Trying to understand Chronic Fatigue? So are the doctors and medical community, here is where the research and theories stand today:
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Cause of Fibromyalgia Found??
Hmmmm..... sounds interesting... thoughts?
http://guardianlv.com/2013/06/fibromyalgia-mystery-finally-solved/
http://guardianlv.com/2013/06/fibromyalgia-mystery-finally-solved/
Thursday, July 7, 2011
New Study on Lyme Disease and Lymph Nodes
Good blurb, I like seeing that Lyme Disease is getting attention in studies:
http://www.lymedisease.org/news/lyme_disease_views/lymphnodes.html
http://www.lymedisease.org/news/lyme_disease_views/lymphnodes.html
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Share Your Fibromyalgia with Congress
A letter from Janet Favero Chambers, President National Fibromalgia & Chronic Pain Association
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS HERE TODAY
Speak up!
We need to tell Congress FM is important and needs more research. Congress is currently deciding which pain conditions need more attention and research. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is the official group that is weighing which pain conditions are most deserving of attention from Congress and the National Institutes of Health. This is the opportunity the Fibromyalgia community has been waiting for – it is our opportunity to educate Congress about the challenges of living with fibromyalgia. They do not know the realities of living with Fibromyalgia. Your story has never been more important. Please spend a few minutes of your time completing the above Pain Research Public Comment form.
Things that would be very important to share-
• things that prevent you from getting pain care,
• costs of pain care,
• the need for scientific research on pain, especially the need for treatments that work and don't make you feel bad, and
• the need to educate all health care professionals about chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Comments are due by Monday, April 4. Please act today.
Make a difference for all of us living with Fibromyalgia—
share your story today.
The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association is fully supportive of this effort. I represent FM on the Pain Care Forum Subcommittee on Training & Education in Washington, D.C. and know that the information the IOM receives will directly influence its recommendations to the U.S. Congress. By mandate from the U.S. Congress, the National Institutes of Health will respond to these recommendations by developing the type and amount of pain research for many years to come.
We need many people to come forward with their stories to help us achieve our goals of increased research by the NIH and increased education for doctors who are treating patients with FM and related pain conditions. We will keep you up to date on the outcome of the IOM’s recommendations.
As a member of the Pain Care Forum, I will continue to ensure that the voice of the Fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions community is always heard. Thank you very much for submitting the public comment form for the IOM. Would you please also pass along your name and email address along to me so I can keep you up to date on this important issue as I do my work in D.C. As always with this type of communication, all correspondence with the NFMCPA is confidential and private.
Sincerely yours,
Jan Chambers
Janet Favero Chambers, President
National Fibromalgia & Chronic Pain Association
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS HERE TODAY
Speak up!
We need to tell Congress FM is important and needs more research. Congress is currently deciding which pain conditions need more attention and research. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is the official group that is weighing which pain conditions are most deserving of attention from Congress and the National Institutes of Health. This is the opportunity the Fibromyalgia community has been waiting for – it is our opportunity to educate Congress about the challenges of living with fibromyalgia. They do not know the realities of living with Fibromyalgia. Your story has never been more important. Please spend a few minutes of your time completing the above Pain Research Public Comment form.
Things that would be very important to share-
• things that prevent you from getting pain care,
• costs of pain care,
• the need for scientific research on pain, especially the need for treatments that work and don't make you feel bad, and
• the need to educate all health care professionals about chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Comments are due by Monday, April 4. Please act today.
Make a difference for all of us living with Fibromyalgia—
share your story today.
The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association is fully supportive of this effort. I represent FM on the Pain Care Forum Subcommittee on Training & Education in Washington, D.C. and know that the information the IOM receives will directly influence its recommendations to the U.S. Congress. By mandate from the U.S. Congress, the National Institutes of Health will respond to these recommendations by developing the type and amount of pain research for many years to come.
We need many people to come forward with their stories to help us achieve our goals of increased research by the NIH and increased education for doctors who are treating patients with FM and related pain conditions. We will keep you up to date on the outcome of the IOM’s recommendations.
As a member of the Pain Care Forum, I will continue to ensure that the voice of the Fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions community is always heard. Thank you very much for submitting the public comment form for the IOM. Would you please also pass along your name and email address along to me so I can keep you up to date on this important issue as I do my work in D.C. As always with this type of communication, all correspondence with the NFMCPA is confidential and private.
Sincerely yours,
Jan Chambers
Janet Favero Chambers, President
National Fibromalgia & Chronic Pain Association
Friday, March 18, 2011
ME/CFS Research Lecture
Nancy Klimas, M.D. and Gordon Broderick, PhD will speak on the latest developments in ME/CFS research
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Veterans' Hospital Auditorium on the campus of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1201 N.W. 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Seating is limited, please RSVP to: yvonne.jackson@va.gov
Friday, February 25, 2011
Vitamin D a Chronic Pain: New Research
When I was first diagnosed with fibro one of the initial tests done was checking my vitamin D levels, as it seems for some reason a lot of fibros have low vitamin D. My levels were of course very low, so my doctor put me on 2000 IU's vitamin D/day. Within 3 months I got my levels back up into the normal range, and I continue to take 1000 IU's/day. Its one of the many supplements that I take that I feel makes a difference in my health. (Even if someone does not have fibro keeping your vitamin D levels in check are a good idea!) It may not be a "cure" but I think it is one of the stepping stones in helping me feel better and healthier! Seems like studies are just now being done and coming to the forefront on how these low vitamin D levels relate to our chronic pain and fibro. I love how the article starts off describing "general pain that doesn’t respond to treatment." -- helloooo fibro! :)
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/vitamin-d-deficiency-and-chronic-pain-link?ecd=wnl_cbp_022411
"Plotnikoff notes that vitamin D is a hormone. 'Every tissue in our bodies has [vitamin] D receptors, including all bones, muscles, immune cells, and brain cells,' he says.
And in March 2009, researchers at the Mayo Clinic published a study showing that patients with inadequate vitamin D levels who were taking narcotic pain drugs required nearly twice as much medication to control their pain as did patients with adequate D levels."
"Plotnikoff says that there is no evidence from randomized, controlled trials that replenishing vitamin D levels will cure chronic pain. 'But it doesn’t hurt to do it,' he notes.
So if you've got chronic pain, it can’t hurt to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels. 'I believe this is absolutely medically indicated, and it should be the standard of care for everyone with chronic, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain,' Plotnikoff says.
If you have severe vitamin D deficiency, any efforts to boost your D levels should be done by consulting with your doctor. Too much vitamin D can be dangerous and lead to an excess accumulation of calcium in your blood, which can lead to kidney stones.
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/vitamin-d-deficiency-and-chronic-pain-link?ecd=wnl_cbp_022411
"Plotnikoff notes that vitamin D is a hormone. 'Every tissue in our bodies has [vitamin] D receptors, including all bones, muscles, immune cells, and brain cells,' he says.
And in March 2009, researchers at the Mayo Clinic published a study showing that patients with inadequate vitamin D levels who were taking narcotic pain drugs required nearly twice as much medication to control their pain as did patients with adequate D levels."
"Plotnikoff says that there is no evidence from randomized, controlled trials that replenishing vitamin D levels will cure chronic pain. 'But it doesn’t hurt to do it,' he notes.
So if you've got chronic pain, it can’t hurt to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels. 'I believe this is absolutely medically indicated, and it should be the standard of care for everyone with chronic, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain,' Plotnikoff says.
If you have severe vitamin D deficiency, any efforts to boost your D levels should be done by consulting with your doctor. Too much vitamin D can be dangerous and lead to an excess accumulation of calcium in your blood, which can lead to kidney stones.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Smile and Think Positive! :)
New study shows the power of positive thinking and a positive mental attitude - more patients experience successful effects from taking medicine when they have a positive outlook on their expectations :) I love it!
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20110216/positive-expectations-may-make-drugs-work-better?ecd=wnl_cbp_022411
:)
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20110216/positive-expectations-may-make-drugs-work-better?ecd=wnl_cbp_022411
:)
New Studies on CFS Treatments
Great article on some new research just published on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The article details how light exercise and/or a change in mental attitude coupled with the standard treatments provide better relief of CFS.
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/650067/main.html?ic=6009
I have to agree with the studies. I do yoga twice a week, and I have read several books (Fibrowhyalgia, by Sue Ingebretson and How to Be Sick, by Toni Bernhard) which have helped me achieve a positive attitude about dealing with my CFS and fibromyalgia. I also found an online group, www.chronicbabe.com, which is an AWESOME positive environment of supportive women and information. They help keep me positive on a daily basis.
While I am not "cured" of CFS, and I am still exhausted at times, I do know that the therapies I mentioned above have made improvements in how I feel, and have helped me live a more normal life and participate in it more! :)
http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/650067/main.html?ic=6009
I have to agree with the studies. I do yoga twice a week, and I have read several books (Fibrowhyalgia, by Sue Ingebretson and How to Be Sick, by Toni Bernhard) which have helped me achieve a positive attitude about dealing with my CFS and fibromyalgia. I also found an online group, www.chronicbabe.com, which is an AWESOME positive environment of supportive women and information. They help keep me positive on a daily basis.
While I am not "cured" of CFS, and I am still exhausted at times, I do know that the therapies I mentioned above have made improvements in how I feel, and have helped me live a more normal life and participate in it more! :)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia and Brain Shrinkage
So I was ready an article in a magazine about chronic pain and it mentioned this "...Aging causes the brain to atrophy at a rate of half a percent a year, but chronic pain causes the brain to atrophy twice as fast..." and I kinda freaked. I mean I had seen this somewhere before, but I chose to ignore it, I wasn't ready to face that.
Now I'm facing it.
I wanted a better source on this info, and I found this addressed on the National Fibromyalgia Association website, direct link below. What makes it really good is that the author is also one of the researchers who released this report on fibromyalgia's effects on the brain. It gets a little scientific at times, so I've tried to highlight some of the key points below, but the entire article is well worth the read.
“What Do You Mean, My Brain Is Shrinking?!”
By Patrick B. Wood, MD
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8489&news_iv_ctrl=0
"The Journal of Neuroscience recently published the results of a study that demonstrated fibromyalgia is associated with a loss of volume of brain gray matter.1"
"...we found that the atrophy associated with fibromyalgia was over three times greater than that of normal aging, with each year of fibromyalgia equivalent to 9.5 times the loss of normal aging."
"Intriguingly, the brain centers that undergo accelerated loss of gray matter volume during stress in animal models are also connected to many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, including pain."
"Among the most encouraging findings stemming from the work of scientists like McEwen and Sapolsky is the observation that blocking the effects of stress-related chemicals can protect against their damaging impact on sensitive brain structures"
"Another agent that has demonstrated utility in promoting brain health is omega-3 fatty acid, i.e. fish oil. As previously noted, chronic fatigue syndrome is another one of the disorders that has been associated with brain atrophy. A case study from England reported by Puri and colleagues describes the treatment of a woman with chronic fatigue syndrome with omega-3 supplementation, which resulted not only in marked clinical improvement, but also in a reduction in the volume of her lateral ventricles, which suggests she benefited with an increase in brain tissue volume.16 While there is no data in the literature as to whether taking omega-3 may be useful in the treatment of FM per se, there are several other health-related benefits. So, while I recommend taking omega-3 supplements to my patients on a regular basis, it would be very interesting to see how they would perform in a structured clinical trial."
"What remains unknown at this point is whether the reductions in brain volumes in FM are related to actual loss of brain cells, or simply with cell shrinkage—I suspect the latter. And while the mechanisms of these changes are complex and not fully understood, there is reason to believe that they may be prevented and possibly reversed, as we shall see."
"While the proposition that fibromyalgia is associated with accelerated brain atrophy may be unsettling, there is something of a silver lining to the cloud. For years, the medical community has struggled to come to terms with the reality of the disorder or to take it seriously, due in large part to the lack of objective findings to distinguish FM patients from those who don’t have the disorder. The results of our study contribute to what has become the incontrovertible evidence that fibromyalgia is all too real and, I think, inspire a greater sense of urgency regarding the need to develop rational treatments."
Now I'm facing it.
I wanted a better source on this info, and I found this addressed on the National Fibromyalgia Association website, direct link below. What makes it really good is that the author is also one of the researchers who released this report on fibromyalgia's effects on the brain. It gets a little scientific at times, so I've tried to highlight some of the key points below, but the entire article is well worth the read.
“What Do You Mean, My Brain Is Shrinking?!”
By Patrick B. Wood, MD
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8489&news_iv_ctrl=0
"The Journal of Neuroscience recently published the results of a study that demonstrated fibromyalgia is associated with a loss of volume of brain gray matter.1"
"...we found that the atrophy associated with fibromyalgia was over three times greater than that of normal aging, with each year of fibromyalgia equivalent to 9.5 times the loss of normal aging."
"Intriguingly, the brain centers that undergo accelerated loss of gray matter volume during stress in animal models are also connected to many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, including pain."
"Among the most encouraging findings stemming from the work of scientists like McEwen and Sapolsky is the observation that blocking the effects of stress-related chemicals can protect against their damaging impact on sensitive brain structures"
"Another agent that has demonstrated utility in promoting brain health is omega-3 fatty acid, i.e. fish oil. As previously noted, chronic fatigue syndrome is another one of the disorders that has been associated with brain atrophy. A case study from England reported by Puri and colleagues describes the treatment of a woman with chronic fatigue syndrome with omega-3 supplementation, which resulted not only in marked clinical improvement, but also in a reduction in the volume of her lateral ventricles, which suggests she benefited with an increase in brain tissue volume.16 While there is no data in the literature as to whether taking omega-3 may be useful in the treatment of FM per se, there are several other health-related benefits. So, while I recommend taking omega-3 supplements to my patients on a regular basis, it would be very interesting to see how they would perform in a structured clinical trial."
"What remains unknown at this point is whether the reductions in brain volumes in FM are related to actual loss of brain cells, or simply with cell shrinkage—I suspect the latter. And while the mechanisms of these changes are complex and not fully understood, there is reason to believe that they may be prevented and possibly reversed, as we shall see."
"While the proposition that fibromyalgia is associated with accelerated brain atrophy may be unsettling, there is something of a silver lining to the cloud. For years, the medical community has struggled to come to terms with the reality of the disorder or to take it seriously, due in large part to the lack of objective findings to distinguish FM patients from those who don’t have the disorder. The results of our study contribute to what has become the incontrovertible evidence that fibromyalgia is all too real and, I think, inspire a greater sense of urgency regarding the need to develop rational treatments."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Another New Fibro Survey - this one from NFA
I received this via email from the National Fibromyalgia Association, it really didn't take long and they were some good questions with room for comments:
The goal of this survey is to examine the symptoms experienced by patients with fibromyalgia, its impact on their quality of life, and the care they have received for this pain. The information acquired through the following questions will be used to develop educational programming for physicians, to help them provide optimal care for their patients.
All responses are anonymous, participation is voluntary, and the survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your contribution.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fibropatient
The goal of this survey is to examine the symptoms experienced by patients with fibromyalgia, its impact on their quality of life, and the care they have received for this pain. The information acquired through the following questions will be used to develop educational programming for physicians, to help them provide optimal care for their patients.
All responses are anonymous, participation is voluntary, and the survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your contribution.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fibropatient
Monday, August 23, 2010
It's Officially Official: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Linked to Virus
from the ME-CFSCommunity.com:
Finally, the National Academy of Sciences Makes It Official:
Detection of MLV-related virus gene sequences in blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy donors
Release of study findings
Additional Stories:
New York Times
Washington Post:
A well-respected team of scientists released long-awaited new evidence Monday that a virus may be playing a role in chronic fatigue syndrome.
The researchers, from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and Harvard Medical School, analyzed blood samples that had been collected 15 years ago from 37 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Most of the subjects--32, or 86.5 percent--tested positive for a virus known as a murine leukemia virus-related virus, the researchers found. In contrast, tests on 44 healthy blood donors detected evidence of the virus in only three of the subjects, or 6.8 percent.
While providing new evidence that a virus may play a role in the mysterious condition, the researchers said the findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are no where near proving the virus causes the syndrome.
But the findings are being hailed by advocates for chronic fatigue syndrome patients, such as the CFID Association of America. The head of that group, Kim McCleary, says the findings are a potentially important step toward finding the cause of the condition and possibly developing treatments, as well as dispelling the notion that the condition is really psychological....
- Wall Street Journal
Visit ME-CFSCommunity.com at: http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
Finally, the National Academy of Sciences Makes It Official:
Detection of MLV-related virus gene sequences in blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy donors
Release of study findings
Additional Stories:
New York Times
Washington Post:
A well-respected team of scientists released long-awaited new evidence Monday that a virus may be playing a role in chronic fatigue syndrome.
The researchers, from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and Harvard Medical School, analyzed blood samples that had been collected 15 years ago from 37 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Most of the subjects--32, or 86.5 percent--tested positive for a virus known as a murine leukemia virus-related virus, the researchers found. In contrast, tests on 44 healthy blood donors detected evidence of the virus in only three of the subjects, or 6.8 percent.
While providing new evidence that a virus may play a role in the mysterious condition, the researchers said the findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, are no where near proving the virus causes the syndrome.
But the findings are being hailed by advocates for chronic fatigue syndrome patients, such as the CFID Association of America. The head of that group, Kim McCleary, says the findings are a potentially important step toward finding the cause of the condition and possibly developing treatments, as well as dispelling the notion that the condition is really psychological....
- Wall Street Journal
Visit ME-CFSCommunity.com at: http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Fibro Survey
Please take a few minutes to fill out this important survey. It is completely voluntary and anonymous, and should only take about 10-15 minutes. Doing so provides a real and important opportunity to take part in helping create better treatments and quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/meddevice1
It was very interesting and sounds promising!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/meddevice1
It was very interesting and sounds promising!
Fibromyalgia Research Info
More Clues To Fibromyalgia Pain
"That first neuroimaging study really demonstrated fibromyalgia patients were different than normal individuals, and at a neurobiological level, were truly experiencing more pain at lower intensities," Mease said.
The new research moves understanding of the condition a step further, by exploring what's happening in the brain during a resting state.
Brain scans show more neural activity between certain brain networks and pain processing region
"That first neuroimaging study really demonstrated fibromyalgia patients were different than normal individuals, and at a neurobiological level, were truly experiencing more pain at lower intensities," Mease said.
The new research moves understanding of the condition a step further, by exploring what's happening in the brain during a resting state.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Xyrem for Fibromyalgia?
Intersting article from About.com about a drug going through trials now for possible approval. Sounds good, the science of it makes sense, but then you get to the "possible serious" side effects and sounds scary!
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2008/06/08/narcolepsy-drug-for-fibromyalgia-treatment.htm
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2008/06/08/narcolepsy-drug-for-fibromyalgia-treatment.htm
Friday, August 6, 2010
Oprah, Dr. Oz and Fibromyalgia!
Its great to see fibromyalgia get this much attention and priority, and it is interesting (and refreshing) that it does not focus on prescription drugs as the main and "simple" solution!
Oprah Winfrey included a discussion on fibromyalgia in her newsletter today. It's wonderful when celebrities give a stage to this topic and Oprah does us all a great service when she helps to inform her audience on this illness.
Her newsletter also included the first article Dr. Oz wrote for O MAGAZINE. In the article, Dr. Oz opens the discussion with four different approaches to fibromyalgia treatment. This is now in their "Best of Dr. Oz" collection. Doors are opening...;-)
http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Treatments-for-Fibromyalgia
1. Western Medicine Approach
2. Energy-Based Approach
3. Psychological Approach
4. Nutrition-Based Approach (reference to http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/)
Oprah Winfrey included a discussion on fibromyalgia in her newsletter today. It's wonderful when celebrities give a stage to this topic and Oprah does us all a great service when she helps to inform her audience on this illness.
Her newsletter also included the first article Dr. Oz wrote for O MAGAZINE. In the article, Dr. Oz opens the discussion with four different approaches to fibromyalgia treatment. This is now in their "Best of Dr. Oz" collection. Doors are opening...;-)
http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Treatments-for-Fibromyalgia
1. Western Medicine Approach
2. Energy-Based Approach
3. Psychological Approach
4. Nutrition-Based Approach (reference to http://www.fibroandfatigue.com/)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Latest Research Finds link Between IBS and the Brain
Stanford University researchers have argued a case for moving Fibro from the field of rheumatology to neurology since their researchers see Fibro as a neurological problem. Now comes this article (link below) from UCLA that finds the same shrinkage in gray matter in areas of the brain controlling attention and pain for IBS, which many Fibro suffers also experience.
A link between the brain and chronic pain has been identified in other disorders, such as lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia and hip pain. The study on IBS suggests that, like these other conditions, the problem may be due to the brain's inability to inhibit the pain response.
http://www.latimes.com/news/health/boostershots/la-heb-bowel-20100722,0,2369726.story
A link between the brain and chronic pain has been identified in other disorders, such as lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia and hip pain. The study on IBS suggests that, like these other conditions, the problem may be due to the brain's inability to inhibit the pain response.
http://www.latimes.com/news/health/boostershots/la-heb-bowel-20100722,0,2369726.story
Thursday, July 29, 2010
CFS & FM Surveys - Help with the Research!
2 Survey's on this Organization's website (scroll down the page):
http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
The ME/CFS & FM Patient Survey is a blind (names withheld) research study to gather data from those afflicted with ME/CFS & FM to further research into the disease.
This is a quick 32 question multiple choice blind survey.
Access the survey directly:
http://polldaddy.com/s/EA51636A44631D38
The ME/CFS Case Definition Survey is a standardized guide for clinicians and research scientists for the evaluation of the impact of various specific symptoms upon those afflicted. It is presented in conjunction with the ME/CFS research team at the University of Miami.
You need to create an account/sign in for access to this CFS survey.
http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
The ME/CFS & FM Patient Survey is a blind (names withheld) research study to gather data from those afflicted with ME/CFS & FM to further research into the disease.
This is a quick 32 question multiple choice blind survey.
Access the survey directly:
http://polldaddy.com/s/EA51636A44631D38
The ME/CFS Case Definition Survey is a standardized guide for clinicians and research scientists for the evaluation of the impact of various specific symptoms upon those afflicted. It is presented in conjunction with the ME/CFS research team at the University of Miami.
You need to create an account/sign in for access to this CFS survey.
http://cfsknowledgecenter.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Chronic Fatigue is Neurological
More evidence. No wonder my neurologist that I have been going to forever for my migraines is so in tuned with also treating my fibro and CFS :)
On April 24, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association hosted a presentation on “The Latest Research on CFS” by Dr. Anthony L Komaroff, MD. Dr. Komaroff , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications, has treated hundreds of ME/CFS patients over the past 25 years.
In answer to question # 21 in the Q&A session – “Would you classify CFS as a neurological disease?” Dr. Komaroff stated:
"I would certainly say, as I have said today, that there is now abundant evidence of measurable abnormalities in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in people with this illness. So that makes it neurological. That's why I think it makes sense, as Dr. Gurwitz said, to call it Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis or Encephalopathy, because I think those two words adequately classify or describe an underlying biology that tests have shown to be the case."
Links to videos too:
http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15400
On April 24, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association hosted a presentation on “The Latest Research on CFS” by Dr. Anthony L Komaroff, MD. Dr. Komaroff , a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications, has treated hundreds of ME/CFS patients over the past 25 years.
In answer to question # 21 in the Q&A session – “Would you classify CFS as a neurological disease?” Dr. Komaroff stated:
"I would certainly say, as I have said today, that there is now abundant evidence of measurable abnormalities in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system in people with this illness. So that makes it neurological. That's why I think it makes sense, as Dr. Gurwitz said, to call it Myalgic Ecephalomyelitis or Encephalopathy, because I think those two words adequately classify or describe an underlying biology that tests have shown to be the case."
Links to videos too:
http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=15400
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Easing Depression Naturally
Chronic illness often comes hand in hand with depression. I know for me the chronic pain was depressing, never getting any relief and not being able to find a doctor who understood what I was going through. The one doctor would not prescribe anything to me for pain until I saw a psychiatrist about my depression. I tried to explain to him that I was depressed because I was in pain all the time! If we take care of the pain, I bet the depression will lessen (and guess what, once I started on a minimal pain med it did!) Since fibromyalgia is chronic, its good to know whats out there that can naturally help us keep positive. Here is some info I've found recently:
Omega-3s & Benefits
Studies have been done and shown that taking Omega-3's (also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids) can help with depression.(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/21/mtl-omega-3-depression.html) They are typically found in vegetables, vegetable oil and fish. The bonus for us is that they can also boost the immune system and help stop pain! But there are some cautions, so check with your doctor before taking any Omega supplements. (Omega 3 overload can lead to excessive bleeding, stroke, causing heart problems for people with a history of heart conditions, glycemic disturbance among diabetics, potentially harmful to those people who have disorders of the blood or those on blood-thinning medication.)
B-Vitamins & Benefits
B-vitamins can also help ease depression (http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/06/18/eline/links/20100618elin002.html) AND are good for us fibros in helping increase energy levels! But again check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, as high doses of vitamin B can cause nerve damage.
Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Omega-3s & Benefits
Studies have been done and shown that taking Omega-3's (also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids) can help with depression.(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/21/mtl-omega-3-depression.html) They are typically found in vegetables, vegetable oil and fish. The bonus for us is that they can also boost the immune system and help stop pain! But there are some cautions, so check with your doctor before taking any Omega supplements. (Omega 3 overload can lead to excessive bleeding, stroke, causing heart problems for people with a history of heart conditions, glycemic disturbance among diabetics, potentially harmful to those people who have disorders of the blood or those on blood-thinning medication.)
B-Vitamins & Benefits
B-vitamins can also help ease depression (http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/06/18/eline/links/20100618elin002.html) AND are good for us fibros in helping increase energy levels! But again check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, as high doses of vitamin B can cause nerve damage.
Please remember to consult your physician before trying anything new. I am not a doctor and no information I provide here should be considered medical advice.The information I share on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my research and experience. Links to other sites are provided for ease of research. Information on those sites is the opinion of those who publish the sites and is NOT necessarily that of FibroChick. I offer what I can as help. I believe in educating myself on all my medical issues and being my own advocate, for no one else will do that on my behalf. I recommend we all do the same! I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Meridian Tapping for Fibro?
This is very interesting to me. I have tried accupuncture before, I found that very relaxing. But at $45 a session also quite pricey to go too often! This tapping is based on the same principles, but is FREE for you to learn, and you can do it anywhere at anytime :) They say it can help with all kind of things, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic pain, depression and more. I found some blurbs below and some links for additional info, including a link illustrating 9 basic tapping points. Enjoy!
www.MeridianTappingTechniques.com
Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) runs the most popular alternative health web site on the planet, and is an avid proponent of MTT, he has stated on Twitter that "An option for excellent pain relief without any of the health hazards that typical pain reliever's carry is Meridian Tapping Technique or MTT."
MTT is not a cure-all, it is not magic and it is not too good to be true, but it has produced amazing results for many people and it is FREE to learn and easy to do. It's a no-brainer.
MTT is based on the assumption that negative emoitions disrupt the flow in the body's energy system. When energy patterns are disrupted due to physical, mental or emotional trauma, it is believed that the path of energy between neurons can be disrupted. Professionals that utilize Meridian Tapping Techniques ( MTT Professionals have found that when people release negative emotions, it may help the energy and photons (a type of energy) flow again and as a result people can experience some amazing improvements in what ever might be ailing or upsetting them.
By simply "tapping" on specific areas of your body that may include your face, hands and other parts of your body, it stimulates your meridian energy system in the same way that the ancient Chinese method of acupuncture has done for thousands of years. In fact, some former acupuncturists have found that they don't need their needles anymore - simply tapping on the right points, without needles, works just as well if not better.
http://www.whatismtt.com/
Tapping Points Illustrated:
http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse3.htm
www.MeridianTappingTechniques.com
Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) runs the most popular alternative health web site on the planet, and is an avid proponent of MTT, he has stated on Twitter that "An option for excellent pain relief without any of the health hazards that typical pain reliever's carry is Meridian Tapping Technique or MTT."
MTT is not a cure-all, it is not magic and it is not too good to be true, but it has produced amazing results for many people and it is FREE to learn and easy to do. It's a no-brainer.
MTT is based on the assumption that negative emoitions disrupt the flow in the body's energy system. When energy patterns are disrupted due to physical, mental or emotional trauma, it is believed that the path of energy between neurons can be disrupted. Professionals that utilize Meridian Tapping Techniques ( MTT Professionals have found that when people release negative emotions, it may help the energy and photons (a type of energy) flow again and as a result people can experience some amazing improvements in what ever might be ailing or upsetting them.
By simply "tapping" on specific areas of your body that may include your face, hands and other parts of your body, it stimulates your meridian energy system in the same way that the ancient Chinese method of acupuncture has done for thousands of years. In fact, some former acupuncturists have found that they don't need their needles anymore - simply tapping on the right points, without needles, works just as well if not better.
http://www.whatismtt.com/
Tapping Points Illustrated:
http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse3.htm
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