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

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.

Lyme Disease and the CDC

And we wonder why we can't make any progress with Lyme Disease??

This is sad and sickening. And yet another reason I skew towards the all-natural alternatives and way from the medical community. Are the ever really our for our best interests, or just our to line their own pockets with more money??

Lyme Disease Community Blows the Whistle on Corruption Within the CDC http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18502&B1=EG112713

Lyme Disease and Fibromyalgia?

I've always held the theory that my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue has been hereditary and lying dormant, and was kicked into full gear when I was bit by tick and faced Lyme Disease attack (stressor) on my body in 2009. Looking back now, I don't think I had the traditional "bullseye" rash but just a big pink blot. Thus I delayed treatment, even diagnosis for the Lyme Disease. It took 4 months to get a diagnosis of Lyme Disease, then fibro and chronic fatigue.

Long story short, I still keep one eye out on Lyme Disease research, studies and community involvement.

When I was diagnosed in South Florida with Lyme Disease it was very hard to find treatment, get any straight answers. I was told Lyme Disease is not common in Florida, in fact many doctors didn't even believe I had it.

I recently came across some articles on a brave young woman, also a Lyme Disease sufferer, who is working to promote better research and education on Lyme Disease, especially in Florida:

http://hhp.ufl.edu/index.php/2013/07/biting-back/

An upcoming symposium on Lyme Disease at The University of Florida:

http://www.epi.ufl.edu/?q=tick-borne-disease-symposium

Has anyone else had experience with Lyme and Fibro / Chronic Fatigue?

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?

The Benefits of Melatonin

I've touted the benefits of using alternative and natural supplements vs prescription drugs for a while now. And I came across this article on melatonin and I found it extremely informative. It is quite long, and I had no idea all this about melatonin! Two of the things I found most interesting is that they 1. are starting to see links between using melatonin to help decrease Parkinson's (my father in 70 and has been diagnosed with) 2. some common prescription drugs - Xanax, Valium, Ativan - actually suppress melatonin levels in the body.

Worth the read:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18342&B1=EG100213

Fibro Comes in Cycles?

Lately I seem to have discovered a trend. It seems no matter what I do, eating healthy, exercising as I can, taking supplements, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding stress, I still have bouts and episodes with fibro that seems to get worse. It seems cyclic - seems to come and go in cycles, so I guess I have to not despair and just keep plodding through with my best practices. Has anyone else noticed this trend in their fibro/cfs?

Dr. Oz and Fibromylagia

Has anyone else seen these Dr. Oz videos about fibromyalgia? I don't think they are new, maybe from 2012, but they seem to be making their rounds on the net lately:

Here are links to the clips:

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fibromyalgia-real-illness-pt-1
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/fibromyalgia-real-illness-pt-2

Is it me or did he really explain nothing? He really just touches just too briefly on treatments, especially holistic treatments. And he calls it a disease, its not. Its an illness, a disorder, but not a disease. I felt the brain image thing was very confusing. Did that make sense to anyone else? I think an ENTIRE EPISODE should be focused on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, not just a few minutes, he really addressed nothing, and explained nothing.

I think this, from an article he wrote in 2009 for Opraph's O Magazinge, is a little more informative, but still he could devote a lot more to fibro:

http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Treatments-for-Fibromyalgia

What does everyone else think of Dr. Oz's coverage of fibromylagia?

Follow Up: Even More Celebrities with Fibromyalgia

In another follow up to my posts about celebrities coming forward with their struggles and successes with fibro, I found this slideshow highlighting the following celebrities as fellow fibromites:

• Susan Flannery
• Rosie Hamlin
• Sinead O'Conner
• MichaelJames Hastings

(The headline of this slideshow is a bit misleading as it says "5" celebrities but only sows 4....)

http://www.thirdage.com/fibromyalgia/celebrities-with-fibromyalgia?shuffle=1

Struggling with Fatigue

Lately I've been struggling more with my fatigue. I had a break in yoga classes, but will be getting back with them today, so I am looking forward to that and hopeful that will help. This is a good post that I found, has some good pointers. I'm going to take a better look and evaluation of my lifestyle lately and see where I can make some tweaks and improvements to get me back to being more energetic!

http://www.arthritistoday.org/symptoms/fatigue/coping-with-fatigue.php?WT.mc_id=64fatigue

Supplement vs Meds

Even though this is from a blog about migraines, it is a very good post to read about supplements and medicines and giving each a chance for their possible benefits:

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/1-thursday-are-you-biased/

Energy Foods!

http://www.webmd.com/diet/slideshow-energy-mood-boost-diet?ecd=wnl_cbp_021711

Yummy! Foods that help boost energy and mood!

- apples (I have found eating a green apple a day helps me control my weight too)
- smart carbs
- cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts
- lean meats
- salmon
- leaft greens
- fiber
- water
- fresh produce
- coffee (yay!)
- tea
- dark chocolate (although this is off my list, as I get migraines from it :/ )

Is it Fibro?

This is a good article for the newly diagnosed to read, just to make sure another diagnosis has not been overlooked:

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/130580/fibromyalgia?ic=6042

She touches, more in depth, on these conditions which can have similar symptoms to fibro:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -- most fibromites unfortunately do have CFS, in addition to their fibro :(

Lupus -- A rheumatologist can run blood tests to confirm

Hypothyroidism -- An endocrinologist can run tests to verify

Arthritis -- A rheumatologist can run tests (usually xrays and bone scans to see if you've had damage to bones, cartilidge from arthritis.) Fibromyalgia feels like arthritis in some people, but fibromyalgia does not actually affect or damage the bones and cartilidge in any way.

Depression --  Unfortunately this too often correlates along with fibro. :(

Multiple Sclerosis -- Can be diagnosed by a neurologist with tests like MRI.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica -- A form of arthritis which can be diagnosed with blood tests.

What Your Fingernails Say About Your Health

This is a really good post that found. I have started wondering lately what my iron levels are, as I know that can cause fatigue (I am eternally looking for that other diagnosis, "maybe its not really fibro, but a simpler fix like anemia!") And I came across this info, some of it on how your fingernails can clue you in on an iron deficiency. The whole list is very interesting and informative! Who knew our fingernails held so much telling info?!

http://mixedhues.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-your-nails-say-about-your-health.html

The Key to Entertaining: Pacing Yourself

These are some good tips for entertaining despite our chronic pain and fatigue (because we all know we need a good circle of friends around us! And whats more fun than a get together?!):

http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net/2010/07/simplify-life-with-migraines-chronic.html

Join Chronic Babe!

This is a GREAT forum to join for fibro/chronic sufferers. Its is a very POSITIVE network of awesome women full of strength and resiliance!

http://www.chronicbabe.com/ 

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

Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is a powerful mineral. Not only does it help relax muscles (calcium contracts muscles) and help with cellular regeneration, but it relieves a lot of chronic symptoms (see lists below.) Magnesium regulates the absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium. It plays a key role in energy production, digestion, muscle and bone function, cell production, and in the functioning of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and nervous system. It is a critical nutrient for optimal health, and yet as many as 90 % of us may be magnesium-deficient!

Magnesium deficiency causes imbalance in the body. It is responsible for fatigue and the inability to sleep, lack of energy, muscle tension, cramps and twitches, headaches, backaches and heart problems. It can cause depression, excessive worry, stress-related irritability and over-sensitivity, accelerated aging, bone spurs, kidney stones, arthritis and osteoporosis. Because it is essential for the absorption of other major minerals, a magnesium deficiency will usually indicate an imbalance in potassium and also calcium. A deficiency in magnesium in your body means there are over 300 biochemical reactions that either won't occur at all or will occur very inefficiently. Somewhat like a six cylinder car trying to run on four spark plugs.

See this article for the important balance in calcium and magnesium. (http://www.absolutelythepurest.com/other%20parts/mysteryandmagicmagnes.html) It is possible that in taking too much calcium you are in turn depleting your magnesium. You CAN take too much calcium, but you cannot take too much magnesium.

The following factors deplete magnesium from your body. The more prevalent these factors are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need to replenish its magnesium storage:

• Mental, physical, emotional stress
• Environmental pollutants
• Excess calcium supplementation
• Sugar, coffee, sodas and milk
• Alcohol, tobacco and all types of drugs, including diuretics
• High-carbohydrate diets
• Low thyroid and chronic pain

“Top Ten List” of Symptoms Relieved by Magnesium: From Carolyn Dean

- Less knee pain
- Carbohydrate/sugar cravings down from 90 to 5 — on a scale of 100 (most) to 0 (none)
- Wrinkles and crevices in her face diminishing
- Dramatic reduction in “migraines”
- Period went from dark to bright red and from severe clots to minimal clots
- Able to exercise intensely for the first time in years without being exhausted for at least three days after
- Sleep has improved from “minimal” to “poor and restless” all night (this is a huge improvement for her).
- Able to “keep going” (to some extent) past 6:30pm at night.
- Less sound sensitivity/hypersensitivity.
- Better able to concentrate when someone is speaking to her (if there is any background noise).

http://www.healthlady.com/articles/%E2%80%9Ctop-ten-lists%E2%80%9D-of-symptoms-relieved-by-magnesium-2/#more-6765

More Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation Therapy

- Improve Sleep
- Relieve Muscle Discomfort
- Overcome Stress
- Relax Nerves
- Improve Bad Mood
- Improve Heart Function
- Increase Kidney Health
- Support Healthy Blood Pressure
- mprove Bone Health
- Alleviate Various Aches
- Keep Bones in Alignment

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Products/Magnesium?ref=10595

I have found that taking 1200-1600 mg magnesium/day works well for me (400-800 in the a.m. and 800 in the p.m.) I have noticed that I feel better. I have found the Ultra-Mag by Source Naturals to be a very good brand. I get them at a good price from VitaCost (http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Ultra-Mag-Magnesium-Complex#IngredientFacts)

I hope this helps.

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. 

Start Your Day in the Best Way!

As we head into the weekend I thought this would be a good article to share:

(from "Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc." http://www.fibroandfatigue.com)

Your Mornings…StartYour Day the Best Way Possible!

Rather than awake refreshed from a nights’ sleep, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue sufferers frequently feel exhausted in the morning. Sleep studies of Fibromyalgia and Fatigue patients show a consistent pattern of disruption during the delta “deep sleep stage.” Because your deep sleep is often disrupted, it minimizes the time your body has to rest, repair and rebuild leading to ongoing fatigue and discomfort.

Here are more suggestions to get you moving in the morning:

    1.    Starting your day with a positive attitude, remind yourself that you will control the pace of your day.

    2.    You now need to begin to loosen those muscles. Hopefully, the bed and room temperature are at a comfortable level allowing you to slowly remove some of your bed linen without causing your body to tense or cramp.

    3.    Stretching exercises while lying in bed will loosen and warm muscle fibers to avoid strain upon rising. Take as much time as you need to work from your neck down in a slow, consistent manner. Avoid any quick movements and never stretch to a point of pain. The muscles may feel tight or stiff, but with repetitive movement, stretching and relaxing, you should feel them loosen.

    4.    If you don’t already know your shower intimately, you should! A hot shower upon rising is a terrific way to treat your body and prepare it for the day ahead. Not only will the heat penetrate your muscles, but also the calming effect of the running water is great for mental relaxation. If someone is available, ask him or her to turn the shower on for you before you even get out of bed.

    5.    Continue your stretching while in the shower. You should see a noticeable difference in your movements while under the hot water.

    6.    Don’t forget to jump start your day with a nutritious breakfast and consumption of your Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. The morning is the most effective time for absorption and for you to gain the greatest benefit with this consistent morning boost.

Remember; give yourself plenty of time in the morning. It’s up to you to decide if it’s going to be the worse time of your day or the absolute best time for you to take care of YOU!