Support Group Has Help For Sufferers Of Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue

It’s called the “invisible disease.”

It’s hard to diagnose, but its symptoms include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness and widespread pain, including chest pain.

The disease is fibromyalgia, affecting millions of Americans.

Pronounced as a disease in 1990 by the College of Rheumatology, little is known about the origins of fibromyalgia and there are no standard tests to diagnose the disorder.

To correct a statement printed two weeks ago in Health Notes, there has not been research to support the claim that fibromyalgia can lead to more serious diseases like cancer or multiple sclerosis.

Because there is a significant number of Inland Northwest residents who suffer from the disease, a support group has been founded: the Inland Northwest Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Association.

The group meets quarterly and publishes a newsletter.

The next meeting will be Sept. 21 at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene. Speakers will include Dr. I. Jon Russell, a rheumatologist researcher from Texas, and Dr. Jorge Flechas from North Carolina known for his metabolic theory/treatment.

For more information, contact the Inland Northwest Fibromyalgia Association at 921-7741.

Prostate cancer support group

Man to Man is the name of a new support group formed by the American Cancer Society for those with prostate cancer.

The group will meet for the first time at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 15, at the Deaconess Health and Education Center Auditorium, 910 W. Fifth.

The program, moderated by Dr. Steve Silverstein, urologist, will offer support, awareness and treatment information.

Anyone with prostrate cancer, along with friends and family members, are invited to attend the free session.

For more information, call 326-5802.

Asthma forum

Holy Family Hospital is sponsoring “Asthma - What’s New and How It Affects You” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, at the hospital’s Health and Education Center.

Some 13 million people across the country suffer from asthma - inflammation of the airways resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath - and the rate is growing.

Led by Dr. Timothy Wighton, research director at Seattle’s Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center, the 90-minute class will identify asthma symptoms and discuss ways to manage the lung ailment.

Although the class is free, pre-registration is required. Call 482-2477 to register.<