I just wanted to mention a couple of other sources proving a link between FM & the brain.

First, Dr. Patrick B. Wood has been researching this topic for awhile, and he made a video about it, among other things to do with FM. I highly recommend it for support group meetings; it’s not too long, not too difficult (important!), shows lots of patients talking… my group really liked it. The site for the video is http://www.lifebeyondpain.com/index.shtml.

And second, this article in the Journal of Neuroscience: http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/full/27/15/4004#B22.

On a personal note, I’ve recently been diagnosed with cerebral atrophy of central and frontal lobes of the brain, on the basis on an MRI done for a completely different reason. I’m currently waiting for my appointment with a neurologist, since it was my rheumy who ordered the MRI and he doesn’t know what to do with the results he got… Shrinking gray matter – yuck!!!

Wow! Thank you for the beautiful reply. I may be smart but you are wise. Wise and wonderful.

You have ALWAYS taken the time to listen to me and to understand me. I am spoiled to have such an amazing big sis. God knew what he was doing putting us together, and Dad knew what he was doing keeping us together.

Maybe that is why I am able to make lemonade with this lemon of a body. Because I am incredibly fortunate in other aspects of my life. Not everyone has a big sis as caring and compassionate as you are.

One thing is clear. We need each other, and I will always be here for you. You are the best!

My Sister is one of the most intelligent people I know. In addition to having one of the biggest hearts I know. We had some tough times growing up (and as adults too) but the one thing I could always count on was having my Sister there who also is my Best Friend. I have always gone to her for guidance and insight. I still to this day go to her. She is my ROCK and she always will be. Dani (my nickname for her) got the wonderful skills of listening and being there for others from our Dad.

I am so blessed that God (and our Parents) gave me the best Baby Sister in the world. It breaks my heart that she suffers so much from FM. When I found out that she had FM I was very confused and worried. I had never heard of FM and could barely pronounce it. So I decided to educate myself (something my Sis would do) so I could understand. I have sat back and watched others who will ask my Sister how she is feeling yet you can tell they don’t get it. Why don’t they take the time to get it? I feel that most people are afraid of the unknown. They hear the words fibromyalgia and they shut down. It bothers me! So what do I do about it? I tell everyone I know that will listen to me about it. I explain what it is the best way I know how. Even my children “get it” they understand that Auntie is in pain and sometimes she has bad days because of it.

My heart goes out to my Sister and everyone who has FM. I hope that one day there will be a cure for FM. After all, my Sister always tells me I am a hopeless romantic. I will always no matter what feel the need to shelter and protect my Sister as she does the same for me. One last thing, my Sister really is the smarter Sister. She always has been and always will be. How many little sisters teach their big Sister’s how to tie their shoes and their ABC’s? The most important thing my Sister has taught me is how to SMILE and keep a good attitude. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!!!