Q: I am a doctor returning to Anderson. I have worked with patients and had a family member with fibromyalgia. I noticed your column about fibromyalgia. Could you recommend a local support group where I could speak? — Dr. K.B., Anderson

A: The Upstate does not advertise local support groups for fibromyalgia. From what I’ve discovered, the majority of support groups are developed, organized and operated by individuals as part of larger national organizations. Dr. Robert Schwartz at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville has provided a support group that met on the third Thursday of each month. The last posted meeting was in December 2007.

I found one group in Westminster through a national Web site, but no information on meetings was available. A search of local hospital support groups did not identify a meeting for sufferers of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide guidelines for developing support groups. Their Web site is http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssupport.htm.

While not everyone benefits from participating in a support group, it can be helpful if the mix of participants includes people newly diagnosed and those who have lived successfully with the illness, supported by health care professionals.

If you’re interested in helping individuals with fibromyalgia, you might consider organizing a support group in your area.

Q: I believe I have shingles, but I took the vaccine. The itching is terrible, mostly on my upper torso. I have not changed medications or soaps. How do I get Medicare Part D to reimburse me for the vaccine? — R.S.B., Anderson

A: You should check with your doctor to make sure you have shingles. According to physicians at Harvard Medical School, treatment is most effective if initiated within 72 hours after the appearance of shingles. Antiviral medications used to treat shingles include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.

Early treatment can reduce complications such as chronic pain and may speed the healing process. Sometimes antiviral medication is combined with prednisone, a corticosteroid-based anti-inflammatory drug.

I am not an expert on filing for reimbursement. Most doctors’ offices have a person who assists people filing claims. I would ask them to make sure the claim was filed. If it’s denied, you may need to write a letter appealing the decision.

Send your health questions

to Debbie Jackson, PhD, MN

Clemson University, 302 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-5155 or e-mail dbj@clemson.edu.