27 TOPICS below. Don't miss the RED ones. Readers comments in BLACK. My comments in TEAL.

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6. BURNING NERVE PAIN

"I take 2, even 3 Lyrica (25 mg) a day for burning nerve pain from damaged vertebrae in my back. Does not seem to be helping. On the internet I read of people taking tons of it a day - some it helped, some not, some side effects...weight gain 20 lbs. I wonder if any readers have found anything to help with the burning from nerve damage?"

FROM DOM: Please write dombush@bellsouth.net if you have suggestions.

"Re: www.fms-help.com/072310.htm: This lady's 'positive' effect from a blood transfusion is due to normalizing what her body needed, namely more oxygen, mineral and proteins. She should not be fooled with these temporary positive effects. Blood Transfusion is one of most dangerous and life changing things one could do. There are dozens of unknowns about blood yet, not to mention taking in her body flukes, and microscopic pathogens . Also, it is clearly against Bible admonition to “abstain from blood” as Paul put it. There are many blood alternatives that would do the same thing. More and more hospitals and doctors are going away from giving blood transfusions. Some institutions clearly advertise they are completely non-blood places. This is even more so in Europe than here. I hope her positive result will be lasting. I only hope your readers don’t rush and demand their doctors to give them blood."

"Anemia makes your circulation much worse. Poor circulation makes pain much worse. to have had to have a transfusion, she must have been VERY anemic such that it would not have been surprising at all to get such pain relief."

FROM DOM: Look up the Circulation Formula or Heart Formula .

8. CLONIDINE FOR SLEEP

"I learned something new about sleep. An MD that specializes in Autonomic system of the body explained to me that pain causes adrenal glands to put out excess adrenaline. This adrenaline in turn causes one to stay awake. A medication named Clonidine, which actually is high blood pressure med, prevents output of adrenaline and if taken about an hour before bed relaxes the blood vessels and helps with sleep. Its action on blood pressure is actually by the same principle, namely slowing down adrenal output. Adrenaline, when in excess causes blood vessel constriction, thus increase blood pressure. In case of sleep slowing down adrenal output takes one out of hyper drive condition , allowing relaxation. There are natural ways of accomplishing the same thing, such as Chinese medicine and other herbs, and may be Magnesium. One should know that Magnesium relaxes muscles and has not much to do with blood vessel constriction due to adrenaline or cortisol. But relaxing Muscles itself is a blessing, allowing better blood flow also. A well known powder named “Calm” is excellent thing to take before bed. Combination of Clonidine and Calm may even be a better result producing approach. Passion Flower Extract lets your mind relax from constant “Chatter” . Lemon Balm is good relaxant. Valerian acts differently with different people. It relaxes some and causes hyperness with others. Jamaican Dogwood and bitter Lettuce deal with pain."

FROM DOM: Interesting! My mom (88) has to take Clonidine for her severe blood pressure spikes (as high as 250, recorded at Mayo!) She takes Avapro for daily maintenance of BP. I have to take 25 mg of Atenolol daily for BP management, but mainly because my doctor of internal medicine says it helps keep my adrenaline down. I might try passion flower for brain chatter. Has anyone tried this? As a performing musician, rehearsing music repeatedly causes really bad brain chatter for me with songs going through my head endlessly, like caught in a loop. The immune balancing powder I took for 8+ years stopped the brain chatter and a lot of other annoying problems for me (complexion breakouts, swollen glands, gas & bloating, etc.) I am thinking of getting back on it. Right now I have been experimenting with an immune booster and DNA protector (since Dec. 2009) to see if that's the direction I need to go.

"I'm a 21 year survivor of CFIDS, following a year of chemo for colon cancer. Recently my doctor put me on Cymbalta for depression, and my fatigue cleared up almost immediately. I had my old energy back, plus enthusiasm and normal excitement about going and seeing and doing. It felt absolutely WONDERFUL!! But I immediately got fiercely loose bowels. Diarrhea that was intense and miserable, lasted for three months until I stopped the Cymbalta. Within days I was back to my tiredness and lack of enthusiasm. The Cymbalta affects not only seratonin but L. Dopamine as well. I'm opining that the Dopamine triggered the limbic system and did wonders. My intention is to experiment, with small doses of Cymbalta, if my colon can take it. I think it's a provocative possibility, worth pursuing."

FROM DOM: You can try a Google search of my site (see box below) for more readers' comments about Cymbalta.

"Re: air hunger www.fms-help.com/072310.htm, I suffered (and still do a bit) horribly w/ this and had all kinds of tests thinking they'd find low oxygen, a heart problem etc. Other than Mitral Valve Prolapse and a murmer which docs said was "not serious" I had no answers. Then my current doc, Dr. Powell, put me on nitroglycerine patches and it has really helped w/ circulation and made a big difference in my pain level. I've found if I put the patches on my ankles it seems to keep more blood flow to my feet. Also I have the sublingual nitroglycerine and it gives instant help in circulation w/in a few seconds - gives a warm tingly feeling and eases pain. Dr. Powell said air hunger is partly due to tight bands of muscles and tendons around the rib cage. He showed me some stretches...kinda hard to explain but if you think of ways to stretch the muscles along the sides of your rib cage it will open the area up. This oxygen hunger is a very common FMS symptom and also could be related to low iron/anemia and low vitamin B12 or methylation problems. Still I'd recommend you do have your heart checked just to be safe - as they say 'it's not all fibro!'"

FROM DOM: Wow! That sure is interesting! Check out the Heart or Circulation Formula.

11. OXYLATES & GUAI PROTOCOL

"I did the guai protocol and saw Dr. St. Amand in his office. I got very noticable improvement for about a year. I went from being nearly bedridden all the time to getting out and about more and my pain, fog, and fatigue improved. Then I stagnated and moved on to other protocols (now see Dr. Powell for treatment of mycoplasmas, methylation, candida, biofilm, etc). I've wondered though why the guia helped me and has helped so many others. I too think it's due to removal of oxalates, thinning the blood (improving our circulation) and it's muscle relaxant effect, plus Dr. St. Amand's anti-candida/high protein diet. When I was "mapped" by Dr. St. Amand I could easily feel the gelatenous lumps under my skin that he calls "deposits". They felt like a big steak on top of my upper leg muscles. My husband felt the lumps easily too and they got smaller w/ the guai and are now almost gone. Still even w/ the deposits gone I have my FMS symptoms. Dr. St. Amand is a such a nice man - seemed very humble. I believe his heart is really in it. He was at the forefront of acknowledging FMS and fought hard to get it recognized as a "REAL" disease/syndrome and has devoted much of his life to helping people w/ it."

FROM DOM: Try a search from the Google box below for the words guai, guaifenesin or St. Amand - for more info I have on my site.

12. EXERCISE & FIBRO

"I've been exercising consistently for the last year and I agree w/ the survey that it doesn't give much benefit. I have gained a small bit of muscle mass but no improvement at all in my endurance and aerobic capacity (it may even be worse now). The amount of pain/fatigue and down time I have to endure to keep going really makes me wonder if it's worth it. I have to give up other activities to be able to have the energy to keep going to class plus I've had to increase my pain medication. I do martial arts of all things and the big reason I go is that it's helped a ton w/ my self confidence and I just enjoy learning the forms. Many of the kicks and jumps I can't do so the instructor allows me to skip over those parts. He is a Christian man who is very careful to work around my health problems. He encourages me to sit down during much of the class and has talked w/ me a few times that he's worried about how I get out of breath so easily. I sweat profusely, get light headed and my face is flushed red after just a few minutes so I have to be very careful to not over do it. It takes me 3-4 days minimum down time to recover after a day I attend class and my FMS really flares up. It's frusterating to see others in my class get so physically fit while I just have stayed at the same fitness level."

FROM DOM: When my fibro was really, really bad (1980's), the doc had me sign up for an aerobics class at the hospital fitness center. Baaaaaad idea! A young, blond Swedish instructor named Inga led the class in 1 hour of jumping exercises. Oh my! Most of us were falling out on the floor. I think Inga had springs in her legs!!! One newbie to the class, a heavyset middle-aged lady jumped right out of her top (everyone was laughing hysterically!) As for me, I threw my back out, ending up lying on the floor looking up into the concerned faces of about 6 ladies who had gathered around to see if they could help. A gentle stretching class would have been better (like for the elderly), but even then, stretching my muscles in any way felt like they were tearing. Then in 1996, almost miraculously, I found a powerful OPC product, and my fibro pain went away after 14 years of severe suffering. I was then able to move normally without pain and when you are pain-free, you move around a lot more just naturally. The OPC product helped send oxygen around my body and to my brain. I have tried other OPC's, but only this one works for me. (Write dombush@bellsouth.net for info, if curious.) I still battle other CFIDS symptoms, but have been pain free for 14 years (1996-2010) - the same number of years that I suffered such awful fibro pain (1982-1996). I also have a list of pain suggestions is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.

13. "WHO SWITCHED OFF MY BRAIN?"

"I would like to recommend an excellent book written by Dr. Caroline Leaf entitled, "Who Switched off My Brain?" She is a Christian neuroscientist and has done some very amazing studies about strongholds of the mind and how what the scriptures say about our thought life can now be visibly seen on brain maps. For example, if a person is harboring unforgiveness, it looks like a tree w/ thorns on a brain map. When the person forgives and loves, the brain "tree" physically changes form and the "thorns" fall off and the it branches and grows. Also she says we have brain cells in our heart and our "heart brain" is where our conscience is and our sense of right/wrong. She has some really great exercises in her book to help you be more aware of your thought life and detoxify your mind based on God's Word. Dr. Leaf was a guest on Joyce Meyer's show one day, and since I love Joyce Meyer's book "Battlefield of the Mind." I decided to order "Who Switched off My Brain?" I've found it a great companion to "Battlefield of the Mind" and love how it is rich in scriptures about our thought life. Her website is http://www.drleaf.net/ if you want to find more info."

FROM DOM: Wow! Two more books on my wish list! Will check on ebay and amazon used books. See the interview with Dr. Caroline Leaf on Joyce Meyer's show: http://drleaf.net/about/video-appearances/joyce-meyer-interview - they discuss the power of our thoughts, good and bad memories, smells that trigger memories, etc. What happens physiologically in our brains when we ponder good and bad memories, how to renew the mind, dealing with addictions, dwelling on negative thoughts, the role of smell (aromatherapy affecting the amygdala), etc. We have a lot more POWER than we think we do, and also have free will to accept or reject information. Dr. Leaf says that the Word of God is LIVING, so if you put scripture in your mind (put on a tape, etc.), it will counteract negative thoughts. They discuss information overload in today's world, busy-ness, feeling overwhelmed, the need to slow down, etc.

14. DATING, MARRIAGE & FIBROMYALGIA

From a reader--

"Re: survey at www.fms-help.com/072310.htm - It's amazing that these women found such good men. I had to prove to my husband that it wasn't all in my head by getting dramatically better with supplements and having a well paying job which I never lost. The verbal abuse I put up with prior to getting better (10 years) was enough to make me not recommend dating to anyone with fibromyalgia. Had I not been an intelligent person with a VERY strong sense of the RIGHT to care for myself, I never would have made it. It is much better to me to have complete control over your surroundings. Allowing someone else to have control - which can happen if you are not able to work and they are, means you may move into a home with mold/chemicals which makes you worse, adding a lot of electronics which adds EMF and outgassing chemicals, painting with bad paints. I could go on. The more in control of your environment you are, the better."

15. FLAX

From a reader--

"Flax has to be changed by the body into the active form. animal forms of omega 3 are already in the active form. some people's bodies cannot make that transition so for some better to have animal product. its not that flax is bad, just not as efficient as animal sourced omega 3's. some people are allergic to fish or are vegetarian and as such cannot have the animal based products."

16. VITAMIN D

Snippet from article: "History will certainly identify our current time as the "Vitamin D Decade"! How many tragic, disabling, or even fatal disease could be averted with simple, ADEQUATE supplementation with vitamin D? Low vitamin D is associated with a 26% increased risk of overall death from any cause, an 80% increased risk of peripheral artery disease, and a 400%
(4 fold) increase in dementia! It is estimated that improving vitamin D status in women can cut the death rates from breast cancer and colon cancer by 75%. Vitamin D...has specific applications to osteoporosis and fracture, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer."

http://www.slide.com/r/hD6DvyAOxD9ClUhvUpVcUMABW9QzpGnQ - Cat and crow are best friends - a must see video!

19. CHRISTIAN ROCK - BLESSING OR BLASPHEMY?

FROM DOM: A 19-year-old college student referred me to this article: http://www.av1611.org/crock.html "Christian Rock - Blessing or Blasphemy?" As a lifelong church musician, this article was of significance to me. I have always felt that so-called "Christian" rock music brings spiritual oppression into a service. I sent the article to an insightful friend who commented thusly: "That's what happens when Christianity is based on 'feeling' instead of sound exposition of the Word. God's people refuse to think and only want to feel. They have know idea what spirit they are feeling. The real rock guys as shown here KNOW what they are doing. The 'Christian' mimics are just deluded wanna be's. And the music stinks!"

FROM DOM: Would anyone like to comment on Immunocal (denatured whey protein)? Did it help your fibro, CFIDS, or insomnia? Write dombush@bellsouth.net with experiences - positive, negative or neutral.

Interesting tips for raising glutathione levels by Dr. Mark Hyman

Glutathione is critical for one simple reason: It recycles antioxidants.

9 Tips to Optimize your Glutathione Levels

These 9 tips will help you improve your glutathione levels, improve your health, optimize your performance and live a long, healthy life.

Eat Foods that Support Glutathione Production

1. Consume sulfur-rich foods. The main ones in the diet are garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.).

2. Try bioactive whey protein. This is great source of cysteine and the amino acid building blocks for glutathione synthesis. As you know, I am not a big fan of dairy. But this is an exception -- with a few warnings. The whey protein MUST be bioactive and made from non-denatured proteins ("denaturing" refers to the breakdown of the normal protein structure). Choose non-pasteurized and non-industrially produced milk that contains no pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. Immunocal is a prescription bioactive non-denatured whey protein that is even listed in the Physician's Desk Reference.

Exercise for Your Way to More Glutathione

3. Exercise boosts your glutathione levels and thereby helps boost your immune system, improve detoxification and enhance your body's own antioxidant defenses. Start slow and build up to 30 minutes a day of vigorous aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, or play various sports. Strength training for 20 minutes 3 times a week is also helpful.

Take Glutathione Supporting Supplements

One would think it would be easy just to take glutathione as a pill, but the body digests protein -- so you wouldn't get the benefits if you did it this way. However, the production and recycling of glutathione in the body requires many different nutrients and you CAN take these. Here are the main supplements that need to be taken consistently to boost glutathione. Besides taking a multivitamin and fish oil, supporting my glutathione levels with these supplements is the most important thing I do every day for my personal health.

4. N-acetyl-cysteine. This has been used for years to help treat asthma and lung disease and to treat people with life-threatening liver failure from Tylenol overdose. In fact, I first learned about it in medical school while working in the emergency room. It is even given to prevent kidney damage from dyes used during x-ray studies.

5. Alpha lipoic acid. This is a close second to glutathione in importance in our cells and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification. The body usually makes it, but given all the stresses we are under, we often become depleted.

6. Methylation nutrients (folate and vitamins B6 and B12). These are perhaps the most critical to keep the body producing glutathione. Methylation and the production and recycling of glutathione are the two most important biochemical functions in your body. Take folate (especially in the active form of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate), B6 (in active form of P5P) and B12 (in the active form of methylcobalamin).

7. Selenium. This important mineral helps the body recycle and produce more glutathione.

8. A family of antioxidants including vitamins C and E (in the form of mixed tocopherols), work together to recycle glutathione.

9. Milk thistle (silymarin) has long been used in liver disease and helps boost glutathione levels.

22. NATURAL MEDICATIONS FOR PSYCHIATRIC ISSUES

From a reader--

"Just in case some [readers] have unrelated or related mental disorders because of their CFS, I discovered a site that custom designs natural medications for people's psychiatric issues (some of the most severe) from all natural sources. Apparently their success rate is very high and they also provide coaching and followup. They also have an angel fund to help those who are financially challenged to get started because the put so many people back to work with their help that people can accept the challenge to pay it back as they get better. I am working with them to deal with some of my issues. See www.truehope.com They are in Alberta, Canada."

23. LEGS & FEET FEEL HEAVY

From a reader--

"Is it common for women with fibro to have weird feelings and swelling in lower legs and feet? It is hard to describe, but my legs and feet feel a lot like they did in the last weeks of pregnancy; they feel heavy, like lead weights are in them, and sometimes I have tingling, pins and needle feelings, and numbness. At times this keeps me awake."

FROM DOM: Wow. I have had all of those feelings. For me, high humidity and cloudy weather (barometric changes) cause a "lead in my body" feeling. Also, have had the tingling, numbness, etc., especially earlier in my fibro experience www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm, circa 1982.

24. "TOO SOON OLD"

http://www.utvet.com/TooSoonOld.html - My husband and I have talked about this many times. The poem is great....but be sure to see the 2 pictures (beginning and end). Oh so true!!!!

25. "WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS"

"What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there."

[FROM DOM: The words of this beloved hymn were written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855 to comfort his mother who was living in Ireland after he moved to Canada. Scriven graduated from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. After his fiancée drowned the night before they were to marry, he moved to Canada in 1846, where he was a teacher. There he met and became engaged to Eliza Roche. In what seems too amazing to be coincidence, Eliza died shortly before their wedding. Following the death of his second fiancée, Scriven joined the Plymouth Brethren, helping the aged members of the community. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_M._Scriven#Life and http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/c/scriven_jm.htm ]

FROM DOM: Life Plus products have given me much health and strength. I highly recommend: Daily BioBasics (all in one vitamin/mineral/probiotics powder), DNA Immune (DNA protector and immune booster), EPA Plus (Omega 3), Joint Formula (I don't need the osteoarthritis meds anymore), Colloidal Silver (helps me fight infections), Proanthenols (powerful antioxidants that got rid of my pain in 1996), CalMag (no more painful foot and leg cramps), Tea Tree Fluoride Free Toothpaste (better for you), Wonder Gel (non-greasy, cooling gel - effective for pain). These products are FRESH, POTENT, COLD-PROCESSED, and HIGHLY BIO-AVAILABLE due to the unique phytozyme base. Visit Dom's Life Plus Products. There's a short description of each product on the product page, but if you scroll down a bit, you will see a link on each page to the full information. I would greatly appreciate your patronage, and I am sure you will greatly appreciate the products! They are life-changing. If you have any questions, write dombush@bellsouth.net. I will be glad to help. There's a money back guarantee on all products.

27. DOM'S UPDATE

I'm feeling pretty good for a fibromite - even have a few "completely normal" days here and there! Busy teaching music and also playing piano/organ for my church, plus we've had lots of company lately and more expected. Whew! I am looking forward to the production of "Homeland" at church on August 29, a musical celebrating America as a land of immigrants and patriots. As the daughter of an immigrant and patriot, this musical brought tears to my eyes! My dad's story is at www.fms-help.com/eulogy.htm. The choir and orchestra will be portraying famous Americans of the past. I will be dressed as Anne Sullivan (teacher of Hellen Keller) and will be playing the organ for the program. I thank God that I am able to keep up with everything. Some days are difficult, others are okay. I have come a long way from the years of severe suffering and debilitation. A list of things I use to stay functional is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm - you may find a few helpful things. This list is a culmination of my 28 years of dealing with fibromyalgia, CFS and insomnia.