DOM'S NEWSLETTER
January 4, 2010
A Christian-based newsletter for people with Fibromyalgia (FMS),
Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), or Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and their families.
"Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill
the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
21 TOPICS below - don't miss the RED ones! Readers' comments in BLACK. My comments in
TEAL.
1. READERS
WRITE
"Thank you for your hard work and inspiring,
helpful newsletter. May God give us all faith, courage and
perseverance in the coming New Year... I'm pretty sure we're going to need
it!!"
"I found your website www.fms-help.com filled with
excellent information on FMS. I have had the disease for
4 years and am learning how to make the best life that I can given the
limitations."
"I am really enjoying reading the emails
that you sent me. I feel optimistic."
2. FIBERS IN CLOTHING
IRRITATE
Reader 1--
"One of your readers in the last newsletter www.fms-help.com/122009.htm talked
about fibers bothering her - I too have that problem - it started with tags in
my clothes at first, so I had to remove them all before I could where them. I
couldn't wear underwire bras either. Then it was most anything except I do
best with cotton - and things that do not have much texture. It is hard to find
clothes that are all cotton so I can tolerate a mixture with mostly cotton.
Synthetics like acrylic or polyester are bad because they irritate and they
don't breathe. Such is the life of managing the fibro."
Reader 2--
"This sounds exactly like I wrote this. I feel
your pain. I went shopping recently (for the first time in awhile) with a
friend and rubbed my eyes the whole time. I was in misery!"
FROM DOM: This reader probably
has multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).
Reader 3--
"I was reading your Dec, 30th newsletter www.fms-help.com/122009.htm and a
lady had mentioned something about fabrics making her itch, and I was amazed, I
have thought I was just super picky or just crazy, because I can't stand to
touch some fabrics let alone being able to wear them, I have tried (with great
difficulty) to stick 100% cotton and occasionally silk. I can't even begin to
think about wearing polyester, or any of it's blends, and there are countless
other fabrics I simply just can't bear to wear, they acctually cause me pain
and discomfort. My family hates going shopping with or for
me."
FROM DOM: I too cannot
stand labels scratching me or rough fabrics. Stopped wearing denim jeans
ages ago and went to soft cotton jersey. And I highly prefer smooth, soft
fabrics, whether cotton or synthetic doesn't seem to bother me, but texture
does. In a past newsletter I talked about the book: "TOO LOUD, TOO BRIGHT, TOO FAST, TOO TIGHT - What to Do If
You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World" by Sharon
Heller. I highly recommend it! The book describes
me and lots of other folks with FMS/CFS.
3. SLOW CHEMICAL
SUICIDE?
From a reader--
"I
personally am not afraid at all of death. I know that when I die, I will be in
heaven with Jesus. I am afraid of not being able to take care of myself. I
am afraid of these companies that are continuing to put out these chemicals that
are destroying our lives. As long as I avoid chemicals that bother me-
unscented and organic everything, and gluten, and chemical foods, and take my
supplements, I feel pretty good most of the time. This is, however, expensive. I
resent, however, having to go to such great lengths to protect myself and my
family, while companies continue to put out chemical foods, clothes, and air
fresheners, and I watch other families destroy themselves while they have no
idea what they are doing. Complaining about their kids allergies while they
continue to use toxic hair spray, cologne, air freshener , nail polish with
formaldehyde etc and feed them sodas, chicken nuggets, no vegetables etc etc.
And wonder why their kids are not well. Wake up folks.I have to pay for my
supplements, and also for my insurance which covers no alternative care. I
do realize, how blessed I am that I can afford this. But how many that have what
I have, CAN'T? What are they going to do? Don't get me wrong. I am extremely
blessed- and reading Dom's newsletter makes me realize how much, that I learned
how to take care of my problems through alternative health, and that during this
whole time, I have been able to continue working. That i have a supportive
family etc etc. But the idea that these powerful industries are continuing to
get away with the destruction of our lives, while we sit around and watch
"Survivor" and "American Idol" frightens me."
4. GREAT TASTE, NO
PAIN
Mentioned by a reader--
Written by health researcher Sherry Brescia, Great Taste, No Pain, promises to be
the proven method for anyone who wants to cure digestive disorders
without drugs, surgery, or bland foods. After suffering
for more than a decade with bloating of the stomach, excruciating
cramps, embarrassing gas, and either painful diarrhea or agonizing constipation
and a week-long hospital stay, Sherry was diagnosed with irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) and prescribed a powerful drug that she was told she would have
to take three times a day – indefinitely. When that drug produced the
terrible side effects of migranes and allergies, she was prescribed two more
medications to treat the side effects.
Great Taste, No Pain will
teach you how to identify Type A, type B and Type C foods.
- Type A foods are relatively neutral and pass through your
stomach with little or no digestive enzymes required to break them down.
- Type B foods require alkaline digestive enzymes to break
down, beginning in the mouth with the enzyme ptyalin and continuing in the
stomach and small intestine.
- Type C foods require powerful acids to be broken down,
namely hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach.
Once you know what types of foods you’re eating, combining them properly will
be a snap:
- Type A + Type B Foods = Okay
- Type A + Type C Foods = Okay
- Type B + Type C Foods = PAIN
5. GROWING UP
SPIRITUALLY
From a reader--
This is part of the Transformations
Devotional I read today! Thought I would share! - Tuesday /
December 29, 2009
"When I was a child, I spake as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put
away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).
Sometimes we like
our comfortable spiritual nest and fail to grow up into mature believers. The
Apostle Paul had much to say to the new Christians living in Corinth. He was
looking for followers of Christ who were ready to feed on the meat of the Word,
but instead he found selfishness, jealousy, and strife (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).
The writer to the Hebrews was also concerned about the lack of spiritual
maturity in believers when he penned: "For every one that useth milk is
unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews
5:13-14).
What about you? Do you want just enough of Christ to get into
heaven, or have you grown up in the Lord? The testimony of your salvation
experience is not the only thing you should be sharing. If you are chewing on
the meat of God's Word, your prayer life will be vibrant, and your testimony
will reflect what God is teaching you in your life today! "But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter
3:18a).
Lord, thank You for Your patient love that pushes me to trust You
more. Give me a new hunger for You and Your Word today, so I will become the
mature person in Christ that You desire. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
FROM
DOM: Good points! My personal salvation story "Religious but Lost"
is at www.fms-help.com/salvation.htm.
But GROWING in grace is an ongoing experience....to grow in Christ, I need to
read the Bible and pray every day, and keep relationships right with other
people, as far as it depends on me.
6. DRUG SIDE EFFECTS CAUSING
SYMPTOMS
From a reader in the medical field--
"I recommend for all of your readers to take
their prescription (and non prescription) drugs to their local drugstore and ask
if any of them might becausing their symptoms. Patients can also check www.rxlist.com
which also will give side effects of drugs and how common they
are.
I have worked with patients who
discovered their neuropathy pains and joint aches and pains which had gradually
been increasing had been caused by their statin drugs.
Muscle pains are a well known side effects of statin
drugs, but many are not aware of nerve pain and joint pain as well.
According to an endo I work with, correcting a Vitamin D
deficiency can stop that kind of statin induced pain. Have your
doctor check a 25 hydroxy vitamin D level.
One patient who was a
younger woman in her 20's was on a service connected discharge from active duty
due to fibro and also had IBS. Well it turns out that during the service
she had been having severe migraines and started on an anticonvulsant drug for
this. She was reading through her chart and discovered that one doctor
thought she might be having a drug side effect (this was the only drug she was
on at the time). She stopped her anticonvulsant drug, and her symptoms were GONE
(and she no longer had migraines).
So please be aware that if you
are on prescription drugs, take a chance to find out if they might be causing
your problems."
FROM DOM: I know it's not funny, but those drug
commercials on TV crack me up! They rattle off a
HAIR-RAISING list of side effects, then encourage you to try their
drug! Listen for those lists and you'll see what I
mean! I'm not downing prescription drugs - some are
very helpful, and I have to use some myself (my list is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm),
but this reader has done us a great favor by bringing up drug side effects
and interactions, especially the dangers of statin drugs for cholesterol.
I have high cholesterol but will not take statins.
7. PREGNANCY &
INSOMNIA
From a reader--
"Reading your story www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm
was so encouraging for me. Right now I am about as discouraged as I have ever
been. I can hardly think straight due to insomnia. I am a Christian mother of 2
[toddler and baby]. I have had trouble sleeping off and on since [my
nursing career], due to the high emotional stress, but insomnia never hit until
my 2nd pregnancy. I went 6 months with many 8-10 day stretches of no sleep of 30
minutes per day. I do not know the last time I slept more than 3 hours in a 24
hour period. I know my battle with insomnia is so short compared to yours, but
reading your story made me go "Yes! that is me. I feel like that too. I know
what she is saying." I want to sleep so bad. I want to have energy to go to
church and to take my children on walks, but anytime I exercise, I am
exhausted, it hurts, and then I do not sleep at all for 2 days. I long for my 1
hour sleeps that come every day or 2 usually. I just started on liquid
Magnesium/Calcium, but no relief yet (I can not find a prescription drug that
helps yet - ambien wakes me up, benadryl makes me drowsy, but has not helped me
ever fall asleep...). The doctors are confused, and I am
starting to give up hope of ever finding a help drug, let alone get cured. I
know God is faithful. He does provide grace, but this is a hard
trial."
FROM DOM: I sure feel for this reader! My
insomnia began at age 16. I am now 58 and finally managed fairly well for
sleep. A list of everything I've tried for sleep over the years is at
www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm. A
list of what I use now is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.
People who can sleep naturally have no idea of the wretched, life-wrecking
problem insomnia can be. Something goes wrong in the brain - maybe
hormones, maybe viruses attacking the sleep portion of the brain - who
knows?? All the usual advice, like drink a glass of milk, wind down before
bedtime, sleep in a dark room, etc. - none of this seems to help the kind of
insomnia that this reader, me and so many others have battled. If you know
how sleep works, please write dombush@bellsouth.net.
8. SPINAL MANIPULATIONS CAN BE
DAMAGING
From a reader--
"I wanted to add my fuel to the fire that yes, spinal
(and other) maniuplations can be so damaging to us! I read the story of the
reader who had the horrible osteopathic adjustments [see Dom's newsletter www.fms-help.com/123009.htm] and
it sent shivers down my spine! I had very similar problems from a chiro I saw
years ago...It set off a whole chain of horrible pain problems. I think we are
so much more sensitive to any kind of adjustments and body work than
"normals". Massage has done this to me also - I ended up in ER after
a a massage once and couldn't walk for weeks from severe sciatica.
I mentioned that I see an osteopath and it helps - I probably should have
added that Idoesn't mean all osteopaths are good or it's a good treatment for
all w/ FMS! My doc really understands FMS and is so gentle and careful. He
never cracks or moves bones or joints. He especially does not move my
head/neck/spine and told me never to let anyone do that! He also said
NEVER let someone crack my joints or bones. He works very gently using light
finger pressure on muscle trigger points, using extra pillows and heat to keep
me comfortable. The osteophic treatments have helped me a lot w/ acute
injuries (I avoided a knee surgery thanks to his hlp!) and some w/ FMS
muscle spasms.
I think we must be very careful of any body work, making sure
the doc/practitioner is very experienced w/ fibro and that they will listen
to us and immediately stop if we begin to feel discomfort. It only takes one bad
adjustment to do the damage! Even many MD's now advocate body work for FMS
and yet for many people it is intolerable. Plus there are many quacks out
there waiting to prey on people like us. I have to wonder about that an
osteopath who would fold someone into a horseshoe position and crack their
spine. I was told osteopathic treatment does not ever involve manipulating bones
but I suppose there are many different methods. How is it that these quacks can
get away with ruining lives and not have to pay a severe penalty? Makes me
angry!"
FROM DOM: That being said, I have had the
blessing of a gentle chiropractor for the past 15 years. I only have to see him
a few times a year, but he fixes me right up when things go haywire with my neck
or back. We moved away 8 years ago, but I still drive back to see him,
because I tried 5 chiropractors in my new locale and they either hurt me or were
ineffective for my situation. Beware of osteopaths and chiropractors who
don't know what they are doing, are careless or rough. Our fibro bodies
and nervous systems are very delicate. Our nervous system includes our
brain, neck and spine. I've been wondering lately if a lot of my FMS
problems weren't caused by being hit on the head by a snow shovel by a neighbor
girl around age 12 ....or maybe it was from having a large chunk of hair pulled
out of my head by a bully in our inner city neighborhood when I was growing
up.........or maybe it was the major car accident I was in at age 28 when I was
hit by a drunk driver.....or maybe it was the stress of my terrible first
marriage of 18 years......or the impossible boss I was working for?.......who
knows?! It all adds up to damage to the nervous system. FMS onset
was at age 30 in June of 1982 www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm.
9. ABOUT MS (MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS)
Reader 1--
"In September of 2001 I was
diagnosed with “possible MS”. I have lesions on my brain and my
spinal fluid tested positive for the MS antibodies. However, I
have never had any of the major symptoms (falling, chest paralysis, vision
problems, etc.) of MS and the lesions on my brain were not big enough to
classify them as MS lesions. MS is extremely hard to get a definite
diagnosis and my neurologist has told me that there are many people like myself
who cannot officially be diagnosed with MS, but yet test positive in some
areas. My fibro and chronic fatigue symptoms mimic many of the MS
symptoms, which makes it even harder to know if I in fact have MS. So I
have been “in limbo” with possible MS for just over 9 years. I have even
been advised to start taking the weekly injections for MS treatment, but I’m
just not convinced that the medication would make my life any better in regard
to pain, fatigue, brain fog, etc. I spent over five years trying to go to
different doctors to find out what or if I have MS or what—with absolutely no
answers. I’d be interested to know if any others with fibro or chronic
fatigue have brain lesions or have spinal fluid with MS positive test
results. Despite the possible MS, fibro and chronic fatigue I have managed
to have a third child in 2006 (at 42!), and have finished two masters degrees
and hope to find a full-time job teaching high school Business Education.
I have to take one day at a time and as I look back on the things I’ve
accomplished I don’t know how I’ve done it except for the grace and abiding
support of God along with a wonderful husband. Why does it always seem that those of us who want to do the most
are struck with these mystery illnesses and then when we complain or start
trying to find answers we are labeled as lazy, stupid, and just not
ambitious?!! Even some of my own family members do not
really believe I actually hurt or have chronic fatigue. I guess I do a
darn good job of “faking” that I’m perfectly healthy—like most of the people I
read about in your newsletter Dom, and even yourself!! I’ve been told more
than once that I need to be vocal about my pain and not be so silent about my
suffering. I guess that means I need to whine more and that’s just not
me!"
Reader 2--
"I have M.S. and fibro and M.E. and ten other
illnesses. ALSO, M.E. has been mistakenly dx'd as M.S. - but I
apparently DO have it. once I was dx'd with fibro, I was dx'd almost each
year with an additional and very real illness: scleroderma, diabetes,
diseased thyroid, Lichen Sclerosis which led to cancer; raynaud's, dental
probelms (that I am told is NORMAL for my illnesses): these dental
problems include my gums being eaten away wth acid; the dentis told me if
I was a young person sitting in her chair, she would accuse me of being
bullemic; there is acid destroying my teeth and gums; I also hae pain from
the 5th cranial nerve that is so horrible that when it flares for nine months at
a time, I dont think I can take it...I scream to God for relief. I have
many illnesses...all immune related....and the list continues."
FROM DOM: It sounds
like this reader desperately needs oxygen drops http://neveranoutbreak.com/oxygen.php?partner=FM5H1PDB
(which are also alkalizing) ......PLUS perhaps using the alkalizing drops
http://neveranoutbreak.com/alkalime.php?partner=FM5H1PDB in beverages. The oxygen
drops have made a HUGE difference in my health these past 5 months! I am
ever grateful to the reader who told me about them! I almost never have
fatigue, brain fog, crushing feelings in my chest, etc. anymore. My
husband said it was like I always needed more oxygen in my brain. It is
interesting to me that the drops not only oxygenate but also alkalize the
pH. This has helped a lot of problems I had and keeps viruses from taking
hold so easily. (ACID=PAIN).
10.
HOMEOPATHY
From a reader--
"Thanks for including the info on homeopathy www.fms-help.com/123009.htm.
I see an osteopathic doc for help managing my FMS pain (he does
cranial sacral and other maniuplations which help a lot). He is classically
trained in homeopathy. Fortunately he's been very helpful in offering basic
advice on homeopathic remedies, though I can't afford to see him for
homeopathic treatment as my insurance doesn't cover it. I'd like to
emphasize it's important to use caution with trying homeopathic remedies
and I'd recommend getting a doc trained in this method first if possible.
Homeopathic remedies can do more harm than good if they are
not the right formulation.. As the Mercola article said..."homeopathy is
harder to practice than allopathy. There are no cookie-cutter cures,
especially for chronic disease... Each patient’s health pattern is
unique, so each patient must be treated as an individual. A homeopath
must find a single remedy (among thousands of possible homeopathic remedies)
whose associated symptoms match those of the patient – not just their main
complaint, but their entire symptom picture that includes emotional, mental,
behavioral, as well as the physical symptoms of the entire body. It’s a daunting
task."
I once tried a remedy I bought at a healthfood store to
help w/ my fatigue. It made me feel worse and my pain was
horrific! I asked my doc (who is classically trained in homeopathy)
why I felt worse after trying the remedy. He told me the remedy I'd taken was to
stimulate energy in the adrenals and not at all what he'd recommend for
me. He said I don't have a problem with "lack of energy" in my
body because in order to feel the severe pain that I do, there has to be
lots of energy, especially in my nervous system. He said instead I would
need something to help channel and focus my energy into different
areas and calm my nervous system - then I'd have more
energy.
There are thousands of homeopathic remedies at any health food
store but honestly I wonder about the potency as they sit on the shelves for who
knows how long (exposed to heat, humidity, etc). I do think the remedies
you can buy can be good for some acute conditions like a cold or flu, a rash, or
even a sprain or muscle injury. I use one called "oscocillium" for the flu which
is great. Arnica cream helps me a lot w/ back strains. But when it comes to
complex issues I doubt the employee in the supplements dept at the health food
store has the expertise to chose the right one. For example there
are numerous remedies just for insomnia... homeopaths don't look at insominia as
the problem but rather try to find and treat the CAUSE of the insominia. It
could be stress from adrenal hormone imbalances, a hypothalamus
problem, anxiety related, pain or disease related, a
nutritional deficiency, or a host of other things. Once the cause
is determined, it is a whole other process of trial/error to find the right
dosage that works properly with your individual metabolism.
I wish homeopathy was an affordable option in the U.S.
I even think it's possible that a homeopathic doc may be the first to come
up with a remedy to treat XMRV - we can certainly
hope!"
11. MOBILE
HOMES
From a reader--
"I am very sensitive to chemicals. When I first moved into my mobile
home I had severe wheezing in my chest because of the formaldehyde. My
husband had to sprinkle baking soda all over the house and let
it sit for a day or so before vacuuming which helped."
FROM DOM: See more comments from readers
about mobile homes at www.fms-help.com/mobile.htm. I lived in a mobile home for over 5 years (in FL) and did
not have any trouble except that I had to have the ductwork replaced due to mold
from the previous owner (it had been through a hurricane). It was an
expensive project, but I have extremely bad mold sensitivity www.fms-help.com/mold.htm and was practically bedridden from flu-like symptoms before
I got my ductwork replaced (I had 2 companies come out and check the ducts - the
first one found nothing wrong! The 2nd company moved the sofa away
from the wall to check the return vent and it was full of black, slimey gobs of
mold! Sure glad I got the second opinion!) I had no trouble with
formaldehyde because the mobile home had been lived in for several years before
I moved there and the fumes had gone away by then.
12. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS &
LIVER TOXICITY
From Dr. Murphree's newsletter--
http://drmurphreestore.com/drm_nl12/ -
"
Located on the right side of the
abdomen, the liver is first to process the nutrients delivered by way
of the blood stream. The liver also releases substances to neutralize harmful
chemicals, viruses, and bacteria. Unfortunately, in the process of rendering
these toxins harmless, free radicals are generated. The liver is the
largest organ inside the body. It filters two quarts of blood every minute and
secretes a quart of bile each day. It removes about 99 percent of all unwanted
toxins and bacteria during this filtration process. We are constantly
being exposed to potentially dangerous toxins through the food we eat, the air
we breathe, and the water we drink. An optimally functioning detoxification
system is necessary for providing good health and preventing disease. A poorly
functioning detoxification system also contributes to allergic disorders,
lethargy, asthma, hives, psoriasis, eczema, and is associated with overall poor
health."
13. DOES XMRV TRULY
CAUSE CFS/ME?
Dr. David S. Bell's "The
Lyndonville News" www.davidsbell.com/LynNewsV6N5.htm says we should know in the next 6 months if the XMRV retrovirus truly plays a role in
the development ME/CFS. He calls this Quiet
Time as researchers
attempt to duplicate (or refute) the 2009 findings of the WPI (Whittemore
Peterson Institute) www.fms-help.com/XMRV.htm. Dr.
Bell has always impressed me as an honest, forthright and trustworthy source of
information on FMS/CFIDS/ME
14. SCIENTIFIC DAD
TRIES TO HELP
From a reader--
"I figured out I had this/was diagnosed with this
some 20 years ago. After an illness where I got very sick, had flu and
virus or something at the same time, was bedridden for a week.
Developed SEVERE constipation after this last antibiotic.
Gradually developed CFS/MCS. It looked to both me and my dad, a
scientist, that it was some type of infection that never went
away. Unfortunately, most doctors thought I was crazy. So I just accepted
it, but I knew, because my very intelligent father knew lots
about medicines and how they can affect people. I also had strong faith
in God and knew that He can use even bad things for good. My dad
searched all the research journals and found two things 1) tricyclic
antidepressants-namely doxepin in low doses for sleep improvement which almost
miraculously "cured" me in a week's time after talking with his colleague in
another state, and 2) the fact that there WERE studies showing an infectious
base back many years ago. HOWEVER when the doctors tried to replicate the
studies, they didn't use the right protocol and the right methodology. As
a result they found NOTHING and the whole thing was swept under the rug.
But my father carefully put together all these studies to try to show my
own doctor at the time, and she believed it was totally a bunch of
hogwash. She refused to even LOOK at the carefully collected scientific
information from my dad who was at that time, in a well respected
scientific research position at a state university- So ingrained in all doctors
was this thought that we (CFS/MCS) were all crazy. She even refused to believe
how the tricyclic helped me over night- the VERY next day after getting a good
night's sleep for the first time in years, I felt normal.
Fortunately for me, I discovered alternative medicine (because after 10
years I developed other issues), and I really was able to get truly better, and
able to tolerate exposures to things as long as my home is free of problematic
chemicals etc. I am saying all of this to tell you that I am not sure that
everyone should get their hopes up too high. The very same thing could happen
again. The only thing on our side this time, is the fact that
pharmaceutical companies are really looking to sell more drugs. So if this is
determined to be a real disease, then they can make more money. So... it is
altogether possible that this will benefit people with MCS/CFS/Fibro. I
truly hope that this new research does make believers out of the medical
profession... that would be a miracle to have a standard blood test that could
be done and settle for people, even just for the issue of
disability."
FROM DOM: Wow.
Kudos to this dad for advocating for his daughter. How awful -
but how typical of that doctor - to discount the idea that a restorative
night's sleep could help this patient feel normal the next day. There is
something wrong with our brain, nervous system and sleep function - hypothalamus
gland, limbic portion of brain, upper brain stem? Back in 1982
www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm, I felt so alone and misunderstood with my weird illness, even
though it was diagnosed almost immediately as "fibrositis" (the word back then
for "fibromyalgia"). Many thought I was crazy, including my
ex-husband. I endured a lot of mocking, scoffing, disbelief, etc. I
try to share some of my feelings as a newly diagnosed fibromite (back in
pre-internet days with no support) in my interview at www.fms-help.com/interview.htm - perhaps some of my readers can relate. Thank God it is
2010 and I have many things that help me manage my illness that I found,
starting in 1996 www.fms-help.com/what.htm which helped me be able to manage my symptoms and feel
better. I also wrote "100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia and Insomnia"
www.fms-help.com/tips.htm to help other sufferers.
15. FIBRO
NEWBIES
I often hear from newly diagnosed
"fibromites" looking for a magic bullet to solve their myriad of
symptoms. I wish I could say there was just one thing that would fix them
and return them to "normal." Of course, we "long-timers" (myself since
June of 1982 www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm) have a lot of war stories we
could share about our lengthy battle with
FMS/CFIDS. There were so many rabbit trails we went down with much hope -
only to be terribly disappointed at the end. We became
guinea pigs for all kinds of drugs, treatments, and supplements.
(No wonder FMS/CFIDS is called "Millionaire's
Disease!") Finally, in 1996, I got a computer and was able to get
on the internet. I began researching and discovering various things that
helped. I got rid of the horrible, debilitating pain
that had plagued me for 14 years. I was doing pretty good until
2004 when I worked in toxic mold for a year www.fms-help.com/mold.htm. I developed a severe respiratory illness and
viruses began to take hold again in my body. It is now 2010 and I am
pretty much recovered to my pre-mold health state, except for the fact that I
can't travel far by car (too much stimulation to the nervous system) and have to
stay in my own community - but that's not all bad. Anyway, I
digress......a list of things I use now, as well as helpful things I tried
in the past, and what I used to get rid of the severe pain are listed at
www.fms-help.com/what.htm. This is a good place for the newly diagnosed to
start - it might save some time, money and aggravation. Please
note that different things work for different people. Awhile ago I took a
look at Dr. Teitelbaum's long (almost 300) list of suggestions to try (drugs and
supplements) that is online. Interestingly, I had already tried or was
using many of these things. Don't give up. I have had to try
hundreds of things to get the results I have today - I have a pretty good life
as a piano teacher www.fms-help.com/students.htm
and also play the piano/organ at my church.
If I had to say the most effective product for me, it is the oxygen drops
http://neveranoutbreak.com/oxygen.php?partner=FM5H1PDB that I put in my drinking water.
Been using this since August 2009. Many thanks to a reader for telling me
about stabilized liquid oxygen. It alkalizes the pH and oxygenates. When
you have an acid pH, you have more pain and disease. Viruses can't do
their dirty work in the presence of enough oxygen. The drops are the
simplest way I've ever found to stay more healthily
alkaline.
16. REMEMBERING MY
FATHER
From a reader--
"What a very
sweet eulogy for your dad
www.fms-help.com/eulogy.htm!
Sounds like you were blessed to have him. I think immigrants, such as our
dads, appreciate living in the U.S. and the freedom to worship more because they
didn't always have such freedom."
FROM DOM: My precious dad has been
in heaven for nearly 5 years now - he died on Jan. 28, 2005. We all
miss him so very much! I wrote the eulogy for Dad to help me with my
grief and to share his remarkable life with others who may draw comfort and
inspiration from his story.
17. DO YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH
AUTISM?
From a reader--
"Do any of your readers have children with autism? Do
you think there is a connection with this? uugggh - so
overwhelming. I am so confused and scared - just want to live
long enough to see my kids grow up!!
FROM DOM: I have mentioned autism in
over a dozen pages on my site. Go to www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm -
type autism in the SEARCH box. You will find a LOT of references.
Then hit ALT-F and type "autism" in the FIND box. Your browser should
take you to the exact place on each page. There does seem to be some
similarity to CFS - such as autism being possibly
caused by yeast, vaccinations, XMRV, etc. If any readers have a
child with autism, please write dombush@bellsouth.net. This reader
would like to know if others have this situation. Thinking back, I heard
many years ago from a mom of an autistic son who gave him the immune balancing
powder I was taking - and he became "normal"! She was (of
course) ecstatic! I still have her comments filed away
somewhere. If autism is caused by vaccinations or some kind of
tampering with the developing immune system, then it would be possible that this
immune system "educator" and "balancer" could provide some help. It also
tastes great, so kids are happy to drink something that tastes like a milkshake
(3 flavors).
18. SLEEP
RESTORED
From a reader--
"A professional homeopath gave me Mangifera
(mango) last year and it restored my sleep. I only wake up at night
occasionally now. If I do, I take Kali Phos or Arnica
Montana and it usually helps me get back to sleep. Here is a very good
article on the subject: http://mirandacastro.com/articles/three_legged_stools.html."
FROM DOM: Snippet
from this article: "You can treat yourself
[with homeopathy] for simple, acute insomnia, as long as it is truly acute and
hasn't been lingering on as a chronic complaint over many months or years ... in
which case you need a professional homeopath to work out a constitutional remedy
that takes all of you into account." ......which indicates to me that the easy way won't work for me
since my ability to sleep began going away when I was 16 and a freshman at
UCLA. I am now 58. I have had to rely on sleep meds for the past 12
years or so - and I'm THANKFUL for them, or I wouldn't sleep at all:
www.fms-help.com/what.htm (what
I use now), www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm (everything
I've tried for sleep), www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm (my
insomnia story).
19. PRAYER
UPDATE
From Linda in Ohio (we've been praying for her
mom) - update Jan. 3, 2010--
"Dom, thank you so much for asking. Any of the readers
are welcome to write me too at heylindafaye@aol.com. Mom is of course still in the nursing home.... taking rehab
almost daily to get her walking again. So far she's only been in a only
wheelchair and not a walker. They keep a diaper on her... which I don't
understand. Why can't they help her to the commode that is only about 4
yards away??? One thing though, her crazy speech has cleared up a whole lot,
from the anesthesia. There for a week or so she was talking like she had
full-blown Alzheimer's. It scared me to death! I have hope Dom. I have prayer
& God and friends out there who apparently care. In the midst of this mess I
caught the flu and just as I began to feel a tad better... my husband & I
both got that nasty 24 hour stomach virus that's going around. I laid on my
couch with a bucket all night... and a migraine to boot. Couldn't even hold down
a sip of ginger ale. Finally I am feeling like I'm going to live. So, keep
praying girlfriend. The devil has been doing a job on me. Thank you again. x x x
You can print my emails. I soooo appreciate all the prayers. I in turn pray for
you all back!"
20. NEED A
CHUCKLE?
I just loved this email I got from a
friend called "Terrorist Groups in the Church"--
"Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been
operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin,
Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these
groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church
disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt,
and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth
group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective
counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin
Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and
encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has
different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin,
Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!
(However, you can spot them if you bin lookin
and bin goin.)"
21. DOM'S
UPDATE
Happy New Year!!! I'm feeling
great. I wasn't sick at all during the holidays and got to enjoy Christmas
for the first time in ages! No pain, fatigue, illness, etc. I still
get some "brain lock" when under stress, but I'm doing great with my current
regimen www.fms-help.com/what.htm.
Below is my response to a person who had many questions about a
family member suffering from (what I think is) post-viral
syndrome. Their
loved ones illness was not going away after a year and there were still many
baffling symptoms. I am not a doc, obviously, but I wrote the
following response, based on my own CFIDS experience (onset 1987
www.fms-help.com/fatigue.htm)--
"This virus continually changes ones body and health
and resurfaces in different ways based on stress, weather, changes of
almost any kind. It is life-altering and life-wrecking. Most
sufferers find that some things (drugs, supplements) help for awhile - or even a
long period of time - only to have to regroup again. My lists at
www.fms-help.com/what.htm
are just what help me personally. Others have their own lists. If
you check Dr. Teitelbaum's suggestions online (his list of 300 things), you will
see that my experience has been very similar since 1982. The frustration level toward the medical community by people with
incurable or mystery illnesses is very high. Just watch the show
Mystery Diagnosis on Discovery Health Channel, and
you will see why! I have considered myself a guinea
pig for the FMS/CFIDS community since 1996 when my site began. I
hear from thousands of sufferers from around the world - many in countries who
do not have access to the same meds or supplements that we have here in the
U.S. People are constantly trying to find relief and get
their lives back to "normal." I hope your [family member] will not
have the extreme battle that many of us have faced. Perhaps he will
recover fully from his battle with mono and be able to go on with life. Others
of us have been sidelined. I am so utterly thankful that I have found
things that help me live a normal (relatively) life now at age 58. It has
been a long ordeal and process. If I had to pick just one thing that helps
me the most, I would have to say it is the oxygen drops and DMSO cream that
fights the virus http://neveranoutbreak.com/oxygen.php?partner=FM5H1PDB,
but that's just my personal take on it. There are many other helpful
things on my list. The recent (Nov. 2009) discovery that the XMRV
retrovirus is in 67% of the blood of CFS patients and is wrecking our DNA is
what prompted me to try DNA Immune.
Since you can't boost AND balance the immune system at the same time, I
have temporarily suspended my immune balancer, which I took for 8-1/2 years in
order to try this experiment. So far, so good. Dr. Oz (Oprah) had a
segment on XMRV a few weeks ago - www.fms-help.com/XMRV.htm [watch
the animation on youtube of how the XMRV retrovirus enters the DNA and
becomes...YOU!] But then again, your [family member] may not be as far
gone as the rest of us and not as desperate as we have been to try to make a
living while being so desperately ill."
Well,
that's all for now. There is always so much to share with you about
FMS/CFIDS/ME - even after 13 years of writing this newsletter!
May the Lord Jesus Christ
bless you with His grace this coming year - and may any trials we face only
serve to make us more pure and ready to meet Him, our coming
Bridegroom!
Listening for the
trumpet,
Dominie
DOMINIE'S FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC
FATIGUE SYNDROME HOMEPAGE