17.
CHECK YOUR MEDS FOR INTERACTIONS
A newsletter reader sent this link where you
can type in your meds and see if there are any interactions.
It's on an AIDS site, but is a useful tool
for anyone--
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: Several
years ago, I knew 4 women who had to undergo psychiatric detox. Each one
had been taking about 28 different drugs prescribed by their doctors for
legitimate health complaints. Their systems eventually crashed (chemical
confusion)! Let's just say that detoxing in a psychiatric unit is no ones
idea of fun!! So check your meds! Get rid of anything you can live
without. Save your liver, if not your life! Research to see if
there are safer natural alternatives. DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical
doctor. See your doctor for questions regarding health problems and
medications.]
18.
WHAT ARE ENZYMES?
From immunesupport.com's Tip of the
Day--
Enzymes are special proteins in all plant and
animal cells that sustain every organ and system, acting as catalysts for
chemical reactions in the body. Only a fraction of existing enzymes have been
identified. Enzyme deficiencies result from certain illnesses, aging, improper
diet, and sun damage. Digestive enzymes such as bromelain may help occasional
digestive upset. (Source: Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Other Invisible Illnesses: The Comprehensive Guide.
By Katrina Berne, Ph.D. Published by Hunter House and available at www.hunterhouse.com)
19.
DRY EYES & MOUTH; FINGERS SWELLING
From immunesupport.com's Tip of the
Day--
Nagging symptoms, such as itchy, dry, or
blotchy skin, may accompany fibromyalgia (FM). Dryness of the eyes and
mouth (sicca syndrome) is not uncommon. Additionally, FM patients may
experience a sensation of swelling, particularly in extremities (i.e.,
fingers). A common complaint is that a ring no longer fits. However,
such swelling is not like the joint inflammation of arthritis; rather, it is a
localized anomaly of FM of unknown cause. (Source: FM Monograph - Fibromyalgia:
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Research. A publication of the National
Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc. (NFP). Visit their website at www.fmpartnership.org)
20.
FMS "DREAM" DOCTOR
Got this comment from a newsletter reader who
went to her 17th doctor for her FMS--
"This Dr. said something that really
impressed me. He said, 'Most pain med Drs. just want you to get hooked
on the pain killers because that is how they make their money, I want
my patients to get off medications, feel better and then move on with their
lives even if it means they do not come back to me. I am not in this to make
money, I am in this profession to cure the ill. You will be a challenge to me
and I do not want to see your old blood test charts, I want this to be a fresh
start for you and for me.' I just pray this Dr knows his stuff but he is
approaching this from a more natural angle."
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: I heard
something disgusting on the radio this week that goes along with this.
Drug companies are sending doctors checks in the mail (up to six figures) if
they sign and return an agreement to prescribe that company's
drugs. Is that unethical or what?!!! No wonder America is
a land of zombies so many prescription medications---and no wonder the
nutritional companies can't say how their product helps certain conditions,
because the pharmaceutical companies would have a fit....it cuts into their
profits.]
21.
YOGA BALL FOR STRETCHING
From a newsletter reader--
"The Yoga Ball comes with a pump and you add
air as you need it. It cost me $26.00 but if you buy the cheaper ones (HARDER ON
THE BODY) you only have to buy the pump. It is soft vinyl . The best to get is
WAI LANA'S YOGA BALL you get a book with 27 step by step
exercises and they start from beginner to intermediate then to advanced. I am
only at intermediate so far. My balance is not that good yet for the advanced.
It is a cushioned sort of exercise. Little stress on the body
and it tones you and when you lay over top of it with your body, it
stretches your back a softer more natural way. I love it better
than anything I ever tried. It is a more natural way to stretch your
body."
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: I found Wai
Lana's Yoga Ball online at http://brightbluemoon.com/ball.htmlr ]
22.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
From immunesupport.com's Tip of the
Day--
Myofascial release is a technique developed
by physical therapist John Barnes. Myofascial release is a very gentle form of
bodywork designed to relieve restrictions and tightness in connective
tissue (fascia). When properly performed, it often decreases connective
tissue's pull on bones, allowing muscle fibers to relax and lengthen and organs
to expand. (Source: FM Monograph - Fibromyalgia:
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Research. A publication of the National
Fibromyalgia Partnership, Inc. (NFP). Visit their website at www.fmpartnership.org)
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: I noticed a
big difference taking capsules that support joints, connective tissue and
collagen, along with my immune shake that I've used for the past 3
years. You can read about what I use at http://www.fms-help.com/what.htm]
23.
SLEEP COMMENT
From a newsletter reader--
"I was on Restoril and then
Ambien neither one ever put me to sleep. I never reach
REM sleep. I studied this in Nursing school and REM is most
important for every one. Without REM you can really get deathly
ill."
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: To read
what I've tried for sleep, see http://www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm Insomnia has been one of my big problems for the last 35
years. I'm doing better now than before, however, for which I am extremely
grateful!]
24. IN
REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA
As many of you may already know, Donna
Eutenier, wife of Ken who runs the FibroHugs website lost her
battle with cancer this week. I was deeply touched by Ken's wise
and honest words at her funeral, which I share below (they were emailed
to me by someone with FibroHugs)--
"Just a little over a year ago we received
the devastating news of Donna's Cancer diagnosis. In reading up on her type of
cancer, Multiple Myeloma, we understood that her time here was limited. Since
then we have had the best year of our lives and I will never forget
it.
In 1979 we decided to get married. Most of the people who knew me said the marriage would last about a week. I've always been optimistic and that's why I gave it a month. This November will be 25 years. Some of them were rocky, some of them good, some of them were fantastic, and some of them had very heated arguments. Normally I would be embarrassed to admit this but I need to talk about this because our changes made the last year together perfect.
Donna and I started a "new" life together last year. We started it off by sincerely apologizing and forgiving each other for every negative thing we had ever done to the other. We lived the following year by discussing things instead of arguing about them, we helped each other with problems rather than placing blame when things didn't turn out right, and we basically lived each day like it could be Donna's last.
Our "new" past consisted only of our Children and all the other "positive" memories we made. All of our negative experiences were left behind as a reference of what we would never do again. Despite the Cancer, our last year of marriage was AWESOME. I'm not going to mourn the fact that we should have done this since our first day of marriage but rather thank God for allowing us this year to show each other why we got married in the first place.
Donna did not die "for nothing". In every death there is a positive message for everyone to learn from. In Donna's case I believe the positive message was for others to see the change in relationship that we evolved into. Living each day doing anything and everything possible to make your loved ones life more fulfilled is truly the lesson we've learned. If I don't share this experience with others then Donna would have died "for nothing".
Donna and I have always led a relatively private life. We never went out much because we were very content spending time at home with each other. Because of this we felt that we had a very limited amount of friends. We knew that both sides of our Family were always there for us because they always have been as everyone on this site has been. What we didn't realize is the enormous amount of supportive people, locally and from around the World, that came to our side when Donna got sick.
I can't begin to give a list of names because my memory would assure that I'd miss someone and quite frankly the list is so long that it just isn't possible to thank each one individually. Your support financially and emotionally has allowed me to be with, and comfort, my wife every day of throughout her illness. I can never thank you enough for that.
Donna had three wishes she wanted honoured when her time came. She wanted to be in Regina, she wanted me to be holding her hand, and she wanted to make sure her Children would be ok. Donna, as you know, the first two have been honoured and with your continued help I will spend the rest of my life honouring your third.
Donna died holding my hand, staring deeply into my eyes, while I talked about our Children. Her death was the most peaceful feeling I've ever had.
Donna, how I've loved you this past year is how I'll love you for the rest of time. Till we meet again."
In 1979 we decided to get married. Most of the people who knew me said the marriage would last about a week. I've always been optimistic and that's why I gave it a month. This November will be 25 years. Some of them were rocky, some of them good, some of them were fantastic, and some of them had very heated arguments. Normally I would be embarrassed to admit this but I need to talk about this because our changes made the last year together perfect.
Donna and I started a "new" life together last year. We started it off by sincerely apologizing and forgiving each other for every negative thing we had ever done to the other. We lived the following year by discussing things instead of arguing about them, we helped each other with problems rather than placing blame when things didn't turn out right, and we basically lived each day like it could be Donna's last.
Our "new" past consisted only of our Children and all the other "positive" memories we made. All of our negative experiences were left behind as a reference of what we would never do again. Despite the Cancer, our last year of marriage was AWESOME. I'm not going to mourn the fact that we should have done this since our first day of marriage but rather thank God for allowing us this year to show each other why we got married in the first place.
Donna did not die "for nothing". In every death there is a positive message for everyone to learn from. In Donna's case I believe the positive message was for others to see the change in relationship that we evolved into. Living each day doing anything and everything possible to make your loved ones life more fulfilled is truly the lesson we've learned. If I don't share this experience with others then Donna would have died "for nothing".
Donna and I have always led a relatively private life. We never went out much because we were very content spending time at home with each other. Because of this we felt that we had a very limited amount of friends. We knew that both sides of our Family were always there for us because they always have been as everyone on this site has been. What we didn't realize is the enormous amount of supportive people, locally and from around the World, that came to our side when Donna got sick.
I can't begin to give a list of names because my memory would assure that I'd miss someone and quite frankly the list is so long that it just isn't possible to thank each one individually. Your support financially and emotionally has allowed me to be with, and comfort, my wife every day of throughout her illness. I can never thank you enough for that.
Donna had three wishes she wanted honoured when her time came. She wanted to be in Regina, she wanted me to be holding her hand, and she wanted to make sure her Children would be ok. Donna, as you know, the first two have been honoured and with your continued help I will spend the rest of my life honouring your third.
Donna died holding my hand, staring deeply into my eyes, while I talked about our Children. Her death was the most peaceful feeling I've ever had.
Donna, how I've loved you this past year is how I'll love you for the rest of time. Till we meet again."
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: Ken's words
are so touching and so TRUE!! We can all learn from this very normal
couple regarding our own marriage situations. I have a marriage
booklet online for Christian wives at http://www.fms-help.com/marriage.htm I often have to reread it myself because I fall
into the same traps as any other married person does--being critical, etc.
None of us are perfect, and being married means having to live with another
imperfect person. We can all use a little help in this
area. Someone wrote me
that Ken is in financial need due to Donna's long cancer treatment, the cost of
maintaining the website, etc. If you have appreciated the FibroHugs
website http://www.fibrohugs.com and want to
help Ken with a gift of any size, send checks or money orders made out
to:
Fibrohugs.com
167 Scarth Street
North
Regina, SK S4R
2Z4
CANADA
If sending from the U.S., remember
that postage to Canada is a little higher, so check with the post office.
If you are sending U.S. funds and want Ken to have immediate access to it, send
a money order.
Ken, THANK YOU, for all you have done
for the fibromyalgia community. Our hearts and prayers are with you during
this time of loss. We THANK YOU for sharing yours and Donna's. We
can all learn from you! May God bless, comfort and strengthen you in the
days to come. You are loved!]
25.
ANA POSITIVE
From a newsletter reader--
"I have some new info and wondered if you
knew anything about it. I tested with high ANA but does not appear to
be Lupus they say is Fibro with ANA called Autoimmune
Fatigue Syndrome - heard anything about this? I wonder if been
around for a while or something new they have come up with!!!!"
[NOTE FROM DOMINIE: If you have
ever heard of this terminology or know more about this condition, please write
me at dom@fms-help.com
I am curious and think this is quite descriptive of what many of us go
through and have been through! Personally, I have had excellent
results with an immune product I began taking 3 years ago. It
balances immune function and modulates autoimmune responses. Those were
things that were wrong with me, and my quality of life has been restored.
Please write me if you want more info.]
26. SPIRITUAL
UPLIFT CORNER
Lately I have been enjoying Christian fiction
books by Tracie Peterson. She writes historical
fiction and you can really lose yourself in her books and characters! I am
glad that my church, Russell Baptist, has a library, because I love to read
and could never afford to buy all those books! In the past, I have
always been big on borrowing books from friends (and RETURNING them!) and
lending books to friends from my personal library. I even started a church
library years ago where everyone donated the books they had already read.
Christian bookstores are one of my hangouts.........I could browse for
hours!
There's so much trash on TV that I rarely watch it. Good
books are entertaining and edifying at the same time. I had already read
most of the biographies in the church library and greatly benefitted from
learning (and pondering) the life stories of many Christians of the past--such
as John, Charles and Susanna Wesley. (My mother used to always say that
truth was stranger than fiction!) I never thought I would love
Christian fiction novels, but I sure do now! I have learned SO much about
living the Christian life through the dilemmas and challenges the characters
face. It brings scriptures to life and shows how being a Christian and
having a Christian worldview helps a person face life's problems.
Below is a verse that God called to my attention when I was 19
years old and going through some severe trials. This verse has become sort
of a "life theme" for me--true even now at my age of 52, and it explains why I
write the newsletter--
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with
which we ourselves are comforted by God."
II Corinthians 1:3,4
My favorite version of the Bible is The New King
James. It stays true to the original text of the King James
Version but the language is a little easier. My husband bought me the
T.D. Jakes Woman Thou Art Loosed
Bible several years ago (Thomas Nelson publishers),
and I LOVE IT! There are pink pages throughout the
Bible addressing hundreds of topics regarding women's experiences as related to
her spiritual life. AWESOME! I have underlined many comments on
these pink pages, as well as things I want to remember in the scriptures
themselves. If you are in the market for a new Bible, I recommend this one
for ladies. (For my male readers, I bought my husband a John Hagee
prophecy Bible in The New King James Version and he loves it.)
27. DOMINIE'S
PERSONAL UPDATE
I'm feeling fine and thank God for the wonderful life He has
given me as a piano teacher and church pianist. Lately,
my big home project has been weeding and plugging the front
yard. We lost most of our lawn last winter. It is
sweltering here in Florida this month--in the upper 90's and extremely high
humidity. You can't work too long outside before the heat overcomes
you. I have been pulling up many huge trash bags of weeds all month.
It reminds me of sin! It has huge root systems and seems to persist and
grow in spite of all attempts to stop it. The GOOD in our lives seems
much harder to cultivate! For the amount of attention and
effort I have been giving our St. Augustine grass, you would think I
was growing orchids!! I have been trying to think of this as an
"enforced exercise program!" Most of our neighbors replaced their lawns
this year, but that costs lots of money, so I am still "plugging
away"....ha!
My other project is starting a Chinese Club of Clay
County. God put this on my heart many months ago, after seeing so
many Chinese people in our area. My dad is Chinese and my mother is
Ukrainian. They have gone to China 5 times to see my dad's family since
the country reopened in 1977, after my dad was separated from his family for 30
years. I have never been able to accompany them on these trips due to
health problems, so this club is my way of reaching out to Chinese friends here
in my own community. I also distribute a wonderful Chinese Christian
magazine that my dad loves.
Well, that's all for now. You, my dear newsletter
readers, have taught me so much about FMS/CFIDS and it is your input that makes
these newsletters what they are. I don't have all the answers, but I
gladly share the information that comes my way each month.
Some of you ask what I use for my
health. I have put this information at http://www.fms-help.com/what.htm
If you have questions, you can email me at dom@fms-help.com For those who are
having trouble sleeping, see my sleep ideas at http://www.fms-help.com/sleep.htm
But please remember that I am not a doctor--I am a fibromyalgia/chronic
fatigue syndrome survivor.
We need to let everyone with FMS/CFIDS know about the
MILLION LETTER CAMPAIGN at http://www.fms-help.com/letter.htm
-- it's our best chance of being heard! May 1, 2005 will
be here before we know it.
May God bless you and yours,
Dominie
Bush
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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.
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