Carol Jean's Story
"Several years ago I noticed whenever I would tip my head back I would get dizzy.  I found doing several things like hanging curtains, reaching in high cupboards, changing a shower curtain, working on the bulletin board at school, or getting my hair shampooed at the beauty salon would immediately cause me to become nauseous.  I learned to compensate for many of these things by using a step stool to reach high places.  Dr. Bochna arranged for my appointment at Mayo Clinic in Sept of 1999.  They found I had hyperparathyrodism, Chiari Malformation I, and Fibromyalgia."    Carol Jean Downs

Connie's story
On a morning in January 1995, the local newspaper had a full-page article on two women stricken with an illness called chronic fatigue syndrome.  The article descried how these two dynamic women were struggling with every aspect of their lives because of their health problems.  It then announced the beginning of a support group for people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).   Connie Pich took a deep breath and said, "I'm not alone."

Elaine's story
"When Alice asked me to write a testimonial about the effect my illness has had on my life I was somewhat hesitant because of 'baring my soul' to everyone.   However, after thinking it over, I decided what better way to educate people than to share portions of the letters my husband and I had written to Social Security to obtain my disability.  This gives both the perspectives of the victim and the support person."    Elaine Dodson

Gloria's story
"I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in March of 1997 after a period of extreme muscle pain.  I still experience the muscle pain, but not on a regular basis.  By far, my most profound symptoms are those associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. "  Gloria Zeitler

Harry's story
"When my co-worker, Harry, was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I thought to myself, 'This is the worst case of Fibromyalgia I’ve ever seen. There’s got to be more going on here.'  The main difference was his passing out and the extreme pain.  After his successful chiari malformation surgery, I wanted others in our support group to hear Harry’s story.  My thanks to Kim and Harry for sharing  their story."    Alice James

Joyce's story  

"One of the most difficult things I have to deal with is not being able to do things I used to do, such as carpentry and furniture upholstery.  When I had a building project, I just did it myself.  Now I must wait for someone to help me.  It is hard to take."   Joyce Jobgen