Fibromyalgia and Thyroid

Whoa.

I don't know how I haven't stumbled across this in the past 5 or so years. But it makes sense. As it all seems to come together. A link between fibromyalgia and the thyroid. I've read a little about it (a few links below) but my brain fog leaves me a little fuzzy on the exactness, but it seems the most together puzzle of anything I've come across since my diagnosis with fibro 5 years ago.

Compare the symptoms, the similarities are uncanny, ok really, they are the SAME!!

• fatigue
• weight gain
• cold intolerance
• joint and muscle pain
• depression
• memory problems

Is fibro the early stage of thyroid problems? (Subclinical Hashimoto's, before the thyroid levels get to the point of imbalance that they show up on a blood test?) Or is thyroid just another part of the fibro puzzle?

What exactly is the connection between fibro and thyroid and the key to feeling better?

10 Root Causes of Fibromyalgia
http://hypothyroidmom.com/10-root-causes-of-fibromyalgia-3-is-thyroid/

Is Fibromyalgia Hashimotos?
http://www.hashimotoshealing.com/fibromyalgia-undiagnosed-hashimotos/

The Relationship Between Fibromyalgia and Thyroid
http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/the-relationship-between-fibromyalgia-thyroid-conditions/

Smoothie for Joint Pain

It's October, changing of the seasons, though not much of a season change in South Florida as in the rest of the country (ok it goes from stiffling hot to a nice cool breeze :). I still somehow feel the aches and pains in my joints during the change this month. Is it the fibro? Lingering Lyme Disease? Developing rheumatoid arthritis? (My mother and cousin have) I don't know. I don't think I want to know. But I'd like some relief. All natural relief if possible. So I've been google-ing like heck, and found some good anti-inflammatory foods to beef up on this month. (Here is a list of a few - and good news this month as pumpkins is listed! - http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/best-foods-for-arthritis.aspx)

Pineapple and blueberries and ginger and also some. So I whipped up a super yummy smoothie with those. Give it a try! Can't go wrong (ok, well go easy on the ginger unless you like spicy!)

Here it is as Martha Stewart makes it (can't go wrong there right?!)

http://www.marthastewart.com/343666/pineapple-blueberry-ginger-juice

Also, my Mom bought me this stick blender combo few years back, LOVE it, so glad she did, I use it all the time to whip up smoothies, I highly recommend:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/cuisinart-2-speed-smart-stick-hand-blender

Massage for Fibromyalgia

When I was diagnosed with fibro, and made the decision to try the alternative and natural treatment route, I read about the benefits of massage for fibromyalgia. I started with a really good local massage therapist, with short sessions initially. We worked up to longer sessions. I would go over 2- 4 weeks, but I made the committment. I noticed that it did make a difference in making me feel better overall. My health improved, my body pain lessened. 5 years later, I am still committed to monthly massages. When I get busy and wait too long (oops 5 or 6 weeks go by) I can feel it for sure and need it to get back on track. Sue points to the benefits of massage for fibro here, among other fibro health tips:

http://rebuildingwellness.com/healthy-treats-or-treatments/

FIbromyalgia and Social Security

HELPFUL info!!

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18993&B1=EM070314F&utm_source=EM070314F

Making Peace with Your Dis-ease - Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

This is an excellent article. I have recently become attuned to the Ayurvedic sciences and have tried to tune my eating to that to help with my fibro and chronic fatigue and overall health. I have always kind of been in a strange way grateful for being diagnosed with fibro and chronic fatigue years ago, as it made me slow down and take stock, it made me step back and re-evaluate and start to live and eat healthier. This article is a way speaks to that, that disease reacts to help you, so pay attention to it, to your body, and appreciate what it is doing, how it works, listen to what ti may be telling you. Help it, take care of it. be kind to yourself and your body, nurture.

http://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/article/How-to-Make-Peace-with-Your-Diseases/3952?lnk=159

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

Chart for Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms

The chart on this link is a pretty good resource for determining if you have a gluten sensitivity (I know I do.)

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18738&B1=EM021214F

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

Celebrities with Fibromyalgia - Another List

This seems to be a new hot topic, Celebrities with Fibromylagia, I am seeing more and more stories n this topic. ProHealth has released a list of 10 celebrities who are struggling with fibro. I think we were familiar with most on the list already, but here is:

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18748&B1=EM021214F

CFS & Fibromyalgia Rating Scale

Is anyone else familiar with this scale?

http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/cfs-fibromyalgia-rating-scale

Adrenal Fatigue? - An Online Conference Opportunity!

April 7th - April 24th, 2014, an Online Conference covering the many many topics of Adrenal Fatigue. Sign up now to receive the videos for a limited time via email for free. 

http://www.adrenalsummit.com/

I have researched this topic a lot. One of the major life disturbances since my fibromyalgia diagnosis has been extreme fatigue. Is this chronic fatigue? Is it due to fatigued adrenals? One doctor I saw had the adrenal fatigue theory, and I did try to adjust my diet and lifestyle accordingly, and it did seem to help.

I signed up for this online adrenal conference. I am a big fan of Sue Ingebretson (April 16th's presenter!) and I am looking forward to learning everything listed on this website.

Top Diets Reviewed for 2014

The Best Diets of 2014 were recently reviewed and released. I have been sticking to a vegetarian/vegan diet since last September and I can say it def makes my fibro and fatigue better, and a little weight loss has also occurred along the way as well :) I am intrigued by the Mediterranean Diet, as it always seems to rank high and its pretty close to vegetarian but includes fish (which I enjoy.)

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18590&B1=EG012214

Is anyone familiar with the DASH diet? It seemed to rank highly this year in many categories...

What Vitamins Should I Take?

When I first was diagnosed with fibromyalgia I did a LOT of research into vitamins and supplements that would help. It was daunting and time consuming. Dr. Weil has created a quick and easy online form for helping guide you to some recommended vitamins according to your lifestyle. While it may not tackle every detail, I took the quiz and I was surprised at how accurate and how much it aligns with what I currently take! Its a pretty good starting point if you are confused and overwhelmed by the vitamins aisle :)

https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/questionnaires?aid=888845#start

Did you take the test? What did you think?

Reluctantly Healthy - videos by Judy Greer

You just gotta love the title of this series of short videos by Judy Greer - Reluctantly Healthy! Her series has really caught on, and I really enjoy watching them, they truly run the gammut of topics (healthy mojito recipe, plant based salad dressing recipe, jump rope workout, burning calories with hula hoop, the 3 machines at the gym you have to use...)

I just had to share - here are links to a few of them - Enjoy!

http://blip.tv/reluctantlyhealthy#!page=1

Fibromyalgia and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS)

This is an excellent article about perseverance and thinking outside the box. I am always reading articles just to take in info, and I love that this sufferer did just that and used the knowledge, and pursued it until she found a solution for her own suffering! Even better that once she tried the meds and the side effects were too much she didn't stop there, she altered the meds until it worked for her. What perseverance! And along the way others learned as well (pharmacist, her neurologist!) to hopefully spread the word about the treatment to help others as well.

http://fmaware.org/site/News2fa26.html?news_iv_ctrl=-1&page=NewsArticle&id=9359

We are the 300,000+ -- Lyme Disease Campaign

There are more than 300,000 new Lyme Disease infections annually, and the CDC and medical community is just now acknowledging this astonishing number, MUCH higher than their previous rates of "30,000 annual cases."

If you are one of the annual 300,000 diagnosed with Lyme Disease stand up and represent. The Lyme community is launching a photo campaign to get more media attention for Lyme Disease. They are asking for your photos.

It's simple and powerful, be a part of it here:

http://lyme300000.wordpress.com/

My All Natural Solution for Seborrheic Dermatitis

One of the conditions that came along with my fibromylagia was this sudden seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp. It was incredibly itchy and scaly on my scalp. The itchiness drove me NUTS!! I finally have stumbled upon an all natural solution (my doctor just wanted to give me a prescription.)

Dead sea salt! I bought a container in the beauty section of Whole Foods, and made sure it was JUST the dead sea salt, no fragrances or ANY other ingredients besides the salt. ($15) For the first few nights I'd get in the shower and run warm water over my scalp, mix some of of the sea salt to dissolve in a cup of warm water (about 8oz size) and then I'd pour the warm sea salt mixture over the back of my scalp (where the dermatitis was the worse). I have long hair, so I rubbed in the salt mixture and piled on my hair. Then I either stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my head for about 10 minutes, or I'd busy myself wit something like shaving my legs :) The main points to take away are the initial warm water opens up the pores in your scalp, then allow the sea salt to set on your scalp for a few minutes to soak in (5-10 min). Then rinse off. I did this for 3-4 nights initially, and then the remainder of the week I switched to the sea salt mixture (water and the sea salt) in a spray bottle - when I came home from work I'd spray the sea salt water mixture on my scalp, rub it in, wrap with a towel for @ 10 minutes, then step in shower and rinse. I was amazed, after the 1st two days I def noticed less itching and a difference! And, after the first week of treatments, no more itching! So now 1-2 times a week I'll use the spray bottle of salt water treatment just to maintain the clarity of the dermatitis.

Of course if you live near the ocean, just go hang out in the ocean on the weekends! Even more fun!

Also good to note, I had bought some lavender oil to help sooth the itchiness, this did help soothe that - temporarily. While it did not treat/cure the dermatitis, it did help get me through until the sea salt kicked in! (It took me a while to find out the sea salt cure, so the lavender oil was def helpful.)

I hope this helps!

Considering Vegetarianism?

Thinking about going vegetarian? Not sure how or where to start? Here is a great starters guide to download:

http://www.pcrm.org/pdfs/health/vsk.pdf


Also look for vegetarian/vegan meetup groups in your local area! They will be able to share tips and tricks, restaurants ideas and more!

Housekeeping and Fibromyalgia

Yes! Household "chores" drive me nuts, I live by myself and trying to maintain it all and my sanity it a chore in itself! I struggled for the longest time in trying to find the right balance, as I would not have the energy and would let things go, then the clutter would get to me... So now I've learned that little efforts can add up and make a difference, if I can try and tackle one or two things that is better than nothing. I've learned to pace myself. Most people probably do not schedule time in their day to do dishes or fold laundry the way I do, I look at it as a big, daunting, energy draining chore. But I do it. One or two a day, and things seem to work out. And sometimes something as simple as "resting" and getting up during commercials to do something during that time seems to help. (Take out the trash) Simple tasks. I used to come home and try to do everything at once and then sit down and rest for the evening. Now I treat myself right first - come home and rest, then tackle one chore. Rest, then another if able. Etc. The key to my day is rest as much as I need, when I need, even for 10 minutes, sit and chill for a few, put my feet up, take a breather, pace myself. I have tried to find as many things to help me out around the house - a laundry bag cart on wheels with 4 removable bags - this way I presort laundry as I fill them! And I can grab and go each load as needed. I treated myself to the neat-o (its like a roomba) floor cleaner. This is a HUGE deal in my life! I can schedule it to clean when I am out of the house! I pick up a few chairs, rugs, shoes and things it bumps around and away it goes sweeping and cleaning my floors! Once or twice a week away he goes (yes I even gave it a name, he, "Freddy") and it is amazing the dirt and dust he picks up. SO glad to have invested in that! I always have an ongoing grocery list on my smartphone. Sometimes I stop at the store randomly, if I do I can check see what I need ad can quickly grab exactly what all I need. Whenever I run out of anything  (Shampoo, saran wrap, mayo, bread etc!) I add it quickly to the list on my phone. This really helps me stay organized, and FEEL organized and not forget anything!  This is a great article about pacing yourself, baby steps to organization and handling it all, even a move to a new place! You go girl!

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18388&B1=EM102313F

Do you have any helpful household tips for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue sufferers?