DOMS' NEWSLETTER

September 15, 2009

A Christian-based newsletter for people with Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and their families.

13 TOPICS. READERS' COMMENTS IN BLACK. MY COMMENTS IN TEAL.

1. READERS WRITE

"Thanks for all you do to keep all of us fibromites informed with the latest and greatest!"

"I really enjoy your newsletter and all the emails. They have helped me so much."

"Thank you for such dedication to this newsletter. I find I don't even go to my forums anymore; I get all I need in the newsletters."

"Do you know if egg beaters will affect Fibromyalgia? I have been eating two egg beaters every morn for awhile. I have been having alot of pain lately and was wondering if you knew if that could be a problem."

FROM DOM: Write dombush@bellsouth.net if you have any ideas or info.

3. FREE BOOK DOCUMENTING THE HORRORS OF VACCINATION

4. TEETH WHITENING

Responses to this subject--

"I would advise against whitening based on my experience. I had the "ZOOM" whitening done at the dentist's office (where they do it with a solution and then a light to dry it). Boy did it help the color of my teeth! It brought the color up about 6 shades. However, I was soon regretting that I'd done it. It made certain teeth SOOOOOOOOOOO sensitive that to this day (4-5 yrs. later), they are still sensitive. Maybe it's because of our CFS/fibro issues .... I saw in the last newsletter how many had sensitive teeth and/or burning mouths. I have to use Sensydine toothpaste every time I brush or I'm in agony. And even then, some teeth are still sensitive. Also, I cannot use any toothpastes with whitening in them ..... the ingredient causes increased sensitivity. Of course, it may be different for you .... but I'd hate for you to end up like me and regretting the decision."

"I read just recently how tooth whitening products weaken the enamel and how bad it is for us. BUT I had tried it several times prior to this, and my teeth (which are already sensitive and i suffer from suspected trigeminal probems causing horrible tooth electricity)....but I want white teeth! I have started using peroxide after reading all the labels on the shelf of each product at the store that promises white teeth. ONE main and active ingredient was PEROXIDE! MOST of the products contained ONLY PEROXIDE! (as active ingredient) and it works. i use it several times a day; after brushing, follow up with the peroxide. also, once when the grapefruit trees were having an overabundance of fruit, I got addicted to the pink grapefruit that our son brought over - and I ate the stuff like it was candy. it was the best grapefruit i have ever had (and I am not a fan of the stuff). one day, my daughter asked to see my teeth at a closer distance and she said they were so white that they had a blue tint to them. sure enough, in the bright light I could SEE it. WHITER THAN WHITE. SO - peroxide and/or citrus (but i suppose citrus would be bad to use all the time) works for ME. The teeth are not super white like some of the celebrities, but definite white."

"I just want to clarify something in the newsletter from that subscriber that says her son swallowed poisonous hydrogen peroxide in his sleep. He would have need to swallow a lot of it (in which case he must have been putting too much of the tooth whiten in his mouth and SLEEPING with anything in one’s mouth is a bad idea). Although hydrogen peroxide can be toxic is if one DRINKS a strong concentration of it, it is not “poisonous” per se. Granted the lower-grade peroxide for cleaning wounds (i.e. the 50 cent kind at the drug store) is not specially for internal consumption, but there are numerous manufacturers that do sell a more purified version of hydrogen peroxide that IS specially for cancer treatments (IV use??). Hydrogen peroxide has been used for years now by some oncologists because they believe that it delivers life-giving oxygen to the tissues. This treatment is downplayed by American oncologists, but regardless the point is that there are people that deliberately utilize the hydrogen peroxide that is manufactured for the specific use of delivering more oxygen into one’s system (under a physician’s care). Cancer cannot thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. Again, I’m surely not recommending that someone go out and buy a cheap bottle of peroxide and drink it, but to say that it is poisonous in teeth whiteners, hmmm I think that needs to be re-worded and researched by the subscriber who assumed that. And to be honest most teeth whiteners use carbamide peroxide. Most also use a thick gel that stays in place in the tray. Whenever I use my trays, if saliva collects I spit it out, I never swallow it. If someone is going to whiten their teeth they need to use some common sense and follow all the directions on the package. By the way, I like to occasionally rinse/gargle with hydrogen peroxide and then brush my teeth. It provides lots of oxygen to my gum tissues, which is good in combating oral bacteria (and therefore helps combat dental caries). http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts174.html."

5. OVER 85% OF THE U.S. POPULATION HAS HEALTH INSURANCE

6. HURTING HANDS

Response from a reader--

"I just wanted to let the lady with the hands hurting that she might have Raynauds syndrome. I was diagnosed with that before I had my fibro dx. There is a medication, but I think it has alot of sides, so I opted not to take it. Not much else she can do, but get the circulation going."

"Ativan for headaches related to jaw and neck issues. Oxycodone for acute back pain. They do work BUT it takes over an hour for me to feel ANYTHING in the way of relief and it Never lasts as long as it says it will. As for ibuprophen or tylenol for everyday aches and pains.....they do nothing!"

"I will share my long history of pain meds/antidepressants and etc. I've yet to be diagnosed as having Fibro or CFS, but I am pretty sure from my long history and knowledge that I am suffering from many of the symptoms. I have had xrays, and they show a mild curvature of the upper vertebrae, but they say I should not be in as much pain as I claim to be. I also need far more meds than normally prescribed (redheads in my family) I'm of English/Irish/Scottish/German descent and am a Blood type A+. I am 43, Caucasian and about 190-195 pounds at the moment.
I've written in about the Blood Type Diet and when I follow it more closely I do see improvement in my pain/weight. Believing in the hype of NSAIDS, Antidepressants and Opiods, my doctors continually tried finding one to help me and nothing worked very well.

I was given Methadone finally about 3 years ago, and have found it to be the most effective at 20mg every eight hours. Despite my objections due to the reputation of it as a heroin substitute, it was a profoundly effective pain reliever, not giving me any noticeable side effects, and no high/euphoria feelings that I got from my many years on hydrocodone (Vicodin/Norco). I continue to take it, and have been happier on it than any other med, yet at times have seen drastic negative mood effects when I tried combining it with the meds, Risperdal and Cymbalta.

NSAID Pain Meds-
Ultram (Tramadol)
Meclofen (Meclofenamate)
Naprosyn (Naproxen)
Relafen (Nabumetone)

Opiod Pain Meds-
Morphine 20mg every 8 hours ( hardly worked)

On for several years and continually the most effective of all I have tried other than the Methadone:
Vicodin (500 mg Acetaminophen + 5mg Hydrocodone)
Vicodin ES (750mgAcetaminophen + 7.5 mg Hydrocodone)
2 Norco every 4 hours! (325mg Acetaminophen + 5mg Hydrocodone) Easy to feel withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose!

Muscle Relaxants-Tension Headache Meds
Fiorcet - Given for my headaches
Flexeril - (Cyclobenzaprine)
Zanaflex - (Tizanidine)
Neurontin (Gabapentin - anticonvulsant)

Antidepressants-
Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Serax (Oxazepam)
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Serzone (Nefazodone)
Pamelor (Nortriptyline)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Topamax (Topiramate)
Ativan (Lorazepam)
Elavil (Amitriptyline)
Librax (librium & clidinum (antispasmodic) to treat anxiety based vomiting) Librax combines the antianxiety action of librium (chlordiazepoxide) and the antispasmodic effects of clidinium. It also blocks the acid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits blocking the action of nerves. (Worked great for weightloss, as my sense of taste went bye-bye and I had little appetite)
Risperdal (Risperidone) - Antipsychotic had very bad mood swings when combined with Methadone, including blood sugar imbalances)

Provigil (Modafinil) (to keep me awake from the sleepiness induced by the Cymbalta)

All of these seemed to come with one side effect or another, or simply did not help, or if it helped with one thing, it did not make the world better overall for me. Fighting depression/anxiety caused by the constant pain led the doctors to try several different antidepressants and antianxiety meds along the way.

In addition to the meds I had several years of regular Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage appointments.

I went 2 times Cortisone Injections each time I felt worse and had more shoulder pain so I stopped that pretty fast!

Aromatherapy (Can be very effective for temporary relief, and great for immune enhancement)
Homeopathy (Arnica and many others)
Blue Green Algae (for mood)
Herbal pills/Chinese Medicine
Magnets
Sun & Walking
Rest
Vitamins/Minerals (Mega-doses required of B-Vitamins... )
Love, Patience and Respect from husband especially in the face of some terrifyingly suicidal moments on the Risperdal trial and a long time lack of interest in sex partly from the meds, and additional dysfunction from childhood incest.

Currently I'm feeling the effects of eating badly (too much white flour, sugar and caffeine along with red meat), and a recent move has me suffering from tendinitis flare up and severe edema in the hands. ( I also am in the process of removing MOLDY wallpaper from a bathroom which I've sprayed several times with essential oils to combat) (I plan on getting some Thieves Oil soon!)
I wake with numb/asleep hands that are so puffed up that I can't wear my wedding band and am barely able to bend my fingers. Too much salt I suppose. (Have tried some Taurine occasionally to help but have been really sporadic at taking it.) I'm hoping to get my diet back online soon as we are more settled. I've had a lot of insomnia lately due to the extra caffeine intake to get me moving to do what is needed. I did see a higher energy level with B12 drops. I only work as a Mascot during Tax Season for Liberty Tax, so I am often quite lazy and don't get much sun or exercise.

I really need to keep my scale on the floor as when I stopped hopping on it weekly, I gained 15 pounds in a couple months from eating cookies, donuts and ice cream... BAD BAD BAD but helps me sleep! I tend to crash from Hypoglycemia after certain foods like white flour/sugar and candy. Hope this is helpful/informative for your readers."

"I'm allergic to codeine, morphine, and all natural and synthetic derivatives. That's a lot of drugs. They make me itch. I've learned that itching can be as bad or worse than the pain; at least with pain I don't wake up tearing my skin apart. Anyway, I've had to make do with muscle relaxers. My current favorite is Soma / Carisoprodol. It can be addictive so I'm even more careful than usual in using it."

"I took Lyrica for quite awhile and loved it. I looked forward to the relief it gave, and it helped me sleep, too. I quit taking it because of the expense, and because it made me very bloated and fat. I couldn't stand myself! After a bout with frozen shoulder and trying many different antiinflammatories, etc, for that, my doc finally prescribed me Tramadol. It works as well as the Lyrica did for the fibro pain, without the side effects. It makes my head slightly fuzzy, but I take it at night so who cares. at least I can sleep!"

FROM DOM: Check out my pain suggestions at www.fms-help.com/what.htm - scroll 3/4 down the page to the RED writing.

8. WEATHER, ALTITUDE & FIBRO

"I'd like to get your thoughts on how weather effects fibro. I live in the mountains of Colorado, over 10,000 ft and in the summer I feel better but lately, It has been cloudy and rain for a week and I've been in so much pain I can't stand it. Our winters are usually pretty bad as well."

FROM DOM: Search my newsletter archives at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm for topics like climate, humidity, weather, etc.

9. NEED A LAUGH? (LADIES ONLY)

"In the hospital the relatives gathered in the waiting room, where a

family member lay gravely ill. Finally, the doctor came in looking

tired and somber.

'I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news,' he said as he surveyed the

worried faces. 'The only hope left for your loved one at this time is

a brain transplant.

It's an experimental procedure, very risky, but it is the only hope.

Insurance will cover the procedure, but you will have to pay for the

BRAIN.'

The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news.

After a time, someone asked, 'How much will a brain cost?'

The doctor quickly responded, '$5,000 for a male brain; $200 for a

female brain.'

The moment turned awkward. Some of the men actually had to'try' not to

smile, avoiding eye contact with the women.

A man unable to control his curiosity, finally blurted out the

question everyone wanted to ask, 'Why is the male brain so much more

than a female brain?'

The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and explained to the

entire group, 'We have to price the female brains a lot lower because

they've been used.'"

FROM DOM: Ark, ark!! Sorry, guys.

10. ALKALINITY & FOOD COMBINING

From a reader--

"In regards to keeping yourself alkaline, you should check out the Great Taste No Pain way of eating. It helped me and [my daughter] now too. I struggled for a looong time with my stomach. The kicker was when I added the Super Shield probiotics - I saw a huge difference in my stomach. I have tried other probiotics in the past but these work better. I do tend to cheat on the food combining properly, but you can do that once in awhile without problems as long as the majority of the time you don't mix carbs and protein."

FROM DOM: See Topic 13 below, Dom's Update. This alkalinity thing is working for me! And yes! Take probiotics. I have been doing so for many years now. See my 100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia and Insomnia at www.fms-help.com/tips.htm.

"My P.A. asked me to try SAVELLA and when I said I would be willing to try it, she got all excited and said "yeah? really? you mean it?" that made me feel a bit uneasy. I got the free month's sample filled and it is sitting on my desk as I write this; i am too afraid to try it. when reading at all the things that can go wrong, WHO WOULD in his right mind want to try it unless he was VERY VERY desperate? And now reading about SAVELLA on your site, I KNOW I am not trying it. NO WONDER she was so excited....to have a guinea pig...like your other reader said when she quoted her doctor. I cannot get over happy this woman was that I was going to be possibly harmed by something so that SHE could have something for her research. My doctor and his staff are researchers with [a major university].....what happened to the promise to 'do no harm'?"

FROM DOM: Search my newsletter archives at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm for more on Savella.

12. MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE & FIBRO

"I wanted to comment on the reader who has mitral valve prolapse and fibro. I am 40 and was diagnosed w/ mvp 10 years ago ..docs say it is very common and not a big deal. About 5 years ago I had to wear a holtor monitor for a day as I was getting some pretty bad heart arrythmias .. they took blood.. my magnesium was low so they advised me to take an otc magnesium capsule which I do every night since then. I have the epstein bar / chronic fatigue ..and I guess a little bit of fibro .. my mom always insists that the mvp is more dangerous then the docs say it is and now after reading this excerpt I beleive I will may suffer from greater heart problems as I get older .. argh ..just another thing to look forward too."

13. DOM'S UPDATE

I'm still using the Oxygen Force drops. (Click "Oxygen" at the top of that page.) I have had NO BRAIN CRASHES for almost a month now - it's been incredible and wonderful. (Have had plenty of stress too!) If you try the drops, use just one drop in 8 ounces of purified water (I use the water from my fridge) and work upwards VERY slowly - like adding a drop more every few days per cup. I am now using 8 drops to 8 ounces of water at least 3 times per day. I make it up in the morning in a container and sip it throughout the day. I also use this water to make my immune shake that I've been using since 2001. DON'T DRINK SODAS, if you are going to try the alkalizing and oxygenating drops, because that defeats the purpose since sodas are so acidic. My brain has not felt oxygen-deprived for a month and no more chest heaviness, like my heart was bursting. I have not felt on the verge of collapse from fatigue and stress. I don't know if the improvement is from not being so acidic, or if it is because I'm getting enough oxygen now. (I'm not a scientist, just a guinea pig!) If you can, buy their book too, because it explains a lot (in spite of the typos). If this keeps up, I might try the formerly impossible drive to my mother's house (51 miles from here). Fortunately, at 88 my mother is still driving and running circles around me (at 57) and she is able to come visit us. As my long-time readers know, I lost the ability to travel more than about 25 miles by car (without collapse from too much jostling and overwhelming mental stimuli) ever since working in toxic mold in 2004 www.fms-help.com/mold.htm. Won't it be amazing if I can go the distance to see my mom??! I hope to try soon!