"The Faces of Fibromyalgia" Initiative

Lynne Matallana

National Fibromyalgia Association

In honor of Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, the National Fibromyalgia Association launched a new educational initiative in collaboration with the American Pain Foundation (APF), called "The Faces of Fibromyalgia." They conducted a survey in March of people living with diagnosed or undiagnosed fibromyalgia or another chronic pain conditions, which revealed the significant impact of pain on daily activities including work, personal relationships and pivotal life decisions. More than 3,000 people participated in the survey of which 2,559 have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Almost 9 in 10 feel they are no longer the person they were before they started living with chronic pain

Here are the words of Lynne Matallana, President & Founder National Fibromyalgia Association:

While we have come a long way since the NFA was founded in 1997, these results show that we still have a long way to go in improving the quality of life for those suffering from fibromyalgia.

I am one of the spokespeople for the "The Faces of Fibromyalgia" initiative and will be participating in media interviews today and in the coming weeks to help increase the understanding of fibromyalgia. 

The survey, which highlights the effect of pain on those living with diagnosed or undiagnosed fibromyalgia or another chronic pain condition, was developed through a collaboration among the NFA, APF and Pfizer Inc. You can see the complete survey results and tips for living with fibromyalgia at www.FibroCenter.com/survey. Note: FibroCenter.com is a Pfizer-sponsored, unbranded educational site.

Don't forget to check out our website www.FMaware.org to access a wide array of fibromyalgia resources, programs and support. Also, remember to work with your healthcare provider to find a management plan that works for you.