I'm sharing an articles posted on the Fibromyalgia Network Facebook site which helps to prove that Fibro causes the depression, not the other way around.:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=156678497689521&id=112576322114494
Elevated Protein in Fibro Patients shows it’s not depressionby Fibromyalgia Network on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 10:16am
Tired of hearing that your fibromyalgia is just a form of depression? Brain-derived growth factor (BDGF), a protein found in the serum, was shown to be elevated in fibro patients.* However, in people with depression, this same protein shows up at lower than normal levels. The finding in FM was not influenced by age, gender, disease duration, or whether patients were taking antidepressants for the treatment of their pain. These are all favorable qualities when looking for a disease marker, and the fact that BDGF can be measured in the serum makes it relatively easy to analyze. But what does this protein have to do with pain?
BDGF is a mediator of pain in the peripheral nervous system and has been found elevated in association with the pain of pancreatitis. So not only do these findings on BDGF show that fibro is not caused by depression, a higher-than-normal level in the serum provides yet another objective measure that your pain is real.
But you already knew fibromyalgia was not depression, didn't you.
* Laske C, et al. J Psychiatr Res April 3, 2006.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Symptoms of Low Potassium
It says it can be caused by diarrhea which is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (goes back and forth between constipation and diarrhea). Also if you take a direutetic for high blood pressure, that can deplete you of potassium. These symptoms are things many of us with Fibro experience often. The symptoms of Fibro can cause the loss of potassium and then in turn we get more symptoms because of the loss of potassium. I'm pretty sure this low potassium causes the Restless leg syndrome we experience. Also when my mother was pregnant (over 44 years ago for my youngest sister) she had restless leg syndrome during her pregnancy and her doctor told her to take potassium for it and it worked. I've been taking it for years for RLS and now take it daily.
Low Potassium Symptoms
Usually symptoms of low potassium are mild. At times they can be vague. You may have more than one symptom involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart, and nerves.
•Weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis)
•Tingling or numbness
•Nausea or vomiting
•Abdominal cramping, bloating
•Constipation
•Palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly)
•Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time
•Fainting due to low blood pressure
•Abnormal psychological behavior: depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations
Low Potassium Symptoms
Usually symptoms of low potassium are mild. At times they can be vague. You may have more than one symptom involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart, and nerves.
•Weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis)
•Tingling or numbness
•Nausea or vomiting
•Abdominal cramping, bloating
•Constipation
•Palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly)
•Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time
•Fainting due to low blood pressure
•Abnormal psychological behavior: depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What to Tell the Unbelievers
I think I've decided that I will tell people I have AIMSCP disease. When they ask what it is, just say it's hard to pronounce and hard to explain and leave it at that. LOL But between you and me, it stands for: Auto-Immune, Musculo-Skeletal, Chronic Pain. LOL All of it is true, and they can't look it up to argue with you. LOL
Hope this puts a smile on your face and that you all have a pain free day.
Hope this puts a smile on your face and that you all have a pain free day.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I Had Need
I wrote this a long time ago for another reason, but after rereading it just a while ago, I think it applies to anyone suffering with Fibromyalgia as well. Most everything else on this page, I don't mind if you print it out when you need others to see it. This poem though is copyrighted and I ask that you email me for permission to print it or copy it somewhere else. All intellectual rights are reserved regardless. Email whisperwood8@sbcglobal.net for permission.
“I Had Need”
Copyright By Deborah Osborn Croke
09/07/89
Stronger than steel...no key to be found...
I screamed in pain yet there was no sound.
I lived in cycles of shame and of fear...
I couldn’t let the people get near...
Locked tight in battles of no results...
I lived my life in constant tumult.
Spinning the wheel with no yarn to weave...
Creating a void for wounds that won’t bleed.
I Had Need.
Urge and desires were often unmet...
Days were carried away in a mist...
Years passed quickly yet they never ended.
Though justice I sought...no one defended.
Peace was elusive and dreams died away...
I quit reaching and everything stayed...
Just as it was and may always be...
I Had Need
Dawn must come to every life.
One filled with joy, one with strife.
Dark before dawn-clouds lined with silver.
Peace flows in like a roaring river.
The dam must break before water can flow.
The river ran deep from out of my soul...
Tears stained my pillow and streaked in a race.
To carry the pain to some other place...
I Had Need
“I Had Need”
Copyright By Deborah Osborn Croke
09/07/89
Stronger than steel...no key to be found...
I screamed in pain yet there was no sound.
I lived in cycles of shame and of fear...
I couldn’t let the people get near...
Locked tight in battles of no results...
I lived my life in constant tumult.
Spinning the wheel with no yarn to weave...
Creating a void for wounds that won’t bleed.
I Had Need.
Urge and desires were often unmet...
Days were carried away in a mist...
Years passed quickly yet they never ended.
Though justice I sought...no one defended.
Peace was elusive and dreams died away...
I quit reaching and everything stayed...
Just as it was and may always be...
I Had Need
Dawn must come to every life.
One filled with joy, one with strife.
Dark before dawn-clouds lined with silver.
Peace flows in like a roaring river.
The dam must break before water can flow.
The river ran deep from out of my soul...
Tears stained my pillow and streaked in a race.
To carry the pain to some other place...
I Had Need
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Study on Magnesium and Malic Acid
Click on the heading title and it will take you to the site where this study was done on HealingWithNutrician.com
Magnesium and Malic Acid have a huge impact on Fibromyalgia and you can get both over the counter almost anywhere. I am already using Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese and Olive Leaf daily, but I have used Malic Acid in the past and it helps too a great deal. It doesn't mask our symptoms, it helps our bodies. These sites I recommend are not sales sites and I reference them because they have great information that will help us.
Some sites have copyrights and I can't copy the info, so I can only link you to them.
Magnesium and Malic Acid have a huge impact on Fibromyalgia and you can get both over the counter almost anywhere. I am already using Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese and Olive Leaf daily, but I have used Malic Acid in the past and it helps too a great deal. It doesn't mask our symptoms, it helps our bodies. These sites I recommend are not sales sites and I reference them because they have great information that will help us.
Some sites have copyrights and I can't copy the info, so I can only link you to them.
Malic Acid for Fibro and Why It Helps
Malic Acid, Energy, & Fibromyalgia
Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle-aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.
In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found. It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.
Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acids simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxias inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia that has been found in these patients.
Because of its obvious relationship to energy depletion during exercise, malic acid may be of benefit to healthy individuals interested in maximizing their energy production, as well as those with FM. In the rat it has been found that only tissue malate is depleted following exhaustive physical activity. Other key metabolites from the citric acid cycle needed for energy production were found to be unchanged. Because of this, a deficiency of malic acid has been hypothesized to be a major cause of physical exhaustion. The administration of malic acid to rats has been shown to elevate mitochondrial malate and increase mitochondrial respiration and energy production. Surprisingly, relatively small amounts of exogenous malic acid were required to increase mitochondrial energy production and ATP formation. Under hypoxic conditions there is an increased demand and utilization of malic acid, and this demand is normally met by increasing the synthesis of malic acid through gluconeogenesis and muscle protein
breakdown. This ultimately results in muscle breakdown and damage.
In a study on the effect of the oral administration of malic acid to rats, a significant increase in anaerobic endurance was found. Interestingly, the improvement in endurance was not accompanied by an increase in
carbohydrate and oxygen utilization, suggesting that malic acid has carbohydrate and oxygen-sparing effects. In addition, malic acid is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle positively correlated with physical activity. It has also been demonstrated that exercise-induced mitochondrial respiration is associated with an accumulation of malic acid. In humans, endurance training is associated with a significant increase in the enzymes involved with malic acid metabolism.
Because of the compelling evidence that malic acid plays a central role in energy production, especially during hypoxic conditions, malic acid supplements have been examined for their effects on FM. Subjective improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 - 2400 milligrams of malic acid, and this improvement was lost following the discontinuation of malic acid for 48 hours. While these studies also used magnesium supplements, due to the fact that magnesium is often low in FM patients, the rapid improvement following malic acid, as well as the rapid deterioration after discontinuation, suggests that malic acid is the most important component. This interesting theory of localized hypoxia in FM, and the ability of malic acid to overcome the block in energy production that this causes, should provide hope for those afflicted with FM. The potential for malic acid supplements, however, reaches much farther than FM. In light of malic acids ability to improve animal exercise performance, its potential for human athletes is particularly exciting.
Additionally, many hypoxia related conditions, such as respiratory and circulatory insufficiency, are associated with deficient energy production. Therefore, malic acid supplements may be of benefit in these conditions. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well. Lastly, malic acid may be of use as a general supplement aimed at ensuring an optimal level of malic acid within the cells, and thus, maintaining an optimal level of
energy production.
Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle-aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.
In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found. It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.
Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acids simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxias inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia that has been found in these patients.
Because of its obvious relationship to energy depletion during exercise, malic acid may be of benefit to healthy individuals interested in maximizing their energy production, as well as those with FM. In the rat it has been found that only tissue malate is depleted following exhaustive physical activity. Other key metabolites from the citric acid cycle needed for energy production were found to be unchanged. Because of this, a deficiency of malic acid has been hypothesized to be a major cause of physical exhaustion. The administration of malic acid to rats has been shown to elevate mitochondrial malate and increase mitochondrial respiration and energy production. Surprisingly, relatively small amounts of exogenous malic acid were required to increase mitochondrial energy production and ATP formation. Under hypoxic conditions there is an increased demand and utilization of malic acid, and this demand is normally met by increasing the synthesis of malic acid through gluconeogenesis and muscle protein
breakdown. This ultimately results in muscle breakdown and damage.
In a study on the effect of the oral administration of malic acid to rats, a significant increase in anaerobic endurance was found. Interestingly, the improvement in endurance was not accompanied by an increase in
carbohydrate and oxygen utilization, suggesting that malic acid has carbohydrate and oxygen-sparing effects. In addition, malic acid is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle positively correlated with physical activity. It has also been demonstrated that exercise-induced mitochondrial respiration is associated with an accumulation of malic acid. In humans, endurance training is associated with a significant increase in the enzymes involved with malic acid metabolism.
Because of the compelling evidence that malic acid plays a central role in energy production, especially during hypoxic conditions, malic acid supplements have been examined for their effects on FM. Subjective improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 - 2400 milligrams of malic acid, and this improvement was lost following the discontinuation of malic acid for 48 hours. While these studies also used magnesium supplements, due to the fact that magnesium is often low in FM patients, the rapid improvement following malic acid, as well as the rapid deterioration after discontinuation, suggests that malic acid is the most important component. This interesting theory of localized hypoxia in FM, and the ability of malic acid to overcome the block in energy production that this causes, should provide hope for those afflicted with FM. The potential for malic acid supplements, however, reaches much farther than FM. In light of malic acids ability to improve animal exercise performance, its potential for human athletes is particularly exciting.
Additionally, many hypoxia related conditions, such as respiratory and circulatory insufficiency, are associated with deficient energy production. Therefore, malic acid supplements may be of benefit in these conditions. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well. Lastly, malic acid may be of use as a general supplement aimed at ensuring an optimal level of malic acid within the cells, and thus, maintaining an optimal level of
energy production.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Explanation of Why We are Low On Certain Vitamins
FMS sufferers have one symptom that makes us prone to low levels of some vitamins. Frequent Urination. Water Soluable Vitamins wash out of our systems in our urine. If we "go" more often, we also lose more vitamins.
Click on the heading to see a list of Water Soluable Vitamins. That page is only a partial list of water soluable vitamins though. Potassium and several others are also something Fibro sufferers need daily and are usually low on.
Click on the heading to see a list of Water Soluable Vitamins. That page is only a partial list of water soluable vitamins though. Potassium and several others are also something Fibro sufferers need daily and are usually low on.
Guafenasin Protocol
Click on the Heading to go to the site where this is posted. I can't copy anything in here that is on their page, but can link you to their site.
Fibromyalgia Warning Sign
I found this from someone on the Facebook Fibro360 website and thought it was adorable. Thought you all might enjoy it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
More Fibro Symptoms and Info Sites
From www.Fibrohugs.org
Monday, 01 March 2004
Posted by Perdita (B.C.) on www.fibrohugs.org
I compiled this list from my doctor's office Fibro Awareness pamphlet (Dr. L. Lacroix), the British Columbia Fibromyalgia Society, and from correlating fibro symptoms discovered here on the Fibrohugs forums and chats. You don't need ALL of these symptoms to have FMS, but chances are you have a great portion of them. Accompanying symptoms are used to positively diagnose one with FMS if the patient shows signs of FMS but doesn't have the 11 sensitive tender points that are used for diagnosis. Deep muscle acupuncture along the tender points and tender point meridians can also be used to positively diagnose FMS, even though most countries and insurance agencies will not take an acupuncturists diagnosis unless it is backed by a medical doctor. Found at http://www.fibrohugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10301&Itemid=34
Please DON'T SELF DIAGNOSE! Use this list to help journal your symptoms and any progression you feel you are experiencing and CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. If your doctor isn't willing to even consider looking into your problems, then "shop around." But be sure to have appropriate medical consultation on your health.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ recurrent flu-like illness
__ recurrent sore throats, red and injected
__ painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck
__ muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them
__ night sweats and fever
__ severe nasal and other allergies
__ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
__ weight change - usually gain
__ heart palpitations
__ mitral valve prolapse
__ severe PMS
__ yeast infections
__ rashes and itching
__ uncomfortable or frequent urination
__ interstitial bladder cystitis
__ chest pains (non-cardiac)
__ temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw)
__ hair loss
__ carpal tunnel syndrome
__ cold hands and feet
__ dry eyes and mouth
__ severe and debilitating fatigue
__ widespread pain
__ other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.)
__ numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles
__ painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck
__ GERDs (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder)
__ “growing pains” start in childhood and teens, continue into adulthood
__ widespread body pain during/after physical exertion
Found at http://www.fibrohugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10301&Itemid=34
COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS:
__ attention deficit disorder
__ spatial disorientation
__ calculation difficulties
__ memory disturbance
__ communication difficulties (problems speaking, confusing words)
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ depression
__ anxiety and panic attacks
__ personality changes, usually for the worse
__ emotional lability (mood swings)
OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS:
__ sleep disturbances
__ headaches
__ changes in visual acuity
__ numb or tingling feelings
__ burning sensations
__ light headedness
__ feeling 'spaced out'
__ desequilibrium
__ frequent unusual nightmares and disturbing dreams
__ tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
__ difficulty in moving your tongue to speak
__ severe muscle weakness
__ susceptibility to muscle, tendon, ligament injury
__ intolerance to bright lights
__ intolerance to alcohol
__ intolerance to sound
__ extreme sensitivity to medications and their side-effects
__ alteration of taste, smell, and hearing
__ insomnia
__ inability to achieve stage 4 restorative sleep
__ morning stiffness in the muscles and joints
__ restless leg syndrome
__ muscle spasms
__ muscle quakiness and shivering during/after activity or exercise
__ sleep paralysis (related to stage 4 sleep deprivation)
Last Updated ( Sunday, 31 May 2009 )
Monday, 01 March 2004
Posted by Perdita (B.C.) on www.fibrohugs.org
I compiled this list from my doctor's office Fibro Awareness pamphlet (Dr. L. Lacroix), the British Columbia Fibromyalgia Society, and from correlating fibro symptoms discovered here on the Fibrohugs forums and chats. You don't need ALL of these symptoms to have FMS, but chances are you have a great portion of them. Accompanying symptoms are used to positively diagnose one with FMS if the patient shows signs of FMS but doesn't have the 11 sensitive tender points that are used for diagnosis. Deep muscle acupuncture along the tender points and tender point meridians can also be used to positively diagnose FMS, even though most countries and insurance agencies will not take an acupuncturists diagnosis unless it is backed by a medical doctor. Found at http://www.fibrohugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10301&Itemid=34
Please DON'T SELF DIAGNOSE! Use this list to help journal your symptoms and any progression you feel you are experiencing and CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. If your doctor isn't willing to even consider looking into your problems, then "shop around." But be sure to have appropriate medical consultation on your health.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ recurrent flu-like illness
__ recurrent sore throats, red and injected
__ painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck
__ muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them
__ night sweats and fever
__ severe nasal and other allergies
__ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
__ weight change - usually gain
__ heart palpitations
__ mitral valve prolapse
__ severe PMS
__ yeast infections
__ rashes and itching
__ uncomfortable or frequent urination
__ interstitial bladder cystitis
__ chest pains (non-cardiac)
__ temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw)
__ hair loss
__ carpal tunnel syndrome
__ cold hands and feet
__ dry eyes and mouth
__ severe and debilitating fatigue
__ widespread pain
__ other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.)
__ numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles
__ painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck
__ GERDs (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder)
__ “growing pains” start in childhood and teens, continue into adulthood
__ widespread body pain during/after physical exertion
Found at http://www.fibrohugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10301&Itemid=34
COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS:
__ attention deficit disorder
__ spatial disorientation
__ calculation difficulties
__ memory disturbance
__ communication difficulties (problems speaking, confusing words)
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ depression
__ anxiety and panic attacks
__ personality changes, usually for the worse
__ emotional lability (mood swings)
OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS:
__ sleep disturbances
__ headaches
__ changes in visual acuity
__ numb or tingling feelings
__ burning sensations
__ light headedness
__ feeling 'spaced out'
__ desequilibrium
__ frequent unusual nightmares and disturbing dreams
__ tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
__ difficulty in moving your tongue to speak
__ severe muscle weakness
__ susceptibility to muscle, tendon, ligament injury
__ intolerance to bright lights
__ intolerance to alcohol
__ intolerance to sound
__ extreme sensitivity to medications and their side-effects
__ alteration of taste, smell, and hearing
__ insomnia
__ inability to achieve stage 4 restorative sleep
__ morning stiffness in the muscles and joints
__ restless leg syndrome
__ muscle spasms
__ muscle quakiness and shivering during/after activity or exercise
__ sleep paralysis (related to stage 4 sleep deprivation)
Last Updated ( Sunday, 31 May 2009 )
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Info Sites
This link will take you to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
The 1st list of symptoms on the article below this one are from this website.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. The word “fibromyalgia” comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).
Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Like arthritis, however, fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person’s ability to carry on daily activities. Also like arthritis, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition, a medical condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.
In addition to pain and fatigue, people who have fibromyalgia may experience a variety of other symptoms including:
cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)
sleep disturbances
morning stiffness
headaches
irritable bowel syndrome
painful menstrual periods
numbness or tingling of the extremities
restless legs syndrome
temperature sensitivity
sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. A syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but are not related to a specific, identifiable cause. A disease, on the other hand, has a specific cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms.
Most people don't know that Fibro patients are light and sound sensitive, but it's common. It wasn't listed with the other common symptoms when I was first diagnosed back in 1989 after I was in two car wrecks within 7 months of each other in 1988. After the second time (when I was hit by a pickup truck driver whose brakes failed) the pain just never went away. I was diagnosed the year after the two car wrecks. They are getting much more familiar with what is and isn't part of Fibromyalgia now and even I am finding more things in common with other Fibro patients I get to know that none of us associated with Fibromyalgia previously. Doctors don't listen enough and we don't get to talk with others enough for any of us to get familiar with just what all we have in common. Thankfully there are some good online sites to read and post to that are helping with that, such as Fibro360 on facebook at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1096924668272&mbox_pos=0#/Fibro360?ref=ts
The 1st list of symptoms on the article below this one are from this website.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms. The word “fibromyalgia” comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).
Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis (a disease of the joints) because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or other tissues. Like arthritis, however, fibromyalgia can cause significant pain and fatigue, and it can interfere with a person’s ability to carry on daily activities. Also like arthritis, fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition, a medical condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.
In addition to pain and fatigue, people who have fibromyalgia may experience a variety of other symptoms including:
cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)
sleep disturbances
morning stiffness
headaches
irritable bowel syndrome
painful menstrual periods
numbness or tingling of the extremities
restless legs syndrome
temperature sensitivity
sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. A syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur together but are not related to a specific, identifiable cause. A disease, on the other hand, has a specific cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms.
Most people don't know that Fibro patients are light and sound sensitive, but it's common. It wasn't listed with the other common symptoms when I was first diagnosed back in 1989 after I was in two car wrecks within 7 months of each other in 1988. After the second time (when I was hit by a pickup truck driver whose brakes failed) the pain just never went away. I was diagnosed the year after the two car wrecks. They are getting much more familiar with what is and isn't part of Fibromyalgia now and even I am finding more things in common with other Fibro patients I get to know that none of us associated with Fibromyalgia previously. Doctors don't listen enough and we don't get to talk with others enough for any of us to get familiar with just what all we have in common. Thankfully there are some good online sites to read and post to that are helping with that, such as Fibro360 on facebook at this link:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1096924668272&mbox_pos=0#/Fibro360?ref=ts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Fibro Symptoms and Vitamins
Click on any article heading (title) and if there is a link to a website, it will take you there. This article heading will take you to the National Fibromyalgia Associate website which is very helpful.
Here are some common symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
Symptoms
Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, and leg cramps
Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Tension or migraine headaches
Jaw and facial tenderness
Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
Feeling anxious or depressed
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
Painful menstrual periods
Dizziness
Fibromyalgia symptoms may intensify depending on the time of day -- morning, late afternoon, and evening tend to be the worst times, while 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tends to be the best time. They may also get worse with fatigue, tension, inactivity, changes in the weather, cold or drafty conditions, overexertion, hormonal fluctuations (such as just before your period or during menopause), stress, depression, or other emotional factors. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated early, symptoms can go on indefinitely, or they may disappear for months and then recur.
Call Your Doctor About Fibromyalgia If: You have chronic muscle pain and overwhelming fatigue.
This is from another Fibromyalgia website:
Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and arthritis.
Pain
The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
Fatigue
In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina
Sleep problems
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
Other symptoms/overlapping conditions
Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud's Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.
I have been having decreased pain and much better sleep when I began taking daily supplements of Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Olive Leaf, and a Watkins products supplement called "Hair, Skin, and Nails" which has many different really good ingredients it it. You can find all the info on this Watkins product at:
http://www.watkinsonline.com/pdf/products/02270.pdf
All the other supplements can be found in any vitamin section at your grocery store and they are none of them expensive.
If you want to order the Watkins supplement, my associate ID is #368789 and you can order at www.watkinsonline.com (with my name, Deborah Croke and my ID # 368789). I'm not on this blog to sell, but if you want that particular supplement product that is where you have to get it. It costs $15.99 plus S&H.
The other products cost between $3.00 and $10 over the counter at health food stores or vitamin setions at the grocery store.
Here is the info on these vitamins and minerals and how they help with Fibro.
One of the ingredients in the Watkins Hair Skin and Nails is:
• Red Grape Anthocyanosides: Responsible for
the red color of grapes and berries, these are special
flavonoids that increase the strength of the
capillaries that deliver nutrients and oxygen to
the skin, follicles and nail beds.*
I recently read an article online about how Fibro patients have a problem with their cells not absorbing oxygen from their blood stream. This product helps oxygenate your blood cells.
Magnesium helps with:
Cluster headaches.
Migraine headaches.
Asthma attacks, when given intravenously.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Weakened bones (osteoporosis).
Preventing type 2 diabetes in overweight, middle-aged women, when magnesium is obtained from foods. More evidence is needed to know if magnesium helps treat diabetes.
Pregnancy-related leg cramps.
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Diseases of heart valves (mitral valve prolapse).
High cholesterol.
Chest pain due to artery disease.
Kidney stones.
Hearing loss in people exposed to loud noise.
Fibromyalgia pain, when used with malic acid.
Metabolic syndrome (a condition that increases risk for diabetes and heart disease).
Nerve pain caused by cancer.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)and Fibromyalgia.
Pain after a hysterectomy.
Decreasing the risk of stroke.
A lung disease called Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Possibly Ineffective for:Helping to restart the heart.
Improving energy and endurance during athletic activity.
Cerebral palsy, when given in the vein of premature infants.
Heart attack.
Magnesium is safe for most people when taken by mouth or when the prescription-only, injectable product is used correctly. In some people, magnesium might cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.
Doses less than 350 mg per day are safe for most adults. When taken in very large amounts, magnesium might be unsafe. Large doses might cause too much magnesium to build up in the body causing serious side effects including an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
Magnesium is safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in the amounts recommended. These amounts depend on the age of the woman. Check with your healthcare professional to find out what amounts are right for you.
Do not take magnesium if:
You have a heart problem called "heart block."
You have kidney problems such as kidney failure.
Potassium:
Note: I was told by a dietician that people with Fibromyalgia and/or Diabetes (I have both) have frequent urination and most of us should take potassium either in foods or supplements daily. Potassium is a water soluable vitamin and it washes out of our systems in urine. Most Fibro patients have some degree of low potassium levels.
Effective for:Low blood potassium (hypokalemia).
Possibly Effective for:High blood pressure.
High calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria).
Preventing stroke.
Insufficient Evidence for:Insulin resistance, heart attack, menopausal symptoms, fatigue and mood swings in early menopause, infant colic, allergies, headaches, acne, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, blurred vision, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia, colitis, confusion, constipation, skin problems, fluid retention, fever, gout, insomnia, irritability, Menière's disease, muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, stress, myasthenia gravis, and many other uses.
Interactions:
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combinationMedications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking potassium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking potassium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium to be in the blood.
Some medications for high blood pressure include losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), eprosartan (Teveten), and others.
Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some "water pills" can increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with potassium might cause too much potassium to be in the body.
Some "water pills" that increase potassium in the body include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium).
Manganese:
Manganese is a mineral. It is found in several foods including nuts, legumes, seeds, tea, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. People also use manganese as medicine.
How does it work?
Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in many chemical processes in the body, including metabolism of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein. It might also be involved in bone formation.
Treating or preventing low manganese levels in the body (manganese deficiency).
Possibly Effective for:Use with calcium, zinc, and copper for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Insufficient Evidence for:Anemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis (osteoarthritis), and other conditions.
Possible Side Effects:
Manganese is safe for most adults in amounts up to 11 mg per day. More than 11 mg per day might not be safe. Excess manganese can cause serious side effects, including symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease such as tremors. People who have trouble getting rid of manganese from the body, such as people with liver disease, may get side effects when taking less than 11 mg per day.
Check supplement labels carefully for "hidden" manganese. Some supplements (e.g., Cosamin and Cosamin DS) provide more than 11 mg per day when used according to the directions on the label.
The amount of manganese which is safe for children depends on their age. Discuss the appropriate amount with your healthcare professional before giving manganese to children.
Do not take manganese if:
You have liver problems, without the help of a healthcare professional.
Manganese can build up in people with liver problems and cause tremors, mental problems such as psychosis, and other side effects.
Possible Interactions:
Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with MANGANESE
Manganese might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking manganese along with some antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. To avoid this interaction take manganese supplements at least one hour after antibiotics.
Some of these antibiotics that might interact with manganese include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with MANGANESE
Manganese can attach to tetracyclines in the stomach. This decreases the amount of tetracyclines that can be absorbed. Taking manganese with tetracyclines might decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction take manganese two hours before or four hours after taking tetracyclines.
Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
Olive Leaf:
Likely Effective for:Use as a mild laxative for constipation.
Possibly Effective for:Lowering cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels.
Lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Reducing the risk of heart diseases and heart attack.
Decreasing the chance of getting serious conditions like breast cancer and colorectal cancer. However, there is no evidence olive oil can help treat these conditions.
Possibly Ineffective for:Softening earwax.
Treating pain associated with ear infections.
Some Evidence for:Diabetes, gallstones, liver disorders, migraine headache, gas, minor burns, skin conditions, hayfever, lice, infections such as the flu, the common cold, meningitis, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), herpes, shingles, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, urinary tract and surgical infections, osteoarthritis , rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.
Possible interactions with Olive Leaf or Olive Oil:
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with OLIVE
Olive and olive oil might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking olive oil along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with OLIVE
Olive seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking olive along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
There is a more complete article on Olive Leaf in another two articles on this blog page. I've got diabetes and Fibro among other things and I've taken Olive Leaf for over 11 years with no bad side effects. It's a natural anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. Of course everyone is different and anyone can have a reaction to almost anything, so just be aware.
These products have helped me a great deal and I began taking them a few weeks ago on a daily basis and have been sleeping better and have been taking much less pain medication and having way less pain and hardly any restless leg syndrome symptoms compared to before the daily use.
Check it out and see if it helps you as well.
God Bless.
Here are some common symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
Symptoms
Chronic muscle pain, muscle spasms or tightness, and leg cramps
Moderate or severe fatigue and decreased energy Insomnia or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep
Stiffness upon waking or after staying in one position for too long
Difficulty remembering, concentrating, and performing simple mental tasks
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and constipation alternating with diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)
Tension or migraine headaches
Jaw and facial tenderness
Sensitivity to one or more of the following: odors, noise, bright lights, medications, certain foods, and cold
Feeling anxious or depressed
Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Increase in urinary urgency or frequency (irritable bladder)
Reduced tolerance for exercise and muscle pain after exercise A feeling of swelling (without actual swelling) in the hands and feet
Painful menstrual periods
Dizziness
Fibromyalgia symptoms may intensify depending on the time of day -- morning, late afternoon, and evening tend to be the worst times, while 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tends to be the best time. They may also get worse with fatigue, tension, inactivity, changes in the weather, cold or drafty conditions, overexertion, hormonal fluctuations (such as just before your period or during menopause), stress, depression, or other emotional factors. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated early, symptoms can go on indefinitely, or they may disappear for months and then recur.
Call Your Doctor About Fibromyalgia If: You have chronic muscle pain and overwhelming fatigue.
This is from another Fibromyalgia website:
Chronic widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. Most people with fibromyalgia also experience moderate to extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, light, and sound, and cognitive difficulties. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus and arthritis.
Pain
The pain of fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread. It can migrate to all parts of the body and vary in intensity. FM pain has been described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscular aching, throbbing, and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors that affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress.
Fatigue
In today's world many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired after a particularly busy day or after a sleepless night. The fatigue of FM is an all-encompassing exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Symptoms include profound exhaustion and poor stamina
Sleep problems
Many fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the Stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.
Other symptoms/overlapping conditions
Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, Raynaud's Syndrome, neurological symptoms, and impaired coordination.
I have been having decreased pain and much better sleep when I began taking daily supplements of Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Olive Leaf, and a Watkins products supplement called "Hair, Skin, and Nails" which has many different really good ingredients it it. You can find all the info on this Watkins product at:
http://www.watkinsonline.com/pdf/products/02270.pdf
All the other supplements can be found in any vitamin section at your grocery store and they are none of them expensive.
If you want to order the Watkins supplement, my associate ID is #368789 and you can order at www.watkinsonline.com (with my name, Deborah Croke and my ID # 368789). I'm not on this blog to sell, but if you want that particular supplement product that is where you have to get it. It costs $15.99 plus S&H.
The other products cost between $3.00 and $10 over the counter at health food stores or vitamin setions at the grocery store.
Here is the info on these vitamins and minerals and how they help with Fibro.
One of the ingredients in the Watkins Hair Skin and Nails is:
• Red Grape Anthocyanosides: Responsible for
the red color of grapes and berries, these are special
flavonoids that increase the strength of the
capillaries that deliver nutrients and oxygen to
the skin, follicles and nail beds.*
I recently read an article online about how Fibro patients have a problem with their cells not absorbing oxygen from their blood stream. This product helps oxygenate your blood cells.
Magnesium helps with:
Cluster headaches.
Migraine headaches.
Asthma attacks, when given intravenously.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Weakened bones (osteoporosis).
Preventing type 2 diabetes in overweight, middle-aged women, when magnesium is obtained from foods. More evidence is needed to know if magnesium helps treat diabetes.
Pregnancy-related leg cramps.
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Diseases of heart valves (mitral valve prolapse).
High cholesterol.
Chest pain due to artery disease.
Kidney stones.
Hearing loss in people exposed to loud noise.
Fibromyalgia pain, when used with malic acid.
Metabolic syndrome (a condition that increases risk for diabetes and heart disease).
Nerve pain caused by cancer.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)and Fibromyalgia.
Pain after a hysterectomy.
Decreasing the risk of stroke.
A lung disease called Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Possibly Ineffective for:Helping to restart the heart.
Improving energy and endurance during athletic activity.
Cerebral palsy, when given in the vein of premature infants.
Heart attack.
Magnesium is safe for most people when taken by mouth or when the prescription-only, injectable product is used correctly. In some people, magnesium might cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.
Doses less than 350 mg per day are safe for most adults. When taken in very large amounts, magnesium might be unsafe. Large doses might cause too much magnesium to build up in the body causing serious side effects including an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
Magnesium is safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in the amounts recommended. These amounts depend on the age of the woman. Check with your healthcare professional to find out what amounts are right for you.
Do not take magnesium if:
You have a heart problem called "heart block."
You have kidney problems such as kidney failure.
Potassium:
Note: I was told by a dietician that people with Fibromyalgia and/or Diabetes (I have both) have frequent urination and most of us should take potassium either in foods or supplements daily. Potassium is a water soluable vitamin and it washes out of our systems in urine. Most Fibro patients have some degree of low potassium levels.
Effective for:Low blood potassium (hypokalemia).
Possibly Effective for:High blood pressure.
High calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria).
Preventing stroke.
Insufficient Evidence for:Insulin resistance, heart attack, menopausal symptoms, fatigue and mood swings in early menopause, infant colic, allergies, headaches, acne, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, blurred vision, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia, colitis, confusion, constipation, skin problems, fluid retention, fever, gout, insomnia, irritability, Menière's disease, muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, stress, myasthenia gravis, and many other uses.
Interactions:
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combinationMedications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking potassium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium in the blood.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase potassium levels in the blood. Taking potassium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much potassium to be in the blood.
Some medications for high blood pressure include losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), eprosartan (Teveten), and others.
Water pills (Potassium-sparing diuretics) interacts with POTASSIUM
Some "water pills" can increase potassium levels in the body. Taking some "water pills" along with potassium might cause too much potassium to be in the body.
Some "water pills" that increase potassium in the body include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium).
Manganese:
Manganese is a mineral. It is found in several foods including nuts, legumes, seeds, tea, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. People also use manganese as medicine.
How does it work?
Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in many chemical processes in the body, including metabolism of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein. It might also be involved in bone formation.
Treating or preventing low manganese levels in the body (manganese deficiency).
Possibly Effective for:Use with calcium, zinc, and copper for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Insufficient Evidence for:Anemia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis (osteoarthritis), and other conditions.
Possible Side Effects:
Manganese is safe for most adults in amounts up to 11 mg per day. More than 11 mg per day might not be safe. Excess manganese can cause serious side effects, including symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease such as tremors. People who have trouble getting rid of manganese from the body, such as people with liver disease, may get side effects when taking less than 11 mg per day.
Check supplement labels carefully for "hidden" manganese. Some supplements (e.g., Cosamin and Cosamin DS) provide more than 11 mg per day when used according to the directions on the label.
The amount of manganese which is safe for children depends on their age. Discuss the appropriate amount with your healthcare professional before giving manganese to children.
Do not take manganese if:
You have liver problems, without the help of a healthcare professional.
Manganese can build up in people with liver problems and cause tremors, mental problems such as psychosis, and other side effects.
Possible Interactions:
Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) interacts with MANGANESE
Manganese might decrease how much antibiotic the body absorbs. Taking manganese along with some antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. To avoid this interaction take manganese supplements at least one hour after antibiotics.
Some of these antibiotics that might interact with manganese include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with MANGANESE
Manganese can attach to tetracyclines in the stomach. This decreases the amount of tetracyclines that can be absorbed. Taking manganese with tetracyclines might decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction take manganese two hours before or four hours after taking tetracyclines.
Some tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
Olive Leaf:
Likely Effective for:Use as a mild laxative for constipation.
Possibly Effective for:Lowering cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels.
Lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Reducing the risk of heart diseases and heart attack.
Decreasing the chance of getting serious conditions like breast cancer and colorectal cancer. However, there is no evidence olive oil can help treat these conditions.
Possibly Ineffective for:Softening earwax.
Treating pain associated with ear infections.
Some Evidence for:Diabetes, gallstones, liver disorders, migraine headache, gas, minor burns, skin conditions, hayfever, lice, infections such as the flu, the common cold, meningitis, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), herpes, shingles, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, urinary tract and surgical infections, osteoarthritis , rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.
Possible interactions with Olive Leaf or Olive Oil:
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with OLIVE
Olive and olive oil might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking olive oil along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with OLIVE
Olive seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking olive along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
There is a more complete article on Olive Leaf in another two articles on this blog page. I've got diabetes and Fibro among other things and I've taken Olive Leaf for over 11 years with no bad side effects. It's a natural anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. Of course everyone is different and anyone can have a reaction to almost anything, so just be aware.
These products have helped me a great deal and I began taking them a few weeks ago on a daily basis and have been sleeping better and have been taking much less pain medication and having way less pain and hardly any restless leg syndrome symptoms compared to before the daily use.
Check it out and see if it helps you as well.
God Bless.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Good News for Diabetes
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.
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.
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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