This lovely jewelry was
made by my dearest childhood friend, Judy - with a bracelet to match!
We went to elementary school
together in the early 1960's....seems like yesterday!
April 18,
2011
A
Christian-based newsletter about Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue &
Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) -
sharing thoughts, research and experiences.
TOPICS IN THIS
ISSUE: 1. READERS
WRITE 2. FMS, DENTAL WORK & TMJ
3. DREAM BOOST VS. SOMNAPURE
4. FROM HUSBAND OF FIBRO WIFE
5. EXERCISE SUGGESTIONS
6. TRUTHS & MYTHS OF USING GUAIFENESIN FOR FIBROMYALGIA
7. FOOT CRAMPS
8. IS CFS LINKED TO VACCINATIONS?
9. TOP 5 REGRETS
10. COCONUT OIL - GOOD OR BAD?
11. MAGNESIUM, MUSCLE CRAMPS & ANXIETY
12. INTERACTIVE LIGHT THERAPY FOR FIBROMYALGIA
13. GUT PROBLEMS LEAD TO DEPRESSION & BRAIN DISORDERS
14. DATING & FIBROMYALGIA
15. HELP FOR EBV & FIBRO
16. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) & COLITIS
17. WANTING DISABILITY
18. ANXIETY, HEART PALPITATIONS & MCS
19. FLUPIRTINE HELPS FMS & INSOMNIA
20. LIDOCAINE & FIBROMYALGIA TRIGGER POINTS
21. DOM'S LETTER TO CONGRESS
22. HAPPY FACE
23. AMMONIA
24. READERS' PRAYER CORNER
25. SCHOOL DAY MEMORIES - CAFETERIA FOOD
26. "IN CHRIST ALONE"
21. PACING TO AVOID CRASHING
28. LOSS TO THE WORKFORCE
29. READER HAS QUESTION ABOUT CANCER TREATMENT
30. DOM'S DENTAL UPDATE
1. READERS
WRITE
"Thanks for all your info. Your web
site www.fms-help.com is
awesome!"
"I have suffered from the
symptoms of FM for at least 20 years, if not more. It seems I have always
struggled with all of the symptoms at one time or another....I caught
mono when I was 23 years old and that, I think, was the beginning of
everything."
"Thank you so much for your time and effort. I read your
newsletter each time you send it out."
"I believe God led me to your web
site this morning!"
"You do an awesome job with the newsletter. I’m
always learning something new."
"Thanks SO MUCH for the wide sources of
information you provide! I think my body hit one of those stages of change where
what was working before isn’t and am figuring out what it now needs. Your
information source has been SO valuable!"
"Your newsletter has changed my life
because it encouraged me to get a doctor that listened and treatment that really
helps."
"God bless you for helping so many
people and offering a forum for them to be
heard."
"I am the leader of a
small support group for fibro & CFS. The first thing I tell a new fibro
person about is your newsletter because it has a lot of information in
one place."
"Wow! what a bright spot I
have found in my perusing of the web....Thank you from the bottom of my
heart. Your tips www.fms-help.com/tips.htm alone were a God
send."
2. FMS, DENTAL
WORK & TMJ
From a reader--
"I needed 6 teeth filled,
well i was all ready to get them all done in one hit - to get it over and done
with. Unfortunately didn't work out that way. Had 4 fillings one day and 2 the
next. It turned out that 4 of the fillings were very deep and took much longer
than the dentist was expecting. Teeth are all fixed now, but boy did those
2 treatments (an hour each time) take there toll on me. I have been two weeks
barely able to open my mouth because the treatment set off my TMJ something
shocking. I will never try and get a heap of dental treatment done in one hit
again. It has really knocked me about. I guess i can look on the positive -
because i couldn't eat properly i have actually lost some weight!! Not sure how
much but can definitely see it with my clothes. ((: Anyhow, will be
off again for now. In great need of a nap. I hope this will help you and maybe
some of your readers make a more informed decision when it comes to the dreaded
going to the dentist. lol."
3. DREAM
BOOST VS. SOMNAPURE
From a reader--
"I've found a new (at least new to me anyway) product at
the healthfood store that seems to work well for me. It's called "Dream
Boost". Besides the B vitamins, calcium, mag, zinc and melatonin, it has a
proprietary blend of several things known to help sleep - Calea Tenifolia,
Mugwort, Passionflower, 5-HTP, Wild Lettuce, Green Tea, DMAE. The first
night I took one and had vivid dreams - didn't stay asleep all night, but I did
go right back to sleep and felt rested in the morning.....you can take 2 if
needed but I haven't tried that yet. Here are the ingredients (per tablet): http://dreamboost.com/supplement-facts/index.php."
FROM DOM: I've been
experimenting with Somnapure for sleep (in addition to zolpidem, which is
generic ambien). Here are the ingredients of Somnapure (per 2
tablets): http://www.peaklife.com/?fb_lgid=168&fb_lpid=1647&fb_itid=3152&pid=200&nid=25 - Snippet: Sommnapure
contains natural ingredients that you are probably
already familiar with. Together, this scientifically formulated, intelligent
blend of high quality ingredients is what makes Somnapure effective and
non-habit forming. Somnapure's sleep blend includes melatonin,
L-Theanine, valerian extract, lemon balm, hops extract, chamomile
flower and passion
flower. More on these
below:
MELATONIN - Helps regulate sleep
patterns. With age, melatonin levels decrease, which is why it's important to
supplement this loss for improved sleep patterns. - 3 mg
L-THEANINE - Is an amino acid derived from
herbal teas. Commonly found in green tea, it calms your mind. This amino acid is
thought to have a relaxing effect on the mind by increasing alpha-wave activity.
Relaxing is an essential part of falling asleep.- 200 mg
VALERIAN EXTRACT - Is a perennial herb
that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. Valerian is
thought to help improve the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and the
quality of sleep. - 500 mg
LEMON BALM - Is also a perennial herb in the
mint family that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep.
Early research suggests that lemon balm promotes a calm and relaxed state of
mind, which is an important part of falling asleep. - 300 mg
HOPS EXTRACT - Research suggests that the
combination of hops and valerian help increase alpha-waves. This then helps to
reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of
sleep. The popular folk remedy for sleeplessness is a "pillow filled with hops."
-120 mg
4. FROM HUSBAND OF FIBRO
WIFE
From a reader--
"How does your husband deal with this ?
My wife has very hard time sleeping she generally stays ups til 3:00 or 4 in the
morning and I get up for work at 5:00 she then sleeps til 1 or 2 in
afternoon. she is reading all your info as I type and is going to
try some of the things you mention. I love her to death but this is
very very trying condition for both her and me cause I hate to see her suffer
through it and it limits what we can do as “couple” even to go out to store
together is sometimes very difficult to do together. We are Christians
too, it is very difficult to not get angry though… my wife is good person and I
feel I am too. Just can’t understand why? We are both retired now and we
can’t enjoy what should be best times of our live. We just found a local support group that we are going to
try out maybe that will help. We are going to try some of the things you
suggested. There's a verse in the Bible in Corinthians, I think, that says
something to the effect to show love not through words, but through
actions."
FROM
DOM: This is a common scenario in fibro-families. This man
has described exactly what my husband, Donnie, and I go through
too. We are empty nesters (will both be 60 this year), and I am
unable to travel more than 30 miles from home due to ......it's a long
story.......not only the FMS/CFS - but my travel problem began after I worked in
toxic mold in 2005www.fms-help.com/mold.htm. It
has taken us awhile to get used to the "new normal" - and I know it is very
disappointing to my husband that we can't go places together, except around
town, like to Walmart. Our life is very happy otherwise with church and
family, but accepting my limitations has been hard. I know we are not
alone. I have a friend who is a retired teacher, whose husband bought a
motor home for travel, but unfortunately, she fell and broke her ankle, and was
never right since, so they can't travel as planned. Very
disappointing. Another dear friend and her husband are broke, plus she
suffers chronic, debilitating pain from botched back surgery, heart surgery,
etc. - they have to stay local. So, even without FMS/CFIDS, things happen
sometimes in our lives, and we have to accept what God has allowed. I know
it is difficult. Self-sacrificial love is what Jesus showed to us.
I have lots of encouragement on my site. It is hard to have this
illness and also hard to be the spouse. BTW, many men have FMS/CFIDS, so
their wives go through the same thing. I have a page about men with fibro
atwww.fms-help.com/men.htm. I also have a
page by a husband whose wife has fibro www.fms-help.com/spouse.htm. My husband,
Donnie, said he wanted to write an article for the newsletter with his thoughts
about having a wife with fibro. Will print that
soon.
5. EXERCISE
SUGGESTIONS
Reader
1--
"Re: www.fms-help.com/040711.htm - Has she
tried an urban rebounder? You can do it as fast or slow
as you can tolerate & a very good work out."
Reader
2--
"I have two suggestions: 1) Dance, I am trying to do this once a day, starting for 5 min
and working my way up. Just turn on your favourite dance songs and go for
it! Slowly, faster or standing still and just moving as much of your body
as you can. Yes, you will be sore and hurt but suck it up and keep at
it... we have to keep moving and I think this is a great way as you can control
how long, how hard etc. that you work at it, plus the music really lightens your
mood. It's almost like meditation, when I turn music on I don't think of
anything except that... my mind just seems to disconnect, it's really good for
you. I have a bad knee and it
hurts really bad if I move the wrong way, but it's going to hurt anyway... so
why not enjoy yourself! 2) Try an elliptical, I don't have
one yet but when I tried it in the store it was awesome, every part of you just
flows with it if you take the time to go to a good sports store and have them
"fit" you for it.... If you can't afford one look in the want ads, people
are always selling exercise equipment,
lol..."
6. TRUTHS & MYTHS
OF USING GUAIFENESIN FOR FIBROMYALGIA
FROM DOM: Fascinating
reading! You can find more about the guaifenesin protocol in my past
newsletters by using the Google box at the end of this page.
7. FOOT CRAMPS
From a reader--
"For cramping feet, i
have gotten some assistance from magnesium sulfate cream from kirkman labs
(google this) and from arnicare cream (available at most health food stores).
Additional benefit from cataplex G and min plex from standard process whole food
supplements."
We all have regrets but then can we do
something about it? Top Five Regrets! - by
Bronnie Ware
For
many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were
those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special
times were shared. I was with them for the last three to
twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced
with their own mortality. I learned never to
underestimate someone's capacity for growth.Some changes
were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions,
as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial
and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found
their peace before they departed though, every one of
them.
When questioned about any regrets they
had or anything they would do differently, common themes
surfaced again and again. Here are the most common
five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a
life true to myself, not the life others expected of
me This was the most common regret of all.
When people realize that their life is almost over and
look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many
dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not
honored even a half of their dreams and had to die
knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not
made. It is very important to try and honor at least
some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that
you lose your health, it is too late.Health
brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer
have it.
2. I wish I didn't
work so hard This came from every male
patient that I nursed.They missed
their children's youth and their partner's
companionship.Women also
spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older
generation, many of the female patients had not been
breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted
spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a
work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making
conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not
need the income that you think you do. And by creating
more space in your life, you become happier and more
open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new
lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd
had the courage to express my
feelings
Many people suppressed
their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a
result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never
became who they were truly capable of becoming.Many
developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and
resentment they carried as a result.We cannot
control the reactions of others. However, although
people may initially react when you change the way you
are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the
relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either
that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your
life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had
stayed in touch with my
friends
Often they would not
truly realize the full benefits of old friends until
their dying weeks and it was not always possible to
track them down. Many had become so caught up in
their own lives that they had let golden friendships
slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets
about not giving friendships the time and effort that
they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they
are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle
to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with
your approaching death, the physical details of life
fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs
in order if possible. But it is not money or status that
holds the true importance for them. They want to get
things in order more for the benefit of those they love.
Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever
manage this task. It is all comes down to love and
relationships in the end. That is all that remains in
the final weeks, love and relationships. 5. I wish that I
had let myself be happier This is a
surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the
end thathappiness is a
choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and
habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity
overflowed into their emotions, as well as their
physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to
others, and to their selves, that they were content.
When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have
silliness in their life again.
When you are on
your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way
from your mind.How wonderful
to be able to let go and smile again, long before you
are dying. Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose
consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose
happiness!
FROM DOM:
I think another regret could be that one had not
fulfilled God's will for their life through ignorance,
neglect or disobedience - we are all put on
earth for a purpose. "For David,
after he had served his own generation by
the will of God, fell asleep, was buried
with his fathers, and saw corruption;but He whom God
raised up [Jesus] saw no corruption." (Acts 13:36,
37)
"I just read your last newsletter www.fms-help.com/040711.htm and thought I'd throw
in something on Magnesium. You had two readers that sound like they're
very deficient on This Important mineral. One reader talked about how her
feet and toes would cramp really bad and another reader said she has lots of Anxiety. I would
tell these readers to load up on Magnesium and see what happens. This
is a tidbit from Jigsaw health products. Hopefully this
information can be useful to someone."
Up to 80% of
Americans are Deficient in Magnesium... Why?
The simplest answer is
that our modern food supply (including organic food) simply doesn't contain the
magnesium it should due to highly depleted soil conditions. Even back in 1915,
there were worries about the nutrient quality of the soil, as found in a record
of Congressional Testimony. So even if you eat healthy, having a deficiency of
this critical mineral is likely. The impact of
deficiency is significant and wide-ranging since magnesium plays a role in over
325 functions in the body. For example, if you are suffering from any of
the following symptoms you may need supplemental magnesium:
muscle twitches
tics
spasms
"Charlie horse"
stiff and aching muscles
headaches
cluster headaches
migraines
diabetes
PMS
depression
chronic fatigue syndrome
stress
anxiety
nervousness
high-strung
hyperactivity
hypertension
high blood pressure
constipation
heart attack
stroke
angina
irregular heartbeat
weakness
kidney stones
attention deficit disorder
confusion
muscle weakness
seizures
exhaustion from exercise
back pain
hypoglycemia
osteoporosis
aging
aggressive behavior
hiccups
insomnia or restless sleep
bones and joints that need continued chiropractic
treatment
Why Haven't My Blood Tests Ever Shown a Magnesium
Deficiency?
This is a very valid question. And it has a
very logical answer... Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in
bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and
organs. Only 1% of the body's magnesium supply is found in blood, and the body
works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant. If magnesium becomes
depleted in the body, blood levels take top priority and are maintained at the
expense of the bones and cells.
Given this, it's easy to see why blood tests
would be highly inaccurate since they misrepresent the real status of magnesium
levels in the body. Doctors who rely on blood tests to check magnesium — instead
of magnesium deficiency signs and symptoms (and the realization that up to 80
percent of the population is deficient) — will miss an important, and easily
treatable diagnosis.
What Role Does Magnesium Play in Energy
Production?
One of the primary roles of magnesium is to
activate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy storage molecule, to create
and store energy. Without magnesium, there is no energy. Without energy, there
is no life.
What Role Does Magnesium Play in Relaxing
Muscles?
Another important role of magnesium is to
work with calcium to help regulate the body's nerve and muscle tone. In many
nerve cells, magnesium serves as a chemical gate blocker – as long as there is
enough magnesium around, calcium can't rush into the nerve cell and activate the
nerve. This gate blocking by magnesium helps keep the nerve relaxed.
If your diet provides you with
too little magnesium, this gate blocking can fail and the nerve cell can become
over-activated. When nerve cells are over-activated, they can send too many
messages to the muscles and cause the muscles to
over-contract. One often over-looked cause of
tight muscles is too much calcium.
This chain of events
helps explain howmagnesium deficiency can
trigger muscle tension, muscle soreness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, and
muscle fatigue especially in the back and legs where some of the body's largest
muscles live.
FROM DOM:
I believe in the importance of magnesium supplementation! See my 100 Tips
for Coping with Fibromylagia and Insomnia at www.fms-help.com/tips.htm.
Magnesium draws water into the colon, so some people who have chronic
constipation appreciate this "side effect." For others, start with 1 or 2
magnesium tablets and work upwards. I have taken as many as 6 per day and
it helped with fibro muscle "gelling" and pain. Take magnesium with
food if it causes diarrhea. Magnesium helps muscles relax. Calcium
helps muscles contract. I use the Joint Formula daily as well as
CalMag (proper balance of calcium and magnesium) at night. Without the
Joint Formula, the osteoarthritis in my right hand (from almost 50 years of
piano playing) is painful. Without CalMag, I get ferocious foot cramps, so
I absolutely need these supplements! Click here to learn more
about these.
"Can you put something in your next
newsletter about EEG Driven Stimulation (Interactive Light Therapy) also
known as Neurotherapy or EEG Biofeedback. I am going for a consultation
about this therapy, as a friend referred me to this therapy, as she knows
someone who resolved their fibro using this therapy.
Apparently one must go 2 times per week for a minimum of about 6 months. (See http://www.myosymmetries.com/content_pages/fibromyalgia.html).
I am wondering if anyone has tried this therapy, and what kind of results they
got with this light therapy. Please reply directly to Lorraine lorraine_rockel@hotmail.com."
FROM DOM:
Here's a snippet from the website Lorraine mentioned:"Neurotherapy, also known as EEG Biofeedback or
Neurofeedback, is a form of biofeedback which allows an individual to learn
voluntary control of their brainwave activity. Electrodes (sensors) are placed
on the surface of the scalp and are held painlessly in place with a paste. The
process is non-invasive. These sensors pick up the brainwave patterns
(electrical activity of the brain) and transmit them to a computer which
analyzes them. Settings in the computer program are individually tailored for
the client based on what brainwave patterns are desired. In the case of ADD/ADHD
the settings would be require the subject to produce more beta (fast brainwaves
associated with concentration) and less theta (the low frequency brainwaves
associated with daydreaming and inattention). In the case of anxiety the subject
might be trying to produce more alpha (a slower frequency associated with a
relaxed, focused state) and less high frequency beta which is associated with
anxiety. The computer is set up to produce sounds and changing displays or
animations when the desired brainwave patterns are achieved. It is actually like
playing a video game using brainwaves. Through this immediate feedback the
client learns to modify their brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback stabilizes the
brain and increases flexibility so that it does not stay stuck in a particular
frequency such as Theta (attentional problems) or High Beta
(anxiety)."
13.
GUT PROBLEMS LEAD TO DEPRESSION & BRAIN DISORDERS
FROM DOM: We actually have 2 brains! This is a fascinating article on
the "gut brain," where 80% of our immune system is located. I used an immune balancing powder for 8-1/2 years that
worked in the "gut." I had great improvement in many areas of my
health: intestinal (no more gas & bloating), complexion (no more
breakouts), stamina, no more swollen glands, and better sleep (with meds).
If you want instructions on how to use this powder, write dombush@bellsouth.net.
14. DATING &
FIBROMYALGIA
FROM DOM: I received a
letter from a young man who is dating a woman with fibromyalgia. He
notices that at work she is bubbly, fun and energetic, but at home, she is
withdrawn, in pain, angry and inattentive. She tells him she is "letting
her hair down." Her suitor is wondering if fibromylagia is harming their
relationship. The answer is twofold: yes, and no. Many women
without fibromyalgia do the same thing, based on taking someone for granted,
hormonal fluctuations, personality traits, or even character defects. I
too have a "public face" and a "private face." As a teacher, I have to be
positive, upbeat, and inspiring to my students, but at home I "crash." My
husband is the only one who sees my "crashed" side (bless him!) Here
are some pages on my site that offer insight into relationships and fibro: www.fms-help.com/relationships.htm,
www.fms-help.com/spouse.htm and
www.fms-help.com/misunderstanding.htm.
There are many other links about relationships on my homepage at www.fms-help.com.
15. HELP FOR EBV
& FIBRO
From a reader--
"I have been taking the oxygen drops
now for a couple of weeks, and I have to say that it appears I am finally
feeling a relief from my fibromyalgia symptoms and a return to my pre-Epstein
Barr Virus energy levels. I am so happy!! I have also been taking an
immune egg product. I am excited to feel this well as it has been
over a year that I have been suffering with all the fibromyalgia and chronic
fatigue symptoms you have mentioned on your website www.fms-help.com. I have tried to stay away
from prescription medicines so I could get to the bottom of my symptoms instead
of covering them up. I was lucky that I could stay home and do that
and I could never have held down a full time job at that
time. I have reached a new level of energy and hope this continues. I
am going to pace myself, probably for the rest of my life as I now know I have a
dormant virus that could come out again."
16. IRRITABLE
BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) &
COLITIS
"For over 3 years Donna suffered with irritable bowel
syndrome and colitis. The attacks she suffered were to the point where the
future recommended treatment could include a colostomy (a surgical creation in
the abdominal wall to eliminate waste to an external bag). Being in her early 40's, she was not ready
for this kind of radical procedure, so she went through a series of
alternative therapies, including a naturopathic doctor. Unfortunately, the
doctors could not achieve any results as Donna's health continued to deteriorate
to the point where she had zero energy. Her digestive tract was
effectively shut down. In late August 2000, she discovered the i26 health drink. Inside of
2 weeks, all of the colitis symptoms were completely gone. Her
energy was at an all time high and she cancelled the surgery. In
early November, she returned to her doctor and asked, "Why is this working for
me?" Donna's doctor, amazed with the results after examining her, is now
taking i26
too."
FROM DOM: I used the immune balancing powder for 8-1/2
years. It had very beneficial effects on my health (see Topic #13
above).
17. WANTING
DISABILITY
From a
reader--
"I have been
working at my job for 24 years and finding I just can't do it any more. I was
denied disability. My job is just too much for me. When I tell my
colleagues this, they look at me as though I'm crazy, because I 'look' fine;
everyone gets tired; we are all getting older' etc etc. I'm sure you've heard
all those lines, too."
FROM DOM: Yes! I can sure relate to this reader!
Here's a page of helpful advice from readers who were successful in getting
disability for fibromyalgia: www.fms-help.com/disability.htm.
18. ANXIETY, HEART PALPITATIONS &
MCS
From a
reader--
"I would like to tell the
reader in the last newsletter www.fms-help.com/040711.htm, who wrote about "anxiety" that I also suffer when I
try new medications. I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and this
includes not being able to take most medications the doctors want to try on
me. Just yesterday I had to go to the doctor for a problem with my feet
burning. This has been going on for over a year now, and he told me it is
a nerve ending problem, and since I have Fibromyalgia, too, along with
degenerative arthritis, he wants me to start on Lyrica. Well.......I have
read all the horror stories about that medication that just the thoughts of
having to go on it kept me awake all night last night. I have problems sleeping
anyway, but have finally found something to help somewhat.......but not last
night. I am having such anxiety about this, and have prayed so hard asking God
if I should "at least" try it, that it is on my mind constantly. I am this
way any time they want to try a new medication on me. In the past I have had to
go to the hospital after taking ONE pill causing my lips, tongue etc. to swell,
and by the time I got to the hospital, my throat was closing. So,
naturally now I am leery about taking any new medications. This has happened at
least three times in the past. Certain scents can do this to
me, too. But, I would like this reader to know that I truly do understand
why she gets anxious about taking medications. I have gone through so much
with medications that I am apprehensive about most all of them, I
guess. I also would like her to know
that I, too have heart palpitations so badly that just recently I was
hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation. And because I have told the doctors
about the palpitations so often, with them not finding anything wrong, that this
time I didn't know that what was happening to me was as serious as it was.
I was kept overnight in the hospital, had lots of tests run, and now have to see
a cardio doctor regularly. Praise God it wasn't something more
serious! So, to the reader......just
keep telling them about the palpitations. Maybe they will get tired
of you complaining about them, and decide to do extensive testing.
My daughter has them, too, and she is only in her forties. She has a
dry cough with hers. They tell her it is due to her being exposed to
certain chemicals, but they don't know what they are. So, as you can see,
I am concerned about this reader. The heart palpitations can be from other
things, too, so I don't mean to scare her. I had them for years and they
could find nothing wrong with my heart, which I was thankful for. So, yes, there are others out
here who are experiencing the things this reader does. I feel bad for this
person, and wish I could help in some way. I will be praying for this
person."
19. FLUPIRTINE HELPS FMS &
INSOMNIA
http://psy.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/41/4/371 - Snippet: "This report describes the successful use
of the nonopiate analgesic drug flupirtine to treat the pain and other
associated symptoms in a consecutive series of four patients with
fibromyalgia."
20. LIDOCAINE & FIBROMYALGIA TRIGGER
POINTS
From a reader--
I am from the UK and just had two sets of lidocaine
injections into the trigger points in my shoulders with fantastic effect.
The problem is here in the uk they will not do them on the NHS for
fibromyalgia, so would you know whether the lidocaine patches are of any use?
There is a possibility they may allow them."
FROM DOM: I have only
used lidocaine patches for shingles nerve pain, and they were effective. I
don't know about fibro pain, though. If you have tried lidocaine patches
for fibro pain, please write dombush@bellsouth.net. BTW, I have
been free of fibro pain since 1996 (after 14 years of severe suffering that
began in June of 1982 www.fms-help.com/fibro.htm).
A list of things I use to stay functional is at www.fms-help.com/what.htm.
21. DOM'S LETTER TO CONGRESS
From
a reader--
"Your letter to congress www.fms-help.com/congress.htm is
inspirational; I had no idea you had already done this. Sadly, I did not
know that people had chosen to take the early-out plan when facing this. I
can understand why; there are days I feel less than alive, yet not
technically dead which is a strange place to be and I suspect this is something
many of us feel at
times."
22. HAPPY FACE
From
a reader--
"I
have been in a flare for over a year and I’m just like you - I put on
a happy face at work as much as I can (some days it’s
impossible), but cry and let everything out when I get home to my husband of 30
years."
23.
AMMONIA
From
a reader--
"[Besides FMS/CFS] I also have Autoimmune
Hepatitis and just found out last week I have too much ammonia
in my body, therefore, I’m toxic and having to take additional meds to
flush my body out. It makes you feel like in you’re in a fog, can’t
concentrate, disoriented, etc…. sort of like FMS/CFS. I’m still going to
PT for my FMS and it does help somewhat, but I know my insurance only allows 20
visits a year and I’m very close to being cut off. It’s amazing how they
can cut you off when you’re still in pain! Due to my toxicity, I’m having
to stop some of my meds, including Lyrica and Ambien. I hope it doesn’t
throw me into horrible pain because I’m stopping these meds.
Unfortunately, everything metabolizes through your liver and when you have a
sick liver, it doesn’t filtrate corrected, therefore, you become very ill.
I’m not sure how long I’ve had high ammonia levels, but God told me to go see my
liver doc and talk to him about how sick I’ve been for a year. I also
insisted on every blood test there was and that’s how my ammonia levels were
found to be so high. He didn’t ask me to come in that day, but I was
pushed into his office by the Lord and I’m grateful that this was found and is
being treated. I’m praying for good health soon. I’m sure you know
how frustrating it is when you are in pain and feel ill most of the
time."
24. READERS' PRAYER
CORNER
Carlos - Friend of Dominie's family
who had major surgery yesterday. Please pray for a speedy
recovery and no infection.
Prayer sent in by a reader - "Hi Lord, it’s me, things are getting bad here, gas
prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating cost too high. I know some have
taken you out of our schools, government & even Christmas. But Lord I'm
asking you to come back and re-bless America, we really need you. Thanks
Lord, I love you! - The Lord says when 2 or more are gathered in My Name, there
I will be also! Please God..please bless America again."
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my
people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek
my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
"Don’t focus on
“me”…focus on our Lord and Savior and His purpose. God bless you all who suffer
in your bodies and minds. May this song lift you into His presence and divert
you from all your suffering even if it is momentarily as you focus on our Lord
and HIS suffering. HIS heart knows what you are going through and He will find
ways to comfort you in your pain. Travis Cottrell - "In Christ alone"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFzsU6u853I - This
is the most emotion producing version I have EVER
heard."
FROM DOM: Beautiful!!!!! Listen to this! BTW...."In
Christ Alone" is a favorite song of Bill Stafford, an elderly evangelist, who
did a stint as an actor recently, playing Caleb's funny neighbor in the marriage
movie "Fireproof." With Easter coming, our hearts should be focused on
what Jesus did for all of us in paying for our sins......and His soon return for
His Bride!
27.
PACING TO AVOID CRASHING
From a
reader--
"Pacing is they key
- and after nearly 25 years of Fibro it still frustrates me. WHY do we get
so tired when we just do what is normal for everyone else? WHY does it put
us in a crash? Oh well, it is what it
is."
FROM DOM: Our bodies don't respond
normally to "stress" - even "good stress." See my 100 Tips for Coping with
Fibromyalgia and Insomnia www.fms-help.com/tips.htm.
28. LOSS TO THE WORKFORCE
From a male reader--
"The growing number of people
with this condition [FMS/CFIDS] will create demand for solutions that work; the
economic upside is too great now to ignore. The
loss to the workforce itself is motivation for the government
to pay attention to it. I wonder if there are any statistics on how many
people are affected and what that impact could be to our GDP?"
FROM
DOM: A list of occupations (or former occupations, if disabled) of my
newsletter readers is at www.fms-help.com/occupations.htm.
"I would like to hear from
some Fibromites in the same situation as mine. On March 1 of this year I
was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I have had a lumpectomy (I'm
so lucky that I didn't have to have a full-on mastectomy) and will begin
treatment soon. For sure I will have radiation and five
years on the anti-hormonal pills. I will know on May 3rd
whether Chemo is recommended for this type of cancer or
not. At any rate, I would love to hear from any other Fibromites
who have experienced this and see how they handled the treatments. I have
major Chronic Fatigue with my Fibro and they tell me that Radiation will give me
a lot of fatigue and I can't imagine how I will handle any more!!
I am a (youthful!) 69 year old and have had my Fibro diagnosis since 1981." -
Peggy PeggyK616@aol.com
FROM
DOM: I hope that any readers who have experienced cancer treatment
while battling FMS/CFIDS will please reply to Peggy. I would also
appreciate any info about this subject sent to me dombush@bellsouth.net for
upcoming newsletters. I have mentioned cancer treatments in many past
issues. To find this info, use the Google box at the end of this page and
search for these words: breast cancer, mastectomy, radiation, lumpectomy,
chemotherapy.
About a month ago I went for x-rays and the
exam. As I was leaving the dentist's office, a strange thing
happened! I developed a painful earache that persisted for several weeks -
had 2 rounds of antibiotics (deemed an ear infection since I had a low grade
fever), pain pills, etc. The earache left for a few days, but keeps coming
back, along with a swollen gland on the same side and now shingles symptoms - same side!!!
(Aaargh!!!)
One of the many teeth that needs to be fixed
(total project cost will be $6,400.....hello credit cards) due to cracked
(25-40 yr. old) fillings, is just 1 inch from the swollen gland. I am now
wondering if the earache is caused by decay under that
tooth! Or maybe I opened my mouth too wide for the x-rays?? I
had really bad TMJ many years ago that eventually went away, but I have
almost no cartilage left in my jaw joints.
I plan to go ahead with the routine cleaning
next week, but have cancelled any major dental work until this infection (??) or
whatever it is clears up and goes away for good!
With FMS/CFIDS running in the background all
the time like a nasty computer virus, you never know what's going on with your
body!
I am hoping and praying for a run of good
health for the next few months, because there are several big events coming up
that I am in charge of. First, my husband's 60th birthday bash with
all the relatives coming in, then our 10th School of Music www.fms-help.com/students.htm recital, followed by my
mother's 90th birthday celebration. I am a "community
organizer"......ha!
Seriously, I am so thankful to God for all of
these blessings, but I will have to pace myself in order not to "crash!"
I'm working ahead of time on all the plans, because even with the best planning,
things happen at the last minute, and that can be very stressful. (Stress
is a fibromite's worst enemy www.fms-help.com/tips.htm!)
Well, 'nuff about me and my "organ"
recital!
Here's wishing everyone a Happy Easter! May the love of Jesus sustain you and the hope we have because of His resurrection. Because He lives, we shall live also!
John 10:27, 28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
II Corinthians
1: 4 - "[God] 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.
DOMINIE'S FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC
FATIGUE SYNDROME HOMEPAGE