RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly five percent of Americans, mainly women, suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic-pain illness manifested in a number of debilitating symptoms. Getting help from doctors and the health care delivery system is often frustrating for patients who can't find relief. For six years Jennifer Phillips woke up in the mornings dreading another day of pain, inflammation and stress.
"I didn't give up, I kept after it and worked to find a way to control and maintain my disease. I'm one of the lucky ones because I found an appropriate formula to help me deal with it on a day to day basis," said Mrs. Phillips, who has made fighting fibromyalgia a lifetime mission and now as reigning Mrs. Virginia United States 2007, she has a platform to advocate for thousands of other women like her.
"I'm really passionate about this. I have Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed as having the disease 12 years ago by a doctor who knew what it was but had no earthly idea what to do for me," said Mrs. Phillips.
"As the years went by I went through a succession of doctors that told me there was nothing wrong with me, gave a prescription for Prozac and said to get extensive counseling. By dumb luck I found a doctor that not only knew about the disease but also believed in treating patients with it," Mrs. Phillips stated.
"He helped for a time but then things went from bad, to worse, to almost suicidal. Fortunately, I finally found a viable way to cope with my Fibromyalgia. Since that time, I have not only learned to control and maintain my disease but have mentored over 100 suffers with complete success."
"What has amazed me most over the past 12 years is the absolute refusal of many doctors and insurance companies to acknowledge that Fibromyalgia even exists. I am living proof that it exists and that there is hope for those who suffer from it. What I really want to do is make Fibromyalgia as common a word as diabetes or cancer," said Mrs. Phillips
Mrs. Phillips teamed up with Richmond physician Dr. Hillary Hawkins to take their story about fighting fibromyalgia to the State Capitol to raise public awareness about the chronic pain illness.
"It's important for the leaders across Virginia to understand this disease and how it impacts so many lives," said Dr. Hillary Hawkins, "we want people to know there is hope and help available."
Dr. Hawkins said there is plenty of information available to women across Virginia. "I tell my patients, don't be afraid to engage your doctor in a discussion about your symptoms and what your body is telling you. There is help for the patients and its imperative the patient and doctor discuss the illness and what treatments are available," said Dr. Hawkins.
"For years I have mentored fibro patients. I have talked about the pain. I have seen the suffering. It's real," said Mrs. Phillips. "We need to make people aware of this disease and help them get the help they need to cope with it."
Dr. Hawkins said some of the symptoms include: chronic pain, lack of sleep, restlessness, and repetitive migraines. "If you are suffering and you can't get an answer to your problem, talk with your physician about fibromyalgia," said Dr. Hawkins.
If you would like additional information about fibromyalgia, its symptoms and treatments, visit the website for the National Fibromyalgia Association at http://www.fmaware.org/.
National Fibromyalgia Association
