6-6-06
 
Below are 8 short, but interesting topics for my fibro friends. Scroll down and check them out! - Dominie

 
1.  STAT-1 PROTEIN DEFICIENCY AND THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
 
From a reader--
 
    "I read the article, Potential Animal (Zoonotic) Virus Identified in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy), had my husband (an immunotoxicologist) read it, and had him find information on the STAT-1 protein that people with cfids, ms, etc may not have.  It really affects the immune system.  But one of the articles he found cited an even more interesting article.
 
    Wang J, Schreiber RD, Campbell IL; STAT1 deficiency unexpectedly and markedly exacerbates the pathophysiological actions of IFN-alpha in the central nervous system; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002 Dec 10:99(25);16209-14. http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=12461178 
[This article was cited in STAT1 Targeted Mutation Mouse(STAT Proetin Deficiency) http://www.taconic.com/anmodels/002045.htm]
 
    STAT-1 is responsible for a lot of immune functions, one of which is NO production (more important for bacterial infections).  However, lack of it affects the expression of different immune cells and their function.  Someone lacking STAT-1 means that they're far more susceptible to virulent viruses and that the aftereffects are expressed in the neuro system rather than physically. 
 
    This really presents an interesting theory...one that certainly should be more thoroughly examined."
 
NOTE FROM DOMINIE: Check out my page on central nervous system abnormality and FMS/CFIDS at www.fms-help.com/nervous.htm
 

 
2. READER HAS QUESTION ABOUT HIGH WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT
 
Please respond directly to Anita AJ1157@aol.com--
 
"Have ever heard of anyone with FM/CFS have a problem with a high white blood cell count? I get various newsletters from various sources and have even done the online analysis program from Dr. Teitelbaum a few months ago, and I have never (or else do not recall) reading anything the last 8 yrs. about this problem occurring.
 
My cell count was high last yr. with my physical, and then it went down with various times that I had blood work done after that. Then I had my physical again last month and its even higher than it was last yr. I saw a hematologist on Fri. and now I have to wait until next Fri. for the results. The specialist said that even though he doesn' t know much about fibro. he has seen other women my age with the same problems and said there could be a slight possibility that my count is high due to the fibro. Yet he didn't sound certain.
I know you have lots of contacts and thought you would be the best to contact to find any info. that has been noted with the white blood cells.
 
I have felt my health decline so much about 2 yrs ago when I started menopause. But in the last yr or so I am even worse, not only the severe pain all over and affecting my brain, allergies, breathing, stomach probs. etc. but any little strength or energy I had is completely shot and I am basically housebound except for small chores since then."
 
Anita AJ1157@aol.com
 

 
3.  YEAST AND FMS/CFIDS
 
From a reader--
 
"I got rid of the fibro with Diflucan, Paragone by renew Life, Grapefruit Seed extract and anticandida diet. Massage/ice to clear the muscles. Guafenesin helps some. Its yeast Dominie..my doctor finally believed me..."

 

 
4. LESS SLEEP, MORE POUNDS
 
From a reader who stated--
 
"Since I got Fibromyalgia eleven years ago, I have only gotten about five hours of sleep a night, and that isn't really what I would call "restorative" sleep. Perhaps that's one reason why I have gained about 30 pounds since 1995!!! It isn't my "diet", that's for sure.....people who have Fibromyalgia have definite problems with getting enough sleep; it's one of the major problems of this disorder!!!"
 
Women's Sleep Habits Predict Weight Gain, Study Shows

May 23, 2006 -- Skimping on sleep may mean greater weight gain for women.

That's the finding of a study presented in San Diego at the American Thoracic Society's International Conference.

Data came from 68,183 healthy women who took part in the Nurses' Health Study. The Nurses' Health study started in 1976, when women were 30-55 years old.

In 1986, the women reported how much sleep they usually got per night. They reported their weight every two years for the next 16 years.

Women who reported sleeping five or six hours per night gained more weight than those who got seven hours of nightly sleep, the study shows. The researchers included Sanjay Patel, MD, of Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University.

Read the entire article at http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=62152


5. GROWTH HORMONE HELPS READER

"I just wanted to tell you that I've been taking small amounts of growth hormone & it's really helping! I am in so much less pain than I was prior to doing this. I wrote you before about the fact that I figured it out on my own about how to administer it, etc. I've been taking the growth hormone for about 2 months & I really feel a difference. If you get a chance you may want to put Dr. Robert Bennett's info about his study on growth hormone up on your site - http://www.myalgia.com/growth_hormone_deficiency_in_fib.htm or http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/support_pages/advice/growth-hormone-lack.html  ALSO- I found that I really don't need alot & it ends up costing me about $250 for 1- 1/2 month's worth of growth hormone rather than the $1000's they say it costs."


6. COWBOY RIDING ACROSS U.S. TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS

From a reader--

A Pennsylvania man is saddling up to fight cystic fibrosis and fibromyalgia.  Mark Soper and his horse "Luke" are from the Allentown [PA] area, and plan to ride across the country to raise money for both organizations [fibromyalgia & cystic fibrosis].  See article at www.rideforcharity.us.


7. MSG MAKES YOU FAT

From a reader--
"Here is an article on MSG. ........I didn't realize that MSG was in so many of our products as well as all eating establishments.   Worth reading and sharing with all you friends.   Is this why our young people are "obese" at an early age?   MSG Makes You  Fat and is Slowly Poisoning America http://www.relfe.com/MSG_cause_fat_obesity.html."


8. UPDATE FROM DOMINIE

I continue to feel 500% better since leaving the moldy working environment 3 weeks ago! 

Fungal Defense (mentioned in my last update) did not work for me at all.  I took in upon the advice of a salesclerk at the health food store, since I told her I had been exposed to mold for a year.  I had a terrible reaction the second night.  I took 2 tablets with water at bedtime, as directed, and woke up 4 hours later with extreme nausea and dizziness.  I also felt like my body and head were on fire!  I have never felt this way in all of my life, even with my worst flu.  I was hugging the "porcelain steering wheel" (ha) but couldn't throw up.  I eventually collapsed on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night, too weak and dizzy to get up.  It was really scary!  (I got a refund from the health food store.)  This just shows that some products work great for some people but not for everyone. 

For a list of what I currently use, see www.fms-help.com/what.htmThese work well for me, but they may not work for you.  We are all different.  However, with this illness, it's always interesting to compare notes!


My site www.FMS-HELP.com continues to grow with fascinating new research, information, support, compassion, and tips for coping with Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome.  These life-wrecking illnesses are greatly misunderstood by mainstream society.  I work continually for awareness and to help those who have these situations.  I've had a sleep disorder since I was 16 years old.  (I'm 54 now.)  I developed FMS in 1982 while working as a legal secretary.  In 1987 I developed CFIDS after battling a nasty and resistant virus.  Since then I've learned a lot  about this illness and how to cope on a daily basis. I've been online with www.FMS-HELP.com since 1996....wow, it's been 10 years already!

Although I can't answer all of my email, I do read everything you send and I care about you!

Dominie Soo Bush

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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.