Chronic Fatigue - Why? How? What?

Trying to understand Chronic Fatigue? So are the doctors and medical community, here is where the research and theories stand today:

http://www.prohealth.com/ME-CFS/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18755&B1=EM022614C

Gluten Free and Fibromyalgia

I AGREE! WIth this article, yes, I do not have Celiacs disease (allergy to gluten) but I know I DO have a SENSITIVITY to gluten! When I stay away from gluten, I feel better, less pain, less fatigue, more energy. I understand my tolerances, maybe something every couple of days, but even then yes, I do begin to feel the difference. And really, when i cut out breads, I don't miss them so much. And gluten free bread? Mighty tasty to me!  just wish I could bring it to the restaurants with me to substitute!

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18639&B1=EM021214F

Vitamin D and Fibromyalgia

Most people, not just those with fibro, have low levels of vitamin D. I have always supplemented with vitamin D3, even though I live in sunny Florida. It was just recently that my doctor started checking my exact levels and he discovered that even with taking vitamins D3 supplements I was still on the absolute lower end of the spectrum! So he has up me to 5,000mcg a day. I do feel like I feel a bit better, less pain, more energy (a little.) I am curious now my next visit to see how much my levels have gone up. Real curious.

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18746&B1=EM021214F

Follow up: Celebrities with Fibromyalgia - Captain Michael Hastings

As a followup to my post from 5-29-13

I have discovered another celebrity that struggles with fibromyalgia.

You may know him as the Navy “Captain Mike” from the popular series “The West Wing,” but Michael James Hastings creates more popularity by being a spokesman for fibromyalgia. He follows Dr. Teitelbaum's protocol with supplements and coupled with lifestyle changes and adjustments has found success in managing his fibro symptoms.

Here is the article I found highlighting Captain Mike

http://www.homecuresthatwork.com/columns/celebrity-health-watch/michael-james-hastings-fibromyalgia-activist/#.Udl9nlOHQZw

And here is a link to his website with extensive links and information:

http://www.captainhastings.com/

This is an inspiration, and another step in the right direction seeing celebrities come forward with their fibro struggles, and supporting the focus on fibromyalgia and treatments.

Celebrity Battling Fibromyalgia

Its unfortunate that the stigma of fibromyalgia (and misunderstanding) means that celebrities are much less likely to come forward and speak about their experiences with the illness. For a celebrity announcing that you suffer from fibromyalgia can be a career killer, so many keep quiet and suffer through. I've always thought and even wished a celebrity would come out and speak in support, I feel that would shine more light on the illness and even more understanding and support.

I did come across this interesting article today about a celebrity battling fibro:

http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/fibromyalgia/articles/actress_aj_langer_how_fibromyalgia_affects_her_life.aspx

CFS Unravelled - a Book Review

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia as often treated and talked about as one in the same. I feel that yes I do suffer from both, and whereas pain seems to be dominant in Fibro the fatigue is dominant in CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.) I feel I have been pretty good in managing the pains, and now suffer mostly from  such extreme fatigue (well of course and all the lovely other bodily functions that are disrupted by CFS/Fibro.)

This book was shared in a forum I am part of (chronicbabe.com) and so I looked into it a little bit, and even ended up purchasing it (downloading from Amazon to my smartphone Kindle App) $9 or so purchase (or FREE if an Amazon Prime Member!). And I can say the investment and read is WELL worth it if you are afflicted by CFS/Fibro!! I think even doctors trying to treat CFS/Fibro should also read.

http://www.amazon.com/CFS-Unravelled-Fibromyalgia-Discovery-ebook/dp/B00B3OCVGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363455517&sr=8-1&keywords=cfs+unravelled

I did a little research first, and started listening to this fibro talk radio show interviewing the author, Dan Neuffer. (Skip to about minute 10, thats when they actually introduce him and get into the book and his CFS/Fibro info)

http://ec2-184-72-220-142.compute-1.amazonaws.com/thefibroshow/2013/03/08/the-fibro-show-interview-with-author-dan-neuffer

Also here is part of the theory behind its cause explained:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=14508&site=articles

Yes, the author, Dan Neuffer, was afflicted with CFS/Fibro for years, but through his own research was able to overcome his CFS/Fibro. He is/was a physicist, so the first half of the book is a but heavy in the science behind his theory of the cause of CFS, but it is still worth the read. I didn't understand it ALL but I got the gist of it, and a LOT of it did relate to info I have already heard and read about over the years, so it did give me the confidence that I am on the right track and to keep reading the book. And I agree with the author, though its not easy to understand ALL the science, do NOT skip that part of the book, it helps to even semi-understand the science part before you start treating.

The author does emphasize throughout the book that it is up to YOU to help YOURSELF, and I think some people get offended by that. But it is true, when you are ready to tackle it, only you can help yourself, find the right resources, listen to your body, and help heal yourself. Yes, you employ the help of doctors and naturopaths, supplements, food, diet, exercise, meditation, life balancing techniques, but it IS up to YOU to take control and define your healing destiny. His book is an excellent guide as to what you are treating, and the overall key elements to hit -- again let me emphasize it is an overall program managing stress, diet, sleep, exercise (gentle yoga is especially highlighted YAY!), maintaining a positive attitude and outlook and creating a healthy life balance to move forward with.

It all may sound very simple, and yes, it is simple and logical, but again it really helped me to understand WHY the supplements that I take - like Magnesium, Malic Acid, B vitamins -- help with the CFS/Fibro. And again it gave me confidence that I am on the right track with my yoga, supplements, all natural diet and meditating etc.

I highly recommend this read. I would love to know if anyone else has also read and your thoughts on the book, the theory and the treatments discussed.