Fibromyalgia or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition that elicits different responses from various groups. As with many chronic conditions it has a heritage of diagnostic misunderstanding, debates over its etiology, and confusion over its treatment. And as with many other such conditions, it can take over people's lives, whether in finding an empathetic practitioner, coaxing family members and friends to understand the debilitation, or coping with the chronic aching and stiffness. Information on Fibromyalgia on the Internet abounds, but it is not all well-organized or definitive. Below are some alternative and conventional Web sites that are helpful, discussion groups that are useful, and some carefully selected (again, there are hundreds) Medline citations on treatment and other social issues when dealing with either the condition or the patient. There's some repetition in what the first few sites offer, i.e., information on support groups, etc., but as with many chronic conditions the support from others is one of the most important factors in dealing with the condition. Any questions? E-mail the Cybrarian.

1) If you essentially want it all (though you can get lost in the hyperlinks), start with http://prairie.lakes.com/~roseleaf/fibro/index.html It's the Fibromyalgia Information Page, maintained by Sheri Graber. It's first paragraph includes the listserv information for Fibrom-L, a Fibromyalgia support group. Includes humor too!

2) A less imposing(but rather busy-looking) place is FIBROMYALGIA Information at: http://www.alternatives.com/cfs-news/fibro.htm#ABOUT The basics on description are covered nicely, the links are appropriate. It is one place (there are many) to find information by Dr. Devin Starlanyl (Starlanyl is also on Sheri's site). There is a pain management page, useful papers by Dr. David Nye, the newsgroup, alt.med.fibromyalgia, the USA Fibrositis Association, and the USA National Fibromyalgia Research Association. Currently includes a piece on the experimental therapy, Guaifenesin.

3) An even tidier list of hyperlinks is at Emory University's MedWeb at: http://www.gen.emory.edu/medweb/medweb.rheumatology.html Click on Fibromyalgia up in their Table of Contents.

4) There's a visually pleasing, easy to decipher site called Fibromyalgia Support Groups, at: http://fmpsc.powerpark.com/support.html It includes Emotional Support Guides and hyperlinks to Chat groups.

5) Need succinct description of FMS to share with loved ones or patients? (originally from the Arthritis Foundation). Go to: http://weber.u.washington.edu/

6) For publications suggested by The Arthritis Foundation: try: http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~gorman/RMC/fib.html This annotated list of brochures, video tapes, newsletters, and pamphlets, includes prices and ordering information.

7) Fibromyalgia Educational Systems, Inc. at http://www.fmsedsys.com/ offers for sale a 170-page handbook, Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia, for patients, their families, and health professionals. An educational program is also offered for health professionals and support groups. These educational resources provide the most up-to-date information available for understanding, managing, and coping with fibromyalgia. Authored by Julie Kelly, M.S., R.N., and Rosalie Devonshire, B.S. Phone (419) 843-3153 · Fax (419) 843-3155

8) Good basic information, including Patient and Physician FAQ's can be found at http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/fibro/fibrotp.html from, MARRTC Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.