Potsdam
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Potsdam Facilitator: Leslie Russek, PT, DPT, PhD,
OCS
Associate Professor, Clarkson
University Physical Therapy Department and
Physical Therapist, Canton-Potsdam
Hospital
The Potsdam Fibromyalgia Support Group is on WINTER HOURS.
The next meeting will be Tuesday,
October 3rd, noon-1pm. We will
discuss “How to avoid
automatic negative thoughts when life is difficult.” We
will continue working through the CBT workbook we started several months ago. Anyone is welcome to attend our support group meetings
– friends, family, people with other chronic diseases. We meet on the 2nd
floor of Clarkson Hall at 59 Main St., Potsdam. Note that we have switched to
WINTER HOURS: noon-1 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. See new, updated
2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria link, below.
Join the Potsdam Fibromyalgia Support Group on
Facebook!
·
We
now have a private Facebook group just for our support group members. The Facebook
page will include old newsletters and documents currently posted here. This
will provide a forum for people who were unable to attend a meeting to discuss
the topic, and for discussions to continue past the meeting. Contact Kris at kris.a.lisdesigns37@gmail.com
to join. We hope this will become a place for our group members to share
success stories, ask one another questions, and to make friends among other
people in the North Country dealing with FM. Because the group is by invitation
only, what you share will be kept within the group – no-one
outside the group can see. Check it out!
Useful links and resources:
2016 American College of
Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia. The 18 tender points are no
longer used for diagnosis of FM. This document describes the 2016 diagnostic
criteria for fibromyalgia. Discuss your findings with your physician.
Employees with Fibromyalgia This resource is from The Job Accommodation
Network (JAN), supported by the US Dept of Labor, Office of Disability
Employment Policy. This document has useful suggestions for making
accommodations in the workplace.
Talking
With Your Doctor: This brochure from the National Institute on
Aging is intended for older adults because they tend to have more medical concerns
and tend to take more medications – making it an excellent resource for
people with FM.
Disclaimer
about Newsletter contents: The purpose of this site is not to
diagnose or cure any disease or malady. Information is offered to improve
understanding of fibromyalgia. This information cannot take the place of
professional medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness
should come under the direction of a physician. No guarantees are made
regarding any of the information presented in this website.
Newsletters and links to resources (links to on-line resources are given in
orange)
· February, 2014 (Repeat: Being a supporter of someone with FM)
· Tips for supporting someone with fibromyalgia
·
CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help site resources related to fatigue in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
·
Dysautonomia International
information on Postural Orthostatic
Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
·
Pain self-management resources:
1.
UC Davis Pain Self-Management
Program
·
National Headache Foundation flier
on Fibromyalgia and Migraine,
by Dawn Marcus, MD.
·
October, 2016: Sources of foot pain.
·
September, 2016: Current research findings on effective
treatments for fibromyalgia
·
June, 2016: Yoga and Fibromyalgia (Guest
contributor Terry de la Vega, NP, CYN)
·
April, 2016: Fibromyalgia medications
·
March,
2016: Types
of pain and different methods for managing pain
·
February, 2016: Managing anxiety.
·
January, 2016: The benefits of Gratitude.
·
December, 2015: The Spoon Theory of fatigue.
·
November, 2015: The shame associated with chronic pain and what to do
about it.
·
October,
2015:
Tapping for relaxation.
·
September,
2015:
Aromatherapy
·
August,
2015: Sleep
and FM
·
July,
2015:
Irritable bowel and FM, the FODMAP diet
·
April,
2015: What
Leslie learned and did while on sabbatical in Australia, and the “Protectometer”
· July, 2014 (History of the Potsdam Fibromyalgia Support Group,
farewell from Leslie)
· April, 2014 (Guest contributor: Paula Youmell
discussing diet and holistic approach to managing pain)
· March, 2014 (TrP that mimic medical
conditions)
· February, 2014 (Being a supporter of someone with FM)
· January, 2014 (Setting and meeting your personal goals)
· Nov/Dec, 2013 (Hobbies for pain management; surviving the holidays)
· October, 2013 (Acupuncture, melatonin for migraine, Trigger Pointers: subscapularis)
· September, 2013 (Pain Awareness Month, low dose cyclobenzaprine for FM)
· August, 2013 (Reiki, Research about chronic pain and the brain)
· June, 2013 (Acupressure, Trigger
Pointers: sternocleidomastoid)
· April, 2013 (Gluten sensitivity, lactose sensitivity)
· March, 2013 (Tinnitus – ringing in your ears; Trigger pointers:
masseter)
· February, 2013 (Reasons for dizziness)
· November/December (The neuropsychology of pain)
· October, 2012 (Positional Cervical Cord Compression – PC3)
· No September newsletter, but here
is a link to information about supplements
for fibromyalgia
· August, 2012 (Piriformis syndrome)
· June, 2012 (Time-based pacing)
· May, 2012 (Biofeedback, Trigger Pointers:
upper trapezius)
· April, 2012 (Headaches and FM, Trigger
Pointers: splenius capitis & cervicis
in the neck)
· March, 2012 (Mindfulness Meditation for Pain; Dangers of Multiple
Medications)
· February, 2012 (Emotions and Pain – CBT approaches to managing
negative emotions)
· January, 2012 (2010 American
College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia)
· December, 2011 (Health benefits of gratitude. Melatonin for sleep)
· November, 2011 (Managing trigger points. Trigger Pointers: infraspinatus)
· October, 2011 (Fibro vs. myofascial pain
syndrome, Trigger Pointers: gluteus medius)
· September, 2011 (Overview of trigger points, Temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) disorders)
· August, 2011 (Abdominal migraines, Drug interactions, Vibration for
pain)
· June, 2011 (What are the most common fibro symptoms, Trigger pointers:
wrist and finger flexors)
· May, 2011 (Chronic pain, Awareness Day)
· April, 2011 (Adaptive gardening, Trigger pointers: scalenes)
· March, 2011 (FM subtypes, Trigger Pointers: pectoralis
muscles, women’s heart attack symptoms)
· February, 2011 (Chronic pelvic pain, Trigger Pointers: pelvic floor
muscles)
· January, 2011 (Placebo and Nocebo effects, the
2011 Coping Calendar, Trigger pointers: hip flexor muscles)
· November, 2010 (Gastrointestinal problems and FMS, Trigger Pointers:
abdominal muscles)
· October, 2010 (Talking With Your Doctor) Additional
resource: FM Healthcare Worksheet for planning
your appointment
· September, 2010 (Supporting the supporter – caregiver stress)
· August, 2010 (Sleep disorders, tai chi and FM)
· July, 2010 (Hypnosis for managing pain)
· June, 2010 (Work accommodations for FM, Gardening accommodations
– reprieve of previous newsletters)
· May, 2010 (Awareness Day, Avoiding negative thoughts.)
· March, 2010 (Exercise and FM, Walking groups, working with PT students)
· January, 2010 (The Masks We Wear, Contribute to our North Country FM
book)
· November/December, 2009 (Sources of medical info,
fibromyalgia magazines, quadratus lumborum
trigger points)
· October, 2009 (Acupressure for insomnia)
· September, 2009 (Balance disorders, New support group to deal with
psychosocial aspects of FM)
· August, 2009 (Type A Behavior, Obsessive Compulsive Personality
Disorder)
· July, 2009 (Accommodations for FM, FM Poetry: The Winds of
Fibromyalgia)
· June, 2009 (Fibrofog, vitamin D, Trigger
Pointers: posterior neck muscles – splenius capitis
and cervicis)
· April, 2009 (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and FMS, Awareness Day
events, Pain/Stress Management program)
· March, 2009 (Self-esteem and illness self-image, Dr. Khan –
· February, 2009 (Fibro-fatigue, dealing with chemical sensitivity, trigger
points vs. tender points)
· January, 2009 (Chemical sensitivity)
· November-December, 2008 (Fibro news, book suggestions,
Trigger Pointers: facial muscles)
· October, 2008 (Common myths about pain; stress of chronic illness)
· September, 2008 (Mind-body activities such as yoga, tai chi and qi gung for
chronic pain; new sleep medications)
· August, 2008 (Relaxation in managing chronic pain; Trigger Pointers:
pronator teres)
· July, 2008 (FMS and the family, continued; Trigger Pointers: foot
pain)
· June, 2008 (FMS and the family)
· May, 2008 (Living with Fibromyalgia documentary, FMS facts, Trigger
Pointers: upper trapezius)
· April, 2008 (Fibromyalgia facts, Trigger Pointers: tibialis
posterior)
· March, 2008 (Supplements and diet)
· February, 2008 (Fibrofog, Trigger Pointers: pectoralis major)
· January, 2008 (Biofeedback, Trigger Pointers: the rhomboids)
· November/December, 2007 (Gizmos and gadgets to make
life easier; TheraCane for trigger points)
· October, 2007 (FMS and headaches, Trigger Pointers: the
sternocleidomastoid)
· September, 2007 (Acupuncture, Trigger Pointers: the piriformis)
· August, 2007 (Osteoporosis risks, Music to manage chronic pain, Trigger
Pointers – gastroc/soleus and humor)
· July, 2007 (Ideas for the FMS in the
· May-June, 2007 (Gardening with less pain)
· April, 2007 (Documentary “Living with Fibromyalgia,” research on
cervical myelopathy, and humor)
· March, 2007 (Sleep apnea, laughter, poem “Nighttime Muse” submitted by
Jane Ault)
· January, 2007 (Happiness, FMS research) – Note – there will
be no February newsletter.
· November-December, 2006 (Coping with cold weather, pain
medication)
· October, 2006 (Coping with depression or guilt)
· September, 2006 (The doctor-patient relationship)
· August, 2006 (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Diet and FMS, FMS Research,
Smoking Cessation)
· July, 2006 (Benefits of social support)
· June, 2006 (Self-care strategies)
· May, 2006 (History of Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day)
· April, 2006 (Myofascial Trigger Points)
· March, 2006 (Emotions and FMS; Poem: My Muscles)
· February, 2006 (Urinary disorders and pelvic pain)
· January, 2006 (Highlights of Dr.
Welch's lecture)
· November-December, 2005 (Headaches)
· October,
2005
(Hormones and FMS, Alexander technique, balance research)
· September,
2005
(Impact of FMS on the family, tips for improving energy)
· August,
2005 (FMS Myths, myofascial pain syndrome)
· July,
2005 (FMS summer reading)
· June,
2005
(Hypermobility Syndrome and FMS)
· May,
2005 (Pain, Sleep)
· April,
2005 (Anxiety, Panic
and FMS, FMS Million Letter Campaign)
· March,
2005 (Making the most
of your MD visit, Fibrofog, Dopamine and FMS)
· February,
2005 (Prescription IQ,
Asking for help)
· January,
2005 (FMS medications,
Restless Legs Syndrome)
· December,
2004 (Prioritizing,
Friendship)
· November,
2004 (Handling the Holidays, Exercise part 2)
· October,
2004 (Healthy People
2010, Exercise part 1)
· September,
2004 (Communication)
· August,
2004 (Animal therapy)
· July,
2004 (Supplements)
· June, 2004 (Osteoporosis, Guaifenesin) (Complete book review on Guaifenisin)
· May, 2004 (Talking to your doctor)
Support Group
meeting times:
Location - Clarkson Hall at
For information about the Potsdam Fibromyalgia Support
Group, contact the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Physical Therapy Dept. at 261-5460.
Massena: For information about the
Massena Fibromyalgia Support Group, contact
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Links
Dr. Russek's
Home page
Contact the Potsdam Group Leader at Lnrussek@clarkson.edu
Clarkson University
Canton-Potsdam Hospital
Clarkson Physical Therapy
Department
If you have comments or suggestions,
email me at lnrussek@clarkson.edu