Thursday, April 21, 2011

Tai Chi Reported to Ease Fibromyalgia

The ancient Chinese practice of tai chi may be effective as a therapy for fibromyalgia, according to a study published on Thursday in TheNew England Journal of Medicine.
A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later.
“It’s an impressive finding,” said Dr. Daniel Solomon, chief of clinical research in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the research. “This was a well-done study. It was kind of amazing that the effects seem to carry over.”
Although the study was small, 66 patients, several experts considered it compelling because fibromyalgia is a complex and often-confusing condition, affecting five million Americans, mostly women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its symptoms can be wide-ranging and can mimic other disorders, and its diagnosis depends largely on patients’ descriptions, not blood tests or biopsies, its cause and treatment have been the subject of debate.
“We thought it was notable that The New England Journal accepted this paper, that they would take fibromyalgia on as an issue, and also because tai chi is an alternative therapy that some people raise eyebrows about,” said Dr. Robert Shmerling, clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, co-author of an editorial about the study.
“Fibromyalgia is so common, and we have such a difficult time treating it effectively. It’s defined by what the patient tells you,” he added. “It’s hard for some patients’ families and their doctors to get their head around what it is and whether it’s real. So, that these results were so positive for something that’s very safe is an impressive accomplishment.”
Recent studies have suggested that tai chi, with its slow exercises, breathing and meditation, could benefit patients with other chronic conditions, including arthritis. But not all of these reports have been conclusive, and tai chi is hard to study because there are many styles and approaches.
The fibromyalgia study involved the yang style of tai chi, taught by a Boston tai chi master, Ramel Rones. Dr. Solomon and other experts cautioned that bigger studies with other masters and approaches were necessary.
Still, patients, who received twice-weekly tai chi classes and a DVD to practice with 20 minutes daily, showed weekly improvement on an established measurement, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, improving more than the stretching-and-education group in physicians’ assessments, sleep, walking and mental health. One-third stopped using medication, compared with one-sixth in the stretching group.
Dr. Chenchen Wang, a Tufts rheumatologist who led the study, said she attributed the results to the fact that “fibromyalgia is a very complex problem” and “tai chi has multiple components — physical, psychological, social and spiritual.”
The therapy impressed Mary Petersen, 59, a retired phone company employee from Lynn, Mass., who said that before participating in the 2008 study, “I couldn’t walk half a mile,” and it “hurt me so much just to put my hands over my head.” Sleeping was difficult, and she was overweight. “There was no joy to life,” she said. “I was an entire mess from head to foot.”
She had tried and rejected medication, physical therapy, swimming and other approaches. “I was used to being treated in a condescending manner because they couldn’t diagnose me: ‘She’s menopausal, she’s crazy.’ ”
Before the study, “I didn’t know tai chi from a sneeze,” said Ms. Petersen, who hasdiabetes and other conditions. “I was like, ‘Well, O.K., I’ll get to meet some people, it will get me out of the house.’ I didn’t believe any of it. I thought this is so minimal, it’s stupid.”
After a few weeks, she said she began to feel better, and after 12 weeks “the pain had diminished 90 percent.” She has continued tai chi, lost 50 pounds and can walk three to seven miles a day.
“You could not have convinced me that I would ever have done this or continued with this,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a cure. I will say it’s an effective method of controlling pain.”
Dr. Shmerling said that though tai chi is inexpensive compared with other treatments, some patients would reject such an alternative therapy. And Dr. Gloria Yeh, a Beth Israel Deaconess internist and co-author of the editorial, said others “will say, ‘It’s too slow, I can’t do that.’ ”
But she said it offered a “gentler option” for patients deterred by other physical activities. “The mind-body connections set it apart from other exercises,” she said, adding that doctors are seeking “anything we can offer that will make patients say ‘I can really do this.’ ”

A version of this article appeared in print on August 19, 2010, on page A16 of the New York edition.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

How To Explain Fibromyalgia to Other People

One of the most common questions I receive is, "What is the best way to describe fibromyalgia(FM) pain to people who have never had it?" When many people try to describe their condition to family members and friends, they tend to receive looks of confusion suggesting everything you just said went right over their head. First of all, everyone with FM has had to face this tough and uncomfortable conversation and unfortunately some still receive looks and comments of disbelief. Regardless of the remaining skepticism in the medical community and social arena, this doesn't make the pain and discomfort of FM for you any less real.

[1] In general, your explanation to others about fibromyalgia should be straightforward and uncomplicated. You might say something like, "Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder that causes muscle tenderness, pain and fatigue." If the other person doesn't understand, you might make your explanation simpler, such as "Firbomyalgia is like arthritis in the muscles." Of course, this explanation is not entirely accurate, but it should be readily understood. You might also obtain some literature on fibromyalgia, such as the Arthritis Foundations's guide Good Living with Fibromyalgia, to share with family and friends who would like more information.

In addition, you might help others understand FM better by explaining in clear language how it affects your. Be careful to avoid complaining, but be honest and open about the symptoms and how they affect your daily function. You might even want to practice what to say here, it can be so easy to fall into a conversation about how bad you feel all the time without realizing it, leaving the people you are trying to educate with the all too common "doubt brow" and sour taste in their mouths. If friends or family offer, you can then tell them how they may be able to help you (or not help you). In the end, honesty is the best approach.

[1] Kristofer Hagglund, PhD

Monday, April 18, 2011

Fighting Firbomyalgia - Inspired by fibromyalgia, created for all the voices of "Invisible" illness.

Fighting Firbomyalgia - Inspired by fibromyalgia, created for all the voices of "Invisible" illness.

Fibromyalgia And It's Effects On Your Significant Other

I would imagine outside of keeping tabs on your own personal sanity, being concerned about the way your illness has effected your significant other would be at the top of your list. With everyday being so unpredictable with the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FM/CFS), making plans and setting priorities with your partner can easily become a fixture on the back burner. As unintentional as this is, we tend to avoid our concern by accepting guilt as a part of our daily routine instead of facing the reality that our partners share the same burden we do in fact that we are a less active partner than you once were.

I can't say there is an easy answer for relieving guilt for either party, but I do know that if you are not open with each other about our feelings that guilt turns to resentment and this is where bads things start to brew. For the same reason we forgive ourselves for being not so pleasant because of a major pain day, we need to extend that forgiveness and allow our lovers to have moments of anger, frustration and plain insanity. When you hurt, they hurt, when you can't leave the house either they choose not to go out or they do and feel guilty the entire time. When you cry, they cry with you and when you fight they fight along side you. This is what a significant other is, an equal partner in love, life and health. It is crucial that we communicate to them that these emotions are all something that not only you have felt at one time or another, but would expect them to feel as well. Say to them, "It is ok to be angry about how this illness has effected our lives", doing so will help prevent those same feelings migrating from their original target, your illness, to you.

The more open you are with your partner about your emotional state the more apt they will be to discuss theirs in return. Having an open dialog will keep the door open to topics such as your sexual activities and possible experimentation to what goals as a couple you have to help in your healing process. All of these things will not only give you a sense of amazing support but also allow your significant to feel apart of the solution and not an addition to the problem.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Survey Gives Patients with "Invisible" Illnesses a Chance to Speak Out About How They Are Treated

Patients who suffer with chronic fatigue, figromyalgia, pelvic pain, TMJ, migraines, chemical sensitivities, and more can speak out in an anonymous survey about how the medical community treats them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 02, 2010 – Patients with "invisible" illnesses, such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and a host of other pain and inflammatory disorders have tremendous difficulty finding the help and treatment they need; even finding a diagnosis is a challenge. Doctors often dismiss their symptoms as being imaginary, which further demoralizes an already suffering patient. 

Now, as part of the research for a new book on how the medical community treats patients with "invisible" illnesses, patients  can express their feelings and speak out through an anonymous patient survey. All respondents will receive a downloadable pain trigger journal.

According to Susan Bilheimer, author and survey creator, "It's time that the medical community recognized that patients with illnesses that are chronic and not easily diagnosed are not problem patients, but patients with a problem. Just because you can't see pain and inflammation doesn't mean they aren't real. There are certainly exceptional doctors who understand chronic illness. But for those who don't, I'm hoping to send a wake-up call that it's no longer acceptable to dismiss and mistreat suffering patients."

So far, over 1,100 responses have been received. A number of organizations, such as the National Vulvodynia Association (www.nva.org) and the Interstitial Cystitis Association (www.ichelp.org), have encouraged their members to take part.

To take the survey, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TDWVHDW

This survey is associated with the Invisible Illness Advocate (www.InvisibleIllnessAdvocate.com) and Secret Suffering (www.SecretSuffering.com) websites (Susan Bilheimer, founder, and Robert J. Echenberg, MD, medical advisor).

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Fibromyalgia Should Be Your Reason Not Your Excuse!

I think for most people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FM/CFS) our first frustration is the diminished ability to be as physically involved in our lives as we once were, such as now a day at the park with family can set you back a week. The second thing is we start to miss the feeling of contribution to society. If you are still working, I am sure you have noticed it takes more of a toll on you emotionally and physically to do what used to be so simple. If you have become unable to work due to FM/CFS then this feeling will be much more prominent. We all want to feel needed and when the brain fog clears we can do a lot to contribute to family, non-profits or socialize with friends.

There are many of us who have become homebound, live alone or have excluded themselves from being apart of something due to the fear of how your symptoms will interfere, which then leads to the part where you have to explain why you can't do the job or get it done on time. Healthy or sick, nobody wants to be in this situation. The good new is, we know what our bodies are capable of doing. I know I can't run in a Fundraising 10k but I may be able to sit at the registration booth for a few hours. I know I can't manage an entire project with a specific timeline without backup and the people I work with knowing why there will be days where I just can't participate. I also know I can't plan my girlfriends entire baby shower but I can help make up some goody bags over a period weeks.

Why is all of this so important? In all of our humanity the one thing that sticks out the most is the desire to be apart of something larger than ourselves, to make our mark on the world and most of all feel useful. This deep seeded need seems to slowly slip away in some, after years of excluding and isolating themselves. It has to stop! Fibromyalgia must become your reason to seek out ways to become apart of your community, your family, your friends. It must become your reason to be honest with yourself and what your abilities are, then make it your reason to be honest and involved with those around you.

I have been able to find ways to be involved with non-profits, activist groups online and in my community and after introducing myself, I flat out say, "I would love to be apart of your charity, these are the things I am good at, then I simply state I have FM/CFS and that it should be taken into consideration when assigning me a project."  Trust me, as straight forward as this may sound not once have I ever been turned away and the best part about it is that I took the elephant out of the room before I even got my foot in the door. I used Fibromyalgia as a reason to become active.

As far as I am concerned, we are all fighters and there is NO EXCUSE to not find a REASON to get involved. Keeping or getting back the pride we feel when we're apart of something bigger is possible,  just be brave enough to take the first step.

If you have questions, topic ideas or would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to email me.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Fibromyalgia Treatment: Ribose - Trick Tincture Or True Tactic?

Your first question will probably be, "What is D-Ribose?" D-Ribose is one of those supplements that have garnered a lot of attention recently. D-Ribose is a 50-carbon sugar (unlike 6-carbon glucose sugar) directly involved in the production of "ATP," the fuel that every cell in the body uses for its energy production. D-Ribose doesn't raise blood sugar; rather it's directly converted to ATP. It can even lower blood sugar a bit.


Supporters of D-Ribose claim it decreases pain, improves mental clarity, increases energy, improves stamina, creates an improved sense of well-being, and strengthens heart performance. Uses for D-Ribose range from folks with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia to athletes looking to improve their exercise endurance. It may also be helpful, in theory, to those who experience muscle aches and pains as a side effect of cholesterol-lowering sustaining drugs. 


According to Dr. Mitchell Hecht, who specializes in internal medicine states that while there are many anecdotal claims about D-Ribose benefits, there isn't much in the way of double-blinded placebo-controlled research out there that tests it against a dummy pill or powder. He has not recommended it to his patients; however, says it is safe enough to recommend to select patients who have not responded to other treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia pain, or cholesterol-medicine weakness and pain. The recommended dosage is 5 grams (powder dissolved in liquid) two to three times daily with meals. Two reputable brands he notes are Corvalen and Life Extension D-Ribose. 


I know we are bombarded with tincture medicine and medical reviews that suggest products to magically make all our symptoms go away. We of course know better than that, but it doesn't stop up from wanting something, anything to at least help put us on the right track. I personally have never taken Ribose, but will be looking a little more into it, especially since I am the worst example of healthy eating. I try, truly I do but with kids and energy levels I can't guarantee that a few nights a week we are having whatever the fridge has to offer. So, due to my current eating lifestyle I need something that will help balance or at least tip the scales a little in my favor. The more information I get and once I have had a chance to take this stuff myself I will be sure to update you all. 


If you have any additional questions, comments, topic suggestions or just in need of support, please email me


As mentioned Dr. Mitchell Hecht specializes in internal medicine. Send questions to him at" "Ask Dr. H., Box 767787, Atlanta, Ga. 30076. 


[1]Sourse - Philly.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Fibromyalgia Myth Busting

For many years fibromyalgia has been considered something of a mystery, confounding the doctors who are trying to treat it and the patients who have to live with it. Only recently has new technology begun to unravel the truths about this mysterious disorder. As a result of this previous lack of scientific evidence, several myths about fibromyalgia have developed that, unfortunately, are still being repeated today. It's time to dispel the myths and clarify the facts.


1.  Myth:  Fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis.
Fact:  Fibromyalgia is a neurological disease.
Although it was once thought that fibromyalgia might be a form of arthritis, research over the past 10+ years has proven that to be false.  Arthritis is defined as an inflammation of the joints, but there is no inflammation with FM, nor is there any damage to the joints.  A fibromyalgia patient may have a type of arthritis (like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) in addition to FM, but it is a completely separate disorder.  On the fibromyalgia research front,new brain-imaging techniques and scientific studies are revealing that fibromyalgia is better defined as a central nervous system disorder that results in abnormal pain processing.
2.  Myth:  Fibromyalgia affects the muscles, joints and connective tissue.
Fact:  There is no damage to the muscles, joints or connective tissue of people with fibromyalgia.
For many years fibromyalgia was described as a musculoskeletal disorder because much of the pain people experience with fibromyalgia feels like it is coming from the muscles, joints and connective tissues.  However, years of testing failed to reveal any actual damage to the musculoskeletal system.  What research has discovered is that a malfunction in the central nervous system of FM patients causes disordered sensory processing which leads to pain amplification.   In other words, a stimulus that would not even be noticed by most people can be extremely painful to someone with fibromyalgia.
3.  Myth:  Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune diseases.
Fact:  Fibromyalgia is NOT an autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune disease is the result of a body’s overactive immune response.  In a sense, the body’s immune system begins to attack its own cells and tissues.  There is no evidence that fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease.  In fact, years of research have not turned up any virus, bacteria or immune disorder.  It’s not unusual, however, for someone with FM to also have one or more autoimmune diseases, such as: celiac disease,Crohn’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, or some types of thyroid disease.  Other illnesses that are suspected to have an autoimmune link and may occur with fibromyalgia include: chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and Lyme disease. 
4.  Myth:  Fibromyalgia is a middle-aged woman’s disease
Fact:  Fibromyalgia affects men, women and children. 
To date, a larger percentage of adult women have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men or children, however, it does affect all ages and both sexes.  In fact, it may turn out that more men and children have FM than previously thought.  Doctors are finding that men may have fewer than the traditional 11 tender points, yet still meet all the other criteria for fibromyalgia.  Thus, there may be considerably more men with FM than previously thought.  And what was once thought to be “growing pains” in children may actually turn out to be a form of fibromyalgia.  But because most pediatricians are not very familiar with FM, they are unlikely to diagnose it.  Although fibromyalgia will likely continue to be diagnosed more often in women, we may eventually discover it affects significantly more men and children than once thought.
5.  Myth:  Fibromyalgia is a psychological problem.
Fact:  Fibromyalgia is a physical disorder with real, measurable biological abnormalities.
This myth probably causes the most frustration to fibromyalgia patients.  After years of being told “It’s all in your head,” patients finally have proof that fibromyalgia is a very real, physical illness.  Research studies have revealed a number of biological abnormalities, including:
·        Decreased blood flow to specific areas of the brain, particularly the thalamus region, which may help explain the pain sensitivity and cognitive functioning problems experienced by fibromyalgia patients.
·        High levels of “substance P,” a central nervous system neurotransmitter involved in pain processing.
·        Low levels of nerve growth factor.
·        Low levels of somatomedin C, a hormone that promotes bone and muscle growth.
·        Low levels of several neurochemicals: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol.
·        Low levels of phosphocreatine and adenosine, muscle-cell chemicals
        Despite the scientific evidence, some medical professionals continue to dismiss fibromyalgia as a psychological problem, insisting that the symptoms are caused by depression.  The fact is that the percentage of FM patients who suffer from depression is no higher than for any other chronic illness.  Unfortunately, since it takes an average of 17 years for new research to become part of mainstream medicine, we’re probably going to be fighting this myth for several more years. 

 Reprinted with permission of ProHealth, Inc. from “FM Research and Treatment News,” 5/30/07.[1]Source(healthcarecentral)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Making Fibromyalgia Just A Figure Of Speech

They tell me I have a way with words and recently I've had this overwhelming desire to use this skill and make Fibromyalgia just a figure of speech instead of always the topic of conversation. To work my way through puns until this syndrome is nothing but an awkward second cousin twice removed. By no means would I ever diminish the strength and determination it takes to face what we face everyday, I have just decided to laugh in the face of Fibro; sort of like your Dr. did the first time you described your symptoms to them.

There are many wonderful ways to help cope with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome, through support groups, friends, family or the power of positive thinking. I just happen to be good at dealing with such things with humor and avoidance! Though not recommended for everyone it can be very effective when in a "pain pinch" and when all else fails keep in mind, "A Tramadol a day keeps the Dr. away!"

While we are on the topic of support, I have used all of the methods mentioned above to help me through the good and bad times. In fact, I have met some of the most amazing women and men through support groups. Honestly, without the internet I don't think, I know I wouldn't be involved with as many support systems as I am. It takes a lot of guts to join a group of strangers and spill your secrets about pain, medication, frustration and that is just the introduction! Before I reached out online the idea of going to a local group, though very effective for some was well, just to personal. There is a certain amount of comfort that comes from an  internet based family. You can join like some do as 'anonymous' and work your way up to the crazy yearbook profile picture or you can dive right in and have a verbal enema right from the comfort of your computer chair (no clean up necessary) releasing years of pent up pain and frustration to a group of people who wouldn't miss a key stroke only to say, "We are here for you whenever you need it".

No matter how you decide to face Fibro, remember you don't have to do it alone. Do some surfing and check out a few forums to see if that's up your alley or find the local support group close to home, just make sure you share your story with someone. Yes, your story! We all have one, each different but all equally heroic and should be heard and admired.

As for my project, I am sure it will take more than a few attempts to get things swinging, so bare with me, help me, laugh at me but most of all don't "Freak like Fibro on a frigid day!".

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Is Magnesium The Miracle Mineral?

I think we can all agree that diet is at the top of the treatment list when it comes to curbing symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (FM/CFS). Over and over again the one ingredient that seems to be popping up in diet conversation and recipe ingredients is the need for a high content of Magnesium(Mg). Research suggests that people who suffer from FM/CFS all show low levels of Mg, which play a crucial role in our muscular function and their ability to function and relax as well as energy production. In a six month 1995 study, patients with FM were given a daily dose of 200 mg of malic acid and 50 mg of magnesium; the results showed significant reduction in pain and tenderness.

Insufficient magnesium affects the nervous system by causing nerves to fire too easily. It causes noises to sound excessively loud, lights seem too bright, emotional reactions are exaggerated, all of which cause the brain to become over-stimulated, oftentimes resulting in insomnia; all of which are characterized in someone with FM/CFS.

Before you go running out and swiping all the supplements you can find off the shelves there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Diet and digestion play a major role in the absorption of magnesium and oftentimes, people with FM have other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, which limit nutrient absorption. As well as taking your other conditions into consideration and any changes you may be considering as part of your treatment plan, consult your Dr.. It is important that they know what you are taking and can also inform you if this new addition will effect any of the other medications you are already on.

Not all forms of magnesium are the same, some of which can cause harsher conditioning than others. The most common supplements are magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. Both of these are difficult to assimilate and have a strong laxative effect; not the sort of side effect you would want if you also deal with IBS.

Some people have found that liquid forms of Mg help when pills do not. There are various forms but liquid magnesium chloride seems to be the most effective absorption rate, but it must be stored in the refrigerator.  There are also time release capsules that are absorbed over an 8-10 hour period of time and it is recommended to take calcium with this pill form because the two minerals work together and the calcium can help offset the laxative effect of the magnesium.

Again, please discuss any changes you plan to make in your diet with your physician and in the meantime if you want to munch your way to more magnesium, natural sources can be found in almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, baked beans, molasses and dark green leafy vegetables. Also be sure to check out the Health & Nutrition page on this blog for new recipes that include the integration of magnesium into your diet.

If you have questions, are looking for additional support or have topic suggestions feel free to send them to my email.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Fibromyalgia: Could It Really Be That Simple?

As I watched this video the other day, not only was I impressed with its awareness component but also with the question as to weather Fibromyalgia could be environmentally triggered. We all want a cure, that is foremost on all of our minds and I am sure that scientist are evaluating at this very moment what can be done to help ease our pain but how much of that research is based on the true "cause" of this invisible syndrome?

About as "green" as I get, is when my daughter makes me recycle the newspaper so it had never really occurred to me that there could be an environmental cause. I have spent years tracking, noting and tracing my Fibro back to its beginning and feel pretty confident in its original trigger; however, if I am to be a true optimist, skeptic or even pessimist I have to be open to the idea that what know to be true very well may be wrong. On the other hand, it might be what little we do know is right and this disabling syndrome is caused by a detrimental illness, imprinting stress or other physical/emotional turmoil sparking what ends up to be the worst life sentence I can think of.

Either way, it is up for debate as to what you believe to be the cause of your diagnosis. I think eventually most of us come to some sort of term with how we got where we are health wise and have made peace with that. I know personally if I hadn't, there is no way I could move forward in a healthy and productive way. It wasn't just about knowing and accepting that I had Fibromyalgia but accepting its fate and what that gave me to work with. I know what my limitations are and I push through them everyday hoping that the next day will push me even further. Only you can decide how to handle your treatment and I will leave it up to the scientists to figure out if there is indeed a globally environmental factor that leads us to square one. Until then, I guess it really isn't that simple but sure is food for thought.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO


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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What Do Fibromyalgia And Porcupines Have In Common?

Every time I talk to people about sex and Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Syndrome(FM/CFS), it reminds me of that joke: "How do porcupines mate?", "Very carefully" and for many this is a very real situation. One of the major issues with these syndromes is that pain levels vary from person to person and from day to day so there is no telling how your going to feel each morning. Unfortunately, we are so focused on fighting through the pain, fatigue and anxiety of FM/CFS that we tend to put our sexual desires on the back burner.

Your sexual health must be apart of your healthy living plan, especially if you intend to keep a wholesome relationship with your significant other or would like to have a sexual partner in the future. It is every humans desire to connect with someone not just on an emotional level but a sexual one as well and when you introduce any sort of influencing health factor, our sex lives can become well, crappy!

I can't speak for everyone here, but I happen to like sex so, what do we do? We must, like the oh so careful porcupine become creative creatures. This is an opportunity for you to liberate your libido and involve your partner in as many of your ritualistic relaxation routines as possible.

Two are better than one, so have your partner join you in the hot sudsy tub, talk about your day and enjoy the moment of intimacy without the pressure of intercourse while still treating your sore structure. Massage is a highly recommended treatment for MS/CFS so invest in some yummy body oils and treat each other to a foot rub. An important thing to remember here, is to first address the anxiety over having intimacy (ie.pain, rejection, etc.) thus, the relaxation techniques and then move on to more perky pastures if the situation allows for it.

As of yet, there are no Kama sutra books specifically geared towards people with health related pain; however, this does not mean that you can't take it upon yourself to create an individualized pillow book of your own. Experimenting with different positions will help you discover new, pain free ways of having intercourse and gaining your sexual independence back. Being open minded to the idea of "toys" in the bedroom won't hurt either. Make it an, I do you - you do me sort of thing, not to mention this is something you can do solo as well to help release those great endorphins we get from the coveted "Ooooorgasm"!

So, go forth and be frisky. Take it upon yourself to get your sexual groove back and I will leave you with this: Two nuns walk into a bar......

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Has Fibromyalgia Made You A Liar?

It sounds sort of funny to ask such a question, "Does Fybromyalgia make you a liar"? But the reality of it is that all of us with Fibro or Chronic Pain/Fatigue Syndrome are all a bunch of liars. If we weren't then every time someone asked us how we were doing we would have to tell the truth and that truth on most days is not pretty. Instead, we creak a smile and say things like, "Not too bad", "Fine thanks" or just plain "Good". Liar, liar, pants on fire!

Of course we lie about it, if we didn't people would never want to talk to us let alone want to be around us. It is only the nearest and dearest who know the real truth, that our bodies ache to the point of tears, it takes everything we have on some days just to take a shower from lack of energy and that we want nothing more than to sit in a room and pray for it all to go away. But we don't. 99% of the time, we get up, we get going and we live our lives just like everyone else. The only huge difference is, we do it in constant pain and with the perfected lying smile.

Like I mentioned before our cause is not about sympathy but empathy. So I say, lie like a Persian rug, put that smile on your face, take on the day with everything you have and if you don't happen to have it on that day then just bench yourself. Your job is to live and how you choose to live this life with all its uncomfortable effects is up to you. For me, until they come up with a better way to deal with the daily symptoms  all I have to say is this. My name is Abigale, I am a liar and my pants are flaming! But at least I have one smokin' backside!