DOM'S NEWSLETTER
"Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2
www.fms-help.com

  Leaf Pile 
October 11, 2007
 
A compassionate informative newsletter for people with fibromyalgia (FMS), chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and other neuro-endocrine-immune disorders.
 
TOPICS ARE IN PURPLE.  MY COMMENTS ARE IN TEAL.
 
Don't miss--
#7 WATER AEROBICS BACKFIRED - I can relate
#9 LYME TREATMENT CAUSED BIG TROUBLE - reader needs advice
#10 SPOONS STORY - why we need the newsletter
#24 CHRISTIAN PAIN MANAGEMENT GROUP - new support group
#25 INHERITED PROTEIN DEFICIENCY CAUSING FMS? - free test
#26 DOM'S UPDATE - no fatigue or fog since June 5
 

 
1. READERS WRITE
 Computer 
"I have just found your fantastic website www.fms-help.com.  Thank you, thank you for all the info and for sharing your experiences."
 
"You will never know how much your web site www.fms-help.com has meant to me."
 
"I always appreciate your newsletter, and it has been a necessary part of the search for answers."
 
"Thanks for all of your good info in your newsletters. Big hugs for all your work for us!"
 
"Your website is so helpful...so God given!"
 
"Thanks for a great newsletter and all the work you do."
 
"Your website is excellent."
 
"Thank you for your life-saving (mine) work.  I read your website to remind myself that I am not in this alone."
 
"You do so much for us with your great newsletter; I always learn something new with each issue!"
 
"I find your site very helpful and thank you for your tips www.fms-help.com/tips.htm."
 

 
 
2.  QUESTION ABOUT DR. DRYLAND AND MIRAPEX
Please respond directly to Jeannie at cookingwithjeannie@verizon.net--
"My rheumatologist has not heard of Mirapex used for Fibro, only RLS (which I am already taking it for).  Just started reading a book called The Fibromyalgia Solution by Dr. David Dryland [see www.fms-help.com/073007.htm (#11) and www.fms-help.com/080407.htm (#19)] and it really seems to make sense.  Have you or your readers had any success with it?  I am already using Mirapex for RLS at .25 mg.  I would like to find out if anyone has experienced relief from fibro using the higher dosage he refers to - none of my doctors have ever heard of it.  So far, this year alone, I have had reactions and/or severe side effects to 11 different meds, ranging from cough medicine to anti-depressants.  I think my body has become ultra-sensitive and at least the Mirapex is a drug I am already using.  My depression has deepened as I have fought both my Disability Insurance Company and Social Security, as I have not been able work in 3 years and have used up most of my retirement funds. - Jeannie"
 
 
3.  EFFEXOR EXPERIENCE
From a reader--
"I was put onto Effexor last October by my doctor for Fibro. It took away
the back pain I have suffered for for 21 years, to a large extent, but
gave me so many other side effects: weight gain of 10 pounds, despite
being on diet constantly; hot-cold flushes and sweats, all day; very bad
constipation.  I do not remember the mood I was in but the first 21 days
I wanted to jump off the nearest bridge.  My doctor kept telling me to
"hang in there"...  The weight gain was so frightening I swelled up to
10 lb more than what I had been at full term in pregnancy...  I
eventually decided to come off it - and got a huge shock - the
side-effects of coming off it were frightening - major dizzziness and
electric shocks in the head every time I just moved my eyeballs to the
left or right... It took me 4 months to come off the drug, mg by mg.  I
have been scared off antidepressants for life...  Since April I have been off it
completely (it took a further 2 months for the electric shocks to end).
The back pain came back in full force but I am glad not to be on
chemicals.  I warned my doctor to tell people how hard it was to come
off those pills. I was on 150mg a day at the height of it.
I'm now trying homeopathic medicine; no changes after 2 months but
apparently it takes a while. Unfortunately my insomnia is still very bad
and I am forced to take sleeping pills every night in order to get
enough sleep to carry out my very stressful and pressurised job."
 
 
4.  FIBRO CONTAGIOUS?
From a reader--
"I am reading your newsletter for this month www.fms-help.com/100207.htm and have come to #6-“Fibro Hereditary?”  I don’t know whether it is hereditary or not, but has anyone done any study or considered it contagious?  The reason I am asking is because mine progressed from a case of mono.  Being that it is related to mono, which is a virus, maybe the fibro is also stemmed from a virus, meaning it might also be contagious.  I never knew of anyone who had it, nor does anyone in my family have it now, but I had been dating a man whose mother had it.  I never met her, but I spent significant time with my boyfriend, and he was actually living with his mother to take care of her as she was unable to work.  I just thought it was strange that I didn’t have it, nor did I know of anyone else who had it until I started dating him.  So ever since then I’ve wondered and had the suspicion that it was contagious.  This would explain why different members of families all have fibro, without being scientifically proven that it is hereditary.  I can also rule out the question, “then wouldn’t your family members have it too?”  Not necessarily, because I rarely see my family.  I think in order for it to be contagious, there would have to be close and/or intimate contact—not necessarily sexual—similar to mono. Just a thought….and I would be interested to read about studies or your readers thoughts relating to this."
 
 
5.  DOM'S PUBLISHED INSOMNIA STORY
From a reader--
"Allow me to congratulate you on being published...both for your individual accomplishment, which is very impressive but, also, for the help and understanding that "fibromites" might gain by your having been published by a magazine who's readership may also lend their support and understanding to us. Bravo!  Thank you so much for being such an inspiration and warrior for our collective cause."
If you would like a copy of this inspirational magazine with my story, "I Couldn't Sleep," please write me dombush@bellsouth.net.  The publisher will send this issue free of charge anywhere in the world.
 
 
6.  THE NEW CFL BULBS & FIBRO
From a reader--
"Would like information from you and your readers as to the tolerance of CFL bulbs. I was going to do my part to help the environment and change all my lightbulbs over to CFL's. Then I read an article that they and any type of flourescent lighting cause problems for people with fibromyalgia. It has been awhile since I have worked in an office so I do not know if this would make things worse for me. Have you gotten any feedback on this issue?"
Opinions, anyone?  Write dombush@bellsouth.net.
 
 
7.  WATER AEROBICS BACKFIRED
Please send responses to Christina at baptism_by_fire_2000@yahoo.com--
"I HAD SIGNED UP FOR WATER AEROBICS WHICH MY DOCTOR [ACTUALLY ALL MY DOCTORS HAVE] KEPT PUSHING ME TO EXERCISE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IF I WILL ONLY GO ON A DIET AND EERCISE AND LOSE WEIGHT ALL MY PAIN WILL GO AWAY.  I AM IN MY 4TH WEEK AND I HAVE HAD SEVERE PAIN INCREASE AFTER EACH SESSION EVEN THOUGH I DO LESS REPS THAN EVERYONE ELSE AND DO NOT USE THE "WEIGHTS" THEY USE. ALSO I SPEND THE REST OF MY TIME IN BED DUE TO FATIGUE FOR TRYING TO DO THIS TWICE A WEEK.  NOW I AM HAVING AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE CHEMICALS IN THE POOL. SO THAT IS THE STRAW THAT HAS BROKE MY BACK IN THIS. I GAVE IT MY BEST SHOT AND MY DOCTOR CAN GO TAKE A LONG WALK OFF A SHORT PIER SOMEWHERE THAT IS SHARK INFESTED!!!!!!"
I'm not surprised.  This is what happens to a lot of fibromites who try this upon the recommendations of their doctors and friends.  Although it sounds like a good idea, graded exercise does not help many (most) people with FMS/CFIDS--often makes it worse.  (Christina's story reminds me of when I tried joining gyms to workout - even mildly - and ended up in much worse shape than before I started!)
 
 
8.  PREDNISONE SIDE EFFECTS
From a reader--
"This is a response to # 19 in the most recent newsletter www.fms-help.com/100207.htm.  True, Prednisone is used for inflammation.  Wonder if the writer is aware of the nasty side effects (esp. on the dose she takes)??  Is she aware that Prednisone masks other illnessesNot saying she or anyone else should not take the drug, but caveats are certainly in order.  Since I have Addison's Disease, I must take Cortef (much milder than Prednisone) to stay alive.  Within two years of steroid taking, I developed cataracts & osteoporosis, which are known side effects of these medications.  In addition, blood pressure increased considerably.  Worse, once low blood glucose numbers soared.  Yes, Diabetes Mellitus/Sugar Diabetes is another horrid side effect to consider.  If Dr. "N" is in his 80s, he must be aware of the dangers of Prednisone.  A high sed rate could indicate MANY, MANY illnesses.  Masking the pain with Prednisone is not only dangerous but could be considered neglect on the part of a physician.  Weight gain is likely the least of a plethora of side effects.  The writer may want to ask questions of Dr. "N" &/or read the insert which comes with her medications.  A google search of "Prednisone side effects" may cause her to rethink this treatment."
As my doc told me years ago when I begged for refills of Prednisone to relieve fibro pain: "Prednisone is short term magic, long term tragic."
 
 
9.  LYME TREATMENT CAUSED BIG TROUBLE
Please respond directly to Selma at salabbas@us.ibm.com--
"I'm 45 years old and started suffering from FMS
9 years ago about 6 months after a whiplash accident. I discovered alot of
what's on your website 
www.fms-help.com through trial and error.  It took me 2 years to get
to a point where I felt mostly well again using the blood type organic
whole foods diet, exercise, and moducare sterinol.  I decided to take a
break after many years on the moducare since I suffered from
anxiety and
heart palpitations
and was concerned that might be the cause ... then a
year ago all hell broke loose with new symptoms... optic neuritis/neuropathy
with vision loss in right eye, extreme light-headedness, insomnia, eye
pain in both eyes.  
IGENX lyme test was positive (but not according to CDC
criteria)
.
 
I went down the lyme path using Dr. Zhang out of NYC chinese
herbs.  After 8 months on zhang combined with 2 months on buhner herbal
lyme protocol all hell broke loose this past summer.  Major nervous system
issues: balance, muscles jerking / twitching, jerky movements ( i almost
couldn't type), extrememe brain fog to the point of nausea, electrical
sensations, insominia....numbness in arms at night. 
I thought I it was MS
since my gait is also affected.  Thank god I tested negative for that.  I'm
still hesitant to go down the lyme abx route until I talk to someone who
was successfully treated with long term abx.  I'm worried about wrecking my
system
since I've been so careful for so many years and worried about long
term effects of strong abx and antiviral drugs.
I've always been a
sensitive person.  I can't find many succss stories out there for chronic
late lyme with long term abx. I wish there was a definite test for lyme,
but there isn't.

Do you know anyone with a history of FMS, that then developed eye issues or
other neuro symptoms and went on to get successful lyme treatment with
remission?
  I've read that even some with FMS/CFS respond to antibiotics,
so I really wonder if this is chronic lyme.... or just a different course of
FMS. I'm also considering hyperbaric oxygen since that seems to help
many with Lyme or FMS. 
 
Sorry to unload.. the worsening of symptoms so late and loss of my vision
has me scared after I thought I was building health for the past 8 years
."



10.  SPOONS STORY
This is great!  From a reader--
"A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said,
 "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like."

 The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

 He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the
 middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the
 table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made
 the holy man's mouth water.

 The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They
 appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long
 handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it
 possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.
 But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not
 get the spoons back into their mouths.

 The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

 The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."

 They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly
 the same as the first one. There was the large round table with
 the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The
 people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here
 the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
 The holy man said, "I don't understand."

"It is simple," said the Lord.
 "It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed
 each other, while the greedy think only of themselves
."

 When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you."
 
 
 
11.  HELEN FOUNDATION - MESA, AZ
Please respond directly to Brenda at Brewelch@msn.com--
"Do you know of anyone who has experienced relief from fibromyalgia, etc. that received treatment from the Helen Foundation in Mesa, AZ?  I attended their seminar here in Knoxville last night:  I was quite impressed and am hopeful it could work for me.  Thought you'd have heard from someone that has or is being currently treated by them. - Brenda"


 
12.  DOES TOOTH LOSS LEAD TO MENTAL DECLINE OR VICE VERSA?
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/10/11/does-tooth-loss-lead-to-mental-decline-or-vice-versa.aspx
 
 
 
13.  CHRISTIAN MEDITATION CD'S
From a reader--
"I wondered if you have ever tried Rhonda Jones Christian Meditation CDs?  I love the one on stress and toxic emotions.  Her website is www.thechristianmeditator.com.  I also recently purchased a book on breath prayers by Kathleen Lewis which has helped me tremendously.  She is a devotional writer for Rest Ministries www.restministries.org and suffers from a potentially fatal form of Lupus." 
 
 
14.  BED DREAD
Reader 1--
"Researchers realized that the sleep disorder seems to be the key issue for fibro. Unfortunately, they also realized that treatment has to be very individualized, no two patients can follow the same regimen of treatment."
 
Reader 2--
"I suffer with fibromyalgia.  I am managing the condition up to a point but feel my immune system is totally out of balance. I also have dreadful trouble sleeping and see bedtime as the enemy."
I sure do understand this!  My sleep clock has been broken for 40 years!  See my insomnia story at www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm and things I've tried for sleep at www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm.  A list of things I currently use is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.
 
 
15.  PSORIASIS & FIBRO GENETIC LINK?
From a reader--
"When I first developed fibro, and finally found out what I had, I did some research on it, in 1995. Some of the doctors like Dr. Starlanyl and associates, had researched family histories of sufferers. They believe it is linked to psoriasis genetically, and that the predisposition to either or both disorders is inherited. I found out by asking others who were diagnosed with fibro, that they too had family members with psoriasis and/ or fibro. It's easier to find out about the psoriasis in past generations, as fibro was not diagnosed very often if at all in previous generations."
 
 
 
16.  AMBASSADOR'S WIFE BECOMES FIBROMYALGIA SPOKESPERSON
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6261
 
 
 
17.  FUNGUS, GOOD BACTERIA & BIRTHING PROCESS
From a reader--
"I want to share a couple things I learned from watching programs about fungus problems, candida, etc. Doug Kaufmann, host of Know The Cause, says your body can't make uric acid.  Fungus makes uric acid.   What does that say about gout? Also, the article about Fibro and could it be hereditary. I have heard more than once that babies being born to mother's with no good bacteria in their intestines,  of course, can't pass any good bacteria along to the baby. The baby picks up almost all it's good bacteria when it comes through the birth canal.  On the skin, through the nose and mouth, etc. (Where does this leave the millions of babies being born C-section?) This good bacteria protects the baby from all kinds of problems from birth on up. Think of all the problems babies and toddlers have nowadays, compared to 40 or 50 yrs ago. With no good bacteria being passed along through the generations, maybe that explains why it may seem hereditary. My grandmother,  my mother, my brothers and sisters, my children, my grandchilden all have simular problems that are related to Fibro, CFS, MS, etc. Could it be that grandma didn't pass any good bacteria along and so through the generations all of my family is sick? Is this a coincidence or is fungus the culprit?  I think the latter. Starve the fungus with diet, kill the fungus with anti-fungals and replace the good bacteria and maybe the next generation will have healthy babies. If I would  have had this info that I am passing along to you, when my children were born, maybe they would be well now instead of so sick. This is definitely food for thought."
 

 18.  FIBRO SYMPTOMS GONE WITH GUAI PROTOCOL
From a reader--
"I was diagnosed with Fibro three years ago.  I was put on the guaifenesin protocol by Dr. St. Amand and I have seen an almost 100% reversal.  I had chronic bladder infections and incontinence.  My urologist had put me on permanent prophylactic antibiotics they were so bad.  After a few months on the protocol my infections were gone.  I haven't had another infection in three years.  I know longer have to wear a Depends pad.
 
I have seen dramatic results in other areas as well.  I used to be so sensitive to light that if I so much as looked out the window without sunglasses I would get a blinding headache.  Now I can actually manage to drive without sunglasses.
 
I also use to toss and turn all night long, now I sleep soundly.
 
I used to be so irritable, feeling like I wanted to crawl out of my skin.  I was constantly yelling and my family.  Now, I am like a new person.
 
According to the doctor, Fibro is a metabolic disorder.  People with Fibro are unable to metabolize phosphates.  The protocol binds to these phosphates in our body and helps them to be excreted.  With being on the Protocol you can reverse all of the damage from the Fibromyalgia.
 
I urge you and all of your readers to visit the  Fibromyalgia website http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com.   There is ALOT of useful info on that site.  Dr. St. Amand has been at the forefront of discovering a blood test.  His research in cooperation with the city of hope is being submitted to medical journals now.  My family and I all participated in the gene study."
This is indeed good news!  I have heard from many people over the years who tried Dr. St. Amand's guai protocol with varying success - either it helped a lot or did not help.  Seems to be the case with most things we try for fibro relief.  I was especially impressed that this reader can now sleep soundly!  I have addressed Dr. St. Amand and the guai protocol in numerous places on my site.  You can use the Google search box at the end of this newsletter to find these discussions. The guai protocol is difficult to follow - here's a list of salicylates to avoid while on guai:  http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/GuaiProtocol.htm.  Personally, without going through all this trouble, I am doing great - no pain, fatigue or fog since June 5, 2007 thanks to 3 new things my husband encouraged me to try. Much of my problem for the last few years was related to mold exposure at my workplace in 2005.  However, now I have no more sunlight sensitivity, travel fatigue, etc.   I feel normal now, for which I am very thankful! See #2, 3 and 21 at www.fms-help.com/what.htm about the 3 things that have helped me so much.  My only remaining difficulty is the sleep disorder (40 years duration).  However, if I manage my sleep meds properly, I can sleep at night, but sure wish it were natural sleep.  My insomnia story is at www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm.
 
 
 
19.  INSPIRATION
I like this poem very much.  (My story is at www.fms-help.com/salvation.htm.)
 
 
When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!  That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble--needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian,"  I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved.



20.  STRESS HORMONES
Please respond directly to Lori at lchefec@optonline.net--
"I am extremely stressed all the time, not just regular stress, but extreme stress that feels like constant anxiety, almost torturous.  My life has been very, very stressful and traumatic, I am almost 49, and although I've done so much healing in so many ways -- detoxing, eating super healthy, cured lyme disease, chronic fatigue and mercury poisoning, and also use two forms of energy healing which have helped, I am still in constant pain and rarely feel any level of comfort and have major difficulty sleeping.  I've been taking anxiety meds to sleep for over a year e.g. klonopin or atavan.  I also had a sleep study done several years ago and have sleep apnea.  I am aware of the relationship between toxins and good health, and pain for us with fibromyalgia.  I do everything I can to eliminate toxins, but this is the first I heard of wheatgrass "pills" possibly helping sleep.  I drink wheatgrass when I can get it fresh and take tons of greens.  However my hormones were completely thrown off by the lyme disease and still have not recovered.  It takes the pituitary a long time to function properly again.  DOES  ANYONE KNOW ANY OTHER TIPS OF REDUCING STRESS HORMONES?  HOW CAN WE REGULATE ADENISONE TO BE AT THE PROPER LEVELS DURING THE DAY AND AT NIGHT TO ASSIST IN SLEEP? - Lori"
My doc had me on a low dose of atenolol - not for blood pressure, but to reduce adrenaline in my body.  I was able to stop taking it since finding a stress formula on June 5 that helps me so much.
 
 
21.  SOAP FOR LEG CRAMPS
From a reader--
"Here’s a little inexpensive help for your readers with leg cramps.  My grandmother told me about this and it works for her, as well as many others in my family.  She told me that if you put a bar of soap under your bottom sheet of your bed, near where you have cramping in your legs, it is supposed to relieve the pain associated with the cramping.  She said that any bar soap other than Dove or Dial would work.  I normally sleep with an exercise belt around my waist to help with back support while I sleep.  Last night I placed a bar of Irish Spring between the belt and my sleep shirt, and it did relieve a lot of the back pain that I normally have during the night, and today I have no back pain.  It sounds too weird and funny not to be true, and it doesn’t hurt to at least try it.  She read three magazine articles to me, where people have given their testimony of it working for them.  It is inexpensive, and if it doesn’t work for your readers, they can always use the soap in the shower.  Update:  I’ve been using the “soap under the sheets” for a week now, and I have to say that there is improvement in my leg pain during the night, and also during the day.  The people who I’ve heard who have done this have done it for years, with decreased leg cramping and pain."
Now I've heard it all, but if could help, why not try it?
 
 
22.  HAIR LOSS & FIBRO
Reader 1--
"Just when you think that there isn't anyplace on your body that fibro has not hit....think again.  I went to the dermotologist today because I have a small bald spot on my head.  I have alopecia oreata.  This is an infection(?) that hits people with autoimmune diseases like fibro.  It can spread...stress makes it spread more; or stay the same or go away.  I had 4 shots of cortisone in my head today and then a cortisone cream and go back in one month.  When I told the doctor that I had fibro she said that was the most likely cause." 
 
Reader 2--
"I had alopecia oreata and lost almost all my hair when I was 26.
It never really came back. I did not lose it in spots, I lost it all over,
legs arms etc. I had months of cortisone injections in my head and my
face. I was a mess and the scaring on my face is unreal from it.
Now they claim the injections may affect your eyesight later on in
years. My eyes are now getting bad."
 
23.  PAIN MED PROHIBITION
From a reader--
This site is marvelous.  It speaks directly to the problem many are having trying to get proper medical attention for their chronic pain problems. The Trouble with Pain Killers http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_187202316.html."
 
24.  CHRISTIAN PAIN MANAGEMENT GROUP
From Teresa tlc@jtdearinger.com--
"My name is Teresa Dearinger.  I am sending an invitation and welcoming all of you who suffer with FM and CFS to a brand new Christian Faith Based site on Revolution Health - http://www.revolutionhealth.com/groups/christian-pain-managment-groupWe will have great topics with a twist in comparison to other sights as we are called “Christian Pain Management.”   God has made us triune beings as we are spirit, soul and live in a body.  This site is to help the total person spiritually, mentally and emotionally not just the physical alone!  Christian Pain Management is for those who serve the Lord and desire the freedom to share the scriptures that have pulled you through, praise reports, special prayer requests, along with encouragement in the faith.   Share your experiences of FM and know that as a Christian you will find hope for the whole man at Christian Pain Management!  When drowning in guilt, loneliness, fear or depression, we need a word in due season."
 
 
25.  INHERITED PROTEIN DEFICIENCY CAUSING FMS? - FREE TEST
From a reader--
"I have some great info related to health test that can be done for a genetic defieciency that prohealth had on their web page they sent out today.  It was in the research window and was headed up with the title .....Proposal that FM patients be tested for protein deficiency. 
I have a number where they are doing research on this and you can get the test kit and they will do the test FREE confidentially so that if per se it did come back positive it would not haunt you on insurance and your ability to get a job down the line. 
The number to order the test is toll free 1-877-886-2383. It's a valid way to test for this and again it is free and all confidential.
 
This problem (do a search) is alot more common than alot of genetic issues, at least common that you could be a carrier, and this is important if you have children and if not you rule it out for yourself.  I was interested in it because last time I have a liver check done my liver enzymes were high.
 
Proposal that FM patients be tested for inherited protein deficiency
Based on blood test data, researchers propose that a significant number of FM patients may have inherited Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, and that FM patients should be tested for this treatable disorder. http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=8389&T=CFIDS_FM&B1=EM101007F."
 
 
 
26.  DOM'S UPDATE
Exec 
I continue to feel well since June 5 - no fatigue or fog.  I'm still pinching myself to see if it's true!  Is this really me??
 
A list of things I'm using is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.  It's been over 4 months now since I began using 3 supplements that my husband encouraged me to try. One takes oxygen to my brain and cells, the other I call my "rocket fuel" because it gives me sustained energy and stamina, as well as detoxifies. The third one is for stress, which helps my nervous system calm down. My life is so much easier now!  See my newsletter archives www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm to read "Dom's Updates" from past issues.  It's hard to believe I was so debilitated!  Things have sure changed. 
 
I am really enjoying my music teaching www.fms-help.com/students.htm now and my life in general.  However, my dear husband is afraid to breathe a sigh of relief -- he doesn't want my life to come crashing down again. 
 
The only thing still bugging me is my sleep disorder, but after 40 years of battling insomnia www.fms-help.com/insomnia.htm, I think I have to live with it.  I'm very thankful for sleep meds that work okay for me www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm, although I still long for REAL natural sleep!  I am very fortunate to have a job where I teach afternoons and evenings only.  I simply cannot do mornings because of my undependable sleep patterns.
 
As far as my travel issues go, I haven't traveled anywhere since my "recovery" on June 5, except to go 51 miles to see my mother, but I think I am good now for a short trip somewhere.  The main problem would be attempting to sleep in a strange bed like in a motel or at a friend or relative's house.  (I have a hard enough time trying to sleep in my own bed at home!)  But all the other travel problems I was having are gone now, such as collapsing from the motion of the car, the light sensitivity, etc.   I can travel around town with no problems at all.  I even go to places like the mall (with its distracting sights and sounds), crowded Wal-Mart and noisy Best Buy (my husband's favorite place to "window shop.")
 
Cooking and household tasks are a breeze now too!  I'm just buzzing around the house taking care of things like a normal person.  How easy it is to make dinner when you have energy and mental clarity and aren't stumbling around the kitchen on the verge of mental and physical collapse!   See the interesting article from Australia on my site called "Drained by the Brain" www.fms-help.com/yuppie.htm - did that ever describe me!   I'm so glad to have my energy, stamina and mental alertness back and to be a functioning human being again!

Til next time, 

 Piano Man 
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.