Drugs and Fibromyalgia

Wow, this study and results are quite surprising! The popular fibromyalgia drugs (Savella, Lyrica, Cymbalta) were rated by patients as making fibro WORSE. The highest rated helpfuls for fibro were lifestyle changes - rest, de-stress, relaxation, good sleep, avoid alcohol. I am glad to see that my yoga, qi gong and massage is also on there and rated as quite helpful, I know they are great aids for me too!


http://curetogether.com/blog/2011/08/10/patients-say-fibromyalgia-drugs-make-things-worse-rest-is-best/

Top 10 Things I've Done to Help My Fibro

Since my diagnosis 16 months ago I feel I have made HUGE strides in dealing with my fibromyalgia. I am not going to lie, it has taken a lot of strength and perseverance and dedication to get myself to this point. And, it is not something that happened overnight, it has been a winding, wandering, struggling yet rewarding process. I am content with where I am now and how I feel, and I am happy and enjoying life again. It is indeed, a different kind of life. And I am a different kind of me, but I am still me. And, as ironic as it may sound, I am actually in a lot of respects a healthier me, as I have made changes in my lifestyle which would improve anyone's health, and has indeed improved my fibro and my own overall health. I have been reflecting on the biggest factors in making me feel better and in getting myself to this point, so I wanted to list them here:

1. Yoga and Meditation: twice a week/3 hours weekly

2. Massage and Postural Alignment Therapy: 1-2 times a month

3. Supplements: I've done a LOT of research and discovered what works for me, my body (and my budget!)

4. Reduced Chemicals I am Exposed to in Health Products: More natural body soap, shampoos, toothpastes and body lotions

5. Eat Healthier/Reduced Chemicals Exposed to in Foods: More fresh foods, less preservatives and food additives and chemicals; familiarized myself with anti-fibro and anti-inflammatory foods

6. Drink Plenty of Water Each Day: I just plain feel better when I do!

7. Learned My Limitations and Relax as Needed: Don't over exert myself, pace myself, I am less of my old "type-A" self :) and I am ok with that, I like relaxing!

8. Surrounded Myself with Positive, Supportive Friends and Family: Shared what I am going though via my letter, and found great online forums like ChronicBabe!

9. Researched and Read and Informed Myself: My favs: FibroWHYalgia by Sue Ingebretson, and How To Be Sick, by Toni Bernhard

10. Made Getting Good Sleep a Main Priority: Worked with my doctor via a sleep clinic, meds and supplements and yoga

I hope this helps! Please share what changes you have made that help you feel better!

e-rewards.com - Join Today!

https://www.e-rewards.com

This is a cool site. I've been a member for almost 3 years now, its free to join, and at various times they send you surveys on a variety of things and you provide feedback and then get credit, and then can redeem credit for "rewards" like magazine subscriptions, discounts at various stores and what not.

I noticed they now have a subscription to a magazine called "Whole Living", once my rewards reach that level I'm going to cash in and try that magazine out. For free! Super cool.

Here is a description of the magazine, sounds interesting:

Whole Living
Great tips to enrich your life, stay young and vibrant, and improve your health. Stay younger, look better, be stronger -- naturally! Great ideas for natural eating, inner growth, and a healthy home. (Formerly body+soul magazine. From Martha Stewart.)

The Three Minute Egg for Yoga

This looks kewl! Has anyone tried these? Some positions in yoga aren't comfortable for me, these look like they might help.


http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/fr/Three-Minute-Egg-Yoga-Prop.htm?nl=1

Yoga

Yoga is a stress-reducing, muscle-toning and spirit-strengthening exercise. It also opens your arteries and improves bloodflow.

I have a really difficult time with downward dog, really hurts my hands and I have a difficult time breathing (is supposed to be a restorative and relaxing pose!)

I was wondering if any fibro-mites have every tried anythiing like these wrist savers?

http://www.yogastickysocks.com/WristSaver.html

I love my yoga, I just have to sit out or do alternative moves sometimes :)

FREE Yoga in South Florida!

@ a Yoga Conference in Hollywood,

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in November:

http://www.yjevents.com/florida/free.php