What type of changes are necessary to feel better?

Hello Everyone,

I have had to change several things in my life since I became chronically ill. I have mentioned the need to change my life style, diet and taking supplement’s. I believe one way of taking control of your health is by making simple diet and supplement changes. I know I don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to get all the nutrients my body requires. Nutrients have to go through the stomach first before they can be absorbed into the blood stream which is why I like taking LiquiVida combined with herbs.

Herbs help relieve and heal some gastrointestinal tract issues. For instance, while Chamomile induces relaxation and has a calming effect, (helps with anti-anxiety) it also helps relieve minor GI symptoms such as nausea, gas and stomach cramps. I have read that it provides relief to irritated tissues in the nose, throat, and mouth, thereby helping those who experience acid reflux in the throat. Do not ingest a high dose of Chamomile and if you are allergic to daisies, you might have a reaction. Definitely DO NOT take it if you are pregnant! Read up more on any herb before ingesting it for drug interactions. Please take precautions at all times. What works for me, may not work for you.

Changes in my diet have enabled me to take control of acid reflux. Try the following suggestions:

* Cut down or eliminate caffeine, sweet, and fried foods. I noticed a considerable change when I stopped drinking any type of soda. I do like soda, so I treat myself to one every now and then. I also lost weight with that simple change.

* During meals reduce the amount of fluid you drink (it helps prevent the dilution of stomach acids). Drink water throughout the day. Water is filling and good for you.

* Try eating small meals throughout the day or at least try snacking on something before and after lunch. (This helps stabilize stomach acids).

* Do not lay down or sleep at least 2-3 hours after meals. Food tends to back up into your esophagus when you lie down after a meal. Keep in mind that when you lie down, acid can move up into the esophagus more easily, so wait at least two to three hours after you eat to lie down. It also helps if you elevate your head while in bed.

Try changing your diet by reducing items that might trigger acid reflux. Triggers include sodas, onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits, alcoholic drinks (for those who drink), and high fat foods. Try reintroducing these items to find out what triggers your acid reflux. Keep a food diary or just jot it down on your calendar and note down changes in your health.

Stress seems to always cause some type of problem. Believe it or not, stress may increase stomach acid production or keep acid in the stomach longer. It depends on how you react to stress or manage your stress. Do you eat comfort foods, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol? Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage stress and the acid reflux disease symptoms it can cause. Practice stress management on an ongoing basis. Try the following:

* Breathe deeply from your abdomen not your chest.
* Exercise, stretch to release tension on various parts of your body.
* Stay positive, remember everything has a positive side, even if it is just a lesson to be learned.
* Quit smoking if you do. I never smoked, so it was not an issue.

I hope and pray my own experience will help someone today. Please remember to do your research.

Fibro Viv

Good Health should be your number one priority.

Hello Folks,

I am feeling much better and want to share my thoughts. Good health was never the first thing on my mind before I was stricken by all those odd symptoms. It was not a priority to speak of, and I took it for granted. Think about it the vast majority of our life includes goals such as taking care of family, working, paying bills, entertaining, etc. I only went to visit my PCP when my asthma acted up or I had a bad viral infection. I did not take advantage of my annual doctor visits, did you? I did go on diets and exercise when I had time or it became a priority.

Maybe I am the only one that did not make good health a priority. My lesson was to make good health a priority. Take care of those annual visits, watch what you eat and drink and please do not over work. In the end, you lose what you took for granted. Do you know what good health and leading a normal life means? I don’t remember anymore, do you? Now that I have to pace myself and remind myself to take it slow, follow my tips, keep up a journal, etc., I start to lead a normal life. Maybe that is what we were all missing . . . what should be done to have a normal life? We all do a great job of making sure our loved ones eat right, exercise and rest. Were we too busy to think about ourselves? I was.

Today is the day to think about yourself, make sure you follow a good health regime. It might take longer than usual because of our fatigue and pain. However, unless you start to make yourself stretch, move, eat right, drink right and pace yourself, you will only continue that battle of fighting chronic illness, never seeing the window of opportunity or the light of inspiration.

Do yourself a favor, better yet, remember that when you take care of yourself, you are able to take care of your family. If you are where I was when I first had all sorts of bad unexplained symptoms and could not move, DO NOT let this stop you. Take that first step and ask for help. I am here for you and there are others willing to help. It just takes a little time to read, research and ask questions. If you are overwhelmed, then write to me and ask me for help.

I hope and pray my thoughts have helped someone today,

Fibro Viv

Improved Neck Pain

My last post noted my neck pain and the reason for it. Well, I took some much needed rest and feel better, still have a bit of pain trying to pop up now and then, but for the most part it is gone:)

Here is a list I created for myself:

- Start slow on my activity level, remember you just recovered from a flare-up.
- Time all activities, even if you feel like you can continue, stop and rest. Take it slow.
- I will not commit to more than I can handle.
- I will let others know what I can and cannot do.
- Be grateful for what you can do and remember to share your experience with others.

I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Do you suffer from neck pain? Do you know why?

When I first started getting sick and had all kinds of symptoms, my neck was in pain and my natural instinct was to hold the front of my neck with my left hand. The pressure I placed on it helped the pain. However, I found that massaging the top of my head helped relieve the pain. I figured out that when I did not get enough rest I would end up with neck pain.

Well, I have been experiencing it for a few days and decided to share my thoughts. I always tell people to listen to their body, and I should have done that when I started to feel fatigued. I feel so great and believe I can keep working while forgetting that I am chronically ill and require a certain amount of rest. Yes, it is great that we feel good, but we have to remember to "PACE."

I am thinking about posting signs on my refrigerator and bedroom door. Or maybe I will post a list of rules. What do you think? Any suggestions?

I hope someone will learn from my own experience how important it is to pace yourself. Slow down, even if you feel great.

Soft hugs and I pray and hope everyone has a pain and fatigue free day.

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

What is a healthy healing in refection?

Hello Everyone,

Today I found an interesting question on one of my community sites. Here is what was asked: In your opinion or basing from your experiences, what is healthy healing in reflection? I found myself thinking about the question and decided to share my answer on my site as well as on blogcatalog.com.


In my point of view, the following technique is a good way to reflect in a healthy way:


- an individual must first decide to choose a specific time to reflect,
- be specific about what you want to focus on,
- think about one challenge (issue) at a time,
- determine what you want and decide if it is realistic,
- be open and non-judgmental,
- realize the answer to your questions or issues may require sharing your feelings with another individual,
- if you have a difficult time expressing your feelings with another individual, write them down on paper,
- if you shared your feelings with someone, reaffirm your respect for their opinion and end on a positive tone.

This technique or strategies enables an individual to establish an atmosphere of cooperative problem-solving and/or reflection.

I hope and pray this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Dropping a Note to Say Hello

Hello My Dear Readers,

I have been very busy with my dear husband chronically ill with COPD. He has been in and out of the hospital and this last visit was from May 30, 2008, then transferring to another extended care hospital until yesterday. Thank you for your prayers and notes. It has been very touching and more importantly helpful. As I have always said, "People need some type of support, even if it is from strangers." Thank you and God Bless You All!:) He is doing good for now and I pray he will continue to do so.

On another note, I have not been practicing my own tips...such as "PACING", it is so important to pace and take time out for yourself. If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot help others. Please remember that. I have already slapped myself on the hand for not slowing down. I am going back to therapy.

One thing I always do is stay positive because that helps me survive every new challenge in my life. I feel stronger and better as a person each time I take time to pray, meditate, and most importantly forgiving myself for not being able to do everything perfectly. Small reminders from my youngest sister on saying no, plus not placing so much pressure on myself has helped me. I thank my God for my family, friends, other people that suffer from chronic illness, doctor's, etc.

Take care and know that I want to continue posting, I have just been slowed down for awhile. Do not give up on me and please continue to read old tips, notes, etc.

I pray and hope you have a pain free day,

Fibro Viv