DOM'S NEWSLETTER
http://www.fms-help.com
 
January 12, 2010
 
A Christian-based newsletter for people with Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and their families. 
 
24 TOPICS below - Don't miss the RED ones!  Readers' comments in BLACK.  My comments in TEAL.
 
Dom's Quick Links:   Fibromyalgia    CFIDS    Insomnia    Search Newsletters    Meds & Supplements    Homepage  Previous Newsletter
 

 
1.  READERS WRITE
 
"I contracted this problem in 1999.  Being an "A" type doesn't help, but boy have I gotten comfort from your site www.fms-help.com. I am presently going thru a cycle of insomnia that is ridiculous!  You sure tell it as it is!"
 
"I am very thankful to have found your site - there is a light at the end of this long journey. I have been searching for answers for 8 years now."
 
"I have suffered with fibromyalgia for over 25 years, and some days I just want to throw in the towel.  Finding your website has been very encouraging that I'm neither crazy, nor lazy."
 
"A fellow FMS survivor told me about your site!"
 

 
2.  GLASSES & EARRINGS
 
Reader 1--
 
"I couldn't believe it when I read the question about glasses and 
earrings causing pain.  I have been having a similar problem for quite 
a while.  I am currently wearing an old pair of glasses right now with 
the old prescription in them because they are stretched out enough 
that they don't hurt behind my ears, but they still bother me on the 
bridge of my nose and I have to adjust them all the time to prevent 
headaches/sinus pain.  I have asked my doctor about it and they look 
at me like I am crazy, but don't realize how uncomfortable it is when 
you have to wear glasses all day everyday and they are causing pain.   
As for the earrings, my ears get very red and at times one or the 
other will swell after wearing earrings for a few hours.  It doesn't 
seem to matter what kind they are though.  I definitely think it is 
related to my Fibro.  It is almost like the glasses and earring are 
too heavy for my extremely sensitive face.  I know this doesn't help, 
but I know it made me feel better to hear I am not the only one with 
this issue."

Reader 2--
 
"Several years ago I read articles about the differences between those with FM and “normal” controls in the skin’s transmission of “electrical signals” (can’t think of the proper name of it).  The differences were so significant that the researchers suggested it should be a test for FM. I haven’t heard anything about it since then, but I remember that my mother could not wear a metal watch against her skin because the watch would stop. She also set off large flashes of electricity when she contacted metal after anything she did that would create static electricity. She was well known for these things in family lore. Later in life she developed severe pain that no doctor could diagnose, and after my sister was diagnosed with FM, she said she believed that was what mother had. My sister had knee replacement surgeries. After the first one, she told me that she when therapists used the electric stimulation machine on her leg, she could not tolerate it at even the lowest levels. She said it felt like she was in a torture or concentration camp.  I have also read that there are gadgets that attach to the ankles to help release static electricity into the ground. The are advised by some for use with children who have autism.  I also saw a chart recently that described what some researchers are calling Central Sensitivity Syndrome. I have attached the chart so that you can see how many of the maladies we have been discussing relate to each other. I think they all are related to the unusual brain/nerve sensitivity of the 'highly sensitive person'."
 
FROM DOM:  See Elaine Aron's book, "The Highly Sensitive Person," reported on in the newsletters. Search at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm.
 
Reader 3--
 
"Re: METAL EARRINGS, GLASSES CAUSING PAIN at www.fms-help.com/010710.htm - I'm not an expert on this, but it sounds to me like she might be having a problem with EMF (Electromagnetic Fields).   Being around electronic equipment (portable phones, cell phones, computers, printers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, electric heaters, radios, TVs, stereo equipment, etc), can cause problems with EMFs.  In addition, being out and about, one could react to EMFs, driving near power lines, cell phone towers, power stations, etc.  Unfortunately, we are surrounded by EMFs these days.  The metal earrings and sunglasses could be picking up an electronic "signal", much the same as radio frequencies, do on an antenna.  People with MCS, often complain about EMF problems.  They complain of facial pain, vibrating in their heads, headaches, nausea  and weakness, and a multitude of other symptoms. I know that when I had metal fillings in my mouth, I was tested, by a Biological Dentist, who said that I had the strongest electrical current in my mouth, that he had ever seen.  The combination of highly acidic saliva (which I corrected by alkalizing with baking soda), and the metals of the fillings (which I had removed), created a battery effect.  It would be interesting to check the pH of this lady's saliva.  If she is very acidic (pH of less than 6.0), and she has metal fillings in her mouth,  she might also have a strong electrical current in her mouth. This might be attracting EMFs when she wears metal earrings and/or sunglasses, similar to a radio antenna.  I know that when I had metal fillings in my mouth, I was tested, by a Biological Dentist, who said that I had the strongest electrical current in my mouth, that he had ever seen.  The combination of highly acidic saliva (which I corrected by alkalizing with baking soda), and the metals of the fillings (which I had removed), created a battery effect.  It would be interesting to check the pH of this lady's saliva.  If she is very acidic (pH of less than 6.0), and she has metal fillings in her mouth,  she might also have an electrical current in her mouth. This might be attracting EMFs when she wears metal earrings and/or sunglasses, similar to a radio antenna.
 
EMF links of interest:
http://www.emf-health.com/earthcalm-electrosensitivity.htm -  
http://www.citlink.net/~bhima/eskemp.htm  - Experiences of MCS patient, plus commentary by Electrical Engineer
http://www.citlink.net/~bhima/emfcomp.htm  Computer tips for EMF sensitive
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/w97primer.html - 1997 article: Primer on EMF Sensitivity
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Fpeh-emf%2Fmeetings%2Fhypersens_summary_oct04.pdf&images=yes - Workshop on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Summary.
http://www.pdfdownload.org/pdf2html/pdf2html.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emfandhealth.com%2FWHO_EMSensitivity.pdf&images=yes - World Health Organization on Electromagnetic fields and Public Health.
http://www.bioelectricshield.com/in-the-media/electrosensitivity - This is an ad for a" Bio-Electric Shield", but there is some 
interesting information here.
http://planetthrive.com/2007/09/reducing-reactions-as-they-occur/ - How to avoid EMFs.  I belong to Planet Thrive, and there is some good info here.
 
Reader 4--
 
"I don't have a clue but have the same problem - only my ears will itch and scab up like they're infected!"
 
FROM DOM:  I had my ears pierced about 30 years ago, but the holes never healed, so I finally gave up on the idea. I wear clip earrings, which annoy me to no end, but I have no other alternative.  I only wear earrings for church or dress-up occasions.  I can't wear glasses with rubber nosepads - the constant pressure and "wiggly" sensation on my nose makes me want to sneeze or scratch - intensely annoying, especially back when I had allergies, so I wear glasses with plastic frames (no rubber nose pads) and I get the lightest lenses available for my strong prescription.  Costly, but since I can't see without my glasses, it is medically necessary.  About EMF's (Electromagnetic Fields), you can search my past newsletters at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm for lots more info.
 

3.  BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS

 
Reader 1--
 
"I did want to mention that the woman who had a blood transfusion www.fms-help.com/010710.htm might want to be tested for Hepatitis C. I myself had a blood transfusion in 1983 after my c-section for my daughter. Back then, and before 1991 they did not test the blood supply for HepC (HCV). I had no symptoms of HCV. I heard on the radio that the Red Cross was going to send out letters & public notifications, that anyone that received blood before 1991 should be tested for HCV. Well, they decided against that. The reason being is that they don't have a cure for HCV! So they didn't want to be bombarded & not have a cure. I was going for my annual exam & asked my doctor if I could be tested & she did. I literally walked into my first gastro. appt. after being diagnosed with HCV from my primary, & walked out with him also giving me the diagnosis of FMS too! Talk about walking around with my head in the clouds!!! I had to go out & buy a computer just to find information & other people with both dx's, & that was in 1998. Thank God, that I didn't get AIDS from those transfusions, I would not be here now! There are more people with HCV than AIDS in the world!!! Some symptoms from HCV are muscle & joint pain, brain fog and fatigue. I pray that woman does not have HCV. The test is very simple to find out & can be done by any primary doctor."
 
Reader 2--
 
"I got fibro after surgery and 3 transfusions; also, I have Asperger's!  Coincidence?"
 
FROM DOM:  See www.fms-help.com/010710.htm for the articles about autism and also blood transfusions.
 

 
 
4.  HHV-6 & XMRV
 
From a reader--
 
"Of all 8 years of suffering from CFS, I have received more help from your e-mail site than any other Dr. I've gone to  all these years!  I really think the hammer has hit the nail on the head with me and the XMRV virus.  I have already been tested to have a very high titer counts with the HHV-6 -or 7 - I can't remember which.  But, the antiviral they treated me with did nothing.  And now - three years later, the researchers are now saying "Oh!  Valcyte really wasn't meant to treat HHV-6...."  Waste of thousands of dollars!  Nevertheless,  I am pursuing the viral situation.  I've already ordered one do-it-yourself-and-mail-off XMRV virus tests.  I'm prepared not to trust the results.  I want a third and fourth and fifth opinion - and I am praying and hoping that there IS a treatment."
 
 
FROM DOM:  Keep watching my XMRV update page at www.fms-help.com/XMRV.htm.
 

 
5. GOOD IDEA
 
From a reader--
 
"I, for one, never get too many posts  from you...BUT I DO have a folder that I keep them all in so I can retrieve them as needed;  all  I do is change the subject line to contain the information I need specifically from that particular newsletter (i.e. a topic about vitamin C)...then send it to myself (for the subject line to 'take') - and then just drag it to the "FIBRO/DOM" ffolder...  it really is not a lot of trouble - and the filing system works for me!"
 
FROM DOM:  Sometimes readers ask me to re-send something I sent out before.  You can always search my site at www.fms-help.com - however, there are many things I send ONLY to my newsletter subscribers and this info is not online, so an email folder for DOM is a great idea and keeps your inbox uncluttered.
 

 
6.  OXYGEN DROPS
 
From a reader--
 
"I am doing the oxygen drops without any other supplement and I do believe they help, not overnight but I am feeling better and did not crash over Christmas (I am in menopause also!)
 

 
7.  MAGNESIUM RELIEVES STIFFNESS
 
From a reader--
 
"I started taking Magnesium days ago and I feel so much better.  It is a blessing to wake up and not endure stiffness.  Thank you so much."
 
 

 
8.  SO TRUE...
 
From Dr. Rodger Murphree's newsetter--
 
“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, of playing a poor hand well.”

--Robert Louis Stevenson


“Pray not for a lighter load, but for stronger shoulders.”

--St. Augustine
 

 
9.  CHOLESTEROL SUGGESTIONS
 
From a reader--
 
"This is in regard to CHOLESTEROL MEDS CAUSING TROUBLE? www.fms-help.com/010710.htm.  The following is information that could be very helpful, minimizing risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

CN Pine Bark Extract - 100mg 120 Vcaps  -  Also called Pycnogenol.  Very strong antioxidant, which strengthens the cardiovascular system, from cardiac arteries, down to the tips of our toes, allowing for very effective blood flow, minimizing muscle, nerve and tissue damage. 
http://www.americannutrition.com/store/pine_bark_extract.html.  Pycnogenol is made from Pine Bark, and has been researched for 50+ years. According to Dr. Jacques Masquelier, founder of Pycnogenol, following is some info on this product:

Reduces risk of:
    Heart disease   
    Cancer   
    Accelerated aging   
    Arthritis   
    Oxidative stress   
    More than 70 other free radical-related diseases  
Strengthens blood vessels and:
    Maintains proper capillary permeability   
    Reduces capillary fragility   
    Reduces bruising   
    Strengthens capillaries, veins and arteries   
    Reduces the severity of sports injuries   
    Reduces varicose veins   
    Reduces edema and swelling of the legs   
    Treats chronic venous insufficiency, and   
    Reduces the risk of phlebitis  
Skin health effects:
    Improves skin elasticity   
    Improves skin smoothness   
    Effective against psoriasis
Protects against sun damage   
    Allergies   
    Very effective against hay fever  

Effects on inflammation:
    Fights inflammation   
    Improves joint flexibility   
    Reduces the pain due to swollen joints  

Effects on diabetes:
    Reduces diabetic retinopathy  

Immune system effects:
    Enhances immune response   
    Reduces frequency and severity of colds  

Ophthalmologic effects:
    Reduces retinopathies   
    Help prevent capillary bleeding, floaters  

Gastrointestinal effects:
    Acts against stomach ulcers and inflammation  

Effects on red blood cells:
    Improves red blood cell membrane flexibility 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Following is a book, which is an excellent resource for a natural approach to women’s health issues:
456 Most Powerful Healing Secrets (The Health Detective's,) by PhD Nan Kathryn Fuchs
NEW - order at:
USED - order at: 

This book has several chapters on cardiovascular health, and preventing heart disease and stroke:
Beat Heart disease and Stroke
Inflammation - The Silent Killer
Lower Your Dangerous Cholesterol
Eat Fat and Protect Your Heart
How you can Avoid Strokes and Heart Attacks
This Japanese Nutrient Protects Your Heart and Brain
   Nattokinase - This nutrient can break up blood clots andd keep them from forming. There have been dozens of studies on this enzyme, and it’s ability to break up clots and prevent them from forming, in the first place.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally
Nutrients to Keep Your Heart Healthy

I have found the best price at Swanson’s Vitamins. Here is the link, if you would like to take a look:

I have been taking Nattokinase, for about two years now, and found that my ankle swelling is all but gone. I very rarely experience burning on the bottom, of my feet anymore, and my restless leg, is at least 80% improved.  I believe, that because the Pine Bark extract encourages healthy blood vessels, my circulation is better, my nerves get better blood supply, and are healthier, causing a great decrease in lower extremity nerve pain.

In addition to the above, I have found that the following is helpful, to know when dealing with elevated Cholesterol Levels.  

Dietary Considerations

We have all heard, “lower your fat intake”.   Well it is not quite that simple.  We need some dietary cholesterol, in our diet, for our body, and mind to function.  Here is a good article, which discusses which fats are good and which are not. 

Controlling blood sugar levels is very important.  One of the reasons the reason Triglyceride levels tend to be elevated, is because blood sugar, passes through the liver, and turns to sticky fats. Another way to say it is “sweet fats”, which eventually are stored as fat, which is why people with insulin resistance and diabetes gain weight so easily.  Our high sugar diets are killing us.  I have found that the best way to control my blood sugar, is to take Astragalus (twice daily), which is normally considered to be an immune builder.  However, more recently, it is coming to be know as a “blood sugar modulator”, meaning it helps to level out blood sugar levels.

Keeping your liver healthy.  We live in a world full of toxins.  Our liver does a herculean job of filtering those toxins, from our blood. However, after years of battling, to keep us toxin free, our livers can become clogged, and not work as efficiently, as they should.  There are things we can do to help our liver, to be healthier, making it work more efficiently.

Minimizing toxic exposure, by eating a diet low in refined foods, and sugar, as well as keeping our environment as free from toxins, as possible, is also very important.

Herbs and Supplements, that one can take to help keep your liver healthy:
Milk Thistle Seed
Dandilion Root
Burdock Root
Parsley Root
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) - Powerful Liver detoxifier
Alpha Lipoid Acid (ALA) Helps sugar metabolism
Garlic - very helpful, for lowering Cholesterol
Vitamin B3 - Niacin  Very helpful for lowering cholesterol.  Look for the “flush-free” version.  The flushing can be very unnerving. 
Omega 3, 6, and 9 - powerful antioxidants, that help keep the cardiovascular system healthy. 

The following is a comprehensive product, that could help move towards a healthier liver, and lower cholesterol:  http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWC017/ItemDetail

Here is a link, with lots of good information, about how to reduce cholesterol, without taking lipid lowering drugs: 
 
FROM DOM:  See "MEDICAL MYTHS OF CHOLESTEROL LOWERING DRUGS" http://drmurphreestore.com/drm_nl13/.  Also, write dombush@bellsouth.net for the best pycnogenol product I ever used.  It helped me become pain free in 1996 after 14 years of extreme suffering from fibro pain. 
 

 
10.  A SLEEP GENE?
 
From a reader--
 
"My virologist wants to put a "sleep gene" somehow in me.  I am due to see him this Tuesday but will not pay him the $850 he needs until I have firmer info on what it is his claims are. I know you have spent thousands as I and wish there was more studies/solutions."
 
FROM DOM:  How intriguing!  A sleep gene?  Who knows!  Check out the Human Genome Project  http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/about.shtml.
 

 
11.  DOCTOR WOES
 
From a reader--
 
"The doctor I am seeing is the only one in the area. She curses during my visits, dropping every 4 letter word you can think of including the f-bomb just in the course of conversation.  During the exam, she talks about other patients of hers derogatorily.  She implied that she believes most FMS sufferers are milking their symptoms and all most of them need to do is exercise more.  I told her I like to ice skate.  Her advice to me to combat my FMS is to get a membership to the local recreation center and go ice skating whenever my FMS flares up.  I do not trust her.  I am just crushed.  I know that my FMS is real and is a valid condition." 
 
FROM DOM:  Check out my good docs / bad docs page at www.fms-help.com/doctors.htm for emotional support!
 

 
12.  OUR PRAYER CORNER
 
From Linda in Ohio: "My little 83 year old mother is doing very very well in rehab with her hip! The brain craziness from the anesthesia.. has lifted too. I attribute this to all the many prayers from you and your readers. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can hardly wait to get her home from rehab, but I have a question. I am hoping you might know what to tell me. I got Mom the oxygen drops that you take (about a month ago), that I will resume as soon as she gets home."
 


 
13.  FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS
 
FROM DOM: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/ - looks like an interesting site.  I learned that Sjogrens, an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eye and dry mouth, is often related to fibromyalgia.
 

 
14.  WAYS FOR FIBROMITES TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME
 
From a reader--
 
"I know that finances are often tight for those of us with fibro since many can't work outside the home.  I recently came across an article  (written by smartcookies.com) that had 4 unique opportunities to make money from home, so I thought I'd pass them on in case you think anyone could benefit from them:
 
1. If you have an extra room in your home, you can host an international student for around $700-$800 per month.  You usually have to provide a bedroom and 2 meals per day.  For information contact your local university or college campus.
 
2. If you have a spare parking spot you can rent it out.  Or if you have an underground parking spot, you can rent it out for up to $50 per month and park your own car on the street for free (this might not be an option depending on health concerns).  You can post your spot on the bulletin board in your building.
 
3. If you're a pet lover, you can pet sit (ranges from $5 to $35 per day).  Advertise on bulletin boards at grocery stores or community centres, or contact veterinarian offices and put the word out to all your friends.  Always meet with the pet and owner ahead of time to get to familiarize yourself with the pet and instructions, and make sure you get at least half of the payment up front. 
 
4. "Free Me" events are being held across the U.S which are like a giant swap meet to trade items you don't need for those you do.  You can set up your own with friends, or your neighbors or at a local community centre.  Many towns also have a "freecycle" network online as well that you can join and post things you need or things you are giving away. You can check here if there is one in your town:
http://www.freecycle.org/  
 
5.  If there is anyone out there who likes to bake, here is an idea my sister tried a few years ago that worked very well.  She took orders from the staff at a nearby school and baked cookies (by the dozen) to sell (she got permission from the principal to leave a sign-up sheet in the staff room).  One day each week she delivered the cookies for that week  and picked up the sign-up sheet which she'd left the week before, and also left a new sign-up sheet listing what kind of cookies she'd be baking the following week and the price.  She found that teachers LOVE home-made baking for their families, and have almost no time to do it themselves.  (Depending on the number of teachers, you may want to put a limit on the total number of orders you can accept in one week)"


 
15.  INSOMNIA, FATIGUE, PAIN, BRAIN FOG
 
From a reader--
 
"I have battled severe anxiety, panic attacks, fibroids which led to hysterectomy surgery, blood transfusions, sleeplessness, fatigue, severe pain and mind fog...I wanted to die. I have gained weight this passing year from the pain and not exercising enough. Also I get very very little sleep. I go to bed around 8pm and am still tossing at 5am. I am sooo tired. I have become a recluse and stay home because I am so grouchy even I don't like to be around me anymore."
 
FROM DOM:  I could relate to so much of this reader's problems.  Have discussed blood transfusions in recent newsletters.  I had a hysterectomy 24 years ago at age 34 - went through much of what this reader did.  See my insomnia story at www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm.  There's a list of everything I've tried for sleep at www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm.  A list of things I use now is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm - there are some great helps on this page - worth trying!   Insomnia is a LIFE-WRECKING and HEALTH-WRECKING medical problem.  Once the sleep function goes away, health crumbles.  I was a zombie for decades.  My sleep disorder began at age 16 in college. I am now 58.  I am well-managed for sleep now, after decades of insomnia, and also pain free.   Since beginning the oxygen drops in August 2009, it has greatly reduced my fatigue and brain fog.
 

 
16.  MOLD IS DANGEROUS!
 
From a reader--
 
"My son was exposed to mold last summer.  Brain fog, dizziness, and vision problems were his main problems - noticed more when active or getting up."
 
FROM DOM:  WARNING TO EVERYONE:  Don't work (or live) in a moldy building!  Here's my mold story:  www.fms-help.com/mold.htm.  Dire health consequences will result - it damages the immune system.  Some people cannot sleep in moldy houses.  Mold is in many public buildings now: schools, libraries, courthouses, etc.  They say that 25% of the population is adversely affected by mold.  I am in that 25%!  Check these out:
 

 
17.  MENOPAUSE DIFFICULTIES - HELP!
 
From a reader--
 
"I was wondering if you (or your readers) would have any input about women with CFS and menopause.  I'm 51 yrs. old and have been going through peri-menopause for a couple of years now.  My periods are random ....  haven't had one now for 3 months.  A couple of years ago, I went through all this saliva hormone testing (expensive) done by a chiropractor ....  and then based on those results, purchased natural hormones, supplements, etc.  The first few months, things seemed to get better (hot flashes, irritability, etc.) ... but then, things got worse.  My face broke out in horrible acne and oily skin, my sex drive was outrageously over the top, hair loss, and I started getting more and more irritable, to the point of rage.  He took me off everything and within 4 days, the oily skin went away, my temper simmered down, and my sex drive returned to normal. 
 
A year later, I was having problems occur again:  hot flashes, irritability, and dry vagina.  I went to a female gyno and she put me on a patch of estrogen/progesterone.  Within an hour of me having that patch on, my heart started racing and I was very anxious and nervous.  I took it off, and then tried it again a few days later ... same thing happened. 
 
Now, another year down the road ....  the problems are still there and I'm at my wit's end to know what to do about this.  Because I have CFS, I know that my adrenals are affected ...  From what I understand, when the ovaries produce less hormones during menopause, the adrenals take over to provide hormones.  With CFS, our adrenals are already compromised, so it's my understanding they're not helping make up for the reduction of hormones in the ovaries. 
 
So what do us CFSers going through menopause do?  We are so ultra sensitive to anything new that's introduced in our body .. i.e. the estrogen/progesterone patch.  I'm so frustrated and just wondered how you are dealing with this time in your life, as well as other readers in this age group."
 
FROM DOM: I went through a surgical menopause 24 years ago after a complete hysterectomy for endometriosis.   I had terrible problems with hormone replacement after that.  I also had the misfortune of having the endometriosis come back - only this time on my intestines.  I was in TERRIBLE pain and it was inoperable.  Amazingly, God healed me of this condition after years of suffering.  I don't know why God heals and why other times He allows the suffering, but I am grateful for the healing.  If any readers have suggestions for this reader dealing with menopause and CFS, please write dombush@bellsouth.net.  The only thing I could think of is the immune balancing shake that was a lifesaver for me for 8-1/2 years.  The immune system and the endocrine system are related.
 

 
18.  FACIAL PAIN (NEURALGIA)
 
From a reader--
 
"For the reader with the pains in her facial area [ www.fms-help.com/010710.htm ]--I also have strange neuralgias in my face, lips, tongue, mouth, teeth: 24/7/365. In the morning I wake up feeling like my face, lips, airway passages etc. are being stung by a bee (or bee’s nest!). It can raise the anxiety level off the chart. My dentist thought maybe it was trigeminal neuralgia. He sent me to an oral-facial pain specialist DDS(who doesn’t know much about fibro) and he diagnosed “burning mouth syndrome”. The internet explains the symptoms very well. It is also called glossodynia or stomatitis. It overlaps with other diseases like atypical MS, HIV, atypical trigeminal facial neuralgias. However trigeminal neuralga is typically on only one side of the face. I was tested for all of these. I was informed that sometimes it goes away on its own and in others it lasts years. The facial Dr. put me on Clonazapam (Klonopin) 0.5mg 1 tab 3x daily. I can take an extra if I wake up in the middle of the night and my lips and tongue feel like they are on fire. Clonazapam is a central nervous system depressant. I noticed that it is one of the older meds used to treat FMS. The dental specialist  also treated me for tmj and I was given a night guard and told to start facial relaxation exercises.

Please try to stay away from the acidic foods and “trigger” foods that make it worse. Maybe wear a hat instead of sunglasses. Since your face hurts it is difficult when anything gets near it….even a breeze.

My pain specialist who knows quite a lot about FMS examined me and stated that I have an atypical manifestation of fibro. They are both watching with great interest how the Clonazapem affects the pain and neuralgia. The pain and neuralgias have decreased from a 9 to about a 4. I’m concerned that nobody has tested me for Candida (thrush) or candida overgrowth syndrome. Some of those overgrowth symptoms overlap FMS symptoms. I will bring up this subject the next time I see my pain specialist. My heart goes out to you. I know how difficult it is to have this condition!"

FROM DOM:  The oxygen drops I'm using in my drinking water also alkalize the pH.  They have done WONDERS for my overall health and well-being.  I have had very few bad days since August 2009 when I began using them.


 
19.  BEE POLLEN & ROYAL JELLY
 
From a reader--
 
"Bee Caps is a product I have stumbled across and have been using for the last few days and I can feel a difference already.  Just thought I would pass it along in hopes that it might help someone else as well: www.ncbeecaps.com.
 

 
20.  EU TO PROBE PHARMA OVER "FALSE PANDEMIC"
 
From a reader--
 
"EU to probe pharma over "false pandemic"
04 January 2010
 
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is to hold an
emergency debate and inquiry this month into the "influence" exerted by
drugmakers on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global H1N1 flu
campaign.
 
The text of the resolution approved by the Assembly calling for the
debate and inquiry states that: "in order to promote their patented
drugs and vaccines against flu, pharmaceutical companies influenced
scientists and official agencies responsible for public health standards
to alarm governments worldwide and make them squander tight health
resources for inefficient vaccine strategies, and needlessly expose
millions of healthy people to the risk of an unknown amount of
side-effects of insufficiently tested vaccines."
 
The WHO's "false pandemic" flu campaign is "one of the greatest medicine
scandals of the century," according to Dr Wolfgang Wodarg, chairman the
PACE Health Committee, who introduced the parliamentary motion. "The
definition of an alarming pandemic must not be under the influence of
drug-sellers," he adds.
 
http://www.pharmatimes.com/WorldNews/article.aspx?id=17147


 
21.  MALE WITH FMS
 
From a reader--
 
"I have FMS and all of the fun stuff that goes along with it. I am 50 but during the bad spells I feel like I am about 80 or more.The brain fog is terrible. Two or three days a year I wake up and feel rested, my brain actually works and I almost feel normal. I believe if I could improve my sleep, my quality of life would improve greatly."
 
FROM DOM:  Wow!  I could sure relate to everything this reader said.  If you are a man with FMS or have a husband/son/boyfriend with FMS/CFIDS, see my page MEN WITH FIBRO at www.fms-help.com/men.htm.  BTW, my doctor told me last year that if I could get enough sleep, a lot of my other problems would go away.  He changed my sleep meds and I have been doing much better since last year.  A current list of what I'm using is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.  My (life-wrecking) insomnia story is at www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm.  A list of everything I've tried for sleep over the years is at www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm.  Your immune system breaks down if you don't get enough sleep.  Sleep deprivation is also a form of torture (POW camps).  Studies have also shown that if you deprive people of sleep, they develop fibromyalgia-like symptoms.  I wonder if it is a virus affecting the hypothalamus gland that destroys our sleep?  My sleep function stopped working when I was 16.  I am now 58.  People don't understand when you say you can't sleep. They think you can take a nap and "catch up" or "go to be early tonight."  Not!  Doesn't work with the kind of sleep disorder we are dealing with.  My sleep clock is broken.
 

 
22.  "BRAIN FARTS"
 
From a reader--
 
"Are brain farts the same as fibro fog?"  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/12/Scientists-Figure-out-the-Cause-of-Brain-Farts.aspx" [article has long scientific explanation].  Dr. Mercola's top lifestyle recommendations for a healthy brain include:
  1. Take omega-3 fats. The omega -3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) keep the dopamine levels in your brain high, increase neuronal growth in the frontal cortex of your brain, and increase cerebral circulation. Krill oil is an excellent source of omega-3, and in my opinioin is superior to fish oil because of its higher brain absorption and inherent protective antioxidants.

  2. Exercise. Exercise may encourage your brain to work at optimum capacity by causing nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage.

  3. Sleep well.  It’s during sleep that your mental energy is restored, and a lack of sleep may cause your brain to stop producing new cells.

  4. Eat healthy. Like the rest of your body, your brain depends on healthy foods to function. While protein is the main source of fuel for your brain, vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies are also important, as is limiting sugar.

  5. Get out into the sun. This will help you maintain optimal vitamin D levels. Scientists are now beginning to realize vitamin D is involved in maintaining the health of your brain, as they’ve recently discovered vitamin D receptors in your brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system.

There’s even evidence indicating vitamin D improves your brain’s detoxification process. For children and pregnant women, getting enough vitamin D is especially crucial, as it may play a major role in protecting infants' brains from autism.

  1. Turn off your TV. Allowing children under the age of 3 to watch television can impair their linguistic and social development, and it can affect brain chemistry as well.

  2. Protect your brain from cell phones. Recent studies have found that cell phone users are 240 percent more prone to brain tumors, and a study in 2004 found that your risk of acoustic neuroma (a tumor on your auditory nerve) was nearly four times greater on the side of your head where your phone was most frequently held.

  3. Avoid foods that contain artificial sweeteners and additives. Substances such as aspartame (Nutrasweet), artificial color and MSG, which are common in processed foods, can damage your brain. For instance, consuming a lot of aspartame may inhibit the ability of enzymes in your brain to function normally, and high doses of the sweetener may lead to neurodegeneration.

FROM DOM:  Now if only we could do #3 (sleep well).  See Topic 21 above - my comments about insomnia.


 
23.  XMRV - CFIDS WEBINAR - JAN. 18, 2010
 
 
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN ONLINE WEBINAR
 
XMRV: Implications for CFS
Speaker: Lucinda Bateman, MD
of Fatigue Consultation Clinic in Salt Lake City
Moderated by Suzanne D. Vernon, PhD
Sponsored by the CFIDS Association of America
Date:  Monday, January 18, 2010
Time:  12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/738649729
 
Dr. Lucinda Bateman, an internist whose practice is dedicated to the management and care of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, walks through the basics of the latest research linking XMRV (a human retrovirus) and CFS. She will also share some insights into what this discovery might mean for the field and for patients, as well as her perspective on other current research efforts. 
 
Dr. Suzanne Vernon is the CFIDS Association's scientific director. She holds her doctorate in virology from the University of Wisconsin and had 17 years experience in public health research on infectious diseases before joining the Association's staff in 2007 to lead its research program.
Dr. Vernon will moderate the program. For up-to-date information about XMRV including links to three articles written by Dr. Vernon about recent studies, please visit the Association's web site at http://www.cfids.org/XMRV/default.asp.
 
Directions for Participating in the Webinar:
  • You will need to have online and telephone (or VOIP) access to both see the slide presentation and hear the audio presentation.
  • After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
  • The event is free to attend. If you connect to the audio using telephone, you will be charged for the cost of your telephone call. Audio access is free is you have VoIP (voice over Internet protocol).
  • You must preregister in order to participate.
  • Participation is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
  • The program will be archived on our web site for later access by participants and those not able to take part in the "live" online event.
     
 
System Requirements

 
24.  DOM'S UPDATE
 
I'm feeling great!  The oxygen drops I started using in August 2009 have helped me tremendously by alkalizing and oxygenating my system.  A complete list of helpful things I use is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.  I have no pain, no fatigue and no fog (unless I get stressed, which I am avoiding).  My husband is on the mend (we hope) from his cold/virus/sinus infection/fever that began a few days before Christmas. He's has had to work outside in 20 degrees for the last few weeks due to his job. The "cold snap" here in north Florida began just after his virus started.  (Bad timing!)  My husband finally went to the doc after 2-1/2 weeks of this and got an antibiotic and strong cough syrup, but he still doesn't feel well.  My husband is never sick, so it's like our roles are reversed!  Thanks to the many who asked about him.  Personally, I am thankful to be feeling so well these days - I can actually ENJOY my teaching job, church, etc.  Life is easy (or easier...) when you aren't so wretchedly debilitated from FMS/CFIDS!  I read recently of terminal cancer patients who are flying around the country visiting relatives, etc.  FMS/CFIDS is MUCH more debilitating!  See my page called MISERY INDEX - 'CFS has one of the highest morbidity rates (degrees of suffering) of any illness, rivaling the physical misery of advanced cardiac disease and cancer.'  That's why I am so amazed and delighted to be feeling well.  I have spent most of my life suffering from this illness.  I still can't travel more than maybe 50 miles, but at least in my community I am able to live a good life now and hope it continues! BTW, so far so good with the DNA protecting product. I'm only using half as much as recommended right now. If you have any questions, write dombush@bellsouth.net.
 

 
II Corinthians 1: 4 - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."  Visit Dominie's FMS/CFIDS Homepage at www.fms-help.com for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers and their families.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor. I am a fibromyalgia / chronic fatigue syndrome survivor. The purpose of this website is not to diagnose or cure any disease or malady, but is presented as food for thought.  This information cannot take the place of professional medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should come under the direction of a physician. No guarantees are made regarding any of the information in this website.