Too Busy To Spend Time With God

“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)

Check… Check… Check. Just checking off the zillion things I want to get done today. I have check-lists for making check-lists. Can you tell I struggle with prioritizing my day? I have a list of things I really want to get done – especially if I am feeling good that day. My second problem is if I overdo it, it takes me days (or longer) to physically recover. Usually, because of the fatigue, the things I had wanted to get done in the first place fall to the wayside and are in worse shape than they were in the beginning! And I typically don’t spend time with God either.

Every time this happens I ask myself, “Bridget, why do you do this to yourself!?” I guess I feel I would be a failure if I couldn’t work full time and get all my personal things done too. I want to be able to handle housework, working, and ministry without any outside help. Unfortunately, I am not able to do that, and I hate it! I’m sure you have felt the same way.

I need to ask God for help in prioritizing my day. I need to spend time with Him first and ask Him what I should work on that day. I know that when I stay under God’s protection, my soul will yearn for Him and not all these other things. I certainly want to be a good steward of the time and resources God has given me. But, I don’t need to push myself over my limit to check those things off my list. God has to be my priority if I am going to be able to function at all.

What about you? Are you trying to do too much? Take some time right now to talk to God about it.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for being my dwelling place and my place of refuge. When my life starts to get out-of-hand, help me to put you first so I’ll know how to prioritize my daily activities. Amen.

About the Author:

Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards on the side. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: fabricards102@charter.net or www.pfccreations.com.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Surrendering My Story

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:25

I thought what would happen if . . . I went to a library, pulled out a book, found a comfortable chair, and sat down and began to read. Totally engrossed I continued until chapter 9. As I turned the page to begin the next I found all the remaining pages blank. Thinking there must be a publishing error I seek another copy and find the same thing. An unfinished book. How would I ever know how this story ended?

Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis is much like this. We are busy with our lives planning our days and even our future. Then suddenly it all comes to a halt. All the words of the remaining chapters of our lives fall from the pages and we are left with a sense of deep loss. Now what?

But after reading this verse I thought perhaps I need to allow Jesus to finish my story. If He did so many things, that written down there would not be enough room in the whole world, then certainly He could do the same for me.

Maybe–just maybe–allowing Him to pen my moments; each day a new line, page or even a chapter I would see a new life unfolding. Not the one I had envisioned but something unique and possibly life changing.

My lost confidence in my body has been replaced with a new confidence in the Lord. It is His story. It was never really mine and now finally laying my unfinished life at the foot of the cross I can at last receive the much needed rest that comes from surrender.

About the Author:

Catherine Barron lives in Sheridan, Montana. She is semi retired and loves to read, write and her latest hobby outdoor photography although her first love will always be the word of God. She considers her fibromyalgia a formidable unrelenting teacher.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Chronic Migraines, Fibromyalgia and Sciatica helped with NUCCA care.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system.  This system is the master system that controls muscle movement and pain sensation in the body.  The housing around the central nervous system is the head and spine.  Injuries to the head and spine can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to regulate normal body function, causing many symptoms.  Mechanical injury to the nervous system is an often over-looked culprit in causing symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Here is a story of a teacher who visited Licata Chiropractic: NUCCA Spinal Care in Arcadia, CA 12 years after being forced to retire because of severe symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

I suffered with chronic pain and fatigue, migraine headaches, sciatica, and digestive disorders.  I had very few good days.  Life was a constant overwhelm, and I lived in constant pain and fatigue.   I have had 12 years of total disability.

I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on supplements, acupuncture, chinese herbs, alternative therapies, massage, and regular chiropractic.

Now that I am with the Licata Clinic, I have a lot less pain and NO MIGRAINES.  I am able to sleep without pain.  My body is still re-aligning, I actively stretch and I walk on a daily basis.

I now ALSO have more ability to focus on paperwork, drive without head, neck and shoulder pain.  I can even actually enjoy some hobbies.  The best, though, is being able to sleep and have a lot less pain.  I still have Fibromyalgia, but my abilities are more “normal” and I have less fatigue!!!

My life has been given back to me as a result of being here.  What a privilege to find the answers here!

-Joyce C (Teacher, artist)

[Via http://drlicata.com]

God Knows Who We Are

 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38 & 39 NIV)

Valentines Day has come and gone. But remembering back as a sweet elderly couple’s memory tousled through my mind to another time and day tears filled my eyes.

He lovingly read to her by her bedside at the nursing home where they resided. She didn’t give him eye contact as he glanced at her lovely pale face and sky blue eyes. Her stare was caught in time, and her illness was Alzheimer’s.

When asked “Does she know you?” His answer was “No she doesn’t know me, but I know who she is.”

How like our Heavenly Father. Many times we wear a mask to cover who we are or what we have been through that has hurt us, but our precious Daddy God knows our heart and knows our feelings.

God, like the dear husband in this story, knows us better than we know ourselves. He sees into the windows of our soul, and He loves us so deeply that we can never comprehend the depth or the measurement of such a great love.

Such love, such magnificent love. Thank you, God, for your abiding and caring love. Help us daily to see your endless and unconditional love for us.

Pastor Nancy Dittert (Founder of Fibro/Chronic Pain Support Group Ministry) lives in a Berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy. She is actively involved as a Christian freelance writer and works full time in Chronic Pain Ministry through the Internet. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn.com and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

The Pain Diaries - Tickets on Sale NOW

THE PAIN DIARIES

I have been trying to get the word out about this AMAZING play!  For those who don’t already know, The Pain Diaries is a play written by a lovely lady who has a career as an administrator for a Pain Clinic.  She is also a published author, and was moved to write a play based on the lives of people who suffer from chronic pain.  Deb Nicholson has been working VERY hard to launch this play, and I for one, think that this is a fascinating way to increase awareness, understanding, and hope.  The Vagina Monologues started as an idea, and has ended up on stages around the world… my hope is that THIS play will do the same.

This is a Calgary based play, and tickets are on sale now.  If you are in the Calgary area and would like to attend the play, PLEASE let me know, as I am trying to get a group of us together, and make a night of it!

You can find The Pain Diaries Facebook page here -and- their website is here, just follow the links provided if you would like more information.

Opening Night is Friday May 7th, and I would LOVE to be there as the curtain goes up, and this play makes history!! I honestly believe it can!!  Does anyone want to join me??

[Via http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com]

Sleep Disturbance and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease impacting the muscles and tissues of the body. The pain of this disease is diffuse, and patients experience pain and sensitivity throughout the body.

The patient suffering from this disorder is fatigued by simple activities and his touch sensitivity to even the lightest touch increases abnormally.

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Sufferers develop tender points on his/her body that respond instantaneously to pain.

The exact causes and development of fibromyalgia has been a mystery for a very long time now and neither its causes nor its treatment have been found.

Investigators have only proposed theories for the causes of this disease. The risk factors for this disease include the gender of the patient, the age, and his/her genetic predisposition.

The occurrence of this disorder is more frequent in women than in men and the ratio is 9:1. The good thing about this condition is that is not fatal, though it does cause significant distress for the person suffering from it.

Natural pain relief supplements can offer fibromyalgia pain relief

Patterns:

Fibromyalgia has been linked to disturbed sleep patterns and also insomnia. It is not an exaggeration to say that fibromyalgia and sleep disorders go hand in hand.

It has been estimated that that eighty percent of the sufferers experience some kind of disturbed sleep pattern with Fibromyalgia.

The disorder of fibromyalgia makes the patient exhausted and fatigued. The disturbed sleep pattern in fibromyalgia further aggravates the symptoms in the patient.

The human sleeping behavior follows a distinct pattern and there are stages in the sleep. In the fourth stage of sleep there is the deep sleep when the nervous system works to replenish the neurochemicals.

But in the sufferers of fibromyalgia this stage is disturbed by pain and there is because of this a certain P substance is released in the spinal cord which creates feelings of pain the body. Thus patients with fibromyalgia do not get enough deep sleep and their bodies remains under fatigue and stress.

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

When the patient does not get adequate sleep his symptoms increase and the feeling of fatigue is thus the general complaint of fibromyalgia patients.

When the nervous system cannot replenish, the muscles start to experience muscle pain and even muscle ache.

Normal sleep leaves the healthy individual feeling refreshed but a FMS patient constantly feels tired and exhausted.

Thus the lack of sufficient sleep makes the disease symptoms worse.

[Via http://bodypaincure.wordpress.com]

Ummm.... Ouch!!!

That is pretty much the only thing that is on my mind right now…. ummmm…….. OUCH!!!!

I pushed myself a little too hard yesterday…. I knew I was pushing it too – but it felt good at the time… not so much now!  Yikes…

By bedtime last night, I KNEW I was in trouble!!

So today is going to be a pretty quiet one I think.  I am still in bed, propped up with my favorite pillows, the Olympics playing on the TV(muted, but that is about as much background noise as I can take), and I have all my gadgets beside me… my Blackberry, My iPod, and my brand NEW Sony Touch Reader (I AM SO EXCITED!!  THAT is one of the reasons why I pushed it too hard yesterday, I walked down to the store to buy it!).  I have a nice cold coke on my bedside table which I am trying to enjoy (Caffeine sometimes helps my headaches)…. yep, it is going to be a quiet one… for as much as I would like to be doing about a million things right now – One of the most important things in managing is to know when to STOP….

And today is one of those times that I need to pay attention to my body…

I have muscular pain, skeletal pain, nerve pain – and to top it all off, I have a nasty headache….

So while I am in bed, taking time to rest this poor body of mine… I hope that YOU are taking time out of your day to listen to YOUR body and to give it what it is asking for!!

[Via http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com]

Last February Health Update

All’s well in the body as we ease out of winter.  I could handle turning the volume down on the fibromyalgia pain, but it’s very manageable. I have the migraines under control with Topamax, the Stillpoint Inducer, food when I need it, and plenty of rest.

I find that the GERD is a little bit more expressive now that I’m in a time of uncertainty as my partner is a free agent. Oh, the places we’ll go!

It’s also been reported to me that my back is tense.  I’m fairly sure it’s not tense (the twice a day meditation, daily warm bath and repeated muscle relaxations would tend to soothe that) but that I’m still recovering from lupus’s attack on the muscle and scleroderma’s tightening of same.

All in all, I am in awe of my progress in energy and sass and looking forward to what the next week will bring!

[Via http://julianajoie.wordpress.com]

Being Made Holy

“By one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 9:14).

It is difficult for me to understand that God sees me now as the perfect creation I will be in eternity. Yet because of Christ’s sacrifice, my eternal perfection has already been accomplished. Now, in this earthly life, I am being made holy. I would much rather be made perfect now and be made holy in the future, but that is not God’s plan.

The definition of holy is “to be consecrated, set apart, dedicated or devoted to the service of God’. The world is not too concerned about holiness. Many people do not even understand that concept. How can I grow in holiness as I live with health problems? Do I believe that God is using these physical challenges to increase my holiness? Scripture says I am being made holy now– it is an ongoing process in this life. Whatever God is allowing in my life must be working toward that end.

There are opportunities to increase my dedication and devotion to God even while facing health challenges. Christian music, movies, and books are all wonderful ways to promote spiritual growth and draw me closer to God. Limited abilities have the potential of changing my perspective on what is truly important in this life. Participation in any activities, regardless of how small or sporadic, provide opportunities for developing a more grateful and thankful heart. Enduring and growing in my commitment to the Lord while suffering may be examples of perseverance and strength to others, possibly spurring them on to greater dedication and faith.

Striving for holiness is an actual act of worship in which we can participate daily, even with our limitations (Romans 12:1). God uses different means in all believers– lives to change them into His likeness. Our illnesses and pains may well be the tools He is using to bring about the holiness that He desires in us. Let us allow them to finish their work, so we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a heart that desires holiness. Help me to accept whatever methods you choose to conform me to Your image. Amen.

About the Author:

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Just another stab in the dark -OR- potential effective drug?

Date rape drug or potential pain cure?

If you are like me, you have heard of about the drug GHB or gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid in the news.  In the past decade or so, it has gotten a lot of media attention because of its purpose.  GHB is a “Date Rape” drug.  Along with drugs like Rohypnol and Ketamine, GHB has been used as a way to anesthetize a victim before a sexual assault or rape.  It is known as well for being a negative part of the “rave” culture, being nicknamed “liquid Ecstasy”…. So it is not surprising that almost EVERYONE who has heard of it has negative feelings towards it.  It is the drug that you warn your friends and family about.  It is why you tell your children not to leave their drink unattended when they are out with friends.  It is a drug that has the ability to destroy and potentially end lives.

What I didn’t KNOW is that GHB is a legitimate drug!  It was widely used at one point in Europe as a sleep aid as well as an anesthetic during child-birth.  It has also been used for treating narcolepsy and severe alcoholism.  I believe that this drug has been replaced by other safer drugs for these medical conditions because of the risks involved and its addictive nature, but it is definitely still being used throughout the world.

GHB is not just a date-rape drug, although it is widely known as such, and also for the other non-medicinal uses it carries.

GHB Not just a date rape drug!

I read an interesting article today, and it led me to do a little investigation of my own.  GHB is actually being studied as a potential treatment for Chronic Pain, specifically Fibromyalgia, CFIDS, and ME.

Psychology Today ran an article this past October about this.  It poses the question: GHB Rave or Relief?

Dr. Podell, a doctor from New Jersey also has an article on his website about the potential benefits of GHB in regards to treating Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia-symptoms.org, has GHB listed under “Fibromyalgia Medications”.

Is this another stab in the dark as far as treatments are concerned? -Or- is this drug potentially the next miracle treatment for people like us?

Are we just guinea pigs?  -Or- are these trial studies going to lead us to a better life, and maybe a cure?

I don’t know about you, but hearing about drugs like this as a potential treatment of chronic pain makes me NERVOUS.

At best we’ve already had many drugs thrown at us that have less than stellar side effects.  The drugs that we currently take for the treatment of this illness are usually combined with other medications, don’t have high success rates as far as pain control is concerned, and some of them can cause other problems with our health.

Don’t get me wrong, I am SO excited to know that trials and studies are being done for Fibro research!! That means that potentially we will all be led out of suffering and into the light when better treatments are found!  What makes me nervous is that this drug in particular is a very dangerous drug, and one that has an insane list of side-effects and warnings.  If drugs such as this one become approved for the treatment of this illness, what does that mean for our whole community?

Do we become guinea pigs?

Do we then have to live with even more nasty side-effects? (respiratory arrest CAN be an effect by the way)?

Does this compound the stigma of Chronic Pain patients being drug addicts?

If this drug becomes FDA approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, how will this change the accessibility to GHB for people who are looking to abuse it, or use it to sexually assault their victims?

The whole thing seems a little scary to me, and I thought I would share what I found.  I needed to do a little thinking out loud

What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!! **If you are reading this anywhere other than www.gracefulagony.wordpress.com it is because this post has been stolen.  Please click on the link provided to return to the site of origin

[Via http://gracefulagony.wordpress.com]

Why are auto immune diseases running amok?

Over the last couple of years, as I have integrated more and more chemical, hormonal and internal balance work with my physical practice, I have had the opportunity to work with an increased amount of clients presenting with autoimmune disorders. Some examples are:

• Chronic fatigue

• Fibromyalgia

• Chron’s disease

• Lupus

So what exactly is an auto immune disease? When the immune system becomes overactive the body fails to recognise a part of the body and literally turns on itself. Recently a clients’ wife was diagnosed with lupus, one of the first tests that I decided to run was a gastro-intestinal panel to determine the health of the digestive system.

The findings were as follows:

• Multiple parasite overgrowth

• Bacterial and fungal overgrowth

• Reduced digestive enzyme output

• Antibody or allergic responses to gluten

The medical practitioner’s course of action was to recommend a course of steroids, which one of many side effects is the suppression of the adrenal glands. The lab test that I ran was effectively ignored. The problem…… that all these potential pathogens or disease causing microbes were causing an immune system reaction. When the body identifies an antigen or foreign body that it doesn’t like, it starts to go to work with the production of antibodies.

A vicious cycle often ensues, for many people are often in a state of adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands control a host of major functions, one of these is the regulation of cortisol, cortisol is produced to help regulate many things from waking up, blood sugar regulation and control anti inflammatory reactions. Too much cortisol produced through long term stress can not only suppress the immune system but over time exhaust the adrenal glands and a decreased amount of cortisol is readily available and its anti inflammatory properties.

Once this occurs, an overproduction of antibodies and other natural defences can often elevate and perceive parts of the body as a threat and sees friend as foe, the attack or auto immune response occurs. Like most medical conditions symptom suppression rather than causative investigation is sought.

Here’s some top tips to help avoid autoimmune disease and to help recover. Removal of

• Environmental toxins, from perfume, to mould and other household substances

• Exposure to daily foods which cause inflammation, such as flour

• Exposure to drugs, contraception, pain killers etc

• Emotional stress

Testing or identifying these factors is a relatively simple process and is a step in the right direction when treating any autoimmune issue

[Via http://balancedbodymind.wordpress.com]

And the forecast is....a cold flash coming on

I don’t know about most people with fibro but I have cold flashes on occasion. Not often, but when they do happen I can’t seem to get warm. And no, it’s not just that I live in the cold, frigid north, but I really do feel the cold more than those around me. For instance, tonight, all-of-a-sudden, a cold front moved in and around my body. My feet were the first body part to notice the creeping cold. Then my legs and then the rest of me joined in.

I’m sitting on the couch feeling the cold air all around me. I have two afghans on my legs with a pillow on top of them, a third afghan around my shoulders and I even changed my t-shirt to a thicker knit top. And I’m still cold. My nose is cold too. I don’t know how long this will last but I’d at least like to come to room temperature. Maybe I’ll thaw out during the night as I sleep.

One odd thing is that the rest of my family is just fine. They think I’m the one that’s nuts. I’m about ready to break out the 3 king-sized heating pads.

Think spring. Think spring.

[Via http://ladybug45.wordpress.com]

Walking In The Right Direction

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (II Thessalonians 3:5).

For the past three months, I have been dealing with ongoing ear pain. I recently learned that there is no cause or solution to this pain and I must learn to live with it. I began going in my usual directions of frustration, anger, and discouragement. Then I read this verse.

If I am directed into God’s love, I accept the truth that God loves me beyond my comprehension. He proved this love by sacrificing His only Son for me, and by giving me the indwelling comfort of His Holy Spirit. Enabling me to go through this new trial is one way God shows His love and faithfulness to me. He has not failed me yet, and I can release my doubts and discouragements, having total trust in His decisions for my life – even my pain.

What of directing my heart into Christ’s perseverance? Jesus left His heavenly home, enduring the pain and discomforts of this earthly life. He did not give up in frustration or anger when the very ones He came to save rejected or misunderstood Him. Even knowing what lay ahead at Calvary, He continued on to His death – “Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). That is the kind of perseverance God is working in me – “after you have suffered a little while (He) will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10). This pain is another opportunity to draw me closer to Jesus, and His power will enable me to bear it.

In my own strength, I cannot possibly understand the depth of God’s love, nor can I remain as steadfast as Christ. But if my heart’s desire is to reach these goals, God’s power is strong enough to accomplish it. Then when the intense times of discouragement, pain, or hopelessness come, I will go in the right direction of meditating on these truths. There I will find my victory.

Prayer: My Savior and my God, use my trials to move me in the direction of drawing closer to You, rather than farther from You. Amen.

About the Author:

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

Dancing With Daughters

Last night I committed a sin, a major sin, according to my 15 and a half year old daughter. She didn’t tell me in words; she didn’t have to. I was in the bedroom listening to music that I like, feeling happy and I started to dance. Alone. It was just one of those moments when I felt energetic enough to do some minor dancing by myself, Ellen Degeneres style.  Having Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an auto-immune disease, and Fibromyalgia, I don’t feel this way all too often. Methotrexate, one of the drugs I am taking twice a week is also a total kill joy. That night, however, I was given a break and I celebrated. I felt good!

On the way out of my daughter’s room she passed me, stopped, and gave me the dirtiest look I have received to date, complete with the eye roll upwards and “the look.” You know which look I mean, moms and dads, the look of hate and utter disgust.  Why? I guess because I am a “mom” and therefore  I embarassed her. To quote my daughter:” it was weird.” Why?  It’s NOT as if all my daughter’s friends were over or that we were in public. I was in my soft, pretty white nightgown that had petite fir- green flowers printed on it (probably the first major mistake) and happily swaying to the music from The Black Eyed Peas. I wasn’t EVEN listening to John Denver or Josh Groban, this was a bona fide group that I think she likes.

Yet this afternoon when my daughter was asked to go to a movie this evening with her friend, she trudged into my room asking me to give her a few reasons (hint hint, I don’t want to go) why I wouldn’t “allow” her to go. I suggested a few things which did not suit her, and then she suddenly looks happier and says “I know! I’ll tell her you’re really annoying and that you are freaking out about all the snow we are getting.”  Mission accomplished, glad I could be of help, dear. “You’re welcome” I shouted and she glanced back at me all golden blonde hair swinging down her back, brilliant blue eyes and Forever 21 outfit and replies somewhat sheepishly: “thanks.” No problem.

I know, I know, hormones mixed with the emotional turmoil of having an embarrassing mom (didn’t we all have one of those?”) combined with the separation process. I get it. I understand it on a rational and psychological level. It doesn’t mean I have to like it (and I don’t) but I accept it (face it, what choice do I have?).

The next time my illness or the dreaded Methotrexate medicine gives me a reprieve, I will continue to dance to the music that makes me happy. And when I do, I will wear my 1970’s  faded neon orange T shirt that my husband gave me and my flannel pink and rose flowered pajama pants. And the door will be wide open and my voice will be loud and clear and proud.

[Via http://hibernationnow.wordpress.com]

Fibromyalgia Tanning Bed Treatment

Techniques for pain relief are a dime a dozen, kind of like fad diets and fashion. One moment you’ll hear about a new drug that can help you lose weight while increasing your brain capacity, and the next it’ll be that same drug that could be the cure for fibromyalgia. It takes truly trained professionals to know what techniques will actually make a difference for you, and which ones are just another passing fad.

Speaking of fibromyalgia and passing fads, have you heard the one about using a tanning bed to heal your fibromyalgia pain? A physician from Wake Forest University has been prescribing tanning bed treatments to his patients who suffer from extreme fibromyalgia pain. He claims that he has seen results from patients who use this pain relief technique for six weeks and more.

The problem with this treatment is obvious, just ask any dermatologist. Spending time in a tanning bed can increase your risk for melanoma by up to 75 percent. The physician from Wake Forest, who happens to be a dermatologist, has found that sun exposure releases endorphins, which can lighten a patient’s mood and ease some of the pain caused by fibromyalgia.

The report on these findings were originally published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine by Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Dermatology Research at Wake Forest Baptist. So, is this just a fad? According to Dr. Feldman, there are so little treatments for fibromyalgia pain that it was time to find something new and innovative.

“We decided to look at fibromyalgia patients because there is such a big need for treatment,” Feldman said. “We knew from the tanning addiction study that the UV light was doing something for participants beyond the obvious.”

While it is a proven fact that sunlight exposure does help to release endorphins within the body, and these endorphins can lighten your mood and help you to relax, the fibromyalgia tanning bed technique is still a bit controversial. But, according to Dr. Feldman, when these endorphins are released at such a level due to the tanning bed, increased relaxation eases muscle tension and relieves fibromyalgia pain.

For more information on this pain relief technique, be sure to speak with your physician or one of our pain consultants over at http://www.ThePainCenter.com.

[Via http://thepaincenter.wordpress.com]

Fibromyalgia and Post Traumatic Stress

Tonight (or this morning) it sucks to have fibromyalgia.

Now, I don’t know for sure if post traumatic stress or fibromyalgia causes my sleep issues, but I sure have them.

During the day I am zombie like, but at night I am awake. Mostly due to horrible nightmares of someone breaking into my home.

I have a history. Twice in my life (know on wood it will ONLY be twice) I have been at home when someone has broken into my apartment. The break ins occured in two different cities, which was perhaps what made its mark stronger on my pyschi.

The first time was shortly after I moved in with my first boyfriend (later my first husband, but that is another story completely). We lived on a pretty quiet street in a ground floor apartment/house and shared the two bedroom with 1 other roommate.

Our roommate was a very tall black man who worked at night as a security guard, which is important to the story. That night, my boyfriend got up for some water while I was in bed. Shortly after I heard him screaming at the top of his lungs in the kitchen.

I had no idea what to do. The window in our bedroom was really high up and there was this dumpster outside. I thought I might be able to jump as I heard cop cars outside, but wasn’t sure I would make the fall. The other scenario was that I could try to reach and use one of my boyfriends rifles that he kept in the closet. But, I had no idea how to use guns (have always been largely against them) and because I didn’t know what was going on in the living area, I had no idea what scenario I would be landing myself in.

So I just sat up in bed, frozen with fear and anxiety as my boyfriend screamed.

Fortunately, the situation turned out to be non-violent. The person who broke into our kitchen window (which our roommate left open and always felt terrible for) was a young man who lived across the street. He had hit his girlfriend (again) and was running from the cops because of Californias notorious third strike law (it was his third strike).

At first, my boyfriend thought it was our roommate in the kitchen. He was  really unnerved and scared when he realized it was not our neighbor getting ready for work, but some random guy in his boxer shorts trying to hide from the cops that were crawling the street.

My boyfriend kept his head after his initial reaction and was able to negotiate the guy out of our back door and then open the door to the cops. The man in question was arrested and charged not just with domestic violence, but also with breaking and entering.

A few years later I found myself living on my own in another state. I had a neighbor move in below me and as I left for school and work we would exchange friendly words. Hi, goodbye, the weather, neighborly chitchat.

On St. Patricks day, I remember getting home exhausted. I had cooked for some friends then driven home and just fell asleep on the couch. At the time, I lived in a historic house that had two units in the main house, and two in the basement. Mine was the biggest at the bottom and then I had two housemates who lived in a loft above.

The door to my apartment was two fold. There was an outer door for everyone to use and an inner door to the two apartments. You needed keys to lock the door in the inner apartment and had to keep the outer door closed to lock.

When I got home, I had the keys in the door to lock it, but I never did, I guess assuming the outer door was locked.

Having fallen asleep in front of the TV on my couch, I woke up to a man standing over me. It turned out to be the neighbor from downstairs. He was obviously drunk, but he had taken my keys, locked my inner door and was holding them in his hand.

My first thought was that I was going to be raped.

But, I kept my cool. I took the keys from him slowly (remember, drunk) opened the door while still chatting with him, pushed him out of the door and quickly locked it.

He banged on my door for over and our and even tried to get into my back door.

Needless to say, I called the police and the landlady.

Although neither experience was violent and both had good endings, I have a dread of being alone in my house. I have a terrible fear that someone will break into my home. Now that I have a husband, a child and pets, my fear has grown. I keep having terrible nightmares that someone is going to break into my house and hurt my child. Not that every parent doesn’t at least have a moment of considering this scenario, but my fears are nightly.

I finally got a dog. Yes, she is small and doesn’t really pose any harm except to bark at an intruder, but she gets up with me everytime I get up, even if it is just to use the bathroom a few steps away from the bed.

She sleeps with me every night and I feel a bit safer.

But, my sleeplessness remains. If the cat knocks something over in the middle of the night, I have my husband check for intruders. If I even hear my son whimper in his sleep, my husband is up to see that he isn’t being kidnapped (and usually up for 1/2 longer getting him back to bed).

Sometimes, I’ll have flashes in my head of break ins during the day. And sometimes it translates to getting startled by the smallest thing, or hearing things or seeing things that turn out to be shadows.

It really sucks!

I can say that my FM symptoms came before these two traumatic events. But there was a time when I could sleep better – and I think these events have definitely defined my FM path currently.

Ay. On to the doctors once again. I need my head examined in more way than one. It is 4:20 a.m. now and I’ve barely slept a wink. I find it easier to rest when my husband and son get up for the day at around 6:30 and I have a good two hours of rest before he goes to work and my mom day begins.

Any advice on Post Traumatic Stress and Fibro? Or any insight into this situation I keep playing over and over again? I am listening.

[Via http://fibrowise.wordpress.com]

From LSD to Prozac in the same generation

A friend of mine sent me a list of “ponderisms”. The following comment is from that list.

?       In the 60’s, people took acid to make the world weird.  Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

It stuck a chord with me so I started to do a little research. 

The number of Americans using antidepressants has skyrocketed in the last decade, the Washington Post reported Dec. 3.

According to the Health United States 2004 report, issued by the National Center for Health Statistics, the use of antidepressant drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft, has nearly tripled among all American adults.

Among women, one in 10 now take an antidepressant drug. The number of children using antidepressants also has tripled since the 1994-96 study period.

The report also revealed that prescription drug costs are increasing faster than any other area of medical care as more Americans take drugs for a wide range of reasons. According to the report, the cost for healthcare in 2002 climbed to $1.6 trillion. Of that figure, prescription drugs accounted for $162 billion.

About half of all Americans take at least one prescription drug, the study found.

If anyone wishes to think that the drug companies are out there for the altruistic purposes of making us well and releving our pain, think again. Ever since advertisements for medicines have been allowed in the mass media, use of all kinds of drugs, especially anti-depressants, is out of sight.

I seem to be blessed with the ability to acquire medical problems before the average person even hears of it. In 1986, I started feeling extreme fatigue. I forced myself to go to work for ten years before I finally found an “alternative medicine” doctor who did something out of the mainstream. I started getting better.

Prior to that, doctors in this area really didn’t know what to do with me. That was in the days when what I had what was derisively called Yuppie Flu. The syndrome was seen often in middle class status seeking women. By that time, I was no longer married to the social climber. One doctor tried testosterone. Another one gave me injections to boost my immune system. While I’m honestly not sure how sick they believed me to be, they were willing to experiment on me, and I was too tired not to try everything.

Now they call what I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A couple of years after those symptoms began, I also developed fibromyalgia. There were days when every muscle in my body had trigger points. There are still doctors who don’t believe these conditions exist, but they are fewer in number. When I got sick, nobody as yet seemed to know what to do.

 It was during this time that our school system was also changing insurance HMO carriers every couple of years. I’d no sooner get to know one doctor than I would have to find a new one. It was not an unstressful time in my life. When everything first started, my son was in middle school. It took ten years until he was almost done in college for me to finally start feeling better.

The doctors I went to on several occasions reached into their drawers and pulled out anti-depressant samples for me to take. There would be no explanation or warning of probable side effects. It was just “Here, take these. Let me know if they help.” I don’t remember how many different ones I was given. I do remember that at that time one of them was Paxil, then Welbutrin, and at another time it was Prozac. I remember the Prozac because after the free samples  I had to go to a compounding store clear across town on the northeast to get it. It was brand new and not readily available.

There were days when I would have to rest in my car because I was tired out from walking from the school to the parking lot. I remember very clearly the afternoon when it was almost the last day for my son and me. I remember exactly where it happened. I had exited the freeway and I was driving on the access road with the cement divider separating my car from the freeway.

I suddenly had a very persistent thought. I wondered what it would feel like to miss the next corner and run into the concrete. The thought was exceptionally strong and seemed like a wonderful way to get out of my misunderstood illness. It would end the debilitating fatigue. Permanently. It seems the manufacturers were aware of this little detail from almost the beginning. This link cites knowledge back to 1988, about when I first started taking Prozac.

It was the second time thinking of my son saved my life. Had he not been in the car, I probably would have discovered what it would be like to drive through a concrete divider. If that hadn’t stopped me, I’m sure traffic on the expressway would have. I came home, took my prescription of Prozac out of the medicine cabinet and flushed it down the toilet. I have refused to take any anti-depressants again.

We take anti-depressants because we have so easy an access to them. We are still in search of a medical way to be happy. In the 60s we wanted to explore the unknown by affecting our brain chemistry. (I wasn’t one of the we, by the way, but I easily could have  been if I’d connected with the right young 20 year olds.) Now we still want to affect our brain chemistry to avoid the known. Will we ever be naturally happy? Namaste. Attic Annie

[Via http://atticannie.wordpress.com]

Whereabouts over the last day

I went skiing yesterday and I have to say, it might not have been my most brilliant decision ever because I got home yesterday and I was in absolute pain.  My body hurt to the touch.  My joints were killing me. I was tired and I had a sore throat. I ended up eating and passing out at around7:30 or 8:00 – pretty much as soon as my head hit the pillow. I feel better this morning as far as the soreness and pain but I do have a sore throat. I’m lucky that the office is closed today because I plan to just relax, pump liquids and maybe do some yoga later on to stretch out my muscles and joints.

I have managed to write a couple of reviews though:

This review can be found here.

This review can be found here.

[Via http://mominsanity.wordpress.com]

Research Shows: Decreased Blood Flow and Oxygenation In Brains With Fibromyalgia

Research shows that patients with fibromyalgia have decreased blood flow to areas of the brain associated with memory, relaying sensation, special sense and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, along with the regulation of consciousness, sleep and alertness.1,2,3,4,5  Nerves need blood flow to survive.  Blood delivers oxygen, glucose, and vital nutrients for nerve health to your brain. Without adequate delivery of these nutrients to your brain, I think it is obvious that there will be some problems with the functions controlled by these areas (Pons, Tegmentum, Thalamus, Caudate Nucleus, and Cerebral Cortex).  This deficiency could likely be a contributing factor in fibro-fog, and autonomic dysregulation that causes many of the symptoms in fibromyalgia.

In our clinic, we acknowledge these changes and deficencies in blood flow to the brain, and the resultant decrease in nutrient delivery.  We use specific therapies like oxygen, with the goal of increasing and normalizing nutrient delivery to the brain tissues.  There are several therapies we use to assist in treating and improving symptoms associated with defiency in nutrient delivery to the brain.

Visit my fibromyalgia treatment overview post , for more information on my unique approach to the treatment of fibromyalgia.

If you have fibromyalgia our treatment may be able to help you.  Dr. Shook is available for complimentary phone consultations to see if you could benefit from our care.  If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, just give us a call at (828) 324-0800, or email Dr. Shook at drshook@alliancechiropracticcenter.com.  You can also visit us at www.ncfibroclinic.com.

1. Mountz JM, Bradley LA, Alarcón GS.  Abnormal functional activity of the central nervous system in fibromyalgia syndrome.  Am J Med Sci. 1998 Jun;315(6):385-96.
2. Mountz JM, Bradley LA, Modell JG, Alexander RW, Triana-Alexander M, Aaron LA, Stewart KE, Alarcón GS, Mountz JD.  Fibromyalgia in women. Abnormalities of regional cerebral blood flow in the thalamus and the caudate nucleus are associated with low pain threshold levels. Arthritis Rheum. 1995 Jul;38(7):926-38.
3. Kwiatek R, Barnden L, Tedman R, Jarrett R, Chew J, Rowe C, Pile K.  Regional cerebral blood flow in fibromyalgia: single-photon-emission computed tomography evidence of reduction in the pontine tegmentum and thalami. Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Dec;43(12):2823-33.
4. Gur A, Karakoc M, Erdogan S, Nas K, Cevik R, Sarac AJ.  Regional cerebral blood flow and cytokines in young females with fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2002 Nov-Dec;20(6):753-60.
5. Lowe, J. 2000. The Metabolic Treatment of Fibromyalgia. Boulder, CO: McDowell Publishing Company.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR DUPLICATION.  WE DO RANDOM SEARCHES FOR THIS MATERIAL ON THE INTERNET.  IF FOUND, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY OUR ATTORNEY. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING OUR TIME AND WORK.

[Via http://drbradshook.com]

Young Arthritis: Resources for Juvenile Arthritis & Young Adults Living with Arthritis & Related Disease - Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

“THE AGE OF ARTHRITIS….”

What does arthritis look like?????

Is it wrinkled, gray, and crippled? Or – is it a child, a teenager, a ballet dancer, a professional athlete?

The truth is, it can be any of the above. Arthritis in its different forms can affect all ages and ethnicities.

I personally “don’t look sick” but at age 26 have multiple ongoing health problems, including Rheumatoid Arthritis that I’ve had since around the age of 10. Well-known NBA player Allan Iverson has recently been sidelined due to arthritis in his knee. We had an honoree for our Fall Walk, Deora, who was only 2 years old, and a Jingle Bell Run Honoree, Maddie, who was just 9 years of age. My grandmother has arthritis; but so does a friend of mine in her early 30’s. There is no set age when arthritis can strike, and the reality is, since there are so many different types, it can happen to just about anyone!

That being said, when it does happen to you — especially if you are a child or young adult — you may still feel like you ARE the only one. We’d like you to know that you are NOT alone!!

I cannot even begin to ESTIMATE how many times I’ve been told that I’m “too young for arthritis” — people absolutely stare at me in disbelief when I say that I have it. I’m sure many of you reading can relate! This frustration along with many other shared struggles & helpful hints can be accessed right at your fingertips, whether you are 10, 50, or 100 years old!

We’ve set up a Facebook Page for older teens and younger adults who live with arthritis. I know when I’m not feeling well, I don’t always feel like talking or socializing; but on the other hand, chronic diseases can be isolating, so it is important to build a community of support. So, we invite you to join our community, online.  Become a fan of “Rheum to Grow – For Teens & Young Adults with Arthritis & Related Disease!” on Facebook by clicking here. We hope that you’ll utilize this space as a networking opportunity. Organize your own meet-ups or happy hours; and share your struggles, trials, and tribulations with friends…who may start out “virtual” but who may also become very near and dear. We also encourage you to upload your photos – along with a  brief intro – to this page so that we can show the world, together, what arthritis  truly “looks like!”

Also,

If you are a child with Juvenile Arthritis or a JRA family/parent, you will be happy to know that we have an online social network available for kids to talk to other kids about living with arthritis. At www.kidsgetarthritistoo.ning.com children and teens with arthritis can share stories and photos as they make friends with others just like themselves. The site is moderated by staff members of the Arthritis Foundation, and we approve all memberships. There, kids can access our blog, Twitter, and YouTube channel – and most importantly, find support from others like them. Juvenile arthritis is the 6th most common childhood disease, and we want young people with arthritis to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Be sure to learn more about the 2010 Arthritis Foundation Advocacy & Kids Summit – regardless of your age - here.

Keep on reading our Rheum for Wellness blogs for personal stories, news on upcoming events, and arthritis health and wellness information. Also do not forget to check out Arthritis Radio on podbean.com or iTunes for interesting information on Juvenile Arthritis and general health issues, as well as interviews with thriving “younger” people who live with arthritis, such as State Representative Jennifer Mann, pageant queen Shauna Rice, and author/chef Melinda Winner.

Below is a list of helpful links for the newly diagnosed “Young Arthritis Patient.”

(hey, use your discretion – everyone’s definition of “young” varies!!!)

Please browse through these sites and keep reading Rheum for Wellness for many more useful resources:

Rheum to Grow – A Facebook Page for Teens & Young Adults

Kids Get Arthritis Too – A Ning network so kids can talk to other kids with arthritis!

The Single Gal’s Guide to Arthritis – A hip, young look at life with RA

RA Guy – Rheumatoid Arthritis Guy is our favorite arthritis “Superhero!” – A useful blog from a charming young man, chock-full of arthritis info!

“RA Sucks But Life Still ROCKS!” – Check it out!

This blog is a funny, personal look at one young woman’s life with rheumatoid arthritis – Confessions of an RA Super….

Melinda Winner’s Arthritis Survivor Network on Facebook!

A blog with great RA updates: The “Living Rheum”

Occupational Vocational Rehabilitation – A part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – offers career counseling & even scholarship monies for people who have arthritis & other disabilities.

Here are some of my past blog entries for the AFWPA that deal with living with/growing up with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including my new Ashley’s Journey to Wellness Series: here.

Kidshealth.org has some useful info on Juvenile Arthritis!

Check out the Arthritis Foundation’s JA Alliance for Juvenile Arthritis, here!

Last but not least, check out BUCKLE UP! The International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement that has a focus on “young” people with arthritis. Here is their website, here is their Facebook page!

One more thing to remember is that if you are in school – whether it is at the elementary, high school, or college level – you may want to take the time to try to educate teachers & classmates about your illness. If you need certain accommodations, do not be afraid to ask! Many people, even your teachers or administration, do not understand that this illness can affect young people, or, that it can have such multi-systemic and even disabling effects!

Here is an Arthritis Foundation resource page for Arthritis Success at School: http://www.arthritis.org/ja-school-success.php#5

If you are in college, there are often programs available for students with disabilities, of which arthritis is typically included. Check with your advisor!

Thanks for reading – and working young adults, check out our past blog on Working with Arthritis for more tips on dealing with these types of diseases in the work place!

Feel free to email me personally at aboynes@arthritis.org if you have any personal questions about living life with arthritis! Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @AFWPA. You may also find it useful to follow @JRAPeeps.

Please feel free to share your comments, or stories on living with arthritis or having a child with arthritis….and, as always – be well!

Best,

– Ashley Boynes

Arthritis Foundation

Community Development Director

Western Pennsylvania Chapter

“Voted Best Blogger in Pittsburgh!”

[Via http://arthritisfoundationwpa.wordpress.com]

Are Your Cosmetics and Household Products Harmful To Your Health?

You know,  when I pose the questions to people, “Do you know if your cosmetics and household products/cleaners are safe to use?” I sometimes get a strange look.  If you haven’t ever thought about the toxicity of products you routinely put on your skin, under your arms, in your mouth, on your cloths, or that you use to clean with, maybe you should.  Consider this…many of the chemicals in these products cause cancer, developmental/reproductive toxciticity, allergies, endocrine system dysruption, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, bioaccumulation, organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) just to name a few.  Now, if that’s not enough to make you think twice before using something on yourself, your child, or other family member, then you can stop reading now, because you aren’t going to care about the rest of this post.

Now, here’s what you can do to see if what you are using is potentially harmful to your health.  Go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com, and type in the exact name of the products you use for a report on overall and individual ingredient toxicity.  The database is completely FREE, so go and check it out.  If your products are harmful, finish using them or ditch them, and look into a less toxic option by sorting through the catagories on the www.cosmeticsdatabase.com website.

I hope this helps you remove some of the environmental toxins from you and your family’s lives.

Dr. Shook

[Via http://drbradshook.com]

wrote this for wearefibro.org 2008

I can…

I will not bend over & take the pain.

I will tie my children’s shoes on my bad knees & with my achey fingers, & smile for them.

I will play catch & dive for that ball, even if it means an icepack & drugs later.

I will take apart legos for my son with my achey fingers.

I will hang on the monkey bars & show my son that it can be done, all the while the pain is shooting down my back.

I will sew a button onto my husband’s pants, even if it takes me 2 hours because my fingers won’t hold the needle tight.

I will cuddle with my boys on the couch & watch their favorite superhero movie in surround sound even though my migraine is making my head pound.

Although my family knows I have pain, I will not sit & watch them enjoy each other.

If I can give birth I can take this.

There will be flares, & tremors, & shakes, & tears.

However, I will not trade them for the rest.

I am woman, sister, daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, wife, lover, partner, mother, future mother-in-law/grandmother.

Because of these, my pain will not win. Even on the hard days I say “Bring it on”,

Because I Can…

[Via http://prappleye.wordpress.com]