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/

Relax

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/1-thursday-relax-the-jaw/

This is great. I follow his blog and he just has awesome info all the time, but I really like this simple technique of relaxing the jaw and easing tension. I know I clench my jaw a lot, unfortunately especially when sleeping :/ But this technique helps during the daytime, esp at work :)

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!

Cool Breathing for Your Hot Summer

This really works!

I found it on about.com: http://yoga.about.com/od/breathing/a/shitali.htm?nl=1

This breath cools the body so it is best done in hot weather or at the end of a vigorous yoga session.

1. Come to sit in a comfortable cross-legged position.

2. Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to prepare.

3. Roll the tongue, curling the sides in towards the center to form a tube. Stick the end of the tongue out between your pursed lips. If you can’t roll your tongue, just purse the lips making a small “o” shape with the mouth.

4. Inhale through the tube of the tongue.

5. Exhale through the nose.

6. Repeat 5-10 times as you feel the cooling effect.

Improve Your Sleep

Soaking in a hot bath before bed can help you transition into a deeper, more restful sleep, a study at Loughborough University found. This bedtime ritual, inspired by the super-luxe Indochine Indulgence treatment from La Costa Resort and Spa in California (LaCosta.com) will help you get your zzz's.

Here is your shopping list:

- 3/4 cup sea salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup whole dry milk
- a lavender-based body oil



STEP 1
Whip up a sea-salt scrub by mixing 3/4 cup fine sea salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup olive oil; set aside.

STEP 2
Draw a hot bath, adding 1/4 cup dry whole milk to the running water. Step in and soak for about 10 minutes.

STEP 3
At the end of the bath, scoop up a handful of your homemade salts and use them to exfoliate your elbows, knees and other rough spots.

STEP 4
Before wrapping up in a towel, cool down by rubbing on a lavender-based body oil. As your body temperature drops, your blood pressure lowers, signaling to your body that it's time for sleep.

ENJOY & RELAX!

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/

Yoga in South Florida

We all know how I love my yoga :) Is good in general for relaxing and muscle stretching and releasing toxins from your body. But it is also very good for fibromyalgia sufferers. It really helps integrate your mind and body, creating a healthier you. Even if you only do it for 5 or 10 minutes a day it can be very beneficial.


I have found several resources in my local area, South Florida, for taking inexpensive classes, listed below. Check out local public schools and MeetUp groups in your area to see what they may offer.

Namaste

The Broward Educator:
http://www.mycommunityschool.com/

The Palm Beach Educator:
http://www.pbeducator.org/

Fort Lauderdale Yoga MeetUp Group:
http://www.meetup.com/fortlauderdaleyogaclub/

Reduce Anxiety - Soothe with Water

Zen Buddhist monks have incorporated water features into their meditative garden for hundreds of years because of their soothing sounds. And studies have shown that listening to nature - particularly running water and waves - helps reduce anxiety. Feeling stressed? Place a tabletop fountain at your desk or bedside or download the sounds of the surf at NatureMusicDownload.com

- from Health.com July/August 2010