Update from Fibro Viv

Hi Everyone,

I have been pretty busy taking care of my husband and family. I have also been trying to recover from all the extra activities I have been up to. It takes a lot out of a person.

I just wanted you to know that I have created a Forum, it is called Fibro Viv's Forum. I have added different subject matters. Please join the forum and enjoy posting your comments.

I am currently working on making some e-books with helpful tips. I am also working on creating brochures, worksheets, journals, etc.

So go check it out!

I hope and pray you have a pain free day!

Fibro Viv

Thought for the Day and Thinking of Others

The more you pay attention to the needs of others, the easier it is to forget about your own anxieties.



May you have a pain and fatigue free day!

How to make your own Heat/Cold Therapy Pads

Hello Everyone,

One of the things I learned during my Pain Management sessions was "How to make your own heat and cold therapy pads."

I know there are many of us that cannot work or have limited budgets, so here is this tip:

Ingredients:

* Thick material (this project calls for 18",but you can make the heating pad any size you want.

* Sewing machine or needle and thread

* Flax seed or wheat

* Essential oil (if you want to add it for aromatherapy), not required.

Directions:

Buy or use strong material like cotton, strong silk or cotton woven material, or canvas. Make sure the material has no give to it. You do not want it to stretch. Please remember it needs to be real thick so when the wheat is heated (and it gets pretty hot) that you don't burn yourself.

1). Cut a square about 18" each side and fold it in half so it's inside out. It will be oblong shape.

2). Stitch down one short side and the long side. A sewing machine works best as you need short stitches close together, so the wheat doesn't come out.

3). If you stitch by hand go over it again to make sure the stitches are tight.

4). Turn it the right way in so the seam is on the inside.

5). Use the Flax seed or Wheat, it needs to be the whole kernel.

6). You should fill the bag about 1/2 way, then stitch the one side that is left, sealing it tight.

7). If you decide to use essential oils, sprinkle on the material for aromatherapy.

8). You will need to microwave it about two minutes. I have had a couple of microwaves, and they seem to heat differently. So please test it out a few minutes at a time to see how much time you need it in your microwave. Just be very careful not to overheat.

It can also be placed in the refrigerator or freezer if the cold therapy is better for you. I personally prefer heat.

This step is not necessary, but you might want to try it:

Try to divide the bag into sections. Maybe in 4- put in 1/4 of your seeds then stitch the bag 1/4 of the way up, drop in another 1/4 of the seeds and stitch those in, repeating for the rest, so you will have 4 compartments full of seeds, instead of one big one. This is keep your seeds fairly distributed throughout your hand made heating pad.

You can try making these in different sizes and shapes. You might want to make a horseshoe shape for your neck, or a small pillow to hold while you sleep, big square for your back, etc. The key is to make sure you have enough seeds to fill 1/2 of the bag. It takes about 1lb for an 18 inch bag.

Why spend money buying these products, when you can make them yourself. They also make nice gifts. I hope you enjoy yours.

I hope and pray this information helps someone today! Have a pain and fatigue free day:)

Fibro Viv

How our Body Controls Pain

Hello Everyone,

I have not been feeling very well lately so my posts are not very long. I do hope they have been helpful. Here is some information on how our body controls pain:

Pain signals travel through a system of nerves in your brain and spinal cord. Sometimes your body tries to provide relief by producing chemicals that help block pain signals. These chemicals are called endorphins. They are morphine-like painkilling substances that decrease the pain sensation. Keep in mind that there are different factors, including our thoughts and emotions that cause the body to produce endorphins.

Let me give you an example, a Mother is driving her child to school and is in a sudden car accident, she is so worried about her child that she does not even notice she has a broken wrist, arm, etc. The concern for her child has caused the natural release of endorphins, which block the pain signal.

Our body also produces endorphins in response to external factors, such as medicine. Codeine is one example of a powerful pain-blocking medication. Other external pain control methods used are heat and cold treatments that can stimulate the body to either release endorphins or block pain signals in other ways.

You ask, what are endorphins? Any of a group of peptide hormones that bind to opiate receptors and are found mainly in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions.

I want you to start thinking of ways to "Manage Your Pain". Try thinking of pain as a signal to take a positive action rather than an ordeal you have to deal with.

The first step is to learn to manage the pain and take some positive actions to counter the pain. We have to learn to take control of the pain in order to help ourselves. Our mind plays an important role in how we feel pain and respond to illness. Some of use feel helpless and depressed, admit it, I have felt these emotions. It is understandable, however, we have to take control of these emotions.

These emotions cause people to decreased activity levels, cause low self-esteem and increased pain. This is an example of how we can use Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help us build a sense of personal control by adjusting our thoughts and actions.

So what is it I am trying to communicate?

1). Keep a positive attitude

2). Do not focus on pain

3). Practice positive self-talk

4). Change your pain habits

5). Create a pain management plan

6). Take your medicines wisely

I am working on a pamphlet to help you manage your pain. As soon as I have completed it, I will add it so you can download it.

Hang in there!

I hope and pray that is information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

Try not to be envious of others

June 16, 2007

Today try to remember the following:

Do not be envious of others and what the Lord has given them.
Accept what the Lord has given us.
If you think other people are blessed with more than yourself,
Seek the Lord,
He will give you the gifts that you need.
The first shall be last, the last shall be first.


I read this and wrote it down, so I could share it someday. Today is the day I have chosen to share this message.

I hope and pray this information helps someone today.

Taking time out for yourself will.....

reduce your stress, improve creativity and lets you recharge your relationships.

Remember to have fun and laugh as often as possible. Try telling a joke, teasing someone, playing pranks, acting goofy or just plain flirting with your spouse or boyfriend.

Drop petty grudges and see how closeness builds your relationships.

To help you break emotional barriers, try touching someone.....a slight pat on the back, holding hands or a big hug. It helps boost your energy and makes you feel good all over.

Catch someone doing something right! It takes vigilance to look for the good and not let it pass unremarked. It's human nature to take notice of things that are not done as we like, so take notice and catch someone doing something right.:)


I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.

Lift your spirit with super foods!

Asparagus helps you avoid mood swings, it is packed with folic acid, which steadies your serotonin level and keeps you in a positive spirit all day long.

Beef stabilizes your spirit, every bite is loaded with mood-boosting zinc, iron and B vitamins.

Oranges help combat cancer, they are full of vitamin C which help fight the cancer causing free radicals that your body produces whenever you are stressed out.

Tuna helps lower your tension, it contains Vitamins B6 and B12 helping to lower stress. It is also a good source of low-fat protein.

Cottage Cheese helps you when you hit that mid-afternoon energy slump. The protein in cottage cheese keeps you satisfied and helps you avoid any sudden changes in blood sugar you might experience with sugary snacks.

Blueberries help lower that stress level. They are high in fiber, low in calories and contain Vitamin C.

Almonds help you halt heart disease because they are full of Vitamin E, which helps your body bust the free radicals that cause heart disease.

Salmon helps lower LDL cholesterol.

Lean meats help defend you from anemia.

Carrots contain antioxidants to neutralize free-radical damage.

Oatmeal helps you keep a steady blood sugar level and makes you feel fuller for longer periods of time.

Water regulates your body temperature and flushes toxins out of your system.





I hope and pray this information has helped someone today.