1 Ted,

This is similar to the condition my wife suffers from called arachnoiditis. Though her condition is not as severe, she can drive and does not require a wheelchair, we understand what it means to live with constant pain as a fact of life. The flu like symptoms are something they have in common as well.

You just have to stay strong.

2 Liz,having had my own share of medical problems over the years let me say that you have my fullest sympothies.I know how much it bites to be incapacitated by something you can't control.Many prayers and best wishes to you.

3 Your wife would be the third or fourth person I know who has it. (Hm. Do I know you guys?) I say third or fourth b/c one of my friends possibly has lupus, but the doctors cannot give a firm diagnosis of either one. It's tough.

I hope your wife's spirits stay high! There are so many good days with the bad days. Try butyoudontlooksick.com. One my friends with fibromyalgia pointed me to it and it helped me understand how tiring even the smallest tasks could be for her.

4 Hi there,

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) at 41 years old. I am female with another autoimmune disorder which apparently in 40% of the cases can develop FM. Having gone to conferences (www.fmaware.org), we learned about the need for vitamin supplements as well as ribose supplementation by a Dr. Teitlebaum (www.endfatigue.com). These provide extra energy (that we have lost) from the FM. They call FM an "energy crisis". Ribose can be bought on line at Corvalen (and for me takes away the sore, stiff muscle feel) and the vitamin supplements gives all day energy at good health food/pharmacy stores. Dr. Teitlebaum donates all profits to charity, so I am not a salesperson. Last thing I take is flexeril, a muscle relaxant to reduce pain and help sleep. Solid 8-10 hours sleep is the most important thing!

Her symtoms may improve dramatically, they did for me. Best of luck!