Prospering Over Fibromyalgia

ALERT Great Website (Including Info On Filing For Disability)

2011-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.thefibromyalgiadigest.com/index.html

***Update

After reading over much of the material, it's clear that documentation is KEY. You have to read it for yourself to see what I mean. That said...it may be helpful to you to consider purchasing the Fibromyalgia Pain Management and Symptom Tracker I have listed for you. It's link is over on the right hand side of the blog along with more information.

Sincerely,
Sherri

Example pictures of actual journal pages:

Some Music For The Soul For My Friends

2011-12-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone : )

My daughter's friend recorded her while she was singing at an open mic night. She didn't know it at the time lol!

The sound quality is not fantastic, but still her voice comes through...hauntingly, pationately, raw... I'm continually blessed to experience my children's talents. I keep hoping someone will develop Ashlynd's skills and introduce her to the world. She has more music that she's written, it just hasn't been recorded yet. I can hardly wait!

Anyway... here you go friends. A few minutes of peace. Sit back, take a deep breathe, enjoy : )

soundcloud.com/ashlyndfine

http://soundcloud.com/ashlyndfine/to-make-you-feel-my-love

http://soundcloud.com/ashlyndfine/dont-go

http://soundcloud.com/ashlyndfine/feelin-good-cover

Silent Cry From A Reader - POWERFUL

2011-12-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I received this comment the other day and it was so powerful and raw that I decided to go ahead and make it a regular post. This precious reader is expressing things that I know I'VE felt and gone through time and time again and I know others of my friends who are PWF's (persons with fibromyalgia) have gone through as well. PLEASE READ THESE WORDS AND REMEMBER THEM. ESPECIALLY if you are NOT a PWF. Remember what we go through, love us enough to remember. We are not faking, pretending, sure of why we go through this, do not have an answer as to why our bodies react this way, and would do ANYTHING ALMOST not to have it. Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome SUCK! Please help us not have it suck so much by NOT forgetting that what we have is REAL, 100% 24/7, AND CHANGES EVERY DAY (sometimes within hours or even an hour!).

And finally, to my precious reader who wrote to me: You are not alone dear friend and I appreciate SO MUCH that you took the time to write me and share what is happening. I've thought of you many times since and will continue to lift you in prayer along with my other readers and PWF's around the world. (That's a promise, not just words.... and I never use the "P-word" unless I can keep it. ) P.S. You are not exaggerating... many of us have exactly the same things happening to us too. (((((HUG)))))

Your friend,
Sherri

Comment sent in:

"I just wish I would not have to be reminding my family constantly of how I feel, because they forget, they ask things of me that it is difficult to do and I have to remind them that I can't because if I simply say I can't they always ask, why? There are times that I just do it and in the mean time I want to burst into tears because nobody can understand why and I going through, and God forbid I have a good day and want to do something fun or something that I will not be able to do any time soon because of my condition and then I get the " don't complain later of your pains" I feel so alone sometimes, I also feel that maybe I exaggerate or that maybe I will be better off alone not bringing anybody down because of how I feel. I am not depressed and I will not allow myself to get depress, is just very sad and wanted to be able to share that. "

By Anonymous on What Does Fibromyalgia Feel Like? on 12/1/11

Venting About Fibromyalgia Awareness!

2011-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
*WARNING* I'm gonna VENT! And before anyone writes me... NO I'm not downplaying breast cancer or it's seriousness. My grandmother died a horrible death due to breast cancer and it's something I don't take lightly. However, for the purposes of this particular post, I'm using the difference between the recognition and money breast cancer awareness and research gets verses fibromyalgia recognition and research.

On with the post: Oh! and just for you 'n me, I've put a new playlist on the blog of some of my fav songs if you want to listen while reading. Enjoy friends :-)

Ok, NOW..on with the post:
I want Fibromyalgia to receive as MUCH attention and awareness as breast cancer or autism or freak'in ED for crying out loud!!!! I am SO TIRED of much of the medical community not even recognizing Fibro as a legitimate disease or condition much less the public at large. Yes, yes Lyrica commercials have started the process of more recognition and information, but please.... if we could garner the same support as the breast cancer people.. WOW! what a difference we could potentially make!

Side Note: I just have to say .... if after ALL THESE YEARS and millions (if not billions) of dollars going to breast cancer research they STILL have not found any cure I have to wonder... do the powers that be really want a cure? Seems like alot of bucks and no results. The meds would after all, be discontinued and all the partnerships potentially right? I'm just say'in. What's the real deal? These women deserve better!

Ok back to Fibro.

Guys, I was browsing a website the other day and the topic was injections for say the flu and what not. A girl posted about how after taking a popular injection against HPV she ended up with Fibro at 25 years of age. Now the post was a vent and she was quite upset, but what she had to say had some weight to it. The thing that just IRKED me to no end was the comments she received. I kid you not, one comment was about how "Fibromyalgia is nothing but lazy fat persons disease so they can stay high on narcotics all day and collect $1000.00 a month from the government" and another was how it was a "fantasy that can't be proven so doctors just call it Fibromyalgia when they can't figure out what's wrong". WHAT???!!!!! (And just so you out there know.... the likelihood of anyone receiving disability checks for Fibro is slim to none. You have to prove you have other illnesses caused by or in conjunction with Fibro (such as RA or heart problems etc...) to even be considered for disability. DO THE RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING REMARKS LIKE THAT. Here...go to Allsup for starters. They at least give PWF's a fighting chance.)

I'm thinking I want to somehow organize a fundraiser walk, or a rally for people to come and raise awareness and combat some of these long held mental strongholds in the community about something that is very real, very destructive, and needs more attention. I dream of having the media ask US questions for a change and do stories on our situation. I want freak'in purple ribbons to be just as recognizable as the pink ones. Over 6 MILLION of us and counting in this country alone suffer every day with no real hope for any legitimacy on the medical front any time soon. For crying out loud we AT LEAST need a legitimate way to TEST our tissue or blood for Fibro somehow! AT THE VERY LEAST!. This has gone on farrrrrrrrr toooooo long.

I just needed a space to write down what I'm thinking and feeling today. It's been boiling inside for the last year or so and I needed to vent it. Also.... I think writing things down sort of cements ideas. I think I'm seriously going to look into finding a way to organize a rally and/or a fundraiser walk somehow. I'll keep you posted.

In other news:

On my last post about weight gain I was pretty hopeful about some ways to combat the problem. Upon doing some more research you know what I found???? Much to my dismay.... there are lots, and lots of people taking Lyrica and gaining some serious weight because of it. I know I've gained 35 pounds in 4 years since being on it. Un...real. I've NEVER put on weight like this before nor had such a heck and tarnation time of trying to get it off! Look at just this one forum alone at Medical News Today. I was blown away! But, I finally had some answers about just what the heck my body's going through and why. It took some of the guilt and shame away for me.

I determined to try an experiment. (DO NOT TRY THIS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR). I took my Lyrica capsules and dumped out 1/2 to 3/4 of the medicine so that my dosage was down from 150mg to 50mg so I could start getting some of this weight under control. I dropped about 5 pounds in the first couple of days (no change to my eating patterns) but the pain was excruciating and I was down for the count the whole time. Part of it was the reduction in the amount of medicine and part of it was withdrawl symptoms. Oh yay..lots of fun. Finally after about a week and a half I went to my husband and was crying. I said "I'm darned if I do and darned if I don't." "If I reduce or stop my medication the pain is excruciating and I'm almost bed ridden, If I keep taking it, I gain weight like crazy and I can't risk the other problems that will come with that" I was soooo frustrated. He was great about it though. He hugged me and told me to take my regular dosage of Lyrica and have some functionality and we'd find a way to fight the weight somehow with more exercises, maybe going all vegitarian, or a different medication or something. For right now until my next Dr. appointment that's what I'm planning to do.

Well friends, that's it for today. Just some random thoughts and ideas. Thank you for your patience and for listening. Remember.... You are NOT alone.

Here's to YOU, Here's to US,
Sherri

Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain

2011-09-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's been a little while since I've written. Thank you for your emails and comments!

I want to tackle a subject that personally makes me G-R-O-A-N and sigh, and roll my eyes (mainly because it has affected me greatly). It's the matter of weight gain for PWF's, how it effects us, and what we need to do to manage it.

I personally am battling this situation right now. It stares me in the face each time I look in the mirror. The shock, horror, and overwhelming sadness I feel about it is something I've only told a couple of my closest family members about. I find it completely humiliating and consuming. I know there are those of you out there who totally relate to what I'm saying.

I know the right answer is that I should show myself some grace and mercy. The right answer is to realize that between Fibromyalgia, the medications to treat it, and the choice to quit using nicotine a year and a half ago, my body has undergone some radical metabolic changes in the past couple of years. But the truth is...it doesn't matter what the right answer is when I look in the mirror lately. I'm just being honest. I haven't made it to the point where I can see myself and say "Girl.... it's OK. You are more that your outside shell." The truth is.... I don't WANT to get to that point. If I allow myself to, then I know I'll give up and give in to despair that will cause me to binge eat my "comfort foods" and not stop. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about? It's a corner I can't afford to turn.

So after much deliberation, I began to look for a solution to my situation. The good news is that for me the solution is currently working. Each person has to find there own solution, but you HAVE to find one! If you want to fight for your quality of life, then you have to find a way to take back control of your body as much as you can.

I use a specific HCG formula (which I like so much that I became a distributor of it) and rather than the 500 calorie diet, I fluctuate between 500 and 1200 calories per day depending on how hungry I am. I've cut out sugar and substituted Stevia, I eat the foods on the HCG diet protocol, but also added a few veggies of my own ( like peas, green beans etc) and a few more fruits. I use seasonings and very rarely use salt. If I do use salt it's organic sea salt sparingly. I eat only 100-113 grams of protein at a time which consists of chicken, very lean beef, very lean turkey, or talapia. Sometimes I splurge and eat tuna wrapped with tomato inside lettuce leaves. It's soooo good, I love it! I also splurge sometimes and have diet soda or an organic soda made with Stevia. Hubby also found Low Fat Newman's Own Fig Newmans which are a little treat on days I need a little something sweet. Caramel Nut Brownie Luna Bars are also a snack I enjoy that's a great alternative for my chocolate cravings! I decided to let myself have a few splurges now and then in order to keep myself from falling to cravings and feeling too restricted. I'm just not that disciplined in my eating habits .... yet. : )

Hubby got us a digital scale so we can track our weight loss more accurately. Both of us have lost weight a little at a time. Sometimes .4oz a day and sometimes more. BUT... a little every day. This week he's down 5 pounds and I'm down 2 pounds. (Women tend to lose slower than men so if you decide to change your eating habits together with a male partner, he will most likely lose a little faster. Don't let that discourage you!)

The other item I HAVE to tell you about is the NuWave Oven! OMGOSH... I LOVE MINE!! Standing for long periods of time is no fun for me (or my pain threshold) so when my husband blessed me with this oven 2 years ago it was so awesome! I can cook a full meal for my family in MINUTES. I use tin foil to keep the cleaning down to a minimum and presto bango, dinner for us without a lot of hassle! I can cook fish for Hubby at the same time I'm cooking chicken for myself and the results are the same. Juicy, hot and delicious!
For managing my pain symptoms, the NuWave Oven has been so liberating!! I'm going to have to write the company and let them know!

Now, eating better is not the only ingredient needed to tackle the problem. There is also moving our bodies. I found two great articles to share with you about Fibro and weight gain and also good exercises that reduce pain and fatigue and keep us from feeling worse. There are a ton of good articles and sites for information if you do a quick web search starting with "Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain".

Personally, I've discovered that the only way out of my mental state regarding my body image is to do something about it as much as I can. I don't want to feel like a victim of yet ANOTHER side effect of this disease. And while I'm at it....... CAN THE ESTABLISHED MEDICAL COMMUNITY PLEASE UNANIMOUSLY AGREE THAT FIBROMYALGIA IS LEGITIMATE AND REAL???????!!!!! AAAGGGHHHH!!!!! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!!! (OK.... I had to vent there for a minute. That's a topic for another post)

Friends, in conclusion.... it looks like weight gain is something you and I may have to deal with on top of everything else that comes with Fibro and CFS. Some of us will gain, some of us will lose but either way, gaining control of your eating habits and choosing to help your body rather than hurt it further is a choice each of us has to make.

Remember.... you are NOT alone.

Many blessings to you today,
Sherri

ALERT - Squalene and Fibromyalgia, CFS, MS, and RA

2010-11-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

***ALERT***
Hello Everyone,
This post will be short for the time being. However, PLEASE take my advice and start to look at some information on Squalene (An adjuvant added to vaccines) as it may relate to Fibromyalgia, CFS, MS, and RA.

I am currently doing some research on squalene and will post more at a later date. For now, please keep yourself informed and armed with information so you can make the choices that are right for you and your family.

Here are some links to get you started:

(1) Squalene: Be very afraid (Part1)

(2) ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ADJUVANTS IN VACCINES by Viera Scheibner, Ph.D.

(3) Squalene

(4) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/08/04/Squalene-The-Swine-Flu-Vaccines-Dirty-Little-Secret-Exposed.aspx (*Must subscribe to newsletter to read article.)

Here is a quote from Dr. Mercola's article:

“Your immune system recognizes squalene as an oil molecule native to your body. It is found throughout your nervous system and brain. In fact, you can consume squalene in olive oil and not only will your immune system recognize it, you will also reap the benefits of its antioxidant properties.

The difference between “good” and “bad” squalene is the route by which it enters your body. Injection is an abnormal route of entry which incites your immune system to attack all the squalene in your body, not just the vaccine adjuvant.

Your immune system will attempt to destroy the molecule wherever it finds it, including in places where it occurs naturally, and where it is vital to the health of your nervous system.

Gulf War veterans with Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) received anthrax vaccines which contained squalene. MF59 (the Novartis squalene adjuvant) was an unapproved ingredient in experimental anthrax vaccines and has since been linked to the devastating autoimmune diseases suffered by countless Gulf War vets.”

(5) Gardisil & Swine-Flu Vaccines

Until next time my friends.
Here's to your success,
Sherri

Ultram / Tramadol Warning

2010-09-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I came across some startling information the other day concerning Ultram (Generic name = Tramadol) that I want to share with you.

I was prescribed Ultram starting about 7 years ago when I was battling Endometriosis. My doctor prescribed it for pain explaining to me that it was essentially a nerve blocker. I didn't think much of it because I just wanted something that would help. At the time I was taking upwards of 1600 mg of Motrin at a time for pain, and of course the risk to my kidneys was horrendous. My doctor was alarmed to find out how much I was taking at a time because of the risks. Ultram seemed like a viable option and a good alternative. Besides that, it worked!

Later on when I became ill with Fibromyalgia, my new doctor, seeing that I was already taking Ultram, went ahead and prescribed me Ultram ER (along with Lyrica) so that I would have a continuous amount of the medication running through my system over a 24 hour period of time and would only need to take 1 pill per day. So the Ultram ER and Lyrica work together to keep my pain management under control.

Now for the warning part. When my husband's orders for active duty with the military expired, our medical coverage was temporarily interrupted and I wasn't able to renew my prescriptions. It took about a week for the situation to get fixed in the system. In the mean time, without my medications I became worse and worse physically as you can imagine. HOWEVER, .... I came to find out, through some research into alternatives to Ultram, that one of the reasons I was so sick was because of the withdrawl from Ultram that my body was going through.

Yep.... I said "withdrawl".

I learned that Ultram (Tramadol) can cause the body to go into withdrawl symptoms when it is discontinued abruptly instead of being "weaned out" of the system by gradually reducing the dosage. Surprise, surprise.

WARNING: DO NOT STOP TAKING ULTRAM (TRAMADOL) ABRUPTLY WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR FIRST. IT CAN CAUSE SOME DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS. READ THE WARNING LABEL / INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR THE MEDICATION.

Drugs.com (http://www.drugs.com/ultram.html) "Ultram may be habit-forming. Tell your doctor if you feel the medicine is not working as well in relieving your pain. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor. Do not stop using Ultram suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication."

E Med Expert.com (http://www.emedexpert.com/facts/tramadol-facts.shtml) "Withdrawal symptoms may occur if tramadol is discontinued abruptly. These symptoms may include: anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, upper respiratory symptoms, piloerection, and rarely hallucinations. Other symptoms that have been seen less frequently with Ultram discontinuation include panic attacks, severe anxiety, and paresthesias. Withdrawal symptoms may be avoided by tapering tramadol at the time of discontinuation.

Abrupt cessation from tramadol has been associated with two types of withdrawal syndromes 2:

Opioid-like withdrawal. One is typical of opioid drugs with flu-like symptoms, restlessness and drug craving. This type of withdrawal syndrome is encountered in about 90% of cases of withdrawal from tramadol.

Atypical (Not Typical) withdrawal. Another withdrawal syndrome (encountered in about 10% of cases of tramadol withdrawal) is atypical of opioids and is associated with hallucinations, paranoia, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, confusion, and numbness and tingling in the extremities

(Retrieved 9.28.2010 via the internet pages at www.drugs.com and www.emedexpert.com)

I became very ill. I was faced with sweating/chills, stomach problems, leg and hip aches, and the worst part was a sudden onset of depression and fatigue. I felt hopelessness, stress, anxiety, and a deep "sinking" feeling within. It was terrible! I was so stressed over the aches going on in my legs and hips (thinking it was Fibromyalgia pain) and I would just writhe. There was no comfort in laying down, standing, sitting, or stretching. Nothing helped but when I would finally wear myself out and be overcome by fatigue and fall asleep. I slept for hours at a time and was unable to function normally. Until my husband came home, (he was on orders in another part of the state) I needed to rely on my oldest daughter for help in getting my littlest one to school and back home, or asking my mom for help. I hated what was happening to me and I was so stressed for relief. That's when I forced myself to go online and see if there were any pain management alternatives to Ultram (Tramadol).

I found website after website and forum and forum of people experiencing the same things I was going through or worse. I chastised myself for not reading more information about the medication(s) I am taking so that I could be prepared. I learned my lesson, believe me.

Please, please, please make sure to read ALL of the information about any medication you are taking. In the event that you are unable to renew a prescription BE PREPARED for what you may experience physically and/or emotionally until you can renew it. Know all of the ins and outs and the risks to taking the medication and STAY INFORMED.

I have chosen to work with my doctor to gradually reduce the amount of Ultram I am taking until I can wean it out of my system. Although I LOVE the pain relief it offers me, the side effects when I am not taking it are horrendous and I don't want to face those withdrawl risks again. For me, it's not worth it. I don't want to be dependent on a medication that puts me through that if I'm not able to get it for whatever reason.

I found some GREAT information about two different natural alternatives for Ultram (Tramadol). They take some time to build up in the body, but over time many people have said the benefits have been significant to their Fibro pain management. One is Celedrinand the other is Osteo Bi-Flex . The ingredients in both of these have been shown to widely improve joint pain. Another alternative is a product called Tramaden. There are various places to purchase Tramaden, so do a web search to find the best supplier and price for you. I chose to use Celedrin and Osteo Bi Flex because they had the same main ingredients I was looking for and I was able to purchase them for less. I take them on a daily basis now to build them up in my system while I'm reducing the amount of Ultram I'm taking. (*This was the choice I made for myself. You should consult with your doctor before making a choice that's right for you and poses the least amount of risk(s) to your health.)

As always, remember that you are not alone in your fight for the quality of your life while maneuvering through the vast domain of Fibromyalgia and all that that entails. The main thing is to stay informed, read-read-read, and ask lots of questions. Remember, each person experiences Fibro in a different way. Yes, we may have many of the same symptoms, but each of us feels them differently, to different degrees and levels, and each of us experiences side symptoms differently as well. Take each symptom one at a time. It helps you to keep focussed and in control of your body instead of this thing being in control of you. (My Pain Management and Symptom Tracker (see side links) has been a helpful tool for many people. Feedback)

Have a blessed day today! (((((HUG))))))
Here's to your success!
Sherri

Fibromyalgia and Traveling (A Few Hints and Tips)

2010-08-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Recently my family went through our summer routine and brought my step-children back home to Nebraska after their visit. (P.S. - I MISS THEM SO MUCH!! AUUUUUGH!!) We spent almost two weeks back home visiting family and up to our necks in activities, hustle, and bustle. A family reunion, a yard renovation, family games, the zoo, a day at the lake with tubing and boating.... wow! We did A LOT!

Of course, because of my "little friend" the Fibromonster and it's "buddy" Allodynia, I needed to take special precautions and measures to ensure that I could A.) keep up B.) avoid a flair C.) avoid a major case of pain and fatigue on the drive to and from home across country. It's no easy task and it takes planning and care to manage.

I want to share some of my little "doodads", tips and tricks for managing a busy vacation. Now of course all of us are unique and our diseases are different in the way they manifest in each of our bodies so this is general information that you can tailor to meet your own individual needs. I'm all about easy, "just in case", and the least amount of stress possible.

1.) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH OF YOUR MEDICATION ON HAND. Plan ahead and be sure that you even take a little extra "just in case". You never know if weather or transportation will be a problem and cause a delay in your travel plans. ALWAYS TAKE EXTRA. I usually take an extra 3 days worth of medication with me.

Also, I NEVER take whole bottles of prescription medications with me. I transfer what I need to a secondary prescription bottle (saved when I refilled my prescription) and leave the rest at home. That way if there is a situation where I lose my meds, I always have immediate backup at home that can be sent to me. You may find this extreme, but just take a look at the weather patterns across the U.S. in the past year and you may think twice. Even in other countries there seems to be unusual weather patterns and disasters (in my opinion). It's not worth taking the risk of having your disease flair up and debilitate you in an unplanned situation if there is a way to have backup.

2.) Take extra comfort measures. What do I mean? Well, for instance I use ThermaCare Heat Wraps to keep my muscles warmed up and loose when I feel over tight or especially painful. There are a variety of wraps for different areas of the body and the heating mechanisms last for a good 8 hours. I've tried other heat wraps and I just don't like them as much as ThermaCare because they don't last as long. I swear by this product. (I get nothing to endorse this product, I just happen to love them and don't mind promoting them at all.)

Another comfort measure I take is a really good and comfortable pillow that I use at home. (Or purchase an extra one like the one you use at home) For me, this saves A LOT of headache, neck ache and frustration. Having the "right" pillow on vacation can make things go much, much smoother for you and really, it only takes up a little extra space. (*Now, if you are flying and you don't want to carry on or pack your pillow in a suitcase, plan to send your pillow(and even extra items) ahead or make sure there is a store that carries the one you need to purchase when you get there. Trust me... it makes all the difference.)

Take along extra over the counter medications that will help you feel better on your trip. Who wants the hastle of the ever present overactive stomach, bladder, headaches, muscle tension...etc without an immediate and reachable "buddy" to help you out? I personally take (and don't laugh here because I've saved myself a heck of a lot of trouble. OK, laugh a little, but still take the stuff with you!)

Here's a few essentials that are on my list:
A.) chewable Pepto-Bismol tablets (or generic version)
B.) Dulcolax stool softener (or generic version)
C.) Excedrine Migraine (or generic version)
D.) chewable vitamin C.
E.)Arnica for muscle pain. (You can find it in most health food stores such as Sprouts)
F.) chewable Junior Tylenol for the kids. (or generic version)
G.) Uristat or a similar remedy for a urinary tract infections (*or take cranberry supplements with you for a daily dose to maintain a natural balance in the body)
H.) Band-aids of all sizes AND Friction Block stick by Band-aid. (This product is AWESOME for your feet! I keep mine in my purse to keep my feet from blistering.)

Some other "buddies" to consider are: anti-nausea medication, motion sickness help, ear plugs, a sleep mask, anti-snoring helps, contact lens cleaners/re-wetting drops, sinus medications, allergy medications, etc...

Keep your "buddies" in an accessible place/bag that is near to you either on the plane or in the vehicle. It takes a lot of stress away when you know help & comfort is an arms length away. You may think I'm being overly dramatic, but try it and see. It's worth it to have things on hand that you don't have to worry about going out and finding later or when you're in a bind. Get travel sizes and minis perhaps so that you're not stuck with tons of bottles and boxes taking up huge amounts of space or putting a dent in your wallet. There are all kinds of inexpensive organizers out there that can easily accommodate a nice little portable way to keep everything easily accessible and manageable.

Keep your clothing and shoe choices realistic with your activity level and body pain management. If you know you're going to need more comfy clothes rather than dressy restrictive clothing, then find stylish but comfortable clothing and shoes to take with you. You know yourself best. I personally take 2 outfits that are super comfy and stretchy because there are days when I need to wear soft and stretchy clothing that allows my muscles to relax. You know what I mean. Sometimes a pair of sweats and a soft cotton T-shirt paired with tennis-shoes is just right. The key is to dress in a way that works for pain management but still makes you feel good about yourself so that you can relax and make the most each day and activity. Remember one of my favorite sayings: "Fight for your quality of life!"...

3.) Don't allow yourself to rush, push too hard, or take on more that you can handle at one time. Look, fibromyalgia and/or allodynia, or CFS is hard enough to deal with. You have it/them, period. If other's don't want to accept it, deal with it, or make a few accommodations to help you, then you have to stand up for yourself and protect yourself as much as possible. (*this applies to daily life as well.) You may have to sit out of an activity, or you may have to make a few extra stops if you're traveling by vehicle. Maybe an extra nap or two will be in order. Who knows? The point is..... TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF so you can enjoy your time and be able to participate as much as possible.

So what about you? What travel tips and hints do you have to share? Post some of them here for all of us to read and take advantage of. I'm always looking for good ideas and suggestions to make fighting for my quality of life a little easier. PLUS I want to share with my readers too!

Remember what I said earlier... you ARE NOT alone. Don't suffer in silence. Find ways to reach out and connect with others who are going through what you are going through. There is strength to be found in the understanding of another who shares your situation. (((HUG)))

Have a blessed day today : )
Sherri

Fibromyalgia Fatigue

2010-06-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Today I was hit with a bout of fatigue so intense I couldn't keep my eyes open for anything. I've faced this symptom many times over the years, but I don't blog about it much. A couple of my friends from church who also live with Fibromyalgia have mentioned getting hit with this fatigue as well. I thought I'd do a post on it so that those of you who have loved ones living with Fibo can have a better understanding of what it's like.

When this overwhelming fatigue hits our bodies it's as if we are between conscious and unconscious. When it finally hits me I get dazed and woozy I MUST lay down or sit down and I am asleep within seconds. There is not a darn thing I can do about it but succumb most times. My limbs go completely limp, I am very aware of the increase in my heartbeat, and my head "lolls" until I find a surface to rest it on.

Usually I have about an hour warning before I get incapacitated. I am unusually tired and unable to focus, I forget things quickly, and I can warn the family that I can't drive or I can quickly make arrangements for the kids if they need a ride for something important. Generally, I lay down on the couch in our home so that I am at the center of all the activities my children are doing. I have a vague consciousness that they are ok for the time being or if something happens I can grab my phone for help. I keep my cell phone tucked next to my body just in case. Since all of my kids are teens or at an age where they are capable of taking care of themselves for the most part, I've taught them how to help me manage a fatigue attack and what to do if they need anything or anyone.

Trying to talk while in a fatigue attack would be funny if it weren't so darn frustrating. It's something like being given anesthesia and trying to talk right before you "go under". It's very slurred and slow. I find it hard to form sentences. It's very discouraging.

If you have a loved one who is living with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, please rest assured that they are NOT playing a game, lazy, or trying to 'get out' of anything by being tired. NOPE. The truth is that their body simply shuts down. Period. Their choice is to go ahead and succumb to the fatigue until it wears off, or try and function through it. Trying to function through it is somewhat like trying to swim through thick caramel or tar. The force against the body stifles everything and makes it very, very difficult to do anything ordinary. They don't simply decided "hey, I'm gonna have a fatigue attack now". It comes on anytime, anywhere. Most of us who've had these before, sometimes have little warning signs that tell us it's coming on and we can make arrangements to deal with it as best as we can, but there is always the off chance that it will hit and not give us any warning or time to figure out what to do to endure it while it lasts. That's when we need help and support the most! Find some time to sit down with your PWF and ask them how you can best help them the next time a fatigue attack comes on. Write down what they say if you need to. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

**** (Warning! Random thought ---->) One more thing on an off note: The LYRICA commercials? WAY TAME compared to what it's really like to have Fibro and deal with it. I get so disgusted with them and WISH the company would put on something real. It makes Fibro look so incidental and it's SO corrosive to our lives! One can only hope that the company will start showing what it's REALLY like! ****

Anyway.......Hang in there fellow fighters and know that you are NOT alone.

Here's to your success! ((((HUG))))
Sherri

Memorial Day Is Coming! - THANK YOU!

2010-05-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Things To Remember...
A Time To Be THANKFUL...
A Time To Show The Proper Honor and Respect...

THANK YOU TO ALL MEN & WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED OR ARE CURRENTLY SERVING. (Hubby that means YOU too! I love you!)

THANK YOU MILITARY FAMILIES AS WELL!

~ Fibromyalgia Awareness Day ~

2010-05-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

SPREAD THE WORD

Today is OUR day. A day to shout out, educate, and raise awareness about Fibro and it's effects not only on us, but on those around us. My dream is for Fibro awareness and support to become as nationally and globally known and supported as breast cancer awareness and support. It can only happen if we raise our voices and start the conversation.

I am thinking about all of you today. I'm lifting you in prayer. You are not alone.

Your Fibro Sister,
Sherri

Do I Matter? Am I Important? (Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, CFS L@@K at This)

2010-05-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to be shown this series by my daughter. The youth leadership at our church has been showing it to the young people and I felt lead to share it with you too. My hope is that it will bring you peace and comfort as you manage each day and fight for your quality of life. It's for EVERYBODY. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

Fed Up With Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and/or CFS?

2010-04-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I force myself to look through another person's eyes so that I can motivate myself to look for my strengths, not focus on my weaknesses, and keep fighting for my quality of life. I want to share something with you...(((HUG)))

44 Days Today - Smoking & Fibromyalgia

2010-03-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Started March 8th, Finished April 5th

Hello Everyone : )

I shared with you that I made a few choices recently that have helped me a great deal with managing Fibromyalgia and Allodynia. This post won't be pretty format wise or grammatically, but most of my posts never are! Hahahahaa!!

One of the choices I made, I started a while back and didn't stick with. (surprise, surprise...) I decided to start making it a priority again. That is making sure I'm exercising on a consistent basis. I've mentioned one of my favorite workouts before on the blog, but I'll put it here again just for reference.

I have a workout that I purchase at Wal-Mart called "Walk Away Your Waistline!" by Leslie Sansone. The reason I like it so much is because it's low impact and has 3 levels of exercise that you can choose. (1, 2, 0r 3miles.) Leslie keeps it real and actually sweats! : ) hahahahaa!!! Gimme a "high five" if you know WHY I like that so much! mmmhhmmm...(nodding head). Anyway, this workout helps me move, burn calories, and stay flexible. I do several combinations 6 days a week so that I change it up and also keep up with my body's daily abilities. If I can only do a mile or less, that's what I do. If I feel good and can do more, I do.

I realized that staying still was my nemesis. The more I tried to stop moving because of pain, the stiffer and more painful I became. I know, I know... my Dr. TOLD me to keep moving, but those of us with Fibro know exactly why I was stubborn about it and DREADED the idea of trying to exercise at all. Over the last 5 years, my body has become very, how shall I say it, "Jell-Oish" from sitting and laying down. I'm turning 40 soon and I'm not happy with what's going on in the mirror. Also my food wasn't digesting well because I'm wasn't walking enough or drinking enough water. I had to make a change if I was going to do what I write about and fight for my quality of life.

Another program I started is the "30 Day Shred" by Jillian Michaels. Boy am I at the lowest starting point on this one, but I'm getting better at it. This one you have to work into because it's about building muscle and that means lots of repetition and some weights for resistance. START SLOW. This one I sort-of fell into because of my daughter and her best friend. They started doing the program and Ashlynd bought herself a copy for home. We began doing it together to keep each other motivated. So it has a two-fold benefit. Exercises and lots of laughs and quality time with my girl. Yeah... we do a lot of laughing while we're struggling to keep up. Hahahaha! But we actually made it to the point we could finish level 1 almost entirely without giving up. For me, that's a major mile stone after all these years. Hey, I gotta get some definition back into my form. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do right? (Hubby's probably nodding his head) Heehee...

Ok......on a more serious note:

The other change I've made took 25 years to finally complete. P.S. it's super hard, embarrassing, and humiliating for me to share with you. I took a couple of weeks to really think about whether or not I wanted to post about it. In the end, there were two factors that made me decide to go ahead with it. #1) I gave my word to The Lord that if He delivered me out of what I was facing, I would honor Him for it and help others who are trapped the same way I was. #2) I felt that the help and support this could offer to even 1 person is worth my being willing to talk about it with you.

(Deep breath)...Obviously from the tone of my blog you can tell that I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for some time now. Let's see.... as of January 10th this year it has been 28 years now since I chose to give my life to Him. I was almost 12 years old when I made that choice. I take my relationship with Him very seriously. I know that, especially in today's society, being a Christian is becoming increasingly unpopular. I personally don't care. I know that if anyone wants to find and identify true Christianity and not the media's or society's version of it, nor those who seek to use the title as a means of exacting their revenge and self-serving power, they'll find it. There are enough of us out there that are the real deal. However...being the real deal means doing a lot of work on the inner self and choosing to follow the leading of The Lord rather than our own way. I've made some really bad choices during the times I chose my own way rather than His way of doing things. I make no excuses. They were ALL my own choices. I can't believe He'd even consider forgiving me for them, but that's Who He is. I still have to accept the consequences and results of those decisions though.

One of those times I made a seriously horrible choice not to follow His way of doing things was when I was 15 and my friend handed me a cigarette to try. Little did I know that that one cigarette would lead to 25 years of bondage. 25 years! It was an addiction I tried over and over again to quit without success. I prayed, I bargained, I cried, I did everything. But I gave more power to the addiction than I gave to quitting. I was a "weird" smoker too... I hid, I smoked in secret, I couldn't stand the smell, I was embarrassed to buy them... weird. Plus, only those closest to me knew about it.

I felt SO stupid knowing that I was The King's daughter and living as a smoker at the same time. I felt stupid fighting own self. On one hand I was a smoker, on the other hand I hated it. I was living a double life inside my own body! I was two-faced.

"Why all the guilt and drama?" you ask.

Scripture teaches that Christ died to take our sins upon Himself, pay for them, then rise again back to life, to show His authority over all things including death itself. The Father then sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to live our lives according to God's Word if we choose to follow Him and accept His Lordship. The scripture teaches that God sees that our bodies are inhabited by the Holy Spirit once we make that choice, and we are then God's temple. Rather than having a physical building as a temple, God has chosen to live within us. For the longest time, I didn't let it sink in that by smoking I was bringing a polluting substance into a Holy place..... God's place.

I finally had a light bulb go off one day. That would be like me going into the sacred Holy place of the temple that used to stand in Jerusalem, standing there with a cigarette and smoking in God's face. (That's where the Ark of the Covenant stood and where the high priest himself could only go in once a year. Incidentally, if anyone dared enter besides that day, they died).

I began to see clearly, the mercy He has extended to me for 25 years by forgiving me for this, and I also began to realize that although He forgave me, He still expected me to show Him the proper respect that He is due if I'm going to choose to have The Holy Spirit of God dwell within me. Otherwise, at some time, I would have to face the consequences of my decision to stay addicted to something that had more possession of me than my devotion to my God and King.

I began to earnestly pray and pray that He would take my desire to smoke away from me so that I could honor Him and no longer live a compromised spiritual lifestyle. As time went on I gradually became so disgusted with smoking that I yearned and longed to be free of it once and for all. I couldn't ignore what I was doing any longer. I began to hate it and hate it's control over me. I resolved to do virtually anything I had to do in order to get rid of it.

As far as Fibromyalgia and Allodynia go, the illnesses are bad enough without adding the something like 4000 extra poisons and chemicals in cigarettes to the mix. Those toxins get in the blood steam and tissues and fester there. Just waiting. There are numerous places one can look on the Internet and elsewhere to find out about the devastation these things cause to the body and yes, specifically to people fighting Fibro and other diseases. There are absolutely NO benefits cigarettes or any nicotine device can offer to us. None. Not even the fake euphoria of the "calm" that they give us when we smoke one. It's a lie. All it does is create another receptor in the brain that has to be fed with nicotine. Cigarettes/nicotine devices (chew included) breed receptors like rabbits breed bunnies. Let's just get down to brass tacks. We are fighting enough garbage without adding more fuel for the enemy of our bodies to use against us!

The final choice I made was to attend a 7 week smoking cessation class at our Health and Wellness Center on base, use Chantix in order to block the receptors in my brain that were feeding on nicotine, and I also signed up with AshLine for a counselor to call me every week and keep me accountable while I quit. I have a counselor assigned to me for 6 months. I am very grateful and would recommend it highly to anyone else who is determined to quit nicotine. AshLine provides an awesome service to the community.

I have to pause here and thank my friend Teddy Lyons who has been my confidante and prayer partner in this. She will be embarrassed that I wrote about her, but she deserves the "shout out" believe me. Teddy is an amazing woman. She is one of the main leaders of our Youth program at church and her passion and drive are incredible! Teddy is my friend at church who I chose to confess to about my addiction. She has kept my confidence and has prayed for me time and time again. She knew how scared I was to take Chantix and she prayed over my mind and my physical well being so that there would be no problems with potential side effects. She keeps up with my progress and we celebrate together with lots of hugs and tears. Teddy never downplays the importance of this determined stand against addiction to nicotine. She gets it.

Getting back to what we're discussing... previously I had tried things like nicotine gum and quitting cold turkey. Neither method worked long term because while I quit, I still longed to smoke. This time was different because I no longer wanted anything to do with cigarettes. They became my enemy, a false way of dealing with emotions or pressure, an escape I leaned on to numb my feelings. However, the lure of them was killing me. Cigarettes were physically, spiritually, and emotionally killing me.

I have been clean from nicotine for 44 days as of today. For me, it is a miracle. It is the first time that I don't long for and think about smoking almost all of the day. I don't even think about it much anymore. I can't believe it! I have cravings here and there but they've become an annoyance to me that I bitterly approach with war-like aggression. "Go Away!!!!". I breathe deeply and calmly until they subside, or get busy doing something, or just allow myself to cry through it. I approach it just like any other addict approaches their bondage. I say what it is; nicotine addiction. I say what I want; never to smoke again. I do what I need to; never allow myself to yearn for them again. They are liars and killers and they don't benefit me whatsoever.

Let me address Chantix for a second, because choosing to use it was a tough decision for me. I went to my doctor first and asked him if the medications I use for Fibro/Allodynia would interact with Chantix and cause any problems for me. He assured me that although every medication has risks, the mechanics of the way Chantix works in the brain, had nothing to do with the mechanics of how Lyrica or Ultram work in the body. There wasn't any crossover danger in his estimation. (*** Please always consult your doctor first before choosing to start Chantix. You may have a different situation that needs to be checked out first. Don't just take what my doctor said to me as your answer. Please!) I did a lot of reading on Chantix. Some of the potential side effects scared me and I was nervous about taking it. However, after talking to my doctor and after finding out that the Health and Wellness Center doctors on base would be continuously monitoring my progress with it, I felt more at ease. I knew I wasn't on my own.

I sat down with my husband first and explained everything I knew about Chantix and what my doctor said. Then he went with me to the initial class at the base so that he knew what to expect while I was quitting nicotine. We both felt solid about the support system I had in place. Then we sat down with our kids and explained what to look for just in case there were any side effects that I experienced. We banded together in prayer and then decided to tackle this thing head on!

I have to say that my family has been AWESOME through each stage I've gone through. They count days with me or call to see how I'm doing, or the kids cheer me on at mile stones. They've really supported my desire to beat nicotine and to get rid of the "idol" that I felt was interfering with my ability to have a more committed relationship with God.

I feel that after what God has done to show me His love, I owe him my allegiance out of sheer gratitude if nothing else. (That's putting it lightly) I don't want a "religion", I want to know my Creator in all ways that I can possible know Him. But because He is Holy, and has standards, I need to meet Him on His terms and respect Him. I don't find that restrictive or dictator-ish, I find it incredibly comforting and safe. He is a GOOD God, and He is also a Just God. He's been good to me.

As I mentioned before, I promised The Lord that if I was set free from nicotine, I would testify about His showing me the way to break this bondage off me. I knew that I needed to make the first step in this case. After He saw the determination I had to do virtually anything it took to be clean and to honor Him, He stepped in. He was there and has been there every step of the way. Through the roughest stages of withdrawal and the highest celebrations of mile stones, He's been there.

Listen, I'm not going to romanticize the whole issue and say how easy it was for me. Nope. It was very, very, very hard. During the first 14 days I had to learn a whole new way of living, deal with my emotions and stresses without cigarettes, and deal with the nausea I had at first while taking Chantix and my body was getting cleaned out. The first 14 days were the hardest for me and there were times I just gripped the edges of the sink or nearby counter and cried my eyes out, telling God how much I wanted to smoke so I didn't have to feel anything. I just stood there and allowed myself to have a melt down. That's when I was sure I would fail. But... I didn't. I wanted to be clean from nicotine more than I wanted to smoke and put myself right back into that vicious cycle of addiction again. I could hardly believe my inner drive to get rid of this thing. I had a resolve I'd never had before. God is faithful to meet us right where we are when we come to Him honestly and just let go of being in control. He took my blubbering, snotty, crumbled mess and lifted me up. That's the REAL Jesus.

44 days in, here are the benefits (not in order) of my choice to be clean from nicotine:

1) I can breathe so much better now. The weight is off my mind, my heart, and my chest.
2) I know The Lord is pleased and I see the best He wants for me.
3) My children, my husband, and my parents are seeing me fight.
4) I have LESS body pain. It's the truth. I feel better and I have more energy. I don't hurt as much anymore. Taking those pollutants out of my body has definitely improved my day to day function and ability to manage Fibro.
5) My hair has stopped falling out so much.
6) I don't feel like a slave to something that "owns" me anymore.
7) I don't have to hide.
8.) I turned 40 yesterday, and I was clean for the first birthday in 25 years!

My friends, I'm fighting for my quality of life right along with you. You are not alone.

Your friend and fellow fighter,
Sherri

2009-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2 Things To Say

2009-11-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

**** Regarding The Passing Dr. Brice E. Vickery's Beloved Wife Marilyn ****

I was sorrowed to learn that Dr. Vickery's wife Marilyn passed away quite recently. If you are a patient/customer of Super Nutrient please join me in sending a message of comfort and support to Dr. Vickery and his staff during this time.

******* ******* *******

Are You Ready to Fight???

It's noticeable that I have come to the blog less and less over the past several months. There is a reason and I wish to share it with you now. (*Warning* - There may be things you won't want to hear or accept at this time, but because I truly care about those fighting Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and Allodynia, I HAVE to share these truths with you)

Several months ago, I hit a wall regarding my illness. I became absolutely fed up. Have you been there? Are you there now? I know... and I understand completely.

When I hit that wall, something inside me rose up and began to fight like never before! I made the choice to approach Fibro and Allodynia as mortal, emotional, and spiritual enemies that I absolutely do NOT want to accept in my body, mind, or spirit any longer. I turned my back on them and refused to embrace them any longer as necessary parts of my life I had to "deal" with. Yes, I still had to take medication, yes I still had to face their effects, BUT my position as "host" to them changed radically.

One of the beginning places of this change began for me when I read this article by Dr. Brice Vickery. (click on the words "this article by Dr. Brice Vickery" to see it.) It changed my mind in a profound way. I learned the most information I had learned to date after several years of searching and searching for something tangible I could do to fight against these illnesses in an effective and lasting way. I learned that there was HOPE, real hope of overcoming Fibromyalgia and Allodynia and I decided then and there that I was going to approach this thing in a whole new way!

As I've written before, I ordered the Fibromyalgia protocol from Dr. Vickery. With the order began my journey toward wellness. However, much more than that began.. I began to take on a war minded position and fight for my life and all that I have lost due to the effects of these illnesses.

What I did, rather than embrace these two "things" was to turn my back on them and all that is associated with them too. I decided "No way... I want NOTHING to do with these any longer!" and I turned away from talking about them, writing about them, and researching anything about them. I took my Protocol supplements, began a new way of eating, and continued with my medication, but each day as I improved, I kept telling myself "One day soon, all of this will be GONE and you won't be a slave to it any more!"

As I last reported, my last doctor visit yielded incredible and tangible PROOF that I was moving ahead and conquering my "enemies". Also, I am so excited to report that I HAVE ONLY HAD 2, YES 2, FIBRO FLAIRS SINCE THE END OF AUGUST!

Here are my results thus far:

1) Only 2 flairs since the end of August

2) Improved sleep

3) Increased energy

4) Increased clarity of mind

5) Increased mobility! ( I am now able to walk around at a casual pace, plus run errands for up to 3 hours WITHOUT help or extra pain medications)

6) Increased stable mood (I am much more content and much more my old self)

7) Increased interest in my old hobbies and pursuits once again

8) Increased quality time with my husband and children

9) I now am able to attend Church regularly again rather than spending the majority of my Sundays in pain, alone, while my family attended without me.

10) Increased ability to have a normal and satisfying private life with my husband

11) Increased ability to focus on others rather than on my pain. I am constantly on the lookout for ways to help other people.

12) Increased confidence and personal trust within myself

13) I am wearing attractive clothing more often again and I take time to do my hair and makeup

14) NO desire to go back and fall into becoming resolved to having illness within me

15) I smile and laugh alot more often now (which has enhanced and strengthened both my marriage and my life with my kids)

Listen to me.....

One of the most important things my P.A. Scott Brown shared with me is this: "The patients I see who resolve within themselves to find the ROOT of personal conflicts, past hurts and who are willing to look deeply at themselves within no matter what they find... are the ones who overcome (Fibromyalgia) and get a portion, if not all, of their lives back again. I've seen it only a handful of times, but it IS there."

I thought about that, knowing what I had learned about bitterness being a poison to one's body and soul. I took a deep breath, prayed, and started looking within. What I found was a host of pain from the past and recent past that I had been "holding onto" and refusing to let go of. It was a wasteland of piled up issues and memories that filled me to overflowing and to be honest, I learned that my body was manifesting all of that by letting it out in physical pain. (*This is part of the "stuff" you may not want to believe or hear right now)

I had to start taking each piece of that garbage pile in my heart, mind, and soul and looking at them one at a time and resolving to fix them or "do" something with them as much and as best as I could. If it meant hard forgiveness, I had to do it, if it meant counseling, I had to do it, if it meant distancing myself from partnerships or relationships that caused more stress, sadness, or pain than fulfillment, I had to do it, if it meant there was nothing I could actively do about a certain "piece" then I had to suck everything I could learn from it out and then move on. You get the idea. Whatever it took (and takes) to deal with each portion and put it away I had to (and have to) do.

Hey, ... I was (and am) in the fight of my life here and so far, nothing else was working. It was just masking or taking the edge off, but it was definitely not helping. I had to take drastic measures if it meant coming back and gaining some semblance of a real and fulfilling life again. I needed to feel like a contributing, functioning, and alive, woman, wife, and mother again.... and you know what? IT'S WORKING FRIENDS! IT'S TRULY WORKING!

I know what it's like to feel no hope, no reason, no ability, no energy, no willpower, no peace. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. But I want to encourage you today and lift you up. Hold out a hand and pull you to your feet and tell you that you don't have to sit one more day in that pit all by yourself and wonder if this is "it" until you die. NO! This is NOT it! Not if you don't want it to be!
There is but less than a handful of medical and holistic professionals out there who will tell you the TRUTH. That Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and CFS are built not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well over years and years of pent up "stuff" that manifests physically eventually. You have to fight a multi-front war on these things if you are going to win! That is the truth. Comfortable or not, .... that IS the truth. Nutrition, supplements, medication, and so forth are not the only lasting solution. There is MORE to be gained if you are willing to fight it out and refuse to take less than the WHOLE answer.

I am living proof that this path that I've shared with you today toward wholeness and wellness works and IS WORKING on a daily, tangible, and provable basis. It is my earnest hope and desire that many of you, if not all of you will give it a chance and see for yourself the RELEASE of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain off of your life.

Yours in the fight,
Sherri

Progress Report - Brice Vickery Fibromyalgia Protocol - IT'S WORKING!

2009-10-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I've been gone for some time now. Had some family and personal issues that required my full attention. Also, fun fun fun...I've been down with this flu that's going around. Yee ha!

However I have some GREAT news to share with you about the Fibromyalgia Protocol I've been following from Dr. Brice E. Vickery!

I've been following the Two Edged Sword diet plan, but not to the "t". I will be following more closely in the next few weeks. I have also been taking all of the vitamins and supplements that come with the Fibromyalgia Protocol package.

Here is my latest progress report:
On Sept 24th, I had a follow up appointment with my doctor and explained what I've been doing. He performed a trigger point pain test on me and my pain factor has been reduced by 75%! Also, he downgraded one of my medicines (Ultram ER) from 200mg down to 100mg!

Talk about progress! I feel so much better since starting Dr. Vickery's program! I have been able to function MUCH better and have not had a fibro flair since August 9th!! That's almost 2 whole months without a fibro flair up!

I have learned that some bread products and white processed sugar affect my body negatively. When I follow the Protocol diet and only use Xyletol (There are other recommended sugar alternatives. I happened to choose Xyletol) that my pain levels are decreased dramatically.

I have been able to take my kids back and forth to school, go shopping, get out of the house, clean my home, etc. for the first time in a very long time without the usual pain and fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia. For me Dr. Vickery's Fibromyalgia Protocol is working and I'm seeing results. My doctor was extremely supportive of my decision to follow the protocol and is eager to see what results we'll find in 3 months time.

Friends, I know the protocol is a little pricey, but if you can save up for the package (it took me a few months to save up for it) and go ahead and purchase it, you may just find the same (or better) results that I am finding by following it!

P.S. (* I receive NO kickbacks, discounts, or other credits for promoting Dr. Vickery's program. My comments and results are strictly mine and mine alone. I am passing on information that I feel is worthy of comment for my readers.)

Here's to your success!

Sherri

Candida/Yeast Overgrowth & Fibromyalgia

2009-08-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I am getting ready to begin the Fibromyalgia Protocol with Dr. Brice Vickery ( http://www.supernutrient.com/ ). I am going to keep a detailed account of the process as I go through it so that there is a record here for you to read.

One of the parts of the program includes Dr. Vickery’s “Two Edged Sword Diet”. This is a program designed to detox the body of chemicals and toxins that are built up in the muscle tissues. It requires discipline to do because in order to starve out the Candida bacteria for instance, the first 30 days means no dairy, no fruits, no sugar, no carbs, or any other food or substance containing anything that contains simple or complex sugars. Candida thrives on sugar, so it must be starved out of the body.

I have included several links here for you today regarding the effects of Candida on the body and its relationship to Fibromyalgia and many other physical conditions. When I began researching this little “bad guy” I WAS SHOCKED. I am urging all of my readers to look into Candida as soon as possible!

I am very excited, but also somewhat apprehensive to start Dr. Vickery’s protocol for overcoming Fibromyalgia. He has had many, many patients come back to complete health after completing the protocol. (Keep in mind that each PWF is different and it takes different amounts of time to overcome the disease) The Two Edged Sword diet must be adhered to in order to overcome the toughest parts of the problems associated with Fibro. There are several people who have used the formulated supplements and done well, but several people who did not adhere to the eating program were NOT able to achieve wellness because the chemicals and toxins in their tissues were not cleansed out and because their gut was not well enough to even absorb any of the nutrients. Celiac, Leaky Gut, etc…these all must be overcome in order for the body to even begin to be able to absorb any nutrients and get on the way to wellness.

I encourage you to go to the links provided in the post today and also to Dr. Vickery’s website in order to read for yourself the wealth of information he has available that MOST doctors will not and do not inform us about regarding our disease. (**I do not receive any money or privileges for suggesting Dr. Vickery’s information and/or products. I simply want to and need to share what I’ve found out through him with you.)

Fibromyalgia is like dominos. There are several key factors that contribute to the disease and WHY it happens. (Finally some answers!!!) Once one system breaks down, it’s like a domino effect and several systems break down resulting in the problems we face as Fibro patients.
Friends, there is hope. There is hope. There IS hope!

I will let you know what is happening to me as I move ahead with the Vickery Fibromyalgia Protocol.

Have a blessed day today!
Here’s to your success!
Sherri

*********************
Candida Information Links:

** http://www.candidafree.net/

** http://www.candidasymptoms.net/

** http://candidapage.com/

** http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/candida-albicans-symptoms.html

** http://www.stopyeast.com/candida-symptoms.html

** http://candidapage.com/cccomp.shtml (Gluten Intolerance)

** http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_f-n_2/Infections-candida_eliminating_yeast_fungal_overgrowth.html

** http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_yeast_infections.html

** http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/fibromyalgia.html

Grief, Depression, Anxiety, & Fibromyalgia

2009-08-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's been some time since I last posted. Thank you for your messages. I love every one of them and they mean a great deal to me! Let me reassure you that I'm OK. I needed to take some time to do some spiritual and emotional work for myself. When that happens, I generally go "away" for a time while I'm learning a life lesson. These times are precious to me because even though they may be difficult and/or painful to go through, the result is that I have more to share with you from my experiences. More often than not The Lord uses them to help someone else know that they are not alone in their suffering and that He loves and cares for them very, very much.

Today I want to talk about grief, depression and anxiety. I've posted about it before quite some time ago, but I want to talk with you about them again because they are very real and very important topics. When these situations are piled on top of dealing with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia or CFS they can become monumental.

I recently have been going through another stage of grief over the death of my younger brother. I have to say that I was surprised because he passed away after a motorcycle accident a year and a half ago, and I thought most of the grief stages had passed for me. However, I was very very wrong and I went through a stage that felt as new and fresh as if I had just got that knock on the door and was standing there being told very gently by a police officer that my brother had been killed.

Something happened to me when Neal died that I didn't expect. I thought that surrendering my life to Christ over 26 years ago and having a deep and meaningful relationship with Him somehow made my outlook on death...different. I have always longed for Heaven and to see Him face to face. Heaven was an exciting prospect for me. When Neal died....all of a sudden Heaven became an "in your face" reality for me and the place my little brother now lived in.

I couldn't get to him, talk to him, touch his hand, or see his brilliant smile. I didn't know what he was seeing, experiencing, feeling, or anything. Could he come back to earth and see us? Did he miss us? How long until I can see him again? What does he look like now? Is he 32 in Heaven? He died 2 days before his 33rd birthday.... All these questions came up for me. I have periods when I break down in utter grief and desperation and B-E-G The Lord for just a glimpse of Neal so that I can say "goodbye for now, and I love you so much". Nothing. No glimpse, no sound.... just a deep knowing in my inner spirit that The Lord has said "No" but that He is keenly aware of how deeply I hurt and that He's right there with me. He has a reason for saying "No" and I yeild over and over again to His wisdom in the matter. (It doesn't stop me from asking from time to time however)

Several things have happened to me since Neal died. I have come face to face with some very real truths about myself, some fears about the future with my parents (taking care of them alone without him), some memories from our childhood that were painful, memories from our childhood that were warm and wonderful, some new experiences with The Lord that came out of it, some new lessons to learn about my trust factor in The Lord, and some physical and emotional burdens and bondages that have catastrophically hindered me.

This last part is what I very carefully want to share with you. It is not easy for me at all. I don't want to talk about it or reveal it, but I know that there are many of you out there silently suffering inside and you NEED to know you are NOT alone. You need to know you are NOT crazy, overemotional, weak, stupid, or any of the other things you've been telling yourself that you are. No.... there are answers and there IS a way OUT.

My way out began last week when I was up late with insomnia yet again. I was thinking to myself that a hair cut or new style might make me feel a little better and that I needed to re-focus and keeping myself up again. (Boy had I let myself go..... whew) So I was looking for information on cutting my own hair. I've done it before and wanted to try something new. This time I was looking for video instructions rather than just written instructions.

Long about midnight (and I know now that it was The Holy Spirit who sent me there) I found a website that I'm going to share with you. The lady who owns the site is Carolyn Dickerson and this gal is one sharp and compassionate little fire cracker let me tell you. She is not a fancy shmancy woman. She is tangible and beautiful in her own way. She is accessible and believable. She gives good, solid, practical, and REAL information with an honest to goodness understanding of the inner person who wants to feel good about them self.

The Lord has given her an amazing ministry, and it’s so awesome how He’s done it. It reaches everyone, in every situation, on every budget. It doesn’t isolate anyone and it’s not preachy. In fact she barely mentions The Lord at all, but if you are a believer, you can see and feel it in her. She is like a treasured long time friend who invites you over for a slumber party and shares all of her tips and secrets for looking great and feeling good about yourself with you. After I watched several of her videos on hairstyling I just fell in love with her personality! (Here’s where I landed on her website first: http://www.lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com/hair-tube.html )

After an hour or so, I looked around the rest of her site and found her “About Me” page. I read and read, and was so absolutely blown away by her story. The Lord used her story to help me put a piece of my grief into place. I wrote her a letter and do you know that she wrote me back the very next day?! I couldn’t believe she took the time to write me and not only that; it was a very personal, very encouraging, poignant letter too. Once you read her story you will see that to take time out to do this for me was truly an act of selflessness. I told Carolyn I got “hair tips and a heart fix all in one night”!

Well, The Lord gave me two gifts that night. One was the realization that He looks at each one of us as individual, beautiful, creations of His and that to take care of our looks is not a sin when done with the right attitude. In fact to NOT take of our looks is like spitting in His face actually. When we take care of ourselves it makes us feel good, feel more confident, and it brings glory to our Creator. “Consider the flowers of the field” Jesus said. Flowers are like G-d’s jewelry on the earth to me. They are all different, gloriously colored, and they are demure. They stand there in their glory giving off their aroma and never being ashamed to show off their beauty. Their very presence shouts “Glory to G-d in the highest!” They burst with beauty, glory, undiluted pride, and humility don’t they?

He gently showed me that as His daughter, He takes delight in looking at and gazing upon me no matter what the state of my condition is, but that when I take joy in taking care of myself, His beauty and glory shines through me outward toward others. It’s a “love thing”.

Through Carolyn’s website (of all things hahahaa!) I was inspired to take some practical steps to get back to ME. What makes me feel solid, confident, beautiful, graceful, womanly…?
If you are facing depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, stress, anger, sadness, loneliness, or other bondages in your heart and head, take some time out to let your mind be focused for a while on just watching Carolyn’s videos. See if you don’t feel inspired to try a new look or a new trick with your hair for fun. See if you don’t find a new make-up tip or weight loss or skin care technique that makes a difference in how you feel. You need to and SHOULD take some time to focus on something that makes you feel good about who you are as an individual creation that can never, ever, be duplicated 100%. No other person has ever been, nor ever will be YOU. YOU are a gift to life and you deserve to show off your exquisite and unique beauty and celebrate your pricelessness. That is one of the messages that The Holy Spirit shared with me that very solitary night.

The second message He gave me was one that helped me put a piece of my grief in place. Through Carolyn’s story, He showed me something that was stuck in my head and heart that was causing me confusion. I couldn’t put a finger on it or even label it with a word or phrase. Carolyn’s testimony did that for me. There was a part of her story where she wrote about losing family members and how when you are the one left behind, it sometimes feels as if you never existed. The reason why is because they are the ones who were there going through those times with you, they are memory keepers. Without them there, it’s almost as if it didn’t happen because there is no one left to verify that it DID.

It is a weird thing. It may not be rational, but it feels VERY real. That is EXACTLY how I feel without my brother here. In some ways I feel orphaned and alone. He was my memory keeper, my “go to” buddy, and my validation. The Lord used Carolyn’s experiences to put a phrase on what was stuck in me. I was released to feel the feelings, question the questions, cry, think about, and finally give in to His hands what was something that had been weighing me down for so long. The Lord was and HAS been with me through each and every phase of this. Through this grief process, His strength and His “solidness” have been made more real to me. My ability to trust Him in all things has been strengthened and solidified within my soul. My self validation has steadily been changing over into His hands alone rather than trusting in the people around me to “define” who I am. Because G-d can’t die or cease to “be”, and since He has been with me since before He placed me in my mother’s womb, (Psalm 139: 13-16) HE alone is TRULY is the keeper of my memories, my validation of existence, and the source of my strength and ability to just “be”.

I want to share with you three links that are very helpful in dealing with head and heart bondages. They are three tools in the way OUT of these bondages. I implore you NOT to sit there and suffer in silence any longer. Just reach out a little bit and let the rest happen as it may.

The first link is to videos and tools from Robert S. McGee. I read his book The Search for Significance and I was utterly amazed at how much I needed to learn about G-d’s REAL perception of us as human beings. How does He REALLY feel about me? What does He REALLY think of me? Am I just a number to Him or something more? Why am I even here???? For me, this book became the second most important book I’ve ever read. The first one being The Bible. Later on I searched the website for more information on the author. I was pleased to find that he was the founder of RAPHA. This organization was very instrumental in helping my little brother when he was at a very low point in his life several years ago. At any rate, these videos are free and can be viewed in private so you don’t have to share anything with anyone if you don’t want to: http://mcgeepublishing.com/videosolutions.htm

The second link I’m going to give you is to a program by Lucinda Basset called Attacking Anxiety and Depression. Now, if you sign up for Lucinda’s newsletter, you will also receive a free mini course as well. Her program is pricey….but…I have a friend who has found a great deal of help through her program and also I have received a great deal of help as well just from the FREE things she offers and from just reading on her site. I looked and found out that her program can also be found on eBay and on Amazon for starters if you cannot afford the payment plan she has available for her customers. I’m saving for this myself. She also offers a free evaluation test so that you can see exactly where you are and can put some solid foundations down about what is happening to you and why. http://www.stresscenter.com/mwc/

The last and MOST IMPORTANT link I’m going to give you is a link to BibleGateway.com. (http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/) On this link you can look up any word you want and see what G-d has to say about it. For instance if you search “thoughts” you can see what He has to say about your thought life, and what He has to say about HIS thoughts. Have you ever wondered how G-d thinks??? The link also allows you to look up these keywords using several translations of the Bible as well. You can see what it says in the King James version or the Message version for instance. I learned that G-d is very understanding of us and if we need “plain words” then The Holy Spirit will show us in plain words and then lead us to learn exactly what they mean.

The Word of G-d is the first place I turn when I’m looking for answers on anything. Only after searching out what He has to say do I start branching out and asking Him to show me further information I can also trust and use along with what He has to say about the subject so that I can get the most out of what He is leading me through.

What have I learned so far?

1.) Depression, anxiety, stress, etc. are all head and heart bondages. Very much like having your head, heart, and soul rotting in a literal jail cell in solitary confinement. No person has the key to let you out…in fact there is NO key. The door is open, and we keep ourselves in this prison ourselves through free will.

Only when we learn the truths about why we are in this state, do we begin to take the steps to let ourselves out of bondage. This is not something G-d takes joy in seeing us go through, but He is there every second of every minute of it with us, whether we acknowledge Him or not. We are precious to Him and He dotes on us more than an over protective mother or father….He counts the very hairs on our head for crying out loud! If 2 or 3 fall out, He knows. He knows our thoughts before we think them, He knows our past, our past memories, our “now” and our “now” predicaments. He never sleeps, never quits, never forgets…. The only time He forgets is when a human being confesses a wrong to Him and repents (or turns away from doing it again). Then the Bible says He forgets the sin and remembers it no more.

2.) Depression, anxiety, stress, etc. are ALL spiritual as well as emotional and physical states. If you are going to fight against it, you must address this truth.

3.) I learned that there are some human beings in our life who love us very much and would do anything for us….but they CAN’T do a THING to help us out of these bondages because they don’t understand them, haven’t experienced them, or don’t have the tools necessary to help us out of our prison.

This DOESN’T necessarily mean they don’t love us or that they are rejecting us. It just means that they do not have the same experience to draw on. We must find help where help is available and allow our loved ones and friends to be released from the job of rescuing us. They can’t. WE must be our own rescuer.

There is ONE Creator who has the manual on us. How we work, what makes us tick, how to exist at our optimum potential and so forth. With Him, we can find the way out. He will lead us to the people He puts in place to get us out. Sometimes it will be a family member, a loved one, or a friend, but sometimes it is not. Remain open and receptive to help where help comes from. Don’t blame and get bitter at those who cannot understand or maybe even ….refuse to understand…where you are right now.

You have to decide for yourself that you want to open that jail cell because NO ONE can open it for you. We ourselves are the ONLY ones that can push that door open.

4.) Sometimes there are going to be setbacks, but we have to say “This is a setback, not a trench or pit I can’t get out of. Tomorrow will feel different and I will have made it through this day.”

You’re going to have angry days, sad days, desperate days, silent days, scary days, lonely days. You are going to feel like curling up in a ball and screaming or crying your guts out. THAT’S OK. It’s supposed to happen that way. That’s getting the poison and garbage out of your head, heart, and soul. It’s like sucking out the poison and excrement that has built up inside you. Let it happen and don’t stop it. If you feel unsafe at any time or like you are losing control in a dangerous way… get help immediately! Call someone to help you whether it’s a professional or a close personal friend or family member. Just get help to get through. There is NO SHAME in doing what you have to do to remain safely able to get through your situation.

The MOMENT you tell yourself all hope is lost, you are making the CHOICE to sit in that filthy, putrid, lonely, isolated, jail cell with your chains secured firmly to the wall ALL ON YOUR OWN. You are choosing to do that to yourself. There is no person you can blame at that point, no matter what has been done to you by others. If you don’t reach out in order to get yourself free of all that, then you and you alone are responsible for letting yourself die inside and out. You let them win. (Just in case you are wondering… I speak from personal experience. I have extremely traumatic experiences that were done to me by others several times over a number of years so I know of what I speak)

You can choose to rip those chains out of the wall and stand up (or even crawl if you have to ) and push that door open and NOT GIVE UP. No matter what…. YOU WERE MADE TO LIVE. The Lord G-d of Heaven CHOSE YOU DELIBERATELY. He chose to make you, form you, create you, and find pleasure in you. NO PERSON IS AN ACCIDENT OR A MISTAKE. If someone has told you that’s what you are…they LIED. (Psalm 139)

5.) Getting out of these bondages and getting out of grief, is a process that takes time. “How much time Sherri??????” As much time as it takes. AS MUCH TIME AS IT TAKES. Only you will know when you’ve broken through and NO ONE has the right to tell you that you can only have this amount or that amount of time. Each person is different, each person’s needs and depths of pain are different. **The emergency is when the person refuses to try and open that door and instead they choose to wallow in their state of mind. If that is you…then you have a choice to make today.

6.) Sometimes you need to be silent. Sometimes you need to draw away from emails, phones, faxes, letters, notes, calls, and places so that you can put all of your attention on getting out of that jail cell in your head. It’s OK to take time out. You can tell people what’s up later or explain it later. You can take care of them later. Right now, you need to put your attention on getting out of the bondages of your head and heart. (I’m not saying to give up your responsibilities), but I AM saying that you need to take time out to make this a TOP priority. When you do, then when you’re done, you will be able to be your best self for those around you.

7.) **FIBROMYALGIA IS SEPARATE FROM YOUR HEAD, HEART, AND SOUL. You can’t use it as an excuse or IT wins and that jail cell remains your home for good!

You have to, on purpose, treat Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, CFS, and any other physical illness SEPERATELY from your depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and so forth. There are deeper reasons why you’re feeling this way.

*Fibromyalgia (or other illnesses) may be a catalyst, but it’s not the whole problem. Illness brings to the surface the feelings and fears deeply hidden.

(Finding a way to deal with your feelings and heart bondages will help you feel better and cause less fibro flares actually.)

8.) You have to find ways to feel good about yourself even when you are sick. Hair, teeth, clothing, entertainment, etc… it ALL counts. If you let yourself go, you will feel worse and worse. Ladies, even if you aren’t going anywhere that day, a little mascara and lip gloss goes a long, long way to keeping you feeling like YOU. Who cares what anyone thinks??? You look nice, because you WANT to look nice. If that means some makeup, or dressing nice, or getting a fancier cane, or your nails done… DO IT. You may not have tomorrow. Live one day at a time.

Yesterday I watched Carolyn Dickerson’s videos on hair care and cutting tips again and I gave myself a new hairdo, plus I highlighted my hair. Saved a good chunk of change, took my time to do it slowly, and afterwards, I felt SO GOOD. It was like looking in the mirror and seeing “Me” again. It was WONDERFUL. Last night my hubby was extra affectionate and flirty. THAT ROCKED MY SELF ESTEEM LET ME TELL YOU!!

Today when I got up, I put makeup on, on purpose. I thought, “Why not??”. I felt good doing that and the kids made me feel great too when they saw me. That was a little extra bonus.

The point is…. Who cares????????? You gotta do, what you gotta do. Fighting for your quality of life is what you GOTTA DO. If you don’t…you will die inside and the disease wins. You gotta get “Rocky Balboa” on this thing and take the first step in opening that jail cell door for yourself.

Am I all better now????? No.

I’m taking time, to take time and I don’t know how much time I’ll take. However, I’m determined to live and to keep fighting to be whole because I don’t want to die inside anymore. My brother’s death was just a catalyst and it opened up things in me that had been buried deep for many, many years. At the end of this thing, I expect to find life and a whole “me” when it’s done. I have a lot of healing to do and it’s hard, excruciating work. I think of an athlete training to do the Iron Man. It takes everything you’ve got, but when you accomplish your goal, you are deeply and profoundly changed.

NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT FROM YOU, EVER.

I care about each and every one of you. I think about you daily, though I may take spaces in time when I don’t post anything. I keep fighting to get better because I want to show you the path so you can do the same. I HATE Fibromyalgia. I make no bones about it. I HATE IT. However, without it,… I would never have met you and had the unique and valuable treasure of getting to know you and go through an extraordinarily difficult thing beside you. I would have missed out. So even though I hate it, I am deeply thankful for it as well. In that, I have won and Fibro has lost one more hold on me.

May you and your loved ones be blessed today.
Don’t forget…. You are NOT alone.
Sherri

Fibromyalgia - Negative Press

2009-06-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I received an email this afternoon from my friend Bob Hall over at http://www.menwithfibro.com/ and I'm going to share it with you so that you know about this article and you can decide whether you'd like to speak out about it, or let it go.

Either way, you have a right to know.

Here's what Bob wrote:

"This is an article I found, and it comes off very offensive to the fibro community. Please feel free to respond to the reporter who created this masterpiece. Spread the word to other groups you may belong, and we must take a stand and be heard about such babble.

I realize we will always this type of negative press, but we don't have to take it in silence.
Thanks BOB
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dothan EagleP.O. Box 1968, Dothan, AL 36302
Mr. Jim Cook, a reporter on staff in charge of writing EDUCATION related articles authored this little jewel. Take a little time, read it, and feel free to comment on the website about what you think of his masterpiece.
http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/opinion/columnists/article/random_nonsense/78444/
I am enclosing email addresses of other members of the Dothan Eagle Staff so you can forward copies to them also.

I realize we will always face this type of negative press, but I also realize we do not have to take it without presenting our opinion of such mindless babble. Again, if you find it offensive, please join us in commenting on the article. At the very least, we can stand up and be counted.

Bob Hall
Men With Fibro
menwithfibro.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher: Jim Whitten jwhittum@dothaneagle.com
Managing Editor: Ken Tuck ktuck@dothaneagle.com
City Editor: Kendall Clinton kclinton@dothaneagle.com
Editorial Page:William Perkins wperkins@dothaneagle.com
News Editor: Christi Kulavich ekulavich@dothaneagle.com
Reporter - Education: Jim Cook jcook@dothaneagle.com "

*********************
Sherri's Thoughts:

Clearly Mr. Cook has written comments that are offensive to many people in the fibro community. Personally, I was also shocked at some of the negative and rude comments that were made by others who had read his comments and posted replies to the article saying extremely negative things about PWF's.

The struggle for us to be taken seriously is ongoing, frustrating, exhausting, and uphill. Rather than give this article any more attention than it deserves, (which in my opinion is NONE), I'm going to continue to focus on those in the fibro community and medical community who are interested in legitimizing our situation and who are working on finding answers such as the work being done for the past few decades by Dr. Brice Vickery. (See his link on the right side of my blog)

I'm sorry you guys.... I'm sorry that we have to see this kind of thing (STILL) and that there are those out there who STILL believe we are faking, lazy, mooches and pill poppers. How ignorant. But the reality is... it's out there and we have to deal with it, just like any other people who suffer jokes and being made fun of for a variety of issues and difficulties.

There are people out there without a moral center of integrity or personal conviction and they thrive on cutting others down in order to feed their cynicism and load up on feeling superior and oppositional. They believe it's a "mark of intelligence", or somehow shows that they are "cool" because they're being "politically incorrect".

They are self deceived.
That's a sad state to be in.

So Jim Cook, I will be adding you to my prayers and asking for you to be blessed with a sense of conviction and humility so that you will turn around and recant your comments. I will pray that you learn from your mistake and become a voice FOR us, rather than AGAINST us.

And more than this.... I forgive you Jim Cook for the severe hurt, embarrassment, humiliation, and offense your words caused me for a few moments today. (as I watch another clump of hair fall out of my head from the toxic chemicals in my medication that only takes the edge off of the pain I feel 24 hours a day 7 days a week.)

I honestly forgive you.

Please be more careful with your writing in the future Mr. Cook, because IT MATTERS.

I Want To Bless You Today

2009-05-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Turn up the volume, sit back, and take it in....
I wept and wept and felt utter JOY. I had no idea Steve Harvey (the famous comedian) had done this. I received a link to it in my email and I HAVE to, HAVE to, share it with you. It's just THAT good...

IT'S FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY Pass The Candle To A Fibromyalgia Fighter

2009-05-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!
Show someone you care about them and support them.
Pass the candle on along with a message from your heart.
**(The link for the codes you can use to pass the candle on can be found at the bottom of my post.)

Here is my message to YOU from my heart:

My friends,

Today I'm passing this candle on to you

as a symbol of my support on Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

You are NOT alone.

I walk with you.

I understand your pain, your sorrow,

your isolation, your despair,

your refusal to give up and give in,

your FIGHT!

You matter to me...every day.

I think of you...every day.

You inspire me to keep going...every day.

I thank The Lord for the gift of YOU in my life.

Because of YOU, I am a better person, a more focused person,

a more compassionate person, a more patient person.

Because of YOU, I keep fighting to LIVE.

Because of YOU, I want to be a survivor, a teacher,

a mentor, a friend...

Thank you for the ways you've given yourself to me,

both in big ways and in small...they have ALL counted.

I pray the blessings of The Lord over you

and I pray that you would prosper in all ways, in all you do,

and in all you give.

YOU have blessed me, and today I celebrate YOU!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

With my sincerest respect and care,

Sherri

************************

Codes for the candle:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/candle/exaltegoo/candle.gif?o=56

************************

Celebrate The Stick!

2009-05-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I had sort of a humorous, but not, post for us today. During this fibro flare I've been back on my cane for walking support and as I was dropping my daughter off at school today I was thinking about my cane. Then I was thinking about all of you, and I thought, "embrace the stick!" "If you have to use one, use one with STYLE!". Why should we let Fibro or CFS or Allodynia steal our style??? We shouldn't!

I went hunting on eBay for walking sticks and canes and OH BOY! I came across some exquisite pieces and I had to run over here to POF and tell you about them. For instance, take a look at this link http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Canes-For-All-Walks-of-Life__W0QQ_armrsZ1 This seller has 100% positive feedback and has so many different styles and prices. There's virtually something for everyone! They have beautiful pieces for men and women, formal and informal, cherry wood, etched, silver handled, pink swirls, purple, flowers, patterns, contemporary modern, mother of pearl, left handed... you name it. I was so impressed!

Listen to me friends; fighting for your quality of life means taking what you have and celebrating YOURSELF. If you have to wear certain clothing to make life easier, if you need walking assistance, if you need to carry a purse, if you need to look super sharp at work, if you are patriotic, crafty, unusual,.... whatever you have to do to make your world easier to manage, whatever makes you special, celebrate YOU.

I put some pics of some beautiful walking sticks and canes here just to show you. If you have to use one, then get one that just oozes your personal style and spunk. Make it part of your wardrobe and walk in style. Celebrate the GIFT of walking. There are so many who can't...

If you are feeling down, get out a piece of paper and start listing anything and everything that you love and are thankful for. I don't care if it's a coffee cup that just perks you up, WRITE IT DOWN. Count your blessings and focus on the good things you have around you. It will help you to fight, help you to focus, help you to fight bitterness and depression, and it will help you remain strong inside.

(*Today is our National Day of Prayer! I will be including all of you in my prayers today. I will be asking The Lord to bless you, guide you, protect you, and make Himself known to you. I will also be lifting our country up in prayer and seeking The Lord's directions for how to maneuver through the vast amount of changes we are experiencing. Pray for our nation today!)

Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You don't have to do this alone.
I wish you a very, very blessed day today!
Sherri

The Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy - Worth Investigating

2009-05-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

First, thank you to everyone who has written to send encouragement and support while I'm in the middle of this flare. I've gotten some really really great messages and I appreciate them all very much. I love you guys!

Over the past couple of days I've been doing some more research and a lot of reading on Dr. Vickery's site. (The man has such GOOD information!)

While I was doing some learning on the various viruses and so forth that are part of the attack of Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Allodynia I ran across some interesting information on hydrogen peroxide therapy of all things! Turns out that this is a well known subject in many homeopathic circles the impact of which is remarkable, so I want to share some information here for you.

** Note: I'm still looking to see if there are side effects to using h.p.t. with medications. I have not found satisfactory information yet. Make sure to do a lot of reading and investigation on the subject and that if you choose to try hydrogen peroxide therapy, you ONLY USE FOOD GRADE hydrogen peroxide. All other forms (including the 3% form you can get at the drug store) are NOT for internal use. It has to be food grade or nothing! Be safe and do LOTS of reading and asking questions first. This is one of the natural ways of healing that HAS to be taken very seriously and not fooled around with. There are 2 ways to use it; orally and intraveniously. There are pros and cons to both, so reading and investigation must be done before making a final decision. WARNING: DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE THERAPY IF YOU HAVE HAD A TRANSPLANT AS IT MAY CAUSE REJECTION OF THE ORGAN **

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There is a very good article by Dr. David Williams on the benefits of hydrogen peroxide therapy. The full article can be found at http://www.whale.to/a/williams1.html The following is an excerpt from the article:

"Chlorination of drinking water removes oxygen. Cooking and over-processing of our foods lowers their oxygen content. Unrestrained antibiotic use destroys beneficial oxygen-creating bacteria in the intestinal tract. Dr. Johanna Budwig of Germany has shown that for proper cellular utilization of oxygen to take place, our diets must contain adequate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. Unfortunately, the oils rich in these fatty acids have become less and less popular with the food industry. Their very nature makes them more biologically active, which requires more careful processing and gives them a shorter shelf-life. Rather than deal with these challenges, the food industry has turned to the use of synthetic fats and dangerous processes like hydrogenation.

It's obvious that our oxygen needs are not being met. Several of the most common ailments now affecting our population are directly related to oxygen starvation. Asthma, emphysema, and lung disease are on the rise, especially in the polluted metropolitan areas. Cases of constipation, diarrhea, intestinal parasites and bowel cancer are all on the upswing. Periodontal disease is endemic in the adult population of this country. Cancer of all forms continues to increase. Immune system disorders are sweeping the globe. Chronic fatigue, "Yuppie Flu" and hundreds of other strange viral diseases have begun to surface. Ironically, many of the new "miracle" drugs and nutritional supplements used to treat these conditions work by increasing cellular oxygen (oftentimes through H202 formation). For example, the miracle nutrient, Coenzyme Q10, helps regulate intercellular oxidation. Organic germanium, which received considerable publicity not too long ago, also increases oxygen levels at the cellular level. And even substances like niacin and vitamin E promote tissue oxidation through their dilation of blood vessels."

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Here is another good article as well: http://www.garynull.com/Documents/Arthritis/Hydrogen_Peroxide_Therapy.htm

I wish you the very best,
Sherri

FLU INFORMATION

2009-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm still having problems with this current fibro flare, but thankfully I'm on the tale end of it. I have A LOT to write about regarding this current flare, but I'll have to do it later.

In the mean time, with so much going on about Swine Flu, and flu in general, I want to post a link for you here to Dr. Vickery's very detailed information about flu and how to combat it. It's definitely a "Must Read". http://www.supernutrient.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14

May you be blessed today,
Sherri

Fibro Flare

2009-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

My friends, am under a very intense flare. Hard to write even, so I will update the blog again when it's over. I'm fighting not to give up, don't you give up either.
Sherri

UPDATE - Dr. Brice E. Vickery - What I Learned About Fibromyalgia & What You Should Know Too

2009-04-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Vickery as well as his assistant Michelle today. We spent quite a good bit of time talking and going over my symptoms and issues with Fibromyalgia.

Yesterday I posted an ALERT here on the blog and then I went to everyone I could think of who is living with Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, & CFS to tell them (no, URGE them) to please, please, please take a look at the video and links I had posted here. I had a very strong gut feeling that I had stumbled upon something big,...VERY big. Well, I wasn't disappointed, especially after meeting Dr. Vickery for myself over the phone. The man is nothing short of astounding.

Talk about PASSIONATE about what he's doing! He absolutely is driven to help as many of us as he can and believe me he's paid a heavy price to do it. The mainstream medical community absolutely refuses to back him or admit that he has an advanced and corrective handle on Fibromyalgia as well as other illnesses. They won't do it, because he only practices holistic medicine which the majority do not believe is legitimate medicine. (I suspect it's a money issue as well. The pharmasutical companies and medical offices impacted would be huge.)

My question is.... why can't the two work hand in hand? That's Dr. Vickery's question too. The applied science behind his research is all but self evident to even the most untrained of curiosity seekers. Because he uses testing that is not "mainstream", he is somehow categorized as less than trustworthy by the "movers and shakers" within the medical community (and even by some in the Chiropractic community). You know what I say???? WHO CARES! I say, "Let me find out for myself".

I was able to find several patient testimonies from those he has helped and who now have their health and lives back. (http://briceevickeryfoundation.com/ and http://www.life-enthusiast.net/amino/testimonials.htm are a couple of pages of testimonies) Beyond this though, what draws me the most about the research and conclusions he explains in detail, is that line by line, symptom by illness, I can go down the list and compare my own personal history with and SEE it. There is a definite pattern that matches up. The problem has been that I've only ever seen 1 thing at a time instead of looking at Fibromyalgia as a SET of problems that have to be solved. When looked at it in entirety, the whole picture becomes clear and now makes not just sense, but common sense. I find myself continually nodding my head "yep, I've had that and this and that over there, and oh yeah, that happened or is happening...". Even more than that, I finally understood why just one thing alone hasn't been THE answer for me yet. I've tried several things as you know from the information I've put on the blog before (like about Serrapeptase - which I STILL think is a remarkable enzyme. I still recommend it with the caveat that you may need to take it over a period of time to see long term benefits.), but each thing I've tried has only addressed one area or specific target rather than a set of targets.

By the time our conversation was over today I was even more convinced that this man has a key and I have to use it for myself to find out how far I can go to get my life back. He showed me things I was aware of and things I was not aware of but able to verify. (Such as the impact of yeast, the chlamydia pneumoniae germ, formaldehyde poisoning, and Celiac Disease upon Fibromyalgia) I walked away from the conversation feeling full and satisfied as if I had just been treated to an all you can eat buffet of information. He also gave me directions for further research on my own. (Which I did as soon as we hung up)

I found Dr. Vickery to be knowledgeable, passionate, driven, and good humored. He was also able to deftly hand out the good and the bad news in a way that didn't leave me wrecked and hopeless. (We've all been there haven't we?)

The truth is, the road back for me will not be easy, and it will not be fun at first. He talked to me about going on the specialized diet he has developed for his patients that requires me to cut out all gluten and all sugar. (I shudder to think that I have to miss the love affair I have with my coffee each morning for a while...)

He also was able to determine that because of the degraded state of my digestive system, there is a good chance that I would not have success using his Fibromyalgia Protocol unless we heal my gut and get it straightened out first. I simply wouldn't even be able to absorb the most basic of amino acids and enzymes. However, he has seen this before and was able to discover what to do to fight against it and bring the absorption rate back so that the rest of the program can actually benefit people like me instead of us throwing money away and walking away unhelped.

Now, he didn't have to tell me that. He could have just said "oh you need this and this" and left it there, not caring whether I regained my health or not. He'd have his money and I'd be left feeling scammed. But he DID tell me, and he even admitted that before he was able to discover why a few of his patients were not helped by the Protocol, it seemed there would be failure for some. Rather than getting discouraged, he set about finding out why. He worked with them until he was able to discover the correlation between the damage in the intestine (basically he said it's like the intestinal wall is burned and the villi that are supposed to be present, are damaged) and the inability to absorb even the most basic of components. Therefore the body could not heal itself like it would be able to do normally. I have a lot of respect for anyone who can admit a fall back, but who takes the experience as a stepping stone to go further until they can solve it.

I could go on and on, but I think it would be best to just recommend talking with him, emailing him, and going to his site to read for yourself what he has to say. Each person has to decide for themselves whether they want to take the next step and try his Protocol and find out if it helps them. I've decided I'm going to go for it because I have nothing to lose other than some money. However, compared to the expense of what Fibromyalgia has cost me and my family personally and professionally, the expense is minimal. I told him that I needed a little extra time before I can purchase the Protocol and he was fine with that. He didn't try and sell me, pressure me, or sway me with incentives. He just respected it. He went ahead and took all of my information, listed out all of the products and prices and said when I was ready it would all be in the order system ready for me. I appreciated that very much.

Dr. Vickery gave me permission to use his logo to post here on the blog for my readers. It is on the right hand side close to the top. Please at least go and read what he has to say. At least you will come away with more information and more to go on than before. I do not get any kickbacks, discounts, or incentives for advertising him. I am only spreading the word.

I care very much about those living with these illnesses, and I wish you the very best,

Sherri

ALERT Fibromyalgia, CFS, Allodynia Information You MUST Review! ALERT

2009-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

***This is a Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, & CFS Alert***

Hello Everyone,
I am posting information here for you tonight after doing several hours of reading and re-reading, definition searches, web searches and so forth on some information I found earlier today by accident. (**Actually I have Mary at www.MarysFreebies.com to thank because of a link on her site that led to another link that I'm about to show you, but I'll tell more about that later. Suffice it to say that she is my #1 angel of the day today! Go over and see her though, she has all kinds of info on Free stuff!)

Okay, on with the news. I am currently doing research into the information I found today by Dr. Brice Vickery and I want to share 1 video and 3 links with you to check out as soon as you can. Dr. Vickery has the most comprehensive handle on Fibro and other illnesses that I have ever come across and I don't think it's "coincidence" that I found it. One thing I'm seeing from him that I have not been seeing so much of is that he has a multi-focused point of view about Fibromyalgia. He comes right out and calls it a "disease". He also is not looking at just one cause for it, nor just one cure either. I was astonished to see what he has written. I'm also astonished at testimonials regarding the Fibro (and other illnesses) relief his patients are getting! According to many, they are saying it's gone!

Just as a measuring stick: Personally I have had all of these below and then some. So when I read his information the pieces started to pop into position like a large puzzle. That's why I started reading more and more and also why I'm sharing it with all of you.

1) Diagnosed spine degeneration at C4/C5, hypothesized degeneration elsewhere, but 2 MRI's couldn't find other spine pain reasons.
2) Curved Spine
3) Lower back and sciatic pain along with neck and shoulder pain for years. Can't walk sometimes and need a cane for walking assistance.
4) Herpes Simplex 1 (cold sores/fever blisters) since around age 7
5) Fillings began degenerating/falling out of teeth around 4 years ago.
6) Diagnosed severe adrenal fatigue
7) Several yeast infections over a period of years. One large attack during pregnancy.
8) Referred to kidney specialist after several lab tests came back with troubling results. Still waiting on info.
9) TMJ - corrective splint for 2 years, then specialized braces to correct bite.
10) Period of extremely high stress for about 3 years – consecutive with no break, after which I became the most ill and unable to continue with normal life as of that point. Previous to that several extremely high stress periods lasting a year or longer.

Dr. Vickery has literally decades of study under his belt using all natural and holistic medicine. He is achieving results. The mainstream medical community may be missing the opportunity to have a HUGE breakthrough if they don't at least consider what this man has to say. I will be giving information to my medical team as soon as I can, so they have it to go over and consider.

Background From His Websites:
1) Testimonials in Progress Link
2) Credentials: "Brice E. Vickery, D.C. graduated from Lincoln Chiropractic College in 1951 and took post graduate work at Lincoln College and Spears Chiropractic Hospital. He has appeared on radio and television and has authored The Pocket T.S. line Manual, The Two-Edged Sword Diet as well as numerous magazine articles. He also served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Chiropractic Association. He is a certified Applied Kinesiologist and has accreditation in Electroacupuncture according to Voll ( EAV ). He is listed in the 1999-2000 Who’s who in Medicine and Healthcare. After 50 years of practice most of which was in the CT Holistic Chiropractic Offices , he is now president of SuperNutrient Corporation, is a nutritional consultant, and teaches his methods in seminars (on DVD and VHS). "

(Note: Dr. Vickery's website (but not the medical info) has some terms that are Christian based in nature such as that they are a tithing company, and some biblical themes you may recognize. Please, if you are NOT a believer, READ IT ANYWAY! IF YOU DON'T, YOU WILL MISS OUT ON POTENTIALLY IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFO THAT HAS NO BEARING ON A PARTICULAR SET OF BELIEFS. He is not "pushing G-d" or "Christianity" in any way I assure you. For those of you who ARE believers, you will be most pleasantly blessed at what this Dr. has to tell us about Fibromyalgia!)

Be sure and read and re-read, contact him with questions, and check him out. I have already contacted him and I hope to hear back shortly. (** Update: 4/23/09 - Dr. Vickery wrote me back yesterday and recommended that we talk by phone. I will be calling him later today. I'm very excited about the possibilities!)

Please gain all that you can in seeing if what he has to say makes sense to you personally. I believe that I may have just stumbled onto a huge gold mine for all of us if this proves to be a door of hope for our well being finally! We'll see what happens in the days ahead. I'll keep you posted as I find out more. I am very seriously considering starting his Fibromyalgia Protocol system and if I do end up doing it I will keep you posted on my progress.

As always, my very best to you,
Sherri

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Video and 3 links below:

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis – Video (Dr. Brice Vickery)

Link #1 http://www.supernutrient.com/fibromyalgia/fmP3.php

Link #2 http://www.supernutrient.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3

Link #3 http://www.supernutrient.com/fibromyalgia/index.php

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**Calling All Employers, Entrepreneurs, & Hiring Recruiters

2009-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm starting a campaign and I need your help!

I have a passion for the Fibromyalgia community. It is a daily passion, and one that I pray over and think on constantly. I want to find as many ways as I can to lift up, encourage, and support my fellow Fibromyalgia fighters (as well as those living with Allodynia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

One of the ways I want to help is to gather as many "Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Friendly" businesses as I can into a list so that people who have these challenges can begin submitting resumes and applications to you for possible employment.

I would like to gather information on businesses that will consider hiring both independent contractors (telecommuters, self-employed people, etc...) and permanent regular employees who happen to have Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and/or CFS. (1099 or W-2 classifications)

I need employers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and hiring recruiters who are willing to consider hiring people with Fibro, Allodynia, and/or CFS for jobs that suit them while managing their symptoms.

**Before making this commitment: I ask that you look at my blog and read what it is like to have Fibromyalgia and Allodynia, plus do some research into CFS to discover it's personal challenges as well. Find out what it's like for us in the workplace, and if indeed you are willing as an employer, entrepreneur or hiring recruiter to make the commitment to working out ways to facilitate accomodations for an employee or independent contractor who has these challenges.

This is not something to take lightly. We as a community, take working very seriously. We WANT to contribute, function, and earn a living. However the particular symptoms we deal with make it difficult to do without some flexibility in accomodations and time.

Some possible jobs & examples include but are not limited to:

Odd Jobs (Filing, data entry, email contact, light phone work, mailing jobs, proof-reading, mostly sitting jobs, assembly jobs, low stress environment jobs...etc.)
Virtual Assistant (Think "Secretarial" but they work as independent contractors. You would 1099 them.)
Consultation jobs
Seminars and specialty area speakers
Jewelry Making
Crafting Jobs
Floral Creation
Translation Jobs (Translating documents into other languages)
Transcription Jobs
Courier Jobs
Non or Low Stress Sales Work or Marketing
Desk top publishing Jobs
Art and Creation Jobs
Jobs that are odd or overflowing that other employees can't get to

The list goes on and on. The imagination can think of tons of other ways to create work for those who are living with these challenges. Perhaps if you have an idea I can create a poll here on the blog to see what the Fibro, Allodynia, & CFS Community thinks about it. For instance a question such as: "Would you be willing to do 'such and such' or is it not a good fit for those of us living with Fibro, Allodynia, or CFS?" Then we can look at the poll to see if the majority thinks it's a good fit.

***I will be creating a list of "Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Friendly" businesses for my readers to contact you with.***

If you are an employer, entrepreneur, and/or hiring recruiter etc... who would consider specially tailored jobs for a person with on and off again symptoms, but who work VERY hard, please contact me at prosperingoverfibromyalgia@gmail.com with the type of position you have available and the specifics you require along with what you are flexible on. (For instance: "We are flexible on start times each day since many of the people living with these challenges have a harder time in the morning hours"; "We are looking specifically for an independent contractor")

What Your Business Will Gain:

Employees or independent contractors who are dedicated and serious about their job.
Employees or independent contractors with talents and skills being MISSED OUT ON by other companies who are not willing to be flexible. In short.... a GOLD MINE for your business!
Exposure of your business within the Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and CFS Communities. There are literally MILLIONS of us in the United States alone! We share information with each other like wild fire! Once your name is out there, the possibilities for business exposure are limitless.
A way to contribute to a "silent" community who needs a voice! We very often go overlooked as "lazy", "incompetent", "unreliable", and "damaged goods" because other employers simply will not take the time to work with us to enable us to function at our best. They simply refuse to get involved and will often cut us loose using "loopholes" in order to find someone else to fill the position. They are MISSING OUT. Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and CFS Fighters are some of the most dedicated and personally strong people there are. It takes a tremendous amount of personal fortitude and willpower to deal with our symptoms. We WANT to work! We just need a chance and a little "tweaking" of our work environment!
I will list your company on my blog for even more exposure. If you have a banner ad I will display it here in a special section of the blog.

**Important**: NO ADULT ONLY COMPANIES PLEASE.

Those Living With Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and CFS who are looking for work:

If you are looking for work either on site or from your home as an independent contractor, please consider contacting me at prosperingoverfibromyalgia@gmail.com with a list of your skills, talents, and educational/trade school background. Perhaps we can do a sort of "match up" between Fibro, Allodynia, and CFS Friendly Businesses and applicants. **This is open to Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients only please**

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No Guarantees:
I make no guarantees of employment, nor do I warrant or guarantee the suitability of any applicants and/or businesses who choose to get involved. I am simply trying to get both sides together and am trying to make a difference for those who are out of work and who live with Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, and/or CFS. I will not take any legal responsibility for the outcome of any hiring or non-hiring that may or may not occur.

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**This site has some GREAT information for both employers and employees on Fibromyalgia in The Workplace: http://www.sbtv.com/Partners/Fibro/

Here's to your success! I'm very excited at the possibilities ahead!
Sherri

Inspiration For People Living With Fibromyalgia

2009-04-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Have you had a dream that burns within you? A dream you think is over because of years and years of delays and "no"s and no chances to get your voice or idea heard? Do you feel that because you have Fibromyalgia you can never get your dream fulfilled? Do you feel that people don't take you seriously even though you KNOW you have something special to share? Do you wish for just one chance,... just one?

I've felt that way SO many times. My husband shared this with me, and I knew I had to share it with my readers too. It may have nothing to do with Fibro, but it has everything to do with believing in yourself no matter what anyone else thinks or says.
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This link is for you. (Watch the whole way through.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg
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Now because I've had so many people tell me, "I can't do what I dream about. It's over" I want to let you know that my book "How To Use What You Already Have, What You Already Know, and What You Already Love to Create Income" on the right hand side of the blog & at eBay, has a chapter about "peripheral involvement" that shows how to re-work your idea/dream for a career and tailor it around your Fibro symptoms. You don't have to let your dream career die just because you have Fibromyalgia. You can find a way to make it live!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE, AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE

My very best to all of you,
Sherri

Fibromyalgia In The Workplace - Part 1

2009-04-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Today I want to talk about Fibromyalgia in the workplace. Specifically I will be referring to those PWF’s (People with Fibromyalgia) who are working a mainstream career and must handle their Fibro symptoms while holding down a traditional career. (This takes nothing away from PWF’s who are working for themselves. I try and approach all angles here on the blog.)

So how does one manage their symptoms while being on a strict time schedule, facing deadlines, having an employer to answer to, driving back and forth, dealing with workplace relationships, and being responsible for their particular work? The task is by no means easy, and takes a great deal of inner and outer strength to accomplish. Let’s look at some things that can help.

Admit It

There are many PWF’s who experience a certain level of fear or nervousness about telling their employer that they either have Fibro or are struggling with Fibro symptoms. They feel that telling the truth about Fibro may cause them to lose their job, be passed over for promotion, may cause the relationship between themselves and their co-workers to change for the worse, or may mean a reduction in trust by their employer. Why? Because Fibro symptoms can, when they flare up, cause a PWF to become all but incapacitated and unable to do their work; therefore they fear that they will become “less valuable” as employees because they fear being viewed as “unreliable”. They fear that their job security may, or will be threatened and therefore, they remain silent and refuse to show any “weakness”. This may be especially true for men and sole wage earners in the family who have Fibromyalgia. The pressure to keep their job outweighs their personal needs and they basically “grin and bear it”.

I want to assert that if you are facing this pressure and feel that you are forced to hide Fibromyalgia from your employer or co-workers; perhaps a different point of view of your worth and value is due.

Listen, I’m not blind to the problems going on in the economy, the loss of jobs, the fact that just HAVING a job nowadays is something to be very, very grateful for (although I personally feel that this should be the way we feel anyway, no matter what’s going on.) and that the idea of losing or walking away from what you have is an emergency extreme you don’t want to face. I know, and I get it my friends. Believe me.

Hear me out though. For some PWF’s this life of silence in order to keep their employment, may have a higher cost than anything that could happen by changing jobs or choosing to leave a place of employment where you are not FREE to live truthfully before your employer and co-workers.
The toll on your body and mind may be higher and more exacting than you realize. Like a rock tossed into a pond, the rings of consequence could branch out wider and wider until they touch areas of your life you didn’t realize could even connect. It could affect your relationships (due to sheer exhaustion and little quality time together), it could affect your safety and the safety of others (driving under pressure, pain, fatigue or medication), it increases the amount of worry and fear in your friends and family over your welfare, (I know you don’t mean to and don’t want to do that to them), it could actually increase your pain flares and make it even harder for you to work, it could cause you to make mistakes on the job and accomplish what you fear will happen anyway, and the worst thing…it could cost you your inner life. You will know, every day, that you will not protect you or make sure that you are ok and you will not be able to trust yourself any longer. In a sense you will know you that you abandoned yourself for money and a job and you will resent yourself in the deepest regions of your heart. You will foster resentment at having to “hide”, you will foster bitterness, you will foster anger, and you will foster depression. This is a deadly combination to your mind, body, and spirit.

Far better, is to admit that you have Fibromyalgia and that you have symptoms that you can neither control nor predict, and that it is a very real condition. The truth is…any employer that would attempt to undermine your value at work after learning of your condition is NOT WORTH your hard work! You deserve better. You deserve to work for a company and an employer who values you and will support and appreciate you. You need that in order to keep your symptoms under the best control that you can, while earning a living. That is the bare truth.

This may mean taking a leap of faith. This may mean seriously considering changing jobs and preparing now, to make that change. Getting your resume and cover letter in order, talking with your spouse and family, and resolving to make a change that has nothing to do with placing money ahead of you as a person. I know this is a radical idea, and not one to take lightly. It means being able to virtually guarantee that you have one job before leaving the other. In this current economic climate, it may be even harder. I know that what I’m suggesting is something very serious.

I choose to believe that you are valuable and irreplaceable. There is no one else who is you. If the world loses the benefit of your best self, it is not something we can ever get back. That’s how valuable I believe you are. No kidding.

In order to do this there’s a risk you’ll have to be courageous enough to face right now. You have to risk having an honest and heartfelt discussion with your employer regarding the truth about your condition. There is a chance that your employer may be more supportive of you than you thought and your work condition could actually improve by “clearing the air”. Without all that hiding and pressure, your work production and quality may actually improve and help you achieve a much healthier and happy existence. Plus, your employer may be able to help you understand with the help of Human Resources, the laws and regulations regarding workplace discrimination against those who have very real and verifiable health conditions. Don’t neglect doing a little research first! Find out for yourself what the guidelines are, and what you have to have in order to show documentation of your condition. Arm yourself.

Now for those of you who are thinking “Yeah Sherri, they may have rules, but they’ll just find some other excuse for letting me go by using “loopholes” and I just can’t risk that!” or “Sherri, I don’t care what you say, I absolutely can risk that! I can NOT lose this job!” I hear you. I understand completely. I don’t want you thinking that I don’t. I mean, what if you are a single parent and your children are depending on you for their basic necessities, or a an adult taking care of an elderly parent, or a parent or spouse taking care of an invalid, or a man who’s wife doesn’t work and your family is depending on you for income, or any one of a number of people faced with a situation that requires complete and utter dependence on you. I hear you and I’m not leaving you out to hang. What I want to do is help you find ways to “define Fibromyalgia instead of letting Fibromyalgia define you.” (Thanks to my friend at Twitter for that very real and inspiring statement!) In the next post “Fibromyalgia in The Workplace Part 2” I will talk with those of you specifically.

For now, let’s assume that you are going to go ahead with revealing your Fibro to your employer.

Talking With Your Employer

Before you have your meeting with your employer it’s important to have your “ducks in a row”. You need to have documentation if possible. Perhaps being able to show appointment dates with your doctor, a written statement of diagnosis, or perhaps a journal that you keep with your symptoms in it will be what you use to do this. You don’t have to share all of your personal details, just something to substantiate your condition as real and ongoing.

The next thing is to say what you can do and what you cannot do. It’s important to talk about what you are able to do first. You want to assure your employer that you are still a valuable employee and that there are many things you are able to do in order to contribute to the company. Remind them about things you’ve accomplished in the past while they were not aware that you were dealing with your Fibro symptoms. What you’re doing is telling them that it cost you to do those things and that eventually if you don’t deal with those symptoms while at work, your production will fall back, and you need to stay on top of your game.

The next step is to lay out what you have to have or do in order to deal with days when your symptoms are insurmountable and how you need to deal with it. What things can you both come up with in order to deal with those days? Perhaps they will need to know that if you call in sick on a day, there is a substantial and documented reason for you to do so. What proposals can you write down before your meeting with him or her to lay out a plan they can follow with you? The more prepared you are the better. It shows initiative, it shows a position of strength, it shows responsibility and it shows that you are not falling back on excuses but actively taking control of your condition.

Before your meeting, sit down and think all of these thoroughly. Write things down and if possible print them out so you have something they can look at and also keep in your employee file. Tell them what you will be using as tools to help you deal with your condition at work so it doesn’t come as surprise when they see it. Will you need to take more 10 or 15 minute breaks during the day? Will you need to use walking assistance (a cane or walking stick) at work? Will you be using a sign to signal a high flare day (like a sign at your desk or something hung from your chair, if you work outside perhaps some way of signaling this to your co-workers)? Will you be using the assistance of another co-worker to help you manage more detailed or urgent tasks that could suffer quality if you are dealing with a high level of brain fog? Will you be carpooling in order to keep yourself from the possibly having an accident? You get the idea. You need a plan of action in place before you go in for your meeting.

Perhaps your employer may have access to other things that can help you as well. Ergonomic tools and furniture to help you or other things that they know about that perhaps you don’t. Be open to suggestions and work together to come up with a plan.

Most employers are more than willing to work with you to keep you because they don’t want to spend the money to interview, employ, and train a whole new employee for your position.

The relief gained from finally coming out with it and then taking control of a plan of action can benefit you in so many ways. Again, like that rock thrown into the pond, the ripple effects can go on and on both professionally and personally.

Support

I want to encourage you to network with other PWF’s or people living with Chronic pain and fatigue keeping a mainstream career. There are several support groups and online resources where you can band together with them. You have the potential of learning new ways to cope, new ways to increase your value at work, and most of all you gain the knowledge that you are not alone and you have the backing of other PWF’s to help you stay strong. The better armed you are, the more strength you have to keep going.

Links and Information

Fibromyalgia on the Job
http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=topics_workingWithFM

Accommodating employees with FMS
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Fibro.html

Women Living and Working with Fibromyalgia
http://www.fibroworks.com/

Men with Fibromyalgia (Check out the forums)
http://menwithfibro.com/

Allnurses – Working Full time with Fibromyalgia
http://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/fibromyalgia-working-fulltime-38544.html

Work and Disability Issues with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/od/copingatwork/Work_Disability_Issues_for_Fibromyalgia_and_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome.htm

Work and Fibromyalgia
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=3916&t=CFIDS_FM

Google search – Working Full time With Fibromyalgia
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS234US235&q=working+full+time+with+fibromyalgia

Google search – Support Group for Those Working Full Time With Fibromyalgia
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS234US235&q=support+group+for+those+working+full+time+with+fibromyalgia

In the next post “Fibromyalgia in The Workplace Part 2” we will talk about those PWF’s who choose not to reveal Fibro to their employer and how to stay strong.

There is much more I could say and point out in this post, but for now I want to put this out there so you have something to consider right away. This is a starting point.

Here’s to your success! I wish you all the very best; and remember… YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE EITHER.

Sherri

Fighting Nausea Without Medications

2009-04-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I found a good article at Science Daily regarding using the P6 acupressure point in the wrist to relieve nausea and vomiting.

The reason I'm sharing it with you is because I've personally used this pressure point several times over the past nine years to relieve nausea (especially after surgeries and also after a cervical epidural ).

For me it has worked and so I wanted to let you know about it so that you could see if it may work for you too. Many of us with Fibro and/or chronic pain experience nausea from pain flare ups, dizziness, and/or medications. Hopefully this can be one more tool to help manage your symptoms.

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ScienceDaily (Apr. 16, 2009) — "Up to 80 percent of patients who have surgery complain of nausea and vomiting afterwards, but stimulating an acupoint in their wrists can help reduce these symptoms, finds a new evidence review..."

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All my best to you,

Sherri

Facing Fibro

2009-04-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

This awesome lady wrote a fantastic post about facing Fibro in God's presence. It's like cool clear water on a parched throat! Check it out

Becky I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog!

((HUG))
Sherri

What Is Allodynia?

2009-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I've had it on my mind to address Allodynia on its own more often. I'm coming across more and more PWF's (People With Fibromyalgia) who are describing symptoms that either sound like or closely resemble those of Allodynia. Many people may not have the information they need to ask questions of their doctors to find out if they indeed have it or not.

What is Allodynia?

Retrieved from http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/allodynia.html on March 2nd 2009:

***“Allodynia is pain that is caused by stimulus that does not usually produce a pain response in the body.

Allodynia is the result of a process called central sensitization, where cells in the central nervous system are unusually excitable. There are several types of Allodynia, including touch Allodynia, location Allodynia and temperature Allodynia.”***

Retrieved from http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/allodynia.html?pageNum=2#2 on March 2nd 2009:

***"Even though the exact cause is not known, Allodynia is considered to be the result of a process called central sensitization, which is an increase in the excitability of neurons within the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves branch out to the rest of the body.

Usually the central sensitization occurs because of peripheral sensitization. In peripheral sensitization, the peripheral nerve endings keep sending the pain signals to the brain even in the absence of a pain stimulus. During central sensitization, a normally harmless stimulus, such as a light touch to the skin, activates neurons in the spinal cord and brain that are usually activated only in response to noxious stimuli (intense stimuli that may cause damage to the tissue), or the neurons may get activated even in the absence of any stimulus.

There are several types of Allodynia.

They include:

Touch Allodynia (cutaneous Allodynia). Pain experienced from stimulus that does not normally produce pain. Examples of activities that may produce Allodynia include combing or brushing hair, shaving, showering and wearing glasses.

Location Allodynia (allesthesia or allachesthesia). Pain that occurs in a location of the body other than the one stimulated. One example of location Allodynia is when pain is experienced in the forearm when a hand is rubbed against a beard.

Temperature Allodynia (thermal Allodynia). Abnormal pain resulting from exposure to heat or cold. One example occurs when a cold breeze produces a feeling of burning.

Additional symptoms that may accompany Allodynia include soreness or tenderness, difficulty resting on the side of the body experiencing Allodynia, hot or burning sensation and localized tenderness. Sometimes the person may not be able to tolerate even the touch of cloth to the area affected by Allodynia.

Allodynia is often a response to a change in the nature of a tactile or thermal stimulus. For example, a person who had not been experiencing pain may suddenly feel pain when a fan is turned on.

Allodynia is different from hyperalgesia (extreme sensitivity to pain). This occurs when a stimulus that is normally painful causes an unusually exaggerated and prolonged amount of pain. It is also different from referred pain, paresthesia and psychosomatic pain.

Allodynia is often a component of neuropathic pain. This pain is the result of damage or disease to the peripheral or central nervous system, such as that caused by diabetes. Neuropathic pain is different from other types of pain, such as nociceptive pain, which is usually the response to noxious stimuli."***

My Experience With Allodynia

My personal experience with Allodynia includes “sunburn-like” feelings of pain when my hair brushes against my neck or face or from certain clothing materials especially in my shirts, and burning sensations on various parts of my skin such as my arms, my cheeks, the sides of my nose, and my hips for example. (This falls under the category of 'Tactile Allodynia')

I am also extremely sensitive to multiple noises or certain pitches of noise. If there is more than one conversation going on in a room and the TV is also on, I feel as though my brain is being scrambled in a food processor and my body becomes hypersensitive. If I’m around several children laughing and squealing, or certain females with high pitched voices my body becomes hypersensitive. (This falls under the category of 'Location Allodynia')

I am very sensitive to changes in temperature. My skin can feel extremely cool to the touch and have goose bumps even in temperatures in the upper 70's if there is a breeze blowing and my Allodynia is acting up that day. There are times when I'll be huddled up on my couch with a large warm blanket on me, and the rest of my family is walking around in shorts and light shirts. We live in Arizona and even the Arizona heat can at times be no comfort for me. My husband jokingly quipped one day (and it made me laugh so hard!) "hell isn't hot enough for my wife!" LOL!!!!!!

The strange thing is that just as quickly as I'm shivering and shaking from a slight breeze or wind, I can turn "fever hot" inside without any heat manifesting on my skin to match how hot I feel inside. It can feel like a fever in my tissues and bones without any evidence of it on the outside. (Just to be sure, I was checked to see if I'm in pre-menopause, and the result was negative) These are not hot flashes as such. (This falls under the category of 'Temperature Allodynia')

These symptoms as with my Fibromyalgia symptoms are unpredictable, frustrating to manage, and do not occur all the time. I have to be on top of things and have things handy to help myself manage them.

I keep a rubber band, barrette, or scrunchy handy to put my hair up, I choose mostly soft cotton or soft material for my shirts and avoid anything made of mostly linen or any Angora as they aggravate my skin sensitivity.

I keep a set of soft reusable earplugs handy to minimize noise. It’s become sort of a cute joke within my family because I happen to be the mother of six awesome kids! Because we work together as a family team, they know if Mom has her pink earplugs in, it’s because my Allodynia is acting up and it doesn’t make them feel rejected or condemned. I’ve sat down with them and told them several times that I love them, I want them to act normal and that I have to do what I have to do in order to manage my pain at the same time. (On the silly side: I just decided to “go with it” and find the cutest earplugs I could find for my taste and they are now one of my “fashion accessories”. Hahahaaa!! I’ve found all kinds of different colors like blue, purple, pink, green and yellow and I even found flesh tone ones too!)

I keep a sweater or jacket handy in the vehicle or tied around my waist when I'm out, just in case. I also use disposable heat packs from Therma-Care on my lower back or lower abdomen if I'm wearing an outfit that doesn't look right with a jacket or sweater. I find that when I place them in these areas I am able to achieve a heat wave type of affect all over, or at least enough to keep me pretty comfortable.

I want to encourage those of you who believe you may have the above symptoms or even some of the described symptoms and are suspicious that you may be experiencing the effects of Allodynia, to ask questions at your doctor's appointments. Print out the information or write it down so you can have it there with you. Also, write down and keep a record of your symptoms; where they occur, when they occur, how they feel, and how often they happen. Take it with you to your appointment and have a good and lengthy look together with your medical team at whether you should be examined further to see if there is a diagnosis to be made.

My best to all of you today...
Sherri

2009-04-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

May Your Easter Be A Day of

Rememberance, Rejoicing, & Love!

What Does Fibromyalgia Feel Like?

2009-04-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

An excerpt taken from my new book coming out soon - "It's Happening To You Too - Practical Help and Support For Those Who Care For Loved Ones Living With Fibromyalgia" - Copyright 2009 by Sherri Kohls

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"What does Fibromyalgia Feel Like?
I will start by saying that the truth is that every patient with Fibromyalgia is different. No two of us experience the exact same symptoms, levels of pain, levels of fatigue, or physical challenges in the same way. There are some symptoms and challenges that many of us have in common, and in the next few minutes I’m going to share with you a very common set of symptoms and experiences faced by a great number of PWF’s (Person With Fibromyalgia) on a daily basis. It is important to remember that EVERY PWF is different! Therefore if you want to love and support your PWF to the very best of your ability, you have to have the courage to sit down with them and ASK them what it’s like for them personally. Make sure to have a pen or pencil and some paper handy while they’re talking to you because taking notes about what they say will come in handy later.

Here’s why:

There are going to be days and times when your PWF will have to cancel plans, rearrange schedules, or lean on you for support more than usual. There ARE going to be times when the symptoms and challenges of Fibromyalgia will be inconvenient, a pain in the rear, upsetting to both of you, and very frustrating. At those times, I want to encourage you to take out your piece of paper and read it again. Read it slowly and imagine you are the one with the symptoms and challenges written down there. Think about how would you like others to react to you if you were in those very same circumstances. What type of understanding and help would you want to receive if it was you instead of your PWF?

You have to think about it ahead of time, and resolve to yourself that you will take action to do your very best to “go with the flow” and work around it all. If you don’t make that choice, the stress, disappointment, resentment, and frustration will build up inside you and most likely inside your PWF as well.

Keep in mind that the more unresolved conflict and stress your PWF has, the higher the chances there will be for a full blown flare up in pain and fatigue to happen to them. What that means to you is this; more stalled or rearranged plans, more interruptions, and more let downs for both of you. If you both resolve to “go with the flow” then you will have a higher chance for success in being able to manage and overcome the physical symptoms and challenges your PWF has and be able to enjoy more quantity AND quality time together doing the things you both enjoy.

Okay, with that said, here is a very common set of circumstances, symptoms, and challenges that many PWF’s experience every day.

Most of us living with Fibromyalgia experience this:

Imagine having a really bad case of the flu, but the only symptoms you have are extremely bad body aches and pains, hot flashes and cold chills and nausea. Imagine that you have a fever but you can’t feel it on your skin. It’s INSIDE your muscles and bones but your skin feels cool to the touch.

Now imagine that you just had a strenuous work out the day before and your muscles are really sore. Or better yet imagine a bad bruise you’ve had before and how it hurt to even touch it a little bit. Now imagine those types of bruises all over your body.

Imagine that you didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before or that you have been up for 48 hours straight. Imagine you are having a really hard time concentrating and you find yourself daydreaming and being really forgetful. You are soooo tired, you can’t make sense of things sometimes, you can’t keep your eyes open, you feel dizzy and strange, and all you want to do is lie down and sleep for as long as you can. Imagine you get the opportunity to take that nap that you’ve been craving to take all day long and when you lay down all of a sudden you can’t get to sleep to save your life. You can’t figure out why, because your body and brain feel like they’re going to drop at any moment. Why wouldn’t you be able to sleep??? You get frustrated and angry because all you want to do is drift off and rest.

Okay, now imagine that for some reason, you just can’t hold onto objects very well and you seem to be dropping a lot of things for no reason that you can determine. Imagine a time when you were really nervous and your legs and arms felt like spaghetti. You trip over things and can’t seem to feel sure of your footing.

Now…add all of those together and you get what most PWF’s feel 24 hours and day, 7 days a week.

And guess what else? Those are just SOME of the symptoms we live with. Some of us also experience sexual challenges, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine or stress headaches, blurred vision, weight gain, and much more.

Imagine trying to tell someone how you were feeling, trying to describe it, but you look completely normal. They can’t see any “evidence” of your pain, no bruises, no breaks, no virus, no anything. They give you “that look”. The one that says “you’re just making this up to get attention or because you’re lazy”. Now imagine it’s a doctor you’re desperately coming to for help to alleviate your pain and fatigue and it’s THEM giving you that look. Yeah…it’s NO fun.

It’s humiliating, it’s embarrassing and frustrating. Ultimately once we PWF’s get past those emotions of rejection (IF we get past them), then more often than not, we turn to anger, bitterness, and or resentment at not being trusted or believed. We retreat into ourselves and guard ourselves from the emotional pain of not being believed. We begin to endure our situation with this pain and fatigue in silence and personal isolation. We become distrusting and depressed. The only other people who seem to have any understanding or compassion at all are others living with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia or any other type of illness that is chronic.

If you don’t become an advocate and a supporter for your PWF, you could very well contribute the above emotions and reactions I just mentioned. If you love your PWF at all, don’t be one of “those people” in their lives. Believe them, believe them, and believe them. Don’t condemn them to a life of isolation and rejection on top of the horrible pain and fatigue they are enduring as well. It is hard enough to fight for their quality of life, but having to go it alone is a cruel and unjust life sentence that you could save them from.

You see how important you really are? VERY important.

Now I want you to imagine having all of those symptoms of pain and severe fatigue piled up on you, and you have to get up to go to work, or you have to take care of your kids or do housework, or repairs in your home. Imagine having an important date or vacation scheduled with your friend or loved one(s). One you’ve been looking forward to for a while and you already have reservations and some money invested in it. You have to be there.

The truth is, you just want to lay there in your agony. You have no energy, no willpower, and no motivation to do ANYTHING. It doesn’t matter if you lay down, sit, or stand, nothing helps. Even getting out of bed to go to the restroom seems like a monumental task. You don’t want to tell anyone because it seems too “lazy” and unbelievable. After all, you were fine just yesterday and you were able to function pretty well. Who is going to believe you? Why all of a sudden is this pain and fatigue piled up on you like this? What proof do you have?

And… if you are a man, a single parent, elderly and living alone, or a teenager whose parents, teachers, or friends don’t understand what’s happening; the pressure to perform is even greater! The truth is, in most cases, many of us who are women have someone in our lives to help us, but these four specific categories of Fibromyalgia patients are susceptible to a great deal more strain and stress to endure their symptoms. Most often they feel the most helpless, isolated, and alone in their pain and fatigue.

We PWF’s miss out on a lot of activities and opportunities because of this “thing” we are living with. There is a true sense of grief and loss connected with Fibromyalgia. Some of us have even resorted to becoming suicidal because of desperation and longing for relief both physically and emotionally.

This is a very real, very serious truth that those of you who love and care for PWF’s MUST come to terms with. You have to ask yourself if you are willing to be a supporter of this person through good and bad, thick and thin. Are you willing to accept the challenge and be a hero in this person’s life?"
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For more information and help there are several links on the right hand side of my blog that will at least get you started.

I wish you the very best today,
Sherri

Renewing The Mind - The First Step To Health

2009-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's good to be back here today and writing again. I took several days to sit back and look at some things that are swirling around the environment of my life and to examine them. I often do this in order to find golden nuggets of learning, better communication, ways to improve, and new information that could be useful to others.

During the last couple of days I've been doing lots of reading and digging around for information. I came upon some interesting topics dealing with Fibromyalgia that are taken from alternative health practices.

First, let me stand firm in saying that when it comes to non-medical healing or health I always, always, always turn to one source first and any others second. The Word of God is my standard, period. Anything else, I compare with His Word and if it doesn't match up or seems to exadurate or twist Scripture, I stay away from it.

*NOTE: Now, not everyone who is a reader of POF is a follower of Yeshua (I love Jesus's Name spelled this way. It sounds beautiful to my ears. ...Just a side note..) and I welcome you non-the-less! ALL are welcome here and I respect and fight fiercely for the love that The Lord God has for ALL humankind no matter what we've done or who we have been before choosing Him. His power to forgive and change us is the same for all people who choose to receive it from Him. I know and react upon the truth that He sacrificed His life for each and every human being and He loves each one of us. His Word clearly says: 2 Peter 3:9 (Contemporary English Version) "9The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost." Whether we choose to respond to His love and forgiveness, is a choice only each individual can make. In the mean time here on the POF blog, I will continue to speak to you from my personal standpoint and it includes the Godly perspective.

With that said, I am not opposed to looking at different strategies for dealing with Fibromyalgia that are unconventional or holistic. In fact I'd rather look in that direction that rely solely on medications that contain chemical after chemical and side affect after side affect only. There is a wealth of information on the human body that is both scientific and sensible from the Godly perspective. I mean after all....He made us, so it make sense to investigate how He made us and how to achieve optimal living the way He designed it right? right! ((HUG))

One of the things I've been looking at more and more is the atomic and cellular levels of the human body. The very smallest components of who we are physically and how that works. It continues to amaze me that we start from one single cell that divides and divides until whole systems are formed. I mean, think about our skin for example. It is stretched over our organs and bones perfectly encasing us. Or think of a skeleton in a lab hanging on display. What's the difference between those bones and our bones? It can't stand on it's own without help, yet we as a collective skeleton walk around or move around freely without help in most cases. Even lifting a finger or an arm is a miracle! How does all of this work? How did He DO it?! Amazing....

I go back to the beginning according to Scripture and I find that God spoke, and then whatever He spoke became physically manifested. "God spoke,....and there was..." So, later on in life, probably about 3 or 4 years ago I was amazed to discover that scientists had discovered SOUND WAVES from atoms!

Ok, where am I going with all of this and how does it relate to Fibromyalgia or chronic pain illnesses?

I was investigating a form of holistic healing that deals with cellular energy. The premise being that life traumas or negative events create negative energy with our cells that stays there permanently if not removed. This negative energy confuses and stifles the body into being unable to naturally heal itself correctly. In order to regain optimal health, the practitioner guides the subject into finding ways to regain positive cellular health so that the body can again function at its optimal level.

Now, let me say that many people (according to testimony) have found help this way and have in fact regained their health as verified through scientific and medical tests. I personally will not choose to use this path for help. In order to participate in this type of therapy, there are several things and actions within the therapy that you have to be willing to either do or at least accept in order for it to be fruitful. One practitioner states that it is NOT necessary to believe everything about the therapy for it to work, but you need to at least accept the therapy procedures and follow the guidelines. One site I found that deals with this type of therapy is here. The site discusses Sacred Cellular Healing as a means to achieving optimal health. Again, I am not endorsing this site or the practices discussed there because of the potential for the procedures to introduce the patient/subject into new age religious practices and beliefs which are contrary to the Word of God. Some may disagree with me or become offended by that statement. I heartily extend my hand in friendliness and agree to disagree with you.

With all of that said, I DO however believe that negative emotions, events, and actions have a lasting and negative impact on our health in a dramatic and devastating capacity.

Scripture says:

Proverbs 3:5-9 (Amplified Bible) "5Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones."

Proverbs 15:30 (New King James Version) "30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy."

Proverbs 16:23-25 (Amplified Bible) 23The mind of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning and persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body."

With these in mind, (There are many more. You can do a keyword search and find several different translations in order to get the most understanding of each scripture here at Biblegateway) I can see clearly that positives bring health and healing, so it makes sense that negatives do just the opposite to our health and our bones. (It's interesting that the marrow of our bones contains life sustaining blood cells, and that the Word of God states in Leviticus 17:14 (New King James Version)"...for the life of all flesh is its blood" So when our bones lose health it has devastating affects on our body.

For the last several months I've had the same scripture pervading my mind and I think and meditate on it quite a bit. I use it in prayer a lot because I am endeavoring to discover what negatives I've accumulated over time that I haven't dealt with or let go of. The scripture is Psalm 51, and particularly Psalm 51:6-12 the past several months. I like to search out different translations of this same scripture and although they all mean and point the very same direction, doing this exercise helps solidify the meaning deep within.

I have spent several months ... hmmm...maybe the past year since my brother died, going over the things I want to let go of emotionally. Bitternesses, angers, hurts, traumas, unforgiveness.... etc. It's not fun because I'm making myself face each one instead of brushing it aside and sweeping it under the carpet so I don't have to feel it or deal with it.

Definitely going through and thinking about these sometimes results in a fibro flare for me. I've found that for me personally, stress or emotional strain causes fibro flares in me more often than not. I've kept track and found that to be true in my case. This past year I've been more sick with symptoms than I've ever been and most likely this is due to the shock and trauma of my little brother being killed in an accident unexpectedly, plus the fallout and ripple effects of his death in myself and in my family. Whew...it's been one of the most eye opening and shocking, devastating, and bittersweet experiences I've ever lived through. Definitely, it has affected my health in a downward way for the time being.

I've literally pretty much "cocooned" myself over the past year, drawing steadily inward. (Perhaps even longer if I think about it) I rarely go out or see other people than my immediate family or participate in activities except for the bare minimal responsibilities I absolutely have to do like taking care of my children or spending time with my husband or time with God. Honestly I "halted". It's cost me. My very treasured friend who is like a sister to me has been hurt by my lack of communication and time spent with her, and my lack on including her in my life. I have lost joy, I have not participated in church functions like I used to be involved in or intended to be involved in, I spend most of my hours alone.

I am aware that eventually I will need to force myself out of my "cocoon" like the way the butterfly has to get it's way out. Right now I'm still very much the caterpillar being transformed into that butterfly. And like the fact that there can only be one caterpillar per cocoon, I am completely alone in this process until it reaches it's purposed end. I worry who will still be around afterward and if it will have cost me too much. For any of this to have value, I must use the time to assess, address, and confess. (Oh, I like that. I must use it as a key phrase function I think.) In two days I will turn 39 and I still need to answer the questions: "Who am I really?" "What am I becoming?" "Who do I want to be?" "What do I want to do in and with my life?". I am disappointed that I won't have those answers in time to start a new year brand new and ready to go.

The reason I primarily am going through this examination is because when I trace my illness back to the very point of beginning, I can see that Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, and Allodynia all had a beginning point I can clearly point to in my case. I can factually state that at the beginning of feeling their effects, I was experiencing extreme traumas, stress, and negativity in my life. I was also BEING negative toward myself and others both in words and actions on a frequent basis. I had no pleasure in my work or personal life, I fought pain with anger and resentment and bitterness, and yes...unforgiveness.

The Word says: Proverbs 18:20-21 (New King James Version)"20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit."

I have indeed eaten my own words. I frequently did not speak well of myself or others or of situations I was in. I put other's needs and expectations ahead of my conscience, I settled for second best in many ways, I didn't take time to evaluate what I really wanted to do because I let my finances dictate getting any job that paid the bills, I was not good to myself in business, relationships, or spiritually. I put myself in bad situations that resulted in negative consequences, and I literally could feel my body and my mind breaking down little by little until the day I cried out to my husband that if I didn't stop and figure things out I knew I would end up in the hospital within days. Fortunately, he took me seriously and supported me. It cost both of us to do that.

I have learned to literally speak to my body out loud and say things like "Body, be well and function according to God's perfect ways and intentions for you"; or "It's ok Sherri, learn from that and then let it go. Give the emotions and anger and bitterness to God and let Him destroy it"; or "God I want to forgive 'so and so', but I don't' feel like forgiving them. Please help me to forgive them and to look at their point of view too". I speak the word "life" to my body and "cells regenerate"; or "pain I refuse you and send you out of me"

Sound strange? I know. But honestly, it's working for me. Although it is a very hard and time consuming process that has cost me a great deal, and has cost my loved ones a great deal, I know if I don't do it, I will NEVER be the "me" God intended me to be and I will NEVER get the joy of offering my whole self to those I love or come in contact with. I love them enough to decide that they deserve my best self as my gift to them. I love them as people, as His creations, as human beings who I WANT to pour myself into without reservation or walls. Does that make sense? I also want to love myself and cut myself a break instead of loathing my faults and negative qualities the way I do. I SO want to be over that! Again "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" and that includes what I say and think of my own self too.

On that subject I've had to face a new question the past two weeks that I don't want to face and don't like to face, but I must face never the less. The question is: "Have I truly rejected Fibromyalgia and Allodynia in myself, or...have I slowly embraced them as an identity because I ultimately have allowed them to defeat me and I feel powerless to stop them?".... ouch.

When I first started out I was all about fighting against Fibro and Allodynia and I felt certain that healing was just around the bend for me. Then I planned to go out on a crusade to help others find the same. Oooh me, I'd be like Elektra slashing my way through Fibro with my sai weapons like a superhero and ending up a strong and powerful woman. No,...I have not been like Elektra, but have succumbed through the steady onslaught of my enemy beating me down with pain, fatigue, brain fog, medications, dizziness, incapacity, fear, sleep deprivation, ringing in my ears, and on and on. Like Chinese water torture, Fibro and Allodynia have drip, drip, dripped their devastation into my body, my mind, and my spirit.

Will I be able to emerge from my cocoon? Will I become that butterfly? Will I find my way through this illness and indeed be able to help others find their way through? I sincerely and most passionately hope and persevere to do so.

**To Neal:
You were the first person to see me. The first person to see me, and accept me, and fight with me. You were my hiding place and the keeper of my memories. And I saw you.... We saw each other didn't we...

I desperately miss you and long for you and long to experience your unique qualities and how they opened me and caused me to let go and be free while in your presence. I miss being able to return the favor.

My baby brother, who became a man....

I love you Neal with an everlasting love. I long to see you again and count the days until that's possible. While you are in the arms of your King and Lord, experiencing all there is of Him to discover and joy over,... be there Neal. Be there when I come home...

"Where we go one, we go all"

Love,
Sister**

I dedicate this post to one of my truest and longest friends Ken, who has known me since 14. He wrote the piece that follows and gave me permission to post it here on POF. I want to post it here as a celebration of his own journey through brain injury and recovery. (Thank you Ken....for everything)
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FROM WITHIN, WE FEEL, WE ARE
Copyright 1995 by Kenneth Avery Clabaugh
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The tears that roll from the inside come from somewhere; but where? As do the smiles and cries of joy; but why?

Easy to blame, along with the trials and tribulations of life, are other people. It’s the likes, the dislikes, the hate and the love, the disgust and adoration that are the questions we do not seem to be able to find the answers to.
This institution of life is a road to travel of blind corners, yet a clear destination. How long the road is or how far we may advance are the questions each individual assists in answering for him or her self.

With our likes & dislikes constantly changing or being challenged, confusion occurs. When this personal dilemma arises, we risk making problems for others we care about, therefore creating bigger problems for ourselves or even emotional solitude from those that love us unconditionally. This is not a decision, I believe, that can be made consciously. With the utmost sadness I can say, it can happen subconsciously. Although, fortunately, I know that with a strong and willing effort, these holes in the road can be filled. It is just a matter of searching out the proper filling.

Something we learned in childhood that is so very important is that the round peg does not go in the square hole. Trying to force the round peg into the square hole will present problems or dislikes to us, where as inserting the round peg in the round hole allows us to progress more comfortably and speedily to the following hazard or peg around the next, possibly not so blind, corner. All this can be determined by one’s own patience and desire to understand the road he or she is traveling.

When it comes to love and hate, these can be so disastrous or joyous that an uncontrollable spin may arise in either direction or both at once. It is a shame that most fall into the disastrous spin, on the journey to joy, over and over again.

On a good note, some crash, burn and survive to continue and conquer their quest. In these horrible crashes, we might only be able to pray that the hates are dispersed few & far between or destroyed. Praise and glory to those that can level out this undulating stretch of their road.
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A Message To People WITHOUT Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Illnesses

2009-03-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

First let me tell you how much I appreciate you every single day. You are more important and vital than you realize and YOU MATTER!

Now, a message to those who do NOT live with Fibromyalgia or other chronic pain illnesses:

I HAVE to talk with you today before one more second goes by...

Listen, I got a message from one of my friends today and it was so blaring, so blistering, and so angry and it stung me to the core. It also filled me with deeper compassion and depth of love for my friend because they absolutely 100% do NOT understand the ravages of Fibro and chronic pain and it is hurting them SO badly inside.

I'm going to talk with you as plainly and as bluntly as I can today because you HAVE to know this if you are going to commit to loving someone with Fibro or chronic pain. Whether you are a friend, a boss, a loved one, a significant other, a parent, a spouse, a child.... no matter who you are, YOU HAVE TO KNOW THIS before one more day goes by.

There is NO way that your PWF (Person With Fibromyalgia) or chronic pain illness can predict when or how long a flare is going to happen. There is NO predictability, NO control, NO reason or rhyme to this "syndrome". It has it's own power and it's own agenda and EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT who has it. Some of us can function at 3/4 capacity, some at 1/2 capacity, some at almost zero. Some of us have days when we're almost 100% functional and then the next day we can be virtually incapacitated in the snap of a finger. Some of us can be out with you, having a good time, everything is going well, and WHAM!!!!! fibro pain will hit us like a freight train out of no where and it's all over.

**Husbands and Wives - Some of us can be in the middle of intimacy with our lover and everything is wonderful and sexy. Then in the blink of an eye fibro pain will absolutely grab control of our body and the pain can stop us dead still right in the middle of things. It's humiliating, it's embarrassing, it's horrifying, it's maddening! You feel like you are "broken" or "dysfunctional". Some of us wonder if our lover will stay with us or wander outside of the marriage for fulfillment. Some of us live with that fear EVERY day. Then there's the pressure of reassuring our spouse that it's NOT THEM and that we love them with every fiber of our being. We WANT them sexually, emotionally, spiritually, physically,....in every way possible, but we just CAN'T perform right at that moment. It's excruciating to have that let down and know we have NO control over the fact that it happened. For a PWF, their sexual identity can be destroyed because they can feel like they're not attractive any longer or "hot" to their lover any more. It can be very dangerous to a marriage if you both don't deal with Fibro in the most basic of terms and find a way through it. It may mean re-scheduling intimacy for another time, it may mean only one of you gets to have a physical release at that moment and the other gets to have theirs later when you both can be together again. But let me say this: ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, MAKE THAT DATE FOR LATER AND KEEP IT. Don't let it pass, don't keep your lover waiting. For goodness sake dont' stop flirting communicating with your PWF that you want them, are attracted to them, that they still turn you on. Reassure them that you're in this together and that your physical relationship is precious to you.

PWF's when you feel better, go to your spouse and MAKE time to get together with them. They need YOU as much as you need them. Guard your marriage bed with ferocious tenacity and DON'T let Fibromyalgia steal your physical relationship away from you. This syndrome doesn't deserve that kind of sacrifice. Are you hearing me? FIGHT FOR YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE!

Many of us that are PWF's hide our symptoms as much as we can. We fake our way through in order to sustain some type of semblance of our relationships. We grit our teeth and bear it and when we are alone, we pay for it with worse pain both physically and emotionally. The loneliness can be a silent prison for us that not one other person ever sees.

If you love someone with fibro, I want you think very hard about what I just wrote in that last paragraph.

I want you to make a commitment to remember it and be aware of it. I want you to create a safe haven for your PWF or person living with chronic pain where they can be honest with you when they are in pain and not have to suffer it alone. That is a huge way that you can help your PWF or person living with chronic pain to fight. You can be a hero today if you choose to be. The more a PWF or person with chronic pain can relax and be free to manage their symptoms without having to hide, the LESS PAIN they will have and the less length of time they will feel that pain. It helps the muscles to remain as relaxed as possible in their body.

What you have to know is that there will be flares that last days, sometimes weeks, maybe even longer. It won't be all of the time, but for some of us that happens frequently and for some of us it is the "luck of the draw" that day. Again, there is NO control over it.

Almost every single PWF I've met is a tough fighter and not willing to lay down and just allow fibro to consume them and give up. Let me tell you,.... we are some of the toughest and most tenacious people out there. It takes a great deal of strength mentally and physically (and for a lot of us, spiritually) to manage fibro on a day to day basis. Here's the truth actually: Fibro isn't day to day, it's minute to minute. We live one minute at a time and that's the cold hard fact.

If you are going to choose to love a PWF and be active in their life then you have to be willing to commit to that truth and roll with it. No condemnation, no blaming, no suspicious wondering that they're "faking", no pressure to "get over it". You wouldn't do that with someone living in a wheelchair, or living with cancer, or living without a limb (I'm just using some examples), don't do it to your PWF. Just because you can't see their pain doesn't mean it's not real or any less difficult to manage than any other devastating illness or situation. IT'S THAT REAL.

This is exactly why we absolutely need more research, more funding, more exposure to fibro in the media, in the medical community, and in society. This little whopper affects MILLIONS of us every day and it is devastating in many ways. It is no less important that any other cause or sickness out there. It is silent, it is invisible, it is dramatic, and it is costing us millions of dollars a year to manage it.

**Employers - If you have an employee living with Fibromyalgia I URGE you to please find out information and learn all you can about it. If they are a good worker and you want to keep them around, then make the investment in them. Find ways to help them be more comfortable at work or more able to manage their symptoms. Rally around them and give them support. I doubt very seriously that you will be sorry. If anything, when the PWF is feeling better they'll work harder than any other employee you have in order to make up for the down time they may need once in a while if they know you have their back. Most all of us are driven, responsible, hard working people who just need a chance to keep going and keep being a productive member of society.

We don't want pity, or sorrow. We want you to be informed, be active in helping us manage our symptoms, be willing to listen, be willing to stick it out with us through thick and thin and fight by our side. We want our dignity. If we want to be private in our pain because it's ugly or embarrassing that day, just let us have that privacy. Maybe we won't wash our hair that day or get a shower or even brush our teeth. Sometimes it's that way and we just don't want you to see us like that. It's ok. It's not going to bring the world down. It's just a little "break" and then when we're feeling better we will let you see us again. Sometimes we just need to be private in order to have some dignity. Especially if we are married PWF's! Treat us like you would if we were in a terrible accident and you had to make adjustments in order to help us through it. Don't get angry, EXCEPT at the illness itself.

PWF's or people in chronic pain didn't ask for this, they didn't do anything to "catch" it, they didn't go out and decide one day to become this way. It happened. That's it.

If you love us, let us love you back. Let us love you in the best way we can. We can't go back to being the same person we were before Fibro unless it leaves our body. Wishing for it or trying to force it, isn't going to change that.

Let us help you help us. Let us be free in the moments when we are relatively pain free. Let us experience the relief and fun and plain enjoyment of the moment as much as we can, let us try and exert ourselves and give it all that we've got in that moment. Then when the pain comes, allow us to deal with it until it subsides.

Be our hero.

YOU MATTER to us.

Do we matter enough to you for you to learn as much as you can? Read as much as you can? Get involved as much as you can? Roll with the punches as much as you can? Take advantage of every pain free moment with us as much as you can?

Look at your PWF or person living with chronic pain today. Take a good look. The person you knew before this hit, is the same person trying to fight it. You can let them fight alone, or you can take up the sword and fight with them. Trust me, you won't be sorry. Your relationship will take on a whole new level of strength and determination and bonding than you realize. You may just find a person you didn't realize was there, and you might find out that you admire them very much. You might find a different you.

With much respect,
Sherri

Tears Streaming and Hand Extended

2009-03-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

My readers and friends,

Today I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. The pain of this fibro flare is just excruciating this morning. I'm back on my cane (which I HATE) and I'm trying to do the most menial of tasks. You know what I'm describing don't you...(((HUG))).

I just wanted to reach out to you and pretend that we're in a big circle, bearing one another's pain and understanding to the complete extent, the burden of Fibromyalgia in one another. To go ahead and let down and let go of my tears among my friends with fibro where I can be weak for a moment and I can lean on you for just a moment.

You keep me going. This blog and my books keep me going. But most of all, The Lord Jesus Christ keeps me going. He is so merciful and kind and I love Him and trust Him.

Will I ever be healed from this illness??? Yes!! Either here...or when I go home to my Lord. I WILL be free! The timing is all His and in the mean time I will lock arms with you my fibro friends and I will keep fighting along side you.

Thank you for letting me share with you this morning. And remember.... YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

With much love and thankfulness,
Sherri

Support Group Information

2009-03-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Great Information From http://www.fmnetnews.com/!

The Following Was Retrieved From: http://www.fmnetnews.com/resources-groups.php#start on March 23rd, 2009

"Support Groups
Local support groups offer their own individual format. In addition to friendly gatherings, groups may host speakers to discuss the latest in therapies and treatments, or offer a professional’s point of view in managing life-altering chronic illnesses. Our listings also include groups that provide phone support only.

Anyone can obtain support group information in their state by sending a business-sized, self-addressed, first-class stamped envelope to:

Fibromyalgia Network
P.O. Box 31750
Tucson, AZ 85751

Request a support group listing for connections in your state today.

Why Our Support Groups Are Not Online
The Fibromyalgia Network does not offer listings or contact information on support group leaders online to avoid misuse, solicitation, or contact by unscrupulous or unethical entities seeking to promote their own gain. This list is provided as patient support for reference only. The use of these lists for marketing, advertising, or any other promotional purposes is prohibited.

Start a Support Group
Forming a support group in your area could be your best medicine. Not only does the involvement and activity serve an important purpose of bringing people together to share common issues, successes, and experiences, but also it provides group leaders a sense of fulfillment and connectedness. The Fibromyalgia Network offers free resources and support to anyone interested in starting a local support group.

The Support Group Leader Starter Kit is a 40-page packet that contains information on getting started, working together, tips on keeping the group going, understanding challenges you may face, self-help coping articles, advocacy and research, and links to other useful websites.

The Support Group Leader Starter Kit is available in PDF format and can be downloaded right now free of charge.

If you prefer to receive the kit by mail, please send us a 9" x 12" self-addressed envelope with $4.95 postage affixed. Don't forget to tell us that you are requesting the Support Group Leader Starter Kit.

If you are interested in starting a support group or know of one in your area, e-mail groups@fmnetnews.com with your questions or comments."

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Here's To Your Success!

Update - Serrapeptase - SerraGold

2009-03-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I want to give you a brief update on my experience with Serrapeptase so far. I'm taking SerraGold by Enzymetica. I take it two times per day, or three on occasion. Once in the morning and once at night before bed. When I've taken a third, it's been later in the afternoon.

I have not had any problems with SerraGold (Serrapeptase). I have not had any side effects that interfere with my medications (Lyrica, Ultram ER, and Nortriptyline). I haven't had any intestinal discomfort or problems. In fact I have found that since taking Serrapeptase, my internal system has been more regulated and "unbound". Normally I face a lot of discomfort from being bound up due to my medications.

I have had really GREAT results with my sleep. I have not suffered from as much insomnia as I had before starting SerraGold. I find myself getting sleepy within 30-60 minutes of taking one capsule. During the morning, when I take it, I do experience some sleepiness, but because I can't just stop the day, I simply wait for it to wear off. At night I allow myself to fully enjoy the experience because I haven't felt it for sooooo long. I have had the luxury of falling asleep at more reasonable hours (around 11-1130pm) several times rather than at 4 or 5a.m. like I usually do.

I also have mentioned that my breathing has improved since starting to take Serrapeptase. That has continued to be a nice benefit. The heavy pressure I used to feel in my chest has all but disappeared. I am able to breathe much more deeply.

I have noticed a slight change in my morning stiffness and pain. It's not enough to jump and shout about, because it's so slight. However, I believe that a continued regimen of Serrapeptase may have increased results here too.

So far I am extremely pleased with my experiment. I am happy to continue with it and see what effects will happen over a long term.

In my opinion SerraGold is a good product and worth the money due to the good results I've experienced in a short amount of time.

From Science Daily: Fibromyalgia Can No Longer Be Called The 'Invisible' Syndrome

2009-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I found this article today while doing some research. It really boosted my spirits in regards to my passion for Fibromyalgia to be legitimized as REAL. I wanted to share it with you too. Click on the link to read the entire piece.

I've got you all on my mind and hang'in in there with you!

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Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103084040.htm on March 18th 2009

"ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2008) — 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."

In the past, some researchers have thought that the pain reported by fibromyalgia patients was the result of depression rather than symptoms of a disorder. "Interestingly, we found that these functional abnormalities were independent of anxiety and depression status," Guedj said.

According to Guedj, disability is frequently used in controlled clinical trials to evaluate response to treatment. Because molecular imaging techniques such as SPECT can help predict a patient's response to a specific treatment and evaluate brain-processing recovery during follow-up, it could prove useful when integrated into future pharmacological controlled trials.

"Fibromyalgia may be related to a global dysfunction of cerebral pain-processing," Guedj added. "This study demonstrates that these patients exhibit modifications of brain perfusion not found in healthy subjects and reinforces the idea that fibromyalgia is a 'real disease/disorder."
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Using Continuing Education to Propel Your Business Success

2009-03-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

From my book: "How To Use What You Already Have, What You Already Know, & What You Already Love To Create Income" Copyright 2008

Regarding using continuing education to propel your home based business:

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"Education, no matter what form it takes, is key to your success. Choose to become a life- long learner and your value both in your professional life and your personal life will increase more and more over time.

Don’t just choose to educate yourself on your chosen career path, choose different things in life to learn about as well. You never know who you’re going to meet who can propel you to the next level! Being able to converse knowledgeably on a wide range of subjects immediately gives you OPTIONS and OPEN DOORS. I can’t stress this enough! Don’t settle for being a “one track train” because eventually you will pigeon hole yourself and limit how far you can go. Be an expert in your career field, but open to diverse subjects as well in order to keep yourself interesting and MEMORABLE to those you meet! This is a key success tool of the most wealthy ‘movers and shakers’ in this world. Take a cue from them.

Find outlets for your learning. Begin an online Blog, a Squidoo page, write an eBook, begin a newsletter, start a website, comment at online forums, and even write commentaries to your local newspaper editor. Get your name out there and drum up interest. This is by far one of the most intelligent and least expensive ways to market not only yourself but your products and/or services. Simply ad your link or information to what you’re writing so that people can see what you do and where to find you. (Hint: consider getting an inexpensive business phone number in order to keep your customer calls separate from your personal ones. Some services like RingCentral offer packages that include your number and fax plus a host of other benefits and tools to use.)

The more education you get, and the more you get yourself out there the more your chances of success become. Not only that, but your credibility with potential customers goes up as well. The image of your business becomes more solidified and you’re perceived as a stable person to do continued business with.

Do your research and find out different ways to become educated. Schools, eBooks, CD’s, DVD’s, Internet research, libraries, newspapers, magazines, and so forth are great tools! You don’t have to spend a great deal in order to learn a lot. Search for discounts, used books, free newsletters, website subscriptions…etc. Most information is free and only takes the investment of your time to reap the rewards from it!If you want to learn a specific aspect of your business, such as bookkeeping, go find out if there is a free course or information you can learn it from, find a mentor to help you, read customer or student reviews carefully before deciding on your chosen resource. Be sure it’s going to be perceived as the most up to date information for your field. Learn to use software programs, design tools and graphics, and do-it-yourself tools to get yourself ahead and keep your budget low until you can afford more expensive resources if you choose to use them." Copyright 2008 - By Sherri Kohls
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You can get your copy of the book by clicking on the link to the right hand side of the blog or by visiting me on eBay for a substantial discount! It's a brand new day today, it could be YOUR day today!

Here's To Your Success!

Lyrica Commercials Could Do More

2009-03-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I've been thinking about this for quite a while. The Lyrica commercials I've seen are leaving me feeling somewhat "let down" as far as communicating a more realistic message to the public.

Let me explain what I mean:

The three versions I've seen so far show middle aged Caucasian women who look completely put together, normal, and relatively happy with life. Yet they make a small statement about how their "fibromyalgia pain is real". They make taking Lyrica seem like the answer to all answers about managing their Fibro pain and then go on with their lives as if Fibro is only as bothersome as a bout with a bad headache. It just leaves something to be desired. I think Pfizer could do a far better job with these commercials assuming they are posturing themselves as Fibro advocates.

First of all, I believe there should be several new commercials made showing different demographics; Men, Younger Men, Younger Women and also a Teen version. Also there needs to be a representation of more races than just middle aged Caucasian women. Although Fibro definitely targets this particular demographic (and I certainly mean no offense to these ladies whatsoever) I believe only showing this demographic is limiting and doesn't do justice to the real representation of the FC (Fibromyalgia Community). It almost makes Fibromyalgia look like a syndrome that only targets the same age group as those experiencing menopause and it also makes it look like a "women's ailment" only. Both are FAR from the truth.

I'd be much more satisfied with a more realistic representation of what Fibro looks like on a day to day basis. Perhaps scenes showing the person struggling to get out of bed, struggling to get dressed, forgetting things, struggling to walk and needing a cane, extreme fatigue, a loved one helping the PWF (Person With Fibromyalgia) to get up, perhaps a teenager struggling with not being able to participate in normal teen activities or struggling in class, a man struggling with work or perhaps contemplating how he's going to take care of his family while dealing with his Fibro pain, and so on for starters.

There could be a scene with each of these individuals talking with a doctor and then have the person testify how Lyrica assists in helping them get a better handle on the previously mentioned symptoms and circumstances. Lyrica helps and I'm very grateful for it, but is not the end all beat all answer to Fibro pain. I don't think it is for a majority of us. I think many of us do better with it, but for many of us it is more of an "assistant" than the final medication that works 100% of the time. Lets just be honest with the FC and Pfizer would receive much more support and maybe even accolades from us.

I believe the current Lyrica commercials are lacking in communicating the true nature of FMS and it's devastating effects on the PWF and their families and loved ones. They could be a vehicle in communication that targets FMS as loudly and as hard hitting as say commercials on other syndromes and illnesses that are devastating and wide spread. I'm just tired of the FC being pushing into the background of society and "hushed" because the FACT is that it affects MILLIONS of us. FMS needs to be SHOUTED about and the need for research and a cure needs to be put squarely in the face of society so that we can begin to be taken seriously in a more wide spread fashion. Pfizer is perfectly positioned to be a voice for us if they chose to use it more loudly.

Look, FMS is just as limiting and serious as any other debilitating illness or disease and it deserves the correct response by the medical community. We need advocates who will defend us against the skeptics who keep us blanketed in silence because they don't think it's a "legitimate" illness. Please.

My friend Bob Hall over at MenWithFibro.com listed an article showing that FMS currently affects over 12 MILLION of us in the United States alone!

(Retrieved from http://www.menwithfibro.com/html/4_.html on March 14th 2009)

Just look at some of what his article says:

"Think for a moment, that is twelve million people! Over twelve million people suffer with this disease. And we have to listen to doctors tell us it is all in our heads.

Do you realize this is the second most common diagnosed rheumatologic disorder (less common than osteoarthritis but more common than rheumatoid arthritis).

How loud could twelve million people yell? Considering this is election year, do you think over twelve million people could sway the popularity of a candidate?

And these twelve million people don’t look sick. Or so we have been told. So... my friends, this is over twelve million good looking people. Well, at the very least, this is twelve million people who don’t look sick, who are in fact, sick.

What does it cost society? Researchers for fibromyalgia estimate the US costs alone, run from 13-15 BILLION dollars each and every year. Fibromyalgia is said to account for 1-2% of the nation’s overall productivity. The Journal of Rheumatology released information in 2003 stating the total annual cost of fibromyalgia claimants were far more than twice as high as the costs for the typical insurance beneficiary."

I'm in the process of writing a letter to Pfizer to express these ideas and ask them to do more commericals that will better represent the FC. I personally like Lyrica as a medication choice. I've had pretty good results with it, so I'd like to see the commercials for it used much more effectively in garnering support for the FC along with being a medication choice. Do you know what I mean? In other words; why not use the commercials to send a message ALONG with marketing the product Lyrica as well. Why not show more support for the FC?

I have this link http://www.pfizer.com/contact/mail_general.jsp for the contact information for Pfizer if you'd like to write them as well.

Also here is a call center number for Lyrica and the official Lyrica website:

http://www.lyrica.com/index.aspx?source=google&HBX_PK=s_lyrica&HBX_OU=50&o=230856031661636540

Pfizer LYRICA Call Center for Fibromyalgia Patients 1-888-5-LYRICA (1-888-559-7422)

LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE!!

Here's to Your Success!

Permission to Get Real - A First Step For Those Who Love And/Or Are Caring For A Person Living With Fibromyalgia.

2009-03-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm in the middle of writing my next book and I wanted to post an excerpt from it here because I had those who are affected by Fibromyalgia but don't actually have it, on my mind today. It's so important to give them encouragement and help as much as the Fibro patient. One of my goals is to bridge that gap and bring a real emphasis on allowing both people to receive the support they need and deserve.

Here's To Your Success!

******************************
The following is an excerpt from "It's Happening To YOU Too" - Copyright 2009

"Taking an inner look is not an easy thing to do for some people, for others it’s something they are familiar with and are often introspective. Whatever the case is for you personally now is the time for you to take a few minutes or longer to sit down and think about nothing else except how you feel about the fact that your loved one or friend has Fibromyalgia.

Get out a pen or pencil and begin writing down everything you think of. Don’t put pressure on yourself, simply write down the thoughts that come to mind. It may be feelings, lost plans, frustration, questions, confusion..etc.

The bottom line is, you need a concrete idea of exactly how this situation is affecting YOU.
This is your time, and your private thoughts and writings. You do not have to share them with anyone unless you choose to. Don’t skip this step. If you continue to keep going on “auto-pilot” at some point there is going to be an obstacle you are not going to be able to assess clearly unless you take back control and really know how all of this is affecting you personally.

You have a right to admit that Fibromyalgia is not just happening to your friend or loved one. It is happening to you too. While you may not be experiencing the physical symptoms and challenges that your PWF (Person With Fibromyalgia) is experiencing, you are experiencing a very real effect on your day to day relationship with that person.

Without completing this very important first step, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to be released from a great burden of stress and overwhelming emotions. You owe it to yourself to be permissive about this. Remember these are your private thoughts and feelings and you don't have to share them with anyone else unless you choose to. There may be some that you definitely will want to share with your PWF so that you both can understand each other more clearly and effectively, but as far as anyone else is concerned you can definitely keep these thoughts and emotions private.

A word to men: Very often men have the hardest time with this step because you are naturally equipped to “fix” rather than talk things over in depth. That’s OK. You don’t have to become more “feminized” to do this. What you do have to do however, is get real with yourself and be willing to face how exactly you are being affected as a person. Give yourself permission to go ahead and write things down. You can tear it up afterward if you want to. The point is, you have to come face to face with your “opponent” in order to know how to conquer them and win!

Every team has a game plan before they go into competition right? Well, think of this as your inside look into the enemy camp. It’s your time to figure out your game plan and strategy for overcoming your enemy the FibroMonster and it’s tactics against you and your loved one or friend."
********************************
This is step 1. I'm going to be posting other tips and information here on the blog in the near future as well. Above all, remember whether you are a PWF or a person caring for and/or who loves a PWF, you are not alone in this.

Awesome Servants In The Fibro Community

2009-03-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and I came home feeling very frustrated and even MORE bound and determined to find a way to get our voices out there and our cases heard even MORE both in the medical community and in mainstream media!

First, let me say that my mood had NOTHING to do with my medical team. I have 2 of the absolute BEST people in the medical community on my medical team in my opinion. I see John R. P. Tesser, M.D. and Scott Brown P.A.-C. here in Arizona and I have to tell you that they are phenomenal! Every appointment, my team takes time with me as if I were the only patient they are seeing that day. (Great communication, compassion, information, and help.) They are willing to adjust medications and treatments to make life more manageable for me and allow me to be in control of myself instead of them assuming control over me as a patient. If I say I've experienced something new, they want to know all about it, they don't scoff or act incredulous over it, and they don't treat me like an invalid. I LOVE my med. team!

Having said that, something I admire a great deal about both of these men is their integrity and their extreme dedication to the Fibro community. That has turned out to be a double edged sword for them AND for me and their other patients because they are unwilling to say "You are disabled and unable to work" on paper or in person.

Here's why: When they are interviewed by Social Security, they are asked "What proof do you have that "so and so" is disabled medically?" "What tests show the disability?" and you can imagine the other sorts of questions. The answer to these in all honesty is "NONE" and these men are backed into a corner professionally because there are NO definitive tests that prove Fibromyalgia, no screenings or labs that show "Yep, there's the culprit in his or her body". We don't have ANYTHING other than symptoms and effects to show we actually have Fibromyalgia and we CAN'T prove it definitively.

Now my team will provide every record, every document, and anything else that records my appointments, symptoms, medications, etc.. to support an application for disability, but both feel that writing "disabled" without any provable tests and conclusions is not being completely honest. And may I say that both work very hard to find those answers and what we need so that someday they CAN prove it.

I don't hold any of this against them and I completely understand where they are coming from. At the same time I am SO frustrated for us as Fibromyalgia patients and for those of us who's symptoms are so painful and debilitating that working a mainstream career is just not an option. The possible employment we could obtain is narrowed a vast amount because our fatigue is unpredictable, our pain is unpredictable, our medication side effects are sometimes prohibitive, and the list just goes on...

I'm just bound and determined to find a way to SHOUT about Fibro the way society shouts about other diseases like Cystic Fibrosis and Breast Cancer. The numbers don't lie...there IS something substantial going on here and it's time we move from "Syndrome" to definitive "Disease"!

Ok.... I'm done ranting. For now. :)

I just want to highlight an AWESOME resource for you men living with Fibromyalgia and your spouses and loved ones. MenWithFibro.com is an incredible website just for the forums alone! It's not "preachy", it's honest and it's real.

The founder Bob Hall is a magnificent person. Bob is one of us and he is dedicated to reaching out and helping the male fibro community. We've spoken by email on several occasions and Bob is one of those peers that I have been blessed to meet that keeps me encouraged and keeps me going. He and I agree that it's a HUGE undertaking to keep reaching out and keep going in order to make sure the FC (Fibro Community) has good and usable information, especially when you're experiencing your own flares and days when the FibroMonster is kicking your butt.

MWF has leaders who hang in there and make sure that the men in the FC and their loved ones have an open and accessible place to turn at all times. If you go over and visit, let them know you found them here at P.O.F. We work hard to tell our individual readers and visitors about each other's site in order to make sure you have the MOST available information and resources we can give you. Plus it gives us a little boost to our day to hear that one of our visitors has come over from one of our sites. It's good encouragement. :)

**************************************
Now a word about Serrapeptase:

I have not had any ill side effects while undergoing my experiment with SerraGold. I feel that it's going to take some time to see any long term relief that will come from it, but in the mean time on a daily basis I do feel some pain relief, and a definite change in my ability to breathe. I am happy with Serrapeptase so far and will continue to take it and keep you posted.

Well everyone, I've bent your ear long enough today. Please feel free to email me if you have ideas for ways to get our case out there, if you have questions, or if you have things you'd like to share but not necessarily here on the blog.

Here's To Your Success!

Update Day 2 - Serrapeptase Information

2009-03-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Dumb, dumb-dumb-dumb-DUMB!!!!!!!

LOL!! Hello Everyone ; )

Remember yesterday how I said that I didn't take my usual dosage of 150mg of Ultram in order to experiment with seeing if there was any pain relief and how much pain relief I could obtain with Serrapeptase?

Yah...well.... DON'T DO THAT! (You let ME be the "guinea pig" and YOU do the right thing OK?OK!)

I had a GOOD 7 hours of very little pain in my body after my first dose of SerraGold and then after that, my muscles and body decided they had had enough of that business and wanted their Ultram NOW! Well, taking it would've knocked me out (which is the reason I take my Ultram ER at night before bed) so I had to stick it out all the way until bed time. OMGosh........ I was in sooooo much pain and agony. I was crying, I had the chills, then hot flashes, and the aches were coming in massive waves. It was horrible. I shouldn't have forgone my usual medication dosage right up front. I should have waited to do that until I had taken Serrapeptase for quite a while first. Whew! I learned my lesson!

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that first. I did go ahead and take another dose (1 capsule) of SerraGold before bed ALONG with my usual medications this time....yep, I wasn't going through that again. 1) I did NOT have the "fizz" feeling with the 2nd dose and I did NOT have any nausea either. Everything was A-OK.

This morning I woke up sore, but functional. My muscles had just crunched themselves to oblivion yesterday so I'm paying for it, but .... I took my morning capsule of SerraGold on an empty stomach again, and NO fizz feelings or nausea. Everything went good. I also was able to move around a little faster and again I'm able to breathe much deeper. (Usually my chest feels tight and I don't feel like I'm getting deep enough breaths so this is a really nice benefit with Serrapeptase)

Ok, friends. That is my report for today regarding my Serrapeptase experiment. I will continue to keep you posted.

In the meantime, I'm lifting all of you up in prayer and remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I'm right here, fighting along side you.

Update - Serrapeptase Information For Pain Relief and Much More

2009-03-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

After hours and hours of research yesterday on this all natural enzyme I could barely contain my excitement! As I was driving down to my local Sprouts Market, I got on the phone and called my Mom with what I had learned. She had a vehicle rear-end her almost 2 years ago and it left her with severe nerve damage and pain in her shoulder. Also my Pops has very bad circulation in his legs and pain in his knees. I asked her if she was interested in trying out Serrapeptase with me to see what happened. Both of my folks and my hubby (who has high blood pressure) were on board!

I found the particular product I was looking for which yields a very high potency version of Serrapeptase. It's made by Enzymedica and goes by the name "SerraGold" or "SerraPlus". It is specially formulated to remain potent in high ph environments so it retains its nutrient value even when introduced to stomach acid. I found "SerraPlus" on eBay, but I wanted to see if my local Sprouts Market had Serrapeptase at all so that we could begin trying it out immediately. (*I was majorly excited!) LOL!

At any rate, I found "SerraGold" at Sprouts for the same price I found it on eBay. It cost me $25.00 for a bottle of 60 caps. While it's a little expensive for my taste, I believe that the testimonials I found over and over and over again across the board made it a good investment risk. I picked up a bottle for my husband and I, and a bottle for my parents.

Today is the first day I'm trying it out. I took my normal dosage of Lyrica last night before bed, but I did not take my normal dosage of 150mg of Ultram ER (which I've been taking for the last 4 years for pain management). Because of the information I had learned about the inflammation and pain relief effects of Serrapeptase I figured this would be a good experiment to see if I could make it through any time whatsoever without my Ultram.

I took 1 capsule of "SerraGold" this morning on an empty stomach. As soon as I swallowed it, it took about 15 seconds for me to feel a little bit of a strange sensation. It wasn't a bad sensation, it was just a little unusual. It felt like a "fizzy" feeling buzzing through me (something close to a "soda fizz" feeling throughout my body). Now this may be something that just I felt, I haven't read about anyone else experiencing this sensation in all of my research. I may have just been sensitive that's all. I admit I felt a slight feeling of nausea for about 2 minutes, but I breathed through it and just made myself relax. I may have been over anxious about trying something new, OR the enzyme may have just been "doing it's thing" and eating away at stuff like it's supposed to and my body was just reacting. I don't know and I won't know until I take more and see what effect it has. (*The "fizz" feeling only lasted about 2 minutes and there was no more after that. The nausea for me also subsided about that time.)

I had a giggle over myself as I envisioned little tiny soldiers dispersing all throughout my insides and obliterating bacteria, dead scar tissue, fibrous scars left over from my Endometriosis battle, swimming through my blood and cleaning it... I smiled at the thought and said "go guys go!"

Here's the GOOD news. It's been almost 6 hours and I have VERY LITTLE pain in my body, my breathing is deeper (my chest and lungs feel lighter and I can take deeper breaths) and I also enjoyed about an hour nap that was very refreshing.

I'm excited to see what happens as my family and I try Serrapeptase over the next 30 days.

Here is a link for a site that has really great information: http://www.serrapeptase.info/content.asp?page=Home

There are also some other links in the post below for you to check out.

Here is a list of conditions Serrapeptase has been known to help:
(Retrieved from http://evidenceofhealing.blogspot.com/2006/03/serrapeptase-relieve-pain-naturally.html on March 6th, 2009)

Pain of any kind (Used as an NSAID alternative)
Arthritis
Back Problems,Lower Back Problems,Neck
Diabetes
Leg Ulcers
Osteoporosis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Prostate Problems
Repetitive Strain (RSI) Carpal Tunnel etc
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammation of any kind including -
Breast Engorgement
Cystitis joints or muscles
**Fibromyalgia
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Headaches & Migraines caused by inflammation
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, IBS) Lupus
Lung & Chest Problems
Asbestosis, Miners and Farmers Lung, Bronchiectasis
Bronchial Asthma
Bronchitis Coughs
Cystic Fibrosis
Emphysema
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Eye Problems
General Inflammation
Blocked veins
Damaged Nerves
Multiple Sclerosis
Ear, Nose & Throat problems
Chronic ear infections
Catarrhal Rhinopharyngitis
Hay fever
Swollen Glands
Sore Throat
Laryngitis
Runny nose
RhinitisSinusitis problems
Trauma Related Issues -
Sports Injuries, prevention & Recovery
Post Operative & Traumatic Swelling
Post Operative Scars & Lesions
Vascular Problems and Misc. -
Varicose Veins & Thrombophlebitis
Arterial Disease, Angina, DVT, Blood Clots
Anti-aging
Animal treatment

Q&A's Available Here
http://www.serrapeptase.info/content.asp?page=Home

**If anyone decides to try Serrapeptase, please feel free to post your experiences and effects for us here in the comments section so we can all learn together.**

Here's to Your Success!

Investigate "Serrapeptase" For Pain Relief

2009-03-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I found some VERY interesting information on "Serrapeptase" for pain relief! I'm looking into it now. Do a search on the term and see what you come up with. If you find good information please post findings or testimonials in the comments section for us.

Look at this as related to "Biofilms" I posted about earlier--> *(Excerpt taken from: http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:H4EG2aDZgkQJ:www.road-to-health.com/55/55A.pdf+SP-Zyme,+Serrapeptase,+fibromyalgia&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=us (This is a HTML version of the original.)

"Italian microbiologists say that biofilm formation is one of the most widespread mechanisms of bacterial resistance and a common cause of treatment failure in prosthetic device infections. They made various attempts to develop ways of inhibiting these biofilm- embedded bacteria. They found in seven different experiments that Serrapeptase greatly enhanced antibiotic activity and inhibited biofilm formation."

Take a look at these links for too -

1) http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:z4eo3X5XhDUJ:www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php%3Fshowtopic%3D92133+microbial+biofilm+bacteria+fibromyalgia&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=56&gl=us

2) http://serrapeptase.info/content.asp?page=Compare%20Brands - Brand Comparisons

"All studies for the past 30 years were conducted using Enteric Coated Tablets to ensure maximum absorption in the small intestine tract and to stop stomach acid destroying some of the Serrapeptase. Therefore non-enteric coated products will lose approx. 50% of the Serrapeptase enzyme in the stomach."

3) http://www.greenwillowtree.com/-strse-626/spzyme,-serrapeptase,-anti-inflammatory,/Page.bok?file=spzyme.inf_testimonials.html - (*This is a supplement which I am not endorsing at this time, however the testimonials are very interesting. As a side note, the link at #2 states that this particular brand is not enteric coated. See statemtent above.)

I'll let you know what I find out.

Microbial Biofilm Bacteria and Mycoplasm May Be Linked to Fibromyalgia

2009-03-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently looking into this new information and will post more once I have some substantial news. I want to go ahead and post the terms "Microbial Biofilm Bacteria" and "Mycoplasm" so that you can also begin to do some research and start asking questions to your health care providers in the mean time.

This is fairly new information for me, and there is quite alot of "hunting and pecking" I am doing in order to find some substantial articles and information for you.

If anyone has solid (more scientifically written than "laymen" speculation) information or article/website links that have more to tell us please go ahead and post those in the comments section for us.

**Here is one link that is very interesting. It is more tied to CFS, but since many of us with Fibro also have CFS we should stand up and take notice: http://www.shasta.com/cybermom/mycocfs.htm

Here's to Your Success!

When The Pain Is Overwhelming & You Feel Like Giving Up

2009-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Hang with me to the end of this post. It's a little long but there is a method to my madness.

I had to write and tell you about what happened last weekend. It was very profound and for those of you who are Christians, the message will carry even more weight.

As many of you know, my younger brother Neal was killed last February 23rd in a motorcycle accident. This month was the one year anniversary of the day he went home to The Lord. Well my husband decided to get me out of town for the weekend of the 20th so that I wasn't in the same environment and to help me deal with my emotions. He took me to Las Vegas since it is close by and we had free accommodations for the weekend. (More about that little blessing later).

The 3 days before our mini vacation, I was so sick! My body pain and symptoms were sky high and I was even afraid I wouldn't be able to go away for the weekend. I believe that my emotions over my brother were most likely a huge part of this particular flair..... However I was to find out later on that there was even more to it than that.

Thankfully, the day we were leaving, I was ok enough to make the 5 hour trip with him and get going. I was slow, but I made it! Yay! Needless to say, by the time we got there, I was really fatigued and "squirmy" because I was hurting. I was also freezing cold... I couldn't get warm to save my life! I felt so weird... I'd be freezing cold one moment, and then boom! I'd get so hot I would start sweating and feeling nauseous, then right back to freezing cold again. I was absolutely exhausted from fighting the pain and flu-type symptoms....it was horrible! My husband was SUCH a trooper though...OMGosh... he was very patient and comforting. I was so thankful that he didn't get bitter or upset that my body was interfering with our plans for the evening. He was AWESOME!! (Thank you hubby!! XXOO)

OK, so the first night, we got some dinner and then went back to our room to just relax and try to get my symptoms under control. Then....yay.... kids on the rampage in the room above ours...oh yeah, you guessed it. BANG!BOOM! CRASH! For hours and hours it went on..... I was sooooo angry and frustrated with their parents! I just wanted to turn my head off and "check out" of reality!

The next morning at 1130 we were scheduled to go to an appointment at Tahiti Village to discuss a time-share. I woke up in AGONY....absolute agony. I was balling my eyes out thinking "Lord HOW am I going to make it through THIS???" I prayed, my husband prayed over me, I cried, we waited, I writhed back and forth in pain, took my medication to no avail, cried some more, .... man it was horrible! We were obligated to the appointment, plus we had plans to spend time with my husband's uncle who we hadn't seen in 7 years...so it was an important day. I needed help BIG TIME.

So I'm laying there begging The Lord for help and wrestling with the temptation to ask my husband to just go himself for the whole day. (Yeah...I'm in Vegas alone with my man...and I'm not even able to participate..... it sucked.) However..... deep down in my spirit I felt so strongly that I was supposed to go to this appointment. I knew The Lord was asking me to trust Him with my physical symptoms and to get me where I needed to be. I was able to get up 20 minutes before we had to leave and run a brush through my hair, get it in a ponytail, wash my face and put a coat of mascara on over my red and blurry eyes, and throw on some jeans. I looked awful and pale. I felt awful and sore. Thankfully I had my ThermaCare heat wraps and I at least had some continuous warm heat on part of me that was hurting.

The Lord is SOOOO GOOD. Without going into all of the details.... I found out quickly why The Lord was asking me to go to the appointment regardless of how I felt. The gentleman we met with started asking us questions about The Lord and how we became Christians, how we met Him and what we believe. He was genuinely searching and we ended up ministering to him for over 5 hours while at the same time, being blessed with an opportunity to do something great for our family and friends. It was a HUGE day spiritually. My husband and I marveled at the entire situation and how God had appointed us to be there to meet this particular man at that particular time, on that particular day. *It was the gentleman's day off and he got called in last minute!!* Talk about The Lord positioning things..... man it was incredible!

Later, on the way back to our room, The Holy Spirit gently told me that the enemy was manipulating my Fibromyalgia and Allodynia to keep me away from the meeting on purpose.

Now.....remember how I said we were also supposed to meet with our uncle that night too? Well, 30 minutes before we were supposed to leave WHAM! I was down again! I was even sicker than I had been that morning. I just grabbed onto my husband and had to pant/breathe (honest to goodness...almost like labor breathing) and I was having those freezing/hot spells, sweating, nauseous, week in the legs like rubber, my lower back felt like my bones were on fire and had localized flu virus penetrating them...that's the only way I can describe it. My legs ached from the thighs all the way down. I was in trouble.

Again, I felt The Lord saying..."You gotta go daughter". I begged Him for help to go. I still looked awful and I was really embarrassed for my husband. Poor guy is in Vegas with his woman and she looks like a dishrag while all of these other women are dressed to kill. Still, he told me it didn't matter to him and how much he appreciated me trying so hard to keep going. He prayed over me and we got in the car to meet our uncle down town.

He invited us to meet him for dinner at the Voodoo Lounge. Yep.... and you guessed it, he's not into "Religion" lol! (I'm not into "religion" either. It's so horrible how people who haven't met The Lord have been duped into thinking He's about religion instead of finding out that He's a person they can have a real relationship with. Church, we HAVE to try and show people the difference between false and authentic Christianity! Keep your eyes and ears open for The Lord to lead you into telling others about Him) So we get to the lounge and the entire place is covered, and I mean COVERED from ceiling to floor in voodoo symbology and art. Even the ceilings were painted with scrawling voodoo symbols. I just laughed inside and I was thankful to be covered by The Lord against any open doors to the enemy through whatever those symbols meant.

Now before I go further I have to explain that before my mother gave her life to Christ, both her and my birth father had been into psychics and making Ouija boards and having séances. I have been extra sensitive to enemy spirits my whole life and The Lord frequently uses that sensitivity to alert me to those around me who may be trying to "cast" at me or to spirits who are trying to manipulate against me. It may sound weird, but it's true my case. The Lord has turned that into a tool He uses to guide me into deep intercessory prayer for other people or for circumstances where the enemy is working. That's why as we walked into this lounge, I was immediately aware that this was no "ordinary" situation we were involved in. Normally, it would just be no big deal and the symbology would mean nothing and have no effect, but this night it had EVERYTHING to do with the situation.

So we sit down for dinner and our uncle has already had a "few". He is a very sweet man though and it was an amazing dinner and time with him. So my body is complaining and I'm doing my best to hang in there. I got a small reprieve from the pain for about an hour as we talked about this and that. Then all of a sudden WHAM! again. I got a flash of heat all over my body and started sweating profusely and the nausea was swimming. I took off as much as I could down to my t-shirt and I was immediately scoping out the fastest exit to the ladies room. My husband looked over at me and took my hand. He asked if I was ok. Not wanting to ruin our evening I said I was alright and could manage. As I was getting ready to make my mad dash to the restroom, I felt the Lord prompting me to hang in there and talk to Him. So I silently began praying for help to feel better. My body fought me every which way but Sunday for about 15 minutes. The waves of nausea where horrid and I was in so much pain. I felt like I was going to faint right there at the table.... I looked around at the symbols and honestly I felt like the enemy was just laughing his head off at me. I quickly scanned the room to see if he had placed any people around us who were "casting" at me. (*This has happened to me before, so I am acutely aware of this tactic and make it a habit to be on guard at all times) I didn't see anyone and The Lord confirmed it was the symbols and not a specific person. Right above our table there was a drawing of a voodoo devil with horns and a tail and there were all types of symbols on the wall behind our uncle. I sat there and prayed and prayed silently as my husband and our uncle continued talking. They were deep in conversation thankfully, so our uncle was oblivious to my plight.

I'm not kidding.... within 30 seconds of the worst of it, our uncle began to share with us about things he had been through as a kid that he has NEVER shared with ANYONE except one of his brothers. EVER. He poured out his heart as my husband and I listened and then the questions started coming about The Lord, what we believed, why we believed, and the pain our uncle felt inside. He kept remarking several times how he'd NEVER shared these things with anyone and couldn't believe how comfortable he felt to share them with us at that moment. He had tears in his eyes and we could see his body language just take on a whole new effect. The tension just released and he talked and talked. We spent 4 hours with him! Within the first 2 minutes that this part of our evening started, the pain and nausea subsided and I knew The Lord had fought for me on my behalf so that I could stay and minister to our uncle. We had similar experiences that he didn't know about and what I had to share with him opened the door for him to let go and pour out his heart. My husband and I were so blessed to be able to just be there for him and listen. We didn't preach at him or bombard him with "God talk".... we just listened and shared and then gently talked with him about how God has worked in our lives and why we chose to give our lives to Him and serve Him. Our uncle listened intently and it was a VERY blessed time for all of us.

What the enemy sought to prevent by using my symptoms to manipulate me, God ultimately had the victory over and the message He wanted our uncle to hear got through. The Lord is so powerful and He is my ultimate hero! I tell you I felt Him working the situation for me on both occasions, both at our appointment and then later with our uncle.

Now it would have been easy to just stay in the room and agonize the whole day and night all by myself. It would have been SOOOO easy to give up and let my body have control.

But I want to encourage you, especially you that are Christians, that there are times when giving up can be detrimental to a greater plan for you and maybe even someone else. There are times when you HAVE to fight through, because there is an appointed time and place and person who needs you or a situation that is so important that if you miss it, could alter your life or someone else’s life in a crucial way.

If you are a Christian already, I want to especially encourage you to consciously become aware of times when the enemy could be manipulating your body pain against you more acutely than usual because he's trying to stop you from being an ambassador with the message of Christ to deliver to someone or prevent you from a situation where The Lord is meaning to bless you in a profound way. He will do anything and everything to keep you away from what The Lord has planned for you. It could be a relationship, a marriage, a promotion, money, a person who is ready to hear about Christ, or any one of a number of other things The Lord has in store for you.

Remember this at ALL TIMES ---> Satan can do NOTHING to you without The Lord's permission. (*Read Job) Check out The Word and find the places where Satan answered directly to God about what he was doing and then ASKING God to allow him to move over someone. Remember when Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat."? Now.... when this is the case there are only 2 reasons why The Lord would give a "yes" to Satan's request. 1) The Lord has already provided your escape and is maturing you and teaching you how to overcome OR 2) There is a sin that is unconfessed and Satan has the legal right to use that open door in your life to mess with you.

Look at this passage from the book of Job. (*I'm using The Message translation, not my favorite, but it is in modern English and this passage is pretty cleanly translated)

Job 2The Second Test: Health

1-3 One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan also showed up. God singled out Satan, saying, "And what have you been up to?" Satan answered God, "Oh, going here and there, checking things out." Then God said to Satan, "Have you noticed my friend Job? There's no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn't work."
4-5 Satan answered, "A human would do anything to save his life. But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away his health? He'd curse you to your face, that's what." 6 God said, "All right. Go ahead—you can do what you like with him. But mind you, don't kill him."
7-8 Satan left God and struck Job with terrible sores. Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot. They itched and oozed so badly that he took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself, then went and sat on a trash heap, among the ashes.
9 His wife said, "Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!"
10 He told her, "You're talking like an empty-headed fool. We take the good days from God—why not also the bad days?"
Not once through all this did Job sin. He said nothing against God. "

Okay, I want you to notice 3 things here: 1) God was on Job's side from the very start and had confidence in Job's love for Him, so much so that he allowed Satan to "do his best" to get Job to curse God. 2) God ALLOWED Satan to afflict Job. Satan HAD to have permission. 3) Job did NOTHING to curse God or speak against Him although he could have, and his wife nagged him and made fun of him for it.

Listen Christians... Fibromyalgia CAN be a tool that can open doors to ministry to others. In fact ANY illness can be used by God for GOOD. If we consciously (like Job) yield our will and our devotion to God regardless of our circumstances, IT DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED by God. Read the rest of Job to find out what God did to bless him in the end. He got everything back that he lost.... DOUBLED.

I want to encourage you to take a whole new look at this pain and fatigue and frustration and horror and assess how to use it for good things rather than letting it use YOU. It takes faith, it takes surrendered willpower, and it takes completely relying on God regardless of how you feel. I can testify first hand that He WILL give you the strength to get through it so you can be at your appointed destination. These two examples I've written about today are living proof. (There is a 3rd time this happened to me too, but I didn't write it down here. It resulted in a young man choosing to give his life to Christ within 1 week after the time I met with him.)

For those who are not Christians or who choose not to believe in Him, I want to also encourage YOU. Person to person, I KNOW firsthand what it is like to completely and utterly crave to give up and just stop...... I know how that feels and it is such a dark, lonely, cold, and gripping situation that you feel you may even lose your mind in the process. Believe me, I know...and I'm here to tell you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE in this. If The Lord Jesus Christ is not a part of your life, I want to encourage you to at LEAST find a support group, or an online forum, or a very good friend or person who will be there for you to help you through those most desperate times. Don't try and handle it alone, because the temptation to do harm to yourself is very real at those times and you need to FIGHT for your life! You need someone who will make sure you don't over medicate, drink, harm yourself, fall into deep depression, or other things that can harm you even more. There are so many of us out there who understand 100% what it is you are facing and there is no reason not to take advantage of partnering up with another Fibro fighter and be accountable to each other.

Friends, fight for your quality of life!!! When you feel like giving up and surrendering to the devastation of Fibromyalgia, Allodynia, or both, (or ANY chronic pain situation) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't go it alone. You Christians call out to God and watch what He will do. Be OPEN to His voice and follow His instructions to the "t" whether you understand "why" or not. Just follow His instructions and allow Him control. For non-Christians, REACH OUT and find a person to hang on to. Make that call! Post that message!, Send that email! The point is doing something, anything, to get you through that pain. Flares don't last forever, and when it's over you will be able to go on again. When you KNOW that you know that you know, you are supposed to be somewhere or meet with someone, and you are having a severe flare, keep fighting through it even if you have to be a mess or just barely make it. Listen, we are all human...if the other person can't give you the grace to accept you at less than "perfect" at that moment, then God will or your support person will. Just keep going.

Now I'm not talking about times where you don't have a situation where there is something significant going on. At those times you handle a flare completely differently. No, this post is about those times that there is a SIGNIFICANT person, place, or thing that you are appointed for.

I'm here friends.....I'm right here. I'm lifting you up in prayer (whether you like it or not! LOL!) And I really hope that my messages are getting across to you.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Here's to your success!

P.S. (Check out my post below for the Fibromyalgia Pain Management & Symptom Tracker. These are GREAT tools!)

Someone Needs This Love Message Today

2009-02-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

If you can't see the words and picture clearly, click on it to enlarge. I felt The Lord's love so strongly when I was creating this this morning. Someone needs this message as much as I did.

In His Love,

Sherri

**FREE 3 Week Online Course "Work At Home 101"

2009-02-18T08:05:00.001-08:00

Presented by CWAHM.com this is a FREE 3 week online course and is available now.

CWAHM.com says: "Our Work at Home 101 program is a free online 3 week course designed to give you a work-at-home starting place.

Most people are curious about working from home. We know others do it, but aren't sure how they do it. Work at Home 101 is designed to give you an overview of the choices available that will allow you to work from home. This online course will give you the starting place you've been searching for."

Link-> http://cwahm.com/wordpress/work-at-home/work-home-101/

** To supliment your ideas on working from home check out my book "How To Use What You Already Have, What You Already Know, & What You Already Love To Create Income"

It's available either here on the Blog or at eBay here -> http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/sherridoncottage **

Here's to your success!

Blessing I Have To Share

2009-02-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I just had to share this real quick. I received the most amazing letter in my email today from the gentleman who runs the Men With Fibromyalgia website. He found the link I had for his website here on the blog and wrote me last night.

Let me share that his email was one of those "HUGS" from God that we so often get when we need it most. BOB HALL, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Brother!!

If you are a gentleman living with Fibro please go and check out Bob's fantastic site just for guys. He has a LOT of information and help there for you. Ladies, it's worth going over there to look too because he has information from the latest news and so forth that pertains to all of us.

**If you get a chance, drop Bob an email using the blinking red light at the top of his website and tell him how much you appreciate what he is doing to reach out to men who so often try to "deal" with the very real issues of Fibro in silence. If you have information to share I know he'd love to hear from you too.**

Here's to your success!

Update on Previous Post - "Why I Support C28"

2009-02-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

I found out that our dear sister Carissa went home to her Lord in December. \O/

To see a wonderful message/testimony and more information please visit C28's blog at http://c28blog.blogspot.com/2008/12/remembering-carissa.html

ALERT News Related to Fibro and Adrenal Fatigue

2009-01-31T03:02:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

You have to read this and then get to work asking questions and finding answers. I know I am! I'll be contacting my doctor to ask about this information and it's validity in his opinion.

At any rate,adrenal fatigue is definitely something we need to be alert to.

(The following was retreived 1.31.09 from http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/fibromyalgia.php)

Quote: "Fibromyalgia is a group of rheumatic disorders not involving the joints that is characterized by pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles, areas of tendon insertions and adjacent soft tissue.

It may be primary or secondary to another underlying condition and may be generalized or localized.

Most people who suffer from fibromyalgia have a form of Adrenal Fatigue. Sometimes the Adrenal Fatigue comes before the fibromyalgia. The tip-off that there is a low Adrenal component is a longer than normal recovery period with decreased stamina and morning fatigue.

When these symptoms are present, Adrenal Fatigue is likely contributing to the symptom picture, no matter the cause of the illness. In the case of fibromyalgia, substantial evidence is now emerging that that it, and several other illnesses, may result from unusual infectious microorganisms that are not detected by the typical diagnostic tests.

Special, sophisticated lab tests such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can, however, detect these invaders and, in a growing number of peer-reviewed papers, are confirming the presence of these microorganisms in illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

Once they have been detected, the proper treatment can be given. Often there are two or more microorganisms associated with this syndrome and both have to be eliminated before recovery can be expected.

One of the most likely connections between fibromyalgia and Adrenal Fatigue is that the infectious agent(s) that lead to its development may also set up conditions that foster Adrenal Fatigue. The direct effects of a smoldering pathogen in the body as well as the systematic stress the infection creates put the adrenals on overload.

These pathogenic microorganisms that lead to the development of fibromyalgia also act as a tremendous body burden, draining Adrenal resources and producing Adrenal Fatigue. This further weakens the immune response and makes it harder to fight off the infection. With new diagnostic procedures available for detecting the specific infectious agent(s) responsible, there have been encouraging results using a combination treatment that eliminates the specific pathogen(s) while strengthening the adrenals. Simultaneously eradicating these infectious agents from the body, while providing adequate Adrenal support is the key to complete recovery.

Conversely, Adrenal Fatigue often precedes a syndrome such as fibromyalgia. The immune weakness that results from altered Adrenal function sets the stage for easier infection by pathogens, such as those responsible for fibromyalgia, and for greater debilitation. When there is a longer than normal recovery period with decreased stamina and pronounced morning tiredness, Adrenal Fatigue is likely contributing to the symptom picture, no matter the cause of the illness.

Providing adequate Adrenal support while eradicating the infectious agents from the body is the key to complete recovery from fibromyalgia. For detailed information about how to support your adrenals read Dr. Wilson's book Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome and check out Programs for Adrenal Recovery on this website." End Quote

* A New Beginning * Happy 2009!

2009-01-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

My Dear Friends,

First let me wish all of you a very happy new year! I pray that this new year will bring you blessing, peace, and a sense of refreshment and renewal physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

I have not written for quite some time except for my Christmas post. As is so often the case with me, there are times in my life when I feel the need to "go away" and deal with issues in solitude until I'm able to contribute and give back to others again more often than not from learning through my own experiences. This has been the case for me over the last month or more.

On February 23rd, 2008, my younger brother was killed in a motorcycle accident two days before his 33rd birthday. Neal was one of my very closest friends and confidants in life. He was much more than just my brother. As a person, Neal enriched my life in so very many ways and I love him dearly.

It's taken me all of this time to start the process of mourning because the event was so devastating to our mother. In many ways I not only lost him, but her as well. However, because I have been in a state of caring for her and being there to support her, I pushed my own feelings and emotions aside in order to "function" as a mother, wife, and daughter. I felt that if I allowed myself to mourn, I would not be able to care for my children effectively, give to my husband effectively, or be able to support my mother effectively until she was at least functioning on a somewhat "normal" level again.

The upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays slammed home my feelings of loss over Neal and I just didn't have anything to contribute to my blog because I literally couldn't talk to you about anything worthwhile regarding Fibromyalgia or Allodynia and managing life with those challenges. I simply didn't have it in me, and I didn't just want to write "fluff" for you.

I have had to allow The Holy Spirit to lead me through each situation because I felt lost and out of control....adrift on the sea of emotion and questions. I feel "unfinished" over Neal because I didn't get to say "good-bye" or get ready to have him go home to His Lord. There was no opportunity to make sure there was nothing undone or unsaid between us. Although I know my brother loves me very much, still there is that normal yearning to tie up any loose ends and be able to let go until I see him again one day.

Additionally, because of the increase in emotion and pain, my body of course reacted with Fibro flare after flare and an increase in Allodynia symptoms. I haven't been or felt strong for quite a while.

Have I failed in my mission to reject Fibro and Allodynia in my body and have I failed to pray against them effectively as my blog has asserted? No. I have not failed. I think it's important to share that while there are many, many people who experience a complete and instant healing from The Lord....there are just as many who, for a period of time, go through a process of healing that takes a little longer. Each person is different, but the faith of each person remains true.

I have complete and utter confidence that I will be free of Fibromyalgia and Allodynia at some point in my life. I don't think of it as just a "nice idea" but as an absolute truth (as my awesome father-in-law shared with me last night.) I know that I know that I know that at a given point in my life, I won't suffer from these two ailments any longer. When will that happen? I don't know and what's more, I'm comfortable not knowing. I have peace about the process because I have been assured by The Lord that there is value in what I'm going through and treasure to be found in the experiences I face until that day arrives. I have found many, many treasures out of this experience already. One of those treasures is all of you. Because of Fibromyalgia and Allodynia, I have been able to meet you, share with you, and encourage you. I have found help and been able to offer help as well. The ability to communicate with others and uplift one another as we travel this road together is an awesome treasure to me.

On that note, I have something to share with you that I'm just busting at the seams over! You know that I'm constantly looking for ways to have (my famous saying) "quality of life". Well one of those areas is in marriage. Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia symptoms are often inflamed by stress or intense emotion. Peace in life is a very effective tool that we need in order to manage our body pain effectively. Our relationships are one of the most vital and important parts of our lives and anything that helps us to improve them or overcome challenges within them, in my opinion, is a "Must Have".

I have to tell you about a set of DVD's that my hubby got me for Christmas that I've been desiring to have for the past 2 years. Oh my gosh! When I opened that gift I was ecstatic!! You HAVE to go and check out Mark Gungor's "Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage"! website. It will revolutionize your relationships I guarantee it! This guy is SO FUNNY!!! He takes information and makes it FUN to learn. I can't stress enough how valuable what he has to share is.

Mark Gungor is a minister, but he's not your stereotypical minister. No way! Mark has been gifted with a sense of humor that takes marriage seminars and information on relationships into the stratosphere of funny! Lucky for us, he has a radio program, blog, books, DVD's, and downloads at his website that are just top notch in my opinion.

Guys, if you're sick and tired of marriage seminars and experts trying to get you to be "more sensitive" and get you "in touch with your feminine side"...then Mark Gungor is definitely for YOU! Ladies, if you are looking for REAL answers about your man.... Mark Gungor is definitely for you too! Plus, he has an awesome site call the "Flag Page" that can not only help you to see your loved one more truthfully and fully, but it can also be used to help you see your children more truthfully and fully as well. One couple was on the verge of losing their teen daughter until her father asked her to complete a Flag Page and he said it saved their lives. Once they were able to see their girl more truthfully and fully, they were able to nurture her in a way that opened her up and completely turned her behavior around!

Let me give you the website here---> http://www.laughyourway.com/ I get NO kickbacks, profits, or any other benefits from introducing you to Mark's site. He doesn't know me from Adam. I simply have to share it with you because it has helped me SO, SO much and my husband and I LOVE him! We love and believe and have been helped by his information so much that we purchased several DVD packages for family and friends as Christmas presents this year.

I have had questions answered about my husband that I and many of my female friends have struggled with since the 'dating' age let me tell you. In one fell swoop years and years of misdirected information was erased by this very gifted minister and I can't tell you how much happier my husband and I are now that we understand each other as human beings on a much better level. Whew!!! Talk about more peace in life! Wow!! You owe it to yourself to check out the website and see for yourself. Anything you purchase is worth each and every penny. In my mind, it's priceless, absolutely.

Well my friends, I have taken up your blogging time quite enough for today, but as Arnold says, "I'll be back"! LOL!!

Many Blessings to You and Here's to Your Success!

Christmas Blessings

2008-12-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I want to wish all of my readers a very blessed and warm Christmas this year. My prayers for you include the sense of God's love showering down all around you as you prepare to celebrate, on the day of Christmas with your family and/or friends, and during the evenings when the hustle and bustle of the season settles down and you are left alone with your personal thoughts and reflections.

"There is no greater love than that a man lay down his life for his friends." Christ said these words and backed them up by willingly surrendering His life in order to bridge the gap between us and God. Through Him each person has the opportunity to come to God and receive the free gift of eternal life, never to be separated from Him again. This Christmas may the truth of Jesus's birth find its way solidly into your heart.

Because of the intercession of God on our behalf, He chose to come to us in bodily form and live among us while willingly giving up His Deity rights and choosing to live life with all of the limitations, trials, temptations, and sorrows of a human. He demonstrated a full life surrendered to the will of God's perfect righteousness and laws in order to show us a picture of true Holiness. He completely forgave each one of us our sins past, present, and future, freely and without reservation only requiring that we acknowledge Him as the One true God and choosing to surrender our free will in order to live a life by His standards.

Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf if only we turn to Him and seek repentance. He understands all of our faults and sinful nature, He gives us a way out of each temptation, He gives us abundant life. Because of His birth we never have to be alone again, nor suffer the torture of eternal hell if we accept His free gift. He NEVER intended humans to be sent to hell. He created hell for Satan and his demons, however because of His perfect holiness He cannot tolerate sin and must allow humans to determine their own destination. If we walk away from Him, turn our backs and refuse to acknowledge Him, choose to live life on our own terms and under our own control never abiding by His standards nor choosing to acknowledge and live for Him as The One true God.... we must suffer the fate of our own destination by our own choosing.

No matter how "good" a person may be, not one of us is good or perfected enough to gain heaven. No, we must enter into God's presence by Christ and Christ alone. He alone can pardon and save us from that terrible fate. Only when we join with Him, can God view us through Christ's righteousness and perfection and allow us into His presence. This is why He came that 1st Christmas night, that is why His birth is the most significant birth in all of history, that is why every year the full meaning of Christmas must permeate our hearts and minds over all else. No sparkle or gift is as bright or lasting as the gift God gave us that night long ago....the gift of Himself.

May God bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may His love shower down all around you this Christmas.

If you haven't accepted Christ's gift of salvation, would you take time to consider Him and what He wants to give you? Would you take the time to consider His everlasting love for you and decide once and for all that you will accept His gift to you this Christmas? His gift can not be corrupted, wasted, broken, or ended. No, His gift is an eternal gift which goes on for infinity and this gift can be yours forever if only you will reach out to Him and accept it.

With my most heartfelt love & friendship,
Sherri

Depression and Fibromyalgia

2008-10-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I want to talk to you today about dealing with depression while living with Fibromyalgia. As I meet others living with Fibromyalgia, it has become clear that depression is a very real, very important topic that we need to talk about.

It seems to be a universal situation: We deal with our symptoms as privately as we can, not wanting to impose on those around us or seem "weak". We silently deal with our fears, our doubts, our limitations, and our overwhelming questions about our future. In many cases, this can lead to mild or even severe depression.

One of the biggest obstacles that faces those of us living with Fibromyalgia is the fact that no one can see our illness. It's not readily identifiable to those around us. Therefore unfortunately, the problem becomes having to justify our pain, our fatigue, and our limitations. It weighs us down and causes us to feel isolated and defenseless in many cases. Having to constantly "prove" that there really IS something tangibly wrong going on in our bodies not only adds to the burdens we are already carrying, but many times adds unnecessary triggers that make the pain and fatigue worse! If we're not careful, and we don't make sure to have a good support system around us, we can get trapped into feelings of despair and hopelessness. Over a period of time, this can lead to depression.

It's VERY important to keep communication open. If your loved ones are not your best supporters, I want to encourage you to find a group or an online forum of others living with Fibromyalgia that you can talk to and bounce ideas and information off of. If you are experiencing difficulty talking with your doctor or their staff about your symptoms, emotional needs, or medications, don't settle! If there is ANY way at all to find help elsewhere I encourage you to keep looking for a medical team who specializes in Fibromyalgia or at least is willing to LISTEN to you and get you the help you need. Don't under any circumstances settle for "it's all in your head". Although some of the symptoms of Fibro can worsen because of emotional triggers and reactions, it is NOT true that Fibromyalgia is all made up in your mind. That's a myth. You deserve a proper diagnosis and proper treatment to help you regain your quality of life.

There are some fantastic links to groups and resources here on my blog. Look over in the right hand column for information.

If you believe that you are experiencing depression and it seems to be lingering or getting worse, please get help right away. You can choose to consult a counselor, a doctor, or a holistic physician to help you for instance. Don't just do nothing though. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of!

When I faced depression recently, my doctor was wonderful and listened very carefully to what I was saying. My personal choices were extremely important to me and I was nervous that he wouldn't take them seriously. However I should have known better. He and his Physician Assistant have been marvelous since the first visit I had with them after 2 years of searching for a doctor who could help me. (I have a link for my doctor down on the right hand side of my blog as well. See "John Tesser") At any rate, for me it was important that I didn't have a long term medication prescribed that I was going to have problems with. I don't like taking medication to begin with, so I didn't want to add any more to what I'm taking already. My doctor listened carefully and recommended 10mg of Nortriptyline at night. This medication is not one that has to be taken every day, nor do I have to wean off of it. It can be taken on and off as I need it. I was so happy! Not only that but it also helps with pain too. I have virtually no side effects when I take it at night and I sleep much better.

Now you may not need medication, this was a personal choice after my doctor and I talked it over. Perhaps you may just need a short term counselor, or any number of other things that can help you. The point is to take care of yourself and find help in any way that you can. Depression is not a situation to take lightly!

Here's to your success!

Why I Support C28 - NOTW This Co. Rocks!!

2008-10-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear C28 Friends,
Last month we were informed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation that Carissa Fluke's last wish was to shop at C28. Since Carissa was too sick to get out of bed, we prayed and brought C28 to her hospital room! Carissa had not walked or smiled for weeks, yet as she saw the room full of free NOTW clothing, her smile was from ear to ear as she walked toward us! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS.

Traci Scarce (C28 events coordinator), Kevin Moore (NOTW designer) and I had the privilege to minister to Carissa, her family and the hospital staff by going through countless scriptures on our NOTW clothing and thanking the Lord in prayer for her improvements. Please pray for her mother who is supporting 4 of her 6 kids. Carissa's dad died in a car accident 2 years ago and it has been difficult for the single mom to support the family emotionally and financially.

CURRENT UPDATE (9/22/08):We are so excited to let you know that Carissa MADE IT TO ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL! By the grace of God, she has survived to complete her first round of chemo and is receiving her mother’s white blood cells as we speak. The next process is the bone marrow transplant. Our God is so big. While sometimes we don’t understand what the plan is, the plan sometimes is just to watch Him work to increase our faith. We trust that you will continue to pray for precious Carissa, as one day she will be a LIVING testimony to what God can do!

Please access the link below to watch her progress, read her mother Lisa's journal entries and view photos. You can even sign up to get an email every time her journal is updated. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carissafluke

You can also send cards and donations to the address below and these will go directly to her.

Lisa Hardinge/Carissa Fluke
1811 Poplar Avenue Room 201
Memphis, TN. 38104

In His Grace, Aurelio F. Baretto III
C28/NOTW CEO and Founder

Carissa Loves Her New NOTW shirts

Carissa, Traci, Kevin, Russ, Aurelio

We Prayed And Read God's Word

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LOOK WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE FINDS A NEED AND FULFILLS IT!
Whew! Awesome! : )

** For More Information on C28/NOTW Click --> Here

*****************************

Write It Down!

2008-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm excited and happy to report 9 days without any flu-like symptoms and very little pain! I had 1 day in between that was painful and fatigued but bounced back significantly the day after.

I want to encourage you to keep a log of your daily symptoms and feelings so that you can have a record you can show to both your doctor and as a back up for applying for disability. If you are applying for benefits they will require about a year's worth of written testimony as to how Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia has limited and/or affected you. It can be a major benefit in your case file and help your doctor(s) add information to your file for documentation.

It's important to be you own advocate. Don't be hesitant to write down anything that applies to how you're feeling and affected in your daily living tasks. Everything matters.

Another good idea is to have friends, family, and co-workers write statements as to their observations of your symptoms and how they affect you. Added testimony is a plus when applying for benefits. If you want to create your own questionnaire in order to make it easier for them to fill out this is a great idea as well. It may help friends, family, and co-workers be more willing to help you out with a written testimony.

Here's To Your Success!

What Can I Do? - Find a Need & Fulfill It

2008-09-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's Day#2 and I have very little pain but more joyously, I have NO fatigue and flu-like symptoms in my body today! I am rejoicing and I am so grateful and excited for what lies ahead.

Listen, I'm not anyone special in the world's eyes, but in my prayers this week I made a pledge to Christ my Lord that if He would take my pain away, I would get active and serve Him by helping others immediately.

I've had our neighborhood on my mind and heart so heavily lately. I'm watching house after house go down in foreclosures, families hurting, people under pressure and I desperately want to do SOMETHING to reach out and help. What can I do????

Well because I feel great today physically, I made step 1 in keeping my word to The Lord. I made a flyer for our community mailbox and I simply asked "Would You Like Prayer for Anything?" and I gave my prayer request email address at proverbs24.16@gmail.com for people to contact me at. I gave my word that I would not bombard anyone with religious pressure and that any prayer requests I received would be kept confidential. I even said they could remain anonymous if they would like. I said I simply wanted to reach out and do something small but powerful and meaningful to show support for our community and the families in our community.

Step 2 - I had an idea to help out each other in our neighborhood with needs people may have. Because of the extreme economic pressure many of us are facing, I want to do SOMETHING to help bring our community together to help one another instead of each person and family remaining in isolation and dealing with things alone. So I wrote our community manager to ask if I needed permission from our HOA to administer my idea.

The idea is to have a "Trade Day" in our neighborhood. We would gather our things (clothing, toys, electronics, non-perishable foods...) most likely things we would probably sell at a yard sale that we no longer need or use. Then we would make trades with the things we no longer need and use for things we do need. No money will change hands it would simply be fair and even trades. I am so excited to see if this can be done! If the HOA says it's okay then I'll hand out flyers to announce it and ask for any volunteers who want to help set it up and monitor the event. There is a little green belt field by our community mailbox where we can gather and set up tables, boxes, and so forth. I can see how during Trade Day neighbors can have the opportunity to meet one another and begin talking. I can see people beginning to feel that they are not alone and how we can work together to meet each other's needs. I pray that this event can be done and done successfully.

So what can YOU do? I want to encourage you to look around you. Look at your neighborhood, your job site, your co-workers,...anything! Do you plainly see needs that can be fulfilled in some way? Why not step out and take your ideas to the table. See what others think and if you can get people to help you do your task. Do you know someone who is a shut in, or needs help because they are ill? Take them a care box... reach out and let them know they are not alone.

Listen, this nation is a powerful force when we band together to help each other. During 9/11 and afterward we saw the enormous power of people reaching out to touch one another's lives and come together to meet needs. We are being torn apart by politics, race wars, gas prices, job losses, home losses, and health concerns and that's just the tip of the iceburg. We have the ability to do something to help each other if we will become courageous and brave and break out of isolation. It starts with just one person willing to step out and ask "What can I do to help you today?".

There is a law that is true and it states: "what goes around, comes around" or "you reap what you sow". I've seen this law come to pass many times in my own life. I've seen it work. I'm encouraging you to test it for yourself. You may not see immediate results in some cases, or you may see results right away depending on how things work out, but I promise you if you sow kindness, you will see kindness, if you sow help, you'll get help.

I am living proof. I can't tell you the number of times we've had people just drop off food boxes at our home during the summer when we have all six of our children living with us. Because of our financial situation due to my physical limitations, money is very tight during the summer when all 8 of us are living together. We don't ask and we don't say a word, we just pray and say "Lord, You know our needs and we trust You." Then we get busy seeing what we can do to help someone else or give to someone else. No matter how small....it ALL counts. Even if you just offer water to a salesman or woman at your door....it ALL counts.

Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Imagine what you might need if you were them. Focus on someone else for just a while and see how much joy and satisfaction you get from fulfilling the need of someone else. It feels great!!! If you have clothes you don't need, find someone who needs them. If you have shoes you don't need, find someone who needs them. If you have jewelry you no longer use, find a young person starting out in their career who would look great in them for their new position. If you have tools you no longer need or use, find a young man who can use them, if you have books you no longer read, take them to a nursing home. Give anonymously and have fun with it! Find ways to bless others and blessings will come back to you as well! Get creative and you'll soon begin to discover a flow of ideas and creative ways to bless others.

Here's to Your Success!

IT'S A NEW DAY! PART 2

2008-09-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was a pivotal day for me on this new journey ahead. As I have said, this is not mumbo jumbo name it and claim it for me but rather a journey of faith. Not hoping some thing's going to change, but knowing some thing's going to change even before I see the results.

Yesterday morning I had virtually no pain and no fatigue in my body for the first time in years! I felt so relieved and so peaceful that I just laid there and basked in the wonderful release! I didn't care how long it lasted, I just wanted to soak up every moment of feeling free. I called my mother first thing in the morning and we had a little phone celebration together! My husband and I had some sweet prayer time and we thanked The Lord for how great I felt.

As it turned out, I was free of pain and fatigue all day long and into the late night hours before any twinges started to affect me. I was so excited!

This morning, I have some pain in my legs and lower back and in my neck, but I have less than I've had in a very, very long time, and more joyfully, no flu-like body aches and fatigue. I am rejoicing in the whole process. I am absolutely convinced that one day I will see the results in my body that I already know deep down within my soul. This illness is even now being destroyed at the roots and my job is to keep going and keep focusing on health and wellness as one of my readers EV so wisely stated in the comments section of my last post. Absolutely! EV was right. Keep working on wellness, not just "saying" but "doing". Right on!

In the mean time, I just want to send out encouragement and a cyber (((hug))) to you out there. If you are feeling hopeless, frustrated, afraid, angry, or any of the other myriad of emotions that we who live with chronic pain and fatigue feel, I want you to know that you are not alone and that you MATTER and you are important. I come to this blog daily with the mindset that my goal is to reach out and tell you just that. Don't give up and don't stop fighting for your quality of life!

Here's to Your Success!

IT'S A NEW DAY!!

2008-09-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I woke up the past 2 days in excruciating pain and fatigue. I've spent the last 2 days balling my eyes out and losing the hope I try so hard to promote here on the blog. My body has started a downward spiral that is resisting even the medicines my doctors have prescribed for me. This morning I wasn't able to go to church with my family because I literally could not move more than a few moments at a time to even get myself dressed.

As I've been sitting here watching several pastors and ministers on TV (Thank God we still have Christian television!) there has been the same message over and over this morning. Refusing to be stuck in circumstances.... refusing to lose faith in the power and authority of Jesus's Name.

So, I made a decision today. I'm DONE with Fibromyalgia and Allodynia! I'm done with the pain and the fatigue and the prescription medicines and the things I'm losing out on in life. I'M DONE WITH IT!

I stood up and started speaking out loud, "Fibromyalgia and Allodynia I curse you! Get out of my body! Die, die, die!!!! by the power and authority of Jesus's Name!" I stand on Mark 11:23 & 24 (23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.") and Mark 5: 34 (34He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.") I stand on Daniel 5:23 at the end where it says ("...the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.")

I changed the name of the blog to Prospering Over Fibromyalgia and I changed the logo picture and my prayer to reflect the fact that I'm not going to live "with" fibro anymore, I'm going to speak out every day against these syndromes and fight AGAINST them in my body. I'm going to go against everything humans think is "rational" and I'm going to believe and grab hold of the power and authority that The Lord gave His followers in His name. No this isn't "mumbo jumbo" or "name it and claim it" for me. I'm simply setting my jaw and refusing to live with these syndromes any more. I'm sick of them and their control over me and I want my body back. I'm stepping out on faith and faith alone and I'm going to turn to my Creator to bring me back to life by His power.

This is a brand new day and a new turn for this blog. There is no other help out there that makes sense because I've tried all there is to try, I've cried out until I can't cry out any more, I've fought red tape and faced road block upon road block in trying to find a cure and a way out of this pain and fatigue. I don't want it anymore! I don't want it for me and I don't want it for you. No, I'm going to take a stand and turn to the only Source of help that makes sense. The One Who created me in the first place and breathed the breath of life into my body to begin with. I'm going to rely on Him and I'm going to rejoice in the whole process!

Are any of you believers out there feeling the same drive to be done with this thing???? Let's lock arms together and pray like we've never prayed before! Let's lift one another up and let's speak out against these cursed syndromes. Just right where you are say "Fibromyalgia, (insert illness) GET OUT OF ME in Jesus's Name! Go and never return! Die and loose your hold on my body! Body you must bow to the authority of Jesus and you must obey Him. Regenerate now, all my cells and atoms from top to bottom, COME BACK TO LIFE! Lord Jesus I believe in Your power and authority over me and I stand on Your Word in Mark 11: 23 &24, Mark 5: 34, Daniel 5: 23, and Acts 17:28. I want to fight for my wholeness Lord so that my life can have meaning and usefulness and hope again. That's what You fought for and died to give me and I won't accept anything less for my life unless and ONLY unless You ask me to accept illness because You have a reason for it and You're going to use it to help others. That is the ONLY way I will accept illness Lord, if it's for You. If I don't have a Word from You that You are working through my illness Lord then I have to believe that it is a curse You do not want for me and I'm standing up against it. Thank You Lord for Your mercy, Your love, Your compassion, Your hope for me, Your purpose for me, and mostly Lord for saving my soul from damnation. I will walk with You my whole life and follow You Lord, no matter what. Please show me today what direction You want me to follow. Amen."

"Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain in The Workplace"

2008-09-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

While searching for information for you today I came across this website (http://www.sbtv.com/) that features some fantastic videos and information regarding working with Fibromyalgia.

A key supporter for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain management in the business arena is Rebecca Rengo.

"Rebecca's mission is to educate the public and medical professionals on chronic pain and pain management issues." (Retreived from http://www.beyondchronicpain.com/content/about_rebecca/ on September 17th, 2008)

Check out these links:

http://www.sbtv.com/Partners/Fibro/

http://www.beyondchronicpain.com/content/about_rebecca/

Here's to Your Success!

Fibro Pal or Loved One Caught in Hurricane(s)?

2008-09-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I thought I would write out some ideas for helping those who are living with Fibro and/or Allodynia if they've been effected by the recent hurricanes that have hit in the past few weeks.

Stress can greatly increase the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Allodynia and make a very difficult situation even harder to endure. This is a great time for those of us who may be aware of friends or loved ones who are living with Fibro and/or Allodynia to reach out and help ease their burden through extra support and thoughtful care packages (if and when they are able to receive them).

The effects of air pressure changes, wetness, and humidity will most likely cause a substantial increase in the effects of muscle and joint pain along with flu-like aches in the body. Disposable heat wraps, warm fleece blankets, hot water bottles, and small camping stoves for boiling water are great ways to help keep warm and comforted.

Being in a shelter with several other people can produce the extra stress of noise and non-privacy. During a fibro flair or attack of allodynia, this can be torturous. Noise cancelling headphones, disposable ear plugs, a radio or MP3 player with headphones are great ways to help either soften blaring noises or at least offer comfortable and soothing sounds.

Hard chairs, cots, and floors can cause a great deal of body pain over time. Body pillows, neck pillows, single size mattress toppers made of memory foam, and memory foam pillows are a wonderful guard against painful pressure points.

Feelings of despair and hopelessness, or feeling overwhelmed can increase Fibro and Allodynia symptoms. Encouraging books, letters, tapes, and cards can give an anchor hold on fly away emotions. Phone cards and/or a pay as you go phone can help keep communication open. Let your friend or loved one vent how they feel so that it doesn't build up and come out in a physical flair up. Think of solutions when your friend or loved one admits something they feel they can't handle (no matter how trivial it sounds! trauma can make even small tasks seem huge, so be patient and think of what you would do if you were in the same situation. Help them see their resources instead of obstacles.)

These are just a few ideas. Please feel free to post more ideas in the comments so that we can pass the word around and help our fellow fibro and allodynia heroes face the challenges ahead with strength and dignity.

My thoughts and my prayers are with you.

Aspartame & Fibro and/or Alloydynia Pain - Is There a Link?

2008-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

In July I wrote a post called "Don't Give In, Keep Moving to Keep Fighting". In it I talked about an alternative solution to drinking soda by drinking flavored sparkling water. I mentioned a specific brand of flavored sparkling water that I really like, that is labeled "All Natural". Sadly I had to edit my post today and take out that information after being alerted to something in the ingredients that may not be the most healthy to recommend to my readers (or even myself for that matter).

Ladies and Gentlemen I'm going to post information for you to research for yourself on Aspartame. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take time to look it over and decide for yourself if you find anything about this product that will change your mind or not change your mind about consuming it.

It is important to note that according to the FDA there have been over 10,000 official symptom complaints made to them by consumers. Many of those symptoms mirror the same symptoms we face with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia.

Please take time to look over the following information today. It's very important to you and to your family.

** Please feel free to add your comments and share any experiences you've had while using Aspartame. Do you think it's made a positive or negative impact on your health?

Aspartame Information Links

Aspartame Definition - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame

Aspartame Controversy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame_controversy

Wikipedia - External Links
(Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame_controversy#Pro-aspartame on September 3, 2008)

Pro-aspartame
Aspartame Information Service
Aspartame Archives
Sugar Substitutes (U.S. FDA web page)
Aspartame Information Center

Anti-aspartame
Aspartame—DORway to Discovery
Aspartame Toxicity Information Center
Aspartame—Truth About Stuff
Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

“Aspartame Facts and Fictions” - http://dorway.com/dorwblog/?page_id=63

“FDA list of 92 symptoms based on over 10,000 official complaints” - http://www.dorway.com/badnews.html

“Poison For The Masses” - http://dorway.com/dorwblog/?page_id=59

"Take The 60 Day Test" - http://dorway.com/dorwblog/?page_id=14

Here's to your success!

Calling All Fibro Heroes!! Speak Up and Be Heard!!

2008-08-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday I had an interesting situation come across my path and I want to tell you about it in order to encourage all of you to speak up and be heard.

I had a mortgage lender ask the following question of me: "If you are unable to work a "mainstream" job, then how can you walk up and down the stairs in your home?"

WHAT ?????!!!!!

I felt lead to write the lender a letter regarding their question. I expressed my confusion regarding how being able to walk up a stairway qualifies a person to be able to work a "mainstream" career. There are many, many people who can walk a flight of stairs and are definitely disabled in other capacities! Since when does being able to accomplish a flight of stairs become a qualifying factor in disproving a disability????

First of all, asking how I (or you) manage my (or your) physical limitations is a personal question and really a matter of whether or not I (or you) feel comfortable sharing it with any person. It's intrusive and bully"ish "to be frank about it. It has nothing to do with establishing a medical history such as the 3 year documentation I provided to this lender to include my doctor's name and contact information, my insurance claims, all of the documented doctor and hospital visits I've had before being diagnosed correctly, and the medications I currently have prescribed to me. These are documented and show a medical history. How I (or you) choose to process and manage my (or your) symptoms has nothing to do with "proving" an incapacity to maintain a "mainstream" career.

Because of the extremely good customer service that our loan officers have given to our family, I chose to go ahead and describe how I manage my "stair situation". My goal in doing so was to educate the lender so that in the future, should they encounter another person living with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia, they have a better understanding of the syndrome(s) and its effects.

I'm also choosing to share this with you, my readers, because talking about how we "deal" is very important. We need to talk about it and legitimize one another so that as a united front we can make a difference in how we are treated in society.

The fact of the matter is that there are times I must use a cane to walk up and down my stairs, times when I sleep on our couch because I'm too weak to manage the stairs, times when my husband is on orders (he serves our country in the United States Military) and away from home, that I have our littlest girl sleep downstairs with me so that I can make sure I am able to care for her during the night if she needs me, and there are times when I "cat walk" up our stairs using my hands and feet to get me up there.

This is the truth of Fibromyalgia/Allodynia for me. This is how it impacts me regarding just the stairs. I expressed to the lender that the stairs are only one part of my world that I must take control of and manage. There are so many other situations and factors along with dealing with stairs that frankly are more important and worth much more attention. I also expressed the frustration that people living with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia face because it can't been "seen" and we often have to jump through hoops in order to "prove" we are ill and need help.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fibro Heroes, WE HAVE TO SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD! It's a very real fact that much of society, and dare I say even the medical community, who are uneducated and have erroneous mindsets about the symptoms and physical limitations of a person living with Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia. WE MUST EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY in order to link arms and promote Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia awareness and education! I cannot emphasize the importance of making sure that you are a voice and a potential hero for the Fibro and/or Allodynia community. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Until we find a cure I want to encourage you to take part in putting Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia "in the face" of society. Wear or display an awareness ribbon, talk about your symptoms and pain management, fight for your quality of life, participate in fundraising events or awareness events, write a book or a blog about your experiences, be a voice regarding the difficulty in qualifying for disability benefits, demand (politely but firmly) the same rights and respect that other disabilities are shown in the mainstream workforce community and offices, read up on current issues regarding the syndromes and don't shy away from those who are sceptical that you are really fighting an illness. The more silent we are, the less chance we have of creating a momentum toward finding help and a cure.

Together we CAN make a difference! As long as we are living with Fibro and/or Allodynia we might as well DO something productive about it and take ownership of it. Why not? There are countless other awareness es that are not shy about raising awareness and asking for help, and neither should we be shy about OUR syndrome and the reality of the devastation it causes.

Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia effects each person differently. One person may be completely bed-ridden for the most part, and one person may be able to function well enough to maintain a mainstream career. It just depends on each person's body. These facts deserve to be legitimized rather than be a reason to promote skepticism that it's "all in our head" or that we are not truely ill. No, we MUST raise awareness and education about what it's REALLY like to live with Fibro and/or Allodynia.

Speaking of what it's REALLY like, .... the commercials for Lyrica come to mind. Now there may be many, many people who are able to function in a much more capable capacity such as what is shown in these commercials and THAT'S GOOD. It's VERY good. That's what we want. However, the commercials only show women with Fibro and they don't give enough attention to the extreme symptoms that many others living with Fibro experience. AND.... what about the MALE population who live with Fibro and/or Allodynia?????? It's NOT good that often times fibro awareness tends to lean toward the female community just because there are reports that more females than males live with the syndrome. No it's NOT good at all. Men deserve to have the same support and the same dedication to awareness and help that females get. I very often find that the male population of Fibro sufferers is silent and don't talk about it very much. We MUST make a comfortable and accepting environment within our groups to accommodate the very real and unique experiences that men go through while living with Fibro.

So today I'm calling on everyone to look for opportunities to educate those around you that you have influence with and create awareness within your community. Let's work together to legitimize one another and become a cohesive force willing to speak out and find ways to fund or contribute to finding a cure.

I'm right there with you...and I care very much about the Fibro/Allodynia communities.

Here's to your success!

A Word About "Flow"

2008-08-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I’m delving into the books I wrote about in my last post and I will be posting updates for you as I go along.

In the mean time I wanted to address an issue that came up for me this week with a young woman who I’m coaching at the moment.

What do I mean by “Flow”? I mean a cohesive path toward one direction.

For each person, there comes a time in life when you’re piecing together what your specific passions are and what unique talents, skills, assets, and points of view you want to express and use both personally and professionally.

When I’m coaching a person who is looking for ways to accomplish their career goals, I pay close attention to what they are doing to move themselves forward toward their goals. For instance, if a person’s passion and dreams are to be a nurse then it’s my belief that to move themselves toward that goal, they should frame their life choices around meeting that goal.

Here’s what I mean:

1) Choose a job that relates to the ultimate goal until you are able to reach the goal.

For example: If I’m coaching a young person who has nursing as their ultimate goal, then I often recommend that while attending school, if you have to work a job as well, choose a job that will give you skills you can use later in nursing. Perhaps working in a nursing home, a special needs unit, or even as a receptionist or assistant at a doctor’s office for the time being. All of those positions offer a treasure trove of experiences that can be carried with you into your future position as a nurse. An added bonus is being able to list those occupations on your resume to help you compete for the ultimate position you want later on. It shows a “flow” and a cohesive path toward the future goal. It shows perseverance, innovation, and drive.

2) Search for outside ways to give you information and further skills you can use later on.

For example: Hobbies might include things that have a theme corresponding to what your ultimate goal is. Volunteer work may be something to look into. Read, read, read, read! Keep up to date on your chosen career goal and give yourself a leg up on the competition by being able to converse intelligently about the new things going on for people in your chosen field. What are the “movers and shakers” looking for? What can you add? What original points of view and talents can you bring to the table? You have VALUE! There is NO ONE else like YOU. Celebrate yourself and show what you can do!

3) Take time out….

Make sure you have things in your life that are completely unrelated to your chosen career goal. Have fun, invest yourself in your relationships, and create a space that’s all your own. Each of us needs that in order to gain strength and have peace within so that we can be our best selves.

These are some of the things I mean by “Flow”. Take some time this week to take a look at your life and see if you can find “flow”. If you can’t …that’s OK. It’s never too late to fix it. All it takes is a decision to make changes so that you can achieve your goals.

It doesn’t matter whether you are working for yourself in your own business, or whether you are adding your unique gifts to a corporation. It’s worth it to take a look and see if your life is moving in “flow” toward what you and ONLY you can gift this world with. Each person is a unique and priceless treasure that cannot be duplicated. Celebrate YOU!

Here’s to your success!

Review: "Mind over Back Pain" by John Sarno, M.D.

2008-08-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

As I discussed in my last post, I'm investigating some information I came across relating to not only managing Fibro/Allodynia pain, but perhaps even eradicating the syndrome(s) all together!

One of the books I mentioned purchasing was "Mind Over Back Pain" by John Sarno, M.D. It's a small book of approximately 124 pages but I was pleasantly surprised at the content it is packed with.

In his book Dr. Sarno introduces an idea that back pain (and other pains in the body) can be directly attributed to unrealized tension or unresolved conflict. His term is "Tension Myositis Syndrome" and when I read his definition of this syndrome plus his discovery of the symptoms and resolutions to it I was quite frankly amazed and EXCITED about it!

In layman's terms (and I am offering a very simple version of the how the process works. For a more concise and detailed explanation it would be MUCH better to investigate the book yourself to see what Dr. Sarno has to share):

1) There is a tension for the person. (An event, a circumstance, a repressed memory, unresolved conflict...etc.)

2) The brain, in order to protect the person from experiencing emotional pain, translates the feelings into physical pain.

3) The brain then signals the arteries and nerves to close down and therefore blood flow is restricted and oxygen is restricted to the areas involved.

4) The reduced oxygen causes the muscles assigned to those nerves and arteries to spasm and seize therefore causing pain to the individual.

5) By recognizing the "trigger", and recognizing the brain's signal to reduce blood flow the person can release the pain themselves by addressing the issue that's causing them tension or unresolved conflict and/or by simply recognizing what the brain is doing to protect them.

I won't try and go into all of the details here in this post, however I feel that it definitely warrants an alert message out to all of my readers so that you can investigate this for yourself to see if it helps you in any way.

I have to say that over the past 2 1/2 days I have practiced becoming more aware of tension vs. the amount of pain I'm feeling in my body and consciously telling my brain "it's OK to release oxygen to my body" "I'm OK". I have to testify that I HAVE felt a release in pressure and pain for some moments while consciously doing this mental exercise. I intend to delve into this even further and look into purchasing his book "The Mindbody Prescription" by Dr. Sarno as well.

**Additionally:

I received my book order "Freedom From Fibromyalgia" by Nancy Selfridge, M.D. and Franklynn Peterson (which, by the way, has a forward by John Sarno, M.D.). I was very excited to see what it has to say and so I did a cursory overview of the book for now until I can sit down and dedicate specific time each day to it. I wanted to finish "Mind over Back Pain" by Dr. Sarno first.

This book that Dr. Selfridge and Franklynn Peterson have put out is a 5 week program they say has been proven to conquer pain. In fact Dr. Selfridge (who suffered from Fibromyalgia for several years) says that she is cured and pain free now after practicing this program. What I find interesting and VERY hopeful is that Selfridge and Peterson address the issues that Dr. Sarno has shared as well in order to get a hold on the issue of Fibromyalgia pain and actual RECOVERY. YES!!!

I intend to complete the 5 week program with the book and report back to you on what happens. I'm excited to investigate this opportunity and if it helps and I can give you (and me) HOPE, then that is worth everything!

All of the book titles I mentioned are available at Amazon.com if you're interested, or I also saw some of the titles for sale on eBay. I was overly excited and ran down to my local Barnes and Noble to get my copy of "Mind over Back Pain" by Dr. Sarno while I was waiting for "Freedom From Fibromyalgia" to arrive from Amazon! lol!

I'm very hopeful and optimistic about this journey, and I am really very hopeful that the report will be good news for both you and me.

Here's to your success!

News to Ponder and Investigate

2008-08-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

You may need to bear with me for a few moments while I jot down some thoughts that may seem difficult to piece together at first. Something I love about thought is the path along which we travel in order to ask first the question, then discover more questions to be asked. Hopefully at some point an answer will be found and that is the passion of loving thought in the first place for me.

I want to share with you a decision I've made regarding looking further into ways to either manage fibro/allodynia pain, or reverse it all together. It's important to me to keep talking to you so that together we can lock arms and fight for our quality of life. Each of us plays a vital role in determining what our outcome will be. I meet people all over who inspire me to go further, reach higher and question deeper and then come back here to write it all down for my readers. Each person with body pain has something vital to contribute whether through experience, answers, or support.

Please bear with me while I explain how I reached the decision I made and what I'm going to keep you updated on as I go along.

In his book "Saint" Ted Dekker's main character is an assassin who has been trained using highly controversial and secret methods in order to become the best of the best. As part of his training the character learns to control his body and body functions in a much more focused way than most of us have learned to do in normal every day life. This character was able to lower or elevate his heart beat at will, control the need to remove waste, control brain function... and so forth. While I was reading the book, (other than the fact that I LOVE TED DEKKER books! lol!) I was struck with a thought that propelled me toward questions and more questions about what and how much is possible for Fibro/Allodynia sufferers to control using the power of the brain. (As a note: I'm not referring to hypnosis here) Is it possible? Are there any cases where people have done it? Have there been people cured?

The next piece of my thought pattern was brought forward because of Scripture. Being a woman of faith, Scripture is vital to me. The Scripture teaches in several places the relationship between negative emotions, thoughts, and attitudes leading to poor health. It also teaches that negative words can bring disastrous results to a human body. These show a clear relationship between what is received as negative to the mind manifesting through the physical body.

The next piece of my thought pattern developed while searching for information on whether anyone has claimed they've found a cure for Fibromyalgia. Let me just say first of all that I was very surprised that there are several people who HAVE claimed to have found a cure for the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Why aren't we hearing more about them?????????? So of course my next step was to find out what they had to say.

Okay, the first thing I found was lots and lots of herbal remedies and exercise techniques and I firmly believe both of these are helpful and important for ANY person seeking good health. Vitamins and nutrients along with exercise are just plain vital to the human being. Period. In fact one book that I purchased today is "Reversing Fibromyalgia - The Whole-Health Approach to Overcoming Fibromyalgia Through Nutrition, Exercise, Supplements, and Other Lifestyle Factors" by Dr. Joe M. Elrod

The next thing I found was purely on accident. I was looking up a program on reversing fibromyalgia, when I came across a link for a book called "Freedom from Fibromyalgia" by Nancy Selfridge and Franklynn Peterson. I casually read over the book contents only to find a surprising revelation that tied all of the other pieces of my thought patterns (that I described above) together! I also learned about another book by John Sarno, M.D. called "Mind Over Back Pain" that lead me down another road altogether.

OK, so where am I going with all of this????

1) I'm curious to know if the brain can be used to manage and/or reverse body pain from Fibromyalgia and/or Allodynia (Again, I'm not referring to hypnosis)

2) Has anyone claimed to be cured of their symptoms by using the brain?

3) If monks, martial artists, and military personnel have used the brain to regulate body function why can't we? How do I learn it?

4) Where do I find reliable, trustworthy information so I can begin learning the answers to my questions?

After several hours of reading and researching I found three books that I purchased today. All claim to have information on using the brain (understanding the brain's role) in overcoming pain and illness. I decided that I'm going to find out if what they are teaching works, has merit, and is something I would recommend to you. As I read them and delve into finding out the answers to my questions I will share what I find out so that you can decide if you'd like to find out too. (I'm also going to look into two other books by John E. Sarno called "The Mindbody Prescription" and "The Divided Mind")

Here are the books and their authors:

1) "Reversing Fibromyalgia - The Whole-Health Approach to Overcoming Fibromyalgia Through Nutrition, Exercise, Supplements, and Other Lifestyle Factors" by Dr. Joe M. Elrod

2) "Freedom from Fibromyalgia" by Nancy Selfridge and Franklynn Peterson

3) "Mind Over Back Pain" by John E. Sarno, M.D.

(As an interesting side note: ABC News's John Stossel wrote an excerpt in his book "Give Me a Break" regarding John Sarno that was highly positive. You can read it at Amazon.com using the "search inside" feature and look under page 229. Or you can look up "John E. Sarno" in the search field at Amazon and it will eventually show John Stossel's book because of the excerpt in his book on Dr. Sarno.)

Here's to your success!

The Sorrow of Fibro

2008-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm writing to you today possibly more to vent than anything else I must confess. I'm in the middle of a Fibro/Allodynia flair and this is the second strong one in two weeks. I haven't slept well for tossing and turning and the frustration is just unbelievable. I know you know what I mean.

My husband wanted to go out last night and we couldn't because I was in so much pain. You know, it's difficult to watch what Fibro and/or Allodynia (or for that matter any condition that robs one of the quality of life) steals from our friends and loved ones of us. I find myself becoming more and more sorrowful at times when I can't function to do normal things. That's one of the reasons I started this blog. It helps me remain in balance and keep my perspective.

This morning my husband vented about not being able to make plans with me because we always have an "if" hanging over our heads about how I may feel on a given day or time. I know he didn't mean to hurt me with what he said..... but it did hurt. It hurt because it was embarrassing and because at such a young age we should be able to go out and have adventures and experience life together like a normal couple. I get angry sometimes because I have all of my body parts... and they SHOULD be working properly! Augh!!!

sorry.....

Friends, the important thing about any condition that limits us... is to KEEP TALKING. I understand the extra burden of having to explain ourselves all of the time.... believe me. However, educating our friends and loved ones about our condition(s) is a huge step to awareness and helping them to deal with the situation as well. There are going to be times that they become frustrated and feel hopeless and it's completely normal for them to feel that way. They love us and want to spend time with us and have fun doing things together.

When you lose out on a opportunity such as I did this weekend.... make sure to take another opportunity as soon as you can. Don't give up and stop fighting for your quality of life. Fight back by giving yourself the gift of time as soon as possible after facing a loss of activity with those people who are important to you. Make sure to tell them that you aim to make time with them as soon as possible when you feel better. It gives you hope and it gives them hope too.

Here's to your success!

Work At Home - Cust. Service Agent

2008-08-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I want to give you the link to a company website that offers the ability for you to work as a Customer Service agent at home. You set your schedule, so it's flexible.

One of our family members has been with West At Home for over a year now. He said it really helps their family have the extra income they need to make ends meet. After he gets home from work, he has dinner and then gets ready for his shift with West At Home. His lovely wife suffered a ruptured aneurysm last year and we almost lost her. Thankfully she pulled through after a very traumatic experience. With the extra hospital bills he chose to work with West At Home part time. This has helped them get back on their feet and they can both spend time together and with their two girls.

I don't refer products, services, or opportunities unless I have used them, tried them and found them worthwhile, or know someone trustworthy who has used them and can give me a good referral. I like to be able to give you good and useful information that helps you whether it's in business or regarding fighting Fibro and/or Allodynia.

Here is the link for you http://apply.westathome.com/overview.asp

Here's to Your Success!

Don't Give In! Keep Moving to Keep Fighting!

2008-07-31T03:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I want to talk to you today about something I mention quite often and that's to KEEP MOVING TO KEEP FIGHTING! When we stay still, sit too much, or lie down too often, we actually increase the amount of pain we feel with Fibromyalgia. One of the things my doctor coached me on from the very beginning was the vital importance of making sure I keep moving in order to get the toxins out of the muscles in my body and to help them stay relaxed. He coached my husband to make sure he encouraged me and kept me accountable to stay moving....ESPECIALLY when I have fibro flairs.

I found a GREAT way to keep myself moving and flexible that I can do in the privacy of my home. Leslie Sansone is a fitness expert who has developed several walking routines that are simple yet effective for healthy exercise without all of the "glamor hype". It's as if you pop in the DVD and you're instantly among friends of all shapes and sizes, who really sweat (and yes, from time to time even a little of their makeup runs) while you're having fun walking and getting your muscles moving. You get your muscles toned up and your metabolism rate up while you use her walking routines. Even on the worst days, you can pop in Leslie's DVD and move your body in order to combat fibro pain and fatigue.

I found my choice of her routines at Walmart for under $15.00. I chose "Walk Away Your Waistline" because it offers a toning belt for a little bit of resistance training to help tone the waistline and the arms while I'm walking. This is a little more advanced walking routine and offers 1,2, and 3 mile walks. It also offers a walk meter to tell you when you've reached each mile. On more challenging pain days I can do 1 mile and on better days I can do 2-3 depending on how I feel. You can see many of Leslie's videos by clicking here --->http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&search_query=leslie+sansone&ic=48_0 or by doing a Google search under "Leslie Sansone".

**Note: I do not get paid in any way to endorse Leslie's programs. I simply love her routines and I love her style of encouragement.

Remember, being smart in business means being smart personally as well. Taking care of yourself gives you the power to fight for your quality of life both personally AND professionally. When you keep your muscles in motion, it is much easier to keep up with your pain management. This in turn keeps your mind free to focus on your business.

For those of you living with Allodynia, like me, it is important to pay attention to exercise that doesn't aggravate your symptoms. The walking routine I chose doesn't aggravate my pain the way some other exercise routines do because there is no full body floor contact. The only thing that is ever so slightly uncomfortable for me is the exercise belt because the materials sometimes don't feel good against my skin or when placed around my clothing. However it really IS so slight that it's manageable and I can still use it. I make sure to use comfortable materials in my shirts (like cotton) so that the texture doesn't aggravate my skin with the belt around it. I also have times when my hair brushing across my neck gives me the sensation of a sunburn on the skin, so I always wear my hair in a ponytail, or on more painful days I put it up in a bun with a scrunchy. Again, because there is no full body floor contact with the routine I chose, there is no problem with floor contact causing pressure against my head from a ponytail holder or scrunchy when I get my hair up off of my neck.

Now these may seem like silly things to mention, but if you have Allodynia you know what I mean right? Sometimes the pain sensors on our skin just hurt like crazy and anything touching it is awful. Anything that helps bring relief, no matter how simple or ordinary, is a welcome suggestion! Besides... it's nice to know you're not the only one out there who experiences these symptoms.

I know you can do it! Keep moving to keep fighting!

Here's to your success!