who are
caring and understanding in treating these diseases. It is a shame
to have someone have to be seen by tons of doctors and get nowhere.
I had been told I was faking it, just "depressed", too young to be
in this much pain, too young to be really ill, a drug-seeker, and a
lot of other derogatory comments by so-called doctors. I was
starting to doubt my sanity. No one should have to go through that
when they are really sick. It only makes everything worse. This is
precisely the reason why we need to help one another through it all.

Having someone or somewhere to go to just to vent or talk can make a
huge difference. I hope over time we can think of this group as one
of the places to turn to for support or just to have someone to talk
to when we are feeling low. I would also like to create a real life
support group where we can make new friends, people who we can
really relate to in real life, not just over the net. But that will
come in time, I hope. For now, I am concentrating on getting this
group started. But to do that, we need members! If you know of
someone who can benefit from this group, please, invite them or at
least tell them about it. I know this is the smallest state, but
even so, there are many people in it who suffer from these
illnesses. There are many, many great sites out there for fibro/CFS,
but so far, no local sites. At least none that I found. Until now.

Be sure to check out the links section for some great sites. There
are many great resources out there. If you have any sites you'd like
to share, please feel free to add them! The more the better. I added
what I could for tonight but I will surely be adding more when I can
sit at my PC for long periods of time. Also, feel free to add any
pictures you would like. I thought it would be kind of cool to add
our photos so we could have an idea of who we are chatting with, so
my pic is in the "photos" section and also in my profile. My profile
also includes many of my interests. I am usually logged into Yahoo
Messenger whenever I'm online so feel free to chat with me anytime
you see me online! I love to talk!

Well, that's all for now. I really look forward to having new
members join and hearing from all of you. Please take the time to at
least introduce yourself when you join. If you have a hard time
sitting at your PC for long periods of time like I do, I can always
exchange phone numbers with you if you are looking to make a new
friend or just to have someone to talk to when need be. I'm a great
listener......

Take care and feel well! Hope you all have a nice three day weekend!

Kerrie
             ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°¤¤°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø
                   If you can't be a good example,
          then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
             ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°¤¤°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø

Hello,

The moderator of the RODEISLAND-CFS-FIBROMYALGIA-RESOURES group has changed the
group's name.
This means that both the group's email address and the group home page
location have changed.

The group email address:
RHODEISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT@yahoogroups.com

The group home page location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RHODEISLAND_FIBROMYALGIA-CFS_SUPPORT

If you have links which point to this group or an address book entry
for the group, you should update them, as the old addresses will no
longer work.

Regards,

Yahoo! Groups Customer Care