 CFS, FM & Related Syndromes: An evaluation of reported symptoms & stress comparison of people with CFS &/or FM to general population using the internet  Introduction: I will be conducting online surveys for the next several months to gather information on FM, CFS & other related conditons. There will be three surveys focusing on Lifestyles & Stress, Quality & Pattern of Sleep, & Syndrome Symptoms commonly associated with these conditions. Purpose: There are many factors reported to contribute to the triggering of CFS and FM, condition flare ups and severity of these conditions. Many people not diagnosed with either conditions have also reported similar associated symptoms. Much research focus on the symptoms of FM and CFS patients. I want to explore self reported symptoms in both people with CFS/FM and those with neither condition. Procedure: You will be asked to complete 3 surveys on the internet. You may chose to complete 1, 2, or all 3 surveys. Some of the surveys may appear a little lengthy but have been designed to be able to complete quickly. Risks: There may possibly be some undesirable memories come to mind in answering some of the stress related questions. However most people should not be bothered by these questions. Benefits: There are no direct benefit to each individual completing the survey. However the information gathered could lead to a better understanding of the symptomology of these conditions vs. the general population. I do plan to share the results with the Research Study Coordinator at the University of Washington Identical Twins with CFS study. Confidentiality: All information collected in this study will be kept confidential. There will be no questions asking for identifying information (such as name or address) and forms submitted has geocities as sender. However I do ask you to be honest in your responses which will lead to valid data. Other Information: I am gathering preliminary data at this time. I will be doing farther research pending the results of this online survey. I do plan to share the results both on my web page & with researchers. The specific information of each individual respondent will be confidential & only used to gather information on specific population categories. The information will be reviewed for any trends, commonalities and unique reported differences between the groups. Surveys: It is important to complete both parts of the surveys (Lifestyles & Stress. New Survey on Treatment of Chronic Pain I am in the process of gathering information on alternative treatment sought by people suffering from chronic pain especially FM. This information will be used to determine the viability of an invention idea. In other words I need your help in completing the survey to see if the therapies used in an invention idea are used by a large percentage of chronic pain sufferers. If these therapies are often used and sought then I will forward the results of this survey to the financial backer of the project and will put regular updates on the progress of the invention as well as how to obtain information on the invention once it is on the market. |