by Laurie Boris

Created on: March 13, 2009

Have you or someone you love been newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia? If so, you probably want to learn more about how to live with this condition. Unfortunately, the doctor's office is not always the best place to start. Here are five of the best resources for fibromyalgia information. Just a note: some of these sites also sell nutritional supplements or other products for fibromyalgia. If you simply want to tune in for the information, just tune out the sales pitch.

1. The Fibromyalgia Network. This organization maintains a completely ad-free website where you can learn about what has been at the forefront of fibromyalgia news since 1988, and is often the first place your doctor will send you for more information. The Fibromyalgiafibromyalgia is (and isn't), read suggestions for day-to-day dilemmas, download articles and peruse the latest medical studies. You can also subscribe to their quarterly journal, which includes more information about coping skills, individual success stories, and current research about medications. For about $10 each, you can order special supplements on diet and exercise and relationships, as well as a full diagnostic kit.

2. Dr. Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland have written a comprehensive and easy to use book titled "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain." This has been the go-to resource for many people with fibromyalgia, and it has been recently updated. Count on it for great information about self-treatment, body workers, medications, how to build your support system, and, should you need it, how to apply for disability. Both of these women have fibromyalgia, so they write with the voice of experience. Dr. Starlanyl also maintains a website, where she offers information for both patients, caregivers and doctors, and lists additional resources.

3. National Fibromyalgia Association. There's a lot of good info in this website, including a guide to finding a good doctor. The NFA also publishes Aware, a monthly magazine (which is rather expensive.) Through this site you can also join an on-line support group - having a good support system can be vital to living with fibromyalgia, especially if your family doesn't really understand and there isn't a "live" support group in your area. You need to register to use some of the features, but it doesn't take long.

4. Dominie Bush's website. This is a privately run website by Dominie Bush, a wonderful, generous woman who has been living with fibromyalgia for decades. She's posted nearly

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