The underlying pathology of fibromyalgia has remained one of medical sciences' most enduring mysteries, and patients afflicted with the disorder have been told they would need to simply learn to live with its unrelenting pain. However, Dr. Patrick B. Wood, assistant professor and medical researcher at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, has used cutting-edge brain imaging technology to demonstrate specific abnormalities in the chemical functions of the brain, resulting in the development of the Dopamine Theory of Fibromyalgia. Dr. Wood has received international acclaim for his ground- breaking research and for his informative lectures that delineate these amazing advances. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, Dr Wood has applied these insights to bring long-awaited relief to fibromyalgia patients.

As a means of introducing patients to these remarkable advances, Angler Biomedical Technologies, LLC, is proud to present their first medical information seminar, entitled Fibromyalgia: New Discoveries – New Hope. Please make plans to join us at the Austin Crowne Plaza from 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Saturday, August 12, 2006, as Dr. Wood presents his latest findings and explains his innovative approach to successful treatment.

For more information or to register for this landmark event, visit us at:

The same journal has also accepted a focus article I wrote highlighting the recent findings from Toronto, Canada (Dr Philip Seeman and colleagues) that the anesthetic ketamine acts primarily as a dopamine agonist (i.e. mimics the activity of dopamine) when given at low-dose. You may recall that a few years back, researchers in Scandinavia demonstrated that ketamine has a unique ability to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms (including pain) in a large subset of patients. Thus, it would appear that the data on ketamine may be interpreted as further support of the Dopamine Theory of Fibromyalgia. I anticipate the ketamine focus article will appear prior to the FDOPA article – I had intended for it serve as something of a ‘herald’ for the research findings. The problem with research reports is that they can be hard to come by if you don’t have access to the scientific journals, and they can also be a little difficult to navigate. If you are interested in reading more, I would invite you to get a copy of the summer edition of Fibromyalgia Aware, the National Fibromyalgia Association’s magazine, which features an article on my research that they kindly invited me to submit.

Finally, we have made some important strides towards getting the Angler Biomedical website ready to host patient consultations, so be sure to check back often for our launch date. As noted above, I will be speaking in Austin, Texas on August 12, and then again in Houston, Texas on September 30 at the Houston Area Support Group’s conference. I would encourage you to consider attending at least one of these events, and I hope to see you there.

Thank you all for your continued support! - PBW.

ABT: What was it like for you prior to your developing fibromyalgia?

Joyce: I got very sick with Bronchitis right after I took a Flu shot last winter. I couldn’t seem to get any better. My arms ached, my legs hurt. I had a history of arthritis so I thought it was getting worse. [I was] referred to a Rheumatologist, and tests were taken. They thought I had Polyarthritis Rheumatica. I was put on steroids, but the pain got worse.

ABT. How did you learn about Dr. Patrick Wood?

Joyce: His mother was in a Bible study that I was facilitating. She told me about his research and recommended I contact him through the website. He gave me a questionnaire to complete so that he could make recommendations based on my history... I got the supplements and vitamins he recommended [and] took his recommendations to my doctor. My doctor had not been able to help me, so he was happy to write the recommended prescriptions for me.

ABT: What was your experience once you put his recommendations into place?

Joyce: Within three weeks I could sleep most of the night. I could zip up my clothes without pain! I had been sleeping in a chair for a long time because I have been so uncomfortable. Things are good although I’m still under stress: I sold my house that I have lived in for 20 years and had to move out two days ago to a temporary arrangement. I’m a widow, so I count on family and friends for support. As a result of my symptoms being appropriately treated, I have been able to continue doing many of the things I thought I was going to have to give up. I really appreciate Dr. Wood's insights and willingness to help someone he has not had the opportunity to actually meet.

ABT: Thank you for sharing your experiences!