November 14, 2009
A Christian-based newsletter for people
with Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
(CFIDS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)
and their families.
19 TOPICS - don't miss the RED
ONES!
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Links:
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1. READERS
WRITE
"I want to thank you for your newsletters. I
look forward to getting them like a kid waits for Santa to deliver the
packages!!!!!"
"Thank you so much for your wonderful
newsletter. You are doing so much to keep share information within our community
of sufferers and keeping us informed."
"Reading your column and articles from
readers helps me remember what my life used to be like. And if they had
had a "working treatment" and had not treated me like I was crazy, I never would
have found alternative medicine. Thanks so much for what you do. You have
helped so many people including me!"
"I love your website www.fms-help.com. I find it
very informative and comforting."
"I just found your website, what a blessing!
I've been searching for the answers to fibromyalgia for years, and have prayed
and prayed, and dug out much research, and so am very impressed and happy to
find so many things on your site ALL PUT TOGETHER LIKE PIECES OF A
PUZZLE!"
"I have gotten some very interesting and
helpful things from your site."
2. XMRV
TEST??
From a reader--
"I am writing about the test available for
XMRV www.fms-help.com/111209.htm
(topic 2), and I just wanted to offer a word of caution: Dr Coffin, in his
recent testimony before the CFIDS Advisory Committee (CFSAC) on October 30,
pointed out that there is no commercial test available yet, although he had seen
one advertised on the Net. Does anyone know how such tests and claims are
regulated in this country?"
FROM DOM: Hmmm. Please
write dombush@bellsouth.net if you have info. Also, see Topic #8
below.
3.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
From a reader--
"I had to laugh at your "sugar confession"
www.fms-help.com/111209.htm. Until recently I thought it would be impossible to get off of
sugar, but I did within the last year and feel SOOO much better! I still
have other problems, but VERY little muscle aches or joint pain. I am 60
and have had a lot of arthritis pain in the past. I also have some
degree of hypoglycemia but get plenty of sugar from natural sources such as
fruits to control that. And I don't go too long between meals.
I allow myself a 'very rare' indulgence, but knowing how much better I feel
without refined sugar makes it remarkably easy for me to "just say no to
cookies or a piece of cake"...blessed relief - not to mention that I lost at
least 10 lbs!"
4.
ASPARTAME
From a reader--
"I have found aspartame and any artificial
sweeteners make me VERY ILL. I start off with a severe migraine and within 24
hrs i am in full-blown fibro flare up. Yuk!!! That stuff is poison to my
system - i don't know about other fibromites??? I know of some people who
keep good health are able to use those sort of things with no problems - but for
me, i try and stick to natural as much as i can. I have too many adverse
reactions to too many things."
FROM DOM: I avoid aspartame.
Back in the 80's when Crystal Lite drink mix first came out I had a terrible
episode of vertigo after drinking the stuff. Had to hold on to the kitchen
table to keep from falling - the room was spinning! I called the company
and they denied that their product had anything to do with it. A few
months later, I was reading the newspaper, and there was an article about
aspartame causing vertigo in some people. A chiropractor told me to never
use the stuff - it pickles your glands, just like formaldehyde. However, my
husband drinks diet cokes at least once a week and he suffers no ill
effects.
5. YOGURT WITH
STEROIDS
From a reader--
"Even regular doctors recommend taking
yogurt with steroids. I would NEVER take steroids without some seriously high
powered probiotics. They make yeast grow very much and very rapidly. My
father got wiped out by this for several years. Of course, back then, I
knew nothing about probiotics and CFS. Please please folks, don't take
steroids without taking kefir every day or some homemade yogurt or probiotic
capsules from the drugstore or healthfood stores. the garden variety store brand
is NOT going to cut it to keep the yeast from growing with a yogurt which just
has enough for flavoring."
6.
COFFEE
FROM DOM: In my late 20's
as a legal secretary (where I got fibro in 1982 www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm) I had to stop drinking coffee totally!
Just half a cup and the world would be closing in on me - heart palps, vision
went black, etc. Prior to that, I drank coffee occasionally in college to
stay awake cramming for exams or writing papers - sometimes pulling
all-nighters. I was out of college at 20. Rarely drank coffee
after that except a cup now and then at work, but just before my fibro onset in
June 1982, I couldn't drinkg coffee (or tea) anymore - the caffeine was like
"speed" in my system. Probably my adrenals were shot by
then.
7. PAIN
RELIEF
From a reader--
"I recommend FYI Ultra (Garden of life)
and/or AR ENCAP from Thorne (not instant relief but take daily and after a
couple of weeks should have some significant pain relief."
FROM DOM: A list of things I
have found effective for pain relief is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm - scroll halfway down the page and look
for the red words: PAIN SUGGESTIONS. I
suffered so horribly with fibro pain during the first 14 years (1982-1996
www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm) before finding these natural
things.
8. XMRV DERANGES THE
IMMUNE SYSTEM
FROM DOM: Here's a fascinating
article from a reader about how the Whittemore-Peterson Institute (that
discovered the XMRV retrovirus in CFS patients' blood) got started.
The Whittemore's 31-year-old daughter has had severe CFS for 20 years
and was blown off by doctors as "not wanting to get well."
GRRRRRRR. The Whittemore's founded the Center to find the cause of their
daughter's illness. Read the New York Times article
here:
A Big Splash From an Upstart
Medical Center
FROM DOM AGAIN: One of the
benefits of using the high-tech immune shake is that it is supposed to balance
and re-educate the immune system. It is #1 on my list of things that help
me at www.fms-help.com/what.htm. Not the complete answer, but helpful to
me in so many ways that I have continued to take it for 8 years. If
anyone wants more info, I can send it. Write dombush@bellsouth.net.
9. WHAT HELPS
YOU?
FROM DOM: I am interested in
making a list of natural things that my readers use that they have found helpful
in their FMS/CFIDS experience - not just things we are "told" to take, like
calcium, Vit. D, etc. - but things that noticeably help, and if you
stop taking them, your symptoms return. These should be things you have
taken for years and have found to need, not just for a few weeks or
months. My personal list of "must haves" to stay functional is at
www.fms-help.com/what.htm. For years my cupboard was laden with
things that I needed "theoretically," but I never could tell if they helped me
or not. My current list is only those things that make a noticeable difference
for me. There is limited money to go around ("extra" and "money" are two
words that don't go together in our family.....ha!), so I have to carefully pick
and choose what I take to obtain the best results, so that I can keep working,
so that I can keep buying this stuff, ad infinitum. One day, if/when there
is a "cure" for FMS/CFIDS, we will not have to take special meds and supplements
to do what "normal" people can do every day - sleep, work,
etc.
10. MANDATORY
VACCINATION WITH NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN
From a reader--
"If you read some of the alternative stuff
out there--this new national plan includes mandatory vaccines and if you don't
take them, your health insurance won't pay for anything until you do... This is
SCARY. "No Child left behind from influenza vaccines" - how scary is that???!!!
Two peer review studies came out last year showing flu vaccines were not very
effective- and yet this!"
FROM DOM: See Topic #18
below!
11. KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE
From a reader--
"I am 100% better due to natural AND
homeopathic treatment. I have actually looked at this as a gift. though my
mcs/fms/cfs I have learned enough to protect my own child from chemicals in her
clothes, food, and bath products, to use mild homeopathic treatments for
coughs/colds and fevers (you can use the boiron or hylands available at most
health food stores). We use Stomach Upset medicine for her tummy upsets. She
thinks I can cure anything with my homeopathic stash. And probiotics. She gets
them every day. She has NEVER had diarrhea, and I tapered her shots, and she
will NEVER get that gardisil shot. All these things I learned which have
protected my daughter from exta mercury, extra antibiotics, yeast etc- The other
kids have clothes smelling like "spring fresh chemicals" while they eat candy
full of dyes and artificial chemicals. ALL of which I would never have known if
I had not gotten sick myself."
FROM DOM: That Gardisil
shot is soooo dangerous for young girls. You can google it to read about
the problems.
12. CATS, FLEAS, MICE,
& XMRV
Question from a reader--
"I have a history of being bitten by cat
fleas. I was reading that the xenotropic murine leukemia virus comes from
mice and cats. Do you suppose there is a connection? Any info you and your
expert readers would be forever appreciated."
FROM DOM: Please write
dombush@bellsouth.net with info or comments.
13. ENERGY
SKYROCKETED
From a reader--
"My [young adult] daughter was diagnosed
with FMS. I also started her on the Oxygen drops and her energy level has
skyrocketed."
FROM DOM: The
oxygen drops (to alkalize & oxygenate the
body) & DMSO cream (to inhibit the cold sore virus) are fantastic. Been using the drops
daily and cream (as needed) for 3 months now with wonderful results. I
hear from various readers who are using the oxygen drops - everything from more
energy, to I got sick. If you try it, remember to start slowly - just 1-2
drops in 8 oz. of drinking water 3 times a day. DO NOT USE AS MUCH AS
STATED ON THE BOTTLE, at least not right away. Increase by one drop only
every several days. Each person is different as to how much alkalinity
they need. Acid causes disease. Oxygen kills or deactivates viruses,
cancer, etc. I highly recommend getting the book on the site that explains
all this. It has some annoying typos, but the info is excellent. I read it
twice - just wish I could convey more of it in the newsletter, but my brainpower
for explaining science is not good. You can also read the info on the site
itself, but much more is in the book. If you suffer from the herpes virus
in any form - cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes outbreaks - this site
is for you. It was recommended to me by a reader for my battle with cold
sores.
14. COLLEGE FIBRO
BLUES
FROM DOM: I hear from many
teens and young adults with FMS/CFIDS whose educational pursuits and social
life has been totally disrupted. Many suffer the stigma of
having an "invisible" illness. They are often unable to
complete college or even get a job because of their health problems.
Here's a support group for teens and young adults with FMS/CFIDS--
Also see
www.fms-help.com/teens.htm (kids
and teens with FMS/CFIDS) and www.fms-help.com/neuro.htm (scroll to the section about students). You can
also google the book: "Life Disrupted: Getting Real about Chronic Illness in
Your Twenties and Thirties." Because of the internet, we are never
really alone or isolated with our illness or problems. We are all in this
together! Thank God for our ability to communicate with others from
the comfort of our home!
15. LIVER CLEANSE LED
TO GALL BLADDER REMOVAL
From a male eader--
"About my gallbladder
issue, I started taking Colonix brand bowel cleanse. I was having severe GI
issues and was convinced i needed to cleanse. A friend of mine had similar
symptoms as I had and got rid of his symptoms after taking the cleanse and
avoiding sugar. So, I was convinced I must have Candida and needed to
cleanse. I started off taking a small amount. When I upped the amount
in the second week I started getting pains in my liver / gall bladder area. I
stopped for a few days and the pains went away. Started again for a couple of
days and the pains came back. I stopped for good and this time the pains didn't
go away. I then went and got an ulrasound. I had 2 little gall stones and sludge
in the gall bladder. I tried taking supplements to help the gall bladder but
after two months the pain got so bad I finally got it taken out. 2 months after
surgery It still hurts a bit. I think I had the gall bladder issue because of the
combination of the cleanse moving toxins and the fact that I lost about 30
pounds because of food intolerances. I was also doing chelation therapy but
would not cleanse in the 3 days surrounding the chelation. I know, bad idea to
do to cleanse. So I was dealing with all this while dealing with FMS.
It was terrible. Luckily my FMS has let up a bit with chelation. Within the last
couple of weeks my symptoms got pretty bad because of eating too much sugar. Any
thoughts as to why sugar causes symptoms? I think it is because of
fungus. Also what are your thoughts on the Dr. St. Amand's
Guaifenesin Protocol? Last year I tried it for 10 months. It made me feel awfull
then I started feeling better around month 9. I stopped after finding mercury in
my system because I thought this was the cause of
everything. After stopping guai my symptoms came back worse then
ever. Hard to say if it had to do with stopping the guai. I think it could have
been triggered by 3 simultaneous things. Stress of moving and giving up my job
due to my illness, pesticides sprayed in [the house] where I am currently
living, and/or Candida feeding supplements given to me by my
chiropractor. I have found some intersting info on guai if you want
it. It could point to why it may help many with FMS. Info Dr St Amand doesn't
know or won't tell."
FROM DOM:
Search my past newsletters at www.fms-help.com/newsletters.htm for discussion of the various topics
this reader mentioned in his email.
16. REST
MINISTRIES
From a reader--
"Got this from Rest Ministries
www.restministries.com--"
Ministry
Is….
Listening, when you’d rather fix the problem.
Searching for the joy, when it’s easier to say “it’s not fair.”
Helping, when you feel like you’re the one that needs the help.
Telling God, “use me,” when you’d rather ask to be rescued.
Encouraging, even when you don’t understand God’s reasoning.
Hugging when it feels awkward.
Saying, “let’s pray right now,” instead of “I’ll pray for you.”
Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.
Comforting, by being the flicker of light in others’ dark caverns.
Listening, when you’d rather fix the problem.
Searching for the joy, when it’s easier to say “it’s not fair.”
Helping, when you feel like you’re the one that needs the help.
Telling God, “use me,” when you’d rather ask to be rescued.
Encouraging, even when you don’t understand God’s reasoning.
Hugging when it feels awkward.
Saying, “let’s pray right now,” instead of “I’ll pray for you.”
Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.
Comforting, by being the flicker of light in others’ dark caverns.
17. TEEN ATHLETE
IN WHEELCHAIR AFTER H1N1 SHOT
From a reader--
http://www.naturalnews.com/027473_Guillain-
Barre_Syndrome_swine_flu_vaccine.html - "A teenage Virginia athlete is
in a wheel chair now after suffering Guillain-Barre Syndrome within hours after
receiving an H1N1 swine flu vaccine shot."
18. 10 THINGS THAT WILL
AFFECT YOU IN THE NEW HEALTH CARE BILL
www.dickmorris.com - Reduce public support for the bill by
publicizing its provisions:
1. The $400 billion cut in Medicare
2. The inevitable scarcity that will result from the addition of 35 million new patients with no new doctors or nurses
3. The fine on the uninsured of 2.5 percent of their income if they don't buy insurance
4. The high cost of these mandatory insurance policies ($15,000 per family)
5. The low level of subsidy available for the uninsured (only after they pay 8-12 percent of their incomes)
6. The likelihood of a $1,700 increase in the average family's premiums
7. The possibility of up to five years in prison for failing to buy insurance or pay the fine
8. The taxation of medical devices like pacemakers, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, etc.
9. The tax on sick people (increasing the threshold for deducting medical expenses from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of income
10. The additional fiscal burden on the states of the increase in Medicaid eligibility
11. The 40 percent tax on health insurance premiums that will affect households earning more than $75,000 by the fifth year of the plan.
1. The $400 billion cut in Medicare
2. The inevitable scarcity that will result from the addition of 35 million new patients with no new doctors or nurses
3. The fine on the uninsured of 2.5 percent of their income if they don't buy insurance
4. The high cost of these mandatory insurance policies ($15,000 per family)
5. The low level of subsidy available for the uninsured (only after they pay 8-12 percent of their incomes)
6. The likelihood of a $1,700 increase in the average family's premiums
7. The possibility of up to five years in prison for failing to buy insurance or pay the fine
8. The taxation of medical devices like pacemakers, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, etc.
9. The tax on sick people (increasing the threshold for deducting medical expenses from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of income
10. The additional fiscal burden on the states of the increase in Medicaid eligibility
11. The 40 percent tax on health insurance premiums that will affect households earning more than $75,000 by the fifth year of the plan.
19.
"BEDSIDE BLESSING" BOOK
From a friend whose husband is recovering from
a life-threatening illness--
"Bedside Blessing (by Charles Swindoll) devotional
book ministered to me in a special way: It says, 'Our trials are not
superficial or irrelevant. They are vehicles of grace that God uses to
bring us growth. Superficial problems call for superficial
solutions. But real life isn't like that: its headaches and stresses
go deeper, right down to the bone. They touch the nerve areas of our
security. But God says He is a present help in trouble. He is
immediately available. - Jeremiah 33 :3'"
Well, that's all for
now!
Faithfully yours,
Dominie
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward
man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at
the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but
the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corinthians
4:16-18 DOM'S FMS/CFIDS HOMEPAGE
www.fms-help.com -
A COMPASSIONATE, INFORMATIVE SITE FOR PEOPLE WITH FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC
FATIGUE SYNDROME.
DOMINIE'S FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC
FATIGUE SYNDROME HOMEPAGE
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.