Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is coming and I'm bored with purple ribbons so I designed a T-Shirt with some sass.
Fibro Fog T-Shirt
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Gentle Yoga for Fibromyalgia
Lie flat on floor with a blanket or mat under you if needed. Then stretch arms back as far as you can reach while you stretch feet as far as you can reach. Then stretch like that but alternating right arm, left leg, left arm, right leg. Then pull knees up to chest if you can and wrap arms around legs or clasp hands to hug legs to body and rock gently from side to side. If you can't stretch that far to wrap a hug around legs, then clasp hands under/behind knees. The more snugly you can get yourself in a ball the more rolling and massaging action you will get. This is a yoga pose called "Little Boat". Imagine you are rocking gently on waves. Relax and breathe. This is THE one best exercise to give spine, hips, whole back and across tight shoulders a gentle massage and evening out and you will feel your core stomach muscles engage as you allow yourself to rock as far to each side as you can before you either capsize ( ha, ha! ) or right yourself. The thing is, do not force it like a work out, breathe and roll with it like a gentle boat ride for fun. Do it as long as it feels good, then stretch out and relax a bit. Do not sit straight up from any floor exercise - you can undo all the nice stretching and relaxing you just accomplished - roll to your side and get up slowly using your arms to help you.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Homeopathic Arnica Gel for Pain
Many years ago, before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or even knew what it was, I began taking a self defense class with a friend of mine. Unfortunately, I had to drop out after the first class. One of the first lessons was how to block with the forearms and the day following the class, I had huge purple goose eggs that hurt right down to the bone on both arms. I had a low grade fever that I believe was my body's response to the injury on my arms. Oddly, my friend had no such goose eggs on her arms and was not even sore. Well, not so oddly, I think to myself now - knowing what I know about fibromyalgia.
At the time, I was working as a baker and chef in a health food store. I had left the traditional bakeries to work with alternative ingredients because I'd been changing my own diet in an attempt to feel better. As a added plus, I got a great employee discount on supplements, which I badly needed. In an attempt to improve my health, I was swallowing about $200 a month of supplements. Twelve year ago, that was a lot of money. Even today, it's a lot of money. But I was feeling so miserable with fibro that I was trying whatever I could. The doctors had no answers for me and nothing that helped.
Back to my bruises. My boss at the health food store looked at the goose eggs on my arms and walked over to a shelf and grabbed a tube of Arnica Gel. He told me it worked miracles on bumps, bruises and pain. I was skeptical, and skeptic that I am, I decided to treat just one arm. I felt immediate lessening of pain after applying the gel. I applied it a few more times during the day and before bed. The next morning, I kid you not, the bruise and lump were barely visible. The swelling was completely gone, pain gone and just a slight discoloration to the skin.
Over the years, I have used it on specific sore spots and aching muscles and had much better results with Arnica Gel than with major brand name pain relieving rubs. Some of those rubs leave a lingering cold or hot sensation that drives me up the wall and only makes me focus my attention on the hurting area all the more. Arnica Gel goes on a bit cool due to a witch hazel base and then it is quickly absorbed into the skin and forgotten. Yes, it makes me forget the sore spot and pain.
This stuff has become a must have in my medicine cabinet and gets packed on trips and outings, especially when kids are along. If you have kids, you know all about bumps and bruises and goose eggs on heads. The first thing I run for after the bag of frozen peas ice pack is the Arnica Gel. I have seen it work miracles every single time.
Besides Arnica Gel, Arnica also comes in a homeopathic pill form to be taken internally. The pills can also speed the healing of painful injuries and can even be taken before surgery to minimize trauma to the body and speed healing. That is particularly helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers who are facing a surgical procedure.
Homeopathy is a broad and deep subject of which I have only rudimentary knowledge, however, I have repeatedly been pleased with the safe and gentle effectiveness of homeopathic remedies such as Arnica and Arnica Gel.
If you add Arnica Gel to your medicine cabinet, you may also want to add Calendula Gel for burns and scrapes, blisters, rashes, skin irritations. I have just as many miracle stories about Calendula Gel and pack my tube, along with the Arnica, whenever I venture into the world with children in tow. As a baker and chef, I've had my share of burns. I've tried everything there is to try for burns and Calendula Gel has proven itself to be the only thing that has minimized or completely relieved the pain of a burn and sped the healing process.
At the time, I was working as a baker and chef in a health food store. I had left the traditional bakeries to work with alternative ingredients because I'd been changing my own diet in an attempt to feel better. As a added plus, I got a great employee discount on supplements, which I badly needed. In an attempt to improve my health, I was swallowing about $200 a month of supplements. Twelve year ago, that was a lot of money. Even today, it's a lot of money. But I was feeling so miserable with fibro that I was trying whatever I could. The doctors had no answers for me and nothing that helped.
Back to my bruises. My boss at the health food store looked at the goose eggs on my arms and walked over to a shelf and grabbed a tube of Arnica Gel. He told me it worked miracles on bumps, bruises and pain. I was skeptical, and skeptic that I am, I decided to treat just one arm. I felt immediate lessening of pain after applying the gel. I applied it a few more times during the day and before bed. The next morning, I kid you not, the bruise and lump were barely visible. The swelling was completely gone, pain gone and just a slight discoloration to the skin.
Over the years, I have used it on specific sore spots and aching muscles and had much better results with Arnica Gel than with major brand name pain relieving rubs. Some of those rubs leave a lingering cold or hot sensation that drives me up the wall and only makes me focus my attention on the hurting area all the more. Arnica Gel goes on a bit cool due to a witch hazel base and then it is quickly absorbed into the skin and forgotten. Yes, it makes me forget the sore spot and pain.
This stuff has become a must have in my medicine cabinet and gets packed on trips and outings, especially when kids are along. If you have kids, you know all about bumps and bruises and goose eggs on heads. The first thing I run for after the bag of frozen peas ice pack is the Arnica Gel. I have seen it work miracles every single time.
Besides Arnica Gel, Arnica also comes in a homeopathic pill form to be taken internally. The pills can also speed the healing of painful injuries and can even be taken before surgery to minimize trauma to the body and speed healing. That is particularly helpful for fibromyalgia sufferers who are facing a surgical procedure.
Homeopathy is a broad and deep subject of which I have only rudimentary knowledge, however, I have repeatedly been pleased with the safe and gentle effectiveness of homeopathic remedies such as Arnica and Arnica Gel.
If you add Arnica Gel to your medicine cabinet, you may also want to add Calendula Gel for burns and scrapes, blisters, rashes, skin irritations. I have just as many miracle stories about Calendula Gel and pack my tube, along with the Arnica, whenever I venture into the world with children in tow. As a baker and chef, I've had my share of burns. I've tried everything there is to try for burns and Calendula Gel has proven itself to be the only thing that has minimized or completely relieved the pain of a burn and sped the healing process.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
EFT and Pain Relief
Emotional Freedom Technique is catching on big time. Now when I say EFT, people know what the letters mean. I just found a site that has an EFT program that is specific to pain. Now that is a good thing for everyone with fibromyalgia and any condition that contributes to chronic pain.
Here's the link:EFT Pain Relief
Here's the link:EFT Pain Relief
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Fogged In
This morning, the sky was overcast and the humidity was high. My ears were popping and I felt entirely disoriented and forgetful and scattered. I have already reversed half the letters in this sentence and misspelled most of the words. Thank goodness for spell check. I checked the weather forecast, and sure enough, a big green patch of precipitation is covering TN and headed my way. I just don't understand articles I read that claim the weather has no effect on people. I do not need to look at a barometer to know the pressure is dropping - my head and bones know.
I had a few productive, but physically painful days this week. I can ride pain out. What puts me at a stand still and makes me totally ineffectual and very dysfunctional is this damned fibro fog, which I swear is at least 80% weather related. So how can I change this? Any ideas? Anything work for you?
I had a few productive, but physically painful days this week. I can ride pain out. What puts me at a stand still and makes me totally ineffectual and very dysfunctional is this damned fibro fog, which I swear is at least 80% weather related. So how can I change this? Any ideas? Anything work for you?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Fibromyalgia and Driving
This morning someone asked the Facebook Fellow Travelers Group how they handled driving and long trips. After I posted there, I decided to post my thoughts here.
A person without fibromyalgia may consider a drive to be relaxing. They hardly consider it to be work or a tiring activity. Those of us with fibromyalgia cringe when we face a trip of a half an hour or more.
The combination of sitting still for too long and the sensory overload can push a fibro sufferer right into the pain zone.
If you have to make a long trip alone, it helps to be prepared before you set out. Have your directions at hand before you go, or program the GPS. Pack water and healthy nibbling snacks like nuts, dried fruit, cheezits or pretzels to keep yourself hydrated in the car and to help keep your blood sugar steady. It also saves you money and you may not be as tempted to indulge in fast food. A lunch at a burger joint can bring your energy crashing down just when you need it most to stay alert in midday traffic. Stop every twenty minutes and get out and stretch a bit.
Take care of checking your tires, fluids and gas the day before you leave, if possible. The stress of doing these things last minute or wondering mid-trip if you need oil just makes things worse.
Plan your trip to minimize stressful and overstimulating environments. An hour spent in a Walmart after an hour trip to a doctor visit can make the drive home feel twice as long and it lands me in bed the next day. I find making a list of what I need to do or buy and sticking to it helps me get in and out of stressful environments faster.
Even if you are on best behavior during your trip, you may still feel the effects the next day. Plan your calendar, if possible to allow for a day of decompression and be gentle with yourself.
While traveling, and in general, drinking soda and diet soda is a big no-no. One of the most healthful and helpful things you can do for your body is get the water habit and kick the soda habit. I admit, I like pizza a whole lot more with a Coca Cola, but I rarely drink soda - I consider it a special treat. The perils of soda, regular or diet, are great and the price a person with fibromyalgia pays for drinking either regularly is enormous.
I know the blast of energy is a soda gives is tempting when you are on the road. Years ago, when I moved from NY to AZ, I used a product called Emergen-C and sipped it nonstop while I drove 12 hour days. It kept me alive. It tastes great. It is a great alternative to soda and canned energy drinks when you are on the road.
A person without fibromyalgia may consider a drive to be relaxing. They hardly consider it to be work or a tiring activity. Those of us with fibromyalgia cringe when we face a trip of a half an hour or more.
The combination of sitting still for too long and the sensory overload can push a fibro sufferer right into the pain zone.
If you have to make a long trip alone, it helps to be prepared before you set out. Have your directions at hand before you go, or program the GPS. Pack water and healthy nibbling snacks like nuts, dried fruit, cheezits or pretzels to keep yourself hydrated in the car and to help keep your blood sugar steady. It also saves you money and you may not be as tempted to indulge in fast food. A lunch at a burger joint can bring your energy crashing down just when you need it most to stay alert in midday traffic. Stop every twenty minutes and get out and stretch a bit.
Take care of checking your tires, fluids and gas the day before you leave, if possible. The stress of doing these things last minute or wondering mid-trip if you need oil just makes things worse.
Plan your trip to minimize stressful and overstimulating environments. An hour spent in a Walmart after an hour trip to a doctor visit can make the drive home feel twice as long and it lands me in bed the next day. I find making a list of what I need to do or buy and sticking to it helps me get in and out of stressful environments faster.
Even if you are on best behavior during your trip, you may still feel the effects the next day. Plan your calendar, if possible to allow for a day of decompression and be gentle with yourself.
While traveling, and in general, drinking soda and diet soda is a big no-no. One of the most healthful and helpful things you can do for your body is get the water habit and kick the soda habit. I admit, I like pizza a whole lot more with a Coca Cola, but I rarely drink soda - I consider it a special treat. The perils of soda, regular or diet, are great and the price a person with fibromyalgia pays for drinking either regularly is enormous.
I know the blast of energy is a soda gives is tempting when you are on the road. Years ago, when I moved from NY to AZ, I used a product called Emergen-C and sipped it nonstop while I drove 12 hour days. It kept me alive. It tastes great. It is a great alternative to soda and canned energy drinks when you are on the road.
Monday, April 12, 2010
New Group at Facebook
My friend, Clarissa Shepherd, was slowly growing a fibro group on a ning based site. Many users began complaining of inconsistencies with overall ability to use the site, so Clarissa moved to facebook and the group is rockin'. New members joining by the minutes. Come and play with us. We keep it hopeful and loving.
Fellow Travelers
Fellow Travelers
Friday, April 9, 2010
Painless Living
Today I found a doctor on Twitter who makes me wish he was in my neck of the woods. His tweets are short but full of good health info. His name is Dr.Cassaro. His website is www.painlessliving.net. If you are on twitter, read some of his tweets and see if any of them speak to you. I enjoyed reading the list of supplements on his site. As my income expands, I plan on adding some of the things he recommends. The first thing I will be adding is milk thistle extract to support my liver. A fibro friend of mine has recently posted in her own fibromyalgia group that her acupuncturist told her that this time of year is when the energy of the liver is at it's lowest. I know I don't eat quite as well in winter as in summer months and my liver is probably sluggish as a result of my winter diet.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
EFT
It's late and I am extremely exhausted after helping four eager Webelo Scouts make marshmallow shooting catapults out of milk cartons but my hair is too wet from my late, but needed shampoo to go to bed yet so I will follow a thought I had the other day in a previous post about fibromyalgia and emotions.
Personally, I have come to the conclusion that most people with fibromyalgia are highly intuitive and often very spiritual and deeply sensitive and empathetic people. While these may seem like fine qualities, I believe they create a congestion of energy in the auric field around the body which then filters down, or in, to the body. This creates congestion, constriction and pain in the body. Or perhaps it simply adds to and amplifies a pattern of response already locked into the body.
To what extent is our condition physical and to what extent is it created or affected by our emotional state and our thoughts about our emotions?
There is a system of tapping on energy meridian points while stating affirmations that has been growing in popularity and mainstream awareness called EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique. It is supposed to work on any problem that has an emotional component. Recently, I was on youtube looking at the videos of several EFT practitioners. One woman in particular felt highly effective for me and I have since spent time at her web site and found lots more to love. Every time I am there, I get a big boost of positve energy. Her site is www.rebeccamarina.com.
Today I was visiting a fibromyalgia group and came upon a link to another woman who has had wonderful results with EFT - a form of the EFT technique called Faster EFT. Her name is Grace and you may enjoy reading her story of healing from fibromyalgia at www.denalidragonfly.com.
And now, off to too little sleep and a busy day tomorrow - a sure fire recipe for a Saturday crash landing!
Personally, I have come to the conclusion that most people with fibromyalgia are highly intuitive and often very spiritual and deeply sensitive and empathetic people. While these may seem like fine qualities, I believe they create a congestion of energy in the auric field around the body which then filters down, or in, to the body. This creates congestion, constriction and pain in the body. Or perhaps it simply adds to and amplifies a pattern of response already locked into the body.
To what extent is our condition physical and to what extent is it created or affected by our emotional state and our thoughts about our emotions?
There is a system of tapping on energy meridian points while stating affirmations that has been growing in popularity and mainstream awareness called EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique. It is supposed to work on any problem that has an emotional component. Recently, I was on youtube looking at the videos of several EFT practitioners. One woman in particular felt highly effective for me and I have since spent time at her web site and found lots more to love. Every time I am there, I get a big boost of positve energy. Her site is www.rebeccamarina.com.
Today I was visiting a fibromyalgia group and came upon a link to another woman who has had wonderful results with EFT - a form of the EFT technique called Faster EFT. Her name is Grace and you may enjoy reading her story of healing from fibromyalgia at www.denalidragonfly.com.
And now, off to too little sleep and a busy day tomorrow - a sure fire recipe for a Saturday crash landing!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Look at My Fibromyalgia Button
Inspiration struck today. I looked at my cat sacked out on the floor and thought that it's OK for a cat to be flat out - we kind of expect it of them. Not the same for us peeps. When fibromyalgia knocks us flat and all we want to do is lie down and rest, we feel guilty or we allow others to make us feel guilty (more about this another time ) when we really shouldn't feel any guilt at all. As I looked at my cat, I thought "fibro-me-ow-gia". Ha, ha. I love a good play on words. Kitties get to run around saying "me - ow" ( translation: I hurt ) all the time. Why can't we?
So I headed over to zazzle and designed a button that says it all. Only took me forever and now I'm seeing kind of cross-eyed, but I think it's cute and I'll be adding more items. The button is just a start. I love designing things, even though I am not so computer savvy. In fact, couldn't seem to find the right code to display the image as I would like, so here is the link. Go look and be prepared to say, "Awwww."
http://www.zazzle.com/be_nice_to_me_i_have_fibro_me_ow_gia_button-145136719153263859?rf=238643543004369513
So I headed over to zazzle and designed a button that says it all. Only took me forever and now I'm seeing kind of cross-eyed, but I think it's cute and I'll be adding more items. The button is just a start. I love designing things, even though I am not so computer savvy. In fact, couldn't seem to find the right code to display the image as I would like, so here is the link. Go look and be prepared to say, "Awwww."
http://www.zazzle.com/be_nice_to_me_i_have_fibro_me_ow_gia_button-145136719153263859?rf=238643543004369513
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Guaifenesin Treatment for Fibromyalgia
I first became aware of fibromyalgia about five years ago. True, I'd had symptoms for much longer than that and had been to various doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, taken yoga classes and various natural supplements all in the attempt to heal myself, yet nothing had had any long lasting effect. In fact, over time my symptoms grew worse and new ones seemed to crop up almost daily. Yet no one told me I had fibromyalgia. I just didn't know and thought I was crazy. Deep down, I knew something was physically wrong in my body.
One day, while at the library, this book caught my eye:
Fibromyalgia Advocate: Getting the Support You Need to Cope With Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Devin J. Starlanyl and Hal Blatman. I took it home, read it and cried tears of relief. I finally knew what I had. Since then, I haveread many other books about fibromyalgia but this is the one book that I find to be the most complete and helpful for me. One aspect of treatment recommended in the book is the use of guaifenesin ( Mucinextm ) an over the counter drug used to break up mucous. I've included a link here to a fibromyalgia treatment center that uses this method so you can read more about it. Guaifenesin Treatment Protocol
Everything in me resonates to this treatment method and believes it may be of benefit to me. Especially the information about the functioning of the kidneys - in my gut, I know there is a kidney and adrenal aspect to fibromyalgia that is a key component and I believe many of the drugs prescribed for fibro symptoms actually worsen the kidney function. I presented this information to my primary care doctor several years ago and asked her to prescribe this to me. Unfortunately, I discovered that insurance would not pay for it because it is an over the counter medication. Amazingly, they will continue to pay for all kinds of pain pills, muscle relaxants, antidepressants in endless amounts that treat symptoms rather than pay for a single substance that may actually reverse and cure a condition. Unfortunately, because I am not well enough to work sustainably, I do not have an income that allows me to try this protocol. I do intend to manifest the necessary money to make it possible. My goal is to begin this protocol when my son is done with the school year. According to the information at the link I have posted, a person can get seriously worse before they get better - which means it is working. If I will be feeling worse than I do now, I will need to have no outside commitments for a while, so I can tend to myself fully, as I do not have a significant other to care for house, kids, errands, chores, etc.
Have you tried this treatment? Are you on it now? Does it help? Did it cure you? Have you had to remain on it? Please share your story.
One day, while at the library, this book caught my eye:
Fibromyalgia Advocate: Getting the Support You Need to Cope With Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Devin J. Starlanyl and Hal Blatman. I took it home, read it and cried tears of relief. I finally knew what I had. Since then, I haveread many other books about fibromyalgia but this is the one book that I find to be the most complete and helpful for me. One aspect of treatment recommended in the book is the use of guaifenesin ( Mucinextm ) an over the counter drug used to break up mucous. I've included a link here to a fibromyalgia treatment center that uses this method so you can read more about it. Guaifenesin Treatment Protocol
Everything in me resonates to this treatment method and believes it may be of benefit to me. Especially the information about the functioning of the kidneys - in my gut, I know there is a kidney and adrenal aspect to fibromyalgia that is a key component and I believe many of the drugs prescribed for fibro symptoms actually worsen the kidney function. I presented this information to my primary care doctor several years ago and asked her to prescribe this to me. Unfortunately, I discovered that insurance would not pay for it because it is an over the counter medication. Amazingly, they will continue to pay for all kinds of pain pills, muscle relaxants, antidepressants in endless amounts that treat symptoms rather than pay for a single substance that may actually reverse and cure a condition. Unfortunately, because I am not well enough to work sustainably, I do not have an income that allows me to try this protocol. I do intend to manifest the necessary money to make it possible. My goal is to begin this protocol when my son is done with the school year. According to the information at the link I have posted, a person can get seriously worse before they get better - which means it is working. If I will be feeling worse than I do now, I will need to have no outside commitments for a while, so I can tend to myself fully, as I do not have a significant other to care for house, kids, errands, chores, etc.
Have you tried this treatment? Are you on it now? Does it help? Did it cure you? Have you had to remain on it? Please share your story.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Growing Pains and Fibromyalgia
Many people I know who have fibromyalgia had "growing pains" in their legs when they were children. It was such a frequent and memorable interruption to my sleep as a child that I always assumed that everyone had the same experience and I was surprised to discover that it is not so. In fact, one article I read said that not all doctors relate growing pains in children's legs to growing at all and that many children who experience them have a parent with fibromyalgia. The children may also have other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Like many other things, genetics may predispose us to having fibromyalgia.
Thankfully, my legs have far less pain than many other parts of my body. The worst pain I experience is a stabbing to the bone pain deep in the center of my thigh that comes and goes - literally, it can be there when I step down and with another step, be gone - or it can linger for several days. Some friends with fibro have terrible leg cramps at night. I have recommended Hyland's homeopathic products in the past and have always found them to be helpful. Off topic, they make a sanity saving tablet for teething babies that really works. I just wanted to let any of you with leg cramps know about Hyland's Leg Cramp formula. Maybe it will help you sleep better at night. And if you have fibro and you have children with "growing pains" you might want to consider that your children are prone to fibro, too.
Thankfully, my legs have far less pain than many other parts of my body. The worst pain I experience is a stabbing to the bone pain deep in the center of my thigh that comes and goes - literally, it can be there when I step down and with another step, be gone - or it can linger for several days. Some friends with fibro have terrible leg cramps at night. I have recommended Hyland's homeopathic products in the past and have always found them to be helpful. Off topic, they make a sanity saving tablet for teething babies that really works. I just wanted to let any of you with leg cramps know about Hyland's Leg Cramp formula. Maybe it will help you sleep better at night. And if you have fibro and you have children with "growing pains" you might want to consider that your children are prone to fibro, too.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Maybe I Have Hypothyroid?
I had a disappointing doctor visit on Friday. I had asked for my blood to be checked for any indication of trouble with my thyroid. I have been much more fatigued lately, increased depression, ridiculous and steady weight gain despite having a moderate and healthy diet, increased irritability and horrendous heavy menstrual bleeding despite being on hormone therapy. All these symptoms and more minor ones are common to both fibromyalgia and hypothyroid. In fact, some doctors think hypothyroid IS fibromyalgia. I do not, but I do think they can exacerbate each other's symptoms.
So my blood work looks good. So how come I read in books on thyroid conditions that it is not uncommon for doctors to find good blood work, yet treat for hypothyroid based on symptoms alone. Maybe because I am a Medicaid patient, maybe because I do not look seriously overweight, maybe because my "doctor" is a young, fresh and vital woman who just doesn't get it, maybe because I didn't get demanding - who knows why but I didn't get taken seriously about my thyroid and I am being referred back to a patronizing gynecologist/obstetrician who I saw last year and he will most likely recommend the same D and C procedure he advised last year. So I will have it done just so I can say I followed the advice of the doctor but really feel my thyroid is not doing it's proper job.
After reading many things about thyroid problems and the herb ashwaganda, I have decided to try it. My budget can barely stretch taking a supplement but my daughter treated me to it. I'm encouraged by the spare money I have been earning as a Disability Digest affiliate. I expect I will be able to increase the forms of alternative healing modalities to help myself as my income continues to increase.
I will let you know how I feel in a few weeks after I have taken the ashwaganda for a while.
If you have had a similar thyroid concern or have used anything alternative to help your thyroid function, please share your story or advice. Thanks.
So my blood work looks good. So how come I read in books on thyroid conditions that it is not uncommon for doctors to find good blood work, yet treat for hypothyroid based on symptoms alone. Maybe because I am a Medicaid patient, maybe because I do not look seriously overweight, maybe because my "doctor" is a young, fresh and vital woman who just doesn't get it, maybe because I didn't get demanding - who knows why but I didn't get taken seriously about my thyroid and I am being referred back to a patronizing gynecologist/obstetrician who I saw last year and he will most likely recommend the same D and C procedure he advised last year. So I will have it done just so I can say I followed the advice of the doctor but really feel my thyroid is not doing it's proper job.
After reading many things about thyroid problems and the herb ashwaganda, I have decided to try it. My budget can barely stretch taking a supplement but my daughter treated me to it. I'm encouraged by the spare money I have been earning as a Disability Digest affiliate. I expect I will be able to increase the forms of alternative healing modalities to help myself as my income continues to increase.
I will let you know how I feel in a few weeks after I have taken the ashwaganda for a while.
If you have had a similar thyroid concern or have used anything alternative to help your thyroid function, please share your story or advice. Thanks.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Some Fibromyalgia Facts
When you first find out that the crazy things going on in your body and head are really all connected and they have a name - fibromyalgia - you begin to look for information. Fortunately, we have the Internet to help us find out almost too much information. You can sit for hours getting severe muscles cramps and pushing yourself into a full blown fibromyalgia flare just surfing the 'net to learn more.
BTW, I read a great tip online to managing fibromyalgia and it has to do with pacing. The lady ( sorry, I didn't note her name or the site :-( called it the 20/20/20 system. After reading what she said about it I realized that it took me years to find that I had evolved to a similar pacing system of 20 minutes of standing or activity, 20 minutes of sitting, 20 minutes of lying down. In fact, 20 minutes of anything seems to be my threshhold before pain and irritability increase or muscle tightness or cramps ensue. It is not easy to limit yourself when fibromyalgia is already limiting you but learning the boundaries of what you can and can't do or tolerate is important if you want to avoid feeling worse.
Whether you are a veteran fibro fighter or new to the whole scene, I found a link today that I thought summed things up nicely and even gave me knew information. I like it because it sums up statistics, tests, studies, etc. and is medical and scientific, yet clear and understandable. Here it is:
http://www.fmnetnews.com/docs/FactSheet.pdf
The saddest statistic for me to read was that about 16% of people with fibromyalgia receive some form of disability income, yet 30% of people with it are unable to work sustainably. It is too sad that about 15% of people unable to work due to fibromyalgia are without a means of support or dependent on others. I am currently in that percentage. It is criminal.
If you are in the same boat, please check out www.DisabilityDigest.net where you can find helpful info to get you through a frightening and stressful time. It's free.
BTW, I read a great tip online to managing fibromyalgia and it has to do with pacing. The lady ( sorry, I didn't note her name or the site :-( called it the 20/20/20 system. After reading what she said about it I realized that it took me years to find that I had evolved to a similar pacing system of 20 minutes of standing or activity, 20 minutes of sitting, 20 minutes of lying down. In fact, 20 minutes of anything seems to be my threshhold before pain and irritability increase or muscle tightness or cramps ensue. It is not easy to limit yourself when fibromyalgia is already limiting you but learning the boundaries of what you can and can't do or tolerate is important if you want to avoid feeling worse.
Whether you are a veteran fibro fighter or new to the whole scene, I found a link today that I thought summed things up nicely and even gave me knew information. I like it because it sums up statistics, tests, studies, etc. and is medical and scientific, yet clear and understandable. Here it is:
http://www.fmnetnews.com/docs/FactSheet.pdf
The saddest statistic for me to read was that about 16% of people with fibromyalgia receive some form of disability income, yet 30% of people with it are unable to work sustainably. It is too sad that about 15% of people unable to work due to fibromyalgia are without a means of support or dependent on others. I am currently in that percentage. It is criminal.
If you are in the same boat, please check out www.DisabilityDigest.net where you can find helpful info to get you through a frightening and stressful time. It's free.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Moving Ahead With Fibromyalgia
Welcome to my Disability Digest blog,
Today is my first post. If you found me, it is probably because you used the search term "fibromyalgia" which tells me you, or someone close to you suffers with this terrible syndrome. I had symptoms of fibro for almost 20 years before learning what I truly had. I can still recall how I cried with relief to learn I had something and that I wasn't a crazy crackpot. It has so many symptoms that affect all aspects of healthy function and all areas and systems of the body. My latest symptom, which is becoming increasingly annoying and permanent is loss of voice after speaking for just a short time. It is like my vocal cords are just not up to it! Very frustrating. I am a professional part time astrologer and I must be able to speak with clients and tape readings for 90 minutes or more at a time. Lately, I find myself running out of voice that no throat lozenge, tea sipping or throat clearing can fix after only 30 minutes.
My work as an astrologer is not a fully supportive income but I am unable to work sustainably due to fibromyalgia. It is frightening to consider losing even more. In light of these money worries, I have been seeking other means of income and multiple streams of income. Please, do not spam me with scams or post crap in comments here, but if you are able to earn something while being at home with minimal effort that harms none and even helps, then please share with me and others who visit here.
One thing that has truly been working for me and that I am grateful to have found because I can feel GOOD about it, is being an affiliate at:
http://www.DisabilityDigest.net. The guy who started it, Brian Therrien, is a real person you can really contact. He seems truly concerned about the challenges and needs of people with disabilities and the site is a great free resource for people to find all kinds of info and support. If fibromyalgia is your specific issue, here is a direct link to get right to the free fibromyalgia guide:
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.net/126-3.html
After you spend some time at the site you may choose to become an affiliate, as I have done. It is free. It is a win-win situation. You earn a small referral commission when you share your own affiliate URL with friends or visitors to your own blog who have fibromyalgia or other disability challenges and are looking for answers, support, info and help. Advertisers and agencies who advocate and represent people when filing for disability claims are the source of funds tha keep the site running and result in my - and your - earnings. Brian, himself, has easy how-to help on how to maximize your earning potential. While he admits it is not a get-rich-quick deal, he is totally honest when he says it can easily make some extra cash for you. This month, my phone bill is paid thanks to my free affiliate membership there. And I literally spent under an hour making that money. If you want to cut to the chase and sign up as an affiliate immediately, click below:
Webmasters Earn Money Here!
Thanks for the visit, please comment, share what's on your mind about you and how you move ahead with fibromyalgia.
Dunnea Rae
Today is my first post. If you found me, it is probably because you used the search term "fibromyalgia" which tells me you, or someone close to you suffers with this terrible syndrome. I had symptoms of fibro for almost 20 years before learning what I truly had. I can still recall how I cried with relief to learn I had something and that I wasn't a crazy crackpot. It has so many symptoms that affect all aspects of healthy function and all areas and systems of the body. My latest symptom, which is becoming increasingly annoying and permanent is loss of voice after speaking for just a short time. It is like my vocal cords are just not up to it! Very frustrating. I am a professional part time astrologer and I must be able to speak with clients and tape readings for 90 minutes or more at a time. Lately, I find myself running out of voice that no throat lozenge, tea sipping or throat clearing can fix after only 30 minutes.
My work as an astrologer is not a fully supportive income but I am unable to work sustainably due to fibromyalgia. It is frightening to consider losing even more. In light of these money worries, I have been seeking other means of income and multiple streams of income. Please, do not spam me with scams or post crap in comments here, but if you are able to earn something while being at home with minimal effort that harms none and even helps, then please share with me and others who visit here.
One thing that has truly been working for me and that I am grateful to have found because I can feel GOOD about it, is being an affiliate at:
http://www.DisabilityDigest.net. The guy who started it, Brian Therrien, is a real person you can really contact. He seems truly concerned about the challenges and needs of people with disabilities and the site is a great free resource for people to find all kinds of info and support. If fibromyalgia is your specific issue, here is a direct link to get right to the free fibromyalgia guide:
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.net/126-3.html
After you spend some time at the site you may choose to become an affiliate, as I have done. It is free. It is a win-win situation. You earn a small referral commission when you share your own affiliate URL with friends or visitors to your own blog who have fibromyalgia or other disability challenges and are looking for answers, support, info and help. Advertisers and agencies who advocate and represent people when filing for disability claims are the source of funds tha keep the site running and result in my - and your - earnings. Brian, himself, has easy how-to help on how to maximize your earning potential. While he admits it is not a get-rich-quick deal, he is totally honest when he says it can easily make some extra cash for you. This month, my phone bill is paid thanks to my free affiliate membership there. And I literally spent under an hour making that money. If you want to cut to the chase and sign up as an affiliate immediately, click below:
Webmasters Earn Money Here!
Thanks for the visit, please comment, share what's on your mind about you and how you move ahead with fibromyalgia.
Dunnea Rae
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