Fibromyalgia Frontiers, 2001 (Volume 9, Number 3)
Sue's poetry is beautiful. Her mixture of truth, pain, and humor inspires us to face each day with hope.


Devin Starlanyl, M.D., author of "Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual"
This well-written book will tug at your heart. As you read, you will see yourself in the pages.


Jane Kohler, Fibrom-L book reviewer
Sue has written something that is needed and that will make a difference to you. I highly recommend this book.


Book Description
"Parting the Fog" is a candid, first person account of what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone suffering from fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. It relays the seriousness of this condition in an easy-to-read manner, while employing humor and focusing on hope. It is a combination of prose and inspiring poetry. Each of the 17 short chapter ends with a personal page to enable sufferers to record their own thoughts and experiences, if they so choose. It also includes: a "Don't Ask-Do Ask" list for "Normals"; a letter to supportive people; a description of the treatment plan the author believes holds the best hope of recovery from symptoms; and chapters on perspective, faith, loss and hope. It is unique, personal, and will help others understand the struggles those with FMS/CFS are faced with. It is an important addition to the FMS/CFS sufferer's library.


From the Author
Many people suffering from fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome, as I do, had told me I was able to express, through my words, their thoughts and feelings about this illness. Thus, I decided to write a book that gives voice to FMS/CFS through both poetry and prose. I wrote "Parting the Fog" in easy-to-understand language, so families and friends of sufferers can gain better insight as to the reality of being stricken with FMS/CFS. It will enable them to better understand us and thus, give them the ability to relate to us more effectively. It is extremely important to me, as a longtime sufferer myself, to help others with this misunderstood, debliltating illness. If you are living under the weight of FMS/CFS, I hope this book will comfort, validate and encourage you through its word of hope, hardship and inspiration. Humor is sprinkled throughout the book, as well, as I believe it is vital to our well-being. My goal for "Parting the Fog" is that as you read it, you will have a good laugh, have a good cry, and come away satisfied that YOUR story has been told at last. But mostly, I hope you will glean something from this book that will change your life for the better.


About the Author
Sue Jones is a poet and song writer. She is a wife and mother of two children, living in Kansas. She was a long time piano teacher and enjoyed a Christian music ministry. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1997, after suffering for many years without a diagnosis. She wrote this book to bring awareness to FMS/CFS and to bring understanding, encouragement and hope to fellow sufferers. She is now a speaker at FMS/CFS support groups and other groups. This is her first book.


Excerpted from Parting the Fog: The Personal Side of Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Sue Jones. Copyright © 2001. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Preface: Each person suffering from FMS/CFS knows the frustration of being misunderstood. We know in our hearts that we deserve better. We did not ask for this confusing, debilitating illness, and would love nothing more than to be rid of it. But since it is chronic, and as of now there is no cure, we have no choice but to deal with it. This can be difficult, because FMS/CFS sufferers are hit with a double whammy. We must contend not only with ongoing symptoms, but ongoing suspicion regarding the legitimacy of those symptoms. These factors make it very easy to let misery prevail and hope fade. There are two reasons for the title of this book. One is that this illness can make holding on to hope as difficult as parting fog. But the resistant fog surrounding not only the minds, but the lives of FMS/CFS sufferers need not stifle our vision. When we are able to embrace hope, the fog begins to part. This is the point at which we see not only what is, but also catch a glimpse of what can be. Fix that parting of the fog in your mind. Cling to it. Allow yourself to dream of it becoming wider and wider, until the beauty of a full life, in living color, becomes your vision. By doing so, it is possible for it to become your reality as well. The first step is simply parting the fog and savoring the picture of newness that emerges. I believe everyone with FMS/CFS is very special. I understand completely the challenges this illness is capable of imparting. This book attempts to speak to the reality of these challenges. I commend you for your strength of character in facing them. You each have a story to tell. Share that story with candor and confidence. Allow the words on these pages to be your soapbox. Use them as another way to part the fog. In this sense, the fog refers to the barrier to understanding this illness so aptly provokes. If this book helps part the fog for others in your life, let me know. I will dance a jig on your behalf (albeit a slow, crickety one!).