Just a check-in.

I went down to start the Pregabalin study today. I can still find out if there are any going on closer to you; just drop me a note if you'd like me to.

The one I'm on is a 13-week study, but after the initial study (double-blind, 25% chance of placebo) is over, anyone on the study can choose to go on a follow-up and continue to receive the medicine (guaranteed, no placebos this time -- so even if I get a placebo now, I will be able to get the medicine eventually) for a year afterward, for free. In fact, I get paid $25 per visit, excepting the beginning and end ones -- $150 total -- but that goes into travel expenses, as I have to drive about a couple hundred miles for each visit.

The only downside is that I have to come off my other medications, and I know for a fact I'm going to miss the Cyclobenzaprine. I'm glad now I didn't rush into a job or any local classes, 'cause I'm fairly sure I'd be missing a lot of time if I had.

The one good upside: They drew blood to go into genetic research about the genetic causes of fibromyalgia and other related conditions. This isn't a direct benefit to me, likely, but I was really glad to see that there are doctors/scientists out there studying the causes for this condition so that we can figure out how to better treat it and maybe even prevent it. I just figured you'd like to know that this sort of thing is actually being done, and maybe sometime in the future we'll have a much better understanding of our condition than we do now. :)

Also, thanks everyone for the memos and comments and stuff. And Gaha-Kelly, I'm sorry I haven't been on AIM lately if you've been looking to talk to me -- I've had some family problems and I've not been up to talking with a bunch of people every day. I'm sure you understand that feeling.

Ria