Since fibromyalgia is a painful condition, the best fibromyalgia support group for you must meet your physical comfort needs. You can then begin looking for groups that consist of members who are similar to you in other areas of life, as these people can provide a kind of support more related to your needs. Like other kinds of support groups, the best fibromyalgia support group should provide you with a safe and comfortable place to talk about your experiences and listen as others talk about theirs. Too, it’s helpful if members can offer information about their experiences with various treatments, local specialists, and other fibromyalgia-related matters. Such information can help you as you choose or re-evaluate your treatment plan, your doctor, and any exercise or other programs in which you’re interested or involved.
When choosing a support group for people living with fibromyalgia, one of the first considerations you’ll make is whether to choose an online fibromyalgia support group or one that takes place in a traditional, in-person setting. Since people with fibromyalgia often deal with constant and varying degrees of all-over body pain, online support groups offer the chance to connect, anonymously if you wish, with others without leaving the comfort of your own home. As such, you don’t have to spend a potentially exhausting time fixing your appearance, driving to a meeting place, and sitting in chairs that might not be comfortable. At the same time, choosing a traditional, in-person fibromyalgia support group will allow you to connect with people in your hometown, or close to it, who understand what you’re going through.
Support groups consist of a variety of different people who are experiencing the same issues. Still, it might be possible to find a fibromyalgia support group with one or two people who are similar to you in more ways than just having the same health issue. For example, if you’re a single mother dealing with fibromyalgia, finding a support group with another single mother or two can benefit you. Likewise, if you’re younger than the average age of fibromyalgia suffers, you could benefit from a support group that has other young members. Of course, you won’t conduct interviews as you search for similar members, but you’ll pick up on the information as meetings progress.
As you browse the various fibromyalgia support groups, there are other qualities, or “selling points,” to look for besides the other members. For example, most types of support groups focus on sharing stories and listening as well as being there for one another. Yet, many support groups focus also on providing members with relevant information. For example, it’s not uncommon for members of support groups to share experiences related to certain medications or alternative treatments they’ve tried, information about local fibromyalgia specialists, and exercises they’ve found safe and effective for people with their condition. Of course, this kind of information is available from your medical professional, and you should discuss any new methods or techniques with him first, but there’s something especially valuable about gaining the information from an experienced patient.
Remember, you don’t have to stick with a particular fibromyalgia support group just because you logged on or showed up for a meeting or two. Try out a few support groups before making up your mind. This kind of shopping around will help you find the group that meets your specific needs. If you’re not happy with the fibromyalgia support group you eventually choose, you can always look for another group. The point of any support group is to provide not only support, but also provide the kind of support the members need in a safe and welcoming environment, and if you feel uncomfortable, or aren’t obtaining relevant information, perhaps the group you chose isn’t the right one for you.
