Accomplishments!

As I sit here in the wee hours of January 2,  2012, I look back at a mental picture of daughter and I in Washington, DC during  July of 2011 as we attended a meeting at the headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution at located at 1776 D Street NW, home of the DAR Constitution Hall and DAR Museum. 

My daughter had been asked  in 2007 to be the chairman of the Pennsylvania Luncheon for 3 years, and had agreed to do so, if I could assist her because she had no idea if Fibromyalgia symptoms would be such that she could handle the luncheon it alone.  Luckily, we worked together the first year to arrive the day before the luncheon, set up that night, make sure all went according to her year long plans, and recover the  day after the luncheon before returning home.  It was a long ride fighting motion sickness, and having to get out of the car every so often when she could not "take any more".  Motion sickness, weakness, fatigue, pain and nausea worked against her every step of the way, but she was determined.

Finally, we learned to take the train  to DC, arriving 2 days before the luncheon, sleeping the first night and late the following day until afternoon.  She would check that afternoon to see if all was ready with the caterer, and see that the room  was decorated  and ready  the night  before the  luncheon.  We would arrive right before the luncheon, greet ladies and handle problems should there be any.  Every year it was easier and fibro cut her a few breaks along the way, and i was not involved after that very first year except to help her get to DC, fill her full of medications, make sure she got enough sleep and make sure I knew the agenda should the unthinkable happen, and she not be able to attend.  I was the understudy and proud to be in the background.

After her term was over, one of the state officers asked her why she had not applied to be considered as  Outstanding Junior Member of her local DAR chapter.  The pure truth of the matter was that she was so caught up in making her life the best she could while living with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, she had not focused on getting an "atta girl". 

From a Mother's Prospective as she attended local DAR meetings, volunteered at church and within the community, took classes at a local community college, and acted at local community theatre I was proud of her personal accomplishments.  Of course, not all of the activities were at same time, but I was amazed that she tried so hard, especially when fibro kicked her butt some days when all the mental thoughts were positive but the physical abilities were negative.

Thanksgiving-Occupy Dianne's

During this year of bailouts, job losses, a rollercoaster stock market, early political campaigns, the Tea Party, Occupy, increased taxation, and health care, we have plenty to talk or complain about and plenty to be thankful for at the same time.

This year, as  years past, my neighbor invited my family to her home for Thanksgiving.  We always gladly accept, and did so again this year.  As usual there was a nice group of friends, neighbors, college students, and relatives each bringing part of a great meal.  Some of the guest were missing from the years before, and there were some first timers which kept the meal and celebration fun and interesting. We occupied Dianne's late into the evening and as we left, full, warm and  fuzzy,we were thankful for a nice neighbor who was so generous with her home, family and friends.   

Just as our lives are ever changing,  so is Fibromyalgia.  We have to look at each day with thanksgiving that the general population, and medical community is beginning to learn more about this medical condition.  We need to forgive those who don't understand,or don't wish to understand and look past their ignorance.  Let's be thankful for those who make our lives easier thru medication, physical therapy, talk therapy, and friendship.  Yes, let's be thankful for one another and the friendships we share.

From a Mother's Perspective as I look ahead toward tommorrow, being thankful is a good thing.

Sleep Issues-Helpful Hint!!

For the fibromyalgia patient, sleep is an important issue.  Better said, LACK of sleep is a huge issue. It's difficult to sleep when you are uncomfortable, much less in pain that leaves you tossing and turning..  Some patients sleep in small spurts, which makes me wonder if they ever truly reach productive  REM sleep?   One of my facebook friends shared that she does not like to take sleep medications.  When mentioning this to her doctor, he suggested that she try Benadryl occasionally. So, when she couldn't sleep one night, she tried 2 Benadryl and she slept all night.  Her husband reported she didn't even move. 

According to the medications you  take for fibromyalgia symptoms, or other medical problems, you might be able to try this sleeping tip.  Common sense tells us that it's not something to use on a nightly basis, but when nothing else works, and you must get some sleep, you might consider it.  If, after checking with your doctor or pharmacist , you find that Benadryl is safe for you, I'd love to get some feed back. 

From A Mother's Prospective, When we find helpful information that works for us, we find the opportunity to help others!

Fibro and Brain Waves- Alpha, Delta and Beyond

A promising new therapy for FMS and CFIDS uses EEG neurotherapy to train the brain to reduce low frequency EEG activity and increase the amount of higher frequency activity. This training appears to normalize the brain's functioning and results in increased mental clarity and energy, improved mood, deeper and more restful sleep, decreased physical fatigue, and a reduction in "all-over-body" pain. Once these changes begin, FMS patients are able to benefit from specific physical therapy treatments that focus on decreasing activity of painful myofascial trigger points and obtaining myofascial release, reinstating muscle balance, gentle muscle stretching, correcting poor posture and movement patterns, and increasing physical stamina.


From a Mother's Prospective of Fibromyalgia,  possibly research will help us to find out how alpha and delta waves during sleep can be manipulated to control fibromyalgia symptoms.  Have you dealt with sleep problems and reaching your deepest sleep.  Are you taking medications to assist you in obtaining healing sleep?

One Woman's Observations

Recently while chatting with women who have fibromyalgia, I listened as each woman discussed her symptoms of fibromyalgia, the medications she used to control her symptoms, and how her life has been changed.  One had fibro rear it's ugly head in her late 30"s, while the other two had noticed the symptoms later in life.  While many of the symptoms were the same, the treatment  differed according to the pre-exhisting medical conditions of each one, and other medications they were using. There was the usual problems of misdiagnosis that many people experience such as chronic fatigue, and the like.

The women discussed how many people in their lives don't understand how fibromyalgia affects them, and why the symptoms don't just disappear with medications.  While some can hold a job, others can't.  While some can volunteer, others can't.  And, dear reader, the worst thing I learned was how  some women with fibromyalgia mistreat one another.  Phrases like, "You are just pitying youself."  or "Suck it up and go ahead with your life. I did, and you should, too!"  Some women in their lives thought they were trying to get attention.  Can you imagine?  The point that we discussed in depth were that our bodies are different, and each one experienced fibromyalgia differently. 

They took me into their confidence describing support groups that were pity parties, but at least they knew they were not suffering alone.  They discussed how some doctors wanted to place them on experimental drugs.  While that was ok with some, others didn't welcome any additional symptoms, and we can understand both sides of the coin.  But never should one  put another woman down for her decisions.

My daughter's doctor has rheumetoid arthritis,  (RA) and fibromyalgia and while I would not wish these on anyone, I feel blessed that this doctor understands what my daughter deals with on a daily basis.   It's taken a while, but slowly with patience, support, physical therapy, and a great physician, my daughter is working toward a goal of being able to exercise and possible run again.  Exercise helps everyone, with or without fibromyalgia.

From a Mother's Prospective, as I travel down the road of fibromyalgia with my daughter, I have learned many good things.  The best thing I've learned is that all it takes to make your life better  is one woman supporting another! 

Good Times

During the last 18 -24 months, my daughter's symptoms have been more manageable allowing her to lead a more productive life, enjoy more activities  and allow her to feel better about herself.  Recently, she has been assisted by a physical therapist who works with fibromyalgia patients. My daughter was and is very athletic and as a result has a lot of scar tissue from past activities.  The body has tightened to the point that she could not exercise or run to lesson the symptoms of Fibro. Now, with the help of this professional, she can look forward to achieving some of her physical  goals she has set for herself.  Weight control, the ability to exercise, build personal health, control her fibromyalgia symptoms, lead a life as those of her peers.  

From a Mother's Perspective, I am very pleased and look forward with hope as daughter, and her doctors work together in assisting her to lead a more "normal" life such as those of her peers. Recently, she participated in the Memorial Day Parade in our town,  which was something she could not have done even a year ago. Her body would not allow her to get up early enough to participate, nor function in the heat of the day.  This year with medication, exercise, and the lack of humidity on this particular day, she was victorious!  

Does this sound familiar?  How does the weather and surrounding environment affect your  personal health, or fibro symptoms?  Share with me and our followers as we walk down the road of fibromyalgia!

Rain,Tornados, and Fibromyalgia

If you have  fibromyalgia, you may have noticed that some symptoms tend to get worse during weather changes.  Many  fibromyalgia sufferers claim that weather directly affects their symptoms and pain levels. During rain, and  tornados there are changes in air pressure. Barometric pressure is a measurement of the weight that is exerted by the air all around us. On sunny days, barometric pressure tends to be quite high, but during a storm or change in weather front  barometric pressure drops suddenly, triggering  aches, pains, nausea and headaches. Add a change in weather such as rain, which may cause a change in barometric pressure, and your symptoms may increase. Add wind, a light wind or a gale-force wind, and you have another decrease in barometric pressure. This means that wind can trigger fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches in fibromyalgia sufferers.

How does rain, wind, and changes in barometric pressure affect your symptoms?

Heads UP!!

Heads up, gentle readers and bloggers! There is a blog called "The Patients Perspective of Fibromyalgia".   This blog is NOT written by my daughter, and I do not know this author!

Her observations and experiences are her own, as Fibromyalgia affects each person differently, and I wish the author good health and happiness!  

Beautiful Weather, Lyme disease and Fibromyalgia

It's beautiful weather and everyone is spending time outside.  Lookout for ticks while you are outside. Dog tick and deer ticks may carry Lyme disease that may be difficult to confirm with test.  Some people who have had Lyme disease end up having Fibromyalgia.  Are the two the same or different.  Only your personal doctor can decide according to the symptoms.  

From a Mother's Prospective it's good to learn about both.  This website will give you additional information.       http://www.canlyme.com/fibro.htm

Celebrating!!

My May 6th birthday was celebrated early on Thursday night when we went to dine at one of our favorite restaurants which has a "share a plate" menu. It is like a tapas restaurant but with a gourmet theme.  Daughter and I decided not to share  our plates but to order the foods we each like the most.  It was great for me because I could start the celebration by ordering an alcoholic drink since she was driving.  So I had two things to celebrate. My birthday and a small indulgence.

A "drink" is an indulgence I haven't permitted myself very often.  Should I have to take my daughter to the emergency room at a local hospital for pain relief, I didn't want to drive "under the influence."   Once there, I didn't not want my mind to be clouded  should  daughter  be  experiencing  fibro  fog  along with intense pain. Someone  would  have  to answer the doctor's questions as he evaluated which pain medications to dispense.  So, I didn't indulge.  Not even a glass of wine for either of us.

Now that the chance of daughter needing to go to the emergency room has severely dropped, and the fact that she  is able to drive her car more often for daily activities, I will have a glass of wine more often.  I still assess the situation before doing so.  I ask myself, how has her day been, what pain levels has she shown this day, is there a scheduled activity that requires me to  drive, and of course, the weather situation.  Of course, with fibromyalgia, the answers to these questions shift constantly, so at best, it's an educated guess.

Tomorrow, Mother's Day, daughter is cooking a four course dinner with my husband around to assist.  It's difficult for her to stand up and prepare a long menu, clean up the kitchen and serve the food, so a little help is welcome. 

From a Mother's Prospective, as I look ahead to tomorrow, I will have wine with dinner, and a large helping of  dessert, as we will be celebrating two things:  Mother's Day and  daughter's steadfast ability in learning to regain her life while forging ahead to live her life with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Cheers!   

Letting Go!

Today, I'm blogging about the caregiver!  As a mother who was ready to persue her own  interest when daughter entered college - it was a shock when daughter presented with the weird symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  Just as my daughter started to look more seriously  forward to her future during  her junior year of college, I had started  to dreaming of her first apartment, her first new job in her chosen field,  meeting the  associates she worked with, and many other " first" that would occur as she navigated life after college graduation, and possibly law school. 

Both our dreams were shattered as we learned to deal with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and learned that it would never "go away".  There was no magic pill.  What would the future bring?  Would she be housebound?     How frustrating it was when the medical community had no definate answers.  As a mother, I was just as devastated as my daughter, just in a different manner. I let go of just being a mother, and went full steam into caregiver mode 24/7. 

I lost my idenity of wife and mother, and became the caregiver.  I had to let go of the my personal interest and activities and focus primarily on  projecting  a positive attitude, handling my daughter with loving patience. I had to quit crying over this thing that took away the daughter I love, and turn that energy around to build up and support my daughter into the  the person she could become in spite of this diagnosis.  In those first dark few months, I was thankful her symptoms were not those of a fatal disease, but angry, because there was no path to follow.  Even though we were together, she was alone in the fibro wilderness forging her personal path one step at a time.

I was concerned with more immediate problems. Foremost, could she get out of the bed onto the couch for a few hours?  Could she look at TV without getting sick, could she focus for 1/2 hour on a tv show? She did not have the strength or ability to read a book, so could she read a magazine article? Were her medications working, if not, why and what could we do about it.  Daughter and I breathed the same air, so to speak. And when she cried with pain, and frustration, I had to help her deal with pain with medication, rationalazation, and less emotion.  The first days, read that months, my schedule was her schedule.  The First Days!  Yes, the first days, I cried right along with her, but where was the hope in that?

Now I am on the other side of the coin.  The last 18-24 months have been more productive for my daughter. She still has the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but her medications are helping her to control/reduce them.  Many of her symptoms are greatly reduced, but occassionally she may be housebound. She makes it a point to get out of the house, and somedays, that means I drive!  When possible, I send her to the grocery, and she shops according.  To date, she is still unable to work, however, that day will come.  This past weekend was  our first trip away from home where we drove a few hours to a nearby conference.  It took us weeks to shop, days to pack, and we left at 9:00 at night. Why, because she had class that night, and she is at her best during late night hours.  Because during the darkness, there may be less to look at and less to challenge the senses.   Driving back was different.  Yes, we had to stop a lot and take a break from the car vibration.  But the shopping malls and stores were open, and we took good advantage of that.   My challenge is to have a plan for MY free time, when she has a few hours of class, or play practice or she is out with friends for lengthy periods of time. Now I am learning to breathe, let go, and have a nice glass of wine, now and then.  

From a Mother's Prospective, today, right now, letting go, can be a good thing! 

Unseasonable Weather

Wow,what winter!! We have found record lows and highs all over our nation.  I remember going out shopping not long ago  in 17 degree weather, while today, the first Sunday in March, we're looking at very wet, but warm  day  of 54 degrees.  Those of you having  fibro understand how  pain and increased symptoms  seemed to be caused by shifting fronts and weather patterns. Ouch!! Who needs a weather report when you have fibromyalgia?

Weather alone doesn't affect fibromyalgia, choosing the best medication is important.  The trick is to control the symptoms in order to live the best possible life you possible. As symptoms persist or shift, medications to control the symptoms change also. It's a balancing act, what symptoms can be treated, with the least amount of side effects.  Most of us have experienced a medication being removed from the marketplace due to symptoms or side effects not fully disclosed, or not manifested in controlled studies by the pharmaceutical companies, causing a recall, or removal from the marketplace. At this point, patients and doctors have to sit down and readjust medications.  Which medication can the patient tolerate, and which medications may be used together without causing additional problems.  Some of the newer medications clearly have the potential to cause organ failure, or damage to organs. If the medication assist the patient in living a better quality of life, is it known, and understood that problems may occur in the future and the percentage rate of that possibility?

From a Mother's Prospective of Fibromyalgia, my daughter must make those choices.  I am pleased when she chooses medications that have been around a  very long time, and treatment is conservative. Working together, she and her medical care provider can choose the medications that provide a good quality of life,  that are less harmful to her body, and provide her with the best life she can live under the circumstances of fibromyalgia!  Oh, how is my daughter?  Unable to hold even a part-time job but she is taking a class a week at a nearby  college, and able to take part in community theatre.  Hopefully, step-by-step, traditional and alternative medicines, massage, exercise, acupuncture, and vitamin treatment will work together to help her live a good life she can as we walk down the road of fibromyalgia together. 

Hold the Snowplows!

Are you tired of snow yet? As we look forward toward March, mother nature gave us a gift of  52 degrees, with sunny skies today    Who would think we'd enjoy a day of spring in February. Of coarse, sunny days draw our thoughts toward gardening and preparation has begun.  What are you planning for spring?

Setting Goals and Enjoying Life

It's the Nineth Day of Christmas, and our home is still decorated indoors and out!  Next year, I think I might save a few little gifts and give them out during the 12 days of Christmas.  It's fun for the celebration to continue long after we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  One year long ago, we had an Open House for friends and family on Christmas Day Eve.  Children could get together and have fun talking about and playing with the toys they received on Christmas morning and the adults could tell their stories about the Christmas experience with their children as we shared dessert before our tired children went into meltdown. 

I had ordered a birthday cake  and served it at the party during the open house.  I had a few candles atop the cake inscribed with "Happy Birthday Baby Jesus",and invited all the children to stand around the cake about a foot back and blow out the candles.  When we sang "Happy Birthday to You", and the children sang out just like we were celebrating the birthday of a friend in their midst.  The experience was priceless.  We gave the children a small present of chocolate candy all wrapped up in Christmas wrap as they left.  Daughter and I have talked about that celebration many times. It was unique.

On this Nineth Day of Christmas, and from a Mother's Prospective, I know someday in the future, we will  look back on these days just as we looked back  on Christmas past. We shall surely look back again on these precious days we are living in the present, knowing that we are did everything we could to make each day  interesting, and joyful.    As we look ahead, daughter with her continuing education, and in community theatre: and me, with my interest in various volunteer groups, we'll  remember that   fibromyalgia was always painfully present, but she fought back and  didn't let it take over her life. I'll remember that I didn't let go of her hand as we walked down the winding road of life and of fibromyalgia.  Merry Christmas!

Lessons Learned

My daughter is teaching me more about living life with fibromyalgia than I could have ever known.  She has taught to me to laugh often at myself, the dog, and each other. Even though she has learned to plan ahead by setting personal goals, she has learned to stand still in the moment, be quiet and enjoy the experience whatever she is doing each day. She has set a goal for something she might accomplish daily, along with a long term goal.  Looking forward to something enjoyable helps.

Daughter has taught me to do what I enjoy, and live each moment to the fullest.  Any, and all, of these lessons may help one live life in general, and not just those of us living with fibromyalgia. 

From a Mother's Prosepctive, lets look forward and don on your reindeer antlers, christmas hat, or whatever, and encourage others to love themselves by loving life in the Christmas season.  Have fun and watch out for flying snowballs!

Do You Feel It!

This is the time of year when the cold can be felt to your very core.  The  wind, freezing and below freezing temperatures, and fronts moving across our country may affect your daily symptoms.  Do you feel it? As for me, my bones and muscles ache when experiencing the cold.  Add wind to that and I can experience extremes headaches and migraines, and I don't have fibromyalgia. 

Many fibromyalgia patients feel that changes in the weather directly affect their symptoms. Many experience changes in their symptoms according to temperature  changes.   Air pressure, and  precipitation fluctuations may cause fatigue, sleep patterns, headaches, muscle pain and flare ups. Since fibromyalgia makes one's body extremely sensitive, I can only imagine how sufferers must feel.  How about you?  How does the winter weather affect you?

From a Mother's Prospective, daughter is going to have to keep busy, exercise, stay warm as possible, and look toward the future.What's ahead? Classes at a nearby college, a new play,  lines to learn and new people to meet!  She has learned that life goes on as she lives one day at a time with fibromyalgia.  How about you?

How do you live with fibromyalgia?

Wii Two!

As we begin the fall/winter season, our summer figures have disappeared behind layers of clothing. The importance of  keeping our bodyfat in check has become a concern as we try  on our  seasonal  clothing  favorites.  You  see, on painful  days, carbohydrates seem  to soothe the  savage beast. As painful days increase, due to weather conditions, and  cold  weather,  we  consume  way  too many  yummy carbs. The  carbs  help  the endorphin output  at the moment but does a body harm in the clothing department.. It's the age old problem of input/output.   

 From a Mother's Prospective toward a slimmer, more fit  future, it Wii time.  It's time to clear the middle of the room, and turn on Wii Sports.  It's time to practice  bowling, biking, golfing, and more.  Time to get up on  our feet and burn the  unused calories that turn  into fat at the most inconvienent places.  Give  me two  weeks of  daily output, and  two  weeks of  better food choices, and possibly both daughter and I may see our favorite clothing choices fit less snuggly.  And our reward? A better self image, less pain, and possibly a pair of new fashion boots! 

Looking Forward with Anticipation

We have passed this summer's growing season and moved onto a second harvest.  Daughter and I have grown with new knowledge, as well .  Daughter started her square foot gardening this past spring, harvested her produce, and planted a second harvest of many types of lettuce, carrots, beets, and other cool weather produce.  Fibromyalgia has not moved on or lessened, but daughter tries to stay busy to simply keep her mind off the severity of the pain.  Of coarse, during bad weather and any night, it's difficult to manage one's  mind, or the way one's body recognises pain.  But being really tired after a busy day in the garden helps one sleep.  Breathing fresh air doesn't hurt either.

Recently daughter auditioned for a part in a local community thearte, and was offered a speaking role in "Death Takes A Holiday" as Rhoda.  The question was "How am I going to learn lines with Fibrofog?" Luckily, daughter doesn't have fibrofog every day,  so, with practice and repetition, lines were learned, the play went on. Daughter found that she can act in a role and make it entirely believable.  She also found that a member of the cast had just been diagnoised with fibromyalgia. Friendships were formed and she auditioned for another role in another community theatre.  This time she was offered a non-speaking part that she did accept in "Inherit the Wind". Costuming, make-up, new folks in the cast, and a few from the previous play work together to make life interesting. She has learned so much with each play, cast, and director.

From a Mother's Prospective, acting is something she does everyday. Everytime someone ask  "how are you?".  Everytime she wants to take an hour to explain that it took everything she had to get out of bed today.   Everytime she had to  let folks know," it's not a bad day today", or "the last week has not been my best," or "today I feel almost normal".  Acting is something she's had to do everyday to get thru the day, so she might as well have a skit, other folks acting with her, and folks to laugh with if they mess up a line and not HER!   As for  me?  Well, I go with friends to see her plays, I live a little of my own life when she's busy with her life and I take care of puppy, so he's doesn't feel abandoned,or forgotten.  Puppy and I are always waiting in the wings to celebrate the good days, and kick back with her on those days that aren't so good!

Hurricanes, Pumpkins, and Fall

The last six months have been more manageable for my daughter than before.  She's still in pain, and needs meds to live her life, but she has decided to live life to the fullest whenever she can.  The change in seasons is a two edge sword.  On one hand the coming fall fun is something to look forward to.  The rain, hurricanes, and cooler weather can bring their own stresses on her body but she plans as many activities as she can, with downtime between each, just like the rest of our society.  Right now she has planted a second crop in her garden, and is play practice a couple times a week. 

From a Mother's Prospective, looking ahead to the upcoming months of  plays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve, we  have a lot to look forward to as we celebrate each.  Unfortunately,  fibromyalgia does not take a day off.  Living  life with the symptoms of fibromyalgia takes determination, and a "let's see what happens" attitude. It can turn a beautiful carriage into a basic, everyday pumpkin. But you know the secret about pumpkins don't you.  Each pumpkin is a work of art.

Back to School

With the month of September right around the corner, students  in our area have gone back to school after enjoying a few months of much needed R and  R. In fact, today, August 30th, marks the first day of the new school year. You can imagine the rush in local stores yesterday as parents and students rushed to purchase the required school supplies needed  to start the new year. 

As I observed the frazzled families locating the needed supplies on each child's list, my mind turned to those mom's coping with fibromyalgia.  Living  with Fibromyalgia on a daily basis is a  task. Women having fibro and a family with children, (especially toddlers thru school age) are in need of additional support, resources, and understanding.  Faith help us face these challenges.  Faith in God, faith in friends, family, and the physicians.

A good sense of humor isn't a bad idea, either!  Sometimes you just  have to be able to laugh it off.  Having a difficult day due to fibro fog where you can't think, or  talk straight, trying to express yourself when you're having trouble completing a thought,  while your children are tugging you in five different directions... well, it isn't easy.  Can't you hear it?  "Mommy, mommy, mommy!"  If  you can taken a step back and take a look at the picture,  you possibly can get a  laugh at the whole mess.   Children tug and pull at all mom's, they don't know anything about Fibro, no matter how many times you tell them, " please, quiet now.  Mommy doesn't feel good." Children don't perform for mom's without fibro so they won't make it any easier on someone with fibro.   There  is  one  constant  and  that  is  a  good  support  system. A good support system helps get you get through it!
Friends with and without fibro can help you thru whatever comes your way!  One thing is sure, when your children finally are school age, you can put them on the schoolbus, and go back to bed for a few hours, or until they get home.  Houses cleaning, clothes washing, and even a job can wait.  Dinner can be  pasta and meatballs, or pizza, whatever is easy and good. 

From a Mother's Prospective,  I'm taking a good look at the lives of  women who are parents today,  so that tommorrow, I will know how I can support my daughter should she decide to have children.  I haven't forgotten, I remember...It's another world!!

Managing Your Life

My daughter is a young adult who has fibromyalgia. She knows that she is not fibromyalgia.  Fibromyalgia did not change her life, the symptoms of fibromyalgia changed her living habits.She is not the brain fog that sometimes affects her.  It is a symptom of fibromyalgia. She is not acid reflux, but it is a symptom of fibromyalgia that she has to manage. There are lists of symptoms in various degrees of severity, and each person will experience her own symptoms, when she has fibromyalgia

So when one has fibromyalgia, you learn to treat the symptoms, or learn to control symptoms, as much as possible.  Some months, years, days will be almost "normal.", then  for some reason the symptoms will rear their ugly heads and be  a royal  pain that accompanies the physical  pain  of  fibro.  These are the cold hard facts, and they are not pretty.   Sometime you can look at the facts very clinically, and when you are in a lot of pain, besieged by additional symptoms, you  can only feel the pain and react emotionally..  That's when you need  someone  close by to share with,  to cry on,  or get mad at.   Whatever it takes to get thru the moment. Sometimes  it's  pain  meds,  hot  showers  and  massage.   Sometimes, it's a ride in the middle of the night to Wegman's to do the grocery shopping.  Keep moving, and keep the body and mind busy.

From a Mother's Prospective,  we celebrate the good times, and deal the best we can with the bad.    We, meaning the parent, husband, best friend, nurse, doctor, fire chief , massage thearpist, or whomever.  It's the "WE"  that helps our loved one live her life to the fullest every day.  We are the support team that will make things better and the one's that need to step back when not needed.  It's a tricky rope to walk, but well worth it!  Put on your shoes and start walking the tight rope! 

The Arts

When my daughter about 2 years old, I sent her off to nursery school 3 mornings a week.  She enjoyed playing with other children, the teachers, and activities.  She loved working puzzles, and working with her hands to express what was going on inside her head.  Her artistic abilities were age appropriate which suited me just fine.

As she developed her mind in school, her wonderment in science grew.  The how, when, where, and why of things never ceased.  Math was not her favorite subject, but her essays on these questions were. She loved research, but more in a library than a lab.  As the internet grew, so did her ability to research ad nauseum, and it continues.  Once daughter could focus, maintain her balance, and read at the same time, she attacked the internet about fibromyalgia. And so it began. 

Last spring, she surprised me by taking a course at the local community college, and auditioning for a college play.  It was great fun, meeting new people and practicing "the arts".  Early this summer she had head shots taken and auditioned for a local theatre company. When she was offered a part in  "Death Takes A Holiday" she was very pleased.  Looks like the rest of the summer will rotate around her practice schedule with the play running for a week in  late October. 

From A Mother's Prospective, I see that she has balanced her interest in science with her interest in the arts. In science, if you imagine it, it can be done...someday. In the arts, acting is a good beginning.  On stage she becomes another person who doesn't live with fibromyalgia. In reality, does she suffer from fibromyalgia?  Yes, and the severity depends upon the day. She hurts everyday, and  has the same, plus a few new symptoms.  Can she work yet? No, not a 9-5 day or 40 hour week. She has accomplished much more.  She has found herself as an adult, she is tackling  her life as she lives it. She is working on managing her fibro so that she may someday be independent.  A financially, physically, emotionally, and mentally independent woman, who happens to have fibromyalgia.  You know what?  I  KNOW she can do it!

Summertime at Last

August is here and we're enjoying our heirloom cucumbers and small cherry sized varieties of tomatos. The colors are jewel tones of burgandy, red, yellow, orange, and white. The taste is sweet as we pop them into our mouth like popcorn. Very flavorfull!

While the garden grew, daughter and I enjoyed a train trip down to DC again this year for the yearly DAR Congress. It was hot, and draining for most everyone. Those with Fibromyalgia found it very draining and found short cab rides or close Metro stations the way to go! Forget walking long distances. The endorphins spiked as we enjoyed seeing friends from years past and the many programs, luncheons and teas. Every night we played dress up as we dressed more formally for the evening programs. Back at home, I'm ready to attend next year's activities.

Just to keep the adrendaline pumping, daughter and I flew down to my highschool reunion back home. Flight is no longer as enjoyable since the restrictions have been put in place for our safety. Fibromyalgia has made it additionally painful as we assend and descend from earth to sky and back again. Daughter was a real trooper as we boarded for a quick hour trip.
 

Once we arrived at our destination, we headed off for a new experience.  Car rental.  It's never as easy as commercials depict, however soon we were off in a Volkswagon with daughter behind the wheel.  Personally, I have never appreciated GPS, but recently I purchased one for daughter so she could find her way into the city to visit friends, or to other unfamiliar places.  Luckily, she brought it with her, because home has changed and I had to depend on her GPS to find our was around town! It was only a four day trip, but we enjoyed meeting my classmates again, and they enjoyed her as she documented the affair with her camera, posting pictures on FB. 

 

We came home to produce ready to harvest and the rest of summer to kickback and enjoy.  One evening as we sat talking about her  experiences recently, we made a list of everything that she has accomplished over the past few years.  It's a miracle

 

From a Mother's Prospective, daughter was once a sick, weak young collegiate suffering with mysterious pains  and symptoms. She has grown into an young adult woman who has decided to live her life, managing the symptoms of   fibromyalgia  the best she can.   Yes, she has  make adjustments. No, it has not been easy! Yes, there are times when things take a few step backward.  But from my prospective, it's a good thing!!

Watching the Seeds Grow!

Today it's 87 degrees in our area on May 2, 2010.  I'm  afraid it's just another tease but the next week looks very warm  if you believe the weather reports.   If you visited us, you would find daughter and I in shorts and polo shirts. The warmth feels great and my house swells with life.

Daughter's seeds have sprouted and turned into seedlings. She has planted varietals of heirloom tomato's, heirloom cukes, red peppers, heirloom honeydew, heirloom cantaloupe, carrots, and jack-be-little pumpkins.  She is  adding are radishes, basil and marigolds.  Seeds from last years marigolds are slowly sprouting.  Who knew?   

All of the tending and nurturing seeds while she finishes her course at a nearby college.  She enjoyed participating in a spring play regardless of  fibro pain, fibro fog, and bad weather.  She enjoyed memorizing lines of the play and being someone else for a short period of time.

From a Mother's Prospective, daughter has come a long way over the year.  She has made quite an accomplishment.   She made the decision to try  to live her dreams in spite of the pain and symptoms of fibro. I really don't know if I could do the same, but I will say that I am her biggest fan.  Her personal cheerleader, no matter where the road of her life takes her.  I love watching her as she takes wings and flys.

Growing Seedlings

We've had fun preparing our gardens for the upcoming months.  Daughter with her vegetable garden and I, with my flower garden.  Puppy watches all, and enjoys the smell of earth on our clothes, on our face, and in our shoes.  Somehow, daughter is learning about trellis gardening and the possibility of freezing and canning her veggies.  I, less about veggie gardening and more into flowers, have decided to increase my little plot of ground and introduce some new flowers and possibly a few veggies into my garden.  All in all, this has been a lot of fun and the endorphins run high as we plan the future.

From a Mother's Perspective, spring came just in time for each of us to become less about our past and present, more about the future.  What are you doing this spring and how has it been helpful in handling your fibromyalgia?

72 Degrees and Happy

What is not  to like  about longer  daylight hours, warm  weather, and  fun in  the sun?  After enduring  long cold and rainey days, the sunlight is like a  pied piper drawing  everyone  outside to play.  There are flower and gardening sales at the local nursery, spring and summer clothing sales at the department stores, and lines at the ice cream take-out window.  Can spring be far behind? 

Daughter, puppy and I made a list and spent hours away from home running errands that we had put off as long as possible.  Fibro pain, and symptoms are easier to deal with when the sun is shining in your face, and the endorphins are running high.  From a Mother's Prospective, spring weather is a good thing! 

How does weather affect your fibromyalgia?

Baby steps!

Quite a bit of time has passed since I was  blogging faithfully. Life happens, gets in the way or opens another door.  As a mother, I am pleased to report a door has opened for my daughter.  No, she hasn't experienced a miracle cure, but a change in attitude.  A decision to move forward and go back to college.

We are blessed to have a comunity college within a 30 minute drive, so daughter enrolled in a class.  New faces, new ideas, and interest.  Luckily, when she doesn't feel well enough to drive, or the weather is typical January, Febuary weather, I have driven her. I have enjoyed visiting the local shops and restaurants for a couple of hours.  Recently, she's been driving so I can just hang out at home, or run some errands.  Either way, we are out of the house and looking forward with a new prospective of life. It helps that spring is right around the corner.

Daughter recently auditioned for a part in a play.  She was pleased to get the  part and looks forward to the experience.  Another baby step, another group of people, and varied interest.   From a Mother's Prospective, this is a good thing!  

Sugar Doll Award

A MOTHER'S PROSPECTIVE OF FIBROMYALGIA 

I am so very honored to receive the Sugar Doll Blogger Award from Dot at Fibroworld. I'm touched that such an accomplished fibromyalgia and chronic pain blogger has recognized me. Thank you Dot. (http://www.fibroworld.com/fibromyalgia-blog/2010/2/23/fibro-world-honored-with-sugar-doll-award.html)

When I first started this blog over a year ago, I was blogging to express what was happening in my life.  When a few of my friends and family started to follow the blog, I was encouraged to continue. Thanks for your continued support as we blog together about Fibromyalgia.

In accepting the Sugar Doll Award award, I agreed to list 10 things you may not know about me, and then pass the award onto fellow bloggers that we love to read.


1. I am a Daughter of the National Society Daughter's of the American Revolution.
2. I  am a rookie "foodie". 
3. I have just learn to knit socks, one accomplishment on my "bucket list".
4. I support veterans of all wars, and I am thankful so many of them have fought for our country.
5. I love movies with subtitles such as in "CoCo Before Channel"
6.  I love to run everyone out of my kitchen and have a single woman performance of cooking and baking.
    Sometimes I cook all day, and freeze my creations for another day.
7.  I was once a model , better known as a human clothes hanger
8.  I am very, very "girly" at a mature age.
9.  I have a brother and two sisters.
10.  I believe in retail shop therapy.


I have selected four recipients - and the Sugar Doll Award goes to...(drum roll please):

* Fibromyalgia Experiment                    http://fibromyalgiaexperiment.com/
*Fibro and Fabulous                             http://www.fibromyalgiaandfabulous.com/
*Fibromyalgia Journal                           http://fibromyalgia-journal.blogspot.com/
*Fibromyalgia plus Me                         http://fibromyalgiaplusme.blogspot.com/

FibroExperiment!  Congratulations!


If you choose to accept, you are asked to list 10 things about yourself and then pass the award to fellow bloggers of your choice. It's a wonderful way to recognize blogs you enjoy and wish to salute.
Thanks again for your great content and hope this brings a smile to you.

Cheryl

The Weather and Fibromyalgia

Daughter and I  love it when it's sunny and bright outside, but bring on rain or snow, not so much.   Weather changes causes problems for many fibromyagia sufferers, triggering painful symptoms and worsening headaches, muscle aches, and depression.

While there is no proof that weather can actually affect the symptoms of fibromyalgia, the majority of fibromyalgia sufferers identify weather changes as a major trigger for their pain. In a 1981 study, over 90% of participants identified weather as a major contributor to their symptoms. In particular, cold, damp, or humid weather seemed to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Increases in barometric pressure have also been linked to fibromyalgia symptom flares. My daughter is a walking barometer.  We know when there is a weather change by the change in her symptoms.

To reduce the effect that weather changes have on your  symptoms, be prepared! Dress warmly and avoid drafty corners and rooms. If possible, install bright lights in your home to help "trick" your body into thinking that it's sunny. If the weather is really taking it's toll on you, you may consider moving to a warm, dry climate.

From a Mother's Prospective, I'm ready to try a warm, dry climate!  Let's go!


Check out these pages for additional information;

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_aggravating.html
http://homepages.sover.net/~devstar/define.htm

Handling the Symptoms of Fibromylgia with Exercise

Last night my daughter experienced a great deal of fibro pain in her legs. As she watched a television program, she was sitting on the floor stretching her legs and feet, arms and body,  in an attempt to get some relief until her pain meds kicked in.   Viewing this as an observer, I noticed she wasn't experiencing  fibro fog, IBS, nausea, or pain anywhere else in her body, at that moment.  Sometimes, it's not about getting thru the day.  Think  hour by hour, moment by moment. 

From a Mother's Prospective,  I  notice that with some of her pain comes nausea. Slowly, one area of fibro pain may triggerer pain in different part of her body. Soon the whole body will respond  with fibro pain from head to toe.  The headaches begin as her neck and back tense up with pain.  It's a classic fibro response  for  her.  Exercise such as stretching, taking a walk around town may help. In some instances massage and heated  neck packs help, but it's not a surefire treatment.   

Many people have found that exercise  helps the symptoms of fibromyalgia.    Does it work for you? Check out info about fibro and exercise at:  http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/fibromyalgia.htm. 

As with many people who suffer with fibromyagia, my daughter started with a visit to the local family doctor and progressed thru many, many others before a correct diagnois was made. During that time she endured many blood test, MRI's, CAT Scans, tilt table test , heart monitors and other procedures before a diagnosis was made and medications were given to help her live with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you are reading this I know that you have been there.

When a person goes to a doctor or health expert, she has the right to have all medical decisions explained to her in detail.  Some doctors do an excellent job at communicating with patients and some doctors do not.  Each patient  has a liability to give details of all health problems and answer all questions honestly.

Should  you do not understand something ask her to explain it to you. When a doctor indicates  that she wants to do a diagnostic test beyond standard measurements, such as weight, blood pressure, and temperature, you should  ask what she is looking for when doing an x-ray, ultrasound, blood test, or other tests. You should ask for the reports and an explanation of all diagnostic tests.

Should the doctor give you an instruction and you do not get an explanation that is clear to you, ask her to provide more details. When pills are prescribed, you should ask: Why? When? How much? Possible side effects, if any? Before you leave a doctor’s  office, you should make sure that you know whether you will be require to see doctor again. If in doubt about the diagnosis, get another opinion, an another  until you get it right treatment that works for your symptoms and your body.  Get  it right and don't let the symptoms of fibromyalgia  rob you of the life you have always wanted.  Get tough and fight back.

From a Mother's Prospective, I have watched my daughter live thru the diagnosis part of fibromyalgia. It has looked like chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, MS, lupus and the list went on.  She has experienced many of the long list of fibro symptoms, but the possilbe list is a long one and  difficult to manage all alone. You need a good support system of health professionals and caregivers.  You need to take care of yourself so that you can possibly begin to heal or make your symptoms easier to bear.

My wish for you is to live each day in the best  way you can on that particular day.  Sing off key, dance to the tune of your own drum, take a break and do what you want to do, when you want to do it.  And never, never forget to love. Love your friends, a warm puppy, a kitten, a favorite relative.  Love and support can heal your heart and soul, possibly making your fibro symptom less painful and irratiting.  But then again, I don't have fibro, I don't know how you feel or how you are dealing with your pain.  I'm just an observer, as I walk down the road of fibromyalgia with my daughter!

Picture:  http://natchez-trace.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/11/roadways_and_terrain.php

Decisions!

Today, I am happy to report that daughter has experienced a great day.  First of all, some of the medications that she is taking have become less expensive.  (Hurrah!! Bang the gong and sound the drums.) That is good news.  Secondly, daughter invited a friend to go out tonight,  and looked forward to getting out of the house. Third, daughter has decided to take a course at a local community college to stimulate her mind, which will hopefully help her fibromyalgia.  The course was quite expensive, but if you already have a degree, as she does, then you might as well get the credit for the course.  Otherwise, anyone can audit a course at any time, and I would advise anyone to audit a course for a subject you are interested in.  It's a great way to learn about a subject and you will be surrounded by people with similar interest.

From a Mother's Prospective  of daughter's  decisions, and a Mother's Perspective  as we look ahead toward the near  future, it's a great day.  A turning point, if you will, and I am proud of the way she has decided to fight back againist fibromyalgia.  Will she hurt less? Who knows?  Will she be able to continue going to the classes every week?  Who knows?  But today, it's a very good day, and she deserves kudos for  taking action!  I support her efforts 150%.

Tell her you love her!

There is no greater sickness in the world today than the lack of love.~ Mother Teresa ~ 

I found this quote from Mother Teresa very appropriate for those who live with someone suffering with fibromyalgia. The symptoms are difficult to live with and difficult for family and friends to understand.   We must continue to look past the fibromyalglia and directly at our loved one, never loosing sight of who she is.  She is not fibro, she is not the symptoms, she is the person that came into our lives years ago, and whom fibromyalgia is trying to steal away from us.

From  a  Mother's Prosepctive,  only with  our love  and unconditional  suppport  can she continue to live a successful life.  Accept her, help her and tell her you love her, over and over again. Then healing will begin to take place deep within her soul!

Open the Doors of Friendship!

Tonight hold your family and friends tight for a moment, cherishing every moment you have with them.  Look back at the holidays, and and remember how much you love one another.  Think of the craziness and laughter. Hold these pictures close in your heart and soul. Thank God for  everyday that  you are blessed with the love of family and friends. Open the door of your heart wide, and invite others in.  You will be richly blessed.

Hope

“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?”  Charles Iles

From a Mother's Prospective, Hope will bring about healing of the body, heart, mind and soul!

Happy New Year !

Have a Happy and Joyous New Year.  Go hug someone today!

Healing through Torque Release Chiropractic Treatments

My daughter was introduced to chiropractic treatments early in her elementary school years.  At that time, our family was used to the usual method of alignment which  I affectionately call  the  "snap, crackle, pop" method. As time went on, she was introduced to differenct chiropractic methods due to her desire to perform efficiently as a runner. By keeping her body in alignment, and maintaining a physically fit body during practice and competion she was able to sustain fewer injuries, and heal the injuries she did suffer without medication. 

Along the way she learned about torque release, which treats the body without the pop and crack technique.

Reduces stress, improves posture, increases joint mobility, promotes natural healing, and reduces blood pressure and relieves pressure on joints and muscles.

Torque Release  detects and corrects dysfunction using a small tool called an activator which delivers a light and measured force to correct misalignments. It is used to gently and painlessly move the vertebrae.  To learn more about the benefits of torque release, check out the following sites.  If you are treated by a Chiropractor, which method works best for you?
http://www.torquerelease.com.au/About-TRT.htm
http://www.locateadoc.com/articles/how-chiropractic-treatments-improve-quality-of-life-1956.html

Fibromyalgia and Friendships

Upon learning that my daughter has fibromyalgia, many friends and acquaintances ask questions and are interested in learning about the condition because they have never heard of it.

Soon these wonderful people begin flooding daughter and I with solutions to her fibro problem, which means they know someone who is managing their fibro symptoms differently. If something works for their friends, it should work for daughter.   Another instance, (we've all experienced it), is that since daughter looks well, she must be feeling better.  No one considers that she had medicated herself silly to get out of the house to participate in an event, and tonight when they are sleeping soundly, she will be pacing the floor in pain, even when she has taken her maximum amount of medication.

While people mean well, they don't understand that each person with fibromyalgia experiences the condition differently.  If you google "Fibromyalgia"  you'll find pages upon pages about the symptoms of fibro and possible solutions that have worked or not, for fibro patients.  At times when the fatigue, aches, pains of fibro are under control, it doesn't take much to set off other conditions and symptoms such as IBS, acid reflux, dietary problems, and so on.

Fibromyalgia patients usually learn to live with a more regulated lifestyle. This typically means  identifying any specific triggers that have caused or brought on  chronic pain or  may have exacerbated painful episodes.  Regulating sleep by relaxation, medical and prescription medications is important, as most fibro patients have sleep problems. Some folks benefit from acupuncture and/or cognitive behavior therapy, others don't.

It is a chronic condition that affects people’s physical, mental, and social health. As a chronic condition, fibromyalgia symptoms may come and go, but never disappear completely. It is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness and decreased physical function – the ability to do everyday activities.  Daughter seems to get one symptom under control, and another pops up! 

People with fibromyalgia usually have good days and bad days, and do not feel the same kinds of pain all the time. And although they may look fine, they may still be struggling with fibromyalgia symptoms. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may make it difficult to work or to perform everyday activities.

From a Mother's Prospective, I need to remember that I have no idea how daughter is suffering, just as our well meaning friends fail to understand the pain.  It is my duty as a mother to stand by my daughter, and help her work through this experience, giving gentle nudges to help her step forward, and encourage her to seek a better lifestyle, and then to know when to shut up and just be with her as we travel the road of fibromyalgia togerther.

Christmas Cookies

Daughter is fighting acid reflux with medication, diet, and sleeping on a wedge.  She can't eat certain foods including chocolate.  That is a biggie!  At our home, we always have dark chocolate around for mood swings, nutritional value, and antioxidents.  I bake a large variety of christmas cookies containing chocolate, or dipped in chocolate.  My challenge this year is baking a wide variety of cookies that are beautiful to the eye,  delicious  to  smell, and  taste marvelous without  the  secret ingredient of chocolate.  No bourbon balls,

no peanut butter  blossoms, no large  chocolate chip cookies dipped in chocolate.  I don't want them around to even tempt her. 

From a Mother's Prospective, I'll be cooking christmas cookies in March, but in the meantime, I'm hitting the cookbooks. Ummm,let's see.  Lemon Bars,  Lemon Poppyseed cookies,  Scandinavian Almond Bars, Pecan Sandies. 

Tapas

Daughter and I love going to Honey's Restaurant in our small town.  It's a fusion  restaurant that encourages it's clientelle to enjoy a small tapas type of menu, and larger entrees as well.  We find it so delightful because she can only consume small amounts of food at a sitting allowing us to share small plates, and many dishes at a sitting. 

Since we get up in late morning our breakfast is the world's lunch. By the time we are ready for lunch, the rest of the world is eating dinner/supper.  Small dishes of food like tapas, with a glass of wine and a relaxed attititude make out dining out a lot of fun for each of us equally.  Some of my favorites are potatoes with a spicy sauce, shrimp in a garlic sauce,  olives, a shot of soup, hot meatballs and the list goes on, until the menu changes with the season, and new dishes are introduced. 

From a Mother's Prospective, enjoying the seasons and holidays via food and decoration gives daughter and me something to look forward into the future and a promise of something good to come.

How to be a Better Friend, Spouse, or Relative to Someone with FM

Even if you have read just about everything on the subject of fibromyalgia, keep reading for ongoing insight and reminders from other sources. Check out the complete article at :

http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6040

Here's an exerpt speaking to caregivers of  someone dealing with fibromyalgia:

"Research has shown that spouses,( friends, relatives, or caregivers) of those with FM have an increased risk of withdrawal, a weakened immune system, deterioration in physical health, discouragement, worry, and loneliness. Twenty-five percent of spouses are diagnosably depressed. These issues all can be countered, but it requires extra attention to self care. I love my 2 and 1/2 mile brisk walks by the Back Bay three or four times a week with Duncan, our dog. If faith is a resource to you, as it is for me and Elizabeth, that can be a powerful help. Continue doing enjoyable activities and keeping other friendships going. These are all good things to do, whether a spouse, relative, or friend has FM. Recent research by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., on happiness has shown that savoring briefly each night three good things that happened that day significantly increases happiness and decreases the risk of depression. "

And what about happiness of someone living with fiblomyalgia:

Don’t Take Cancellations Personally

"Elizabeth is a "gamer." She’ll quickly say "yes" to many activities with friends. But she can’t count on being able to "answer the bell" when the time comes and sometimes has to cancel. Remember when you’ve been too sick to do something you really wanted to do and how disappointed and even guilty you felt for canceling? Sometimes she’ll push herself to go and then have a day afterwards when she is in a lot more pain and can do little. These are common experiences for someone with FM. Don’t stop asking her or him to do things with you. Even if the person with FM can’t make it, he or she feels good for continuing to be asked."

From a Mother's Prospective-Both are small reminders on how we can live and love with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia, Spondylitis, and the HLA b27 gene.

Today an accquaintance of mine was diagnoised with Spondylitis due to the  HLA b27 gene. If you  have fibro and have been diagnoised, please share your information with us. 

Zithromax and Fibromyalgia

Have just discovered that some fibromyalgia patients possibly suffered acid reflux symptoms after taking Zithromax. Indications for Zithromax include gastrointestinal problems, however, nothing about acid reflux.  Are the two related?  More info as I study this interesting development.  From a Mother's Prospective,  if this info is true, it might explain some of daughter's acid reflux problems.  Stay tuned!

Fish Oil Supplements

On November 19th, I blogged about the use of fish oil pills and how taking the product had helped my daughter. At present, she finds herself  less than delighted due to the side effects she  is experiencing.  She's been fighting with acid reflux, heartburn and upset stomach.  Is she experiencing increased acid reflux due to the fish oil? Are the two are related?  Only by discontining use of the fish oil supplement can she be sure.  Another symptom of fibromyalgia she is experiencing is IBS, and, in some cases, fish oil may cause diarrhea.  So, that's another area of concern.  Then there is the concern about the number of medications that she is taking. When a number of pharmaceuticals work well together, possibly a supplement may cause an imbalance. 

From a Mother's Prospective, it's a confusing issue.  I'm here to hold her hand, give daughter gentle nudges in the correct direction, and sometimes give a little bit of tough love.  The trick is knowing what to do and when to do it! 

Acid Reflux

In review, as daughter and I are walking the road of her newest symptom, acid reflux, she experiences terrific back pain, and the pain of a hiatal hernia.  A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through your diaphragm. Your diaphragm normally has a small opening allowing the  esophagus to pass through on its way to connect to your stomach. The stomach can push up through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia.

We didn't know that she had  a hiatal hernia until her doctor discoverd it when checking for another condition.  Acid has started to back up into her esophagus, which lead to heartburn and chest pain, and sometimes shortness of breath.  First, we tried a foam wedge which allows her to sleep at an angle, and help the burning of throat tissue while she slept, next she tried the viengar, but back pain is causing loss of sleep.  What could she do?

We have now put the wedge between the mattress and box spring, causing a much gentler slope, which may cause less back pain, so that she may sleep.  If that doesn't work, we're prepared to put her bed on plastic "stilts", like the one's students use in college.  One must be careful, however, to use the smaller rubber stilts on the bottom of the bed. and the larger at the top.  Some additional support may be needed to secure the bed and not ruin it. 

From a Mother's Prospective,  I'm anxious to learned what has worked for you?  Please share your ideas with me, as I help daughter deal with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, and the road ahead.

Wonder Drug?

My daughter takes Apple Cider Vinegar for her newest symptom, acid reflux. One day her throat was sore and tissue burning and just hasn't gone away.   (See my previous entries)    After a trip to various sites on the net,  she  started to consume the clear, white apple cider vinegar from my pantry, and it helped somewhat.  Long story short, she was using  the clear vinegar when she should have been using the natural, organic variety . The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine.

"Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction."  Since losing weight, having more youthful skin, developing strong bones and having long beautiful nails are important to me, I should be drinking it by the bottle.

'It is claimed that apple cider vinegar is helpful in ailments such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with a host of many other ailments. No wonder then many know apple cider vinegar as the "Wonder Drug". Many call apple cider vinegar the Wonder Drug . Propagators of this wonder drug claim that the best way to have the vinegar is first thing in the morning. Mix two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water and drink it. This solution may taste slightly acidic, and may not seem to be the best way to start your morning, but once you know of the immense benefits that follow, it will not feel all that bad. Many find that following this routine first thing in the morning helps in eliminating constipation, which is one of the prime causes of many diseases. Constipation is also sometimes the cause of headaches - leading to a bad mood, deprived sleep, and a lethargic feeling the whole day. Once the constipation problem is solved, all the other symptoms vanish immediately, making you fresher and extremely active whole day long. Following this morning regime helps minor skin rashes vanish and the skin texture too improves, leaving you radiant and glowing naturally."

From a Mother's Prospective, since  daughter is starting with just a little vinegar and is working her way up to 2 tablespoons of vinegar per glass, I must confess that  it is a taste that one must get used to. Will I loose the fat, will my bones become stronger, will my nails grow longer, will I feel better with increased energy?  (Look out world!)   Does organic apple cider vinegar perform as touted by the natural food community or does it fall short?  Looking ahead,  I'll be joining her, as usual, to see what she is experiencing as she walks the road of Fibromyalgia.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar.htmlhttp://www.homeremediesweb.com/apple_cider_vinegar_health_benefits.php