NEW SURVEY OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DIAGNOSED OR UNDIAGNOSED FIBROMYALGIA OR ANOTHER CHRONIC PAIN CONDITION REVEALS SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BOTH PIVOTAL LIFE DECISIONS AND EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES
American Pain Foundation and National Fibromyalgia Association Highlight the Magnitude of Fibromyalgia during National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (May 12)
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
LYNNE MATALLANA, Founder and President, National Fibromyalgia Association
MICKE BROWN, BSN, RN, Former President of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing,
Board Member of the Maryland Pain Initiative and Director of Communications, American Pain Foundation
BACKGROUND:
With Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12, the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) and the American Pain Foundation (APF) are launching a new educational initiative to encourage people living with chronic pain to work with their healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and find the best management plan. Fibromyalgia is a common pain condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and tenderness lasting for three or more months. Fibromyalgia affects more than five million Americans.
As part of the initiative, NFA and APF will be announcing results from their new survey of people diagnosed or undiagnosed with fibromyalgia or living with other chronic pain conditions, which demonstrated the debilitating effect of pain on peoples lives, impacting everyday activities, work and personal relationships. The survey was completed by 3,018 people; 2,559 respondents who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with fibromyalgia, 459 who are undiagnosed and living in chronic pain. Highlights include:
Nearly all respondents (92%) said their condition has had a significant impact on major life decisions, including whether to initiate or remain in a relationship, change jobs and have children
More than 650 respondents have children under the age of 18; 95% reported their pain condition affects at least one of their parenting duties, such as taking care of daily household and childcare needs, enjoying their childrens milestones or managing their childrens activities/scheduling
Nearly all respondents (approximately 98%) reported they have implemented some type of adaptation to their daily routine in order to conduct activities and tasks despite their pain condition; about 75% of respondents indicated that theyve made three or more daily adjustments, such as reduced physical activity and adjusted daily household chores
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
What is fibromyalgia? How does it impact day-to-day life for those living with chronic pain and their families?
What did the survey results reveal?
What are some management tips to help those diagnosed or undiagnosed with fibromyalgia or living in another type of chronic pain?
Where can people go to learn more about fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions and find support?
Additional survey results and methodology are available upon request.
LYNNE MATALLANA:
Lynne Matallana, a fibromyalgia patient herself, is the founder and president of NFA and also serves as a member of the FDA Patient Representative Advisory Committee. She is widely recognized for her commitment to raising awareness of fibromyalgia and has received many honors, including the Pain Relief Pioneer award (OC Metro Magazine) and the FDA Commissioners Special Citation. She has also been featured in The New York Times and Newsweek.
MICKE BROWN, BSN, RN:
Micke Brown is the Director of Communications for APF. She has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years with more than 15 years of experience as a pain management nurse, program coordinator, educator and advocate. Ms. Brown is a past president of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing and the 2006 recipient of the American Academy of Pain Managements Richard S. Weiner Pain Education Fund Advocacy for People with Pain Award. She has been interviewed by NPR and Newsweek.
To arrange an interview with Lynne Matallana and/or Micke Brown, please contact:
Susan Higgins @732-269-4808
Developed through a collaboration among the National Fibromyalgia Association, American Pain Foundation and Pfizer Inc
