Dominie's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Newsletter

10. NETI POT ENDS SINUS SUFFERING!

From a reader--

"I HAVE HAD EIGHT SINUS SURGERIES IN 10 YEARS WITH NEVERENDING INFECTIONS. I HAVE BEEN ON ANTIBIOTICS FOR JUST ABOUT THAT ENTIRE TIME. I HAVE A WEEKLY STANDING APPT. WITH MY ENT DOC TO SCOPE MY NOSE FOR "BUG"! YIKES! THAT IS NOT FUN! THEN, ON A CHANCE ENCOUNTER AT MY LOCAL WILD OATS STORE, I MET A WONDERFUL INDIAN GENTLEMAN WHO WAS BUYING A NETI POT. I STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH HIM AND HE EXPLAINED THE USE OF NETI AS WELL AS SOME METAPHYSICAL PHILOSOPHIES ON SAME. WELL, I COULDN'T WAIT TO GET HOME AND TRY OUT MY LITTLE NETI. I HATE TO ADMIT THAT A SMALL WHITE PORCELAIN "TEAPOT" HAS BECOME MY CONSTANT COMPANION BUT IT HAS AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE THIS HAS MADE. MY ENT IS AMAZED AND KIDS ME ABOUT NETI PUTTING HIM OUT OF BUSINESS. IT IS A TOTALLY PASSIVE WAY OF IRRIGATING - I USE SEA SALT AND WARM WATER - THAT IS IT. AMAZING!"

11. WAYS TO RELIEVE ALLERGIES

www.revolutionhealth.com/forums/asthma-allergies/94527?msc=A62689

12. NEURALLY MEDIATED HYPOTENSION & HYPOGLYCEMIA

Please respond directly to Diane at itreeit@aol.com if you have information to share--

"I WOULD LOVE TO BE REFERRED TO ARTICLES ABOUT NEURALLY MEDIATED HYPOTENSION AND HYPOGLYCEMIA. HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BOTH AND AM CONVINCED THIS ALL CAME ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD MONO. EVERYTHING CHANGED AT THAT POINT AND HAS REALLY NEVER BEEN THE SAME."

13. NO SYMPATHY FOR FIBROMITES

From a reader--

"I was diagnosed with fibro about 5 weeks ago although I now realize I've had it for many years. (I'm 54 years old now.) I believe symptoms started at age 19, then were exacerbated in 1982 when my boyfriend died, again in 1997 after a bad case of mononucleosis, and now in 2007. I changed internists last year and found one who referred me to a rheumotologist. He also works hard with me to control symptoms. This year has been a really bad flare. I've been "hanging by my fingernails", which is the way I describe the manner in which I've coped with my entire adult life, but recently I haven't been able to even do that! I haven't worked since mid-June.

My Mother died of breast cancer in April this year and my brother and I cared for her. I believe this is what precipitated my recent flare. If you've cared for a dying loved-one, I'm sure you understand. Also, I hadn't been quite right since a 10-day trip to Europe last summer, which exhausted me. Traveling is apparently not something I should do.

My primary symptom - the one that is the most incapacitating; is fatigue - a close second is cognitive dysfunction. (I have to throw in here that just like another reader, I have itchy ear canals!!! My Doctor has no clue why.) I have a desk job, but it doesn't matter....my job requires me to think while I'm sitting at my desk and I can't!! You can't always explain why you can't work with this disease especially if you have a sedentary job. Sometimes I would describe myself as not only incapable of doing something, I'm unable to just BE. If my job were to lie on my back and stare at the ceiling, I'm not sure I could do this some days!

I must tell friends and family with clarity and confidence whenever I am unable to do what they want me to do....and then let it go. Boy, trying to control what others think of my incapacity adds to my exhaustion. This is not an easy thing to let go....but I must to get better.

For example, in 1997, I was off work for 2 months because of fibro symptoms. My Doctor diagnosed it as "depression". No one from work sent a card, no one from my family checked on me or asked how I was doing, friends were scarce. I could have used help with cleaning and grocery shopping, but no one had time, etc. When I returned to work, hardly anyone spoke to me. When I asked my secretary what was going on, she said some people were really mad that they had to cover for me just because I was "tired". They were all tired too and THEY made it in every day. I'm sure this is familiar to most fibro sufferers, but I decided that I could not emotionally afford to let this affect me. (In 2000, when I had a hysteretomy, cards, flowers, family visits, offers to help were plentiful of course!) When I have symptoms I really need help, but it's hard for everyone including some doctors to deal with these symptoms. I now have a few people who are WILLING to understand and they are the ones who support me when I'm sick. I think some people sort of pretend to understand and that's okay too. I'm not responsible for changing everyone's mind when I'm sick. Not enough energy...when I'm better I can advocate for myself and others in a productive way. It is my goal to not waste energy with anger and resentment.

I was at Physical Therapy last week, after a particularly rough 2-3 days. I had been in my Doctor's office the day before and he wanted to put me in the hospital to help with my depression (I cried during the entire visit.) As I waited for the therapist I started reading a magazine article about new information, letters, etc. recently uncovered of Abe Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, General Sherman, etc. I realized I felt better because I actually had some interest in reading the article. As I read of the emotional make-up of these men, their fears, sadness, illnesses (General Sherman had a "nervous breakdown" at the beginning of the Civil War in anticipation of the number of Confederate troops that might be in Kentucky) the tragic events in their lives, as well at their perceptions of their own capabilities and their doubts about their contributions to mankind....I realized that it is part of the human condition to know suffering. I don't feel guilty that others have done "more" than me in spite of their weaknesses, but I do feel solace in my human frailties that connect me to others. My frequent cry is "why can't I be like everyone else?!!!!?" ....but we really are all in this together."

What a great letter! I'm sure just about everyone with fibro can relate to this reader's thoughts and experiences. When I was diagnosed way back in 1982, there was almost no understanding about this illness. After all these years, it seems that not much has changed, except we now have the internet to share information. A few years ago I did an interview for BellaOnline - it's now at www.fms-help.com/interview.htm describing some of my early experiences with FMS.

14. A "JOB-ECTOMY"

From a reader--

"Winter before last I had 9 viruses. I was on and off work like a yoyo. Eventually they sent me to Occupational Health who I thought would look at the stress levels in my job and help, but all they said was that if I continued to have time off they may need to let me go! Helpful isn't it."

Wow. This used to be the story of my life. I lost so many jobs due to poor health. Chronic illness causes "cashectomies" and "jobectomies." (Those are two words I made up to describe what happens when our health won't cooperate with our careers.) I sooo understand this - see my story at www.fms-help.com/fatigue.htm. For a list of things I use to stay functional, see www.fms-help.com/what.htm. These may or may not help someone else. Sadly, it's almost impossible to stay productive in today's world and job market when you have poor health. I hope my newsletter and website www.fms-help.com will comfort the afflicted and provide helpful ideas for coping.

15. WORK FROM HOME IDEAS

I have never been much of a business person or had "the Midas touch," but the need to make money is a fact of life that we all face on a daily basis. Someone once told me, "Financial problems are just as real as health problems." And we all know that these two problems are often related!

I got the great info below from a mom (non-fibro) who works as a technical writer with flex hours. I asked her if there were jobs she knew of that people with FMS/CFIDS could do from home or with flextime. Here is her wonderful and helpful response--

"I'm not sure if I can help or not, but I'll try. It really depends on the person's experience. If they are Technical Writers like me, they could contact their local Society for Technical Communication (STC) Chapter. The main website where they can find their local chapter is http://stc.org .

A lot of tech writer jobs are very flexible where you can work from home a couple of days/wk & go to the office a couple of days/wk. OR you can work a contract position which means you pay your own taxes, but it gives you complete flexibility b/c you are your own boss & probably would only have to meet with the client a couple of times, but you do that on your schedule.

Some insurance companies offer this flexibility for their processors as well, but I'm not sure how to go about finding out about them.

If the person has customer service experience, there are several legit places where they can work as a contractor from their home. Read these articles: http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/jobs/a/cust_ser_jobs.htm and http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2378167.

Here are two customer service call center sites that I know are legit:

http://liveops.com/liveops_agents.html and http://www.alpineaccess.com/external/careers/become_an_agent.html

This is a site for moms who want to stay at home, but it has some great information for anyone: http://wahm.com. I hope this helps."

I also received this email from a reader with another great work at home idea--

"I'd like to share my "work at home" experience. I noticed an ad in the local newspaper for a bookkeeper (I'm an accountant) so I wrote them a letter telling them about myself and letting them know that I could do side jobs for them, or help them when they are really busy. The end result is that I work from home doing bookkeeping - and all I do is pick up the work from them and deliver it back to them. We've established a great work relationship and they know about my health problems."

And these cautions and bits of advice from another reader--

"Never, never pay anyone to work from home. If it is a legit company they will send you info and will pay you. Do not send anyone money! If someone is on disability, they need to check with social security to find out how many hours a week they can work, without losing their disability. I believe it is 12 hours a week. I worked flex time for many years. Companies expect you to be in the office for meetings or important functions of your job. And most have set flex time hours. For example, the company I worked for, said you had to start work anytime between 6:30 and 9. And then you would work your 8 hours. But most companies do not believe in an 8 hour work day anymore. I and many others worked 50-60 hours even with flex time. It depends on how big the corporation is, and most small companies don't have flex time, since they have just a few employees. I worked for over 27 years at an insurance company."

And here is another idea sent in by a reader--

"One of the sites I've found helpful is http://www.assistu.com. I used to work for one of my friends doing database development and data entry from home but the next time I go back to working out of the house I think this will be something along the lines of what I'm going to do. I have a good friend who does medical transcription from home and another who also works as a remote assistant and both have found these to be very rewarding and to an extent they can set their own hours."

Well, these are all very helpful suggestions! As you check into various work from home opportunities, study them carefully and never put any money up front. Another great place to look is www.guru.com where you can post your resume. They have TONS of projects for freelancers! You can also see exactly how much money others have made for completion of various projects.

If you have been employed outside the home before you got sick, it might take some mental adjustments to work from home at something that might not be your first choice of occupation, but it is possible. I believe that our "Type A, go-getter" tendencies can help us in making this transition--not to mention the (grim) fact that we all need some form of income to sustain our daily lives.

If you are on disability already, definitely call Social Security to find out how much money you can make (or how many hours a week you can work) without losing your benefits.

If you find a work from home job that you like or want to tell others about, please write me at dombush@bellsouth.net. I'm sure many readers will be "all ears!"

16. WE ARE NOT ALONE

Sent in by a reader--

"When people with Fibromyalgia first meet each other, there is almost a magical ability to immediately open the doors that lead to our innermost sensitivities, fears, and hopes. On the outside we may be perfect strangers, but given the opportunity to look inside and help each other, we may find that we are indeed perfect friends and comrades. Fibromyalgia has caused a lot of changes in our lives... We need to remind each other that we are not alone." - From Fibromyalgia: Up Close and Personal by Mark J. Pellegrino, MD, Anadem Publishing, 2005. For purchase information call 330-498-9865.

17. D-RIBOSE & ROZEREM

From a reader--

"I began using d-Ribose in May and have had more mental clarity and focus than I have in the last 6 years. Also, I had begun using Rozerem (for sleep) with much success except it's price. In lieu of that I seem to have made a successful transition to something called Seditol Plus. Thank God they both seem to be doing me some good, and when I sleep well I don't have the night sweats or stomach problems either."

18. MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

From a reader--

"I've only been diagnosed for less than two weeks but was searching Google Video for fibromyalgia for info to share with loved ones (came up with 267 results, including an 1 1/2 hr video of a panel of doctors discussing FMS) and came across this video. I don't have pain to a degree that I would seek meds at this time, but would never consider medicinal marijuana due to dependency in the past and a history of psychiatric illness w/psychosis, but thought you might be interested in the video, as I was. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4xrouYkHO8."

19. AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE (LITTLE JOKE)

From a reader--

A gorgeous young redhead goes into the doctor's office and said that her body hurt wherever she touched it. "Impossible!" says the doctor. "Show me." The redhead took her finger, pushed on her left shoulder and screamed, then she pushed her elbow and screamed even more. She pushed her knee and screamed; likewise she pushed her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream. The doctor said, "You're not really a redhead, are you? "Well, no" she said, "I'm actually a blonde." "I thought so," the doctor said. "Your finger is broken."

20. READER TO MAKE A 24 HOUR FLIGHT

Please respond with any helpful suggestions to Nancy at dreemweever40@yahoo.com--

"I have friends in NZ who have invited me for an extended stay and I'm concerned about the flight. Can you give me any tips and hints to cope with flying there? It's about a 24 hour flight."

21. CONSTIPATION

From a reader--

"I had a little chuckle at the end of Item 29 of your 4^th August Newsletter. You wrote: That's interesting! I too was constipated for 7 years just before the onset of my fibro in 1982. Strangely, when I got off birth control pills, constipation was no longer a problem. I have never figured that out. Well it just so happens that not long ago I completed a short course in Human Nutrition. Just last month to be exact. It seemed like a long course to me with two big text books of study and activities to complete. It took me 5 months in all and I got a little too behind to have time to hand in my assignments. What a pity. Anyway, the point is this: I covered a topic on Nutrition in Pregnancy and found out that while pregnant it is natural for the body to slow down the digestion and transit of food stuffs thru the small bowel. This enables every scrap of nutrient to be absorbed by the mother to benefit the baby. Nothing wasted! While studying this I was thinking about women on the pill and wondered whether these women suffered with constipation; as we all know that taking the pill mimics pregnancy, and I think you just answered my question! Thank you. I’ve never taken it long enough to find out myself, it gave me weird side effects.

On the subject of constipation, I would like to clarify a couple of things:

1) The small bowel is for digestive purposes and to absorb nutrients. The main function of the large bowel is to receive the waste matter left over from digestion in the small bowel, and absorb the excess water before the body evacuates it. If the waste moves too quickly thru the colon (large bowel) then we suffer diarrhea, if it moves too slowly (eg not enough roughage) then we suffer constipation. This is true constipation where feces are hard and difficult to pass.

2) If however, someone has not had an evacuation for a while, then when they do go to pass stools and they are of normal consistency, then this indicates that the waste matter has not been hanging around that long in the colon. It’s as simple as that. If it is hanging around, the colon WILL absorb the water and the stools WILL be hard. So instead, constipation is more an indication of someone with a slow digestion and the mashed up food has been hanging around in the small bowel for a long time.

Sorry for being graphic and spelling it out, but I think it is important that people know the difference. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can affect both bowels and it is hard to know what is going on. I just think sometimes people are quick to think their colon is not functioning adequately when it’s the part of the digestive tract prior to this that is in question! I also believe that Fibromites have a particular problem with sluggish bowels (both large and small), as we tend to be sluggish all round anyway. As to whether constipation is the CAUSE of fibro or just one of the many symptoms remains arguable."

22. NO MAGIC BULLET

From a reader--

"I have been through the World Renowned Fibromyalgia clinic at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) Dr. Robert Bennett's program, more confused than ever. What stinks, is that what works for one person with this disease, doesn’t work for someone else. It is much more frustrating for those of us with Fibro, then say, someone who has been diagnosed with Diabetes. With Diabetes, you need insulin. Don’t take me wrong here, I know that being diagnosed with Diabetes is a horrible thing, but at least they know what they have to do! There is no “definite” treatment for Fibro. I am so glad that you are getting relief with the supplements. I have kept up for probably the last year with your newsletter and enjoy so much all the info that other sufferers supply. If nothing else, its just so helpful to know that there are other people out there that every day is a struggle and it’s not just “all in one’s head” some days I even think to myself “am I just imagining that I am hurting?” There are so many activities that I just can’t do anymore that I once enjoyed so much. Having faith in a loving God and a wonderful husband who "tries" to understand makes it somewhat more tolerable."

I so understand this reader's frustration!!! I'm very glad she has an understanding husband. I do too. But not every fibromite lives with kindess in their homes. Many have spouses who don't understand their suffering. Some even live with daily put-downs and mocking, with spouses think they are hypochondriacs! I have lots of help for relationships on my homepage at www.fms-help.com. However, you can't change a person's nature--there are just some mean people in this world!

23. READER NEEDS ADVICE

Please respond directly to Theresa theresac@fidnet.com--

"Question--My left leg, ankle, foot (thight down) started swelling a few years ago (off and on) then the right leg started also, but not as bad. A few months ago they got really bad, had to take lasix before they split. Since then the left ankle and foot hurt and burn a lot (along with some swelling almost every day). I'm 5'4" and about 195 (I know, I know) and 52 years old. Do not smoke or drink. Have had an Xray for CHF (Neg). My face started breaking out in a bad rash, which progressed to hives (once again--off and on). My regular Dr. thought auto-immune. Sent to the rhuematologist-wasn't too concerned-called his office when face swollen almost beyond recognition and nurse said come in-then he decided maybe something was wrong. Gave me prednisone and hydroxycloroquine (Plaquenil, an anti-malaria medicine). Felt great on the prednisone-didn't hurt for the first time in years. Until the pain stops, you don't realize how bad it has been. When I needed a refill, my regular Dr. got very concerned. Said why does he have you on this, its dangerous. Told her he didn't really tell me anything. She did a test she said he should have done (was looking at Dermatomyositis) Test showed elevated. She sent me back to him. He said test was only slightly elevated, run it again. That time OK. He says tests show I have no inflammation and I do not need to come back to him. Said he's not the type of Dr. who treats fibromyalgia. Asked him what kind of Dr. does (I thought rheumatologists were who you were supposed to go to) Also asked him why the prednisone took away the pain. He said it's because it is an anti-inflammatory (!!!???? but I supposedly have no inflammation.) Anyway, he said he doesn't need to see me anymore. Had no idea why my legs were swollen and about to split. Said maybe I need to go back to allergist. It feels like the veins in my feet are full of something that burns instead of blood. Pressure of shoes or weight bearing hurts. If there is inflammation in the veins, wouldn't it show in his famous inflammation tests? Does fibromyalgia alone do this? My hands are starting to get knots on them and they sure do hurt. Also, on the mystery spreading facial rash--I was on Effexor and had been a year of more-asked both Dr.s if might have become allergic or reacting to, was told not possible. I have since weaned myself off and haven't had rash since (cross fingers). Now burning legs, feet and swelling are main problem. Of course the all-over pain is back and seems worse than ever, since I had actually had a break from it for a month. Right now I am taking no meds and I can't really tell that the pain is any worse than when I took anti-depressants, mobic, etc, etc, etc, Only thing that seemed to work was the prednisone and they say that's not good for you (which it probably isn't) Has anyone else been on the anti-malaria medicine (plaquenil) and if so, what is it supposed to do? I haven't been back to my Dr. either, because I can't take off any more work and I've got to get all of the "stuff insurance does pay" paid for before they start ordering more charges. I guess it's just old age, but I see other people that are doing pretty well at this age-- I guess I don't want to "go gracefully into the night" I'll be the type to go down kicking and screaming. Any ideas you have would really be appreciated."

Please respond directly to Theresa theresac@fidnet.com. Back in my worst fibro days (about 20 years ago), a doc prescribed Prednisone for a problem I had with a resistant ear infection and inflammation that didn't go away for 3 months. Surprisingly, I was pain free for the entire week I was on Prednisone. I begged for a refill, but he wouldn't do it and said that Prednisone was "Short term magic - long term tragic." I think it causes holes in your bones - not sure. Anyway, I have no pain anymore, but during those years longed to be pain free. A list of things that helped my pain is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.

24. MORPHINE

From a reader--

"Just from my experience and many others, Morphine is addictive. It
alleviates your pain but you become highly addictive regardless of what
the doctors tell you. It becomes an expensive habit and once your body adjusts to it you need
more and more of it. It is worse trying to break the habit. I actually
took seizures coming off of it and I was on the lowest dose."

25. ROOIBOS TEA

"I wonder if you'all over there stateside know about the phenomenon which is taking the world
by storm, namely the South African tea called Rooibos or Red Bush tea?
It has long been known to have brilliant antioxidant properties and an
entrepreneur over here (in South Africa) even recently invented a
super-strong formula of Rooibos - Rooibos espresso - by fermenting the
leaves longer and subjecting them to a process, which has made the
antioxidant content even sronger. I really don't drink enough! If you
could mention this in your newsletter it would be great. Rooibos has
spread all over the world and the espresso version has even found favour
in fussy Italy! It contains no caffeine which is great, and has its own
particular taste which is very nice, especially with honey."

26. GABA, TYROSINE & PHENYLALANINE

From a reader--

"I have been doing some research on vitamins that make me feel better (trust me, I have tried a ton of them). Nothing was working until a friend told me about combined Gaba, Tyrosine and Phenylalanine. I had been taking (and getting no help from) 30 mgs of Lexapro. I was just becoming more and more down. I have started taking Gaba to stay relaxed which helps a lot with being able to work under pressure

I have also started taking Tyrosine. I don't process protein at all well. I don't heal at all well. I just have been getting by for many years. Since taking the Gaba, Tyrosine and Phenylalanine I have had some really bad falls (knees just gave out probably due to the myo thing). I figured the bad scrapes would take a month or so to heal. I am amazed but they scrapes is just about healed now and it has been 9 days."

I've been using an anti-stress formula since June 5 that helps me a lot too. Those of us with FMS have major problems handling stress - much more than other people I think due to our biochemistry. I also am a slow healer, like this reader.

27. DR. MARTIN PALL

Question from Allison poggins@blarg.net--

"I’ve been looking into Dr. Martin Pall (you mentioned him in your June 18, 2007 newsletter - www.fms-help.com/061807.htm.) Has anyone tried his protocol, and if so, how’s it going? People can e-mail me directly at poggins@blarg.net."

28. NEUROTRANSMITTER TEST AVAILABLE

From a reader--

"I can’t believe that doctor told the women she can’t have her dopamine levels tested! I had a complete NEUROTRANSMITTER test done through NeuroSciences, Inc. The actual testing is performed by PHARMASAN labs. I had it done through my Naturopath, but my insurance company, Aetna paid for it. Pharmasan also has tested my saliva Cortisol levels as well as complete women’s hormone panels, which are also saliva tests and I find them very reliable. I had testing done concurrently through Diagnostechs and the results were pretty much identical. The Neurotransmitter test was a urine test and it tested levels of Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Seratonin, GABA, Glutamate, PEA, Histamine and Creatinine. You can find out more information and a referral to a doctor either by NeuroSciences website http://www.neurorelief.com or calling Pharmasan Labs direct at 888 341-7272. Neurosciences sells many supplements targeted to specific neurotransmitter deficiencies or excesses but you don’t have to buy or use their products to avail yourself of the tests."

29. THE DETOX BOX

From a reader--

"I have had symptoms of fibro and CF for several years...but never developed into full blown. I have found the most amazing technology (for a better description??)....called the Detox Box. I truly believe that fibro is caused by or is related to toxins in the body. This machine gets rid of them...Period!! I am so much better and have so much more energy since I bought this Detox Box, as it is called. It is based on Royal Rife's discovery back in the 50's...electrical frequencies. Please tell your readers. Check out his site at www.2detoxify.com. I don't usually tout cures, as such...but I am on this one. It just plain old works!!! Quote from the site: "In the 1930’s, Dr. Raymond Royal Rife theorized that specific frequencies could deactivate harmful microbes in the body without negative or harmful side effects. He discovered that each microorganism has its own frequency and can be neutralized by intensifying its specific frequency. Raymond Royal Rife invented a frequency machine, now known as a Rife Machine, aka Royal Rife Machine, the forerunner of today's "Detox Box" instrument. The Detox Box produces 250 specific frequencies based on the traditional uses of Dr. Rife's protocols. By holding the stainless steel cylinders or applying convenient electrode pads directly over your skin and selecting specific frequencies, it is theorized that you can disable harmful microbes in your own body."

30. DOM'S UPDATE

Dom Swimming

(okay, so it was really more like doggy paddling)

I have continued to feel normal these past 9-1/2 weeks since June 5 when I began taking 3 new things at the suggestion of my husband. I'm not a doctor, so I don't understand all the intricacies of illness and the human body, but I am just so glad to be feeling like a normal person - no fatigue, fog or pain. And the chest tightness and cough rarely bother me anymore. I still have to take a sleep med at night, but hey, if that's all I have to worry about anymore after years of suffering, then I am satisfied!

Today I took time from my busy schedule to go swimming at a pool here in our little town of Green Cove Springs. It is fed from an underground spring - no chlorine, etc. Our temperature today was 97 degrees with high humidity (Florida), so the heat index was 107 degrees according to the news. Anyway, this spring water is about 72 degrees, so the pool was chilly but refreshing! I have lived in Green Cove Springs 5 years and never used this beautiful pool until today. It only costs $2 to get in. What a bargain! Now that I have a new lease on life, I felt that it was high time to take a swim! (Down memory lane....when I was a child, my dear father www.fms-help.com/eulogy.htm would take us on "home vacations." If we couldn't afford to go anywhere, he would take the family to see local attractions - parks, picnics, etc. We would come home at night and sleep in our own beds, thus saving expense. It's amazing all the interesting things you can see in your own community - even just driving down streets and neighborhoods you never knew were there...very relaxing. But only if you feel good....if you have been reading my newsletters these past few years know about the awful travel problems I was having - my brain just couldn't function in a car due to the flickering light, rapidly changing images, etc. That misery is gone too!

Well, after my swim today (doggy paddling and floating on my back), I went home to get a shower and my husband was on his way home from work and wanted me to go get a burger with him. So I hopped in the car and drove 10 miles to Whataburger. Then I went shopping at Goodwill (where I get most of my clothes - read "cashectomy"). Tonight we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. It's now late and I'm putting the finishing touches on this issue of the newsletter.

Sorry for the long digression...I took you through the trivia of my day to just marvel at the health and strength God has restored to me! It's hard to believe that just a few months ago I was upset with my husband because he put our dog's biscuits in a container that required two hands to open using a turning motion!!!!! I was so very weak and debilitated for the past 2-1/2 years that it was asking too much to waste this amount of energy just to get our dog a biscuit a few times a day! Now that I'm feeling good, this seems pretty ludicrous, but that's how much I had to guard my energy level!

Well, as I was cooking dinner last night - zipping around the kitchen effortlessly - it struck me that just a few months ago I could barely function at all. I moved extreeeemely slowly and my brain simply could not wrap itself around anything as complicated as how to make dinner! I was overwhelmed by the steps it took to make even a simple meal. For example, to cook spaghetti: walk into kitchen, bend over to get pot from cabinet, remove lid, fill pot with water, put on lid, put pot on stove, walk to cupboard, reach for box of spaghetti, walk to stove, open box, put spaghetti in water, etc., etc., etc. I would get confused to the point of frustration! I just could not think in a straight line! It was hard to believe I had ever been a UCLA honors grad or a teacher! I was barely alive - struggling laboriously through extreme fatigue and dense mental fog. (See "Drained by the Brain" - Yuppie Flu - at www.fms-help.com/yuppie.htm.)

Anyway, I am so glad to be back to my normal peppy "Type A" self! I wish everyone could feel this good! I never thought it could happen to me! I can send you a list of the 3 things I began taking on June 5 and a link to my online store if you wish. Write me at dombush@bellsouth.net. I can't promise these things will help you or cure any specific condition, but they have given me my life back, and they have a 30 day guarantee, so no money wasted.

I am deeply indebted to my wonderful readers for standing by me and encouraging me through difficult and discouraging years. I will keep the newsletter going because I know how badly this illness can take you down physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually! I am glad to provide resources and encouragement, because many people still suffer with this, and I won't leave you guys behind!!! (Besides, what else would I do with my 25 years of experience with this illness....ha!!!!!)

Yours truly,

Dominie

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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.