Sleep Medicine Consultants

Hello My Friends,

I have been very busy trying to keep Jerry (my hubby) out of the hospital and actually working towards taking the time to exam and research my own health issues.

The good news is Jerry has been out of the hospital (knock on wood!) and generally feeling better. My news:

The last time I visited my pain management doctor, he referred me to the Sleep Medicine Consultants, Dr. J Douglas Hudson, M.D. and his staff. He also gave me a script for Lyrica. I did not fill the script because the insurance company required more information prior to approving the medication. I told the pharmacy to put it on hold because I am concerned about the cost and the side effects.

I did make an appointment with J Douglas Hudson M.D. at the Sleep Medicine Consultants in Austin, TX. My appointment was with Mary Youngwith R.N., F.N.P. The appointment was pleasant, informative, and we have discussed and agreed upon plans to assist me with my sleep challenges. She was open and made me feel very comfortable.

Under the supervision of Dr. Hudson, Mid-level Practioners' take patient medical histories, perform physical exams, make assessments, and order labs, tests, and write prescriptions as appropriate.

Mary Youngwith R.N., F.N.P. was well versed on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia! She told me she was currently reading Dr. Teitelbaum's book Fatigued to Fantastic. She gave me a copy of a study that referred to the use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. The conculsions: D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

She made no promises but believed it would not hurt to try the D-ribose. I have a follow-up appointment on Monday, February 28, 2011. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate the D-ribose. I will have to order it off the Internet. Once I buy the D-ribose, I am to take 5 grams 3x/day, then 5 grams 2x/day after 3-4 days. i was hoping to use it prior to our appointment:( I do plan on purchasing it off the Internet. She placed me on some low dose medications to help with my sleep. She wants to review my sleep patterns and then maybe I will complete a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. She did not want me to complete a sleep diary because sometimes it keeps you from assessing the real problem. We tend to focus to much on sleep and sometimes stay awake thinking about what we can do to help us sleep.

Meanwhile, the following link will give you some tips that will help you sleep well:

Other news, my visit with my regular PCP unfolded some bad news, I had an infection and required some meds, no biggie. However, I was also diagnosed with diabetes.:( Not good! I am in denial and plan on taking diet and exercise measures to prove I do not have diabetes. The doctor said he knew I was going to fuss at him:) and not believe him. That follow-up day I tested at 121, not bad, but not my normal reading. He gave me a Blood Glucose Monitoring System, medication and I must have a follow-up appointment in 2-3 months. Wow, do I have work to do!

I will admit I had been on a sweet binge! No more! I have to behave and start getting serious about my diet and exercise habits. I have not had much interest in food and started snacking on unhealthy foods. So, don't make the same mistake I did. Stay true to your healthy diet and exercise.

That is all for today! I hope I did not bore you. Take care and I hope and pray everyone has a pain and fatigue free day!

The Prayer Position Stretch

Hello Everyone,

The Prayer Position Stretch

1). Start by holding your hands in a prayer position.

2). Raise your arms over your head keeping your hands together in a prayer position.

3). Turn your palms outward (the front of your hands are now placed together in this position).

4). Stretch your arms downward as you separate your hands bringing your elbows down and place your hands back into the prayer position.

5). Repeat (2 to 3) two to three times.

Note: Please make sure to perform this exercise within your pain-free range of motion.


I pray and hope this information has helped someone today.

Viv

Allergic Asthma and Non-allergic Asthma

Hi Everyone,

It sounds like there are a number of people suffering from allergies and asthma these days. I know, nothing new however, I am concerned about my family and friends, so here goes:

There are two broad categories of this disease—allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma and the symptoms are the same for both. With allergic asthma, allergens like animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen, smoke, and certain foods can trigger an attack. Non-allergic asthma is prompted by things like anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation, viruses and other irritants. Common food triggers for asthma include milk and wheat.

There are other causes of inflammation, symptoms can range from mild to severe and can present in different ways. Sometimes patients have shortness of breath, chest tightness, and some people just have coughs. One thing that all types of asthma have in common is chronic inflammation. Inflammation can be triggered by chronic bacterial and/or viral infections, heavy metal overload or a hyper-permeable intestinal lining. Some people suffer from a combination of these problems. Ask your doctor to test for bacterial and viral infections. He may end up prescribing antibiotics and anti-virals.

The doctor can test for heavy metal contamination and some people possess a genetic vulnerability that renders them unable to process the onslaught of modern-day toxins. So what happens? Metals build up in the body and cause inflammation. If you have been exposed to mercury and lead, your immune system is thrown off and skewed towards chronic inflammation, allergies and asthma. While some people may not have the heavy metal toxicity, but rather are lead or mercury burdened. Keep in mind that even lower levels affect function.

It is important to address the underlying inflammation by decreasing environmental exposures to allergens, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, bacteria and viruses in the body that lead to chronic inflammation. In addition, patients must assess for food allergies and alter their diet accordingly. Some doctors believe in nutritional supplementation because many asthma patients are deficient in certain vitamins, such as A, D, and B6. Some patients are lacking minerals, particularly magnesium, zinc, selenium and chromium. Other supplements include amino acids and essential fatty acids. Probiotics can be extremely helpful in restoring the immune system to its proper balance.

Detoxification is an important element and medication is the final component in treating asthma. The key is to address food allergies, modify your diet accordingly, then take supplements that would improve your overall nutrition. Building up the immune system and healing your gut will improve your health.


When I was taking Liquidity, I felt much better. I have noticed an overall difference in my health. I am on a quest to find another product that offers the proper supplements without the bad taste or high cost. Maintaining my diet is not enough, I need to get back on my supplements and I need to encourage Jerry to follow in my footsteps.

Meanwhile, think about what I have written and please consult with your physician. I hope and pray this information has helped someone today. Together we can work at taking control our health!

God Bless and I am sending everyone soft hugs:)

B12 for the Brain and Central Nervous System

I have been spending time organizing my medications and vitamins. I figured this was a good time to mention the importance of vitamin B12. Previous research indicated B12 and folic acid, another B vitamin helps maintain our brain and might help fend off Alzheimer's disease.

The lack of B12 could diminish cognitive function, so make sure you are eating properly and if you are a vegan, consider sublingual B12 supplements. Try to remember that older people have trouble absorbing B12.

B12 can be found in oysters and other mollusks, fish, meat, eggs and milk. You can take sublingual B12 supplements which dissolve under the tongue for better absorption. There are other factors to consider, people who don't make enough stomach acid or intrinsic factor become anemic and need to have B12 shots or large amounts of vitamin B12 as pills or tablets. I remember my PCP offered me B12 injections. They can be expensive which is why I decided to change my diet and take B12 supplements.

Lastly, researchers found that people with depression responded better to anti-depressants if they had higher blood levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also important for our metabolism and central nervous system.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Are you Credible?

Hello Everyone,

I have not posted for awhile. I thought I would just write a few words about credibility. I started off with my title: Are you Credible?

Credibility makes or breaks an individual. You must be honest and upfront about everything in your life. I have tried to be honest with my viewers to help them understand how difficult it is to deal with a chronic illness. This is why I share my own experience, tools, and information.

In order to start feeling good about yourself you have to learn to be honest and upfront about your illness. I know some people have had to deal with criticism, judgment and sometime even loose their jobs. In the end those that are judging them will have to deal with their actions.

It is difficult to accept we are ill, but we cannot start the healing process until we are honest about how we feel. Yes, I have heard many woman state their spouse is not listening or yells at them. Try the following:

1. Go get brochures about your illness and place it in front of them, tell them to read them.

2. Ask them, why were we married? I am suffering from an illness that many people do not understand, please take the time to try and understand what I am dealing with. If my own family does not support me, what am I to do?

3. Do not get angry, sincerity and openness while informing them lays out a solid foundation of credibility.
If your own family does not believe you, seek out friends, doctors, etc.

4. Do not make any promises you cannot keep. If you cannot do the laundry, clean the house, etc., then just let them know. Eventually they will understand and hopefully they will start helping you out.

I just want people to understand that the healing process starts with you acknowledging your illness and sharing that information with your loved ones.

I hope and pray this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Aromatherapy and your body

The active ingredients of essential oils can ease muscle tension, improve your mood, boost your circulation and clear respiratory problems such as hay fever, stuffy noses and sore throats. By rubbing your oils over or onto the affected area, you will begin to feel their healing effects almost immediately.

TO EASE HAY FEVER:
Chamomile
Eucalyptus

TO RELAX SORE ACHING MUSCLES:
Frankincense
Ginger
Sweet marjoram
Rosemary

TO EASE STOMACH/PERIOD PAINS:
Aniseed
Clary sage
Juniper berry
Lavender
Marjoram

TO EASE STOMACH UPSETS:
Ginger
Mandarin
Peppermint

TO HELP OIL SKIN:
Cypress
Lemon
Mandarin
Tea tree (also good for acne)

TO EASE SORE THROAT:
Frankincense
Jasmine
Sandalwood
Tea tree

TO EASE ECZEMA:
Chamomile
Geranium
Juniper berry
Lavender

TO IMPROVE CELLULITE:
Juniper berry
Geranium
Rosemary

TO EASE HEADACHES:
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Peppermint
Rosemary

FOR HAIR:
Cedar wood
Cypress (for oily hair)
Rosemary (for dry hair)
Tea tree (for dandruff)

TO CLEAR BLOCKED NOSE:
Bergamot
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Rosemary

A quick and easy way to get the benefits of essential oils is to add a few drops to your usual body lotion or moisturizer and then rub it into the affected area.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

Rubbing healing oils into your skin allows their active ingredients to pass directly into the tissues of the affected area, while healing massage strokes also work to alleviate pain and stiffness, as well as improving circulation.

I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today. Have a pain free day.

9 Symptoms Not to Treat Yourself

Get to the doctor or an emergency room immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

1. a feeling of pressure or squeezing in your chest;
2. severe pain, especially in the head, chest or radiating down one arm;
3. blurred vision;
4. trouble talking or swallowing;
5. weakness or paralysis on one side;
6. dizziness and confusion;
7. blood in your urine or stool;
8. unrelieved depression;
9. shortness of breath, fever and/or a cough with a yellow-green discharge.

I hope and pray this information has helped some individual out there seeking help and answers.

Help lower your family’s risk of catching and spreading colds or flu by taking these preventative steps:

Give Staying Healthy A Shot

An easy way to help prevent your kids from getting the flu is to give them a flu shot. The flu shot can reduce the average child's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the flu season. The CDC's Flu "Fact Sheet" recommends that people who are at "high risk" for catching the flu, those between 50 and 64 years of age, and those who can transmit the flu to people in these categories, should get vaccinated each year.

Practice Good Health Habits
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following for helping to prevent the spread of cold and flu:

* Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to help protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
* Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Your kids need to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs. Kids can measure the time by singing "Happy Birthday" song twice.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Keep Your Home Clean AND Disinfected

Germs can live on surfaces for long periods of time. Cleaning with soap and water only removes dirt, it does not kill germs. Use some type of disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill germs on commonly touched surfaces throughout the home.

Disinfectant Spray

* Kills 99.9% of germs on commonly touched surfaces around the home (when used as directed)
* Easy to use in every room
* Keeps germs off areas your family comes in contact with every day

Sanitizing Wipes

* Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed
* Now with Micro-Lock™ fibers that trap and hold the germs instead of pushing it around
* The convenient way to clean and disinfect your household surfaces, no sponges and no mess

Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and it is not intended to diagnose or prescribe for the cold or flu.
Have more questions about the flu?

* Click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.


Household Germ Holders or “Hot Spots”

* Doorknobs
* Toilets handles
* Telephone Receivers
* Countertops
* Faucets
* TV and Game Remotes
* Keyboard

This year, make some resolutions you’ll want to keep! Vow to live healthier—you’ll be happier! Try our tips for staying healthy, including starting a diet and exercise program that’s right for you.

Practice Good Health Habits Every Day
Photo of CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Any type of Disinfectant Spray and Sanitizing Wipes

* Try to wash your hands as much as possible to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illness. Try CLEAN & SMOOTH® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap to kill germs and bacteria, leaving your hands smooth and clean.

* Kill household germs. Soap and water alone won’t do the trick—try disinfectant spray or sanitizing wipes to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* on commonly-touched surfaces.

Eating Right

* Before starting any diet, consult with your physician. He or she can help you decide what program is right for your health needs.

* Take it one step at a time. Start by making small changes in your diet—like adding two more fruits or vegetables to your daily meals or cutting down on snacks.

* Always eat breakfast. Eating in the morning can help you stay satisfied until lunch and prevent you from overeating the rest of the day. Avoid sugary cereals that will leave you wanting more—try oatmeal or a low-calorie breakfast bar.

* Take it home. When dining out, ask for a doggy bag as soon as you get your meal. Pack up half right away so you won’t be tempted to eat the whole dish in one sitting.

* Skip dessert. Okay, you don’t always have to miss out—but just don’t indulge every day! And when you do sneak in some sweets, eat a smaller portion or share with a friend.

Get Moving!

* You don't have to be a marathon runner to exercise a fast walk in the morning and an evening stroll can help you burn lots of calories.

* Find a plan that works for you. Whether it’s joining a gym, jogging, taking aerobics classes, or riding your bike, do what you enjoy. You’ll see better results in the long run if you find activities that you can keep doing over time.

* Even after you figure out what works for you, don’t be afraid to try some new things! Take a new class, exercise with a friend, or try a different machine at the gym. You’ll keep your routine fresh and interesting!

* Don’t give up. Miss a few days of exercise? Don’t throw away the whole week! Today’s a new day—give yourself another chance to improve your workout routine.

I hope and pray that this information is helpful to someone today and in the future.

Tips on Using Lemons and Lemon Juice for Natural Cleaning

Here are some ideas on using lemons and lemon juice for natural cleaning that does not bother people with chemical sensitivities.


1). Lime-scale attacker:

Hard water can cause buildup called lime scale in your bathroom sinks. To eliminate, cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the area. This will help cut through the scaling. Then use a scrubby
pad and water to clear leftover debris.

2). To clean the glass in your shower easily:

Apply lemon juice to the glass with a sponge. Then, take newspaper and wipe the lemon juice off the glass. It will be clean and sparkle with no scrubbing!

3). Brass Cleaner:

Mix lemon juice and baking soda. Make a paste the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass with a soft cloth and rinse with water.

4). Surface Cleaners:

Keep this combination ready in a squirt bottle. The weak acids like vinegar and lemon juice are good at cutting grease.

5). Toilet bowl Cleaners:

Use mix of 1/2 cup borax /1 gal. water to clean and deodorize. Let 1 cup borax sit in the bowl overnight. Coat stains in toilet bowl with paste of lemon juice and borax. Let sit about 20
minutes and scrub with bowl brush. Clean frequently with a solution of baking soda and water; sprinkle baking soda around the rim.

6). AVOID lemon-scented bleach. It smells attractive to children.

7). Cleaning Copper:

Polish with a paste of lemon juice and salt.

8). Stains Perspiration:

Pretty tough, but try on fabrics sponging stain with a weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice, and water.


I hope and pray that this information has helped someone today. Have a pain free day.

Fibro Viv

Target Heart Range Monitoring Aerobic Exercise

There are ways to monitor aerobic exercise intensity by taking your heart rate at different times while you exercise (usually before, during and after you exercise). You can determine if your heart rate falls within your target heart rate range.

To calculate your personal target heart rate range is accomplished by taking a percentage of your maximum heart rate based on your fitness level.

CALCULATING YOUR TARGET HEART RATE

A. Locate your pulse two different ways:

1. Radial - thumb on the side of the wrist, palm up
2. Carotid - groove of the neck

B. Count 10 seconds and multiple by 6 OR count 6 seconds and multiply by 6.

220 - Age = N
Minimum Heart Rate
N x .60

Average Heart Rate
N x .70

Maximum
Heart Rate
N x .80

TIP: If you are able to talk, then you are O.K. When it is difficult to talk, you are moving too much.

Training Considerations and Exercise Modifications

a) Strengthening programs can improve or prolong function in working muscles, especially if your muscles are weak from lack of use.

b) Use only moderate intensity exercise and prevent over fatiguing muscles. Do not exercise to the point of exhaustion.

c) Depending on your present capability and other demands in your life, your exercise and physical activity will vary greatly. Try to be consistent.


Also keep in mind you have to take care of your feet. I have linked this post to the links listed on the right hand side of my posts named "FOOT HEALTH".

I pray and hope that this post has helped someone today. Have a pain free day.

Tips for Fighting Fatigue

Eating a well-balanced healthful diet is one step towards helping your fatigue. Going without eating the right source of fuel will ultimately cause chronic tiredness. Try eating fewer and smaller meals throughout the day and not eating a large dinner. You can upset your sleep pattern by eating late, fat foods, caffeine and alcohol. Drinking caffeine can throw off your sleep pattern for up to ten (10)hours. Many people try eating sweets to boost their energy when they should actually eat proteins and complex carbohydrates.

I hope and pray that this article helps someone today.