Hi Everyone,

I once again am starting to feel like a hypochondriac and becoming sensitive to odors, bright lights, and loud noises. While there are many situations that can contribute to my fibromyalgia symptoms, the weather, quality of my sleep, and over-exertion have contributed to my flare-up.

I recently experienced a bit of nausea preceded by vomiting. It felt like the nausea was never going to stop. The nurse was concerned about dehydration and I was concerned about not being able to hold down any type of medication. I felt like my stomach was never going to be the same. I was worried that the nausea was an indication of something more serious. I am finally feeling normal again. My eating habits have changed, I am now eating several small meals (snacks) throughout the day. My water intake has not improved however, I am slowly getting back to drinking the recommended amounts of water.

My current goal includes decreased visits to the doctor, learning to control recent spikes in my blood sugar levels, choosing healthier foods and increasing exercise without fatigue and pain. It felt like I was doing so well and all of the sudden I am back to experiencing symptoms! No fun!

Read my tips on dealing with nausea:

Instinctively after experiencing nausea we tend to temporarily discontinue medications (which can irritate the stomach and make vomiting worse), avoid solids, and liquids. To prevent nausea from developing, try the following:

• Eat small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
• Eat slowly.
• Consume foods that are cold or room temperature to avoid nausea from the smell of hot or warm foods.
• Avoid hard-to-digest foods.
• Rest after eating with your head elevated about 12 inches above your feet.
• Drink liquids between meals instead of during meals.
• Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration.
• Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.

If you begin to feel nauseated, try drinking small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids such as soda or fruit juices, avoiding the juices that are acidic (orange or grapefruit).

As we all know by now, a person can't get over fibromyalgia and we will always have to remain mindful of what may trigger symptoms. 

Unfortunately, I am yet again reminded of my illness. I hope and pray my journey allows you to know....you are not alone.

 

Viv's tip: Acknowledge your situation, accept yourself (you are okay), and remain optimistic.

Pain Management - Alternative Tools

Hello Everyone,

There are a variety of tools available to manage pain. One option is the use of a TENS UNIT.  T.E.N. unit stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. While on medical leave I attended a physical rehabilitation class.  The Physical Therapist introduced the use of a tens unit/muscle stimulator. The point of using a tens unit is to alleviate pain by sending mild electrical pulse through the skin to stimulate the nerves beneath my skin. The unit is lightweight and easy to carry. I was able to carry the unit attached to my belt, jeans, or sweater. These portable units are very convenient and an effective way of managing pain. The units are battery operated and rechargeable.

While these units are not a permanent solution to managing chronic pain, they can be incorporated with other pain management tools. The muscle stimulator can be customized in accordance at an electrical level acceptable to each individual. The therapist will set the unit at a low level, later increasing the unit to an appropriate level of stimulation. Chronic and acute radiating pain relief is managed without the use of drugs and is used in parallel with physical therapy that includes yoga, gentle stretching, later using hot and cold compression pads.

The tens unit is prescribed by a pain management doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist. A physical or occupational therapist or nurse explains the proper use (when and where to place pads). The device includes electrode pads, electrode conductive preparation spray (one can use alcohol wipes), a battery, and battery charger. The unit and accessories are available via the internet or at a medical supply retail store. Quality electrode pads contain non-irritating gels that are sticky providing comfort, reusability, and performance. 

A unit, LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit /and or Muscle Stimulator is an alternative, safe, non-addictive, and effective treatment for chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about this form of managing your pain.

Visit LGMedSupply Online and read their customer blog to get additional information.

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

Writing a 'Visual Journal' for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Writing a 'Visual Journal' for Stress Relief and Relaxation

All aboard

Once Oprah started making vision boards, and adopted the concept as one of her favorites, visualization techniques done via collecting pictures really went mainstream. But long before that, the idea went from woman to woman, friend to friend, as a woman in need would use a vision board to construction a clear picture of her life and goals, and share the method with her best friend.

(Saying ‘woman’ here doesn’t mean that men cannot benefit from practicing visualization techniques; it’s just that they aren’t quite so ready to connect with their emotional side in such a forthright and craft-oriented way.)

However, anyone in need of stress relief can benefit, particularly those with CFIDS or FMS, the majority of whom find that stress is directly linked with and is perpetuated by their symptoms in a vicious cycle. I’m explaining Visual Journals, rather than boards for what may or may not be obvious reasons. First off all, vision boards don’t always work for everyone. Some may very much want to try it, but are frustrated by the process of searching for meaningful pictures that are not of themselves (one of the recommended vision-board methods). Some will enjoy the process of destruction (i.e. cutting and extracting clips) and reappropriating materials in a creative way. Others will stress over damaging their beloved glossies. 

Writing a Visual Journal

Anyone who has attempted to keep a diary knows that regular journal writing can be a very calming, cathartic practice. However, some people who try to begin journals soon stop writing.  They stop and start again like someone struggling with smoking relapse prevention, because they are either too busy or can’t think of anything to say as they write.

People usually just write words in a journal, and often aren’t moved by reading their own words over again. Moreover, they very quickly forget what it was they wrote. It’s a fact that people retain learning they obtained visually at a much higher level than that which they obtained via hearing. Therefore, adding visual elements to your journal can not only be enjoyable, but can help to anchor your thoughts to a particular image. Furthermore, the method described below can help to trigger personal exploration.

Writing Your First Entry

For your first attempt, start your journal entry with an old picture of yourself. Maybe one that you didn’t think was so great, but other people really liked. You may or may not decide to stick it into your journal, but what you should do is write 200-300 words about that picture: how old you were, where you were, who took it, why you don’t like it, why other people do… and anything else you can think of.  Instead of opening your journal and saying to yourself, ‘I can’t think of what to write today,’ choose an image to begin with– ask your friends for pictures, use old travel photos, pictures of pets, brochures, check the extra leaflets that are laying in the junk drawer, take a picture with your phone camera, or even draw it yourself (stick figures allowed).  You probably have a box of old pictures somewhere you have no idea what to do with– pick from those, too. Write about what each image reminds you of, why you chose that picture, who else would appreciate that picture and why. Your imagination will lead you on from there, and soon you will be writing away with yourself, as you go from idea to idea. 

Case Study

Darling is a chef in Washington State– yes that’s her real name, Darling (she explains  that her parents were the hippyish, sensitive type). She collects pictures she runs across to write about them later.  She finds that she is a chef exactly for that reason, because the images of food, not to mention their smells and their textures, link her to memories of the past and help her to weave together a feeling of well-being.

Over time, that’s what your Visual Journal can do for you, so it becomes a sort of visual path, anchoring you to memories and personal exploration that you have done.  Even when you think you are too busy or life is too frenetic to sit down and write, taking five to ten minutes while riding on the bus, waiting to pick up your children from school, or even five minutes waiting in line at the post office is enough.

Words of Advice

If you are ever at a loss for image ideas, remember that a recent study from MIT found that people recall images in warm colors or images with faces in them significantly more easily than those of landscapes. When looking for images, choose ones with human faces or warm colors in them, rather than pretty but empty landscapes.

Be patient with yourself, whether you decide to do this or create a vision board.  Maybe your first entry is just, “This is when I felt better than I do now.”  That’s fine.  Just work from that and keep writing.  Eventually, the gates will open, ideas will flow, and the deeper meanings behind the images you are choosing will start to come through.  The important thing is just the practice and weaving together your own personal tapestry of well-being.

This post was written by Rebecca Kay. Thank you Rebecca!

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

Starting the New Year with Fatigue?

Hello Everyone,

I have not posted updates for some time now. One of my new goals includes taking time to post on my blog site.

Did you start the new year with deep exhaustion? You know that exhaustion that is steady or waxes and wanes for months. This isn't everyday tiredness, it's profound fatigue that severely impacts your life. And nothing seems to help-not sleep, stress management or a vacation. This seems to be a diagnosis dilemma for some doctors. In order to receive a CFS diagnosis, you need that degree of fatigue plus four of the following symptoms for at least six months: substantial difficulties with memory or concentration, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, chronic sore throat, feeling wiped out after even slight exertion, unrefreshing sleep and tender lymph nodes. In the beginning I even experienced trouble speaking, dizziness and irritable-bowel issues. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person, although even those with mild CFS can struggle with normal activities like walking up a flight of stairs or reading a novel and even feel worse after making an effort.

Some people feel heavily sedated (without taking medications) and are housebound for weeks, months, and years. I know you have heard the term brain fog...how about brain mud! The hardest part is justifying  why we can't just snap out of it with a little rest or sleep. There is a difference between being tired and feeling exhausted, it is like you are one step away from feeling comatose.

I have come a long way from when I first started experiencing all sorts of symptoms, I hope you find this encouraging. While I have shown significant improvement, I am in no way over my Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia. Sadly, there's no one-size-fits-all solution and the best you can do is try to get ahead of it with a program that eases pain, boosts stamina and reduces stress.  I have not tried going to an immunologist or an infectious disease specialist. Those options are still on my list to consider.

Meanwhile, I know this disease is isolating, so try connecting with people who understand where you are coming from, it can make all the difference on how you approach your health treatment.

One key tip: PACE yourself, even when  you feel almost normal.

I hope and pray you have a fatigue and pain free day.

 68P5X9ABQPEE

Is There A Connection Between Gluten Allergies And Chronic Fatigue?

Is There A Connection Between Gluten Allergies And Chronic Fatigue?
(written by Guest: Amanda Tradwick)

The connection between allergies to gluten and chronic fatigue syndrome is suspected but still not widely studied. Because many of the symptoms overlap—especially digestive issues, mouth sores, overwhelming fatigue and narcolepsy---it is possible that you may have Celiac’s Disease (severe allergies to gluten) and be misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is also possible that these two conditions are indeed related and that dealing with the gluten sensitivity may alleviate some of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue.

It appears that people who develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome usually have weakened adrenal glands. Because people with weakened adrenal glands also are vulnerable to allergies and other conditions related to weakened immune systems, the connection between gluten sensitivities and Chronic Fatigue is very possible. Is one condition causal? We aren’t sure, but we do know that a high percentage of the people who are diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease (gluten sensitivities) also are diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

In some cases, people (with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) who were not diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease saw improvements in health after they cut gluten out of their diets. Is this because the gluten was exacerbating the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, or was this because gluten can trigger an immune system response n people who are gluten sensitive but who don’t actually have Celiac’s Disease? The scientific world isn’t sure what link exists between these conditions, but there is enough overlap to call attention to the possibility of a connection.

Why Not Try Going Gluten Free?

Whichever, the case, it’s wise to address the possibility of gluten sensitivity if you have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This can be accomplished through adherence to an elimination diet and careful record keeping. Many people find that their symptoms improve when they eat gluten-free. Even if eating gluten-free doesn’t eliminate all of your Chronic Fatigue symptoms, the improvement is sure to be welcomed.

What If Going Gluten Free Doesn’t Help?

Unfortunately, not everyone who goes gluten-free feels better. Some medial experts speculate that the switch to a gluten-free diet hasn’t been tried long enough to see if the results will come; others say that the condition came on because of gluten allergies, but the condition won’t go away just because you take gluten out of your diet. Think of heart disease; you may have developed heart disease because of an unhealthy diet, but changing your diet will only help your heart health somewhat. It won’t completely reverse the effects of years of eating a heart-unhealthy diet.

If you try going gluten-free, commit to trying it for a good three months before you decide if the change in diet has helped you or not. Keep good records and commit to a completely gluten-free diet so you won’t have any question in your mind as to whether the dietary change worked or not. It’s tough to go gluten-free, but once you get used to cooking and eating this way, it will become easier as you find substitutions for old favorites and get used to the new recipes.


About the author:

Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor's degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on college grants for single mothers and school grants for adults.

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!

Dealing with Chronic and Terminal Illness by Eric Stevenson

Hello Everyone,

The following article was written by Eric Stevenson, he is very passionate about people's health and the long term side effects. Thanks Eric for writing this article and sharing information!

Western medicine is built on a model of battle: fighting the enemy disease until victorious. This is an appropriate model for many conditions, but often leaves both doctors and patients feeling helpless when an illness is incurable or fatal. However, living with a terminal or chronic illness should not be thought of as a lost or losing battle.

While chronic illnesses are not always terminal, certain coping strategies can be effective for either. Maintaining mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. Depression and anxiety can disrupt eating and sleeping habits, which can take a physical toll. The American Psychological Association recommends staying connected to friends, family, or support groups; taking care of one’s self through a healthy diet and exercise; and maintaining a daily routine to provide stability. Of course, consulting with a licensed therapist or counselor is always recommended.

Symptoms of many chronic diseases – autoimmune disease, CFS, endocrine disease, fibromyalgia – may overlap with those of debilitating fatal diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma, like many other cancers, can include fatigue. WebMD recommends the following activities for raising energy:

● Increasing magnesium intake with nuts, whole grains, or fish
● Taking a walk
● Taking a 60-minute nap
● Eating a healthy breakfast and not skipping any meals
● Reducing stress
● Drinking more water (and less alcohol)
● Eating more whole grains (and less sugar)
● Eating a healthy snack between meals
● Drinking a latte instead of black coffee

These strategies might not be appropriate or feasible for everyone, but they may help to offset the low energy that comes with many chronic or terminal illnesses.

Living with a terminal illness is obviously different from living with a chronic illness. As an example, mesothelioma life expectancy over five years is less than 10%, whereas chronic fatigue syndrome rarely shortens life expectancy at all. However, authorities on chronic and terminal illnesses alike stress the importance of positive thinking. While being realistic about the future is important, it is also vital to maintain a positive outlook in order to lower stress and reduce depression.

By Eric Stevenson, a health and safety advocate, for questions about this article please feel free to contact him at epicsurvivor@gmail.com

I hope and pray everyone experiences a pain and fatigue free day.