Aqua Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Ahhhhh warm water......Yes, sign me up! When in a great deal of pain I do resort to a nice warm shower to help. That's as close as I am able to get so far to an aqua therapy plan for my fibromyalgia. I cannot find a good facility in my area at times that work for me (grrrr) but I do have on my wish list to try someday if possible, as I do believe in the benefits.

Sue writes of the great benefits, why it works and other recommendations here:

http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgia/library/showArticle.cfm?libid=18426&B1=EM102313F

Have you tried aqua therapy?

Meditation for Fibro Pains

The yoga classes that I enjoy the most are heavy in meditation, no wonder I am addicted to them, read this article about how meditation can help ease pain:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/meditation/a/meditation_pain.htm?nl=1

Chronic Pain Event in Boston, March 27th

http://www.uspainfoundation.org/id54.html

Do you have Chronic Pain? 

Free Educational Event on Pain, how to connect with others with pain and how to become empowered. Learn more about the options you have. You are not alone.

Presented by: www.earthlypeace.net

Date: Sunday,March 27 2011
FREE LUNCH SERVED
Location: The Nonprofit Center
89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111
Event to be held in: South Street Conference Room
Time:  12:00pm - 2:00pm

Daily Area Arthritis Indicator

This is awesome! From Arthritis Today, enter your zip code and see how the weather in that area may affect your arthritis/pains that day!

http://www.arthritistoday.org/misc/weather/at-weather.php

Try Simple Exercises for Fibro - Get Moving & Feel Better!

Good blurb on WebMd about how doing some kind of simple exercising - be it walking, water exercise, or yoga - helps ease fibro pains. (Plus the science behind WHY this exercise helps!)

Exercise just three times a week improves life on many levels.

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/features/water-exercise-for-fibromyalgia-easing-deep-muscle-pain?ecd=wnl_fib_031511

I heart my massages!

I get a massage 1-2 times a month, and this has REALLY helped my fibro pains and my overall health. Here are more benefits for getting massages:

http://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=104427&rf=45458&mc=&ct=43594

1. Less anxiety and depression
2. Lower levels of pain (!!!!! -- yes! Has helped with my fibro and migraines!)
3. Better immune function
4. Easier cancer treatment
5. Lower blood pressure
6. Deeper sleep
7. Better athletic performancec
8. Higher self-esteem
9. Increased growth for babies

Ginger Studied as a Muscle Pain Reliever

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Ginger-effective-for-muscle-pain-relief/articleshow/6565261.cms

 (The study has been reported in The Journal of Pain)

Read more: Ginger effective for muscle pain relief - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Ginger-effective-for-muscle-pain-relief/articleshow/6565261.cms#ixzz12NgfL8cg

I have been taking ginger supplements and definitely notice it helps with my pain. Nothing like a strong prescription pain reliever, but yes it helps me, and without side effects! So for $8/month? Can't beat that :)

Something to note, I read that it can affect sleep, so take it early in the day and not too close to bedtime.

Phil Mickelson - Psoriatic Arthritis

This is interesting, and inspirational:

http://arthritis.about.com/b/2010/08/12/pro-golfer-phil-mickelson-has-psoriatic-arthritis.htm?nl=1


http://www.arthritistoday.org/news/mickelson-reveals-psoriatic-arthritis075.php?WT.mc_id=50phil

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

Concerns About Cymbalta

 http://www.physorg.com/news201274843.html

"The FDA also has concerns about widening use of a drug associated with serious liver toxicity. Cymbalta already carries a warning label about liver toxicity risks based on more than a dozen reports from patients taking the drug."

Meditation Helps Ease Pain

I read this blurb in the Aug. 2, 2010 issue of Women's World Magazine:

People who meditate regularly feel less pain from chronic conditions, such as arthritis. British reasearchers suspect that meditation trains the brain to dwell on the present and not to anticipate - and therefore not feel - pain. The longer you meditate, the greater the benefit. You can leanr basic techniques for FREE at http://www.brainsync.com/

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/ 

Sleep and Chronic Pain Connection

I found this article interesting and wanted to share, due to its relevance with sleep disturbance and chronic pain connection. I can definitely tell a big difference in how much better I feel when getting GOOD sleep. I have found 1/2mg of Lunesta (prescription) per nite helps me get GOOD restful sleep and I have been having a lot more GOOD days!

For migraineurs, definitely check out James' Migraine blog (link below), he provides EXCELLENT information.

from http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/ 

Migraine and REM Sleep

by James on 6 July 2010

It’s no secret that sleep issues are connected to migraine.  For example, check out Sleep apnea and migraine? and Solve child’s sleep problems = solve migraine?.

Building on previous studies, researchers from Missouri State University recently reported on a study that connected a lack of REM sleep with chronic pain.  The research was done on rats, which were deprived of REM sleep for three nights.

What happened?  There was an increase of expression in certain proteins which help regulate sensory response in facial nerves.  The same thing happened with another protein linked to starting chronic pain.

This type of response could cause problems with the trigeminal nerve, which is key in the migraine chain reaction.

Lead researcher Dr. Paul L. Durham says,"People with headaches often have a hard time sleeping.  It is easy to see how several nights of interrupted sleep can make people more susceptible to developing a chronic pain state."

Yet more information showing us how migraine and various types of chronic pain may be links to interruptions in sleep.

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!

Life Chat Monday - Having A Social Life with Chronic Pain

Shared from from healthcentral.com:

Monday, June 28 from 7 – 9 pm Eastern and 4 – 6 pm Pacific

The topic for discussion will be “Having a Social Life with Chronic Pain,” but you can ask questions or bring up other topics as well. 

Click here for more info on this live chat:


http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/114750/chat-chronic?ic=6042

Knitting for Pain Relief!

Any knitters out there?! I don't knit, but my Mother does, and I know she finds solace and peace and it is a way for her to relieve stress. She found this link, and I thought I'd pass it along, links to forums on Knitting for Stress Relief and Knitting for Pain Relief:

http://knittersreview.com/forum/default.asp

Enjoy!

Coping with Chronic Pain

This is great, similar to the spoon story. This helps put perspective into how much you take on each day, making sure it is the right balance.

Enjoy spending your $1.00 everyday!

http://www.howtocopewithpain.org/blog/13/use-100-to-help-you-measure-how-much-to-do/

Glucoasmine and Skullcap for Fibro Pains?

One of my biggest aches has been in my knees. In fact that is where all my aches and pains in this fun fibro journey started! By the end of the day my knees hurt so much, and feel like they are swollen as big as basketballs (but they look just fine!) And kneeling on them at all causes pain. (I have to be careful in yoga, and do alternative moves that are non-kneeling.)

Anyhoo, I have been taking Limbrel, which is available only via prescription, and is not actually a medicine - it is considered a medical food product. It is usually prescribed for osteoarthritis to help with inflammation. The main ingredients in it are: baicalin and catechin, which are natural flavonoids from plants. (from Scutellaria baicalensis -- Skullcap, and Acacia catechu -- found in cocoa beans.)


Scutellaria baicalensis (not to be confused with Scutellaria lateriflora-- which can be toxic) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. You can read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutellaria_baicalensis

I also found this note on the Limbrel website: "For long term use, Limbrel should not be taken together with NSAIDs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin (except baby aspirin), or with any selective COX-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors will destroy Limbrel's "balancing" effect."

Anyhoo, so my point! Is that I was at Walgreens and was reading all the Joint Juice, Move-Free, Glucosamine Chondroitin products, to see if any resemble Limbrel. Sure enough! I narrowed it down to: Schiff Move Free Advanced Triple Strength Plus MSM & Vitamin D, which contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu! (And of course good ol Vitamin D!)


The Walgreens comprable store brand is even cheaper than my Limbrel prescription, so I am going to try it for a month. Will let you know what I think in a month!

I know that the Limbrel has helped ease my knee pains A LOT, as whenever I delay in refilling the script, and go a few days without my body reminds me sure enough with pain! 

Has anyone else tried Limbrel or this Move-Free Glucosamine and Chondroitin?! I am curious other fribromites experiences with these.


I also was not familiar with the "MSM" in the Move-Free. They have some without the MSM (and without Vitamin D), but I figured the more the merrier? Anyhoo, I found these links about MSM, which I thought were interesting:


http://www.infowest.com/business/g/gentle/msm.html

http://www.doctorajadams.com/MSM.html

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.
  

Stay Positive!

Depression can make pain feel worse, so try to keep an upbeat attitude and make sure to find & do things that make you happy:

http://www.healthscout.com/news/1/639968/main.html

"Studies say that people who have friends live longer and have fewer illnesses, and that close circle of friends actually helps the immune system work. With this in mind, run, don't walk, to your nearest coffee house, church group, library or political club. You won't find that 'close circle of friends' by sitting at home reading National Enquirer and watching TV! You do want your immune system to work, don't you?"

-- Peggy Benson
from God Always Has a Plan B