I've been checking into Gastric Bypass surgery to lose weight...I'm way overweight and things I've found out about what I'd have to do if I had the surgery have been helping without the surgery. I quit drinking Diet Pepsi, something I never thought I could do and started drinking Wyler's Light drink mix. It comes in Peach Iced Tea, Mango Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Cherry, Orange and Raspberry and maybe a few other flavors. I got the Peach Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Cherry and Orange flavors. I was drinking maybe one quart of water a day and probably three 24 oz. bottles of Diet Pepsi a day. Now I'm drinking no Diet Pepsi and drinking about 4 quarts of water a day. My blood sugar has dropped into near normal levels (which I couldn't achieve even with Metformin, Lantus and Novalog, and I've lost about 4 or 5 pounds in about 5 days. I'm eating smaller meals more times a day (but not a lot more) and that's all I've done different.
I'm worried about the possible complications of gastric bypass and the expense afterwards. I'm on disability and the Whey Protein I'd have to use costs about $40 a bottle/can. I have no idea how long that would last, but that's expensive when I still have to buy other groceries and personal products for myself and the family too. Plus I've had problems everytime I've had surgery (5 of them) and I'm worried about the more severe complications I could have with this surgery. Some people still can't eat any solid food 18 months after surgery, plus there are b-12 shots for the rest of your life, the possibility of the stomach opening causing a stricture or atropy of the opening where you can't get anything down, fluid leaking from the sutured areas and other serious complications. I also have ocmplications with anesthesia. I have woken up during two surgeries and the last one they anesthesized me more and it took almost 12 hours for me to wake up. So there are a lot of things for me to consider.
I'm hoping that maybe I can do some things without the surgery to lose the weight and to bring down my diabetes. I also found out that the surgery often cures diabetes, but the odds are way lower that it will last if you're insulin dependent before you do the surgery and I'm on insulin for about the last year. The odds that it will go away and stay cured are 90% or more for diabetics who control it with diet and metformin or other oral medications and only about 30% for insulin dependent diabetics. So I might fix the problem temporarily and then still end up woth diabetes again within 5 years or less.
That's a lot of destruction to your stomach (and it's irreversible) for a possibly short term fix.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Feedback and Comments
I'm very happy some of you have decided to take a look at my blog and begin to follow it. But I'd like some honest feedback and comments from you all. Does the information help? Is it the kind of information you need?
Feel free to click on the comments link and tell me what you want to know or hear and tell me your experiences with Fibromyalgia if you feel like it.
Sincerely,
Deborah Croke
Feel free to click on the comments link and tell me what you want to know or hear and tell me your experiences with Fibromyalgia if you feel like it.
Sincerely,
Deborah Croke
Monday, June 22, 2009
More Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
Please read the article linked to this story. I had a friend tell me about Olive Leaf when I was having a really long, bad case of Bronchitis right before I got married. I could barely talk. She sent me some and I took it for three days and was well and I've been taking it for the last 11 years. It's a great natural antibiotic as well as boosting your immune system. Please click on the title and read the article. It's really an amazing herb/medicinal plant.
The Benefits of Olive Leaf for FMS and CFS
Latin (botanical) name: Olea Europaea
Common names: Olive Leaf, Olive Tree
Plant Description: The Olive tree is indigenous to the Levant, in the Eastern Mediterranean, but is now grown and used extensively throughout the entire Mediterranean region. The first Spanish settlers introduced the Olive tree to America. It is an evergreen tree growing up to 50 ft. in height with a spread of about 30 ft. It has a graceful, yet gnarled branch pattern. It has many thin branches with opposite branchlets. The leaves are opposite, as well, feather-shaped, or elliptic, and about 2-1/4" long. They are smooth, and pale green on top and silvery on the bottom which gives them a grayish-green hue. The bark of the tree is pale gray. Olive trees produce two different types of creamy white flowers-- one which contains both male and female parts, and the other, a staminate flower with stamens only. After about four years, the tree is mature enough to produce fruit. A green drupe which, when fully mature becomes very dark purple, is the fruit of the Olive tree. They can be either almost round to oval, and the fleshy part is filled with oil. It contains a single seed.
Medicinal Properties &Uses: Olive leaf extract has proven anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It provides a boost to immune function, fights infection, and increases resistance to disease. Clinical trials have shown Olive leaf extract to reduce blood pressure. It dilates the blood vessels so that blood may flow more easily throughout the system. As an antioxidant, Olive leaf extract protects those blood vessels from damage, and has been shown to be effective in protecting the heart from coronary occlusion. When taken over an extended period of time, it is believed to reverse arteriosclerosis. Olive leaves are astringent and antiseptic. Both the leaves and the bark have valuable febrifugal qualities. It is a useful aid in treating chronic fatigue syndrome as it rids patients of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections. The oil from the fruit is used as a natural laxative and disperser of acids. Used externally as a lubricant, it is effective in treating kidney and chest complaints, muscular and joint ailments, and typhoid and scarlet fevers. It also relieves pruritis, and calms the inflammation and pain of burns and insect bites.
Dosage: 20-40 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily or as needed. Shake well before using. (PS. It comes in capsule or tablet form too).
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data:
Journal of Longevity - Olive Leaf Extract
Abundant Health Clinical Studies - Olive Leaf Extract
Helpful Links:
Kroger Herb Resources - About Olive Leaf
Many Hands Feature Article - The Miracle of the Olive Leaf
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
Scans Reveal Brain Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia Patients
Scans Reveal Brain Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia Patients
11-02-08, 8:00 PM ET
MONDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have detected abnormalities in the brains of people with fibromyalgia, a complex, chronic condition characterized by muscle pain and fatigue.
"We showed in our study that the functional abnormalities observed were mainly related to disability," and not to anxiety and depression status, said Dr. Eric Guedj, the study's lead author and a researcher at Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire de la Timone in France.
While some researchers have suggested that the pain reported by fibromyalgia patients was the result of depression, the new study suggests otherwise. The abnormalities found on brain scans done by the study authors were independent of the women's anxiety and depression levels, Guedj said.
The French researchers evaluated 20 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 10 healthy women without the condition who served as a control group. They asked all the women to respond to questionnaires to determine levels of pain, disability, anxiety and depression.
Then, the researchers performed brain imaging called single photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT.
The imaging showed that women with the syndrome had "brain perfusion" -- or blood flow abnormalities -- compared to the healthy women. The researchers then found that these abnormalities were directly correlated with the severity of disease symptoms.
An increase in blood flow was found in the brain region known to discriminate pain intensity, the researchers found.
The findings were published in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
An estimated 10 million Americans are thought to have fibromyalgia, the majority of them women, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. They report a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months, and pain in at least 11 of 18 "tender points."
Besides pain, fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue; problems with cognitive functioning, memory and concentration; difficulty sleeping; and stiffness.
The cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, according to the association, but it may occur following physical trauma such as an injury, experts say. Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and helping patients function.
In previous research, Guedj and his team had found functional abnormalities in areas of the brain of fibromyalgia patients. The latest study goes a step further, demonstrating that the brain abnormalities are correlated with disease severity, he said.
Dr. Patrick Wood, senior medical adviser for the National Fibromyalgia Association, said the new study provides "further evidence of an objective difference between patients with fibromyalgia and those who don't have the disorder." Wood reviewed the study results but was not involved with the research.
Other studies have found a correlation between brain abnormalities and fibromyalgia symptoms, Wood said, adding that the new study adds more evidence and information on how the abnormalities affect patients.
More information
To learn more about fibromyalgia, visit the National Fibromyalgia Association.
11-02-08, 8:00 PM ET
MONDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have detected abnormalities in the brains of people with fibromyalgia, a complex, chronic condition characterized by muscle pain and fatigue.
"We showed in our study that the functional abnormalities observed were mainly related to disability," and not to anxiety and depression status, said Dr. Eric Guedj, the study's lead author and a researcher at Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire de la Timone in France.
While some researchers have suggested that the pain reported by fibromyalgia patients was the result of depression, the new study suggests otherwise. The abnormalities found on brain scans done by the study authors were independent of the women's anxiety and depression levels, Guedj said.
The French researchers evaluated 20 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 10 healthy women without the condition who served as a control group. They asked all the women to respond to questionnaires to determine levels of pain, disability, anxiety and depression.
Then, the researchers performed brain imaging called single photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT.
The imaging showed that women with the syndrome had "brain perfusion" -- or blood flow abnormalities -- compared to the healthy women. The researchers then found that these abnormalities were directly correlated with the severity of disease symptoms.
An increase in blood flow was found in the brain region known to discriminate pain intensity, the researchers found.
The findings were published in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
An estimated 10 million Americans are thought to have fibromyalgia, the majority of them women, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association. They report a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months, and pain in at least 11 of 18 "tender points."
Besides pain, fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue; problems with cognitive functioning, memory and concentration; difficulty sleeping; and stiffness.
The cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, according to the association, but it may occur following physical trauma such as an injury, experts say. Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and helping patients function.
In previous research, Guedj and his team had found functional abnormalities in areas of the brain of fibromyalgia patients. The latest study goes a step further, demonstrating that the brain abnormalities are correlated with disease severity, he said.
Dr. Patrick Wood, senior medical adviser for the National Fibromyalgia Association, said the new study provides "further evidence of an objective difference between patients with fibromyalgia and those who don't have the disorder." Wood reviewed the study results but was not involved with the research.
Other studies have found a correlation between brain abnormalities and fibromyalgia symptoms, Wood said, adding that the new study adds more evidence and information on how the abnormalities affect patients.
More information
To learn more about fibromyalgia, visit the National Fibromyalgia Association.
Brain Imaging Study Sheds Light on Fibromyalgia
Brain Imaging Study Sheds Light on Fibromyalgia
06-19-09, 02:00 PM EDT
Link found between gray matter and dopamine levels in patients
FRIDAY, June 19 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine may explain brain gray matter reductions experienced by patients with fibromyalgia, a new study suggests.
Previous research found an association between fibromyalgia and reductions in gray matter, but the cause wasn't known, the researchers wrote.
In this new study, Dr. Patrick B. Wood, of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, and colleagues used MRI to compare the brains of 30 women with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy women of the same age. Significant reductions in gray matter were found in the fibromyalgia patients, confirming previous findings.
The new study, published in the June issue of the Journal of Pain, also found that fibromyalgia patients showed a strong correlation of dopamine metabolism levels and gray matter density in areas of the brain where dopamine is known to control neurological activity.
This association between dopamine levels and gray matter density offer new information about a possible mechanism behind some of the brain abnormalities seen in fibromyalgia patients, the researchers concluded.
More information
The American College of Rheumatology has more about fibromyalgia.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/06/19/hscout628214.html
06-19-09, 02:00 PM EDT
Link found between gray matter and dopamine levels in patients
FRIDAY, June 19 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine may explain brain gray matter reductions experienced by patients with fibromyalgia, a new study suggests.
Previous research found an association between fibromyalgia and reductions in gray matter, but the cause wasn't known, the researchers wrote.
In this new study, Dr. Patrick B. Wood, of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, and colleagues used MRI to compare the brains of 30 women with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy women of the same age. Significant reductions in gray matter were found in the fibromyalgia patients, confirming previous findings.
The new study, published in the June issue of the Journal of Pain, also found that fibromyalgia patients showed a strong correlation of dopamine metabolism levels and gray matter density in areas of the brain where dopamine is known to control neurological activity.
This association between dopamine levels and gray matter density offer new information about a possible mechanism behind some of the brain abnormalities seen in fibromyalgia patients, the researchers concluded.
More information
The American College of Rheumatology has more about fibromyalgia.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/06/19/hscout628214.html
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What it's Like or A Normal Day Isn't
When I had my disability hearing in 2002, the judge asked me to describe a "normal" day. My reply was that there is no "normal" day other than some degree of pain. Some days I hurt if I sit. Somedays I hurt if I lay down. Some days I hurt no matter what I do. Sometimes the pain is almost unbearable. Sometimes the pain is manageable, but it's always there. Some days I sleep all day. Some days I can't sleep at all or I can only sleep for 2 to 4 hours. Some days I'm up 20 hours straight. Some days I have severe headaches or migraines (although my migraines got fewer and farther between when I quit my last full time job). The stress I had at my last job caused migraines about once or twice a week and they'd last anywhere from 3 days to a week. Sometimes it hurts if I even pick up a glass and sometimes my hands are fine. Sometimes it feels like someone has stabbed me with a cooking fork and sometimes it's just a constant dull throbbing. It doesn't always hurt in the same place but it always hurts somewhere on my body. Some days I can't think worth a hoot and somedays I can think clearly. The cold weather is worse than warmer weather. On stormy days or when the barometric pressure is up, I hurt and nothing can stop the pain.
While I was describing my "normal" days, I got confused and forgot what I was saying and said, "I'm sorry what was the question?" My face turned red and I was embarrassed. The judge stopped me and right then and there told me he was ruling in my favor, he said he couldn't speak for Social Security Disability, but his recommendation was in my favor.
When I went to my brother's funeral in Jan. 2008, I was standing outside the hotel waiting for my niece and asked someone standing nearby if my niece was in the hotel and was that (a van) her car (I called her by name)? The person turned around and said yes it was her car. I said "is "her name" in the hotel?" And she said, "Aunt Debbie, It's me." She was standing in front of me and I momentarily didn't recognize her. Suddenly, it was like she appeared and I could see it was her, but it freaked me out a little. That was the first time my "brain fog" was that bad. My only explanation is that I had had to travel (which is hard on me) and I was exhausted and kind of drained from both the travel and the circumstances of the trip (i.e. the funeral). There was another incident later when we all had breakfast together before heading to the airport to go home. One of my four nieces was showing me a photo of her daughter and her daughter was standing beside one of her cousins and I got confused and thought she was the daughter of another niece, not the one who was actually her mother. It was only momemtary and when I realized what I'd done (I had actually said, Wow, she looks more like your daughter than hers...which she was) I was again embarrassed. I hadn't seen my nieces (my half brother's children) since the two oldest were 4 and 2 years old. So they were bewildered and just looked at me kind of funny. They were completely sweet about it and never said a word, they just looked bewildered. I can't blame them. They barely knew me and I was acting like I had alzheimers...which, Thank God, I don't have. I'm only 52 and whereas in the past, I had a mind like a steel trap, I now admit that the steel trap snaps shut occasionally. I have an IQ of around 137, but there are some days, I'd be hard put to prove it.
Does anybody really think I like having to depend on Social Security for a living? I had worked from the time I was 16 years old. I was very independent. The hardest thing I ever did after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after I was in two car wrecks in 1988, was when I had to say "I can't do that" to something the first time. I was always the one who'd say, "I can help with that"...."I can do that". It was so depressing. More than one doctor I've had has said, "Well, most doctors think Fibromyalgia is all in the mind because there is a history of depression in people with Fibromyalgia". I replied (to the last one), "Who wouldn't get depressed when you can't do the same things you used to do, when you're in pain 24/7, 365 days a year and you know it will never stop." "Who wouldn't get depressed when you can't do the things you used to be able to do or the things you love, and even when you do plan something, you have to call it off because suddenly you're too exhaused from getting ready to go, to be able to actually do it."
I told her, "It isn't the depression that causes Fibromyalgia, it's the Fibromyalgia that causes the depression."
She didn't have much to say to that. Thank Goodness. It's about time.
While I was describing my "normal" days, I got confused and forgot what I was saying and said, "I'm sorry what was the question?" My face turned red and I was embarrassed. The judge stopped me and right then and there told me he was ruling in my favor, he said he couldn't speak for Social Security Disability, but his recommendation was in my favor.
When I went to my brother's funeral in Jan. 2008, I was standing outside the hotel waiting for my niece and asked someone standing nearby if my niece was in the hotel and was that (a van) her car (I called her by name)? The person turned around and said yes it was her car. I said "is "her name" in the hotel?" And she said, "Aunt Debbie, It's me." She was standing in front of me and I momentarily didn't recognize her. Suddenly, it was like she appeared and I could see it was her, but it freaked me out a little. That was the first time my "brain fog" was that bad. My only explanation is that I had had to travel (which is hard on me) and I was exhausted and kind of drained from both the travel and the circumstances of the trip (i.e. the funeral). There was another incident later when we all had breakfast together before heading to the airport to go home. One of my four nieces was showing me a photo of her daughter and her daughter was standing beside one of her cousins and I got confused and thought she was the daughter of another niece, not the one who was actually her mother. It was only momemtary and when I realized what I'd done (I had actually said, Wow, she looks more like your daughter than hers...which she was) I was again embarrassed. I hadn't seen my nieces (my half brother's children) since the two oldest were 4 and 2 years old. So they were bewildered and just looked at me kind of funny. They were completely sweet about it and never said a word, they just looked bewildered. I can't blame them. They barely knew me and I was acting like I had alzheimers...which, Thank God, I don't have. I'm only 52 and whereas in the past, I had a mind like a steel trap, I now admit that the steel trap snaps shut occasionally. I have an IQ of around 137, but there are some days, I'd be hard put to prove it.
Does anybody really think I like having to depend on Social Security for a living? I had worked from the time I was 16 years old. I was very independent. The hardest thing I ever did after I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after I was in two car wrecks in 1988, was when I had to say "I can't do that" to something the first time. I was always the one who'd say, "I can help with that"...."I can do that". It was so depressing. More than one doctor I've had has said, "Well, most doctors think Fibromyalgia is all in the mind because there is a history of depression in people with Fibromyalgia". I replied (to the last one), "Who wouldn't get depressed when you can't do the same things you used to do, when you're in pain 24/7, 365 days a year and you know it will never stop." "Who wouldn't get depressed when you can't do the things you used to be able to do or the things you love, and even when you do plan something, you have to call it off because suddenly you're too exhaused from getting ready to go, to be able to actually do it."
I told her, "It isn't the depression that causes Fibromyalgia, it's the Fibromyalgia that causes the depression."
She didn't have much to say to that. Thank Goodness. It's about time.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Another Letter from a Fibro Sufferer
This is a link to another site for Fibro sufferers and this man who also suffers with FMS has written a letter called "A Letter for Normals". Please read it and possibly print it. It's a good letter. PS. My letter titled "To Whom it May Concern" is posted lower on this page. I hope you take a moment to read them both.
http://www.fibrohugs.org
Monday, 26 January 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although this is a Copyright of Fibrohugs.org we grant permission for anyone to use this at any time as long as the following "Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller" is fully visible.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Letter To Normals
Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,
Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.
I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.
You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....
Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....
Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.
I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, on the shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….
Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.
And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….
On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.
So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….
Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….
Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller
http://www.fibrohugs.org
Monday, 26 January 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although this is a Copyright of Fibrohugs.org we grant permission for anyone to use this at any time as long as the following "Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller" is fully visible.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Letter To Normals
Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,
Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.
I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.
You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....
Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....
Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.
I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, on the shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….
Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.
And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….
On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.
So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….
Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….
Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller
Effects of Glutamate on the Brain for Fibromyalgia Patients
In MRI's of the brain, it showed increased levels of glutamate in the posterior insula of Fibromyalgia patients.
In patients with fibromyalgia, researchers found, pain decreased when levels of the brain molecule called glutamate went down.
The article says that this molecule was suspected to play a role in fibromyalgia because previous studies had shown that some brain regions in fibromyalgia patients appear to be highly excited. An article about Glutamate says that glutamic acid is involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory in the brain. So it definitely sounds like that would cause the fibromyalgia brain fog if the levels are at a toxic level, but it also says it affects pain levels by over exciting the nerves and cells.
At least these things show positive scientific evidence that Fibromyalgia is real, although techinically it could be said, it is "all in the mind" or rather "the brain" to be more specific. It's just that it isn't imaginary...it's real and involves the brain and chemicals that affect it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate
In patients with fibromyalgia, researchers found, pain decreased when levels of the brain molecule called glutamate went down.
The article says that this molecule was suspected to play a role in fibromyalgia because previous studies had shown that some brain regions in fibromyalgia patients appear to be highly excited. An article about Glutamate says that glutamic acid is involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory in the brain. So it definitely sounds like that would cause the fibromyalgia brain fog if the levels are at a toxic level, but it also says it affects pain levels by over exciting the nerves and cells.
At least these things show positive scientific evidence that Fibromyalgia is real, although techinically it could be said, it is "all in the mind" or rather "the brain" to be more specific. It's just that it isn't imaginary...it's real and involves the brain and chemicals that affect it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate
Brain Changes in Fibromyalgia
Pain In Fibromyalgia Is Linked To Changes In Brain Molecule
ScienceDaily (2008-03-13) -- Researchers have found a key linkage between pain and a specific brain molecule, a discovery that lends new insight into fibromyalgia, an often-baffling chronic pain condition. ... > read full article
Friday, June 19, 2009
Name your Heroes with Fibromyalgia
I also want this blog to be inspirational and positive, so anyone who comes here...please let me hear about your heroes. Tell us about a loved one you know that overcomes this illness with beauty and grace. Tell us of their actions and their attitudes that inspire you in spite of living with Fibromyalgia. And for those of you who don't have a good support group, toot your own horn. Tell us what you do that takes all your strength day after day in spite of your pain.
Love you all,
Deborah
Love you all,
Deborah
To Whom it May Concern
To Whom It May Concern:
I have fibromyalgia. Many people say that FMS doesn’t really exist. But it does and not just in our minds. The American Arthritis Foundation recognizes it as a legitimate illness and all of us who have it know it’s real. If it were imaginary, we couldn’t possibly all have the same major symptoms. If it were only caused by stress or depression, we could not all have the same problems. It would be impossible. I was diagnosed 21 years ago as of July 2009 and believe me, back then nobody had even heard of it and most could barely pronounce it. You could barely find any literature about it and didn’t know anyone else that had it, so it couldn’t be "mass hysteria" as I’ve heard some people say. All I know is that after being in two car wrecks within 7 months, I just kept hurting and being exhausted even six months after going through physical therapy. The place where the seat belt bruised my hip still was tender and painful over a year after the accident. My back still had severe spasms that would take my breath away and then suddenly, it began to hurt if anyone even touched my back or my arms. I felt exhausted and in pain as if I had the flu and it wouldn’t go away. Some people say that "It couldn’t possibly hurt all the time like you say it does", but it does. If you’ve ever had the flu, you know just a little bit of what it’s like to have fibromyalgia, but with the flu, you finally get better. The pain and the exhaustion finally goes away, but us? We have those feelings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, FOREVER. And we’re told to "Get over it" or "Just put on some running shoes and get outside and we’ll feel better". Honestly! When you have the flu is that what you do?
Having Fibromyalgia is like having the "worst day of your life" from then on and what idiot would choose to even pretend to be that sick and that much in pain" just for sympathy? Do you really think there are that many of us who are that desperate for attention that we’d give up all the fun and comfort we had before, just to get attention? I used to love to travel and to go camping and to go horseback riding and swimming and water skiing and so many other things. Do you really think we’d give up fun things like that for attention?
Did your partner or spouse or friend do that before Fibromyalgia? Or did they enjoy doing things and going places and having fun? Why would they give all that up to "pretend" to be sick?
And why would you as family or friends or spouses or partners think they’d lie about something like that? We’re they liars before they got ill or were they truthful before? If they were honest people that you loved before that, why would they suddenly change?
Doesn’t anyone think before they accuse and hurt the people who are suffering from this? And what does it say about you? Are you all so heartless that you can’t see what we go through or that you can’t understand that we suffer? Sure it gets old for those around us but how do you think it is for us? Don’t you think it gets old having to live with it all the time for us? Do you have to add to the pain with distrust and show that you aren’t concerned? Is this how you’d be if we had cancer? With cancer, you’ll either be cured or you’ll die, but with Fibromyalgia, we just have to live with it and suffer it for years and years without end. There is no cure and there is no death to end it. And most of us don’t want death to end it. We just don’t want it to be a constant fight with our loved ones either. We have enough to deal with, without the pain of hearing your disdain and your distrust and your gripes about what we are suffering through and what you "think" you have to deal with. If you think it’s hard for you, try living under our skin for a month.
And don’t forget karma. What goes around, comes around. Be careful how you judge us, it could be you next.
You have no idea how brave these men and women are that have Fibromyalgia. They have to live every day in pain and exhausted. Exhaustion is not like being tired. It’s being so tired that it hurts sometimes to even try to think or do anything.
When I still worked, there were days I’d hear the alarm go off and I’d try to sit up and then when I did, I couldn’t think what to do next. I couldn’t decide to get in the shower or get dressed or anything else. I’d sit up and then lay back down. Then I’d try to get up again and I’d lay back down. My brain wouldn’t work and my body wouldn’t co-operate and I felt like I weighed a million pounds. I just couldn’t make myself get up. I wanted to get up. I needed to get up, but I couldn’t.
Sure you don’t understand it. Sure you don’t believe it. You aren’t living in our body. But it is real. It’s more real than anything we’ve ever experienced and we more than ANYONE wish it would go away.
But it doesn’t go away. It doesn’t get better. And we have to deal with that and then put up with all of you who call us liars and fakes. How charming and kind of you all.
I think the women and men who have Fibromyalgia are amazing. Just because they keep on trying to keep on in spite of the pain, exhaustion, frustration, ridicule, and distrust.
I think those of us who suffer with Fibromyalgia are the true heroes and heroines of the world. Because we don’t have super powers and yet we overcome huge obstacles every time we do anything. You have no idea just how special these people are.
I love all of you who suffer and I feel sorry for all of you who are so ignorant of human compassion and think so little of the ones you are supposed to love.
God bless you all.
Deborah Croke
I have fibromyalgia. Many people say that FMS doesn’t really exist. But it does and not just in our minds. The American Arthritis Foundation recognizes it as a legitimate illness and all of us who have it know it’s real. If it were imaginary, we couldn’t possibly all have the same major symptoms. If it were only caused by stress or depression, we could not all have the same problems. It would be impossible. I was diagnosed 21 years ago as of July 2009 and believe me, back then nobody had even heard of it and most could barely pronounce it. You could barely find any literature about it and didn’t know anyone else that had it, so it couldn’t be "mass hysteria" as I’ve heard some people say. All I know is that after being in two car wrecks within 7 months, I just kept hurting and being exhausted even six months after going through physical therapy. The place where the seat belt bruised my hip still was tender and painful over a year after the accident. My back still had severe spasms that would take my breath away and then suddenly, it began to hurt if anyone even touched my back or my arms. I felt exhausted and in pain as if I had the flu and it wouldn’t go away. Some people say that "It couldn’t possibly hurt all the time like you say it does", but it does. If you’ve ever had the flu, you know just a little bit of what it’s like to have fibromyalgia, but with the flu, you finally get better. The pain and the exhaustion finally goes away, but us? We have those feelings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, FOREVER. And we’re told to "Get over it" or "Just put on some running shoes and get outside and we’ll feel better". Honestly! When you have the flu is that what you do?
Having Fibromyalgia is like having the "worst day of your life" from then on and what idiot would choose to even pretend to be that sick and that much in pain" just for sympathy? Do you really think there are that many of us who are that desperate for attention that we’d give up all the fun and comfort we had before, just to get attention? I used to love to travel and to go camping and to go horseback riding and swimming and water skiing and so many other things. Do you really think we’d give up fun things like that for attention?
Did your partner or spouse or friend do that before Fibromyalgia? Or did they enjoy doing things and going places and having fun? Why would they give all that up to "pretend" to be sick?
And why would you as family or friends or spouses or partners think they’d lie about something like that? We’re they liars before they got ill or were they truthful before? If they were honest people that you loved before that, why would they suddenly change?
Doesn’t anyone think before they accuse and hurt the people who are suffering from this? And what does it say about you? Are you all so heartless that you can’t see what we go through or that you can’t understand that we suffer? Sure it gets old for those around us but how do you think it is for us? Don’t you think it gets old having to live with it all the time for us? Do you have to add to the pain with distrust and show that you aren’t concerned? Is this how you’d be if we had cancer? With cancer, you’ll either be cured or you’ll die, but with Fibromyalgia, we just have to live with it and suffer it for years and years without end. There is no cure and there is no death to end it. And most of us don’t want death to end it. We just don’t want it to be a constant fight with our loved ones either. We have enough to deal with, without the pain of hearing your disdain and your distrust and your gripes about what we are suffering through and what you "think" you have to deal with. If you think it’s hard for you, try living under our skin for a month.
And don’t forget karma. What goes around, comes around. Be careful how you judge us, it could be you next.
You have no idea how brave these men and women are that have Fibromyalgia. They have to live every day in pain and exhausted. Exhaustion is not like being tired. It’s being so tired that it hurts sometimes to even try to think or do anything.
When I still worked, there were days I’d hear the alarm go off and I’d try to sit up and then when I did, I couldn’t think what to do next. I couldn’t decide to get in the shower or get dressed or anything else. I’d sit up and then lay back down. Then I’d try to get up again and I’d lay back down. My brain wouldn’t work and my body wouldn’t co-operate and I felt like I weighed a million pounds. I just couldn’t make myself get up. I wanted to get up. I needed to get up, but I couldn’t.
Sure you don’t understand it. Sure you don’t believe it. You aren’t living in our body. But it is real. It’s more real than anything we’ve ever experienced and we more than ANYONE wish it would go away.
But it doesn’t go away. It doesn’t get better. And we have to deal with that and then put up with all of you who call us liars and fakes. How charming and kind of you all.
I think the women and men who have Fibromyalgia are amazing. Just because they keep on trying to keep on in spite of the pain, exhaustion, frustration, ridicule, and distrust.
I think those of us who suffer with Fibromyalgia are the true heroes and heroines of the world. Because we don’t have super powers and yet we overcome huge obstacles every time we do anything. You have no idea just how special these people are.
I love all of you who suffer and I feel sorry for all of you who are so ignorant of human compassion and think so little of the ones you are supposed to love.
God bless you all.
Deborah Croke
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