Fibromyalgia

2009-07-29T02:12:00.001-07:00

Brewed Goodness

2009-07-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention... A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words. -- Rachel Naomi Remen

I'm not happy, I'm cheerful. There's a difference.
A happy woman has no cares at all.
A cheerful woman has cares but has learned how to deal with them. -- Beverly Sills

Fibromyalgia and Raw food

2009-03-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Gado gado with peanut sauce

Fibromyalgia and Raw Food Research Study

Michael S. Donaldson, PhD

Donaldson and his staff conducted an intervention study looking at how the raw foods diet affected people with fibromyalgia, a nerve and muscle pain disorder.

Gado Gado n peanut sauce

Over a course of six weeks, 30 people were put on a program that included two to three glasses of carrot juice, barley greens, raw fruits and vegetables, flaxseed oil, and some cooked food at dinner (mostly whole grains).

Fresh Fruit Juice

At the end of the trial, two thirds showed remarkable improvement: two participants overcame their severe depression; one woman went back to work after being out on disability."Generally the raw food diet works because it is a synergy," says Donaldson.

pigislandfolk blog

"Vitamins, enzymes, a healthy bowel, balanced emotions, positive outlook -- all of these components come together in a living way. People overcome arthritis, allergies, cancer, you name it. I am still amazed by the testimonials that come back to us from people who have adopted a raw foods diet."

Tempeh-Fermented Soya Beans

mekarmewangi.blogspot.com

Soya Bean Milk

Lena - "My name is Lena Buhr and I've just turned raw...I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a possible melanoma a while ago, and since so many family members of mine, keep dying and get sick in cancers, arthritis and thyreone, I decided to do what many people don't thinkis possible; I became 100% raw.

No coffee or tea, or any cooked food whatsoever, no white bread or sprayedvegetables, nothing!! I only eat raw vegetables, berries, nuts, sprouted seeds and a lots of fruit everyday.

I didn't believe in this at first and it scared me a little bit but I thought I had nothing to lose. Today, I am almost free of my symptoms and becides I feel so much better! I only wish You would tell Mr. Fox about this... It would help him a great! So many people around the world who is know free and cured from even severe cancer, with only months left to live...

Please do some research on how food effects us, especially the kind of diet You eat in America--the Standard American Diet--SAD! It would save so many from fear and agony about diseases and pain! Yours Sincerely Lena Buhr."

The power of raw foods is not only one of the most well-known "rejuvenation" secrets of celebrities and Hollywood stars, it is also a concept that has the potential of giving you what you're looking for: incredible health, increased energy, and a youthful and slim body.

To Cook, Or Not

Going raw does has its drawbacks. One is that some people find this type of diet leaves them hungry for, well, something more, something warm. "In the winter months," says Havala, "calorie needs may be greater due to the cold, and low calorie, water-dense foods such as many fruits and vegetables might not provide enough calories for some people. In that case, greater reliance on starchier vegetables may help, but many of those are typically cooked, such as potato soup and vegetarian chili."

Of course, you don't have to go 100 percent raw to enjoy the bounties of the garden.

http://www.rawfood.com/yogajournal.html

Disclaimer

The information in this site is provided for informational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of physical therapy, medical, or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician or other healthcare provider. The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.

If you discover any copyright infringement of your material or if copyright owners feel differently of this blog's content, they can send an email and the content will be taken down immediately.

A further look at healing with nature and Raising Public Awareness.

2009-03-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

The Bitter Truth About Aspartame
(NutraSweet/Equal/Spoonful/Canderal/Benevia, etc.)

"Aspartame (NutraSweet) appears to cause slow, silent damage in those unfortunate enough to not have immediate reactions and a reason to avoid it. It may take one year, five years, 10 years, or 40 years, but it seems to cause some reversible and some irreversible changes in health over long-term use"
Aspartame has a profound effect on mood and cognition....depressed mood, anxiety, dizziness, panic attacks, nausea, irritability, impairment of memory and concentration.

According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame: Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.

Neurotoxin: MSG and How it is Hidden in our Food and Vaccines

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) has been used for many years as a flavor enhancer for a variety of foods prepared at home, in restaurants, and by food processors. FDA has studied adverse reaction reports and other data concerning MSG's safety for many years.

Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to produce a variety of adverse reactions.

These reactions, although seemingly dissimilar, are no more diverse than the reactions found as side effects of certain neurological drugs.

Refined Salt: White Poison

The problem with salt is not the salt itself but the condition of the salt we eat!

Our regular table salt no longer has anything in common with the original crystal salt. Salt now a day is mainly sodium chloride and not salt. With the advent of industrial development, our natural salt was "chemically cleaned" and reduced only to sodium and chloride.

Major producing companies dry their salt in huge kilns with temperatures reaching 1200 degrees F, changing he salt's chemical structure, which in turn adversely affects the human body.

The common table salt we use for cooking has only 2 or 3 chemical elements. The seawater has 84 chemical elements.

For our body to be healthy we need all those elements. When we use the common salt, we are in deficit of 81 elements which means we are somehow contributing to becoming weaker, imbalanced and more susceptible to diseases. Use the seawater salt.

Fish from the ocean will die quickly if placed in a solution of refined salt and water. The sodium chloride, in its form as it comes from the refinery, is actually poisonous to them.

Bottom line, is that yes it can be harmful to consume too much refined salt, but you cannot consume too much natural unrefined salt.

Canola Oil "Canola oil comes from the rape seed, which is part of the mustard family of plants. Rape is the most toxic of all food-oil plants. Like soy, rape is a weed. Insects will not eat it; it is deadly poisonous! The oil from the rape seed is a hundred times more toxic than soy oil."

Beware of farmed salmons
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Or is it's Environmental Working Group found that farmed salmon had 16 times the PCBs found in wild salmon, four times the levels in beef, and 3.4 times the levels found in other seafood. The New York Times notes that while the PCB levels in salmon are high, they do not exceed those set in 1984 by the FDA for commercially sold fish; however, they do exceed the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1999 for recreationally caught fish.

Dental Amalgams the "silver" fillings in your teeth Is It Safe?
The "silver" fillings in your teeth - Dental Amalgams - are still widely used by the dental profession in most parts of the world. The "Amalgam" consists of a mix of metals - Generally 50% Mercury, 35% Silver, 15% Tin and other metals. But is it safe to put so much Mercury, the most toxic non-radioactive metal known to man, into the mouth of a person? There is now a growing mountain of evidence that it is NOT safe to do so.

Some countries, like Sweden, Canada and Germany, have either banned or imposed serious limitations on Amalgam usage. There is now compelling evidence from reputable scientific bodies such as the World Health Organisation that, despite claims from pro-amalgam bodies such as the American and British Dental Associations (ADA/BDA), mercury is NOT "locked" safely in the metal bonds in the teeth, but can leak slowly into the body, often causing severe illnesses.

These are reckoned to possibly include ME/CFS, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers, and a whole range of "auto-immune" illnesses. In fact, just by damaging the immune system, Amalgam could be contributing to an even broader range of illnesses

Do Antidepressants Cause Violence and Suicide?

Julian Whitaker, M.D., believes there is a direct link between the violent shootings and the increased and indiscriminate use of popular antidepressant drugs. Dr. Whitaker points out that many of the gun-related massacres that have made the headlines over the past decade have a common thread: they were perpetrated by people taking Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil, or a related drug.

A documented side effect of these drugs -- known clinically as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- is akathisia, or physical and mental agitation. Dr. Whitaker says "akathisia is to violence what a match is to gasoline. And this condition has been reported in a significant number of Prozac users." Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has received over 40,000 reports detailing adverse effects related to Prozac. The Scourge of Prozac by Dr. Julian Whitaker MD

While a little stress can be useful in keeping us on our toes, problems arise when stress becomes chronic. Eventually, chronic stress takes its toll on body and mind, impairing physical and mental health.

Marine phytoplankton are renowed to helps correct all these problems. It can reduce depression symptoms, and the risk of developing mental problems.

One study found that people with depression who received a daily dose of 1 gram of an omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks experienced a decrease in their symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety and sleeping problems. There were significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sleep, anxiety, libido and decreased thoughts of suicide. (Archives of General Psychiatry October 2002).

Taking a daily fish-oil supplement may boost the effectiveness -- or even replace -- antidepressants for treating depression in some people. In a new study, people who added a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids to their regular antidepressant treatment had significant improvement in symptoms, including anxiety, sleeping problems, sadness, decreased sexual desire, and suicidal tendencies.

One of the properties of Flax oil seems to be a strengthening of the immune system. It seems important to use enough oil at first to get the immune system deficiencies repaired

The chia seed (Salvia Hispanica) is one of the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients. They were the power food of the ancient Aztecs.

Magnesium:
A Natural Tranquilizer Called the "anti-stress mineral," it aids in relaxing nerves, relieving tension, assisting digestion, activating enzymes important for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and modulating the electrical potential across all cell membranes.

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. With this, it is frequently used to promote good sleep. But more importantly, it can be used to calm irritated and over-excited nerves. This is especially useful with epileptic seizures, convulsions in pregnant women and the 'shakes' in alcoholism.

Magnesium levels are generally low in alcoholics, contributing or causing many of their health problems 5-Hydroxytryptophan, vitamin B6, valerian, kava kava, and chamomile, to promote the benefits of healthy levels of sleep and relaxation to provide you with a complete and highly effective supplement that contributes to improved sleep patterns and overall health.

Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats

Based on more than two decades of research, Eat Fat, Lose Fat flouts conventional wisdom by revealing that so-called healthy vegetable oils (such as corn and soybean) are in large part responsible for our national obesity and health crisis, while the saturated fats traditionally considered “harmful” (from such foods as coconut, butter, and meat) are essential to weight loss and health.

Adding flaxseed oil to your foods, or taken with a meal, creates a feeling of satiation (feeling of fullness and satisfaction following a meal). The essential fats in flaxseed oil cause the stomach to retain food for a longer period of time as compared to no-fat or low-fat foods.

The addition of Flax Oil to food results in a gradual release of nutritients into the small intestine. The physiological effect is a slow, sustained rise in blood sugar, then a prolonged plateau of blood sugar. Ultimately, the blood sugar undergoes a slow and gradual drop.

You will experience a corresponding feeling of prolonged energy, stamina and satisfaction with no immediate hunger pangs following the meal. The net result is that you feel fuller, longer and, actually eat fewer calories in the long run than if you would have chosen a no-fat or low-fat diet.

Boost ADHD Children's IQ, Improve Behavior, Get Your Child Off Ritalin with Flax Oil.

The Healing Power of Black Cumin Seed Oil

"In the Middle East and South Asia, the black seed oil has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for all sorts of allergies, inflamation and menstruation problems, boosting moral, depression; but especially against bronchitis, asthma and neuro-dermatitis as well as poor digestion and even impotency.

The Prophet Mohammad (s) stated in his "Hadith" that black seed oil cures every illness except death. No wander then that a little bottle of the oil was even found in the tomb of the legedary Pharoah Tutankhamen..!

In the West the effect of the oil has been used for a long time against wind, dysentry, stomach and lungdisease, jaundice, diuretic problems and to increase nursing mother's milk.

Due to the triumphant advancesin chemistry the oil has been forgotten until recently. According to Dr. Schleicher the reason why this oil is so exceptional is that its component parts act in unison to produce an optimum effect for so many complaints. But one has to make sure that only the pure and tested oil is being used."

It also has been the subject of intensive scientific research indicating that it strengthens and stabilizes the immune system and is greatly beneficial in the treatment of allergies. It has even been found to be beneficial in the treatment of impotence when the causes are primarily physiological.

Candida: Conquering Yeast Infections - The Non-Drug Solution in Alternative Medicine

Intestinal Candidiasis Stopped with GSE. Chronic candidiasis (both intestinal and systemic) is being treated with excellent results using grapefruit seed extract, according to numerous clinics and medical practitioners.

Dr. Leo Galland, M.D. of New York City, who also prescribes GSE for the treatment of candidiasis, advises patients to avoid its bitter taste by mixing it with carrot, vegetable, orange or grapefruit juice, while typically prescribing 2 to 3 drops(6-10 drops Nutribiotic), twice daily, diluted in at least four ounces of liquid. (note: The product is now available in tablet form.)

"After many years of treating patients with thrush and intestinal Candidiasis, I have found Citricidal to be very effective. It is easier to modulate the dose than other anti-yeast products, as there is no bad after-taste. The liquid Citricidal is excellent for administering to babies and children. Efficacy compares with nystatin and GSE is less expensive." -Dr. David Bayley, N.D. North Vancouver, BC .

Cat's Claw is known to support a wide range of health problems associated with immune and digestive problems; such as gastric ulcers, arthritis, intestinal disorders, certain skin disorders, herpes, candidiasis,chronic fatigue, lupus, and tumors.

It can also be used as an aid for stomach and bowel disorders including: Crohn's disease, leaky bowel, colitis, diverticulitis gastritis, ulcers, intestinal flora imbalance, and hemorrhoids. Cat's Claw prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, and inhibits the formation of plaque.

It is helpful for inflammatory conditions; such as arthritis, bursitis, and rheumatism. It is also helpful with female hormonal imbalances, irregularities of the female cycle and with symptoms of PMS. It is also beneficial in support of diabetes and organic depression. Cat's Claw also protects from environmental toxins.

Chinese Medicine for the relief of PMS

Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis), referred to as the 'female ginseng', is rich in vitamins and minerals and is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is effective for female disorders such as menstrual disturbances, PMS and hot flashes due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, bactericidal and vasodilative effects. The herb is also used to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve menstrual cramps and alleviate symptoms related to PMS.

Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D - Next to Panax ginseng, the root of dong quai is undoubtedly the most honored and respected herb in China, and is quickly gaining an equal reputation among users in the rest of the world.

Dong quai is used medicinally as a tonic, cardiotonic, respiratory tonic and liver tonic. It is used to promote circulation, to regulate the menstrual cycle and stop discomforts of menstruation. That means it's good for PMS.

In Western herbal terms, it is used for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), metrorrhagia (too much menstruation) and amenorrhea (too little, or no, menstruation).

Dong quai is also often recommended during pregnancy to ease delivery, reduce pain and discomfort and eliminate complications as much as possible. Most of the actions of dong quai depend on the presence of coumarins, phytosterols, polysaccharides, and flavonoids.' ~ ShirleysWellnessCafe.com

Disclaimer
The information in this site is provided for informational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of physical therapy, medical, or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician or other healthcare provider. The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.

If you discover any copyright infringement of your material or if copyright owners feel differently of this blog's content, they can send an email and the content will be taken down immediately.

Holistic Integrated Complementary Medicine

2009-03-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

herbshealth.com

Holistic Medicine believes that the patient needs to achieve balance and well being in all aspects of life: physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social and spiritual. Holistic Medicine practices conventional medicine, as well as complementary or alternative therapies, with the prevention of disease its primary focus.

Integrated Medicine entails the physician who practices both traditional and alternative medicine. With Integrated Medicine you get a physician that is concerned with the whole person (diet and lifestyle, mental well- being, prevention of disease, and overall balance and harmony) while using the latest scientific advances. Integrated Medicine is known to have a person-centered approach, which emphasizes understanding and caring.

"Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food."

Natural Healing is an art, and not an easy feat in today's fast food society that has us eating foods that are over-cooked, over-processed, hormone injected, and loaded with antibiotics. In order to give the body what it needs we have to be very cautious of what we eat and follow extremely strict diets, which includes organically grown, raw vegetables. Getting back to our roots of food fresh from the earth is the key principle of Natural Healing. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done and supplementation is a necessity. There are some other art forms of Natural Healing such as, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, and Homeopathy. Again, all forms of Natural Healing are centered on restoring the body to its natural state.

Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that uses plant or plant parts for its therapeutic properties. Many herbs have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users. If you would like to try an herbal dietary supplement for fibromyalgia, you should first speak with your doctor who may know more about the effectiveness, as well as whether it is safe to try in combination with your medications.

Herbal Dietary Supplements can come in many forms: dried, finely chopped, powdered, or as a liquid in a capsule. The key to safe and effective utilization of Herbal Dietary Supplements is to exercise caution. Also, never exceed suggested dosages unless recommended by your physician.

In the Mind-Body category a physician may help control symptoms of a patient's illness by using techniques like Meditation, Yoga, or Biofeedback.

Complementary Medicine in the Alternative Medical Systems category would use systems such as Homeopathic Medicine, Traditional *Indonesian/Malaysian 'Jamu'and Chinese Medicine.

The Biologically Based Therapies that may be used in Complementary Medicine would consist of the physician prescribing various dietary supplements and herbal products. In the Manipulative and Body-Based category, the physician may refer you to a Chiropractor or Massage Therapist.

In the Energy Therapy category the Complementary Medicine physician may use one of two types of therapy: Acupuncture, Qi Gong, Reiki or Therapeutic Touch.

http://www.back-fibromyalgia-pain.com/home/

Curcuma longa– turmeric

*Traditional Indonesian/Malaysian Jamu-the holistic approach*

The name of 'Jamu' calls for herbal remedies, without chemist material as additive. Jamu has traditional connotation, because Jamu is ancient tradition, before modern pharmacology comes in Indonesia/Malaysia. Some formulas have a hundred years old and are used until now.

There are many kinds of Jamu formulas that ready to use. Jamu is usually formed in powder but many Jamus for treatment has a gel/liquid. In recent years, Jamu has diversified from the traditional powder form to 100% herbal extract capsules.

Herbal roots

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Wish List- a 'dream' massage chair

2009-02-23T10:02:00.001-08:00

I love a good massage.

I L-O-V-E Massages...no wait let me rephrase that ....

I need a massage, I am in need of good massage.

It would be lovely to own a 'personal massage therapist' - a good therapeutic massage chair is more of a necessity than a luxury.

My Dream Massage Chair.

Fujiiryoki SKS-1650 or best known in Europe as Senator SKS 1650.

Unarguably most expensive therapeutic massage chairs!

Osim iDesire Massage Chair

May these great quotes bring more meaning into your life, letting you have a glimpse of what truly matters in life.

Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is. -- Blaise Pascal

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.-- Hubert H. Humphrey

You seek too much information and not enough transformation.-- Sai Baba

Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.-- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.-- Mahatma Gandhi

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.-- Mother Teresa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May the day bring much sunshine

and happiness to you...

and may you enjoy beautiful dreams when the day is through...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone has a bad day occasionally. Don't despair.

Everything will be much brighter tomorrow.

Bad days fade away, and happiness returns like the sunshine that follows the storm.

Hang tough, and don't let the stress get you down.

And remember that someone out here cares about you,

and is always wishing you the best.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll free myself today.

I'll stroll the path where the birds sing and forget my worries.

With the wild wind in my hair and the sun on my cheeks,

I'll remember what it feels like to be alive, and how small my troubles are in comparison to life's beauty and greatness.

I'll collect the peace that lies along the way side the way I would flowers, taking in the serenity that's all around and making it mine.

The swaying grass and the woodland shadows will heal me, pressing a sense of comfort into my soul that will flow through my entire being.

My heart will be light; for I'll loosen my burden and let the wind carry it far above the hills, beyond my reach.

And when I return home, I'll be much stronger than I've been in a long time, and I'll have a new and sparkling outlook on life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you look outside your window today,

I hope you find lots of sunshine and endless beauty.

May the gifts of the day renew your hope,

and bring your fondest dreams alive until they sparkle in your heart as brightly as the dawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disclaimer

If you discover any copyright infringement of your material or if copyright owners feel differently of this blog's content, they can send an email and the content will be taken down immediately.

Healing-Alternative, Complementary and Holistic Approaches.

2009-02-12T02:48:00.001-08:00

Healing-Alternative, Complementary and Holistic Approaches
in the treatment of fibromyalgia focuses on the individual case history to relieve underlying problems

http://www.babygadget.net/

*If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it is wise to seek out a health care provider who has specific experience in the management and treatment of this condition.

http://www.communityskillsni.org/

Physical therapy, relaxation techniques, herbal remedies, nutrition and diet therapy, exercise therapy, massage therapy, deep heat therapy, and biofeedback are all helpful in some cases.

Massage therapy is particularly beneficial for improved muscle function and pain relief. Stress is one of the underlying problems of fibromyalgia. Stress Management is covered in detail elsewhere.

Essential Oils:
Many essential oils help to reduce stress, a major contributor of fibromyalgia. Useful oils are: elemi, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, myrrh, and neroli.

This sand bathing increases the body temperature with high rate of heart impact. Increasing blood circulation refreshes your body by discharging wastes and observing oxygen sufficiently into your body. And it can be used to treat neuralgia, rheumatism, lumbago, sub-acromial bursitis, arthritis and paralytic.

Soothing aromatherapy baths and massages can help to ease muscle and joint pain. Basil, black pepper, elemi, eucalyptus, myrrh, peppermint, juniper oil, rosemary and pine essential oils to add to bath water.

Portable Home steam bath.

Massage Therapy is excellent for stress management and relaxation!

Those who got 30 minutes of massage two times a week for 5 weeks had less anxiety and depression and lower levels of stress hormones. Over time they reported less pain and stiffness, less fatigue, and less trouble sleeping.

Rub tea tree oil everywhere it hurts at least once daily; muscle pain takes about six weeks to disappear.

For hard-to-reach places on your back, you can lie down and roll your back on a tennis ball.

*compresses of herbs and chamomile are used in a warming back massage .

If specific tender points are particularly painful, you can use acupressure to help calm them down.

Many doctors will prescribe a number of different medications for the different symptoms and these may include strong painkillers, anti-depressants and muscle relaxants.

Other key treatment options are to reduce stress, get a sufficient amount of sleep, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and exercise regularly.

Ultrasound therapy is a very effective form of treatment for Fibromyalgia as it works by sending high frequency sound waves into the injured or painful areas.

Hot Mud -Clay Fango Therapy

by Bibione Thermae

Mud packs are highly recommended in cases of degenerate locomotor system (back ache, pain in loins, worn out joints), for muscle pains and chronic rheumatism.

This exploits the beneficial effects that the application of thermal mud has on the organism. This is a kind of generalised thermotherapy with a high therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of pain and aches.

Natural Supplements:

These natural supplements might be useful:

Magnesium,

Malic Acid,

5 Hydroxy tryptophan.

Acupuncture and frequency specific electrical stimulation might be useful for some.

Low Vitamin D can bring out fibromyalgia.

Be sure your doctor checks your blood level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D, and gets you up to a proper level.

Helpful Diet:

Daily doses of homemade, low salt soup made with magnesium rich vegetables, some beans, a little meat and vegetable or bone broth.

Eating a little red meat each day, especially for iron and zinc.

Cutting back on wheat and dairy, especially whole wheat products.

Improving digestion by eating organ meats occasionally and taking supplements or eating yogurt with helpful bacteria. (Liver has a very high vitamin A content so experts caution that it is not good to eat in large quantities and some people should avoid it altogether. However, organ meat has many important micronutrients not easily found in other foods.)

Reducing the amount of sweets in diet. A little honey is okay.

Avoiding foods with yeast.

Eating a wide variety of homemade, whole foods without preservatives.

Avoiding foods with caffeine - sodas, chocolate, tea, coffee, etc

Natural sunshine each day for vitamin D.

Herbal Remedies
Herbs can be used to help alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones, providing immune system support and eliminating pain.

St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. (Caution: Do not take if you are taking conventional antidepressants.-If you are on prescription antidepressants, do not take St. John's wort!.) Choose a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily. *

Siberian ginseng is an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams twice daily, one-half hour before breakfast and lunch. After two weeks, you can gradually increase the dosage as needed. After six weeks, take one week off, then take the herb for another six weeks.

Turmeric helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Take 400 to 500 milligrams three times daily.

Cayenne, echinacea, goldenseal, astralagus, myrrh and chaparral boost the immune system and improve circulation. Combine them as a tea or tincture, It may be helpful to mix it with juice for better taste.

Calendula taken orally in high doses has a positive effect in reversing symptoms of fibromyalgia.

A combination of burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb was shown good results in improving fibromyalgia.

Garlic is useful for detoxification and to enhance immune system function. Take 5,000 mcg of standardized allicin three times daily. Kyolic, aged garlic is preferred.

Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function.

Devil's claw root is a natural anti- inflammatory used to treat rheumatic disorders. Take one 400 mg devil's claw root tablet daily.

Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller.

Passion flower, valerian and hops teas have sedating and muscle- relaxant properties.

Dong quai is good for fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take 1 capsule daily. For women only.

Licorice root acts in the body like cortisone, but without the harmful side-effects.

Milk thistle extract, artichoke, turmeric and dandelion supports liver function.

Dandelion reduces frequency and intensity of pain and strengthens the connective tissue. Take 1 tbsp. juice or 1 cup tea twice daily for four to six weeks.

Black walnut aid in removing parasites.

Skullcap and valerian root improve sleep.

Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the bloodstream and enhancing immune function. Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

Topical applications of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil can help relieve muscle pain. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a substance that appears to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters responsible for communicating pain sensations. Use 1 part cayenne powder to 3 parts wintergreen oil. Cayenne can also be taken orally, in capsule form.

Licorice root supports the glandular system. Caution: If overused, licorice can elevate blood pressure. Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid it if you have high blood pressure.

Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts are natural anti-inflammatories that help to ease pain. Take 50 milligrams of either two to three times daily.

Ginger Tea.

Ginger is a good alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains. Steep 1 teaspoon of the grated root in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add honey for taste, if you like. Alternatively, take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of powdered ginger a day in capsule form with food.

People who have severe Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) may do better if they completely avoid both MSG (monosodium glutamate) and also NutraSweet (aspartame), the artificial sweetener. Both glutamate (in MSG) and the amino acid, aspartic acid (in aspartame) stimulate pain augmenting receptors within the spinal cord. These are called NMDA receptors. Some individuals with Fibromyalgia improve very much on a Fibromyalgia diet that avoids MSG and aspartame.

In addition to these restrictions, we find that many people with chronic illness tend to do better with sensible diet therapy. Aim for five plus servings daily of multi-colored fruits and vegetables. (Nutrition science defines one “serving” as 1/2 a cup.)

Eat modest-size meals without excess fats, sugars or simple carbohydrates. Perhaps, easier said than done, but many patients have reported benefit from just a few weeks on this “Fibromyalgia diet”.

Occasionally, people with Fibromyalgia improve with the elimination of foods to which they personally are sensitive.

Wheat/gluten, milk, yeast, and sugar are occasionally culprits.
~ http://www.drpodell.org/fibromyalgia_treatments.shtml

Magnesium supplementation has produced very good results in treating both fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This improvement may be due to magnesium's importance to serotonin function and the production of cellular energy.

Increase your consumption of the following foods that are good sources of magnesium:
Legumes
Tofu
Seeds
Nuts
Whole grains
Green leafy vegetables.

Many fibromyalgia sufferers also have irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended that a comprehensive digestive and stool analysis be done for parasites.

3DHealthStore.com

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating needles at the acupuncture points on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being and providing pain relief.

People experience acupuncture differently, with most feeling no pain or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.

Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment which is why it's important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncturist

Aquatic therapy works for the fibromyalgia patient.

Aquajogger is an excellent exercise. Aquajogger is a buoyancy belt that fits around the chest and allows the person to stand up in a swimming pool and either walk or run against the resistance of the water.

Remember to gently stretch all your major muscle groups for about five minutes-both before and after-you exercise.

An exercise therapy 3 times a week for 16 weeks in a warm pool could improve most of the symptoms of FM

Most people with fibromyalgia are reluctant to exercise because it initially causes more pain.

Avoid impact-loading exercises such as jogging, aerobic dancing, weight training, racquet sports, basketball, or any other activity that involves jumping up and down.

If someone in your family or friend is suffering from fibromyalgia: It is very important to be understanding and sympathetic to those suffering from fibromyalgia. Not believing that the afflicted person is in pain can add to their stress and worsen the condition.

For the young, it is important that teachers are informed and understand that the student, even though looking perfectly healthy, might not be able to participate in sports or other activities.

Mental and Emotional Health

Counseling is strongly advised with fibromyalgia patients. They need to learn to strike a healthier balance between work and relaxation along with establishing a slower pace, a healthier rhythm, in all of their activities.

Depression in fibromyalgia is a controversial topic. In support of the contention that fibromyalgia is not a psychiatric illness, some authors believe that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are not connected with psychological factors.

Others have determined that fibromyalgia is not a psychiatric disorder.

The depression associated with fibromyalgia is believed to result from pain, sleep deprivation, and dysfunction.

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A new way of thinking for Fibromyalgia

2009-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

There are specific ways to move your body that will minimize pain and discomfort.

1. Arms stay at home.

2. Unload the back.

3. Support always welcome.

4. Be naturally shifty

Rule 1: Arms stay home

Fibromyalgia muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back areas do not appreciate activities that involve reading or overhead use of the arms. Isometric contractions where muscles stay contracted continuously causes decreased oxygen in the muscle, and increased pain. Any time the arms are away from the body, the trapezial, scapular, shoulder, and upper back muscles all go into Isometric contractions which usually results in increased pain even after only a few seconds of the offending activity. Because we are focusing attention on our hands and on whatever objects we are reaching for or working on, we may not notice the early discomfort signals arising out our neck, shoulders and upper back until it is too late.

The favored position for our arms is at the sides and below the shoulders, with elbows touching our sides and bent at the 90 degree angle. We should try to maintain this position to the point where we move our whole body, not just our arms to confront each specific task. Arms stay home (with the rest of our body) and do not reach away.

Rule 2: Unload the back

There are multiple internal and external muscles that must be equally balanced to maintain proper alignment of the lower back and pelvic areas. If anything causes a shift in this alignment, the mechanical imbalance and subsequent misalignment can result in pain. Any activities that tend to increase the load on the back - such as bending forward, prolonged standing, bending at the waist to pick up an object, or arching the back - should be avoided to help lessen the chance of unwanted pain.

By unloading our backs, we can avoid the offending positions in the first place. For example, flexing our hip by putting one foot on a stool is an excellent way to unload the back when we are standing.

Crossing our legs, or putting our feet up on a foot rest unloads the back when we are seated. Lying in the fetal positions to sleep will unload our back, and placing a pillow between the knees is especially effective at taking pressure off the hips and sacroiliac regions.

Rule 3: Support always welcome

When we hold our bodies in unnatural or awkward positions, we put more strain on our joints and soft tissues.

Pain-inducing positions include:

Head turned to the side or looking up

Arms outstretched or overhead
Elbows away from the body
Wrists bent
Palms up
Leaning forward
Bending

We can't always avoid putting our bodies in these positions. To decrease the painful effects, take advantage of existing structures in our environment to relieve some of the force on our bodies. We can support our back by sitting in a chair with a good seat and back, leaning against a wall or other object, and wearing a back brace. We can support our arms on chair rests, tables, our laps or stomachs, or by using one arm to support the other.

The days are long, and our muscles work hard to support us and get us from one place to another. When we have fibromyalgia, our muscles hurt before they become noticeably tired. It's okay to use extra support to relieve our muscles whenever we can.

Rule 4: Be Naturally Shifty
This rule emphasizes maintaining natural or neutral body and joint positions, but at the same time periodically moving the muscles around and shifting them. Keeping our muscles moving is one way to avoid the painful tightening and spasms that occur when we are in one position for too long. We must learn to automatically alternate between various positions such as sitting, standing, and walking to relax and stretch the various muscle groups regularly.

Our head position needs to be shifted frequently as well, If we spend too much time looking up or down, or to one side or the other for long periods of time, our neck pain will increase.

Examples of Using Fibronomics

To avoid pain-inducing behavior when performing your daily activities, here are some examples of applying Fibronomics.

1. Reaching up to change a light bulb.
Use a stable stool or ladder to stand on and get closer to the light fixture. Support your arm with your other hand at your elbow while turning the bulb.

2. Prolonged driving:

For part of the time, keep you hands at 10:00 and 2:00 positions on the steering wheels. After a while, shift your hands to the 4:00 and 8:00 positions. Use armrests, and move your seat slightly closer to the steering wheel.

3. Washing dishes:
Keep your back straight and elevate on leg on a stool. Use sponges and scrubbers with long handles

4. Applying makeup:

Don't tilt your head back to use a wall mirror. Instead, place a magnifying mirror on a counter top or dresser.

5. Reading and studying:
Prop your book on your desk or table so you are holding your head in a more comfortable position. Cross and recross your legs periodically. Set a timer to remind you to alternate positions at least every thirty minutes. Move from a chair at your desk to another char in your office. If you're at home, lie down on a couch with a pillow propped behind your head.

6. Standing up from a lying-down position:

Use a "log roll" technique. Roll on your side then curl your legs so your knees come forward and over the edge of the bed or couch. Use your arms to push yourself to a sitting position while swinging your legs off the edge.

Use the rules of Fibronomics to examine everything you do in your day. First determine why an activity may be causing pain by identifying the Fibronomics rule that are being violated. Then analyze how you can correct the violations and practice new strategies until they become automatic. Keep these in mind, so you don't have the Fibropolice ticketing you for repeated violations! ;)

The above excerpt is from Dr. Pellegrino's new book, "The Fibromyalgia Survivor. "

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Dealing With Fibromyalgia

2009-02-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

What's Going On? A Simple Explanation of Fibromyalgia.

Making Sense of a Complex Disorder, For Those Who Don't Have It. ~About.com

Getting a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (FMS) is as devastating as getting a diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes is named "the silent killer." I call FMS the "silent destructor." As with diabetes, you can't see the malfunction and in most cases don't even know a person has either disease.

Most people with a chronic illness are always sick. The effects on the body of cancer, a virus, or a degenerative disease are fairly constant. It's understandably confusing to see someone with fibromyalgia be unable to do something on Monday, yet perfectly capable of it on Wednesday.

Look at it this way: Everyone's hormones fluctuate, and even things like weight and blood pressure can rise and fall during the course of a day, week or month. All of the systems and substances in the body work that way, rising and falling in response to different situations.

Research shows conclusively that fibromyalgia involves abnormal levels of multiple hormones and other substances. Because those things all go up and down, sometimes one or more are in the normal zone and other times they're not. The more things that are out of the zone, the worse they'll feel.

For the people in your life who don't understand your Fibromyalgia pain...

Invite them to take Clothespin Challenge:

Here is how it works:

Place a clothespin on your finger
Set a timer for 30 minutes
See how long you can bear the pain. Did you leave the clothespin on for 15 minutes? 10? 5?
NOW. Imagine this pain forever... This should help you understand what it is like to live with constant pain - but people with FM can't just "remove" the pain the way you can remove that clothespin!

http://www.fmaware.org/.

“Fibromyalgia means living with stabbing, burning, throbbing pain every day,” says Lynne Matallana, president of the National Fibromyalgia Association

Learn to listen to your body, and do not push yourself to meet unrealistic goals.
This is especially hard to do if you have been used to leading a very active, busy life.
You must slow down and give your immune system a chance to heal.

On bad days, people living with Fibromyalgia describe their pain as tender, shooting, numbing, tingling, burning, throbbing and unbearable. Coping with Fibromyalgia on a bad pain day or 'flare up' can be stressful. The following tips can help those in a flare deal with their chronic pain and hopefully, lessen the stress of a bad pain day.

Know Your Triggers

If you have fibromyalgia, chances are you know what makes it worse. The first tip to dealing with your chronic pain is to avoid the triggers that make your pain worse. This isn't always possible, but when dealing with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia, avoiding the bad days at all costs is the key to coping.

Try the following tips to help avoid the bad days.

Avoid Stress: This is a hard one. But stress and excitement can cause flare ups for those with fibromyalgia. The best way to avoid stress is to try and cut it off at the path. Learn to say no once in awhile to invitations so you don't overbook yourself. Take some time for you each day. Avoid jobs that involve stressful deadlines.

Practice Pacing. When you have a chronic pain condition, you have to take things slow. Sometimes this is frustrating. But flares often come up in fibromyalgia when, on a good day, a person decides to run several errands, clean the entire house, or exercise heavily. Instead, try to keep your routine even. Clean one room in your house at a time. Stop and rest every few minutes between activities. And have a set exercise routine that you follow on good days and bad pain days.

Learning to say NO is vital to this process of healing: A simple 'NO' - to family, friends and colleagues- it is ok to say NO when you are having your Fibro day.
"No, I don't feel like shopping today. No, I will not cook tonight. No, I
don't want to go out. No, I don't want to join them for a walk."

Coping with Pain

On a bad pain day the only thing you want to do is crawl under your sheets. Unfortunately, kids, errands, work and even pets can keep this from happening. Still there are some things you can do to deal with a chronic pain flareup.

Take Inventory. On bad pain days it is easy to get overwhelmed by your pain. Take a good half an hour to evaluate where you hurt and how much. Use pain scales to evaluate how much pain you are in and what type of pain you are in. In the article, "The Purposes of Pain Scales" by Rhonda B. Graham of InteliHealth, "Pain scales are tools that can help your doctor diagnose or measure your pain's intensity." Evaluating your own pain levels can help you understand how best to cope with your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Evaluate Options. Think about the resources you have on hand to deal with your pain. If your pain is lower on the pain scale, what alternative or non-drug therapies might help? Do you need to book an appointment for a message? Take a warm bath? Lay down for an hour or two? Talk an easy walk around the block? If your pain is higher on the scale, which non-drug or drug therapies work for you? Do you need to call your doctor for refills? What might you need to make you feel better? Gather your favorite symptom relief remedies and put them in one place for easy access. Make sure it is light in case you want to move it around the house with you.
Prioritize. With chronic pain it is easy to throw away an entire day. Instead, focus on the items on your to-do list that you can accomplish. This will keep your stress from piling up, can keep pain from the forefront of your thoughts and you may even feel better having accomplished something for the day. For instance, if you had an important work meeting, can you arrange your day to make the meeting, but to skip everything else? For chores, maybe you can't clean the whole house, but can you load the dishwasher, taking small breaks in between to rest? If you are at a high pain level and staying camped out on the couch or in bed is your only option--can you work on a project from your computer or do light exercises from your couch?
Call for Help. Sometimes, pain is too intense to think away. When this happens it is best to have a list of numbers on hand to call in extra resources. Make sure you have a variety of numbers on hand so you aren't calling the same person all the time. Numbers that should be on your list include family, close friends, your doctor(s), babysitter, dog walker, and friends from a fibromyalgia support group. If you pain level gets very intense or you suddenly worsen, make sure you have the number to your local emergency room and any other emergency services on hand.

Fibromyalgia and the importance of family support.

Every family member needs to understand the cycles of pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. They need to learn how to cope with these cycles because life goes on, and family members need each other.

If the chronic pain, depression, and anxiety are not enough then there is the loneliness that comes when everyone thinks you are crazy and turns their back on you. On the other hand, you just get tired of trying to explain what fibromyalgia is repeatedly.

Regardless of whether you understand what someone is going through or not, remember it could happen to you!

Use of the information at these sites is at your own risk. We recommend that you consult with your personal physician before beginning or modifying any treatment or exercise regimen.

Disclaimer

The information in this site is provided for informational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of physical therapy, medical, or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes without first consulting with your physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician or other healthcare provider. The owners of this website accept no responsibility for the misuse of information contained within this website.

If you discover any copyright infringement of your material or if copyright owners feel differently of this blog's content, they can send an email and the content will be taken down immediately.

Diagnosis

2009-02-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome is difficult.

Find out why doctors must first exclude other possible conditions and how they diagnose fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.

Another reason fibromyalgia diagnosis remains difficult is that there are currently no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia; standard laboratory tests fail to reveal a physiologic reason for pain. Because there is no generally accepted, objective test for fibromyalgia, some doctors unfortunately may conclude a patient's pain is not real, or they may tell the patient there is little they can do.

Trigger Points:

Trigger points are symmetrical, with 9 pairs (18 total) points on the body.

For a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (FM) at least 11 trigger points will be painful when pressed.

The symptoms are many and they can fluctuate like crazy -- one day you feel pretty good, the next you can barely walk, the next you're OK physically but just can't concentrate or communicate effectively.

How can you and your doctor figure out what is going on with you?

A symptom diary can be a big help. By keeping daily track of how you felt and what you did, you may be able to find patterns or identify triggers. Maybe you're most tired the day after you go to the grocery store, or perhaps your flare-ups regularly start 14 days into your menstrual cycle. A diary can help you and your doctor spot these kinds of thing when you might otherwise miss them.

A diary also can help your doctor determine which symptoms are bothering you most often. If you typically see your doctor toward the end of the day, pain may be more prevalent in your mind because you're achy then, whereas a diary might show you're exhausted every day, but only bothered by pain 3 or 4 days a week.

Knowing what symptoms you experience most, and to what degree, can greatly help shape your diagnosis and treatment, as well as help you make decisions about life-style changes and plan around things that are predictable.

What You Need:
A Good Relationship With Your Rheumatologist Or Doctor.
A Physical Therapy Regimen You Will Follow.
A Treatment Program Involving Medication And Exercise.
A Good Understanding Of Meditation And Relaxation Techniques.
Ongoing Education - Stay Aware Of Fibromyalgia News And Research.

Preparing for your appointment:
Because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to various other disorders, you may see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Your family physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

What you can do:
You may want to write a list that includes:
Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
Information about medical problems you've had in the past
Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
All the medications and dietary supplements you take
Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor:
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may check your neurological health by testing your: Reflexes
Muscle strength
Muscle tone
Senses of touch and sight
Coordination
Balance

MayoClinic.com

Fibromyalgia is a type of soft tissue or muscular rheumatism and does not cause inflammation, joint damage or deformities!

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If you discover any copyright infringement of your material or if copyright owners feel differently of this blog's content, they can send an email and the content will be taken down immediately.

Symptoms

2009-02-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Fibromyalgia has no set symptoms and many combinations from the following list are interwoven:

Central Nervous System: Fatigue, irritability, nervousness, depression, apathy, listlessness, impaired memory and concentration, anxieties and suicidal thoughts. Insomnia and frequent awakening due to pain result in non restorative sleep.

Musculoskeletal: Pain and generalized morning stiffness could arise from muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia of the shoulders, neck, entire back, hips, thighs, knees, ankles, feet, inner and outer elbows, wrists, fingers, and chest. Injured or old operative sites are commonly affected. Though fibromyalgia is described as a “non-articular” disease many know better: Joint pains with or without swelling, redness and heat are frequent. The litany includes foot or calf cramps, numbness and tingling of the face or extremities.
Irritable Bowel: (Often called leaky gut, spastic colon or mucous colitis). Symptoms include nausea (often brief, repetitive waves), indigestion, gas, bloating, pain, cramps, constipation alternating with diarrhea and sometimes mucous stools.

Genitourinary: Common are pungent urine, frequent urination, bladder spasms, burning urination (dysuria) with or without repeated bladder infections and interstitial cystitis. Vulvodynia (vulvar pain syndrome) includes vaginal spasms, irritation of the vaginal lips (vulvitis) or opening (vestibulitis) and painful intercourse (dyspareunia). It typically mimics a yeast infection but without the cottage-cheese discharge. Intense PMS and uterine cramping are common. Symptoms of fibromyalgia are worse premenstrual.

Dermatological: Various rashes may appear with or without itching: Hives, red blotches, itchy bumps or blisters, eczema, seborrheic or neurodermatitis, and rosacea. Nails are often brittle and of poor quality and hair falls out prematurely. Strange sensations are common such as cold, heat (especially palms, soles and thighs), crawling, electric vibrations, prickling, super-sensitivity to touch, and flushing that is sometimes accompanied by sweating.

Head, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat: Headaches (migraines), dizziness, vertigo (spinning) or imbalance; dry eyes as well as itching and burning with or without sticky or crusty discharge upon awakening; blurred vision; nasal congestion and post-nasal drip; painful, burning tongue, mouth and abnormal tastes (scalded, bad or metallic); ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or lower-pitched sounds; ear and eyeball pain; sensitivity to light, sounds and odors.

Miscellaneous Symptoms:

Weight gain; low grade fever; lowered immunity to infections; morning eyelid and hand swelling from fluid retention that gravitates to the lower extremities by evening where it stretches tissues causing the restless leg syndrome.

- abdominal pain
- bladder irritability or spasms
- blurred vision
- chest pains and pressure beneath the breast bone
- cramps
- dizziness
- dry eyes and mouth
- falling
- fatigue
- gastroesophogeal reflux (GERD) – sometimes called heartburn or acid stomach
- general aches and pains
- hearing loss
- intermittent hearing problems and low-frequency hearing loss
- memory and reasoning problems ("brain fog")
- migraine or tension headaches
- morning stiffness
- muscle twitching
- nighttime grinding of teeth (bruxism)
- pelvic pain
- pre-menstrual syndrome
- skin sensitivity to temperature
- sleep problems, insomnia
- temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- tingling or numbness in arms, legs, feet or face
- water retention and swelling; especially in the hands, face and feet

Symptoms can be made worse or triggered by:

- anxiety
- cold or drafty environments
- depression
- hormonal changes, before periods or during menopause
- physical overexertion
- stress
- weather changes

Pain is the most prominent and common symptom. It can be all over, or in just one main region. Some people describe it as "knife-like" or a "muscle cramp." Some say it’s like having a persistent flu and can be quite severe in some. Other factors that effect pain are level of activity, the weather, a person’s sleep patterns and stress. Most people with FMS say that at least some degree of pain is always present. The pain generally is present in all four quadrants of the body, for at least three months. That means pain is present on both the right and left sides of the body, and above and below the waist.

Another common symptom is mood changes. Many people with FMS report feeling "blue" or "down," but only about 25% of these people are clinically depressed according to past studies. Some people also report being anxious, with difficulty concentrating. They complain of decreased short-term memory and trouble performing simple tasks. Many of these symptoms are also common in anyone whose sleep is disturbed.

Cognitive function can be considered the ability to think, reason, image, remember, or learn words. The available research on cognition in fibromyalgia suggests that cognitive actions are faulty. This impact on cognition may cause some patients with fibromyalgia the most disability.

The lack of mental alertness, or a sort of brain fog, sometimes called "fibro-fog," which can include confusion and forgetfulness, an inability to concentrate and recall simple words and numbers, and the transposition of words and numbers.

Cognitive functions are often so impaired that patients cannot perform the activities of daily living (ADL), getting lost in familiar places or losing the ability to communicate effectively. Patients who work may fear losing their job, and many pediatric patients drop out of school because of their inability to complete their schoolwork.

Standard medical tests come back negative, and often a person "looks" just fine. In addition, symptoms can change from day to day, and even hour to hour. They can also change with illness, stress and increased physical exertion.

Sometimes people are sent for physical therapy, psychological counseling or other inappropriate treatments. Unfortunately, some treatments can actually aggravate FMS.

There seems to be a link between depression, anxiety and FMS but researchers still are not sure if it’s a cause or an effect.

Major symptoms of FMS can sometimes be traced to a triggering event such as:

- prolonged grief
- body trauma, such as an automobile accident
- infection – viral, bacterial or otherwise
- difficulty in pregnancy, labor and delivery
- open-heart surgery

*It is very important to note that even if you have one or more signs and symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have fibromyalgia. You should get a thorough medical exam and rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms.

!!!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!!

Things NOT to say to someone with a disabling chronic condition:
...but you don’t look sick
...if you’d get out more
...if you’d get more exercise
...everybody gets tired
...it can’t be that bad
...you are just lazy
...you are just depressed
...you’ll just have to tough it out
...I wish I had time to take a nap too
...you just need a more positive attitude
...stop whining!
...it‘s all in your head

I would not wish what I have on anyone, but unless you get it, you just don‘t get it. YOU have NO IDEA the amount of suffering I have to endure every single day.

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Fibromyalgia

2009-02-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja)

This word is derived from the Latin roots fibro (fibrous tissue), my (muscles), al (pain), and gia (condition of).

This blog is designed to provide you with a better understanding of this chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

You hurt all over, and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't find anything specifically wrong with you.

If this sounds familiar, you may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a frustrating condition both for doctors and patients. The disease is not only difficult to diagnose and but also to treat. It was the simple tasks, such as balancing a checkbook that confused Melissa Noll the most. "I thought I might have early stages of Alzheimer's," Noll says. But her memory problems were a symptom of something else, fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes pain and fatigue. "I've lived in this area 15 years, and I couldn't find my way to the bank."

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that's difficult to understand, especially if you don't have a medical degree. Because it involves the brain and nervous system, fibromyalgia can have an impact on virtually every part of the body.

The average FMS patient suffers for several years and spends thousands of dollars in medical bills before receiving an accurate diagnosis. People are relieved when they finally get a diagnosis and realize it’s not all in their heads.

FMS can have different symptoms each time a doctor is visited, and the symptoms don’t appear to be related to each other. This can be a source of frustration to many physicians, because FMS is very complex. Also, no two people have exactly the same symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms in a child can be different from those of an adult. Diagnosis in a child is also harder, because children have more trouble describing their pain.

Pain is the most prominent and common symptom. It can be all over, or in just one main region. Some people describe it as "knife-like" or a "muscle cramp." Some say it’s like having a persistent flu and can be quite severe in some.

Other factors that effect pain are level of activity, the weather, a person’s sleep patterns and stress. Most people with FMS say that at least some degree of pain is always present.

The pain generally is present in all four quadrants of the body, for at least three months. That means pain is present on both the right and left sides of the body, and above and below the waist.

Fatigue is also a very common symptom. About 90% of people with FMS have moderate to severe fatigue. This fatigue can range from simple listlessness and decreased exercise endurance to total exhaustion.

Some investigators list many other common complaints, including chronic headaches and tenderness of the scalp to the touch. Complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations are common. Serious cardiac problems should be considered and may require extensive evaluation. Many symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia are related to mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

Technically, FMS is not a disease, but is rather a "syndrome." Fibromyalgia is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. It is chronic, but is not inflammatory, degenerative or progressive.

FMS is systemic however, meaning symptoms can be found all over the body. Also, it is not in the joints, but mainly in the muscles. Joints may be sore, but generally the source of the pain is the tendons or ligaments that attach to the muscles.

However, this does not imply that FMS is not serious. In fact, it can be a debilitating as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, both of which are also technically classified as syndromes.

One of the frustrations with FMS is that there is currently no X-ray or blood test to diagnose it. For a correct diagnosis to be made, a health care professional must first identify the symptoms and then rule out other disorders. A proper diagnosis may be confounded by the fact that fibromyalgia can co-exist with other disorders.

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