A Mother's Prospective of Fibromyalgia

Accomplishments!

2012-01-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-27T14:53:00.000-08:00

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!!

2011-06-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-05-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-06T10:05:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

“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 !

2009-12-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

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

Healing through Torque Release Chiropractic Treatments

2009-12-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-12-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

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.html http://www.homeremediesweb.com/apple_cider_vinegar_health_benefits.php

Provigil

2009-11-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

There has been a discussion of the pharmaceuticals that work for daughter's symptoms of Fibro. The one that has given her a better life is Provigil also known as Modafinil.

Provigil is a drug that keeps you awake. Provigil enhances short term memory and lets users stay awake for extended periods of time. I thought it was interesting that militaries of several countries are known to have expressed interest in Modafinil as an alternative for amphetamine—the drug traditionally employed in combat situations where troops face sleep deprivation, such as during lengthy missions. £300,000 on one investigation.

In the United States military, Modafinil has been approved for use on certain Air Force missions, and it is being investigated for other uses. One study of helicopter pilots suggested that 600 mg of modafinil given in three doses can be used to keep pilots alert and maintain their accuracy at pre-deprivation levels for 40 hours without sleep. However, significant levels of nausea and vertigo were observed. Another study of fighter pilots showed that modafinil given in three divided 100 mg doses sustained the flight control accuracy of sleep-deprived F-117 pilots to within about 27 percent of baseline levels for 37 hours, without any considerable side effects. In an 88-hour sleep loss study of simulated military grounds operations, 400 mg/day doses were mildly helpful at maintaining alertness and performance of subjects compared to placebo, but the researchers concluded that this dose was not high enough to compensate for most of the effects of complete sleep loss. The Canadian Medical Association Journal reported that Modafinil is used by astronauts on long-term missions aboard the International Space Station. Modafinil is "available to crew to optimize performance while fatigued" and helps with the disruptions in circadian rhythms and with the reduced quality of sleep astronauts experience.

Why an I sharing this article with you? Because this pharmaceutical is tried and true, used by military and results are documented. Before my daughter agreed to dose herself with a pharmaceutical, she wants to know the pharmacology of the medication, and the side effects. After all, who want to feel worse? She takes this very early in the morning so it will wear off my bedtime. Bedtime comes late, but with only a small dosage she can at least get out of bed and sometimes have a very good day.

From a Mother's Prospective, what works now, or works in the future, is a good thing. Even though
daughter must look out for her liver, she has to be able to live her life!

Do you have fibromyalgia? If so, do you use Provigil or another medication to help you live your day.
If you would like to learn more about provigil the site below may help you!

http://www.provigilweb.org
http://www.provigilweb.org/taking-provigil.htm
Pharmacology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modafinil

Remembering the Beginning

2009-11-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, folks. Here it is! An account of the beginning of my daughters experience with Fibromyalgia. This is archived on this blog by clicking back to 2008. You may follow the blog from there by clicking on each individual month to see the progression. Also, please jump right in if you relate or question her trip and/or my observation. Everyone experiences different symptoms and there is no right or wrong on this blog. This is just an outlet for me and I look forward to your responses.

Beginning in 2008....

I really hate all the colds, viruses, and superbugs that raise their ugly heads making our lives unbearable even for a short while. I really hate the "flu" even if it's only for 24 hours. I hate it so much that I am first in line to get my shot each year. I'd gladly pay double for each additional shot if they prevented additional strains of flu. I'd even get boosters if such a thing existed. I'm not a germaphobe but I just hate feeling sick and all the symptoms that accompany it.

One year, at Christmas, the entire family came down with the flu. What a messed up holiday! Finally, after a week or so, we got over it, with the exception of my 21 year old daughter. She continued to deteriorate to the point that she could not get out of bed, feed herself, keep any food down, stay awake for any length of time, or relieve herself without assistance. She was in pain from head to toe. She gagged, and threw up water, and her head and body ached continuously. She suffered from vertigo, and nausea. This continued way after normal flu like symptoms would last. When she asked me "What is wrong with me? Why was this happening? What could we do to make it stop?" I didn't have an answer.

It was an absolutely dreadful experience transporting her to her doctor. I wondered if is was worththe effort. Our family doctor ordered bloodwork. When it came back normal the first time, a secound round was ordered, and so on. Time after time the bloodwork came back normal. One set of test after another....normal. Starting with the family doctor and eventually specialist after specialist, everyone agreed that she was completely healthly and normal in everyway. She was really suffering and losing weight, and getting worse day by day. We ended up in the ER time after time for pain etc. The hospital became our second home, and there was discussion of different diseases in their early stages. Experiencing this as a parent was frightening. We needed a diagnosis and treatment NOW. I felt like we were a episode of the sitcom of "House", and I prayed, gentle reader. Down on my knees, hour after hour, day and night. Yep, my faith was being challenged and my daughter was as frightened as I. She thought she was dying. And the scary part, was that she wasn't the only one.

This was beginning of my experience of watching my daughter, a bright, healthy, young college student, deteroriate right before my eyes. This is my account of watching and continuing to watch my "child", now a 26 year old woman live with the above symptoms daily. This is my account of watching someone I love live Fibromyalgia. Maybe other's have had similar experiences. Let's blog about it!!

Holidays

2009-11-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

Forgive me, dear friends, for taking a short break from posting. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fish Oil Capsules

2009-11-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I take fish oil capsules. I feel that my body enjoys increased energy, and mental clarity/ or sharpness when I take a single capsule. I seem happier as well. Daughter feels that she benefits by experiencing more energy. Since we lean toward vegetarian foods, we don't eat the fish that our body needs.

Articles and ads for fish oil have touted the health benefits of fish oil include its ability to aid in treatment of heart diseases, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, ertc. Another article says it helps in weight loss, pregnancy, fertility and skin care, especially dry skin. Most of the these health benefits of fish oil can be attributed to the presence of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Are you taking fish oil capsules? If so, what are your results? Does it help your fibromyalgia? If you
don't have fibromyalgia, but take the capsules, how do they affect your body?

How Does the Weather Affect Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

2009-11-18T00:20:00.000-08:00

My daughter has explained that changes in the weather make her fibro symptom symptoms worse. Changes in temperature and precipitation may cause fatigue, and difficulty sleeping Extremely high humidity usually zap her energy, and may cause fibro flares and pain. Sometimes she says there is a feeling of a weight pushing againist her body as weather fronts shift in and out of our area. Rain, sleet, snow, or hail. are not her friend as her symptoms of pain and fatigue may increase.

I have read studies that have been conducted in order to evaluate whether or not fibromyalgia symptoms do appear to be influenced by changes in the weather. The most interesting study I read about was conducted in Cordoba, Argentina. The study involved fibromyalgia sufferers and a group of people without fibromyalgia. The study was to find out whether pain symptoms could be linked to specific weather changes. Those participating in the study were asked to rate their pain symptoms on a scale from one to ten, daily for one year. Researchers found that after one year, pain symptoms of the participants with fibromyalgia correlated directly to weather changes. Specifically, pain increased as temperatures fell and atmospheric pressure increased. The healthy participantsd id not show any correlation between pain and weather patterns.

I also read about a study in Norway that found a similar relationship between fibromyalgia symptoms and the weather. Symptoms were worse in December and January, (no surprise here) but improved during April and May. This study suggests a direct relationship between colder temperatures and lower barometric pressures and a rise in fibromyalgia symptoms.

Researchers do not know why weather appears to affect fibromyalgia symptoms so much. However, there are a few possible explanations. One explanation that I found interesting was Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. Studies show there does appear to be a relationship between low temperature levels and an increase in the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. These cytokines appear to be related to pain intensity.

I'll need to study more on this subject as I know absolutley nothing about Cytokines.

From a Mother's Prospective, there is an abundance of information I can look forward to reading on the subject of weather and fibromyalgia. As I walk down the road of frbromyalgia with my daughter, I see first hand how weather affects her body and soul. Keep those sunny days near, because 'liquid sunshine" can really make her symptoms worse now matter how it helps my lawn in the spring, summer and fall!

The Invisible Disease

2009-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

While researching medications for fibromyalgia, I found this webpage. The article below is an exerpt taken from one of their newletters. It expresses some of feeling and views of those that suffer with Fibromyalgia. There is an abundance of information at this site, so click on the link and investigate the site. It's not overly technical, yet it answers question one may have about fibro & cronic fatigue.

http://fmcfsme.com/index.php

Here's the exerpt from the site:

"There are many spouses, friends, and family members of Fibromyalgia (FM) and/or CFS/ME patients who think the pain and suffering we endure is an attempt to get their attention. Often times they don't realize that we suffer from a disease that is invisible; a disease that there is no cure for, and one that many in medical community are still unaware of. The pain is relentless, stealing our joy and replacing it with tears of sorrow, pain and frustration. On the outside we look like everyone else, but on the inside are the scars no one sees. Scars that will never heal. Yes, It's Real

FM and CFS/ME effect the person physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and socially. The once energetic person is now replaced by a person dragging themselves through the day in agony. The once fun-loving person is now living in the depths of despair and depression. The person who once felt valued now feels as if life has passed them by. Even the most devout begin to question why they must endure such pain, fatigue and misery. But the worst part of all is the misunderstanding, mistrust, and general ambivalence towards our pain and suffering. Our lives as we knew them are over. We are no longer able to have fruitful careers, manage our homes, or even take care of our children properly. Now the simplest activities are fraught with pain and agony.

Before we became ill we were organized perfectionists who were incredibly productive. Everything in our lives had its place; it kills us that it's not that way now. People with FM and CFS/ME live their days moment to moment, not able to plan for tomorrow let alone next week. We never know when a sudden flare will send us into a world of pain and agony. Many times we can't even think of the words we need to finish a sentence, that make us seem demented or deranged in the eyes of others.

When was the last time you were in agony, yet unable to find a comfortable position? Or when was the last time the medicine you took made you so sick you couldn't leave the bathroom? People who live day to day with a chronic illnesses such as FM or CFS/ME need your help and support in order to cope with their condition. We need to know you care about us, and that you support us emotionally and physically. Deep inside every person with FM and CFS/ME is someone screaming to be loved, helped, supported and understood. Your loved one with FM and/or CFS/ME needs you now more than ever. Please don't let them down! "

A virus linked to prostate cancer now appears to play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome, (CFS/ME) according to research that could lead to the first drug treatments for a mysterious disorder that affects 17 million people worldwide. Researchers found the virus, known as XMRV, in the blood of 68 out of 101 CFS/ME patients. The same virus showed up in only 8 of 218 healthy people, they reported on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 in the journal Science. Researchers have also found evidence of distinct neurological abnormalities within the brain of CFS/ME patients.

Other researchers have found elevated levels of spinal fluid substance P, a pain amplifier; along with lower levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells, and low production of cortisol in FM patients. The American Medical Association (AMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are among those organizations who have accepted FM and CFS/ME as legitimate physical conditions and as major causes of disability. This should prove without a shadow of a doubt that FM and CFS/ME are real, physical medical conditions, not a figment of our imaginations. "

From a Mother's Prospective, I wonder what the future will bring? Will new medications symptoms dissapear? Hopefully the future will allow those suffering from fibro and chronic fatigue to return to the person they were before FM and CF, so they can lead their lives in any way they wish.

What is Gelatology?

2009-11-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

How many times have you signed an email with the letters "LOL"...ie laughing out loud? How many times, when you read something that amuses you, do you forward it to others? A classmate of mine sends me a few chuckles everyday. Some are cute, others make me smile and others I just have to share with daughter so that she can fall down laughing at her computer just as I. Smiles, laughs and humor is contagious, and it increases endorphins that help us fight off the negative effects of daily life, especially when one has fibromyalgia. The study of laughter is called Gelotology.

From a Mother's Prospective, the more we laugh together, the better daughter and I feel. We pick movies and books that are humorous to give our bodies and souls a chance to heal. Here is an exerpt about Gelatology and the links you might find informative.

" Laughter, in terms of a medical description is a human behaviour regulated by our brains, it has everything to do with social interaction, and for the most part, fills our over-worked brains with much needed endorphins. And the old adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’ is no farce: getology forecasts that people who laugh a lot have improved health, a longer lifespan and overall well-being. Think of a funny joke. Smile. Let the corners of your mouth turn up. Giggle. Chortle. Chuckle. How do you feel? Refreshed? Exhilarated? According to recent studies done by neuroscientists and psychologists, as well as the newest fads in holistic medicine, laughter is the greatest panacea yet discovered. It has been credited with everything from lowering blood pressure and reducing chances of heart attacks and strokes to increasing your intelligence and capabilities to retain and process information. But what exactly is laughter in biological terms, why does it produce such effects on the way the human body functions, and why are these positive effects surfacing only now? "

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/2054
http://www.sapromo.com/sa/Entertainment/FYI/GELOTOLOGY-What-is-it-3F/details
http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/889/2/?spage=1&letter=G
Photo: ehow.com

Is Fibromyalgia Genetic?

2009-11-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

It fibromyalgia genetic? Does fibromyalgia run in families or is it an individual thing?

Researchers have found that fibromyalgia is more common among the siblings, parents and children of those who have fibromyalgia than in the general population. But their research didn't clear up whether this phenomenon was the result of nature or nurture. A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will examine the role nature might play.

Some researchers think psychological and social factors play a role in fibromyalgia because the syndrome has been found in people who have histories of physical and sexual abuse, alcoholism or depression in their families. To address these concerns, Olson plans to examine psychological and stress factors in her study, too.

Whether there is a genetic cause of fibromyalgia has been a contentious topic for researchers to explore, notes David Sherry, M.D., director of pediatric rheumatology at the Children's Hospital in Seattle. "Proving this is like proving the nature vs. nurture aspects of overweight children," he says. Families and doctors both hold strong opinions and it's easy to offend one side or the other. Plus, the criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia tend to be subjective, and that makes it hard to research psychological or genetic factors in a statistical way, Dr. Sherry adds.

Other researchers are examining familial tendencies toward pain syndromes in general, not just toward fibromyalgia. The NIH recently awarded Lesley Arnold, M.D., a rheumatologist at the University of Cincinnati, a grant to study the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and mood disorders in the close relatives of people with fibromyalgia.

From a Mother's Prospective, it's confusing! One of my cousins has fibromyalgia, but on one else that I know of. Unfortunately, my husband's family came from what was once Ukranine, so we really don't know about his side of the family. I do suffer from pain syndromes, and migraines. So the question remains, is it nature, nurture, or genetic? More research is needed about Fibromyalgia!

Sources: (c) 2003 The Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org/)
http://www.arthritis.org/fibromyalgia-faqs-7.php
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02975/Treatment-of-Fibromyalgia.html

Detox Spas

2009-11-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

In my research I found that detox spas use a variety of techniques to de-toxing the body. They might provide choices of fasting, colonics,diets & spa treatments. Each program may vary widely so if your goal is to detox, check out the spa, their programs, the staff and support.

Here are some spas that may be of interest to you:

1. The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa, Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa
2. Elemental Embrace, 90 miles east of Toronto, Canada
3. We Care Spa, classic California detox spa.
4. Sanoviv Medical Institute, San Diego in Rosarito, Mexico
5. Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, Arizona desert south of Tucson
6. Hippocrates Health Institute, West Palm Beach, Florida
7. New Age Health Spa, Neversink, NY.
8. Red Mountain Spa , Ivins, Utah
9. Regency House Natural Health Spa, near Fort Lauderdale, FL
10. The Greenhouse, Dallas, TX

From a Mother's Prospective, I was talking to my neighbor and her friends who recently visited a spa in Utah. All four friends went together to enjoy the massages, long walks, and healthy food without the detox option. They were women after my own heart when they brought in red wine and chocolate after a few days. Unlike daughter who is unable to drink much alcohol due to some of the symptoms that accompany Fibromyalgia, I'm convinced that one must drink some red wine and eat 78% dark chocolate to provide the antioxidants that I need on a daily basis. I'd have to request "detox light" on my spa visit. Maybe I save the money and spa at home. To learn more about detox spas, check out these links!

http://spas.about.com/od/bestspasbyspecialty/a/detoxspas.htm
http://mindbodyfitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/holistic_retreats
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/spas_and_lifestyle/article3104377.ece
http://www.spastay.com/detox-treatments.php

Clay Bath

2009-11-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

Over the last few days we have established that air we breathe, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the water we drink, bathe in, or shower in may flood our body with toxins causing a variety of health imbalances to occur. The symptoms from these health imbalances are a combined result of the damaging effects upon the body by the toxins, and the body's attempt to convert the toxins into nontoxins or remove the toxins from the body. When the body can do neither of these effectively, the body will often store many of these toxins in body tissue (especially fat cells).

Taking a bath in a mixture of water and clay can help rid a person's body of various excess metals that the person's body might be storing (such as excess aluminum, copper, or nickel). Clay baths can also help to rid the body of certain pesticides as well. Clay molecules are mostly negatively charged, so they act like magnets. Clay molecules pull and hold many metals and pesticides (which are positively charged). So, if someone takes a bath in water mixed with clay, many of the excess metals and pesticides that are in the person’s body will be pulled out of the person's body, and they will "stick to" the clay molecules (that are in the bathwater). So taking a bath in water and clay is a very effective (and fast) way to rid a person's body of many excess metals and harmful pesticides. Some types of clays that can be used for this purpose are:

1) Kaolin – This is a type of white clay that will pull heavy metals and various pesticides out of the body.
2) Illite – This is a type of clay that was named for the United States state of Illinois. One of the most well-known types of illite is glauconite, which is a type of green clay. Glauconite will pull heavy metals and various pesticides out of the body.

3) Smectite – This is the best type of clay for pulling heavy metals and various pesticides out of the body, because each molecule of smectite can pull out and hold more heavy metals than the other types of clay. The most common type of smectite clay that is used to detoxify the body is the type known as "montmorillonite". Two types of montmorillonite are "Fullers earth" and "bentonite". Bentonite clay is a type of volcanic ash.

People can often buy powdered bentonite clay (and other types of powdered clays) at health food stores and natural food supermarkets. However, many types of cat litter are made from montmorillonite clay, and cat litter is much less expensive than buying clay at health food stores and natural food supermarkets.

It is recommend that you DO NOT buy "scented" cat litter to take a bath in, because the chemicals used to "scent" it, may be harmful to bathe in. The "unscented" version is made only of clay (and nothing else). So I recommend that you ONLY buy "unscented" cat litter to take a bath in. For example, the cat litter listed below, that is made by the brand known as "Publix" packages their "scented" version of cat litter in a pink bag, and their "unscented" version of cat litter in a purple bag. You would want to buy their "unscented" version, which is in the purple bag.

With that in mind, here's how to take a clay bath to pull many of the excess metals and pesticides out of your body, once a week, for three weeks.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURE:

Bathing or soaking in green or bentonite clay can detox the body by gently drawing out heavy metals and other toxins. Since detox bathing can be somewhat draining for the body, it is recommend that you lighten the toxic load by eating a very light, simple diet in advance of the detox bath and drinking plenty of water. Refrain from eating heavy fried foods, sugars, white refined flour or white sugar products, baked goods, desserts, heavy dairy products, and rich foods, for at least five to seven days in advance of your healing clay bath so that your body can more easily receive -- and process -- its benefits.

The amount of clay to be added depends on how strong you want the detox bath to be. A useful rule of thumb is to use 10 to 12 cups if you are suffering from a chronic illness, such as toxic metal poisoning. For a more relaxing bath, use between one and five cups of clay. Experiment with the amount and see which one suits you best. Repeat this procedure every week, for three weeks to six weeks.

1) First, you will need to powder the clay, so it will mix with water effectively. You can do this by putting some of this clay in a blender. Don't add any water to it. Just put it directly from the bag of cat litter into the blender. Blending the dry cat litter for a minute or two will turn the little “rocks” of clay into powdered clay. Now the clay is ready to use, to take a clay bath.

2) Before going to sleep at night, put about six cups (one and a half liters) of this powdered clay into a bath-tub full of warm water. Then use your hands to mix the clay and the water together, so it becomes muddy water.

3) Then lie in the bathtub for about thirty minutes. The more of your body that is touching the water and clay (the muddy water), the more excess metals and pesticides will be pulled out of your body. You might even want to let your hair be under the water for a little while, to encourage excess metals and pesticides to be pulled out of that part of your head.

4) After lying in the bathtub for about thirty minutes, drain the water and clay out of the bathtub. Since the clay is powdered, it generally doesn't clog the drain.

5) Rinse the clay off of your body using soap and water (either by taking a shower, or taking a bath).

6) The clay pulls out not only excess metals and pesticides, but also certain valuable minerals as well (such as calcium and magnesium). To put some calcium and magnesium back into your body, you might wish to take four pills of Nature's Plus “Cal/Mag Mineral Supplement with Whole Foods”, or eight pills of Nature's Plus "Children's Chewable Calcium Supplement".

7) After taking the calcium/magnesium supplement pills,go to sleep. During the night, your body will put much of the calcium and magnesium back into the areas of your body where the clay had previously removed some of these minerals.

From a Mother's Prospective, before I would suggest this for daughter, I would try it a using a minimum measure of clay to see how I feel afterward. Then increase the amount of clay with every bath until I reach the suggested dose. I googled "Clay Bath" to find there are many vendors selling clay bath mixtures if you don't want to "do it yourself". To read the complete articles for an in-depth discussion, go to:

http://www.abundanthealth.ws/htryboct.htm
http://www.body-and-sole-detox.com/Healing-Clay.html
http://www.eytonsearth.org/clay-baths.php
http://www.healingclaybaths.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Detox-Clay-Baths---Using-Bentonite-Clay-Baths-For-Detoxification&id=1443870
http://www.naturalnews.com/022674_clay_water_mercury.html

Bee Venom Toxins and Fibromyalgia

2009-11-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

This caught my eye while researching toxins and Fibromyalgia. We've heard about taking honey for various problems, but Bee venom toxins are new to me. Here is the introduction to BVT andFibromyalgia.

"I have been using BVT to treat Fibromyalgia, a health problem similar to arthritis, but mainly affecting the connective tissues in the muscles. It causes wide-spread pain, stiffness, and soreness throughout the body. Another debilitating symptom is extreme lethargy and fatigue. There is no known cure for Fibromyalgia, therefore physicians are able to offer only a degree of pain management to the patient. This is often through physical therapy, diet, and prescription medication. I tried diet and medication to control my pain, but unfortunately neither were very effective. I finally decided that this ailment was something that I would simply have to live with. Thank goodness I was wrong! The Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis gave me renewed energy right from the start and helped to reduce the pain then I made the decision to start with BVT. "

From a Mother's Prospective, we've been reading about clearing the body of as many toxins as possible to assist in the reduction of fibromyalgia symptoms. Here's a therapy introducing a toxin into the body. Very interesting read! Read about this unusual treatment; http://www.dancingbeeacres.com/bvtforfibro.html

Just Do It!

2009-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

I remember when Nancy Regan's motto was "Just Say No!" It was all about drugs, just say no! In the past when I need my spouse to assist me in a project, he'd give me 100 reasons why he could not possibly help. I'd respond "Quit giving me excuses, stop whining and just do it." Happily, that worked about 75% of the time. Pretty good for dealing with a procrastinator ! It works about 50% of the time as he gets older. He's too tired, too busy, too sleepy, too rushed, etc. You get the idea!

Recently, I've adopted a new response for daughter and I. Many times when we want to go somewhere we talk ourselves out it because it's so hard to get out the door. I have to take a shower, brush my teeth,put on make-up, pick an outfit to wear, and then it may be too late, I might feel too tired, too sick, too rushed, etc. Same old, same old!

Recently, I've developed a list of things to help me get out the door in twenty minutes. They are:
Get up1/2 hour earlier. Eat something. 5 minutes
Take a 5 minute shower. (no lollygagging in the shower even if it feels incredable).
Brush teeth, save the flossing for nighttime. Follow with mouth wash. 5 minutes
Feed my face with mosturizer, and put a little blush on cheeks, and lip tint on lips.
Get dressed and get in the car and drive. 5 minutes
Show up!

From a Mother's Perspective, to make this happen, everything I need is close at hand. I have picked out 2 casual outfits that include jeans or cords that I may choose from for a quick get away and daughter or hubby is taking care of puppy. If puppy joins in, add an additional 5 minutes. Yep, getting the little fellow out the door take a few minutes. He needs grooming too!

Just Do it!

2009-11-05T10:17:00.001-08:00

Your Beautiful Body

2009-11-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Understanding how your beautiful body works can help you understand how toxins affect your body. Understanding nutrition and how your body works is a real plus. Let's go back to our science class of many years ago.

Let's begin this discussion with eating, my favorite pasttime. When you put something in your mouth it follows a pathway through the body by way of the stomach, intestines, and then out. The substance has not entered your body until it gets absorbed. So food must be absorbed by your body before it is beneficial or harmful.

Toxins enter the body through the skin, through the nose and mouth (what you breathe in, what you put in your mouth.) When you eat food, no matter how good it is for you, and you don't digest it, it will stay in your intestines and rot. (Yuk!) You will get toxins from the rotting food. If you take a shower in tap water without a filter on the shower, your skin, heated by the water will absorb of toxins from the tap water, like chlorine, chemicals).

The body is efficient at eliminating toxins, if it is not overwhelmed. If you eat a normal diet, take antibiotics, take legal and illegal drugs, shower in unfiltered tap water, and eat the wrong foods, the toxins really add up. So the body's systems responsible for keeping you safe from toxins become overloaded, ie under attack. The lymphatic system is another system. It needs exercise to rid toxins and assist the system to function properly. The more you move or exercise helps it eliminate dead cells, bacteria, viruses, etc. (Cancer cells are part of this.) If it gets clogged, the toxins build up.

So, the key to a healthy body is having a clean, toxin free, digestive system, Some folks clean the colon with cleansing herbs to remove the toxins. The immune system will get a huge boost when you free up the storage area in the large intestines. As you age, you have less stomach acid causing foods that are not digested to end up around your stomach and sit in your intestines and rot, creating huge amounts of toxins.

Some folks suggest the following

   1) Drink lots of quality water and take a multivitamin daily
   2) Take Betaine HC, a Activator, a digestive enzyme and a probiotic
   3) Take a cleansing blend for about 3 months to clean the colon.
   4) Take dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) daily to rid the body of free radicals.

From a Mother's Prospective, and put very simply, eat natural foods as fresh vegies and fruits. Eat no junk foods, processed foods with additives and preservatives. (that's a hard one). Drink plenty of water, no soda, caffeine or alcoholic beverages. (Carbonation leaches the bones of calcium)Take a bath daily. Have enough fiber in your diet so you will move your bowels everyday. Daughter and I take a fish oil pill and Emergen-C daily. She adds a probiotic and garlic pill. Now we both are considering Cal-Mag Liquid Daily. She needs it for fibro and I need it to rebuild bones. Taking good care of oneself is a good feeling!

How does water wash the toxins out of your body?

2009-11-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Your lymphatic system is filled with a good portion of the water in your body. Your body takes the toxins and ferries them to the lymph system where they travel slowly to your excretory system to be removed from the body as waste. This system is very slow on its own, which is why massage and exersize, which expidite this process, can be so beneficial to our overall health. Toxins are unfortunately a part of our daily lives. Think of pollution, pesticides, cigarettes, bad water and harmful cleaning products these are a few of the many sources of toxins that can cause our bodies to breakdown.

One way to naturally detox your body is through exercise. Faithfully following an exercise plan will help you both release toxins through sweating but also increase
the level of oxygen in the blood. This will provide you a higher level of energy
and improve concentration. An oxygenated bloodstream will also help your body release toxins more easily.

Making changes to your diet will also improve your body's ability to release toxins. Vitamin C has been proven to stimulate the production of glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins. Fiber has also been shown to be beneficial in the detoxification process too.

Another great way to detox your body is through fasting. Not only does fasting allow your body to purge built-up toxins and waste, but it also helps making your metabolism more efficient and allows you to absorb more nutrients from the food you're eating. Fasting is not that easy, but it is still considered as one of the most efficient ways to naturally release toxins from the body.

From a Mother's Prospective, the computer is a valuable resource to learn about toxins that affect my daughter, you and I as well. To learn more about removing toxins from your body, go the sites I visited.
They are: http://wiki.answers.com/ and http://ezinearticles.com/.

Benefits of Calcium Magnesium Liquid

2009-11-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

While researching information on Calcium Magnesium Liquid, my daughter found a webpage that discusses the benefit of the product. Many folks with Fibro suffer from acid reflux, IBS, Digestive problems, Muscle spasms, etc. The list goes on and on, so check out http://www.doctorajadams.com/CalMagCrystals.html

Another site discusses the benefits of a similar product as well, which I found especially interesting for those of us with some bone loss. To check out this article go to:

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-Liquid-Calcium-Magnesium---Find-out-What-is-Liquid-Calcium-Magnesium&id=713803

From a Mother's Prospective, a calcium-magnesium product that doesn't cause digestion distress is good for my daughter in her quest toward better health, and good for me, as I need to build and protect my bones, As Martha Stewart would say " It's a good thing!"

How to Eliminate Toxins From Your Body

2009-11-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

Since my last post have been about biotoxins, I wanted to find a starting point for reducing some of the toxins in our body. Here's one of the articles that has helpful suggestions.

From eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_5491060_eliminate-toxins-body.html

Step 1) Drink enough water. It is one of the best ways to flush out toxins. Most people do not drink enough water. It's estimated that fully 90% of us are dehydrated throughout the day. A lack of enough water leads to fatigue, headaches and a weakened immune system. Water is an essential part of the functioning of all vital organs and plays a great part in digestion, breathing and circulation.

Step 2) Exercise regularly. It's been mentioned so often that many have grown tired of hearing it. But the fact remains that the body needs activity. The cardiovascular, aerobic and strength training helps to control blood sugar, helps toward weight loss and helps eliminate toxins through sweating. A simple ten minute walk every day can have beneficial effects.

Step 3) Good health starts with good nourishment. Unfortunately, this is not easy to do in the fast paced society in which we live in. We feel we must eat on the run and we eat convenient foods which do little to provide the body with the nutrients to ward off disease. Today's store bought foods are depleted of the essential nutrients for good health. Additives, chemicals, pesticides and other unwholesome ingredients only serve to add to the toxic load of the body. For proper nourishment, 7 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day is required and few people ever achieve this goal. Fiber is an important element of good health as fiber can help cleanse the colon and fat cells of the harmful toxins that accumulate.

Step 4) Throughout life we form habits that are detrimental to health. Smoking, excessive drinking, skipping breakfast and not getting enough sleep all lead to the storage of poisons in our bodies. What the body cannot directly eliminate, it stores in fatty tissue. Smoking alone adds some 4000 chemicals, of which 50 are highly toxic. Living in an environment filled with pollutants is not easy to address, but steps can be taken to reduce their impact.

Step 5) Generally, the fatter you are, the more toxic you are. This requires regular cleansing. Fasting is one of the best ways to rid that extra fat as fat is the first source for energy when there is no food available. As fat is burned, the toxins are released. Sweat helps to release those toxins. So any sports activity or even a few hours in a sauna will help to eliminate many of the poisons. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are not the exclusive domain of injured athletes. Breathing pure oxygen has been shown to help speed healing as well as cleanse the body.

Step 6) Drugs are considered the first line of defense for everything that ails you. Unfortunately, many drugs contain chemicals that are foreign to the body and end up stored in fat. They may address the symptoms of a problem, but often create more problems. They do have their uses, but putting more foreign chemicals into the body will not help detoxify the body. When it comes to cleansing, seek out the help of a naturopathic doctor before resorting to drugs.

From a Mother's Perspective, my daughter feels better when she drinks a lot of water. The next day she hurts less. Since she takes a variety of meds, the water flushes out her liver and other vital organs of the body. Drinking clean water is a good thing for all of us, even if we do not have Fibromylgia!

Biotoxins and the Neurotoxic Membrane Syndrome

2009-10-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Who is Likely to Suffer from Exposure to Neurotoxins?

Posted by: Dr Ted Edwards on: February 25, 2009

http://fattyacids.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/biotoxins-neurotoxin-membrane-syndrome/#more-3

From my perspective as a Doctor, this is fairly easy to diagnose. Neurotoxic Membrane Syndrome is expressed in patients with Yeast/Fungal Infections and associated Allergies, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Heart Disease, Depression, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Diabetes – well the list goes on and on.

Each of these diseases is associated with inflammation which occurs when our cell membranes phospholipid structure is disrupted and weakened. This occurs when certain proteins clump (hypercoagulatin) together blocking the flow of blood and nutrients to the cells with the resultant impairment of cell-to-cell communmication.

Over the past 25 years during my study and research in the fields of metaphysics and quantum physics I’ve developed a BioEnergetic protocol for patients with neurotoxic illnesses. This BioEnergetic system provides clinically proven methods that help the body eliminate the ill effects of neurotoxicity healing the membrane as well as the mind-body.

Biotoxins are neurotoxins that adversely affect human neurologic function. Numerous organisms produce substances that are toxic to humans. The ones that I’ve found affect us most are from the thousands of mycotoxins produced by fungus family which includes yeast/candida and the various molds that so many of us react to. These reactions are often reffered to as allergies or sensitivities. Once our cell membranes are compromised it’s nearly impossible to eliminate biotoxins and soon chronic illness follows. Biotoxins and their ill effects, can be eliminated through our treatment protocol restoring good health.

From a Mother's Perspective, I want to know the treatment protocol for restoring good health.

Detoxication of Biotoxins in Chronic Neurotoxic Syndromes

2009-10-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here is an article, of which I have copied two paragraphs , written by John Foster, M.D., Patricia Kane, Ph.D., Neal Speight, M.D. Please click on the website and read the complete article on this subject, it becomes easier to read and understand, the more we research the subject.

"We have established a biomedical protocol in our clinics, The Haverford Wellness Center in Havertown, PA and The Center for Wellness in Charlotte, NC for patients with neurotoxic illness. Our biomedical approach is an attempt to reach the systemic nature of these tenacious neurotoxic syndromes and provide clinically proven methods that eradicate neurotoxins. Our course of action is that of freeing the patient of pervasive symptoms of neurotoxic illness in a noninvasive manner that heals the membrane, and ultimately the body and brain. The recent pioneering work of Ritchie Shoemaker, M.D., as communicated in his book Desperation Medicine and his peer reviewed papers (Shoemaker 2001), lends strong support to a connection between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, Pfiesteria infection and that of numerous Neurotoxic Syndromes."

Please click on the following to access the complete article:
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/general-environmental-health-articles/the-detoxx-system:-detoxification-of-biotoxins-in-chronic-neurotoxic-syndromes/

From a Mother's Perspective, it's another way to combat fibro!

Biotoxins, Neurotoxins or Biotoxin Illness

2009-10-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Biotoxins in the body of people that can't be naturally eliminated may cause exaggerated inflammatory response. More information on biotoxins may be found at http://www.biotoxin.info/. Their body of research and clinical experience has shown that a large majority, if not most cases of Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Sick Building Syndrome, Mold Exposure, Chronic Lyme Disease, Estuary Associated Syndrome, Ciguatera, and Pfiesteria all involve neurotoxins or /biotoxins. The list of biotoxin related illnesses is growing as research progresses. Fortunately, these are all treatable. I find this article and the information very interesting and something daughter and I might wish to discuss with a professional. You might have a few questions as you read the article, and might wish to continue research.

From a Mother's Perspective, it's an advantage for my daughter and I to know every possible or probable cause of fibromyalgia, and we'll leave no stone unturned. Won't you join us in learning more about biotoxins, neurotoxicity, and exaggerated inflamatory response in fibromyalgia? Let's discuss it!

Severe Chronic Illness due to Biotoxins

2009-10-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

There is a theory that links neurotoxins with chronic fatigue syndrome, lyme, fibromyalgia, MCS and other mystery illnesses. A treatment, that when taken for a short period of time, could benefit so many people who has suffered severe chronic illness due to biotoxins. This article published in 2002 by Patti Smith and is part of the ProHealth Library. It's a very interesting article that everyone with chronic illness should read. I have listed article one and two at the below. Has anyone tried this treatment and if so what were your results?

Article 1:

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/3990/

Article 2.:

http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=4291&t=CFIDS_FM

The Cheerful Caregiver

2009-10-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

As much as you like taking care of those you love, there are days when you, as a caregiver, might be less than cheerful. There are days the grass definately looks greener in your neighbor's yard, and you definately seem to be having an "off day" or several off days in a row. Caregiver strain might present itself in various forms. You might lose your cool easily. You might show your frustration with emotional outburst or feel a complicated range of emotions. You might feel depressed. You might need sleep but be unable to sleep and need professional assistance.

Caregivers in stress might show signs of boredom, might gain or lose weight, develop physical ailments, and feel as if you can't have social life due to the situation. You might need to ask for help from other family members or friends. Taking time out to get away for some "me" time, will help greatly. Taking care of your personal health will make you feel better as well.

Making a scrapbook of family pictures, go to a movie, joining a group whose activities you are interested in, create a webpage, and treat yourself to special care. Having a mini-vacation away from your caregiving duties each week, may be just the ticket that makes you return to the loveable person you were before becoming a caregiver.

From a caregiver's and Mother's Perspective, it's good for everyone, when the caregiver is given some care on a weekly basis.

Flu Shots, Swine Flu, & Fibromyalgia: Should Pain Patients Get Vaccinated

2009-10-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Daughter and I always get our flu shots, and are scheduled for another shot this year. But H1N1, I'm not quite sure that someone with Fibromyalgia or her caregiver should subject herself to an unknown agent. Especially when we really haven't had the time to test the innocualtion properly. I recently found this article at Health.com. Click on it, read it and share your views with me.

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20307863,00.html

From a Mother's Prospective, right here and now, Iit seems like a good idea. Who wants to suffer? From a Mothers Perspective, looking down the road toward the future, I worry about the lasting side effects of an unknown agent. Anyone have views to share? Won't you comment?

Photo: studentservices.uthscsa.edu

One Less Pain

2009-10-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

I recently read that in 2006, the FDA approved an extended cycle birth control pill. When reading about this I wondered whether this product is safe. However, having one less thing to worry about with Fibro seems good to me. I understand that there is no evidence that women need periods. My great grandmother had 16 children and only lost one child. She had very few periods, except between pregnancies. Knowing that would lead me to believe there would be no health problems by taking a pill to skip monthly bleeding, cramps and everything associated with one's monthly period. Taking an extended cycle birth control pill to improve the quality of one's life seems like a good thing. Think about having only 3 or 4 periods a year.Of coarse, I'm not thinking about this product for birth control. I'm viewing the product as an answer for having one less problem. One less thing for women having Fibromyagia. I'm viewing it as a medication to aleve pain and suffering.

From a Mother's Prospective, extended cycle birth control pill seems like a good thing to me, especially if the product is a non-ovulatory pill. Has anyone tried this and if so, how is working for you?

“

The Good Days

2009-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

I know that I may appear selfish! In fact, I'll admit that I am selfish where my daughter is concerned. When she has "good day/s" free from fibromyalgia pain and symptoms, I'm ready to hit the door running with daughter in tow. I want her to enjoy the feeling of "normal", meaning like it was before fibromyalgia.

If she feels like driving, I want to push her out the door, alone or with a friend, to enjoy all the activities that she has always enjoyed and send her away from an octogenerian like me. If a friend is not available on a moments notice, I want us to hit the door running with a list of activities she wants to accomplish, or not! It's her decision, her day without Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Yes, I'm selfish! When fibromyalgia and/or it's ugly symptoms decide to take a rest, I want my daughter to enjoy her day, morning, afternoon, night just by being herself and living life anyway she wishes. God grant her, and those suffering more "good days."

Another F Word

2009-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Think about now.
Think about today.
Think about tommorrow.
What do all these days have in common?
Your fibromyalgia is a constant.
But what about the rest of your life, the people, places and things that change everyday?

I love the quote by Robert Hastings:

"Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip."

From a Mother's Perspective, (future tense), the trip of life is everchanging.
Even with fibromyalgia one must find something to enjoy everyday.
Something to look forward to with great curosity and hope toward the future.
Yep, that's the other F word...the future!

*Photo taken from Flicker-"Fantasy Snow".

The "F" Word

2009-10-14T23:57:00.000-07:00

Think about it.
What would you consider to be the perfect day?
Sunshine,warm weather, or skiing at a mountain resort?
Would it be a day and night out having fun with your favorite friends with no worries.
Would it be a day and night free from fibromyalgia symptoms?
Would it be a night free of fibro symptoms, where you can do anything you wish with no concerns about
fibromyalgia triggers?

How about 24 whole hours free from talking, thinking, medicating for or having to explain about fibromyalgia.
24 whole hours, "normal", like it used to be before Fibromyalgia?
Or would it be you asking someone else about their lives, wishes, dreams and accomplishments?
Would it be having sometime "off " without experiencing one thought or explaination about fibro?

From a Mother's Prosepective, let's get greedy and think about maybe 2 days with out the "F word".
Imagine that!

2009-10-13T00:05:00.001-07:00

Good Things...

2009-10-12T23:21:00.001-07:00

Good Things....
Technology: IPod Touch & Blackberry (email, lists, weather, etc. Everything a fibro patient needs to stay on top of their lives, might that include stress, when to take meds or reminders during days of "fibrofog".
High Thread Count sheets: (less drag and/or body shock)
Clothing: Modal, ultra soft cotton, bamboo, silk, cashmere, etc. No hard, itchy fibers to aggravate the body and cause fibro flare. Quality or quantity. Darn, forced into luxury.
High SPF like 100+
Apple Computer-PC monitors cause nausea
Her Yorkie for petting, unconditional love, snuggling at any time.
Norwegian Fish Oil Pills-Energy and muscle lubrication
Emergen'C and Airborne- because being sick just sucks!
J Crew Minnie Pants with two way stretch for comfort since sweat pants.
Uggs...no socks! Cold feet just won't do it!
Leather Driving loafers -flexible, light and fits like a second skin.
Soft form fitting t-shirts: especially Gap Body, James Perse, Theory & Old Navy. These brands tend to move the best with her body. They can be repeatedly worn and washed yet still keep their tailored shapm
e, softness and pill-free appearance. Plus, she has t-shirts she has worn since high school that still look new.
Jeans with stretch - because they do
Books, Book, Books-because sometimes she just needs to excape
Air Optix Contact Lense-solves the whole dry eye problem
Adidophilus Pearls- so fiber won't cramp her style!

From a Mother's Prospective: It's all good!

Tell me what things work for you? What makes a difference in dealing with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia in your life? What works for you?

Fibromyalgia Merchandise

2009-10-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

From a Mother's Prospective, and as a primary caregiver of a person having this disorder, I feel it is my honor and duty to share my personal experience and observations about Fibromyalgia. The more we share, compare, research and become active in the educating the public, the greater hope their is for a cure.

At Fibromyalgia Network, I found that there are small items that we may purchase, and freebes that we can use to alert others about Fibromyalgia.
http://www.fmnetnews.com/resources-awareness.php

I'm not pushing any company, nor do I receive anything from the site financially. I just want to share this with you. I don't personally have a problem with handing out bookmarks and will order them with a donation. Purple wristbands start conversations, and pins work the same way. Here's the list:

Removable Decals

These amazing 5.5-by-8.5 inch, removable static charged decals adhere to virtually any smooth surface including windows, doors, and walls without any sticky residue. Most people looking at the colorful photo will wonder: Why is the woman colorless? That's when their curiosity leads them to read the top caption, "You don't look sick and no one can see your pain, it's easy to feel invisible ..." Then hopefully people will read the three simple statements below the photo. The decal is designed to convey a "picture" of your life with fibromyalgia without forcing the public to read about your illness. Available decal packs:

•3 removable decals for $
•6 removable decals for $10
•10 removable decals for $15

Purple Wristbands

The silicone wristbands are debossed with "Fibromyalgia –It's REAL." Order one for yourself and anyone close to you who understands your frustrations. The goal is to get people to see the wristband and ask a question or two about fibromyalgia. Every bit of public education helps! The wristbands are fun and inexpensive:

•3 wristbands for $5
•6 wristbands for $9

Car Magnets

These 3 7/8-by-8 inch magnets offer an easy and convenient way to spread awareness as you and/or your family members drive around town:

             •1 car magnet for $4
             •3 car magnets for $7

Awareness Bookmarks
For 15 free Awareness bookmarks send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with first-class postage to:

Fibromyalgia Network,
PO Box 31750,
Tucson, AZ 85751

Awareness Posters
These 18-by-24 inch, full-color posters will stand out in a crowd. The posters can be hung at health fairs, library booths, May 12 Awareness events, support group meetings, or various gatherings to remind everyone that "Fibromyalgia –It's REAL"

•1 poster and 10 bookmarks for $6
•5 posters and 25 bookmarks for $10

Awareness Pins

These 1.5-inch colorful round pins are small enough to wear on a lapel, but bright enough to raise awareness:

•5 pins and 10 bookmarks for $4
•10 pins and 10 bookmarks for $6

If you know of other sites offering Fibromyalgia items, please share! After all, we're in this together!

Painting the Town

2009-10-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

On a "good day", daughter and I go out and about to catch-up on errands and see what's going on in our fair town. Usually a friend or acquaintance will see us out and remark how good she looks. She says "Thank you" and then comes the usual question "how are you doing?" She has learned to say "about the same", but in reality friends need to become aware of her words. Listen, watch for the signs, listen carefully to what she is saying, and how she is saying it.

Daughter is out with us, walking around, enjoying being away from the house but on the inside, she may be thinking about different things She has to push herself to go out, knowing that she may be overcome with nausea at any moment. She may feel like she is going to faint one minute, and not know if she can make it to the car. Once in the car, can she take the ride home?

One some days, she can outlast me, full of energy, shopping the whole day and wanting to have dinner at her favorite restaurant. She sinply cannot finish a restaurant dinner, because overstuffing might make her sick. She has learned to eat, take home a "doggy bag". She learned to plan an activity right after she eats, so she won't get sick or nausous on the car ride home. Sometimes, we walk to a bookstore nearby. Sometimes we can wallk around town, going in stores that are open into the early evening so that her food may settle enough for her to stand to ride in the car. And then there is the pain. It never goes away. She has learned to manage the pain, and it may ebb and flow.

Medically, daughter is a healthy person! Emotionally, she is a happy person, but she has a disorder. She has been suffering from Fibromyalgia symptoms for a very long time. If you're talking to her and she sounds happy, she usually is. She may be tired or in pain. She may be sick and weak. But she has learned to cope and she may sound happy and better! Note, she is not better! She may be feeling better than she did 5 minutes ago, but she is not better. When you or I say 'better', we think that the disorder is going away. "Better" for her, is different. Better for her means better than 5 minutes ago, 1 hour ago, or until she has to go to bed. Better is everchanging for her. She has some energy, she feels better, right this minute because she is not weak, her pain is at a "3" not a "7" or "10".

From a Mother's Prospective, I see Fibromyalgia like being pregnant, you are not sick, you are pregnant. You are at the mercy of your body and you can't do anything about it for 9 months. However, pregnancy ends with a precious baby, and Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia has found a home and is here to stay, sister!

Chemo Therapy and Fibromyalgia

2009-10-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

She can't unwrap a wound to show how much she hurts. If she could, you would be very concerned. You would want take her to the emergency room of your local hospital immediately. You would question if she would live. You would begin to understand the type of pain she suffers and that this fibromyalgia disorder inflicts.

My daughter suffers from something you can't see. There is no cure, and the pain will silently affect her life forever. She is a beautiful young girl. She looks good because you don't see her pain and suffering. Her pain is real and debilitating. She will suffer forever, sometimes more than others, there is no escape. Our neighbor said daughter's pain is like the chemo therapy and symptoms my neighbor experiences. Daughter's body burns, stings, and hurts in the same way. She is nausous, and sick on her stomach. Her body is hot, and she wants to throw up. Sometimes she can't bear it, and it's worse because you can’t see it and do not understand.

Live, Laugh and Love

2009-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

"Don't sweat the small stuff; what doesn't matter doesn't matter. Laugh every day even if it is at yourself. And love like there is no tomorrow!" ~FlyLady (http://www.flylady.net/)

I've used FlyLady's tips for years. She gives tips for for cleaning your house and keeping it together. My problem was that I did all the cleaning and the family did all of the messing up. That gets old! However, flylady's tips are right on target as far as my life goes. While both daughter and I are Type A personalities, we have tried to "let go" and letting go can slip from having it all together to complete loss of control. So we've had to step back and find that middle ground.

Isn't that true in many areas of our lives, finding that middle ground. With daughter it's her meds. She takes just a little to get her by or goes full throttle to just making that pain GO AWAY. Fibromyalgia does not understand the word moderation so taking the meds as needed is in itself moderation. Finding that middle ground is good in so many areas of our lives.

So, from a Mother's Prospective now and in the future the game plan is exactly what FlyLady says "Don't sweat the small stuff; what doesn't matter doesn't matter. Laugh, even if it is at yourself. And love like there is no tomorrow!" Daughter, I love you just the way you are, now, in the future, always! Let's laugh and love today.

The Fly Lady says .....

2009-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Flylady, at http://www.flylady.net/, says " You can do anything for 15 minutes except whine." Instead of complaining what I'd rather be doing, I do 15 minutes of reading a book, cleaning my house,walking around the neighborhood or whatever. Anything except whining. Daughter and I agree to do this together, most the time! And Flylady can give me a few ideas, should I run out of my own!

From a Mother's Prospective, not whining is a good thing, for both of us!

Type A - Overachiever or Perfectionist?

2009-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have a "Type A" personality. I have always been a perfectionist and an overachiever. My daughter is Type A, as well. Her perfectionist personality puts mine to shame, but she is a great organizer. Maybe being a Type A personality contributed to her fibro. She was a runner and pushed her body constantly. Running was a great way to relieve stress and she enjoyed it. I believe running assisted in holding off fibromyalgia for years.

Daughter and I are overachievers, and "A" students. Possibly the stress of being a high achieving student was a contributing factor to fibromyalgia in making the illness worse. When my daughter learned to read and spell, there was no stopping her. She picked both up quickly and read all the time. We made trips to the library constantly to get more books. But math was a different story. When her teacher introduced math, my little daughter cried, because she didn't understand it. Math definatly was not my fav subject, especially trig. When I found something that I could do well, I would strive to be the best at it. Did she inherit the Type A personality or did she pattern after me?

So why did daughter get fibromyalgia and not I? Was it the lyme disease she picked up in the second grade? Was that the starting point? Or did I raise my daughter to be Type A and her body could not handle it. Was it the bump on her head that scared her brain when she was a baby? Did it start there? No one really knows for sure.

Thankfully, both daughter and I have learned to take a step back. If the house is not spotless, and chores have not been completed on time, so what? We both have learned to say no, and not worry about being "people pleasers." Instead, we have learned that the world will not cave in without us and we enjoy our personal live's more. I have learned that I must stop my 'Type A" ways, so that I won't influence daughter or stress her out. Have I been 100% successful? No, but I'm trying, and daughter is helping me!

Photo: http://www.columbiabasin.edu/images/reg_personality-type.jpg

2009-10-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, It was cool today when I woke up. When I placed my warm feet onto a very cold floor, I decided to turned on the heat just enough to take the chill off the room. Puppy didn't want to get out of his bed, even for a treat. When a dog turns down a treat, you know he's angry, threatened, sick or a complete drama king. Our little boy excels in drama. He huffs when we are disturbing him for some reason, mainly when we hold back treats or wake him. Today was no exception, he was cold and huffed when I took him downstairs to do his business. And while he is taking care of business, you'd better not look, he'll stop progress and make you wait for him. Pretty pushy for a 6 1/2 pound puppy.

Facing Fall!

2009-09-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

We hate to see the summer go, but the beautiful trees, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday loom just ahead. Daughter and I had a great time shopping today, even though Fibro pain was trying to ruin her day. On the positive side, as long as she has strength, and is not nausous, she has meds for pain.

After a lot of days in pain, and weakness in a row, it was great to see her full of energy, as we just shopped and ran errands all afternoon until evening. Packages to mail, purchases of fall clothing, GNC supplements, month end sales, halloween and fall decorations All the activities were close to home should we need to end out shopping spree and home quickly. Tommorrow is library book returns, and finishing up in areas we skipped today.

From a Mother's Prospective, maybe cooler day's and nights won't be draining on my daughter, so that we can get out and enjoy our fall weather. Today we talked about my childhood memories of celebrating fall at my aunt's and uncle's home on acres of land in North Carolina. A huge bond fire was built and the extended family and cousins would gather. The mom's brought side side dishes, and us children helped to haul wood to keep the fire going, and then ate everything we could stuff in our faces. We'd run around in all that fresh air. We'd run around until we were tired, then end the night with smores followed by quick baths, a change of clothing into PJ's. We'd all fall asleep in the car on the way home, and were guided or carried to our beds..What a shock to wake up in our beds, after a fun Friday or Saturday night with the relatives.

Hopefully, I can help daughter and I find activities to look back on years from now and not let Fibromyalgia get in the way! Maybe some outdoor activities.

Dr. Oz on Fibromyalgia

2009-09-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

It had to finally happen! The September Issue of Oprah Magazine had an article on Fibromyalgia. Dr. Oz analyzed the different treatments for fibromyalgia!

First, he defined fibromyalgia as a condition of the central nervous system, instead of a disorder of the musculoskeletal system as previously diagnoised by physicians. Then, he listed symptoms as increased sensitivity to pain, achy and stiff joints, fatigue and specific tender points on the body. Common complaints associated with fibromyalgia included miagraines, sleep disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. He stated that 3% of the population suffer from fibromyalgia, but with no clear cause, the condition is difficult to diagnose.

The article included different treatments plans. They are the Western Medicine Approach, Energy Based Approach, Phychological Approach, and a Nutrition-Based Approach. To read the article go to oprah.com/omagextras . My daughter feels that she has discovered what works for her by trial and error, and that her treatment includes a little bit of each approach he mentioned.

From a Mother's Perspective, what ever works, works no matter how one names the approach! Way to go Oprah!

Weather changes and Fibro

2009-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

Today my daughter remarked that we all are just people wanting to be heard. Have you heard talk radio or seen shows on the television where everyone speaks at the same time trying to drown each other's voice so they may make their point? The whole world is on fast forward as folks talk with their blue tooth in their ear, and their computer in hand where ever they go. Folks text at the dinner table (very bad form!), and even talk with a bluetooth tucked into their ear as they eat their dinner. Everyone is multitasking at the same time.

Around our house, we multitask as well, sometimes all speaking at the same time, or repeat the same thought over and over, especially when daughter has fibro fog and can't remember what she said 10 minutes ago. While that is not uncommon for a first generation baby boomer like myself, or for anyone in today's busy world, it's annoying for her.

During the last few days she has been suffering from weather related symptoms. Pressure from weather changes as we ease into fall. This summer was so much of a relief that we hate to see cold weather approach. Luckily, there is a lot of activities during the fall that we might enjoy ! A two hour train ride thru the area to peak at the turning of the fall leaves, pumpkin pancakes any time of the day, rummage sales, pumpkin picking, and shopping for a few pieces of winter clothing, fall make-up! Maybe tommorow will be a better day!

Man's Best Friend

2009-09-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

Daughter has always wanted a dog. She loves dogs and dogs love her. I had a dog in my childhood, but it wasn't mine, it was the family pet. A boxer who was not cared for in the correct manner. No room to run, no walks around the neighborhood. She wasn't socialized and was such a wild dog, that we gave her to a nearby farmer who had the room to roam that she required.

When Fibromyalgia struck daughter's doctor suggested a dog to help her through it. So, for the first since childhood I gave dog ownership my full attention, knowing that animals give unconditional love, and that they have a healing impact on the human being. She decided on a Yorkshire Terrier, and we've never looked back. The little guy stole our hearts and souls, and my daughter has never regretted her choice. Neither have I!

Why do animals mean so much to us? How does petting them make them feel so loved and how does that action make one feel so much better? I know that doctors recognize and accept the healing impact animals have on human beings. I read recently that simply thestroking of a pet, such as a dog or cat, can actually lower heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Even watching fish in an aquarium creates similar effects. It is both soothing and meditative. I believe that it's a God given relationship affecting both human and animal. If it was up to me, I'd have four or five more. Literally, a pack of puppies.

A new book on the healing power of dogs is called "The Paws and Effect of Dogs". I haven't read it yet, but intend to. To learn more about it go to:http://www.amazon.com/Paws-Effect-Healing-Power-Dogs/dp/1593500386#

Out Sick with a Bug!

2009-09-16T20:05:00.001-07:00

Unable to blogg at this time...still down sick with a bug!

Resting

2009-09-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

From a Mother's Perspective, I've noticed that my daughter has learned to listen to her body and resting has helped her to reduce pain. She has learn to stop and rest after busy activities by lying down with eyes closed in a quiet environment. Reading a book or watching TV while enjoyable, it's not rest for body, mind and soul. Lying down and tuning into her body works when she takes the time to do it. I've also noticed that her outlook on life improves when she is rested and when she has had a good night sleep. If she is awake all night or even part of the night, the next day is difficult. During the day, she sometimes feels better by taking a "walk break". Sitting for long periods of time makes her back hurt so taking walk around the house or outdoors gives her body a break. Stretching helps to lessen her aches and pains in her lower back. Resting and having a quiet, peaceful homelife helps lesson the degree of pain. How do you schedule your day and handle your fibro symptoms?

30 Things About My Daughter's Invisible Illness You May Not Know

2009-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Thru Chronic Babe I found out about the upcoming National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, Sept 14-18, 2009 at http://www.invisibleillness.com/. Folks are encouraged to place these statements anywhere they wish,so I'm sharing this information with you, dear readers. I'm sure that you have answers of your own to the same questions.

1. The illness my daughter lives with is: Fibromyalgia
2. She was diagnosed with it in the year: 2004
3. But she had symptoms since: middle school
4. The biggest adjustment she had to make was accepting the fact that her life was not going to progress as she had planned, ie goals, dreams, carreer.
5. Most people assume because she looks good, she feels good. ie Invisible pain
6. The hardest part about mornings are wondering how her day will progress. Will it be a good day or painful day?
7. Her favorite medical TV show is the discovery channel.
8. A gadget she couldn’t live without is my blackberry
9. The hardest part about nights are the pain and trying to get comfortable.
10. Each day I take _7_ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please)
11. Regarding alternative treatments she'll try anything once.
12. If she had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: invisible
13. Regarding working and career .... what work and career? Fibro too severe to work.
14. People would be surprised to know:
15. The hardest thing to accept about her new reality has been I can't be the "workaholic" I loved. Enjoying a job and achieving the goals of the job.
16. Something she never thought she could do with my illness that I did was come as far along as she has.
17. The commercials about her illness don't apply to her, they didn't work.
18. Something she really miss doing since she was diagnosed is sports and running.
19. It was really hard to have to give up being self-suffcient.
20. A new hobby she has taken up since her diagnosis is photography and playing with puppy.
21. If she could have one day of feeling normal again she would stay up 24 hours with her friends without having to worry how she would feel afterwards, pain, fibrofog, nausea, etc.
22. Her illness has taught me that I a not like everyone else.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under her skin is "You look good".
24. But she loves it when people treat her normally and not like a broken doll.
25. Her favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is "Adversity only makes you stronger.
26. When someone is diagnosed she'd like to tell them listen to your body and not your doctors, everyone presents with fibro differently.
27. Something that has surprised her about living with an illness is her pain threshold.
28. The nicest thing someone did for her when she wasn’t feeling well was bringing my puppy to me to cuddle and love.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because my daughter has fibromyalgia.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel that many of you have the same problems as my daughter.

Loving Oneself

2009-09-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror. Respecting, and loving yourself will allow others to respect and love you as well.

Those who don't appreciate and love you for the person you are, need to move

along, so that you may surround yourself with those whose love you share. Think mutual admiration society.

Looking Ahead

2009-08-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

With Labor Day weekend approaching, back to school and indian summer ahead, I look ahead with a Mother's Prospective toward the upcoming seasons, and hope that daughter's symptoms are mild as the weather turns cooler. Looking back, this past summer has brought hope since my daughter was willing to pushed herself out of her "comfort zone", (can one even use that phrase "comfort zone" when speaking of Fibromyalgia), and decided to take advantage of the less humid, hot temperatures than we usually experience. Even Washington, DC seemed to hold back it's blast of humid, hot summer weather until after we passed through. I can only hope that this year will be milder than previous winters, less cold, fewer storms and weather patterns. With cooler weather maybe we can persue letterboxing with renewed interest.

Now in hurricane season, my daughter feels the pressure, then the pains of storms and hurricanes our country is experiencing. I still can't grasp this phenomenon, but her doctor has been a resource of discovery for me as I ride the road of fibro with my daughter. One thing is sure, and that is that each person experiences symptoms differently. In her practice, I found that she'll have one patient after another come in with the same symptoms on a certain day, right out of the blue. What do they all have in common, nothing but fibromyalgia.

How has this spring and summer been for you? How do you prepare yourself for the upcoming change in seasons?

Say Goodbye!

2009-08-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

As usual, when you think you've got it all together and people around you are beginning to understand that you live, walk and breathe fibromyalgia, you run across an idiot. A professional who doesn't have a clue. What about " I wake up in the morning hurting. I hurt all day, everyday and some days I don't know if I can live another day," do they not understand?

What about those people lucky enough to be able to work. When they tell you " I have Fibromyalgia and I can work, I don't know why you can't. Honey, live one hour with my daughter's load and you'll change your tune, sister. Fibromyalgia is, simply put, different for everyone. Don't take my word for it, google "Fibromyalgia" . Skip the ads that promise the world and move ahead to educational sites. There you meet those who understand. They are educated and are genuinely there to help people suffering with fibro every single day! No Fibromyalgia is not cancer. Cancer ends and fibro lives on and on, and on!

Then there are the symptoms that point in one direction for usual patients, and in several other directions for women and men suffering from fibromyalgia. A+B doesn't always equal C. Look, when you met the idiots, move on and leave them in the dust! They don't want to understand or grow. Say good-bye!

H1N1 and Fibromyalgia

2009-08-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

I abhor colds, sniffles, and flu type viruses. I faithfully get my flu shot the first day it's available and practice sound hand washing and disinfectant procedures during the year. My daughter does the same. This year, it sounds like we'll be getting three shots due to the swine flu or H1N1 this year.

I'm not a germaphobe, but I tend to gather less often with large numbers of people in enclosed places during the winter. Looking at all the possible symptoms ranging from fever and cough to pneumonia and respiratory failure, you can bet I'm going to stock up on antibacterial solutions containing high levels of alcohol, just to cover the possibilities.

From A Mother's Prospective, looking ahead toward the future fall and winter seasons, I'll have my hands full. While it's imperative that I encourage my daughter to to out and live a "normal " life whenever she is able, does she really need to be subjected to H1N1? I understand that most cases are not life threatening, however, does she need another virus to rage within her body? What are your views on Fibro and H1N1?

Hope

2009-08-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

I found an excerpt taken from "Parker Prosperity Program" a book that was in print many years ago. It stated that "Hope is a magic motivating ingredient! Hope applies to any product and service. Hope is a desire plus the expectation of obtaining what is desired plus the belief that it is obtainable. A person consciously reacts to that which to him, is desirable, believable and obtainable. Hope is a key ingredient of a positive mental attitude---provided you back it with courage, strong desire and unbounded faith!"

From a Mother's Perspective, Hope is that which helps my daughter and other's suffering from Fibromyalgia, have the courage to live each day to it's fullest. Hope is living each day with a strong desire for self-preservation, freedom from pain and the return to a "normal" life. Hope is the freedom to look ahead with unlimited faith toward an uncertain future where fibromyalgia being a thing of the past.

Pain Cocktail

2009-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

While suffering with fibromyalgia, my daughter has noticed that her symptoms tend to get worse with the change of seasons and during weather changes. My first thought was “can this really be true? Can weather changes, humidity, and changes in temperature cause her flare-ups? If so, why?"

During a visit to her rheumatologist, I learned that a large number fibromyalgia patients report their symptoms vary according to temperature changes, changes in air pressure, and changes in precipitation. These changes cause the patient to experience fatigue, headaches, muscle pain and an abundance of other symptoms. My thoughts immediately thought of change in air pressure during air travel. While my ears popped, and my body experienced the pressure of take-off and landing, I can only observe the results of how the change in air pressure affected her, and it wasn't pretty. She endures so much to travel, even under the best of circumstances, and with medication to assist her efforts, it hurts to the point of nausea.

I have learned that rapid changes in temperature can sometimes trigger a fibromyalgia flare or help to ease fibromyalgia pain. Cold weather tends to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse, while warmer weather tends to ease those troublesome symptoms. My daughter has experienced many troublesome symptoms however, extremely warm weather zaps her energy, along with changes in humidity. On beautiful sunny days, when the barometric pressure tends to be quite high, during a storm, when there is a weather front, or when the barometric pressure drops suddenly, she hurts from head to toe. Add to that rain, sleet, snow or hail and she experiences what I call “a pain cocktail.”

From a Mothers Perspective, my daughter was unable to leave the house last winter more than 6-8 times. One was a three day visit where the humidity caused her to hurt worse. The remaining were doctor appointments or brief errands. Imagine my relief when she has experienced a good spring and summer in ‘09 and enjoyed 2 mini vacations. Since our weather has been mild in PA, and other locations we visited, I know that must weather is indeed a factor in the life of anyone with fibromyalgia.

What are your symptoms when the weather changes or when you travel? Won't you share your experiences?

Photo courtsey of :http://www.drinkoftheweek.com/blog/2008-best-picture-cocktails/

Secrets of Traveling with Fibromyalgia- One Mother's Observations

2009-08-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

During a vacation we usually try to cram in as much of the local culture as possible by rising early and staying up later than usual. In the evening, activities such as a play, or a movie, may tempt us, as well as a walk along the board walk, shopping in interesting shops or other activities.

From a Mother's Perspective, when my daughter feels like going out, we drop everything and go! However, by observing her usual sleep habits I feel that she might feel better for the duration of her trip. Possibly by getting into bed at the same time nightly as she does at home and rising at the same time daily, she may feel better daily for the duration of our vacation.

Another thought is to limit coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate which contain caffeine and may prevent her from sleeping or sleeping soundly. My daughter limits consumption of caffeine and only uses it to assist her in pain reduction. When she needs pain medication or her medication is not relieving her pain, she consumes caffeine by drinking coffee or soft drinks. This keeps her from over medicating herself by taking meds too soon. This is especially helpful when you are away from home and have a limited amount of medication.

Occasionally during the day my daughter must sleep when she is in deep pain. It hurts to lie down, and it hurts to move around, or even try to sleep, but when she is able sleep helps. Sometimes taking an hour nap may help, otherwise she may need to sleep longer. Light exercise like walking does help somewhat, but it doesn't relieve the pain completely. In the evening usually exercising about 2-3 hours before going to bed might keep her from sleeping but if pain persist, she's going to be up all night anyway, so she starts exercising, and stretching.

During a late night when finally going to bed, it's best to keep the bedrooms dark, quiet, and cool. Luckily, most hotels have light barriers under the curtains or drapes. Keeping all light out of a room allows for deep, healing sleep. Winding down before bed by taking a long bath or shower helps to relax her so she may sleep. The last, most important thing is hanging the “Do not disturb” sign on the door for housekeeping so she won’t be awakened too early or unnecessarily.

I hope these little tips that work for my daughter during our vacations might work for you. Taking a vacation is almost a miracle for my daughter, and this year we've been able to have two long weekends during the summer. Train travel helps, however, and in many cases air travel is a necessity. How do you travel with Fibromyalgia! Any secrets to share?

Tips for Traveling with Fibromyalgia

2009-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

While taking a few days away from home, daughter and I were able to arrange a visit with family in another state. We took it slow and easy which really helped my daughter's fibro from flaring big time. Fibro suffers can't keep going forever without breaks, because a flare can ruin the remainder of your trip! We think it's good to enjoy a vacation, but buy adding a few hours for rest, reading, or just hanging out, the body and mind can rest.

It's good to keep on the regular schedule of taking medication on your trip. Of course, you don't want to be stuck in another state without your pain medication, so prepare in advance and make sure you have what you need. It's always good to listen to your body while walking around and seeing the sights, but too much walking is detrimental to your body. We've found that doing too much walking one day will limit the amount one may enjoy during the next day, or even affect activities during the remainder of your trip. My daughter found that pacing herself, and learning to take breaks, or sometimes by changing her schedule very slightly allowed her to enjoy the entire trip. Pushing herself usually brought on negative reactions. She found that allowing others to enjoy some activities without her was a good idea.

We found that some activities that bounce you around, like rough rides in the amusement park, or has you staying in one position for a long time isn't productive. If you are flying for a lengthy time, it's good to get up and walk the isles of the airplane to relieve the symptoms of just sitting for the whole trip. By anticipating problems, listening to your body, and taking medications as usual, your vacation can be filled with enjoyment.

Enjoying Your Vacation

2009-08-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Vacations are supposed to relaxing - but traveling with Fibromyalgia can bring about pain, exhaustion, and a large amount of stress that making come home a relief. Minimizing the impact of your trip might be the answer. Shifting your daily schedule slowly to match that of your destination may help. Before flying, make sure that you are hydrated before you get on the plane as flying dehydrates your body and may add to additional stress your muscles by dehydrating them. As you fly, ask for bottled water to assist you in keeping your body hydrated throughout the remainder of your trip.

Walk slowly through the airport to prevent additional stress to your body and your pain levels. If possible, take time to eat a snack to refuel your body for the rest of your trip, while changing planes, or awaiting late arrivals. Walk to relieve stress over delays and or overbooking.

If staying at hotels during the vacation, the hotel bed can make or break your vacation. When making your reservations, let the personnel know that you have fibromyagia, and have certain requirements. My daughter needs to sleep on medium bed with a pillowtop mattress, and in a room that is smoke free. My daughter prefers the Ritz Carlton, and they have never disappointed. She finds that she doesn’t need to overdo it, after all it’s a vacation. She can do as much or as little as she wants, and have a great time!

Taking a Trip

2009-08-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Happy to say that we're away! See you in a few days!!

Saving money on Fibromyalgia Medications

2009-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

One thing I know for sure is that medications for fibromyalgia symptoms cost a lot of money. When I looked for money saving ideas one suggestion was to split pills in order to save money.Sounds like a good idea, but can't that be dangerous? On a day when my daughter has extreme brain fog, I'm afraid she might forget to split the pills and take too much or she might split the pills and the the 2 halves of a pill might not contain the same amount of medication.

Supplements are not covered by our insurance, but my daughter takes fish oil capsules for Brain Function/Neurotransmitter Balance, and Magnesium Malate or Vitamin D for pain and tenderness. If she feels the benefits I say "go for it". but I usually ask for samples to try before we buy.

Have you split pills to save money on meds? Have you had a problem because of it? What are some better ways to save money?