Advice for Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Focus on what you need to do to get better, not on what caused your illness.
Look forward, not backward.
Search for treatments, not cures.
Explain your health problems; don't just complain about them.
Get involved in an exercise program and cognitive behavior therapy as recommended by your doctor.
Don't assume that Dr. Johnson thinks you are lazy or crazy just because he recommends exercise or cognitive behavior therapy.
When trying any therapies, rate your symptoms in collaboration with Dr. Johnson.
If you feel worse, don't assume it's because your treatment has stopped working. Fibromyalgia symptoms wax and wane.
Identify stressors or changes in behavior that may have contributed to worsening your symptoms.
When a treatment improves your symptoms, you must correspondingly increase your activities.
Think very carefully before filing disability claims or starting litigation.
It can be destructive to view yourself as "disabled".
Most people who receive effective treatments can obtain benefit and lead normal lives.
There is hope!