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FMS eNews 26/03/2016


First of all I wish you all a very Happy Easter.  May the risen Christ bring light and joy into your lives.  I knitted the chickens for AgeUK which they sold with a Chocolate Cream Egg inside each one, at their Spring Fayre. And if you want to know about the eggs, go here. 

I had better luck in producing the blog  this week.  Everything went smoothly and without a hitch, I am pleased to say.  I would like to thank all those of you who sent words of encouragement and appreciation last week. That was very uplifting for me.  All was well that ended well!

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WORDz for the WEEK

265.  While considering your options remember that choices made without consequences aren't choices at all.

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Exercise & Broken Pain Controls in Fibromyalgia

For years, we've heard that exercise is good for fibromyalgia but very little about why that is, especially when we know that too much exertion will land us in a world of hurt. Finally, we're getting some insight into what exercise does to the fibromyalgia brain and why -- if it's done in moderation -- exercise can improve our health. That's below.
Also this week, a look at how similar some of our symptoms are to actual torture techniques, how to tell if you've got low neurotransmitter levels and more.
Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert
Read Arienne's articles . . .

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Chronically Beautiful ~ 7 Steps To Creating A Peaceful Home Environment For Your Mental Well-Being

One of the lessons I've learned along the way is how important maintaining a beautiful and peaceful home environment is to your mental well-being.  This is especially true now that I am chronically ill. Studies have shown that visual beauty can have profound effects on the mental and physical state of an individual, these may include:

  • reduction in anxiety
  • easing muscle tension
  • lowering blood pressure
  • boosting immune system

Find out more . . .

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One Simple Way to Make Pill Taking Easier

Taking pills suck.
No matter which illness you have, there is a great chance you have to take a pill for it. And maybe not just a medicinal pill. It could be a herbal supplement or probiotic or vitamin supplement. Either way, everything about taking pills suck.
Sorting the pills by days and quantity.
Fitting ALL those pills into ONE TINY slot in the pill box.
Opening and closing the weekly pill container with already painful, swollen hands.
And the most aggravating part of it all – remembering to take the pills! 
It’s all overwhelming. I don’t know how many times I’ve said to myself, “Isn’t there an easier way to do this?!” I’m happy to announce that now there is an easier way!
Introducing the HERO of pill taking – the smart appliance that stores, dispenses, and manages all your pills for you and your loved ones. This product is perfect for the person taking the pills as well as your caregivers. 
Read more about HERO . . . 

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23 March 2016 Update

Obviously we’re delighted, though amazed, to be writing about the resignation of IDS and the abandoning of the PIP cuts.
Who could have expected such happy events, even a week ago?
But our joy is marred by the realisation that although IDS’ ministerial career is currently dead, there’s at least a possibility that he could be back in charge at the DWP before the summer is out.
Because if the British public vote to leave the EU, then Cameron and Osborne will almost certainly be toppled, possibly to be replaced by Boris Johnson.
If that happens, IDS will undoubtedly expect to be rewarded for his part in the Brexit campaign and there is a real possibility he will ask for his old job at the DWP back again.
Read on . . .

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Book review: Take Back Your Life by Tami Stacklehouse Fibromyalgia Coach

I’ve followed Tami Stacklehouse for years, so when I saw that her book was available on Amazon I snatched it up. The idea of being a health coach is something that has appealed to me at times. When I had to give up the idea of completing a graduate degree and pursuing counseling in that way I gave a lot of thought to life and/or health coaching. It’s something I may still consider at some point. But, at the moment I have enough on my plate.  However, health coaching is exactly what Tami Stacklehouse does, in fact she has dubbed herself the Fibromyalgia Coach because that’s her focus as a health coach. Her focus is on helping people with Fibromyalgia take back their life.
Read the review . . .

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How Chronic Illness is Like a Marriage

I’ve been thinking about how in a lot of ways chronic illness is kind of like a marriage. This is a new kind of post for me. We’ll see how it works out – I hope you enjoy it.
Sometimes we get stuck in relationships we don’t want to be in. I’m pretty sure that for all of us chronic illness is one relationship we don’t want to be in.  So, while chronic illness isn’t a marriage we want to stay with, it’s still a lot like a marriage.
It’s for life (in theory) – chronic (by definition) means that you are stuck with it for life.
Continue with the analogy . . .

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DineSafe makes dining out with food allergies easier

The UK and Europe are often ahead of the US in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to things that affect our health. I just recently learned that they actually have laws regarding allergen disclosure in restaurants. Man, I wish we had that here – it would make my life so much easier and really open the doors to where I can eat.
While I wait for that to happen I rely on apps that help me find which restaurants are safe for me. While there are several for avoiding gluten, there’s really no easy way to know where or what I can eat and avoid eggs and dairy… at least there wasn’t.
A few weeks ago I ran across a new app via Twitter – DineSafeApp. Unlike the various apps to help you find gluten-free restaurants, DineSafe actually lets you create a custom menu based on your allergies, so that you know in advance what foods are safe for you.  It doesn’t matter how many allergens you have, and it’s not even just the top 8 allergens, they include over 15 different allergens.  They also include special diets like vegan, Paleo, Organic, and Kosher. It will be so nice to avoid those stupid spreadsheets they give you at some restaurants.
Find out more . . .

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REDEFINING SUCCESS AND CELEBRATING OUR SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Success is something that holds a different meaning for each of us. Since falling ill, I’ve learned to become more mindful about how I view success. Its definition has had to change for me. For too long I saw myself as a failure because I couldn’t do the things I was previously able to do. It was an easy frame of mind to fall into, especially considering the pressures and expectations society places onto us. However, I can now see that I was being incredibly unfair to myself, and I also now appreciate how this way of thinking was detrimental to both my mental and physical health.
Read more . . .

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WEEK OF MARCH 21, 2016 FIBROMYALGIA AND ME/CFS NEWS

 Here’s this week’s news roundup. Some highlights:

  •     Study finds Lyrica and Cymbalta work better together for pain relief
  •     Which fibro drugs cause memory loss
  •     CDC issues warning about over-the-counter pain relievers
  •     Some think fibromyalgia may be caused by brain injury
  •     The optimal amount of Epsom salts for pain relief
  •     How living with chronic illness is like a marriage
  •     Plus research news, personal stories and much more!

Read all about it . . .

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Fibrocane Daily and Serenitea

These are new treatments that have been reviewed by several, maybe many bloggers.


(The products are produced by Bio Ceuticals but are not listed on their website,  so are probably not yet on the open market.  Looks like they could be worth trying when they do become available.)

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Message from Beth

3 yrs old, 4 yrs old, 11 yrs old, 16 yrs, 18 yrs, 21 yrs - already showing signs and being tested or have already been diagnosed with FM.
How many years of suffering and pain will they have to go through? Our work and our help now will hopefully lead to a better, brighter more hopeful future for them.
That's why we ask for your help and support - voting, writing to MP's helping boost our awareness fund. We need you on board, we can't do it without YOU. We do get a lot of regular support and we can never thank those members enough. We don't work alone, we work in tandem with other support groups, whose group leaders and admin also get involved. But ultimately it's the members who will help us make a difference. I don't want to sound like a nag (or even an old nag) but we cannot do it without you. X
Some links to help you 
Write to your MP - see FMA UK's campaign 
Fundraise for Fibro research in conjunction with FollyPogs  through Fundrazr
Donate to Fibro Flare Magazine by PayPal fibroflaremag1@outlook.com or by Bank transfer Sort Code 089299, Account No 65789764, Account Name Fibro Flare Awareness Group.  Bank transfer avoids PayPal charges!
Thank you.  

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Vote for Fibro Flare Magazine in the National Diversity Awards

Diversity Award HAS NOT EXPIRED -  Please vote every week
Bio
Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS are chronic and debilitating conditions that have a major impact upon those diagnosed and their families. It is estimated that 3-5% of the population have been diagnosed (approx 70 million people worldwide) and despite Fibromyalgia having been around for hundreds of years very little is known or understood. Support, Awareness and Research are much needed in the future to ascertain the cause and aim for a cure.
People from across the spectrum can be struck down at any time, these chronic conditions do not discriminate. Children as young as 4 are already suffering.
Read the manifesto . . .

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10 Energy Boosting Smoothies for Fibromyalgia Fatigue

Spring is here and with it comes new projects, challenges, etc. So whatever you’re facing this spring (i.e. spring cleaning, travelling, or just surviving the kids being out of school for a whole week) – make one of these delicious smoothies to start each day on the right foot and power you through spring!

Try these recipes . . .

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27 Health Problems Linked to Low Vitamin D
From depression to cancer, many conditions go along with vitamin D deficiency.

The truth about vitamin D - by Lauren Oster 
No doubt you've seen the headlines saying that not getting enough vitamin D may increase your risk of countless health woes. It's important to read those stories carefully, since links don't necessarily prove cause and effect. "There can be many other explanations for the associations observed," says JoAnn Manson, MD, PhD, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts. "Several large-scale randomized trials of vitamin D are in progress, and they will provide conclusive evidence as to whether supplementation with moderate-to-high doses of vitamin D can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases." In other words, don't panic and start popping pills; do consult with your own doc to be sure you're getting the nutrients you need. Read on for some of the health problems now linked to low vitamin D.    
View the slideshow . . .

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How Float Therapy Can Help Chronic Pain and Illness

What is Float Therapy?
Flotation therapy is essentially floating in warm salt water in a large tank. Think about taking an Epsom salt bath to soothe your joints, but in this case the tank is filled with hundreds of pounds of salt making floating completely effortless. The tank is both sound and lightproof allowing you to completely disconnect from the world. A session lasts anywhere between one and three hours.
Flotation therapy is believed to improve a number of ailments including stress and anxiety, joint and muscle pain, back pain, high blood pressure, and insomnia. I wasn’t sure what or how much relief to expect from my float, but I figured that even an hour’s break from pain and anxiety is worth trying.
Find out more about float therapy . . .

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The Poisonous Flip of Logic

My spirituality is an important part of who I am and how I approach living with a chronic illness. I believe that we are a part of something bigger, a kind of universal oneness and I believe in our role as co-creators of the universe. This belief guides me towards actions that consider both my wellbeing, the wellbeing of others and the wellbeing of the planet as a whole. I can extend this concept to believe that by compassionately taking care of myself (as long as I do so without doing harm to others or the planet) I am constructively adding to the universal wellbeing. Whether any of this is fact, doesn’t really matter too much to me. My faith leads to my actions which result in better health and wellbeing for me and a little more love in the world. That’s enough of a reason for me to believe!
Read the rest of Julie's article . . .

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Fibromyalgia Treatment

When people with Fibromyalgia have taken cortisone tablets within the Microdose Therapy program, 601 averaged 77% relief – triple that of Lyrica™.
The FDA now recommends using cortisone this way. Cortisone, best at controlling inflammation and in the top 10 most-prescribed medicines mainly as injections, is always in the blood. Question being answered: After training, will people use cortisone tablets responsibly without cortisone side effect? So far, yes.

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Fibromyalgia – Can We Crack the Code and Put The Patient First? by Donna Gregory Burch

Dr. Jarred Younger is the fibromyalgia community’s most impatient ally. For more than a decade, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researcher has been working on cracking the mystery of what causes fibromyalgia and how to treat it.
He thinks it stems from brain inflammation, which prompts an overreaction of the body’s immune system. He has a dozen or so potential treatments that he’d love to test on patients to see if his theory is right, but he’s stymied by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) notoriously slow process for approving research grants.
Continue reading . . .

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The Mighty News Week of 03/16/16

Howdy, Mighty fibro community! Are you ready for the latest and greatest stories about fibromyalgia and chronic illness?
This week, Mighty writer Shelley Smith (AKA Chronic Mom) has a crucial reminder for anyone with fibromyalgia: you are awesome (and a straight-up bad-ass!). If you've experienced the dreaded "brain fog" that can often come with spoonie life, you might appreciate some of the "ridiculous" things writer Sarah Wilson shares about her own brain fog moments. And for anyone whose family members don't always understand fibromyalgia, Fibro Today's open letter is a must-share.
Read on for these stories, new research about fibromyalgia symptoms and more . . .

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What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Fibromyalgia

I was still suffering and without hope when I decided to write this book, the day I brought home some dog-eared, yellow-highlighted books from the house of a deceased woman I had never met. I had stopped at an estate sale only to find that the woman who had lived there was a 56-year-old woman with fibromyalgia. The neighbors who were there weren’t sure how she died; perhaps an overdose, they suggested. Maybe a heart attack. I bought most of her books even though I already owned many of them. I wanted to feel close to her. I could sense her desperation as I turned the pages, as she highlighted various remedies, every one a highly popularized course of action for reversing the disease. I decided then that I wanted to tell the truth about the hopelessness that FMS patients feel when their doctor’s explanations and lectures fail and about what happens when you have tried every therapy in print and still can’t control the pain. 
Read more . . .
Buy it on Amazon . . . 
Comments on Amazon's site are very positive.

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How To REALLY Be Happy by FibroMom

Here are 3 fun experiments you can do to make yourself a happier person! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Please share your results with me. What did you think of this?? 


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This section is included because it provides general health education, but not necessarily fibro related.







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A quarter of 2016 has now gone!  If you are in the UK, don't forget to put your clocks and watches forward an hour tonight! British Summer Time!  Sounds good, I hope the sun shines on us in more ways than one.
Have a great Easter weekend
Well wishes to all
Stella

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or leave your comments below under 'Post a Comment'

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N.B. The links on this my FMS eNews blog are in the BROWN text, usually in the title of each article but occasionally elsewhere too. Some titles have no links in which case the title is in GREEN like the dividers.  This blog gives just a taster of each article which can be viewed in full through its link.  The sites included are in alphabetical order.  If you have any navigation problems, let me know. 
I would like to point out to you that the information in my FMS eNews blog is passed on to you mainly from other sources. Links are given to the original articles. I take no responsibility for their accuracy but freely give them publicity if I think they might be of interest to my readership. Sites I refer you to are for information only. They might conflict in their opinions, they might not even be medically sound, but I merely offer them for you to peruse and make your own judgments, accept or reject as you will. Only by reading widely can we get an overall picture of fibromyalgia syndrome and how we can deal with its symptoms, learn to cope with them and still have a life. Any advice or recommendation of a medical or legal nature should always be discussed with a qualified professional.
I also include various awareness items, benefits issues, as well as general health considerations. Anyone wishing to reproduce any of the included items in any way should seek permission from the originators.
Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr. who died in May 2011.
This eNews is my personal offering to fibromyalgia sufferers and their carers and is not related to any other organisation or charity although I do work in conjunction with other bloggers and Facebook groups.
If you don’t already get reminders when each new FMS eNews is posted, please send an email to fmsstella@gmail.com and you will be added to the emailing list.

FMS eNews 19/03/2016

This was the original message on the first version of this blog:
"Humble apologies, This is in draft form as I inadvertently deleted the finished blog for this week.  The information is there but it does not look attractive.  The links are not embedded, there is no colour and the illustrations are missing.  Hours of work have been lost.  If I have time I will attempt to restore it but for now it is as it is, and I am sorry. But I guess it's better than no blog!  I think I'm the bug - see below!"

This is the revised version of the blog for 19/03/2016.  Apologies again for the false start.  I worked during the night to correct my error!  I hope it is now OK.

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WORDz for the WEEK

264.  Sometimes you are the windshield; sometimes you're the bug . . .

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Things I Wish I'd Known in the Early Days

If chronic illness has one positive effect, it's making us wiser. Oh, how I wish I'd known -- back before my diagnosis or soon afterward -- the things I know now!
This week, we'll be looking at a host of things I wish I'd known back then. They'd have made things much easier on me ... and probably everyone around me, too. I hope you'll learn a few things that can smooth your path.
Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert

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Getting A ‘Grip’ On Hand Pain In Fibromyalgia ~ 5 Budget Friendly Gadgets To Help Painful Hands With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is the great copy-cat of the medical world.  One of the reasons it may take years to diagnose, is due to it's characteristic of mimicking other conditions.  Many people, myself included, in the beginning stages of the disease believe they have rheumatoid arthritis.  This is especially true when hand pain becomes increasingly more severe.
As the years have gone on, the pain in my hands has gotten worse.  In the past, I would have sore hands during the occasional flare.  Today I experience sharp pains and aching fingers on a regular basis. Cold and overuse seem to exacerbate the problem.
We've all experienced the 'time limit' available during an activity that involves a lot of hand movement.  It will either require frequent resting in between tasks, or a cessation of movement altogether.
What gadgets did Kristine find? . .

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The Benefits Of Magnesium Are Mandatory

The mineral that motivates every cell of your body.
One of the minerals your body needs the most is likely one that you’re also deficient in. A typical human body contains approximately one to two ounces of magnesium, found mainly in the bones and teeth, with concentrations also in the heart and brain and even a small amount in the blood. In fact, every single cell in the body requires it to some degree to function properly. It’s also the second most abundant intracellular (positive ion) in your body and is critical in over 300 metabolic functions. Clearly, this mineral is vital, yet the USDA estimates that nearly one half of the American population consume an inadequate amount in their diets. Why is this so?
Find out . . .

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ESA Cuts Go Ahead Plus Help Get Justice For Claimant Killed By Sanctions

Employment and support allowance (ESA) cuts for new claimants are to go ahead after the government finally won its battle with the House of Lords yesterday.
The Tories want to reduce ESA payments for claimants in the work-related activity (WRAG) group by £30 a week, bringing them down to the same level as JSA. They believe this will encourage WRAG claimants, such as those with degenerative diseases or serious mental health conditions, to go out and find work.
Twice the House of Lords voted down the changes, but yesterday the government finally got its way after declaring that the measures were covered by financial privilege rules.
The cuts will be introduced in April 2017, with the DWP claiming that no current ESA claimants will be affected.
Read more stories . . .

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Effects of Music and Vibration on Fibromyalgia (a study)

We’ve previously discussed studies that show that music can improve pain and symptoms of Fibromyalgia, as well as studies indicating that acupuncture is helpful for Fibromyalgia.  A 2014 study combined the two together to evaluate if the combination of music and acupuncture may be more helpful.
120 Fibromyalgia patients took part in this study in one of four groups.
Find out what they were and what the study revealed . . .

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How can you be positive when you live with chronic pain?

Recently I saw a meme on Facebook asking the question: “How can you be positive when you live with chronic pain?” There was a time when I would have totally agreed with that sentiment, but no more. These days I know that whether I feel positive or negative has little to do with my physical health. I have learned that not only can I be positive living with chronic pain, but that I have to be.
How can you be positive when you live with chronic pain?
Whether you feel positive or negative is a choice that you make. Not only is it a choice that you make but it’s a choice you must make repeatedly. It’s a choice you often must make hundreds of times a day.
When you live with chronic pain it seems that there is every reason to feel negative, to live in the dumps, in the land of “poor me.” It’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves, to wonder what we did to deserve this fate, and to think that life will never get better. But, whether or not the pain improves, life can get better because life is about a lot more than the pain we are in.
Continue reading . . .

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Juicing for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness

I started juicing about 4 years ago and it’s been an amazing adventure for me. It was the start of my return to a healthier place. I’ve had a few lapses over the years, and when I do I can always tell the difference and find myself wanting to return to daily juicing.
This year after realizing that I’d been avoiding juicing regularly because cleaning the juicer aggravated my shoulder issue, we upgraded to a masticating juicer. It juices a little slower but it’s so much easier to clean. The juice yield is also a lot better so it’s well worth the added time. I actually get almost 50% more juice out of the same amount of produce.
Find out more - and recipes . . .

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LOOKING FOR AN LDN FRIENDLY DOCTOR? | A REVIEW OF LDNDOCTOR.COM

My subscribers know by now that I’m a huge fan of low dose naltrexone as a treatment for fibromyalgia. I took LDN for about nine months in 2015, and I will be starting back on it next week. (I’ll give an update on how I’m changing my treatment protocol in an upcoming blog post.) LDN has helped to reduce my pain when no other pharmaceutical has, and I have a number of fibro friends who have benefited from it as well.
A few weeks ago, I was asked by LDNDoctor.com if I would be interested in doing an online LDN consult. I’ve been thinking about going back on LDN for the past couple of months, so it was perfect timing.
LDNDoctor.com offers online consultations and prescriptions for low dose naltrexone to U.S.-based patients via U.S.-licensed physicians. Consults are available to manage conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s/colitis, thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s and Graves disease), rheumatoid arthritis and others.
Read the rest of Donna's LDN story . . .

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WEEK OF MARCH 14, 2016 FIBROMYALGIA AND ME/CFS NEWS

Top Stories

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control releases new opioid prescribing guidelines, and pain patients react negatively as predicted.
  • Now this is funny (and I bet every single one of us has our own version of this script): “Why am I awake? Sleeping with chronic illness” from fellow blogger Chronic Mom.
  • “Must see” chronic fatigue syndrome documentary “Forgotten Plague” has been released to DVD, iTunes, Google Play and Amazon Instant Video.
  • Now who thought of trying this in the first place? Using human placental extract to treat ME/CFS
  • Why those of us with chronic illness should consider making a NOT to do list.
  • A lot of us with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS aren’t able to hold a typical 9-5 job due to the severity of our symptoms. My friend Julie over at Counting My Spoons gives us some alternatives for “working with chronic illness.”

And much more besides . . .

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Vote for Fibro Flare Magazine in the National Diversity Awards

Bio
Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS are chronic and debilitating conditions that have a major impact upon those diagnosed and their families. It is estimated that 3-5% of the population have been diagnosed (approx 70 million people worldwide) and despite Fibromyalgia having been around for hundreds of years very little is known or understood. Support, Awareness and Research are much needed in the future to ascertain the cause and aim for a cure.
People from across the spectrum can be struck down at any time, these chronic conditions do not discriminate. Children as young as 4 are already suffering.
Read the manifesto . . .
You can only vote up until 23rd March, so don't hang about!

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Ask your MP to become a Fibromyalgia Ambassador

Join our campaign - write to your MP and ask to become a Fibromyalgia Ambassador!
We have written to all MPs and all Members of the House of Lords to ask them to become Fibromyalgia Ambassadors. We have already received a few positive responsaes - now we need your help to get more MPs on board!
We have joined forces with UK Fibromyalgia (publishers of the Fibromyalgia Magazine) to spread the message to all our supporters to join our campaign and to write to their MPs. Please ask your MP to lobby for their support for the fibromyalgia cause. Tell them about your personal situation and how widespread fibromyalgia is within the UK, and that you are looking for their help in our campaign. We want to create Fibromyalgia Ambassadors and we would appreciate it if you would ask them to sign up to become one.
Find out how . . .

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Recognition for Janet Horton

We are delighted to announce that Janet Horton, a long-standing trustee of FMA UK, has been awarded a ‘’Highly Commended Volunteer’ recognition by Small Charities Coalition and Merkel UK for her outstanding volunteering work and commitment in all her voluntary roles, including as trustee and a volunteer for FMA UK.
Janet has been working tirelessly in the fibromyalgia field for two decades despite living with this condition herself. She became trustee of Fibromyalgia Action UK in 1997 and has also been actively involved in many projects of the charity.
Find out more about Janet . . .

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Other News from FMA UK

FMA UK submission to NICE on clinical guidance concerning the diagnosis of fibromyalgia
FMA UK is surveying GPs on fibromyalgia
as well as Contact your MP Campaign - FMAUK and UK Fibromyalgia

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Why Getting Outside Is Important For Fibromyalgia Relief

Most of us live in entirely climate controlled environments. The majority of Americans are lucky enough to have adequate shelter, with ways to heat and cool the indoors enough so that it’s always fairly comfortable. Particularly because most jobs are also done indoors, it’s completely possible to spend your days going from one indoor environment into another. But the world of nature is still out there waiting for you—and here’s why your health will benefit if you make it a priority to get outside.
6 reasons why . . .

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20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

Toss these now by Nicole Cherie Jones
When we talk about the steps you need to take to get healthier, they often involve buying new things: workout clothes, fitness equipment, ingredients for healthy recipes, and the list goes on. But becoming the healthiest version of yourself also means throwing away the stuff that's holding you back—and we don't only mean junk food. Get your recycling or garbage can ready!
Find out what they are . . .

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Rising! The Health Rising Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and FM Forums Take Off!

It’s been quite a month on the HR Forums. My experience with Forums is that at some point they just catch on. That happened last month on the HR Forums with the number of posts zinging up 6 times their previous record and pageviews booming up 50%.
Health Rising Forums
The Health Rising Forums are booming ….
If you’ve checked out the Health Rising Forums please check them out again and if you haven’t – check out the only ME/CFS/FM Forums with Recovery Stories, Doctor Reviews, Resource and Media sections.
Read on . . .

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Brian Walitt and the Psychosomaticism of Fibromyalgia: Another Look

 Brian Walitt, the coordinator of the NIH's Clinical Centers chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) trial co-authored a paper which stated that both ME/CFS and FM are "psychosomatic disorders". The authors characterized psychosomatic disorders as disorders in which patients subjective experience of their cognitive abilities do not reflect the cognitive losses that show up in studies; i.e. the patients were less worse off cognitively than they said they were.
The authors asserted that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are real, biologically based disorders and suggested immunological and epigenetic therapies as treatments but use the "P" word was overwhelming. The word psychosomatic carries connotations of a disease that is "not real" and is "all in one's head". During a recent conference call Walitt asserted that these disorders were biologically based, were not in one's head and were very real indeed.
Read more . . .

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WE'RE MAKING A FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA!

Pheonix Morrissey
I’m a Freelance Filmmaker and Creative Director at CosmicStar Productions, however I also unfortunately suffer with Fibromyalgia (along with many of its associated illnesses and disorders). I’ve decided to create something positive out of it by merging and implementing my filmmaking skills and abilities with my on-going battle with chronic illness, therefore I’m currently planning to produce a FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA!
WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!
Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fibromyalgiafilm
Official Twitter page: https://twitter.com/MyFibroAlgia
If you’re interested in taking part, please email: myfibroalgia@outlook.com
Read full details here . . . 

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Depression & Fibromyalgia - An Admission.

I know, I know, we've been here before!
I wrote way back in October / November of last year about how I was battling some really dark clouds in my life. I put it down to turning fifty and being in constant pain and I was determined to overcome it without the need for medication.
Just after Christmas I thought I'd beaten it. Things began to look brighter. I was still in chronic pain and  I had, in the time since I last wrote about being depressed, been prescribed Oramorph to take alongside my Cocodamol - despite my being unwilling to go down the drug guinea pig route again. But, up until last week, everything seemed fine. I'd beaten my depression.
Or had he? . .

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The Need to Set Priorities With Fibromyalgia

Why We Should Be Setting Priorities With Fibromyalgia
Priorities — they can be a challenge to set and maintain for healthy individuals, nonetheless those dealing with the added issues that come with fibromyalgia. Still, setting priorities and learning how to fulfill them is of utmost importance if you are to regain control over your life once diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
This need has never hit home with me more than in the last few months. I have been walking the journey of life with fibro for almost 16 years, and as I face more of life’s responsibilities, duties and opportunities, I understand more than ever how invaluable the art of setting priorities is.
Find out how . . .

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Free online event

Ena Wennes
This upcoming video summit (March 28 - April 7), hosted by Pilates Instructor and Corrective Exercise Specialist, Eva Wennes, will showcase how to reduce or eliminate chronic pain without the use of drugs, and how to improve your strength, flexibility and mobility, so you can enjoy life again!
The PAIN-FREE FOR LIFE event is an easy-to-follow guide with the step-by-step processes, tools and information you need to achieve your health goals....ALL IN ONE PLACE!
    Online for FREE from March 28 to April 7
    Access it from ANY computer or mobile device
    Watch it while waiting in the doctor's office, making dinner, during your lunch break...or whenever you get a chance!
Simply tune in. We hope this event will give you the information you've been waiting for to truly change your life for the better.
Sign up now . . .

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Reverse the ESA disability benefit cut

The House of Lords has been unable to stop a planned £30-a-week cut to disability benefits forced through by Government MPs. This will cripple those in receipt of these benefits, leaving many in literal poverty.
The government must reverse this decision. Lives are at risk.
Sign this Petition . . .

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Chronic illness and light therapy

Do you have a chronic illness and long for some sunshine on your skin?
Do the winter months leave you feeling flat?
You may benefit from LIGHT THERAPY.
Many from the chronic illness community are advocates of light therapy as a powerful gift in raising their moods during winter darkness. I say gift as the negative to this therapy is cost. Most units are in the region of a hundred pounds so a good way to get one is birthdays or Christmas.
NB. Any of my family reading this, no I don't want one as I am not a good candidate for its magic, read on and see why. *
Light therapy has been shown to help with depression and sleep disorders as it resets the circadian rhythms (Biological clock) that control sleeping and waking.
Find out more . . .

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The different stages of Fibromyalgia

A lot of us have come together on this site and others.. because we all have one thing in common…FIBROMYALGIA.. FIBRO-MY-ALGIA, sometime in our past, recent or further - we have been told we have fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues and BLAH BLAH BLAH you know the rest.. for GODS sake we live it everyday…we are more than a diagnosis, and we should not all be lumped together as a whole, there should be stages, and this is why:
Discover the 6 stages . . .

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24 Things No One Talks About When It Comes to Having Fibromyalgia

A lot of information comes up when you Google “fibromyalgia” — associated symptoms, treatment options and the like. It’s probably similar to what a doctor might tell someone recently diagnosed. But a lot goes unmentioned — things you might not know unless you have fibromyalgia or love someone who does. And even then, as is true with many chronic illnesses, there are things people who have it just don’t talk about.
We asked people with fibromyalgia in our community to share one thing not often talked about when it comes to having this disease. Every answer offers more insight into this misunderstood illness — and hopefully increases awareness and advocacy in the process.
See what they all said . . .

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This section is included because it provides general health education, but not necessarily fibro related.





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I am still working on The Liebster Award.  If you have any favourite blogs, please let me know and I will try and include them.  Thanks
Well wishes
Stella

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or leave your comments below under 'Post a Comment'

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N.B. The links on this my FMS eNews blog are in the BROWN text, usually in the title of each article but occasionally elsewhere too. Some titles have no links in which case the title is in GREEN like the dividers.  This blog gives just a taster of each article which can be viewed in full through its link.  The sites included are in alphabetical order.  If you have any navigation problems, let me know.
I would like to point out to you that the information in my FMS eNews blog is passed on to you mainly from other sources. Links are given to the original articles. I take no responsibility for their accuracy but freely give them publicity if I think they might be of interest to my readership. Sites I refer you to are for information only. They might conflict in their opinions, they might not even be medically sound, but I merely offer them for you to peruse and make your own judgments, accept or reject as you will. Only by reading widely can we get an overall picture of fibromyalgia syndrome and how we can deal with its symptoms, learn to cope with them and still have a life. Any advice or recommendation of a medical or legal nature should always be discussed with a qualified professional.
I also include various awareness items, benefits issues, as well as general health considerations. Anyone wishing to reproduce any of the included items in any way should seek permission from the originators.
Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr. who died in May 2011.
This eNews is my personal offering to fibromyalgia sufferers and their carers and is not related to any other organisation or charity although I do work in conjunction with other bloggers and Facebook groups.
If you don’t already get reminders when each new FMS eNews is posted, please send an email to fmsstella@gmail.com and you will be added to the emailing list.