With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, I thought I’d write a post featuring some fibromyalgia related things I am grateful for. This post is part of ChornicBabe Blog Carnival #17.

I can’t even imagine having fibromyalgia without having the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA)! They do so much to increase awareness, research, advocate, educate, etc… I anxiously await the arrival of their Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine every quarter and check their blog frequently. The NFA is involved with so many things that I feel like they improve the quality of life for all those living with fibromyalgia. For this I am grateful.

A few years after I was diagnosed I was very grateful to find the book Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide for Patients and Their Families by Daniel J. Wallce and J. B. Wallace. It was the first in-depth scientific description of fibromyalgia I found. I devoured the book. I was so excited to understand what the newest research was discovering about fibromyalgia and the not-so-obvious changes in my body. This gave me understanding and power over my fibromyalgia.

I am so grateful that the Arthritis Foundation supports fibromyalgia, even though fibromyalgia is not a form of arthritis. They choose to embrace that it is an arthritis-like condition and we all benefit! They raise awareness, publish books, raise money for research and have fun events! Their local chapters provide an excellent place to meet others volunteering, who often times have a tie to one of the conditions under the Arthritis Foundation umbrella.

There is one thing, above all others, that gives me unwavering hope of an even better life with fibromyalgia – research. I am so grateful that there are people working hard to figure out how fibromyalgia works. Once we understand the underlying science there will be many, more effective treatments! When I’ve participated in research studies in the past I’ve felt a sense of pride and involvement in a greater cause. If you are looking for a clinical trial to be a part of here is a list of some.

What are some fibromyalgia related things you are grateful for?

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris*

*Image Credit: from www.wikipedia.org