Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia Educational Materials Supported by Pfizer Inc.

The chronic pain and fibromyalgia materials listed below were developed by HealthyWomen as part of the consumer education campaigns Explain Your Pain (2010) and She Said, He Said (2009). The content was created to help those suffering with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia to cope with their diagnosis and communicate effectively with their health care providers.

Feature Articles (including first-person stories):

• Fibromyalgia: First steps after a diagnosis
• Supporting a Loved One with Fibromyalgia
• Living with Fibromyalgia

Videos:

• 5 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider Before a Diagnosis
• 4 Ways to Support a Loved One
• 5 Tips for Traveling Like a Pro
• 4 Ideas for Healthy Living
• 3 Strategies for Workplace Success

Questions and Answers:

• Q: I want to talk to my primary care physician about my pain and fatigue but whenever I try, I become emotional and embarrassed. How can I discuss my symptoms so he'll better understand how I feel?Read the answer.
• Q: I want to share my fibromyalgia diagnosis with my family and friends but, having been viewed as a "complainer" over the years, I'm worried they won't take me seriously. How can I best articulate my condition so that I receive support, not skepticism?Read the answer.
• Q: Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. What are some tips for communicating effectively with my health care provider about how to manage the disorder?Read the answer.
• Q: As I watch other parents with kids, I wonder how my fibromyalgia symptoms will hamper my efforts to be an active parent. What kinds of things can I do to balance my energy, play with my kids and still take good care of myself?Read the answer.

Publications:

• Check-up Checklist: 10 Tips for Explaining Your Fibromyalgia Pain to Health Care Providers (print and go version)
• 10 Tips for Communicating Effectively with Your Health Care Provider About Fibromyalgia (print and go version)
• Practical Tips for Living Well with Fibromyagia (print and go version)

Press Releases:

• New Educational Campaign Helps Women Explain Their Pain to Healthcare Providers
• Women and Men Face Off: Who Can Stand the Pain?