Dominie's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Update

4-5-06

Dear Fibro Friends,

1. I received two comments of warning about the Epsom salt bath suggestion that I sent out last night:

The first one: "Start out with just one cup of Epsom salts for a 10 minute bath. See if you tolerate it. Some people feel faint when they first try this."

One cup is what I recommend in my 100 TIPS FOR COPING WITH FIBROMYALGIA AND INSOMNIA - see Tip #48 at www.fms-help.com/tips4.htm. However, the email I shared last night from a reader said to use 2 cups. If you want to try this, just experiment to see what amount works best for you.

The second one: "While I have read that this [Epsom salt baths] is a wonderful technique for most people; anyone with Crohn's Disease must never do this! The magnesium gets into the pores and can cause a bad flare up."

Most people with FMS are deficient in magnesium, the mineral that helps muscles relax. This is why taking taking magnesium supplements can help muscle pain and stiffness and why Epsom salt baths can be so helpful for most people with FMS. Magnesium supplements draw water into the colon and can help people who have constipation, but if you have Crohn's (bowel function) disease, don't use magnesium or Epsom salt baths.

2. I added a new page to my site today about BLADDER PROBLEMS & URINARY FREQUENCY - see www.fms-help.com/bladder.htm. You will find over 100 suggestions I received from readers about irritable bladder, a problem that affects many of us with FMS.

I am sorry that I cannot respond personally to emails, but I am always glad to hear how you are doing or about things that are helping you.

Yours truly,

Dominie Soo Bush

www.fms-help.com - My (ever-improving) FMS/CFIDS website for fellow sufferers!

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.

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