1. READERS WRITE
"Thank you for sharing your story www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm. I feel like I'm not alone. I'm in the process of being diagnosed. I'm 27 and my life has changed drastically.”
"That symptoms list www.fms-help.com/signs.htm was something else. I'm not crazy."
"Thank you so much for all the research you have done for your site www.fms-help.com . This is incredible information."
"I saw your site www.fms-help.com and it gave me a twinge of hope, which for me is a big deal because I have had no hope for so long. I have no support whatsoever - everyone around me says, "Oh, you just need to stop taking those pain pills." Or "You just need to get off your butt and run everyday." I am so tired of hearing everyone telling me that it is in my head, or that I am doing this to myself. Thank you for taking the time to help others."
2. MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES - THE DARK AGES
http://www.ourlittleplace.com/mcs.html - good site!
Got this proclamation from a reader - with some interesting comments at the end--
3. MMS WARNING
From a reader--
"I get these advisories from Health Canada, and I thought I should send this one to you right away. It's regarding the MMS,Miracle Mineral Solution sold by www.MMSsupplier.com. They promote it for use in infants, children as well as adults. Health Canada has discovered that it contains 28% sodium chlorite (which is 200 times more than the tolerable daily intake as established by Health Canada) which is not safe for human consumption and has been associated with two adverse reactions in Canada, including one life threatening reaction. Health Canada has asked these people to remove these products from the Canadian Market. There are no drug products approved by Health Canada for oral consumption by humans, it is commonly used for a germicide and hard surface disinfecting agent by veternarians and as a bleaching agent for textiles, pulp and paper, as well as a disinfectant for drinking water treatment (although I don't understand that last one....) They are advising any Canadians that have been taking this product to contact their doctor or pharmacist immediately. I had planned on ordering some of this for the last month but have been busy, thank God I didn't. If you click on "Site Map" at the left hand side of this page and then scroll to the very bottom and click on "International Activities" the next page contains two boxes on the right hand side near the top where you can also get these Advisories delivered to you. If you don't mind I might suggest it would be a good idea with all of the suggestions that you get. With this item, it has been advertised for quite awhile and just now Health Canada has posted the advisory so it is important to let people know about this. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_74-eng.php."
FROM DOM: MMS was mentioned in 2 newsletters (2008 & 2009) - use the Google search box at the end of this newsletter if you want to read what readers said about it. I am still doing great on the type of alkalizing (oxygenating) drops that I began using in 2009 http://neveranoutbreak.com/oxygen.php?partner=FM5H1PDB. It has improved the quality of my health immeasurably! My husband always said it was like I wasn't getting enough oxygen to my brain. I have had no illness since then, and I have stamina for every day, brain fog is 99% gone, etc. I don't know if what I use is similar to MMS - because it has no taste and is easy to use - you just add the drops to drinking water. (You start with just 1-2 drops in at LEAST 8 oz. of water 3 times a day. Increase by 1 drop every several days only if you feel the need. I personally use 10 drops in 16 oz. of water 3 times a day.)
4. SPLENDA
From a reader--
"Have been drinking lots of diet V-8 Splash, sweetened with Splenda. Thought Splenda was safe. Haven't felt myself and my body is very sensitive to chemicals. Came across this list on the web. Am going to stop my intake of diet V-8 Splash and stick to water. I thought I was doing everything right with my diet. I couldn't figure out why I felt so bad. Changing my ways."
5. HOTZE WELLNESS CENTER
From a reader--
"Just want to share with you and all other “fibro mites” that there is a cure for this terrible illness that I too suffered for 4 years. I can now say that I am symptom free. I went to see Hotze Health & Wellness Centre – Houston Texas in December 2009 and am now on bioidenticals. Yes, as your current newsletter states that this illness needs to be treated with the correct approach, not just treat the symptoms, but however the root of the problem. The root of fibromyalgia, is a deficiency of the Hypothalamic/Pituitary Axis, which leads to hormonal imbalances, immune system deficiency, as well as adrenal insufficiency. If doctors, today, would address these issues, more FMS/CFIDS/ME sufferers would find relief of some, if not all of their symptoms. The solution to FMS/CFIDS/ME, is not drugs. The solution rests in supplements, vitamins, neutraceuticals and bioidentical hormones. This is a natural, holistic/alternative approach. Please tell your readers to persevere, in searching for a doctor, who can and will use a natural, holistic/alternative approach. I strongly recommend everyone who suffers with fibromyalgia to visit this Doctor. You will not regret it."
6. FASHION TIP
From a reader--
"As it relates to #15 www.fms-help.com/051210.htm about Cami Secret...and how everything [today's stretch clothing] shows 'rolls,' go to www.unbelievabra.com. This is the BEST clothing invention ever! It is AMAZING."
FROM DOM: Thanks for the info....sounds like a great undergarment to have. I had to chuckle at a statement on the site: "Rolls and muffin tops belong in a bakery, not on your body." HA!!! BTW, if you order Cami Secret, you will be bombarded with "offers" for other things (whether you order from the site www.camisecret.com or by phone). Feel free to say "NO" if you are not interested. My Cami Secret order arrived yesterday and I love them! I may have to take them in just a tiny bit, since I am a small person, but they solve a huge problem in my wardrobe. Cami Secret is a triangular piece of stretchy fabric trimmed in lace that attaches to your bra with special clips so you can avoid the plunging neckline problem with dresses and blouses. They are wonderful! Great invention! I wore a lavender Cami Secret to church last night that matched my dress perfectly! Today's fashions are cut too low for most women, and here in Florida it is too hot and humid to wear an extra tank top or camisole under your clothes - at least not for me and others who sweat a lot.
7. THE TROUBLE WITH M.E. (MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS)
From a reader--
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/may/13/me-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
FROM DOM: This is a British article about CFS. A shocking number of Brits have CFS/M.E. The article also discusses the WPI findings of the XMRV retrovirus that was found in the blood of most CFS patients (reported in Nov. 2009) and why there have been failures in replication studies. Check out www.fms-help.com/misery.htm for the morbidity (level of suffering) of CFS/M.E. Most likely, this illness is caused by a virus - ssee www.fms-help.com/mycoplasma.htm and www.fms-help.com/stealth.htm. I am continuing to use a DNA protecting product since Dec. 2009 with so far-so good results. Also, the oxygen drops I've been putting in my drinking water since Aug. 2009 keep viruses from being able to affect me as they have for so many decades. I have not been sick for 9 months - a record for me. A list of things I'm using is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm. I still, however, have to keep my stress levels down, despite a heavy student load and very demanding church music responsibilities. I have a zero "social life" - there being no energy beyond what my job requires and maintaining home life. However, this is a vast improvement over the suffering and debilitation I have experienced with FMS since June 1982 (woke up with it one morning) and CFIDS since a severe lung infection in 1987.
8. WHY DID RUSSIA BAN MICROWAVE OVENS?
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/18/microwave-hazards.aspx
FROM DOM: There has been a lot of debate over the years about the safety of using microwaves to heat food. Comments? Write dombush@bellsouth.net.
9. THYROID & FIBRO
From a reader--
"This is a huge article. I personally think many people who are diagnosed with fibro have thyroid problems that are not going to be resolved with T4 treatment only. Many also need iodine as well, but this is at least a possible treatment for them. So many docs today use only T4 and it just DOES not work for many people - see http://thyroid.about.com/b/2010/05/17/t3-superior-t4-levothyroxine-hypothyroidism- thyroid.htm."
10. WEIGHT GAIN & FIBRO - WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
From a reader--
11. XMRV UNFOLDING NEWS
From a reader--
"I'm British and have been following the unfolding news concerning the XMRV retrovirus on a forum on the internet. It's called Phoenix Rising and was set up by a American CFS sufferer Cort Johnson. I thought you might be interested in reading some of the forum. It has nearly 2,000 members from all over the world. Its URL address is www.forums.aboutmecfs.org."
12. FIBROMYALGIA & MEDICAL MARIJUANA
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-and-medical-marijuana
13. FACES OF AMERICA
FROM DOM: I was watching a TV show called Faces of America on PBS (public broadcasting) - here's a short video clip of Chinese cellist Yo-Yo Ma. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/profiles/yo-yo-ma/7/ The program investigates the genealogies of many well known people. PBS went to China and found records of Yo-Yo Ma's ancestors going back thousands of years - it was fascinating! He was born in France and had no knowledge of his amazing ancestry. Here's a link to other well-known people and genealogies the show investigated http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica - it's amazing when you go back 14+ generations who is in your family tree! America is indeed a melting pot! (Of course, we are all descendants of Noah, but they can't go back that far...haha.) One of the celebrities in Faces of America used the touching word "Homeland," which is the title of our upcoming program at church celebrating America and freedom.
14. EPIGENETICS - YOUR DNA IS NOT YOUR DESTINY
From a reader--
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/20/epigenetics-offers-new-approaches-to- degenerative-disease.aspx - the future of disease prevention may not depend on your genes but upon ways to turn them on and off. (You aren't doomed by bad genes!)
"Why your DNA is not your destiny" - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/23/Why-Your-DNA-Isnt-Your- Destiny-.aspx
Epigenetics means "above your genes."
Book: "The Genie in Your Genes" by Dawson Church, Ph.D. http://www.genieinyourgenes.com/
FROM DOM: This is so interesting, but way over my head! My 88 year old mother always said she doesn't "believe" in genes. I used to argue with her about this, but maybe there is some truth to it? Does anyone have comments about "epigenetics"? Please write dombush@bellsouth.net.
15. FIBRO PIN OR BRACELET
From a reader--
"In response to one of your readers wishing there was a pin etc. that you could get for fibro, if your US readers go to www.personalizedcause.com you can purchase whatever you awareness pins, bracelets, magnets you like with fibromayalgia on them. For example one of those wristbands would be approx. $6.50 shipped and a portion of that money goes to fibromyalgia research. I have not been able to find a Canadian source that will sell small quantities yet."
16. XYREM FOR SLEEP
FROM DOM: Has anyone tried Xyrem for sleep? Have been reporting on it for years www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm, but have never tried it. Xyrem is sometimes called the "date rape" drug. See http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20100512/sleeping-pill-may-treat-fibromyalgia- pain?ecd=wnl_fib_051810
17. A MOM'S VOICE SOOTHES STRESS
FROM DOM: Very interesting article! But now I wonder if a screaming, abusive mother's voice can increase stress in young girls? Also, what if the mother does not cuddle or comfort her daughter? Comments anyone? Write dombush@bellsouth.net. A lot of us with FMS/CFIDS have been through a boatload of stress as children.
18. WEB MD FIBROMYALGIA EXCHANGE
http://forums.webmd.com/3/fibromyalgia-exchange/forum/15103/14? ecd=wnl_fib_051810 - a moderated FMS support group
19. PEOPLE WITH FIBROMYALGIA PRONE TO FALLS
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20100507/people-with-fibromyalgia-prone-falls? ecd=wnl_fib_051810 - 50 year olds with fibromyalgia scored worse than 70-80 year olds on balance tests.
20. GETTING UP IN THE MORNING
From a reader--
"I do sleep [with Trazadone] but need to stay in bed a good 2 hours when I get up to kind of pray myself into the day."
FROM DOM: I also do not get up right away when I wake up - it always makes for a very bad day when I do that! My brain needs an hour or two after waking to just be able to focus. I pray and doze during this time, or read and meditate with my Bible as I slowly get focused and ready for my day spiritually, physically and emotionally. My worst day is Sunday, when I have to get up early enough to be functional to play piano or organ for church. I feel bad most of the day. I am fortunate that during the week I teach afternoons and evenings at a school of music www.fms-help.com/students.htm. I could never have a morning job again - my sleep has been messed up since I was 16 www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm.
21. SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-what-you-need-to-know-10/symptoms? ecd=wnl_fib_051810
FROM DOM: Also see "50 signs of fibromyalgia" at www.fms-help.com/signs.htm.
22. PERFECT VISION WITHOUT GLASSES?
http://www.visionwithoutglasses.com
FROM DOM: If anyone has tried this, please write dombush@bellsouth.net.
23. PRESCRIPTION MEDS FROM CANADA
From a reader--
"Would like to hear from your readers if they have purchased prescriptions from Canada. Where is the best place, what are the pros and cons? What are the limits? Can you order several month's supply at a time?"
FROM DOM: Write dombush@bellsouth.net with info, and I'll put it in an upcoming newsletter.
24. MUSCLE TENSION - FORMULA 303
From a reader--
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
There's a lot of truth and comfort in those words!
It took me years of trial and error to find things that help me be more functional despite FMS/CFIDS. My current list of meds, supplements, and coping strategies is at www.fms-help.com.what.htm. I wish there were just one "magic bullet" that helped all of us, but hopefully my list can offer insights.
'Til next time,
Dominie
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.
DOMINIE'S FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
HOMEPAGE
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.
