Comments on: How do you handle negative comments about fibromyalgia?

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:41:44 +0000

As a librarian, I’m a believer in free speech. But, as a librarian, I’m also very concerned about valid information.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia two years ago after several years of wondering why I “hurt all over.” Only recently am I discovering how cruel people can be when faced with a person who is in constant pain. I think it a reaction to being powerless to relieve another person’s suffering.
My own father has offered the opinion that I would be better off if I could “buck up” and work through my pain with vigorous exercise. Tried it, Pop, and it didn’t work.
I work fulltime, am a part-time gourd artist and do a pretty good job of keeping up my beloved garden. This week, I did break down and hire help to clean my old farmhouse. What I am trying to say is that I am not a slacker. I take Pilates, go to therapy and try to minimize my condition. Hearing comments suggesting I’m a hypochondriac or malingerer plunge me into the depths of depression.
I have thought of starting a blog. If I do, I think I will use the same rules that I use as a librarian when helping students with research. I will be sure to present all sides of an issue, but make sure the source of the information is valid. In other words, if a rheumatologist or other person with good information wants to say fibromyalgia is not a “real” disease, I would print his or her comments, assuming the science backs up the opinion.
But I would make darned sure the other side is presented. I search science databases every day for information about fibromyalgia. Believe me, the research is out there to prove it is real.
Please don’t get discouraged. Keep up the good work on your blog. It is of enormous help to me.

By: Lori

Lori — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:56:27 +0000

Fibro pain is very real. A recent study that I read show that the nerve endings in the skin of those with fibro are really different than the skin of non-fibro people.

Another recent NIH study showed that the receptors in the brain that dull pain are messed up in fibro people. The receptor sites to dull pain are less.

Interestingly, that same study said that the receptors cell look similar in depressed people – which begs the chicken and egg question between fibro and depression.

I am a firm believer in the mind body connection. I believe in the power of the subconscious mind and I know the healing power of hypnosis (personally and anecdotally).

People with fibro are most definitely not hypochondriacs (no more than someone with a very real ulcer) – but the mind body connection is very real. I say that it is not “in your head” but from your head. It is not a fibro person’s “fault”.

I have personally witnessed multiple people get enormous pain relief through hypnosis (clearing up depression and opening up those receptor sites?).

Hope this was of interest and help to you. I also believe in herbal remedies. Whatever you do – please try to stay off prescription drugs.

By: David

David — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:36:23 +0000

I found this blog through a listing of do follow blogs.

Yes, I am looking for backlinks. If appropriate I will leave a keyword as my name or a keyword with my name. But no matter what I usually read a few of the blog’s posts to get a an idea of the blog’s objectif.

And most importantly if I leave a comment it must be relevant to the post’s topic. Not “you have a nice blog”

On wordpress blogs you can use the Akismet or Bad Behaviour plugins to reduce spam. Both are very good.

By: Donkey

Donkey — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:47:14 +0000

I have never nad such kind of problem, but I’ll think about it.
It’s your own right to moderate comments I think

By: Sherril Johnson

Sherril Johnson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:58:37 +0000

Well, I have not had one negative or disbelieving comment on my blog since I started it in May of ’07, so I don’t know what I would do in your situation. But I’m glad you’ve brought the subject up so I can prepare myself for when it does happen.

My first impression is that I don’t think my blog is a democracy. I think it is an absolute monarchy and I am the monarch. I’ll decide what stays and what goes on a case by case basis. (You being the princess of everything, probably understand this.) If I think an argument or opinion is valid and/or worthwhile I’ll let it through. If not, I won’t.