Rose from my sweet Donnie. Today is my 61st birthday. (Where does the time go??!)

"Thanks again for your work and compassion on the wonderful newsletter www.fms-help.com/110412.htm. How you come up with all the new info after all these years I don't know!"

"Many thanks for being one of our best, most compassionate advocates. Your newsletter is always informative and helpful, and your website www.fms-help.com contains a wealth of information."

"I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Fibro., but I believe I have had it since I was a child, due to a serious illness. I can't say I am glad to have this illness, but I have been blessed through it. I have learned to focus on what truly matters, because I don't have the energy or ability to do anything else. Being ill has helped me to truly realize, that life is short and focusing on and being there for the important people in my life and honoring the Lord is what's really matters."

"In response to the question in the newsletter at www.fms-help.com/110412.htm, item #4: My daughter, who also has fibro, now 21, has had complaints in that area of her abdomin ever since she had mono, 5-6 yrs ago. They thought it was caused by her spleen, as it was enlarged, but I think that was ruled out. (My brain isn't functioning well these days.) She's had tests galore, they removed her gall bladder (it's on the other side, but they found a problem in it) and she still gets that pain. She gets pancreatitis periodically, and that's what they've chalked it up to. Your reader isn't alone having abdominal pain."

"The reader who had a question about abdominal pain made me wonder if it could be what I am currently experiencing. I've had severe pain that started in my right shoulder blade and stabbed through to my chest for several days now and between talking to people and researching online I've determined that it is gall bladder. From the reading I've done, gall bladder attacks or gall stones can cause pain in several areas, abdominal, chest and back. For a while I was in denial that this could be my problem because I eat very healthy and had a mindset that gall bladder problems only strike people with an unhealthy diet. But I haven't always eaten healthy and apparently gall stones can be present for years and then suddenly start to cause pain. I do believe my healthy eating has forestalled an attack that might otherwise have happened sooner. This is a very common problem among women and I wonder that doctors often have so much trouble diagnosing it. I've known many people who endure the painful episodes for months or years before discovering the problem. I've opted to cleanse to rid myself of gallstones. My daughter did this last year and had great success with it. I'm on day two of a 3 day cleanse and it's not easy but certainly preferable to "going under the knife"! There is much information available online. A couple of very helpful sites are Hulda Clark and Earth Clinic. I love Earth Clinic which has helpful remedies for many ailments."

"I had stomach pain that sounded similar to your reader's. Mine was bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. (SBBO) Not all doctors know about this. If you look on Web MD you will see the definition....I had a very good gastro who found it. I don't think a general doc will know about this. I have had many abdominal 'challenges' over the years." [FROM DOM: GOT THIS REPLY FROM THE ORIGINAL POSTER: "I researched SBBO and found some information on it. I have not experienced spontaneous weight loss (I wish!) but my worst attacks were when I had eaten almost nothing all day. I'm wondering if that could be an indicator of the bacterial buildup. I have emailed my Dr. to ask her, and should get a reply back on Monday. If she doesn't know I guess I will try to get in to see a Naturopath, but they are expensive and I'm not sure my insurance will cover that."]

"re: www.fms-help.com/110412.htm, Topic 4: I have the exact pain in my upper left quadrant. In fact that is how i have described it like a knife stabbing underneatth my rib. I also have a lot of muscle pain all around and over the muscles covering my rib cage. I also have constant pain in the muscles on both arms between my elbows and shoulders and over the top of my shoulders as well."

"I think the person who is trying to find a reason for her abdominal pain may be suffering from gluten and/or casein sensitivity. In my research on gluten sensitivity, I read that any person who has immune problems may develop a gluten sensitivity, and often casein in addition. Sometimes it is sensitivity that develops over time or it could be celiac that is just now causing major problems. I did not know that many people who have celiac do not have obvious or severe symptoms. A couple of other articles in this newsletter www.fms-help.com/110412.htm implicate gluten so those persons may be good resources for advice. Don’t have to test for celiac—just make the assumption and eliminate wheat first and then slowly make adjustments in eating to get most grains out of the diet. Also can look up information about MSG and flavorings, dyes, “natural flavors” etc. that also can cause problems with digestion/bowel. Also, foods we like the most may be the ones we have allergies or sensitivities too. She can eliminate what makes up most of her diet, or that she eats most frequently, and try a very limited diet for a few weeks to see whether there is any relief."

4. DO YOU HAVE THE "DREADED MOLD GENOME"?

FROM DOM: You can find out if you are in the 20% of people who are strongly susceptible to mold (the dreaded mold genome!) by doing the simple, free test I describe at http://fms-help.com/mold.htm - look in the Dec. 2011 updated paragraph on that page for instructions.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/03/too-much-carbs.aspx - Snippet: "Among people aged 70 to 89, those who ate the most carbohydrates and sugars were more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, including problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment. As you overindulge on sugar and grains, your brain becomes overwhelmed by the consistently high levels of insulin and eventually shuts down its insulin signaling, leading to impairments in your thinking and memory abilities, and eventually causing permanent brain damage. Reducing sugars, fructose and grains, and eating healthy fats and fermented vegetables may play a protective role in your brain health. Senile dementia is now recognized as a form of diabetes and frequently called diabetes type 3."

"Just spent what seems like forever in the "meet up" group that is connected to "fibroalive"...The tone of this site and of the 18 members is dark. The head of the meetups was talking about the next meeting; they were planning on using Tibetan crystal singing bowls and she spoke of getting into a "sacred space" together. There is a lot of talk on connecting mind, body and spirit. Quite a few times it is mentioned that this place is "positive" and they do not want anyone joining to talk about their symptoms! They repeated that the member must be willing to "let go of fibro and live." There was very little mentioned by members of the illness. It seemed to me to be more of a social club; the meetups were to go dancing (lessons? clubs?) I don't understand why they are even NEEDING this seminar! They go boating, camping, 40-day bootcamps! They are all very active and meet EVERY SINGLE WEEK! They belong to social clubs for singles and for entreprenuers. There was a list of other groups that members were involved in; DARK! The man who organized this is the husband to the hypnotherapist (who developed her "method" and that she is a nationally recognized therapist.) He knows nothing about fibro, or CFS or any autoimmune disorder. He mentions that he is not nor has ever been ill and that he is not related to anyone who has been sick, but goes on to say it is his desire to BECOME educated in this area. His very wording lacks any familiarity with terms that we would use simply by being exposed to people in pain and suffering. Meanwhile, he said that he has seen people "over and over and again and again" get rid of fibro through his wife's developed tecnique. It was stated by several charter members that by joining, you become free from fibromyalgia!!! There is no mention of any work put into it or medication or therapy, but by simply joining the group you get rid of fibro! that is the wording..."get rid of fibro". Testimonies of "since joining this group, I have been rid of all pain." There were about five or six mentions of "free" presentations of how to use this technique. YET, he mentions he will discuss the fee when you call him. ???? I wonder if the founders of MeetUp knows what they are doing. They opened up their own chapter of MEETUP and are using it to register people for the seminars. I won't be going back. I am surprised any Believer would go NEAR those people! It is DARK. The hypnotherapist is educated.....and the following article sounds 'promising' except it involves self-hypnosis www.hypnosis.edu/articles/fibromyalgia/pain....the 'promising' part is because it is not dark like that other site."

"Have you heard much about the herb Rhodiola rosea? One of the magazines I subscribe to says "....dramatically bettering the quality of life for those with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue." I have only done a little reasearch on it. Apparently it is also eases depression, decreasing fatigue, reducing pain, and improving sleep. Sounds too good to be true! Have any of your readers had any personal experience with it that you know of?"

"I had my Vitamin D level checked and then took a very good liquid Vitamin D (Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D) and my level is now up to 174 (not sure the measurment eg. mg/dl or whatever it is here in Canada. I am not sure what the measurements are in the U.S.) I also from September until March take one or two capsules of Kyolic Garlic pills (they are ODORLESS - not like some brands that claim to be odorless but are not). When I take the Kyolic garlic for sure - I do not get sick or have the flu or a cold."

"re: MOLD TEST on your page at www.fms-help.com/mold.htm (Dec. 2011 update) - Snippet: 'if your measurement from fingertip to fingertip is greater than your height'--

This is also one of the criteria for Marfan Syndrome. My oldest son and my daughter both have many of the symptoms of Marfans.

1. Wingspan greater than their height.
2. Thin wrists (can you wrap your pinky around your wrist and touch your thumb?)
3. Double jointed
4. thin build
5. stretch marks in unusual locations (my son has them across his back from growing so fast)
6. back pain or joint unrelated to strenuous activity
7. tend to be taller than average
8. indented chest, or pigeon chested (my children do not have this, but I have a brother and a sister both who have indented chest)
9. bulge in the aortic root (this is the most dangerous symptom, my children have had the ultrasound and they did not get this, praise the Lord!)
10. spider veins that are not from burst blood vessels (my daughter has one of these on her face)
11. Flat Feet
12. unusually long fingers (arachnodactyl) - usually complimented as "great for playing piano or guitar"

If you look up the definition of Marfan's Syndrome it says "A genetic condition involving the connective tissues".

You may recognise this definition from reading about Fibromyalgia. It also is described as "A genetic condition involving the connective tissues."

I did NOT get the thin build, the long fingers or the thin wrists, and my heart appears to be fine. But I have some of the symptoms. I have to wonder if Fibromyalgia and Marfan's aren't more closely related than is currently believed.

I think it's all connected. And apparently, Marfan's type symptoms (the wingspan thing) are related to mold sensitivity as well? My daughter also has asthma. I am now concerned that our house might be making us sick. :(

Thought you would be interested since you seem to have some of these symptoms. There is a genetic test for Marfan's that is about 80% accurate. Our insurance would not pay for it though, so we have not had it done."

FROM DOM: Many years ago I had a piano student who had Marfan Syndrome. I knew her from age 14-23, then I moved away, so not sure what happened after that. Her dad also had Marfans and was on beta blockers to keep his aorta from rupturing. Both were tall and thin with long, thin fingers. My student had many health problems related to Marfans. It is interesting that this reader made the connection between the free "dreaded mold genome" test you can do at home (described on my mold webpage) and similiarities with Marfan Syndrome. Interestingly, this young lady lived in an old house filled with mold from a water leak in the bathroom behind a shower wall for many years that had gone undetected. Her mother had been diagnosed wtih FMS/CFIDS. It's all starting to fit together like a puzzle now.

A daily devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada (quadriplegic since a diving accident at age 17) - used by permission of Joni and Friends Disability Center--

When in Pain

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50

My heart goes out to people who suffer with physical pain. Oh, how hope is needed! Michael wrote, "Two years ago, tumors were pinching my sciatic nerve and I was forced to my knees in tears. I couldn't stand the pain anymore. I shut myself in a room, lay on the floor, and shouted to the Lord, 'I am not leaving here until you do something. Kill me, heal me, but don't let me suffer like this!!!' It was a little later, and then I heard a still small voice, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27).

Michael was encouraged by John 14:27 because when God gives peace, He is imparting a sense of the presence of the Prince of Peace, His Son Jesus. Michael can endure almost anything, as long as he knows Jesus is "laying on the floor" with him. And as Psalm 119:49 assures, God's comfort envelops Michael every time he remembers a promise like that from the Word.

I can identify. For me, when the pain doesn't go away, I'm quick to remember promises like John 14:27. My comfort in my suffering is this: The promise of God's presence preserves my life. Just knowing He's "with me," gives me peace, hope, and comfort. It sees me through.

Meditate on today's verse. Think of God's promises you know from scripture. How do they preserve your life, especially when you are suffering physical or emotional pain?

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me your peace when I hurt. Bless you for the hope and comfort I always find in you. Every single one of your promises preserves my life - I could not survive without your precious Word sustaining me every moment.

"All these wonderful 'diets', especially the gluten-free diets, I am sure work great. I desire to try them; my problem, though, is...WHERE do I START? When I get up enough 'energy' to go to the store, I don't have the ability to stand long...so standing in the aisles to read the labels and then THINKING? thinking on my FEET? impossible for me to do - and then to find the recipes...yes, go online...but that takes all my left over 'spoons' www.fms-help.com/spoons.htm ...and I could not prepare a meal after doing all that 'work' and standing at the stove, leaning up against the wall, trying to cook! I USED to be a very GOOD cook. I LOVED cooking, creating..baking....looking for new things to try and to feed my family. the JOY of it was such....well, JOY....(HAHA) I would lilke to know HOW these contributors to the newsletter COOK? how do they SHOP? how do they FIND the right foods that contain no gluten? yes, I realize, too, that the foods are onthe shelves...and some will even say "gluten free", but how do we put the right foods together in order to come up with a meal? I probably sound senseless. I dont' make much sense these days. I cannot think straight...so how am I going to go gluten free? I desire to do it. I have heard such success stories!"

FROM DOM: If you have suggestions for this reader, who has FMS/CFIDS in addition to many other serious illnesses, please write dombush@bellsouth.net.

"Re: www.fms-help.com/110412.htm (Topic 7) - the quotes you shared concerning our aging, dying bodies touched my heart! Thank you! I am going to print it up and make index cards so that I might have them in places around the house for reading....and I intend to share them with others. Beautiful words! I especially treasure the one regarding the notice to move."

"The reader at www.fms-help.com/110412.htm who found great relief from a Gluten/Wheat free diet has hit on something that I believe most of us would benefit from. I have a theory that wheat and grains as God created them are good for us, but several years ago our food supplies were corrupted by what is know as GMOs, Genetically Modified Organisms. Why aren't more people asking questions and demanding that answers be found for the epidemic number of people with Celiac/Gluten intolerance, Diabetes, and the heartbreaking rates of Autism? I believe all of those as well as a host of other aliments are directly related to our food sources. GMO foods were outlawed in Europe several years ago, when are we going to wake up? Dr. Mercola's website has numerous articles on this subject and he is a real crusader for ridding us of this curse."

"re: www.fms-help.com/110412.htm - "Out of Answers" - I understand that frustration. Most of us have experienced the lack of real help we get from the "established" medical community. I've been down the road of taking prescription drugs that do more harm than good. The worst of them were antidepressants with horrible side effects for me. I decided that I would take control of my own health - it's my body and I'm responsible for it. I manage my health with alternatives to the idea of taking a pill to fix things. The main thing that will make a huge difference is eating healthy - and that is a life-long process of educating yourself. I take several supplements and research which ones are helpful for the conditions I deal with. The only prescription drug I use at present is a compounded hormone cream. I recommend finding a good alternative practice doctor if you can, but even then YOU are still the one who controls your health. If you own a computer you have the tool you need to start improving your health today. Research, read, search out remedies and try them! Doctors are really scared to death that people will actually do this. They run an ad on TV about people in various fields "trying to do their doctor's job", and of course they are selling some drug. Well my response to that is that IF doctors did a good job of helping people we might have more trust in them...when was the last time you heard of someone dying from an overdose of supplements? The news of medical failures doesn't get enough attention, but it's out there none the less; this article from ABC News says that in 2009 there were 34,485 deaths from prescription drugs http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Drugs/drug-deaths-exceed-traffic-deaths/story?id=14554903. The side effects alone should make most of them criminal, not to mention deaths caused by them. I'm not suggesting that you stop all medications immediately or never see a doctor, but please educate yourself and trust other sources of information. Dr. Mercola is on the right path to helping people be healthy instead of being victims of bad food and bad medicine. It is a constant struggle and hard work to separate lies or misinformation from truth when it comes to health issues, especially when dealing with auto-immune illnesses, but it's possible and worthwhile."

"I wish I could find a support group that helped out. I just can’t stand all day cooking in the kitchen. I become exhausted. I guess sandwiches, even on good bread, are bad because of gluten in the wheat. I just wonder why I’m supposed to deal with all this—and I know you have for a long time. I am re-evaluating my supplements and will have to see if there is something else that might help. It’s so tedious and lonely. I don’t even know blind people with fibromyalgia."

FROM DOM: If you know anyone who is blind with fibro, please write dombush@bellsouth.net. This person has been a newsletter reader for over 8 years and could really use some support.

"I just had a colonoscopy. The “clean out” concoction that is standard for this procedure now caused a problem in my digestive tract. My alternative medicine advisor tells me that I have “burned” areas in several places. They cause me pain when I have just eaten and when I am hungry. I am taking soothing herbs and teas as well as digestion helps, but she says it will take quite a while to heal. I found out the concoction is sulfate forms of magnesium and potassium and I have a genetic problem with sulfates. There is so much we don’t know about our individuality in health matters!"

FROM DOM: I just happened to hear part of Pastor Rod Parsley's message last night on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJV)--

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

Caught away from the problems of this old world! What a blessed hope we have in Christ!!!

II Corinthians 1: 4 - "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Visit Dominie's FMS/CFIDS Homepage at www.fms-help.com for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers and their families.

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.