(Source: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Other Invisible Illnesses, by Katrina Berne, Ph.D. Published by Hunter House and available at www.hunterhouse.com or by calling 1-800-266-5592.)

3. SOAK AWAY PAIN

From a fibro sufferer--

"Try soaking in soda (1/4 cup) and epson salt (1/4-1/2 cup). I do this every night, it always helps me with my pain."

4. FACES OF FIBRO

Below is some great information from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29150.asp about the new FACES OF FIBRO e-book!

	Deanna Couras Goodson BellaOnline's Fibromyalgia and CFS Editor   Announcing the Faces of Fibro I’m pleased to finally announce that the Faces of Fibro e-book is available at BellaOnline.com. It’s taken months of compiling, editing and formatting stories. I’ve received wonderful contributions. Each story is full of honesty and emotion. After reading this book, you’ll receive: A thorough understanding of what’s it’s like to live with FMS and/or CFS (virtually any chronic pain syndrome or invisible disability). Tips and advice on coping with FMS and CFS. Compassionate, intelligently written experiences that will move you to tears and smiles. The e-book is over 85 pages of stories, facts and beautiful photographs. It puts a “face” and a heart to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I’m so proud of the work that my contributors and I have done. If you’d like to purchase Faces of Fibro for only $5.95 (Note: $3.00 of every purchase will benefit the Million Letter Campaign), follow this link: http://www.bellaonline.com/ebooks/ebook90 I’d love to hear what you think of the e-book. I welcome comments, feedback and contributions to Faces of Fibro 2 at fibcfs@bellaonline.com. Please spread the word about the Million Letter Campaign and this e-book. Thank you.

This is Dominie again.  I hope you will order FACES OF FIBRO.  It is very validating for those of us with FMS/CFIDS to know the personal stories of other sufferers.  Also, if you have skeptics in your life, they will be able to read the stories of other people with FMS/CFIDS and understand our lives much better.  Deanna has performed a great service for all of us.

5. WHY WE NEED THE MILLION LETTER CAMPAIGN

I have received countless letters such as the one below!  Please participate in the Million Letter Campaign on May 1, 2005.  We now have 50 volunteers spreading the word globally.  We are trying to make it easier for people with FMS/CFIDS to get SSD (disability) and also to raise AWARENESS in our society about this debilitating illness. See http://www.fms-help.com/letter.htm for details on where and when to mail your letters.  We need EVERYONE with FMS/CFIDS to participate in this effort to bring about national attention!  Here's the letter I just received (sadly, it is TYPICAL of thousands!)--

"I was diagnosed about 14 yrs ago, but my Dr. thinks I may have had it even longer. I lost a great paying job during 2000, and lost my house and all. I was sick because of my fibro. Now I am barely making ends meet. What can I do to make this company pay for forcing me out the door? If I had health insurance, I don't now. And a settlement, I would at least not be so stressed worrying about what will become of me. Any help you can give me would be much appreciated.  I am divorced, kids grown and have no retirement."

SUGGESTION:  Write your 5 letters for the Million Letter Campaign NOW, so that you will be ready to mail them on May 1, 2005--in case you are having a flare at that time.  See http://www.fms-help.com/letter.htm for the 5 addresses to mail your letters to.

6. A MERRY HEART

Proverbs 15:13   A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:15  "He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 

Proverbs 17:22  "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

Philippians 4:8  "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Satan would love for us to be depressed and beaten down by life and its problems.  Satan is the enemy of all people.  He robs and steals our joy.  My mother says, "Don't let Satan twist your tail about circumstances." We can offer a sacrifice of PRAISE to God even in our suffering.  This baffles the devil!  He thinks we only follow God because of the blessings he gives us.  Read the book of JOB in the Old Testament.  The devil tried this righteous man, but he refused to curse God.  Job's story is an encouragement to all who are afflicted! 

Even if it seems impossible, we can offer praise to God.  Our trials on earth are temporary.  Eternity will be forever!  Praise and worship God no matter how hard things get.  My pastor says that when you don't know what to do, do what you know to do!  For example, after a life-shattering experience and when you feel so adrift, keep on reading your Bible, going to church, praying, fellowshipping with other believers, etc.  God will work things out according to His will.  God honors our faith, even if it's as small as a "grain of mustard seed."

7. SPIRITUAL UPLIFT CORNER

I am reading two great books right now--

and

8.  DOMINIE'S PERSONAL UPDATE

I continue to benefit greatly from the immune balancing shake, mineral sachets in my drinking water and using a natural antibiotic  (when needed).  I couldn't function well without them!  They have kept me out of the doctor's office countless times in the past 4 years and enabled me to keep up with my many responsibilities.  If you want information on these, write me at dominiebush@bellsouth.net 

It has been a very sad time with the death of my father on January 28, 2005.  I made a webpage in Dad's honor at http://www.fms-help.com/eulogy.htm  He was a great and humble man with a remarkable life story.  I hope you will read my eulogy.  Although we miss him greatly, Dad is now in the presence of the Lord and has no more pain, suffering, heartaches, problems, sorrows or disappointments.  He is doing fine, but we who are left behind are still feeling the loss very keenly.  I am thankful for a wonderful Griefshare group that meets close to where I live.  There may be one near you too, if you have suffered a loss--see http://www.griefshare.org  Griefshare is for anyone who has experienced a bereavement--whether recent or a long time ago.  There are 13 videos and a workbook.  You watch one video per week, discuss it and pray together.  It helps...

Well, life is short!  Let's work FOR Jesus and WITH him all the days of our lives, so we can hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of the Lord."

May God bless you and your family!

Dominie Bush

P.S.  I am not able to answer most of my email anymore due to high volume, but please know that I do read each email sent to me--I hear you and I care! 

 Dominie's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Homepage