DOM'S NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 18, 2007

A compassionate, informative newsletter for people with Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)

TOPICS ARE IN PURPLE. MY COMMENTS ARE IN TEAL.

LOTS of readers have questions in this issue. We're not docs, but maybe we can help in some way. Also, don't miss:

#2 Sleep Meds While Pregnant - what's safe to take?

#12 Reader Meets Nasty Fibromite - this is tooo bad!

#13 More on Working from Home and Flex-Time Jobs - ideas for making money

# 24 Dom's Update - 10 weeks of feeling good

1. READERS WRITE

"Thanks so much for the newsletter which is the very best I've seen so far, and I love getting it as it makes me feel part of something."

"I have really enjoyed finding your website www.fms-help.com today."

"Thank you for your tips www.fms-help.com/tips.htm - they have helped me so much and II even passed them out to my family so they can better know what I am going through."

"I subscribe to your newsletter and it has been a GREAT help to me."

"Thanks so much…..you’re the only hope us “Fibromites” have."

"I would like to thank you for your wonderful newsletter. I have really learned a lot of useful information from you and your readers."

"Thank you for an informative and friendly newsletter. We need all the support we can get and we're getting good support through your newsletter."

2. SLEEP MEDS WHILE PREGNANT?

From a reader--

"One of my dear friends developed fibromyalgia at the age of 25 after getting severely sick after she ate mustard greens in an Indian dinner. She is now 31 and pregnant and afraid to take the life saving drugs that help her sleep at night. Your web page helped her greatly. Your story is just like hers."

This is a good question. So what can fibromites take for sleep while pregnant? If you have feedback, write dombush@bellsouth.net. A list of things I've tried for sleep is at www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm, but I was not pregnant when using them so I didn't have to consider the safety factor.

3. ITCHY EAR CANALS

Responses to a reader's question about itchy ear canals at www.fms-help.com/081107.htm--

Reader 1--

"For itchy ear canals, swab tea tree oil in them at night. Also, once a month tumble the pillow in the clothes dryer for good 20 minutes at mid-to-hi temp. It seems her pillow may be loaded with dust mites. When I used to be in cleaning business, I recall studying that a pillow could hold as much as one and half pounds dead skin, dust mites etc. As a practice, when I travel I ask the desk for two fresh pillow covers to put over the hotel pillow. I put a kitchen size garbage bag over the pillow and then the two fresh covers over that."

Reader 2--

"My fiance' has the same problem. When he eats certain fruit he gets ear itchiness. I think it's an allergy. I usually tell him to take some vitamin C. We keep the packets of EmergenC around the house & that seems to help. It's probably good to take 1000mg - 2000mg of some good quality powdered vitamin C - if the person can tolerate it. Some people I've heard about have a problem with vitamin C. Also, it could be due to candida issues. Some of you who suffer this may want to check into the anti-candida information available. Basically, you have to eliminate sugar & cut back on carbs. There are some drugs & supplements you can take, as well. Nystatin & Fluconozole are the drugs & there are a number of natural remedies."

My ear canals and deep inside the center of my head (hard to explain) used to itch like crazy when I ate peaches, cantalope, carrots or oranges--all these are orange in color. It doesn't happen anymore, so I'm glad as I like to eat those things!

Reader 3--

"Not saying Omega 3 is the do all & end all, but lack of it is known to cause itchy ears. Can testify that once I began taking two Omega 3 capsules (varying forms) each day, the itching ceased!"

Reader 4--

"The lady with the itchy ears might try what the ENT doctor suggested to me. He said to put baby oil on a Q Tip and gently appy it in the ear. I put it on, then wait a bit and then take a dry Q tip and dab lightly where the baby oil was so it won't drain into my ear.It has helped me and my ears aren't peeling or bleeding anymore from scratching. Don't know if it will help her, but it won't hurt to try it."

Reader 5--

"The itchy ears that many are experiencing could be: Contact Dermatitis - A prescription cortisone cream (generic) or Olux (clobetasol propionate foam – 0.05% spray that you spray on a Q-tip and apply to the ear, will stop the itching. Once you applied the foam, you will feel heat in the area but it will go away quickly. These individuals should see a good dermatologist and also an ear specialist to rule out other complications. In my case, because of noise, I have to sometimes wear ear plugs. I also have had a reaction to the cotton used on certain types of Q-tips, as well as an allergic reaction to the ear plugs (certain brand latex, rubber style). In addition, hormonal imbalance will create that too (thyroid) creating a problem with allergies (immune system)."

Reader 6--

"THE ITCHY EAR CANALS could be from yeast infection of the ear which is not unheard of in those who suffer with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Something to treat the yeast might remedy this person's itchy ear canals."

4. VIRUSES & FIBRO

Response from a reader about "No Sympathy for Fibromites" (Topic #13) at www.fms-help.com/081107.htm--

"Viruses are a big problem for people who have fibro. Since this person said they had mono, they may want to look into trying to get rid of any remaining viruses in their system. It may be a good idea to get tests done for all the viruses like Epstein Barr, Herpes, Cytomegalo, Mycoplasmas, etc. There are alot of supplements that are good for removing viruses from the system."

5. DR. ALI & GARY NULL

"Re: www.garynull.com/Documents/AgingHealthfully/FibroFuries.htm - I was a patient of Dr. Majid Ali. I really didn't like him & thought he was pompous. It cost me over $3,000 for lots of his own brand of vitamins that made me throw up (& I very rarely do that) & intravenous hydrogen peroxide drips that did nothing. There's a lot more but I won't get into a long explanation. I think he's a huge quack. I've also been to Gary Null's center in NYC. I've heard alot of good info on his shows on WBAI a long time ago, but his recent shows are lacking. I don't feel he's a trustworthy practitioner, but I have appreciated the info he has had on his show. Some of these doctors are good at being broadcasters or writers but are really lacking as actual practitioners. The other thing is that he had me do a test for all allergies. I don't have allergies and it's never been a problem with me. For some reason the test came back that I have some allergies & I had to buy shots to administer to myself from him. I did it for a while but I didn't feel any different whether I gave the shots to myself or not. That really had nothing to do with my health & was just another way for him to make money off of me. The worst thing was that when I was applying for disability his policy is to never help anyone who applies & he discourages anyone from doing that. He claims that if you follow his regimen properly, you will be healthy & you don't need it. If you have social security contact him, he will say that there's nothing wrong with you. It's sad to say but some of these so called alternative practitioners are almost worse than the allopathic doctors they are supposed to be an alternative to. Everything ends up being about the profits, not the patient. You just have to be very careful these days with doctors."

"Every day seems like a mountain to get through and I don't
know how to face the future; it seems like an enormous mountain to climb
over and really, most days I don't know how I will ever face it. My days
are exhausting and my nights are dreadful because of the pain and lack
of sleep - every position gives me sharp and dull pain in every part of
me, especially ribs, shoulders and hips.
Nobody at work understands and the boss gives me a blank stare whenever
I mention fibromyalgia and the fact that I suffer from it.
My life seems impossibly difficult but I have to get through it as I am
the breadwinner in the family and I have 2 other people to support and I
have absolutely no choice. I hate this. Reading the newsletter makes me cry every single time."

I hope that my 100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia and Insomnia www.fms-help.com/tips.htm will be helpful. Also, I have a list of things I use for my functionality and comfort at www.fms-help.com/what.htm. And here's something on my site that can help educate those around us using non-medical terms: www.fms-help.com/mnif.htm. It's always a tough choice to know whether to talk a lot about FMS/CFIDS at work (assuming a person can still work), because some people might see it as a reason to let you go! Yikes! It's a Catch-22 situation.

A great description of FMS/CFIDS/M.E. is at www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/themecheatsheet.htm, and I quote here:

"M.E. is characterised primarily by damage to the central nervous system (the brain) which results in dysfunctions and damage to many of the body’s vital systems and a loss of normal internal homeostasis. Therefore, although Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is primarily neurological, symptoms may be manifested by: cognitive, cardiac, cardiovascular, immunological, endocrinological, respiratory, hormonal, gastrointestinal and musculo-skeletal dysfunctions and damage. More than 64 distinct symptoms have been authentically documented in M.E. Symptoms are also caused by a loss of normal internal homeostasis; the body becomes unable to make all the appropriate physiological adjustments that allow it to maintain homeostatic equilibrium in response to the changes to the internal and external environment that are part of everyday life. The body/brain no longer responds appropriately to homeostatic pressures, including (to varying extents): physical activity, cognitive exertion, sensory input, orthostatic stress, emotional stress and infectious stress."

It's a miracle that some people with FMS/CFIDS/M.E. can even work. I could never work a full-time job again. I do work full-time hours but they are flexible. I can't stay on a schedule like a normal person, so I have to be able to adjust my schedule. I hope the work from home ideas were helpful in my last newsletter at www.fms-help.com/081107.htm (Topic 15).

7. READER SENDS THANKS

"Would you please let everyone know how very much I appreciate their letters. It's just been so helpful and makes me feel that I am not alone in this. It gives me more ideas to search on the web for and questions to ask the specialist in 2 weeks. I will make sure to let you know the outcome of that visit. Thank you for such a helpful and special group of people with a lot of years of experience and knowledge under their belt."

Yes, our "FIBRO TEAM" is top notch! Thanks to all who responded to this reader's plea for help, as well as the many others who write in for information or advice each week. We aren't docs, but we sure do have experience and understanding we can share!

8. COLD SORES

I was around a co-worker this week who had a terrible cold. We were doing computer work in a small room and this person was coughing without covering their mouth. Within 2 hours of leaving this person's presence, I had a huge full blown cold sore! I did not feel sick. I took acyclovir immediately, but it was too late. The cold sore had to run its course. UGH! I applied some essential oils that helped. This only happened to me one other time--about 20 years ago. My boss and his family were all down with the flu. He came to work and handed me some papers. Within an hour, I had a huge cold sore on my face, although I did not get sick. Has anyone else had this strange experience? Write dombush@bellsouth.net.

"I've been on Kadian (time-release morphine) for 4 years now. Due to a doctor's error, I was forced off it a year ago. I suffered no severe side effects during withdrawal and no seizures even though, according to one physician, my dosage is low. Without this medicine, I am not capable of doing a thing for myself. IF it means having to take more of it as my body becomes "tolerant" of it I shall, for without it, I cannot exist. If others cannot or will not consider me anything but an addict, that is their problem. Further, the addiction is phisiological and not psychological. IF your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, please be willing to try it. Do NOT let some scare tactic keep you from having the life that is meant for you. What is good for one may not be good for another but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be tried. There is also another product in the experimental stage in Canada at this time which is 10 times stronger than morphine without any side effects showing up at this time. Do not know how long it will take America to get it on the market."

"The person who wrote that morphine is extremely addictive and expensive. I have been on low dose, round the clock, morphine for a couple years. It is the first and only thing that has helped my terrible pain and it is the only medication that I have taken that I did not have to constantly increase the dosage with. Morphine is VERY inexpensive. In fact, it's probably the cheapest narcotic pain reliever out there. I wish I didn't need to be on a narcotic pain reliever, but I am no longer ashamed of it. I no longer feel I need to apologize for it or be embarrassed about it. The morphine has kept my pain at a bearable level and I am not the least bit addicted to it. If I stopped taking it today, of course the severe pain would return and yes, there would be side effects...as there are with most medicines you stop cold turkey. But being accustomed to it and addicted to it are two different things. I do not dispute that the other lady did become addicted, if she says she did, though addiction is very rare. What I would hate to see, however, is people suffering so terribly if there is something that would help and them being afraid to try it. Tylenol with codeine, percocet, oxycodone, oxycontin....none of those helped much and I had to keep upping the dosage. That has not happened with the morphine. Taking narcotic pain medicine is not something someone should take lightly by any means, but I just don't want people to fail to explore an avenue that could be very helpful. The morphine, for me, has helped me tremendously and I am so grateful to have it."

"In reference to the morphine comments: as a formerly nationally certified addictions counseling superior and the director of several treatment programs, I can tell you that while morphine is addictive, it does NOT cause addiction. Addiction occurs when a person seeks the drug in ever-increasing doses to relieve mental distress. However, the drug is HABITUATING, which means that the body gets accustomed to it, goes through some physical and chemical changes, and therefore needs the drug to be removed slowly in order to reverse these changes. There is a huge difference between addiction and habituation, which is often not understood even by physicians who were not trained in issues of addiction. I am not an expert on withdrawal, but I expect that drugs such as Valium and Xanax will reduce the risk of seizures during withdrawal, as they do in alcohol withdrawal. These must be taken under the supervision of a physician who is trained in such matters. I would not trust it to just anyone."

"I am wondering if anyone else has been advised by their doctor to increase their intake of Vitamin D. My CFIDS specialist told me to try taking large doses each day based on some studies he's read. I have to say I have been very impressed. He told me to take 2000 mg per day. I'm actually taking about 1200. For the first time in 12 years, I actually had a couple weeks of feeling better. That never happens. I have more energy and the pain is better. My question is - has anyone else tried this and, if so, have they had a positive response?'

Write dombush@bellsouth.net. Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. I've been trying to sit or lie out in the sun for a short while each day (10-20 minutes). I have a dear elderly friend who lived in Alaska for many years where it is totally dark 6 months out of the year. Ugh!!!!! She developed severe debilitating depression. The doctor finally determined that is was from lack of sunshine. In the bitter cold, they had to wear parkas all the time with only a small portion of their face exposed and maybe their hands--if they could take their gloves off. The village was also in a valley, so the small amount of sun they had was almost always blocked by the surrounding mountains. Needless to say, my friend is happy to be living in the sunny South again!!!

11. MENOPAUSE & CFIDS PAIN

"I am going through menopause and have noticed that every time I have a hot flash, my "CFIDS pain" soars immediately. The pain doesn't go back to "normal" after the hot flash ends, it remains really bad for awhile. Has anyone else with CFIDS going through menopause experienced this? It isn't that I am having hot flash pain. It is definitely the CFIDS pain, of which I am intimately familiar. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this, too."

12. READER MEETS NASTY FIBROMITE

"Quote from Dr. Pelligrini's book--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..." Reader responds: "I haven't found this to be so unfortunately. My doctor actually brought another patient into the waiting area specifically to meet/speak with me. She has Fibromyalgia. However, our conversation was terse and short as she felt she was more "informed" than I as her problem has a duration longer than my own (15 years - her, 10 years - me). She clammed up and refused to discuss the situation. When I offered possibilities, she scoffed at them rather than showing a hope. I felt stunted.The ONLY place I've been able to communicate with others with similar conditions is online...at sites such as Dominie's...where people are prone to be more open about all they've tried and actually more optimistic about trying new methods."

I met someone like this one time. She had an attitude of superiority because I hadn't been to see her doctor, who she felt had "the answer" to fibro. (Oh, the sorry-ness of human nature sometimes!) Moral of the story, if we meet another fibromite in the real world, let's be kind, open-minded and understanding - not competitive and anal retentive like this lady was to our reader.

13. WORKING FROM HOME & FLEX-TIME JOBS

Here are some responses from readers about the WORK AT HOME article in the last newsletter at www.fms-help.com/081107.htm (see Topic 15).

"Just want to note that Social Security does not have a limit on hours one can work per week, as one reader suggested. The issue is how much money is earned per month, with some allowance for disability expenses when pertinent. The current amount can be checked at the Social Security website. It is something over $800 a month, which could be a great help for a disabled person on disability. I work as a writer for local newspapers and a magazine. I can do most of it from home, going out to individuals to do interviews. I can do as much or as little as I wish. I also work occasionally as a substitute teacher for the nursery school run by my place of worship and in the public schools. Again, they don’t pay much, but this offers me complete flexibility. I can work when I want to and can, and can say no the rest of the time. Parochial and private schools also need subs, I’m sure."

"There's a site at www.babytobee.com, but to apply, you email a resume to seth@babytobee.com. You take calls from expectant parents who need to register and you just verify their information. I think they are on the WAHM site. Also if you can edit or tutor or other things online, try www.kasamba.com - register for account and then post your profile, it is piece work but it all adds up."

Article about home-based jobs: COMMUTE TO WORK IN 30 SECONDS--

14. NEEDS SUPPORT

Please respond directly to MaryAnne at spiceboxtroll@aol.com--

"Like all of you, I have many times recieved remarks like, "You don't act (look, appear, seem) sick.'; "you don't look like you are in pain."; 'It can't be all that bad."; etc...but yesterday my daughter, my second strongest support in this (after my husband) told me something that broke my heart. Apparently one of my PARENTS has told my daughter that I am 'Making it all up to get attention.' I am 54 years old and was diagnosed WAY back in 1996..I can't BELIEVE that after all this time and all I have been through one of my parents would actually believe such a thing about me. It hurts me to the bone..as if I NEED any more pain...Not only do I suffer FM, but have arthritis now and currently my white cell counts are way too high...I am exhausted and in constant pain and need the love and support of my family more than ever in my life..I don't really CARE that some of my friends have said I exagerate my pain..who cares what they think and one day they TOO may experience this kind of pain..but my own PARENT doesn't even believe that I HAVE anything at all..I am very sad right now..Any of your other readers have any advice for me? I have no idea what to say to make them all believe me..My husband said if they watched me every day like he does they would start believing. But I dont feel that I should have to justify myself to get the support of my own family. This is one of the lowest days of my life. It is so sad that we have to turn to online friends for any kind of understanding and support. I don't know what I would do without my husband and daughter right now. I would love to communicate with anyone who wishes to communicate with me. I have a My Space profile called Survivors. I just started it and it is especially for folks like us. Here is the address if anyone wants to check it out--http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=202906285."

15. KEEPING SINUSES CLEAN

From a reader--

"I want to add something to your section about keeping sinuses clean. My ENT doctor suggested that I use something called NeilMed Sinus Rinse, which I have found in all the chain pharmacies. This kit provides packets of USP grade sodium chloride & sodium bicarbonate, which you empty into a bottle (included) that you then fill with distilled water. The bottle is made so you can squirt the water mixture up your nose. For me, it is easier than the neti pot, which I could never get the hang of. Since I've been using this my sinuses have remained clean, something that hasn't happened for me in almost 20 years."

16. CAN'T WAKE UP

Please reply directly to Christina christinarmays@yahoo.com--

"I take Celexa and Klonapin to help me sleep. I have tried taking Trazadone and various mucsle relaxers at night but they don't seem to do anything. I don't have any problem falling asleep but once in a while I wake up about 4 a.m. and am not able to ever go back to sleep. But most of the time I sleep through 3 alarm clocks and a CD I bought that was supposed to help with that. It causes me all kinds of problems like getting my child to school late and being late for appointments with my own clients. Thanks for your help."

17. DRUG SIDE EFFECTS CONFUSED WITH FIBROMYALGIA

From a reader--

"I wanted to update you on my experience, and something that I hope will help others. It was thought that I had fibromyalgia a few months ago, after suffering from extreme leg pain, back and arm pain, and depression. While soaking my legs in the bath one night, and crying to the Lord, I felt the urge to take a look at some medications that I was taking. Last December I started taking Topamax for migraine headaches. This is exactly when my health began to suffer.

So, with my regular physician and neurologist basically throwing the Topamax down my throat, I had to research it myself through pharmacists, and people's stories on the internet. Well, I discovered that in a few percentage of people, Topamax can cause severe leg pains, myalgias and depression. Alot of the people writing in on the message boards sounded just like fibro sufferers!

My doctor did not even consider or discuss my new meds when I went in to see him. So, I decided with the guidance of the pharmasist, to wean myself off of the pills. Within 3 weeks I was pain free! Last week I when to Ocoee, Tennessee with my Church's Youth Group. I creeked 6 miles up and down a mountain, and went kayaking for 2 hours! I have never in my life done anything like this!

I still remain pain free, and praising God!!!! I wonder though, how many people are suffering from side effects of medications, while thinking that they have other ailments?"

18. AUTOIMMUNE RASH?

Please respond directly to Kathy at Kathy.Lucas@mid.state.ms.us--

"For the last 3 months, I have had this rash - I have been to 2 different Doctors and they claim that I am having an allergic reaction to something. I have always had allergies and I know that they are environmental. But the last 3 months have been really hard, I have been on 2 steroid dose packs, used many tubes of cortisone creams/ointments prescription and over the counter, had 4 Decadron shots: all help temporally, but it never goes away. I have done everything I could: use fragrance free/color free detergent, soap, everything. I am now just using over the counter cortisone ointment and I take benadryl every 4 hours, which gives me enough relief to function during the day. Anyway, this past Sunday in our newspaper, my Mother read this article and cut it from the paper. This sounds just like what I am going through. The reason I am writing you, is to see if you or any of our fibro friends have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PA). According to this article (PA) is a form of psoriasis: According to the National Psoriasis Foundation 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis also develop a destructive form of arthritis. If untreated (PA) can lead to irreparable damage to the structures in the joints. The article also states that the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Pain, redness and swelling are common and can occur on both sides of the body; and it is not uncommon to experience painful swelling of the tendons surrounding the joint. It also says that people with psoriasis don't think to make the connection between the skin condition and joint problems, because psoriasis occurs as the result of an underlying immune system malfunction (Fibromyalgia)."

Rashes can be so torturous! Please write Kathy if you know anything that can help. I suggested the immune powder, which balances the immune system and helps autoimmune problems. Write dombush@bellsouth.net for info.

19. COSTOCHONDRITIS

From a reader--

"Try soaking in baking soda for at least 30 minutes. Inflammation is an overacid system (deal with it constantly myself anytime I exert myself) more than a tad bit. The baking soda helps neutralize. The other thing that seems to help is cold ice pack. Put it in between your bra. Hope it helps!"

20. THE BUDDY PROGRAM

From Marly Silverman of PANDORA www.pandoranet.info--

"PANDORA, in partnership with DePaul University will embrace a program titled – The Buddy Program. The reader who sent you a note under Topic 13 at www.fms-help.com/081107.htm, as well as others could greatly benefit from this program. Please contact me at msilverman@pandoranet.info. The program works in creating a system that will pair individuals with CFS/ME, FM, MCS patients/individuals who could use some help with grocery shopping, craft making, talking/venting out etc. The only thing buddies cannot do is cleaning or providing counseling/medical services."

21. FOOT PAIN & DIABETES

From a reader--

"To all readers that experience foot pain: Please, please, please get your blood sugar checked to ensure that it is not diabetes. Often first symptoms of diabetes is pain in the feet with or without swelling and can indicated nerve damage has already been done. Other symptoms include thirst and frequent urination."

22. CHEST PAIN

Please respond directly to Susanna susannaa@dodo.com.au--

"It is such a relief to hear that other sufferers also have chest pain, tightness, costochondritis, etc.! Virtually nobody talks about these symptoms and I have had the impression that they are relatively rare. They have certainly bamboozled doctors. I have had these symptoms since the onset of CFS, which I got with slow onset and they have gotten worse. I have an especially 'sore spot' at about the lowest rib, left side, where it joins the sternum. For a long time I also had pain in the sternum, which improved over years since I stopped work. I wonder if it was also related to the office chemicals in the my workplace. (I still get tingling in the sternum when I go certain offices, where I can smell certain chemicals. The immediate urge is to escape.) It is invariably set off by use of the arms, mainly the left arm and any movement involving raised arms is the worst. Chopping involved in cooking can be bad and I have long given up ironing, sweeping, vacuuming,etc. I first experienced chest problems with driving for say 1-1/2 hours. To my alarm, I got what I now think were hypoglycemic episodes. Any such 'exercise' now makes me feel inflamed all over and this can last for several days. The centre of my chest tightens up, my voice is hoarse and it is difficult to speak. My brain fog and dizziness also become terrible. I crave sugar at these times. One thing that helped me is a very strong massage, with the elbows, on the muscles along both sides of the spine in that thoracic area, but massage over a larger area is better. It hurt, but was worth it. Unfortunately, being mostly housebound I cannot always avail myself of this service. Aspro has also helped a little. One time when I had a bad pain in the rib the doctor gave me a Vitamin C injection into the vein. The pain stopped while I was still getting the injection Relief only lasted a few days and I got a big blood blister on the tongue, so I had to give that up. Ongoing pain has not been so bad lately. This has been about my worst and most limiting symptom in CFS. Does Dr Starlanyl's book offer help with these specific symptoms? If yes, I'll buy it!"

23. MEN WITH FIBRO

From a male reader--

"I read the guys' stories yesterday. Very informative!!!"

See www.fms-help.com/men.htm.

24. DOM'S UPDATE

I've been feeling good for 10 weeks--what a wonderful change from the terrible updates I've been giving readers for the past few years. Three things I began taking on June 5 have made a world of difference for me! The only bad day I had was yesterday, because I had to get up WAAAY too early for my system and could hardly function. The sleep disorder www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm is my last frontier, but after 40 years of trying so many things www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm, I am doubtful it will ever go away. I just have to adhere to lifestyle changes that help me cope with my broken sleep clock, such as arranging my work schedule to teach afternoons and evenings only, taking sleep meds, using sleep CD's, essential oils, etc., etc. Whew! People who sleep normally just don't know what a hassle and expense all this is! When I get anxious about sleeping ("bed dread") the situation gets worse, so I have to pray and trust God more in this area. It helps me to listen to scripture tapes as I fall asleep. God's Word comforts me. I also like the Sounder Sleep CD's - very soothing.

My big challenge next week will be going to a training seminar an hour away from home that starts at 9 a.m. I know this sounds totally ridiculous to normal people--and even to me in my "pre-fibro" days--but right now, this is a huge obstacle. The seminar is actually good news because our School of Music www.fms-help.com/students.htm was chosen to receive a state-of-the-art Roland digital piano for use during the fall semester! We teachers will have to be trained on this instrument and then have a recital with our students in 90 days.

Other than the sleep glitch yesterday, I have been doing fantastically well! See my recent newsletters at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm to see how this transformation took place. You will find a "Dom's Update" at the end of each newsletter in June, July and August of 2007. I have no more debilitating fatigue or brain fog! If you want info on the 3 things I began using in June and a link to my online store, please write me at dombush@bellsouth.net. I don't know if they will help you or not, and they don't claim to cure anything, but they make sense to try. Everything in my store has a 30 day money back guarantee, which gives me peace of mind recommending them. Sadly, nearly all of us have had "cashectomies" due to chronic illness causing us to have LOW income and HIGH medical expenses! The first product oxygenates the brain (see "Drained by the Brain" at www.fms-help.com/yuppie.htm) as well as oxygenating body tissue and providing collagen support. The second one provides powerful nutritional support, and the third is for coping with stress. I needed help in all three of these areas!

I have been asked if I am still using the immune powder that I began taking in 2001. The answer is yes. It helps some people with sleep, some with energy, but for me the main lasting benefits have been that my sleep meds actually work and I also have a nicer complexion! I get breakouts when I don't take the immune powder, so vanity prevails, and I continue taking it. Also, my sleep becomes even more erratic without it! Years ago I heard from an elderly man who hadn't slept since the age of 18 when he entered the military. (I wonder now if it was the vaccinations that ruined his sleep...) He said to me, "If you think boot camp is rough, try it without sleep!" (SHUDDER!!!!!!!!) This man went on to have a lifetime of ill health. Around age 70, he began taking the immune powder at my suggestion. He called one day crying for joy! He said, "Dominie! I slept!!!" He was telling everyone in his retiree complex about this amazing powder.

Well, isn't it strange how no single drug, supplement or lifestyle approach works equally well for all people with FMS/CFIDS? We drive doctors and family members crazy with our weird symptoms that don't respond to normal approaches. Sometimes doctors and well-meaning friends think they have "THE ANSWER" to our problem because something worked for someone else they knew with fibro. But we are all unique in what helps us, even through we suffer from the same symptoms. Well, let's keep sticking together and pooling our resources and knowledge (and not be like the fibromite in Topic 12 that our reader met!)

Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate you, my wonderful readers? You are MY FIBRO TEAM! Thanks for sticking by me during these past terrible years, when my health collapsed after my dad died www.fms-help.com/eulogy.htm and I was exposed to toxic mold for a year at my former workplace www.fms-help.com/mold.htm. Many times the only thing that got me out of bed in the morning was looking forward to hearing from you and working on this newsletter.

I wish all of my readers could feel as well as I have felt this summer! I have been able to function like a normal person. Life flows smoothly when you have enough energy. Just have to watch that sleep cycle problem!

Love and prayers,

Dominie

www.fms-help.com