WeAreFibro.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Fibromyalgia

Impaired Language in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Saturday March 13, 2010 Blog Classic: Feb. 3, 2009 How often do you find yourself searching your brain for a simple word that you just can't remember? Do you have problems writing, or understanding things you read or hear? If so, you're certainly not alone! This kind of language impairment is a symptom of both fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS). This language problem is the source of a lot of frustration and embarrassment, and has made some of us unable to read very much, or remember what we have...

  Have you ever heard how a group of Roman soldiers would protect themselves in battle? Several soldiers would huddle close and move together behind their large, heavy shields. Safe from being hit by flying arrows or spears, these soldiers could penetrate and fight the enemy in their own territory. What can help shield you from the different ways that fibromyalgia attacks your body? ...

Monday February 1, 2010 One of the scientists behind the XMRV discovery, Dr. Judy Mikovitz of the Whittemore Peterson Institute, recently gave an in-depth lecture on XMRV and its implications for chronic fatigue syndrome, other neuroimmune diseases, and possibly XMRV-related cancers. She covered a wealth of information over 2.5 hours. Here's a look at some of the things she talked about: Studies of XMRV in Families. Researchers are looking at families with certain types of cancer and multiple types of neuroimmune disease (i.e., autism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) and finding XMRV infections. In families with one person who has chronic fatigue syndrome, sometimes everyone else can be infected yet not...

by Mira Meeus, Jo Nijs, et al. January 16, 2010 Several studies provided evidence for generalized hyperalgesia [heightened sensitivity to pain] in fibromyalgia or whiplash-associated disorders. In chronic fatigue syndrome, however, pain is a frequently reported complaint, but up to now, evidence for generalized hyperalgesia is lacking. The aim of this study is to examine whether the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at both symptomatic and asymptomatic sites differ in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients with chronic pain, compared to healthy controls. Therefore, 30 CFS patients with chronic pain and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls indicated on a Margolis Pain Diagram where they felt pain lasting longer than 24 h...

Most of the research findings in fibromyalgia point to a malfunctioning of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Yet, there appear to be a variety of abnormalities occurring in the peripheral soft tissues (muscles and connective tissue) and the peripheral nervous system that communicates with the CNS. This dysfunctional interplay between the CNS and peripheral systems is believed by most investigators to be the source ...

You sit in front of a computer for hours every day, barely moving your head. You sleep in a bed for hours every night, barely moving anything. Oh, sure, you moved around at work and even a little afterward. You talked to your colleagues, went for a soda, leaned over some files. But much of the past 24 hours was spent with your neck and shoulders in a single position. And now--surprise--you've got a royal pain in the neck and a shoulder that's as stiff as an old piece of leather. We've all known someone who has complained of neck and shoulder pain, and most...

Whereas muscle pain usually involves one or two regions of the body, the pain of fibromyalgia is more widespread with multiple tender points that have a quality different than the neck and back strain patterns we have discussed. Women tend to be affected with fibromyalgia more than men, with the onset of symptoms in the 20's and 30's. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed lending to its chronic nature, unnecessary medical treatment and emotional distress and frustration. Predisposing factors for fibromyalgia have been postulated to be physical trauma, psychological stress, history of abuse and genetic. Other chronic conditions are associated with fibromyalgia including chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, myofascial pain, irritable bladder syndrome, irritable...

Sunday January 17, 2010 NEWSBRIEF: An FDA letter calls Eli Lilly's print ads for Cymbalta (duloxetine) as a fibromyalgia treatment misleading. The letter says a magazine ad doesn't adequately convey the risks of taking the drug. Risk information was on an adjacent page but not in the body of the ad, which the FDA calls a "misleading presentation." The letter also takes issue with an ad aimed at doctors, which it says overstates the drug's effectiveness and minimizes risks. Again, risk information was separated from efficacy claims. Cymbalta was approved as a fibromyalgia treatment in June 2008. It's a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) aimed at correcting the...

Thursday January 21, 2010 NEWSBRIEF: A nonprofit group called Public Citizen is asking the FDA to immediately yank the fibromyalgia drug Savella (milnacipran) off the market. The group's petition says the drug's dangers outweigh its benefits. The side effects listed by the group include: Raised blood pressureIncreased heart rateSuicidal thoughts The petition also states that Savella offers "only a marginal effect on pain." Savella became FDA approved for fibromyalgia in 2009. It's a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), similar to Cymbalta (duloxetine), but unique in that it raises norepinephrine more than serotonin. Both of these neurotransmitters are frequently low in people with fibromyalgia. On...

Friday January 15, 2010 NEWSBRIEF: Hemispherx Biopharma Inc. is till trying to move toward approval for Ampligen as a chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. The company says it has given new preclinical information to the FDA. When the FDA announced in December that it was not approving Ampligen, it made recommendations to the company about what was needed to improve the drug's chances of approval down the road. Hemispherx says the data it has just submitted should sufficiently address some of the FDA's concerns. Ampligen is currently not approved for any use in the US, but some doctors are prescribing it for their chronic fatigue syndrome patients through a...

Talking About Health Problems With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Thursday January 14, 2010 When you have a chronic health problem like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, it doesn't take long to realize that other people are uncomfortable hearing about health-related issues. When your illness is a big part of your life, however, it's hard to avoid it entirely. A recent comment left here really made me think about why health is such a taboo subject: "I find as a disabled person that our own hero's journey is not at all respected because of the social prohibition about talking about health (unless, of course, other people are talking about the...

Diagnostic Marker for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Monday January 11, 2010 NEWSBRIEF: Japanese researchers say they've found a protein in the blood of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) that could be used as a diagnostic marker, according to a press release. So far, their work doesn't appear to be published in a medical journal. The Osaka City University team says it found extremely high levels of the protein, called alpha-MSH, in the blood and intermediate lobes of the pituitary glands of fatigued rats. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that's frequently low in ME/CFS, normally keeps alpha-MSH from getting too high, but the rats became less able to produce dopamine as they...

Are You Sleeping on a Toxic Mattress? Friday, March 20, 2009 filed under: cara natterson Disturbing reports are linking memory foam mattresses to dangerous health conditions, even fatalities. Find out why -- and what you can do about it. Getty Images Most mattresses do contain toxins. The difference is, memory foam mattresses are made mostly from chemicals never tested on humans. And while data on memory foam is scarce, many people have been complaining of sore throat, fatigue,...

Christmas Coping With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Monday December 14, 2009 Holiday Blog Classic: Cutting Down on Stress We're getting close to Christmas, and (as usual), I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I still need to do lots of wrapping, a bit of baking, and stocking-stuffer shopping. I'm tracking the packages I've shipping to far-off family and hoping no freak storms disrupt their delivery (like they did last year.) I'm not doing too badly, though, considering. Why? Because I have a schedule, and I'm trying my darnedest to stick to it. I know when I'm going to wrap, when I'm going to shop, and when I'm going to bake. I've scheduled...

Feds issue new medical marijuana policy ...

From Cannibis News.org---  Marijuana Proven Effective in Treating Cancer---   USA — Marijuana opponents in the federal government are up against the wall and the wall is crumbling. The feds have fought marijuana use for decades, disregarding its medicinal applications, in a senseless war against the herb. The demonized killer weed is turning out to be anything but that. As myths about this ancient herb are dispelled, scientists are using it to treat everything from chemotherapy-induced nausea to different cancers. In August, The British Journal of Cancer published the results of a study that found THC (the main active component in marijuana) is effective in fighting prostate cancer. Reportedly, pot attacks prostate cancer cell...

Retrovirus Implicated in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia Saturday October 10, 2009 IMPORTANT RESEARCH NEWS: In what they're calling a landmark finding, scientists from the Whittemore Peterson Institute announce they've discovered a retrovirus in the majority of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS). The study was recently published in the journal Science. That study showed a virus called XMRV in the blood of 68 out of 101 ME/CFS patients, compared to just 8 of 218 healthy people. Since the paper was submitted for publication, however, researchers say they've further refined their testing methods and have now been able to identify the virus in 95% of those same blood...

XMRV Researchers to Present Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Findings Wednesday October 28, 2009 The XMRV Discovery Series Representatives from the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) are presenting their retroviral findings to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Chronic Fatigue Syndrome advisory committee Thursday, Oct. 29. This comes 3 weeks after the publication of a paper showing researchers had linked the retrovirus, called XMRV, to chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Daniel Peterson, an author of the paper and WPI medical director, and WPI founder and president Annette Whittemore both will speak. "I am hopeful about the possibility of providing patients who are positive for XMRV a definitive diagnosis, and hopefully very soon, a range...

XMRV Lab Tests: Should Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients Get Tested? Tuesday November 3, 2009 The XMRV Discovery Series It certainly doesn't take long for things to come out of the woodwork on the heels of reported scientific breakthroughs. Already, some labs are offering very expensive tests for XMRV, the retrovirus researchers have preliminarily tied to chronic fatigue syndrome and possibly fibromyalgia. Now a lot of people are asking, "Should I get tested?" The doctors and researchers who've spoken out about these tests say, don't waste your money. Even if you get a positive test, we don't yet know what to do about it. One commenter here recently said...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & XMRV: How Is the Retrovirus Transmitted? Saturday October 17, 2009 The XMRV Discovery Series Among the many questions surrounding the recently discovered XMRV retrovirus link to chronic fatigue syndrome and possibly fibromyalgia is: how is XMRV transmitted? Because scientists have only known about this particular retrovirus for a few years, they still have a lot to learn about it. However, so far it appears that it's transmitted through bodily fluids, possibly including: Blood Semen Breastmilk We don't know that for sure, but that's what researchers believe at the moment. The biggest issue in my mind is that this retrovirus could be in...

Less than 20 years ago, patients comp-laining of fatigue were often given a "tonic shot" by their doctor. Many people claimed that this worked like magic to improve their energy levels. What was this miracle tonic? A simple injection of vitamin B-12. Although the practice of administering B-12 injections has fallen out of favor, modern medical science now understands why vitamin B-12 supplementation makes people feel better, and the reasons extend far beyond just the "placebo effect" of receiving a shot. The Far-Reaching Effects of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Vitamin B-12, called "cobalamin" because it contains the mineral cobalt, is required for a staggering...

The “triggers” that initiate ME/CFS and other multi-system illnesses - Fibromyalgia (FM), Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Lyme disease, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Gulf War Syndrome - are numerous and varied. However, because these diseases ultimately have consistent and often-overlapping symptoms, researchers believe there may be biochemical abnormalities common to all sufferers. If a common biochemical abnormality can be identified, treatments directed toward this alteration might hasten resolution or at least provide significant improvement for those afflicted. In the quest for a “unifying theory” of ME/CFS and related multi-system diseases, two models have emerged that have gained much scientific...

Case Managers’ Role in Patient Care Offers Opportunity toReduce Costs for Hospitals, Providers Cost of preventable hospital admissions highlights the value of case managers, who help reduce readmissions and transition patients to post-acute settings Belleville, Ill. – Oct. 2, 2009 – Case managers play an important role on behalf of patients by easing the transition from acute to post-acute settings and reducing hospital readmissions, according to the American Case Management Association, which is observing National Case Management Week on Oct. 11 to 17, 2009. Organizations, including Allsup, a nationwide provider of...

People with Disabilities Face Unique Healthcare Coverage Challenges, Allsup Says Allsup outlines steps to better manage healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility and important factors when selecting a Medicare plan   Belleville, Ill. – Oct. 6, 2009 – People with disabilities have crucial healthcare needs, but often experience difficulty in receiving much-needed treatment, according to Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security disability representation and Medicare services.    “There is significant risk for people with disabilities if they go without care or medications that they need to manage their conditions,” said Paul Gada, Allsup’s personal financial...

Is Fibromyalgia Real? October 3, 2009 Abstract A growing body of information suggests fibromyalgia is a true neurologic disorder. Like many of his colleagues, John Kissel, M.D., used to think that fibromyalgia wasn't a real condition. Dr. Kissel, a neurologist and the co-director of the MDA/ALS Center at Ohio State University, thought it was a wastebasket diagnosis-a dumping ground for malingering, drug-seeking patients with unexplained pain, fatigue, and depression. Figure. COURTESY OF DR. WILLIAM AMALU Then he saw patients that began to change his mind. He still remembers one woman in her 40s, a professional trial attorney from Columbus, OH. She had developed debilitating fatigue and horrible muscle pain and tenderness about a month after...

  Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) can be lonely conditions. You might find it hard to stay active in social activities, and the people around you may not understand what you're going through. Many people with FMS or ME/CFS also are clinically depressed, but even if you're not, it's common to go through rocky emotional times. Whether you have the most supportive friends and family imaginable or you feel like no one supports you, you may benefit from a support group. Few people understand the what it's like to have chronic pain or to be exhausted all the...

Fibromyalgia Blog: Perspective on Pain Friday September 25, 2009 I read something recently that really moved me -- one man's account of what he calls "pain beyond words." It was in a New York Times blog, and it contained some profound statements to which I related at the deepest level, including this: "I have no patience these days with the Nietzschean cliché, 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger.' I’ve found that the deepest pain holds no meaning. It is not purifying. It is not ennobling. It does not make you a better human being. It just is. All the worst pain...

15 Terms Everyone With Fibromyalgia Should Know Saturday August 29, 2009 When you have fibromyalgia , the more you learn about your illness the better you can take care of yourself. While medical terminology can be overwhelming and hard to understand (especially on foggy days!), it can really help to know a few key terms. I went through my fibromyalgia glossary and picked out the ones I thought were most important: Allodynia Central Sensitization Cortisol Dopamine Glutamate HPA Axis Hyperalgesia Nociceptor Norepinephrine Pain Threshold Pain Tolerance Paresthesia Serotonin Substance P Tender Points ...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mitochondrial dysfunction is getting more and more attention as an underlying mechanism of chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Sarah Myhill, a UK doctor who was an early proponent of this theory and has a treatment protocol based on it, has just published a paper on mitochondrial dysfunction that even points to a possible diagnostic test. What are Mitochondria? Mitochondria are specialized parts of cells that, among other things, convert nutrients into energy. That energy enables your cells to carry out their many jobs in your body -- or, if you have mitochondrial dysfunction, that energy isn't produced, thereby preventing your cells from doing...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Low Cortisol & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Tuesday August 11, 2009 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently recommended for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), but it's quite controversial.  Some patients, advocates and researchers say that CBT is not only ineffective, it can be harmful.  Meanwhile, some practitioners and several major health organizations (the CDC, the UK's NICE) consider CBT the front-line therapy for the condition.  Among people with ME/CFS, you can find plenty who believe they've been helped or harmed by CBT, and others who say it did nothing either way.  Now, a new study could help separate those who could be helped by...

Temperature Sensitivity in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Beating the Heat Monday June 8, 2009 Do You Run Hot? Cold? Both? I'm always hot! I'm always cold! I fluctuate with the weather I fluctuate randomly I don't have temperature issues Submit Current Results Temperature sensitivity is on the symptoms lists for both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of us are especially sensitive to cold, while for others heat is the worst. Some of us have problems with both. As things heat up outside, my hands and feet puff up and ache, and I tend to overheat and have trouble cooling down. I frequently soak my feet in cool water (but...

Marijuana Derivative Called Effective in Fibromyalgia By John Gever, Staff Writer, MedPage Today Published: February 15, 2008 Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Earn CME/CE credit for reading medical news Copy the code below to embed audio on your website or blog: WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 15 -- Pain, anxiety, and disability were significantly reduced with the marijuana derivative nabilone (Cesamet) used for fibromyalgia, researchers here said. In a small trial, four weeks of off-label nabilone reduced mean scores on the 10-point Visual Analog Scale of pain by 2.0 points from baseline (P=0.02), reported Ryan Q. Skrabek, M.D., and colleagues at...

Low Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Screening The purpose of this screening interview is to see if you meet the criteria for taking part in our research study of the use of the medication low-dose naltrexone for Fibromyalgia. This screening questionnaire asks you a list of questions. You may choose not to answer these questions. You also may choose to stop filling out the questionnaire at any time; there is no penalty for not answering these questions and you will not lose any benefits to which you otherwise would be entitled. Information from this questionnaire will be kept as confidential as possible...

Low-Dose Naltrexone Reduces the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Symptoms are reduced by low-dose naltrexone: A pilot study. Pain Medicine (2009) Jarred W. Younger and Sean C. Mackey What is fibromyalgia? People with fibromyalgia complain of chronic pain in the muscles of their body. They are also often profoundly fatigued, and have difficulty sleeping well. Headaches, stomach problems, and a number of other symptoms are frequently reported. Millions of people in the United States meet the criteria for fibromyalgia, and the condition seems to affect more women than men. The disorder can be debilitating, as the pain and fatigue prevent the individual from carrying out their...

MS Symptoms Questionnaire Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are listed below. Check off the MS symptoms you are experiencing. Use the space below each symptom to further describe what you are experiencing. When you are finished with the questionnaire, click "Show Printer Friendly Version" at the bottom of the page, print the checklist, and bring it with you to discuss with your neurologist.Would you rather download and print a blank questionnaire? Click here to download a printable version of the multiple sclerosis symptom questionnaire. Vision problems: may include blurred vision, double vision, involuntary eye movements, temporary loss of sight, eye pain Describe the...

1. Within the last week, how many times did pain or exhaustion cause you to abort your normal schedule? 2. How often does the pain interfere with your ability to: 1. Care for your family 2. Work 3. Enjoy social events 4. Concentrate 5. Do daily chores 3. What medications have you tried? 4. When is the pain the greatest? 5. Where is the pain the most extreme? ...

Questions for your doctor Don’t hold back, ask away This Worksheet is your opportunity to think ahead about all of your concerns and questions and put them down in writing so you are sure to cover everything in your visit. Even the things that you feel are trivial, and do not need to be mentioned should be. Be specific in explaining what affect fibromyalgia has had on your life and express how you really feel. Ask questions openly, and if you don’t understand something your doctor has said, ask for it to be explained again. Make sure you record your doctor’s answers that way you will always have...

Find a Health Care Professional who meets your Needs By the time you get your diagnosis it is likely that you will be tired of bouncing around from doctor to doctor; it is possible you will be sick of health care professionals period, and with good reason. However, it is important to remember that diagnosis is just the start. Now it is more imperative than ever that you find a doctor with a treatment program that matches your needs. Where to start? Start by seeing a specialist. FibroDocs.com or FatigueDocs.com can provide you with specialists trained in treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue...

This is an article for a member who asked for information on this. SERRAPEPTASE - RELIEVE PAIN NATURALLY - SAFE AND EFFECTIVE Serrapeptase - A new way to spell relief? - Read on... P-A-I-N is a four letter word. Who needs it???!!! I think I could write the book on pain after living through 9 years of non-stop pain. It changed my whole world---and the world of others around me. I am sure you all have heard the good advice, "Never to go near an injured dog...even if he is otherwise good tempered". Pain can make you mean and tired. It drains your body...

Do You Have Fibromyalgia? Drug Company Hopes So Posted on February 18, 2009 by jeannehambleton77 From the FMS Global News Desk of Jeanne Hambleton Wednesday, 18 February 2009, Columnist - Martha Rosenberg Even as new reports surface about alleged fake medical articles Pfizer planted to sell seizure drug Neurontin for unapproved uses from 1995 to 2002, it looks like deja vu all over again. Pfizer gave nonprofits $2.1 million in grants in 2008 for medical courses about the pain-and-fatigue ailment fibromyalgia for which its Neurontin follow-up pill, Lyrica, just happens to be approved. Lyrica (pregablin), facetiously called Son of Neurontin at Pfizer, was discovered by Northwestern...

Free or Low Cost Healthcare Wednesday March 11, 2009 Record job loss is leaving many Americans without health insurance. Even with the option to continue health coverage with a former employer, few can afford the high premiums to keep their health policy in effect. And, many employers are feeling the economic pinch and cutting employee benefits, leaving many uninsured. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contracts with medical providers across the United States to provide free, or nearly free, healthcare services. This includes treatment for mental health. Fees for services are based on a sliding scale, according to one’s ability to...

Herbs and Supplements for Fibromyalgia The following are some of the more common herbs and supplements promoted for fibromyalgia. Consult a qualified health practitioner for a specific recommendations. 1) S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is compound that occurs naturally in the body. It is needed for proper immune function, it helps maintain cell membranes, it assists in the production and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and it also plays a role in the formation of cartilage and our genetic material (DNA). A couple of preliminary studies suggest that SAMe may help with fibromyalgia. A small double-blind study evaluated the effect of...

Herbs and Their Uses By Thomas Stearns Lee, NMD Acidophilus A friendly organism that crowds out harmful kinds, helps the body fight disease and restore health, and acidifies the colon. Manufactures most of the B vitamins in the body. Alfalfa Contains all vitamins and minerals known to science; for overacidity, pituitary gland, arthritis, chlorophyll. Highly nutritive, alkalizes the body rapidly, and detoxifies the body and liver. Algin/Sodium Alginate Helps rid the body of radiation poisoning. Aloe Vera A quick healing agent for burns, abrasions, skin problems, and wounds. Stops bleeding, and is soothing and healing to the stomach. Barberry Bark Laxative, soothing to the gall bladder. Treats typhoid, jaundice, and improves appetite. Bayberry Drains...

Pain occurs when the sensitive nerve endings in your body become irritated. This commonly happens when tissue swells—say, from a bruise, tensing of muscles or an overabundance of agents produced by your body in response to allergies, stress or a hormonal imbalance—and presses on the surrounding nerves. It also happens when your nerves are damaged from injury or strained from overuse. Whatever the cause, pain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. It is important to get to the root of what is causing the pain, but also to make yourself comfortable in the meantime. Chronic...

Serrapeptase - A 2nd Gift from Silkworms The natural Chelation-Anti-Inflammatory Serrapeptase has had wide clinical use - spanning over twenty-five years throughout Europe and Asia - as a viable alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and the more potent NSAIDs. Unlike these drugs, Serrapeptase is a naturally occurring, physiological agent with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins and is devoid of gastrointestinal side effects. See Studies and Technical Information. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism Serratia E15. This enzyme is naturally processed commercially today through fermentation and was discovered in the silkworm intestine. This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the...

Fibromyalgia can no longer be called the 'invisible' syndrome Published: Monday, November 3, 2008 - 09:21 in Health & Medicine Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), researchers in France were able to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions in the brains of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, reinforcing the idea that symptoms of the disorder are related to a dysfunction in those parts of the brain where pain is processed. "Fibromyalgia is frequently considered an 'invisible syndrome' since musculoskeletal imaging is negative," said Eric Guedj, M.D., and lead author of the study. "Past imaging studies of patients with the syndrome, however, have...

Fibromyalgia vs. Myofascial Pain Syndrome by Cynthia Webber, Suite101.com Learning to differentiate between fibromyalgia and chronic myofascial pain isn't as difficult as it sometimes appears to be. Dr. Devin Starlanyl has made the distinction very easy to understand on both her informational fibromyalgia & myofascial pain web site, and in her books. Not all doctors are able to diagnose fibromyalgia accurately, and it is possible to be given a diagnosis of fibromyalgia when what one has is chronic myofascial pain. Tender points are different than trigger points, and yet many people are given a diagnosis of fibromyalgia based upon trigger point pain. While...

Those who don't deal with fibromyalgia on a daily basis have a very difficult time understanding why people who have it can't always remember things, get exhausted from doing simple activities, or have pain so severe that all we want to do is try to find a comfortable position so we can just have a few pain free moments. A friend of mine wrote these words to me many months ago, and to me they sum up our experiences with an activity that most people just take for granted. "I remember I used to 'cook dinner', and it was no big deal....

Fibromyalgia and Sleep Therapy by Darlene Cheek, Suite101.com Your muscles, joints and glands are swollen, burning and painful... you may feel symptoms of depression and/or anxiety... you are exhausted... you find it harder to concentrate and form coherent thoughts (mental fog)... it gets more difficult to complete your normal, everyday tasks... you may experience irritable bowel syndrome or symptoms of arthritis... your senses may become heightened to a point where the slightest sound hurts your ears... it may become difficult to focus your eyes... sleep becomes a thing of the past. Is this a syndrome, a disease, or a virus? You finally take...

A Walking Program for Fibromyalgia by Cynthia Webber, Suite101.com When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1991, I was told that the treatment was antidepressants and mild aerobic exercise. After five years of living in denial, trying to burn the candle at both ends, I was told by my specialist that I had to slow down or I was going to become worse. As I look at all the information on the Internet about fibromyalgia now, I've come to the conclusion that there are as many different treatments for fibromyalgia as there are people. There is no cure, but there is one...

Fibromyalgia Pain Linked To Central Nervous System DysfunctionScienceDaily (Feb. 18, 2009)— Widespread body pain in fibromyalgia patients is associated with specific brain metabolite abnormalities, according to research in The Journal of Pain.See also:Health & MedicinePain ControlFibromyalgiaJoint PainMind & BrainBrain InjuryStressNeuroscienceReferenceChronic painGate control theory of painPhantom limbIrritable bowel syndromeScientists at Louisiana State University examined 16 fibromyalgia patients to assess the role in fibromyalgia pain played by metabolite abnormalities in the hippocampal region of the brain. The hippocampus is sensitive to the effects of stress exposure and can be affected in a variety of disorders, like fibromyalgia, which are associated with stressful experiences. Fibromyalgia is considered a stress-related disorder...

Dr. Rodger Murphree's Health NewsHelping Others Help ThemselvesFibromyalgia News - 2007IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE PHOTOS - CLICK HEREYou’re Not Crazy, Lazy, or Depressed. It’s Called Fibromyalgia!Contrary to what some doctors may have told you, you’re not crazy, lazy, or suffering from an antidepressant drug deficiency. I know how frustrating it is to continue to look for answers from doctors who don’t understand what you’re going through. These are the same doctors who tell you to get more sleep (right!), take it easy, get more rest, exercise more, and eat better. Or they send you off to a psychiatrist for more antidepressant medications. This clearly shows that most doctors...

Opioid Blockers Help Relieve Problematic PainMarch 4, 2009Achieving effective, durable, and safe pain relief, especially in patients with chronic and/or severe pain conditions, can be difficult. For many types of pain, prescription opioids are among the most effective analgesics. Yet, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting potential benefits of opioid antagonists, particularly naloxone and naltrexone. This is somewhat unexpected because these drugs displace opioid molecules from their neuroreceptors, and block opioids from attaching to and activating those receptors.In a peer-reviewed, evidence-based report for Pain Treatment Topics editor Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, describes naloxone and naltrexone pharmacology and the theoretical foundations of opioid antagonists for pain management. Titled “Opioid Antagonists,...

When you're exhausted and it hurts just to be touched, it's pretty much a given that it's going to impact your sex life. Several studies have looked at sexual dysfunction in women with fibromyalgia (FMS), and a recent survey of them concluded that there is definitely a link. The authors say we need more studies to figure out why. What are some possilbilites? I can think of several. First, as I mentioned, being tired and in pain doesn't exactly help. Here are other things I think could contribute: FMS-related strains on our relationships Higher likelihood of pain related to intercourse...

The Liver Detox DietFebruary 21, 2008 by Kelly Morris Kelly Morris Published Content: 197 Total Views: 49,256 Favorited By: 15 CPs Full Profile | Subscribe | Add to Favorites Recommend (6)Single page Font SizeRead comments (3) The world is full of pollution today, and we take in pollutants is the food that we eat, the water we drink, the very air that we breath. This is all very hard on our liver, because the liver is the organ that is responsible for filtering toxins out of our blood. The liver becomes overburdened, and these toxins back up in our system....

DescriptionS-Adenosylmethionine is the active Lipotrope form of Methionine (i.e. it is a Methionine-derivative that also contains Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within its chemical structure) normally manufactured within the body but also manufactured synthetically for use as a nutritional supplement.Health Benefits of SAMeDigestive SystemSupplemental SAMe may stimulate the flow of Bile. Supplemental SAMe (600 800 mg per day) may help to prevent Cholestasis (by improving the flow of Bile). Immune SystemAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients have low endogenous Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) levels of SAMe and for this reason supplemental SAMe is under investigation as a potential treatment for AIDS. Supplemental SAMe...

FDA OKs Fibromyalgia Drug SavellaSavella Joins Cymbalta and Lyrica as Drugs Approved for Fibromyalgia PatientsBy Miranda HittiWebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDJan. 15, 2009 -- The FDA has approved a new drug called Savella for the management of fibromyalgia.Savella belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include some antidepressants.The drug companies behind Savella -- Forest Laboratories Inc. and Cypress Bioscience Inc. -- report that the FDA approved Savella based on two clinical trials that together included 2,084 fibromyalgia patients who took Savella or a placebo for three months or six months.Savella trumped...

Using Cymbalta for FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have "tender points" on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them. Other fibromyalgia symptoms may include:Trouble sleeping Morning stiffness Headaches Painful menstrual periods Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called "fibro fog"). Cymbalta is part of a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs for short. SNRIs, such as Cymbalta, affect specific chemicals within...

TREATMENT OF CERVICAL MYELOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH THE FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME: OUTCOMES AND IMPLICATIONSDan S. Heffez, MDContext: Cervical myelopathy and fibromyalgia are associated with very similar symptoms. Some patients with fibromyalgia also exhibit the neurological signs of cervical myelopathy.Objective: To determine if treatment of cervical myelopathy in patients with fibromyalgia improves the symptoms of fibromyalgia and the patients’ quality of life.Design: A non-randomized, prospective, case control study comparing the outcome of surgical versus non-surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy in patients with fibromyalgia.Setting: Single neurosurgeon referral practice.Patients: 40 surgical and 31 non-surgical patients 18 years and older who carried the diagnosis of...

When you have fibromyalgia (FMS) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), it's common for well-meaning people to tell you something like, "If you'd just exercise more, you'd feel better." Certainly, exercise is important to anyone who wants to be healthy, but it poses special problems for anyone with these conditions. Even moderate exertion can make you feel worse, so it can be very tempting to give up exercise altogether. The irony here is that even though exercise can make you feel worse short term, the lack of it can make your symptoms more severe long term, as well as...

Drugs as Fibromyalgia TreatmentsPrescription Medications & How They Work as Fibromyalgia TreatmentsBy Adrienne Dellwo, About.comUpdated: February 16, 2009About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board See More About:fibromyalgiatreating fibromyalgiafibromyalgia drugsSponsored LinksFibromyalgia DisabilityCan't work because of Fibromyalgia? Qualify for disability income!www.Allsup.comFree Fibromyalgia GuideThis Guide Has Already Helped 9,677 Win Disability Income Fibromyalgia!FreeFibromyalgiaGuide.com/Fibromyalgia TreatmentsNeed Fibromyalgia Treatments? See Fibromyalgia Treatments.Spectrum-Health.orgCFS AdsFibromyalgiaFibro SymptomsChronic FatiguePregabalinDiagnosis of FibromyalgiaAs medical science understands more about fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), pharmaceutical companies are racing to get the FDA to approve existing drugs as fibromyalgia treatments. Doctors prescribe a broad range of medications off-label because they've...

If you have fibromyalgia syndrome, then you have probably tried countless treatments in order to help reduce your many symptoms. There are a wide variety of medications available to treat the widespread pain, fatigue, and depression caused by fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, a lot of this medication causes numerous side effects and requires persistent fine-tuning in order to be beneficial. Luckily, a number of new fibromyalgia medications are now available to help manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. Developing New Fibromyalgia MedicationsUnfortunately, it is very difficult to develop medications specifically for fibromyalgia. This is because no one is entirely sure what the actual cause...

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Pain-Management/10-Spiritual-Tools-for-Coping-with-Chronic-Pain.aspx?wt.mc_id=NEWSLT,NL44Copy and past the url and it will take you to it, It is from a news letter I get...

How Alkalising Your Body Can Oxygenate Your Cells Many of you will be aware that there is extensive research showing that cancer exists, and flourishes, in an acidic environment, and deteriorates and dies in an alkaline environment. Making the body more alkaline is important in fighting cancer. Making the body more alkaline is important in fighting cancer Acidic water can hold very little oxygen. Alkaline water can hold large amounts of oxygen. This includes the water in cells. To increase the amount of oxygen in your cells, you therefore need to create a more alkaline environment. Sang Whang, in his book Reverse Ageing, agrees....

PH Balanced Diet Explanation of the dietSkip to the dietThe body functions best with a slightly alkaline pH. The normal pH of human blood ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. For pH values, 1 is the most acidic, while 14 is the most alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral, which means it is right in the middle of the acid base scale and is neither acidic nor alkaline. When the body chemistry turns too acidic, we see many disorders and diseases develop. For example, cancer thrives in an overly acidic body chemistry. Every single case of arthritis and every type...

    FIBROMYALGIA by Lynn Hinderliter CN, LDN Find the recommended supplements here Links of interestThese are NOT sponsored/paid links, but provided for you as being relevant to your search. Fibromyalgia is another mystery affliction that seems to have appeared recently with a mostly female sufferer profile. Between 2 and 6 million Americans develop Fibromyalgia, 10 times as many women as men, and a startling number of them are contracting the disease as early as the 25 to 35 age group. Sometimes, however, it takes years for a diagnosis to be made. Like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is a devastating and often...

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Effects of Yoga and Tui Na on Fibromyalgia A study conducted by the Pulmonary Division at University of São Paulo (Brazil) intended to verify whether techniques of yoga with and without the addition of traditional Chinese medicine modality Tui Na would "improve pain and the negative impact of fibromyalgia on patients' daily life." The results are published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [2007 Dec; 13(10):1107-14].Forty women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group participated in Relaxing Yoga (RY) and the other received Relaxing Yoga plus Touch (RYT), for "eight weekly sessions...

Getting to know Emily Maguire   Singer-songwriter Emily Maguire is a real Fibro success story. Originally trained as a cellist and pianist, when Fibro struck her down Emily taught herself guitar from Bob Marley songbooks and started writing songs about life and the world outside her window. Years later, back on her feet and fed up with grey skies and concrete, she gave up her flat in London for a shack in the Australian bush where she recorded and released her debut album ‘Stranger Place’ to critical acclaim by the Australian media. Further success has followed and last year Emily was offered the chance to...

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Breaking Research Reveals Common Bacterium Chlamydia Pneumoniae may be Culprit in CFIDS, FMS and MS You may not have heard much about the common bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae, pronounced "Kluh-MID-ee-uh New-MOAN-eye-A." Compared to its notorious sexually transmitted relative, Chlamydia trachomatis, it is an obscure pathogen. But some of the world's leading infectious disease specialists...

  European Guidelines for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome  Laurie Barclay, MD Adapted from Medscape CME article for physicians  The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has issued the first guidelines for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and published them in the September 17 Online First issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. "Although effective treatments are available no guidelines exist for management of FMS," write Serena F. Carville, from King's College London, United Kingdom, and colleagues. "The objectives were to ascertain the strength of the research evidence on effectiveness of treatment of FMS and develop recommendations for its management based on the...

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