I'm feeling a little uncoordinated today. I hate those days where your mind feels sharp but your body is a little tardy on the brain commands. I just spilled an entire glass of merlot all over my dining room. Apparently, Merlot is made of rubber, because those droplets bounced all over the place when it splattered. I mean how do you spill something UP? The wine bounced from the floor up underneath my table. What a fun mess to clean up first thing in the morning. That'll teach me to leave glasses lying around until morning won't it?
All right, back to "the list" of vitamins taken from Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch CNC.
Last time I covered what is considered "Essential" vitamins to take. As I stated, the list goes in order: Essential, Very Important, Important, and then Helpful. But with Fibromyalgia, there is nothing lower than Important.
Today's List is Very Important.
Supplement: Dimethylglycine (DMG) (Aangamik DMG from FoodScience of Vermont)
Dosage: 50 mg 3 times daily.
Reason: Enhances oxygen utilization by the muscles and destroys free radicals that can damage cells.
Supplement: 5-Hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP)
Dosage: 50 mg daily for 1 week then increase to 100mg daily.
Reason: Enhances synthesis of serotonin in the brain. Excellent for pain relief.
CAUTION: Do not use if you take an MAO inhibitor, commonly prescribed for depression.
Supplement: Free-form amino acid complex (Amino Balance from Anabol Naturals or Amino Blend from Carlson Labs)
Dosage: As Directed on label.
Reason: To supply protein essential for repair and rebuilding of muscle tissue and for proper brain function. Use a formula containing all the essential amino acids.
Supplement: Garlic (Kyolic from Wakunaga)
Dosage: 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Reason: Promotes immune function and increases energy. Also destroys common parasites.
plus Kyo-Green from Wakunaga
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: To improve digestion and cleanse the bloodstream.
Supplement: Grape seed extract or Pycnogenol
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Powerful antioxidants that protect the muscles from free radical damage and enhance immunity.
Supplement: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Provides support for tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Note: Because this supplement contains sulfur, you may notice an odor to your urine.
Supplement: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)Cream
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Relieves Pain.
Supplement: S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Aids in relief of stress and depression, eases pain, and produces antioxidant effects that can improve the health of your liver.
CAUTION: Do not use if you have manic depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants.
Supplement: Vitamin B Complex injections (with Vitamin b6 and b12 and raw liver extract [which is a source of iron as well as B vitamins so be careful])
Dosage: As perscribed by a physician.
Reason: Essential for increased energy and normal brain function. Injections (under doc's supervision) are best. All injectables can be combined in a single syringe.
OR
Supplement: Vitamin B complex.
Dosage: 100mg of each major B vitamin 3 times daily with meals. (Amounts of individual vitamins in a complex will vary)
Reason: If injections are not available or once the course of injections has been completed, use a sublingual form of all the B vitamins listed.
(GIN'S NOTE: B vitamins give some people a bad reaction for some reason. I've heard of the following allergic symptoms: Chills, Fever, Itchy skin rash, headaches and nausea. You can try switching your B complex or stop them all together and take the B vitamins separately, one at a time per month to see which is giving you the reaction or if it is all of them.)
I will do the important list soon but I have to say, if you have the money you should buy this book. It has a lot of great supplements in it and the reasons you should take them for a ton of different conditions! It's fabulous.
As always, My Friends, take care of yourselves.
All my best,
Gin
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fibro Vitamins
As any of you who have visited this sight more than once or read any of my posts on groups or loops know, I'm a huge believer in vitamins and nutrition. I've even thought about going back to school to get a degree in nutrition but I'm a little concerned about my ability to concentrate. It's bad enough I'm an author who is at the whim of my Fibro Fog but I'm able to write around my episodes. Something tells me a college professor might not care. Haha. But I digress.
This past week I've been doing a little Anti-Vitamin experiment. I've seen a lot of claims by Fibro Sufferers that vitamins do nothing for them and they feel the same on them as they do off.
My answer to them has always been. "It can't hurt. You're giving your body the vitamins it needs which in the long run can help you absorb your medicine better or give you that extra boost of energy."
But as we all know, Fibro Sufferers are very stubborn. If we want to believe something, no one will change our minds. It comes from years of having to fight doctor's and loved ones just to get a correct diagnosis. "No, I'm not crazy, something IS wrong with me."
So I decided to set my stubbornness aside and go off the vitamins for a week to see what happens. I swore to myself that I would be objective. I'd tell no one what I was doing so no one could influence me with opinions either.
At first, I have to admit, that I saw no change. I was disheartened and thought, what the hell am I taking all of these damned vitamins for if they're doing nothing!!! (Language, Gin! But I was frustrated.)
I even, sad to say, felt a little bit better. The first two days I felt the same but the 3rd and 4th day I felt awesome!
And then reality came crashing back. I burned out all the good stuff. It was as if those fantastic two days were a last ditch effort of my body. The two drops of gas before the car stalls.
I'm sitting here in front of the computer right now with frozen peas on my head to calm my raging migraine! My shoulders are killing me. My hips and knees have shooting pains and my costochondritis is acting up. I feel....horrible.
Why the hell did I do this experiment!?!
lol. Honestly, I'm glad I did. I've heard so many "bad" things about how taking vitamins made people feel worse or did nothing for them, I started to wonder if Vitamins were working for me on a strictly placebo basis. I mean I knew they were helpful for my body but...for my Fibro? There's no proof of it.
Until now. Obviously I can't speak for everyone but I can say for sure just how much my body has suffered this week+. I had no energy to write. Not in my book, not in my blog. And that is a bad sign for a writer, my friends.
It could be argued that the reason I feel horrible is that I was on vitamins so long "of course" I was going to notice their absence. But this argument, to me, is silly. Our body needs vitamins. If we don't get it through normal means then we have to pop them in pill form. Or better yet...liquid. Fibromyalgai patients have issues with absorption. Because of this, liquid vitamins is THE way to get the effect of what we're taking.
Now, all of this being said.. it's time to get to the list I've been promising.
I was talking to a nutritionist, wanting to find out what I would have to do to become one, and he recommended a book called Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.
I love this book! It was the reason I decided to do my little experiment, because the vitamin regimen is so extensive and different, I wanted to cleanse my system before introducing new things. The book lists Vitamins in the following categories: Essential, Very Important, Important, and Helpful. It also lists some herbs as well which I'll post later on.
This is a long list and it explains what each vitamin does, so I'm going to break the list up over the next few days.
Today is the ESSENTIAL Vitamins: (and they won't be what you thought!)
Supplement: Acidophilus or bifidis.
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Candida infection is common in people with fibromyalgia. Probiotics replace "friendly" bacteria destroyed by candida. (Use a non-dairy formula.)
Supplement: Coenzyme Q10
Dosage: 75mg daily
Reason: Improves oxygenation of tissues, enhances the effectiveness of the immune system, and protects the heart.
Supplement: Coenzyme A (from Coenzyme-A Technologies)
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Works with coenzyme Q10 to increase energy supply to the cells.
Supplement: Lecithin
Dosage: As directed on label with meals.
Reason: Promotes energy, enhances immunity, aids in brain function and improves circulation.
Supplement: Malic acid and Magnesium
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Involved in energy production in many cells of the body including the muscle cells. Needed for sugar metabolism.
Supplement: Manganese
Dosage: 5 mg daily. Take separately from calcium.
Reason: Influences the metabolic rate by involvement in the pituitary hypothalamic-thyroid axis.
Supplement: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (Enada)
Dosage: 10-15 mg first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Reason: Increases level of energy.
Supplement: Proteolytic enzymes or Inflazyme Forte from American Biologics or Wobenzym N from Marlyn Nutraceuticals.
Dosage: As directed on label, 6 times daily, with meals, between meals, and at bedtime.
Reason: Reduces inflammation and improves absorption of foods expecially protein, which is needed for tissue repair.
Supplement: Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids
Dosage: 25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then slowly reduce to 10,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
use with:
Supplement: Vitamin E
Dosage: 200 IU
Comment: Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.
OR
Supplement: ACES + Zn from Carlson Labs
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Contains Vitamins A, C, and E plus the minerals selenium and zinc, to protect immune function.
Supplement: Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Dosage: 5,000 - 10,000 mg daily.
Reason: Has a powerful antiviral effect and increases the body's energy level. Use a buffered form.
That is the list of essentials.
Considering I take about one of them...I figure I might have to shift things around, see if any of these supplements can help with Fibro Fog and morning stiffness and energy.
Once I get all of these things I'll keep you posted!
Remember, if you're taking a vitamin and it works for you, you shouldn't change to this list unless it is something you want to try. If headaches are big problem for you, take vitamins that will help more with headaches than general Fibro woes.
As always, my friends, be well, be positive, and have 98% days.
Best,
Gin
This past week I've been doing a little Anti-Vitamin experiment. I've seen a lot of claims by Fibro Sufferers that vitamins do nothing for them and they feel the same on them as they do off.
My answer to them has always been. "It can't hurt. You're giving your body the vitamins it needs which in the long run can help you absorb your medicine better or give you that extra boost of energy."
But as we all know, Fibro Sufferers are very stubborn. If we want to believe something, no one will change our minds. It comes from years of having to fight doctor's and loved ones just to get a correct diagnosis. "No, I'm not crazy, something IS wrong with me."
So I decided to set my stubbornness aside and go off the vitamins for a week to see what happens. I swore to myself that I would be objective. I'd tell no one what I was doing so no one could influence me with opinions either.
At first, I have to admit, that I saw no change. I was disheartened and thought, what the hell am I taking all of these damned vitamins for if they're doing nothing!!! (Language, Gin! But I was frustrated.)
I even, sad to say, felt a little bit better. The first two days I felt the same but the 3rd and 4th day I felt awesome!
And then reality came crashing back. I burned out all the good stuff. It was as if those fantastic two days were a last ditch effort of my body. The two drops of gas before the car stalls.
I'm sitting here in front of the computer right now with frozen peas on my head to calm my raging migraine! My shoulders are killing me. My hips and knees have shooting pains and my costochondritis is acting up. I feel....horrible.
Why the hell did I do this experiment!?!
lol. Honestly, I'm glad I did. I've heard so many "bad" things about how taking vitamins made people feel worse or did nothing for them, I started to wonder if Vitamins were working for me on a strictly placebo basis. I mean I knew they were helpful for my body but...for my Fibro? There's no proof of it.
Until now. Obviously I can't speak for everyone but I can say for sure just how much my body has suffered this week+. I had no energy to write. Not in my book, not in my blog. And that is a bad sign for a writer, my friends.
It could be argued that the reason I feel horrible is that I was on vitamins so long "of course" I was going to notice their absence. But this argument, to me, is silly. Our body needs vitamins. If we don't get it through normal means then we have to pop them in pill form. Or better yet...liquid. Fibromyalgai patients have issues with absorption. Because of this, liquid vitamins is THE way to get the effect of what we're taking.
Now, all of this being said.. it's time to get to the list I've been promising.
I was talking to a nutritionist, wanting to find out what I would have to do to become one, and he recommended a book called Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.
I love this book! It was the reason I decided to do my little experiment, because the vitamin regimen is so extensive and different, I wanted to cleanse my system before introducing new things. The book lists Vitamins in the following categories: Essential, Very Important, Important, and Helpful. It also lists some herbs as well which I'll post later on.
This is a long list and it explains what each vitamin does, so I'm going to break the list up over the next few days.
Today is the ESSENTIAL Vitamins: (and they won't be what you thought!)
Supplement: Acidophilus or bifidis.
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Candida infection is common in people with fibromyalgia. Probiotics replace "friendly" bacteria destroyed by candida. (Use a non-dairy formula.)
Supplement: Coenzyme Q10
Dosage: 75mg daily
Reason: Improves oxygenation of tissues, enhances the effectiveness of the immune system, and protects the heart.
Supplement: Coenzyme A (from Coenzyme-A Technologies)
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Works with coenzyme Q10 to increase energy supply to the cells.
Supplement: Lecithin
Dosage: As directed on label with meals.
Reason: Promotes energy, enhances immunity, aids in brain function and improves circulation.
Supplement: Malic acid and Magnesium
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Involved in energy production in many cells of the body including the muscle cells. Needed for sugar metabolism.
Supplement: Manganese
Dosage: 5 mg daily. Take separately from calcium.
Reason: Influences the metabolic rate by involvement in the pituitary hypothalamic-thyroid axis.
Supplement: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (Enada)
Dosage: 10-15 mg first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Reason: Increases level of energy.
Supplement: Proteolytic enzymes or Inflazyme Forte from American Biologics or Wobenzym N from Marlyn Nutraceuticals.
Dosage: As directed on label, 6 times daily, with meals, between meals, and at bedtime.
Reason: Reduces inflammation and improves absorption of foods expecially protein, which is needed for tissue repair.
Supplement: Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids
Dosage: 25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then slowly reduce to 10,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
use with:
Supplement: Vitamin E
Dosage: 200 IU
Comment: Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.
OR
Supplement: ACES + Zn from Carlson Labs
Dosage: As directed on label.
Reason: Contains Vitamins A, C, and E plus the minerals selenium and zinc, to protect immune function.
Supplement: Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Dosage: 5,000 - 10,000 mg daily.
Reason: Has a powerful antiviral effect and increases the body's energy level. Use a buffered form.
That is the list of essentials.
Considering I take about one of them...I figure I might have to shift things around, see if any of these supplements can help with Fibro Fog and morning stiffness and energy.
Once I get all of these things I'll keep you posted!
Remember, if you're taking a vitamin and it works for you, you shouldn't change to this list unless it is something you want to try. If headaches are big problem for you, take vitamins that will help more with headaches than general Fibro woes.
As always, my friends, be well, be positive, and have 98% days.
Best,
Gin
Saturday, March 21, 2009
If You're One Of My Facebook Readers...
Just a quick reminder to sign up for the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Awareness Day Event! If you haven't received an invite, email me at Fibrohelper@gmail.com or send me a message on facebook.
All My Best,
Gin
All My Best,
Gin
Friday, March 20, 2009
Reviving "The Idea"
I received an email from a new reader today, asking me about my idea that I had back in February. She liked it, and wanted to be a part of it.
She's also the first one to have noticed it and spoken to me about it.
I've pushed it way back on the Gin Train because in truth, I don't think I can do it alone. As I've mentioned before, I'm really, really busy with my writing career right now. I have three WIPs I'm working on (Works In Progress) and a novella I'm editing for publication as well as a full-length romance I'm trying to sell to an Agent. All of this while keeping The Fibro Fight blog going and keeping up with my Fibro support systems. Did I mention I am home-schooling my 4 year old? I've bitten off the side of my house and I'm trying to chew it.
Being busy, though, keeps me from feeling sorry for myself. It keeps me from focusing on the negative aspects of my Fibromyalgia which in turn makes my Fibro feel better. Win/Win!
Okay so...what idea am I talking about?
In February I was discussing mourning the life we had. How I hated that term really and wanted everyone to turn their focus away from what they don't have anymore to what they could have.
"I thought about opening an online shop where other Fibro patients who crafted things at home, sewed clothes, made toys, made jewelry, etc could all come together and sell their wares while raising Fibro Awareness. I thought about Fibro Patients who don't craft, coming along and helping others at flea markets, state faires... as well as other venues by writing up pamphlets, baking goods, managing the online stores. I had this idea...but haven't acted on it yet because I've been busy with my writing but I haven't given up on it. Myself and other Fibro sufferers could really get this off the ground and make something out of it so we could travel, have fun, bring awareness about our condition, demand answers by being in the limelight."
That was a rough outline of my idea. Now, even though only one person has expressed an interest, I have a fire under my generous backside to give it a shot. It'll take me a while to get things up and running due to time restrictions but hey, I won't always be busy and I'll just have to schedule my time better.
YOU can help too.
Why would you want to? No matter what your angle, your level of expertise, your level of involvement, I can guarantee you that you'll feel better being involved in something that is "big picture" in the fight against Fibromyalgia ignorance.
You don't have to be a knitter, a toy maker, a jewelry designer to help.
We need lots of things to get started. People who want to help advertise, to recruit Fibro patients who ARE crafty and want to work from home, to help with design decisions, to help schedule events in different states, to keep up with The Fibro Fight roster, to keep up with the websites and blogs (facebook, myspace, twitter, etc).
There is SO much to do in order to get the idea off the ground that anyone involved will be kept busy.
Have an area of expertise (i.e. web design, marketing, a craft)? I'd love to hear from you.
You don't have to have Fibro to be involved either. If you have a loved one who has Fibro and just want to help you're just as welcome as Fibro Patients.
This is an idea in the infant stages. I have no idea if I can actually pull it off solo. But I know WE could.
If you're interested, send me an email at FibroHelper@gmail.com. If I get enough response we'll get cracking!
Tomorrow I'll be posting that promised list of Fibro Helping vitamins. Honest!
::Laughs::
Spread the word, My Friends, and as always...have a 98% day!
All my best,
Gin
**Disclaimer on all typos! I type too much to be accurate. ::wink::
She's also the first one to have noticed it and spoken to me about it.
I've pushed it way back on the Gin Train because in truth, I don't think I can do it alone. As I've mentioned before, I'm really, really busy with my writing career right now. I have three WIPs I'm working on (Works In Progress) and a novella I'm editing for publication as well as a full-length romance I'm trying to sell to an Agent. All of this while keeping The Fibro Fight blog going and keeping up with my Fibro support systems. Did I mention I am home-schooling my 4 year old? I've bitten off the side of my house and I'm trying to chew it.
Being busy, though, keeps me from feeling sorry for myself. It keeps me from focusing on the negative aspects of my Fibromyalgia which in turn makes my Fibro feel better. Win/Win!
Okay so...what idea am I talking about?
In February I was discussing mourning the life we had. How I hated that term really and wanted everyone to turn their focus away from what they don't have anymore to what they could have.
"I thought about opening an online shop where other Fibro patients who crafted things at home, sewed clothes, made toys, made jewelry, etc could all come together and sell their wares while raising Fibro Awareness. I thought about Fibro Patients who don't craft, coming along and helping others at flea markets, state faires... as well as other venues by writing up pamphlets, baking goods, managing the online stores. I had this idea...but haven't acted on it yet because I've been busy with my writing but I haven't given up on it. Myself and other Fibro sufferers could really get this off the ground and make something out of it so we could travel, have fun, bring awareness about our condition, demand answers by being in the limelight."
That was a rough outline of my idea. Now, even though only one person has expressed an interest, I have a fire under my generous backside to give it a shot. It'll take me a while to get things up and running due to time restrictions but hey, I won't always be busy and I'll just have to schedule my time better.
YOU can help too.
Why would you want to? No matter what your angle, your level of expertise, your level of involvement, I can guarantee you that you'll feel better being involved in something that is "big picture" in the fight against Fibromyalgia ignorance.
You don't have to be a knitter, a toy maker, a jewelry designer to help.
We need lots of things to get started. People who want to help advertise, to recruit Fibro patients who ARE crafty and want to work from home, to help with design decisions, to help schedule events in different states, to keep up with The Fibro Fight roster, to keep up with the websites and blogs (facebook, myspace, twitter, etc).
There is SO much to do in order to get the idea off the ground that anyone involved will be kept busy.
Have an area of expertise (i.e. web design, marketing, a craft)? I'd love to hear from you.
You don't have to have Fibro to be involved either. If you have a loved one who has Fibro and just want to help you're just as welcome as Fibro Patients.
This is an idea in the infant stages. I have no idea if I can actually pull it off solo. But I know WE could.
If you're interested, send me an email at FibroHelper@gmail.com. If I get enough response we'll get cracking!
Tomorrow I'll be posting that promised list of Fibro Helping vitamins. Honest!
::Laughs::
Spread the word, My Friends, and as always...have a 98% day!
All my best,
Gin
**Disclaimer on all typos! I type too much to be accurate. ::wink::
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Know Thy Enemy
This is the fourth draft of this blog post, which is a first for me. I don't usually rein myself in. I just post and leave it as is. But under the title "know thy enemy" I began to digress, a lot. I had so much information and personal opinion that I don't think anyone would have read the novel.
So I'm going to try to break up my thoughts a bit and stick to the basics.
Our enemy is Fibromyalgia.
The biggest problems with Fibro are:
-Fatigue
-Body Pain
-Digestive health
-Female (hormonal) issues
-Migraines
-Allergies
There are many other "sub" issues but for now, I'm sticking with this list of problems to use in my example.
I spoke last time about knowing yourself and your symptoms.
Once you know the symptoms that plague you the most you have to do a lot of research. Find out everything there is about the symptoms and what else besides Fibro they could be. Just because we have Fibro doesn't mean everything is related to it. (Although as most of us find out after a bunch of tests...it usually is "just Fibro".) We always have to error on the side of caution though.
Then you have to start your treatments. Let's take IBS for example. First you have to make sure there is nothing wrong with your intestines, your liver, your kidneys, your stomach, or your colon. Once all of that is determined in working order, you then have to start working on the treatment of IBS itself. Dramatic dieting? Pill popping before every meal? A little bit of both?Whatever works best for you. For me, my treatment was dieting. I ate a lot of zucchini bread, sour dough muffins, and chicken with rice. I couldn't step outside of that for months. If I did, I was sick again.
But one day, I treated myself for a yeast infection and my IBS started to improve. It's been over a week now and I was able to eat a hamburger and... Taco Bell!! (Not that I should have, mind you. Slipping once I showed improvement could have put me right back at the starting gate and is not a smart move. Still.. Taco Bell is my Achilles Heel and after four days of solid movements, I made a run for the border.)
Why did this work for me? Is there some link between IBS and yeast infections that come and go often with me ever since giving birth to my daughter? I don't know. I'm in full research mode to find out why my body reacted the way it did.
This is what everyone should do. The moment something starts to make you feel sick, you do research. If you stumble on something that makes you feel better...you do research.
This is KEY to knowing how Fibro affects YOU PERSONALLY.
The more research I do, the more I realize the intricate web that surrounds the deviant core of Fibromyalgia. Our conditions are as different as our fingerprints and yet the things that we feel relate so well to one another.
What does this mean?
There are too many variables for advice to be universal. What works for one person could harm another. We can learn from others and try what works for them for ourselves but we have to keep in mind that someones regimen of diet, exercise, vitamins, supplements, pharm drugs has a lottery chance of working for us.
There are other factors to Fibromyalgia that you won't find anywhere on the internet except here. The condition in which you keep your body, and the determination you have to fight it.
Those are two factors that most Fighters do not take into consideration. You can have Fibromyalgia and be seeking treatment, but if you're allowing your depression to bring you down, you're doing as much harm as good. The medications you take are locking horns with your lack of hope and depression and poor health habits.
You can take all the medications you want but they'll have little to no affect without the right attitude, the right inspiration, and the determination to get better. These factors are the key to success when learning about how to fight YOUR Fibro.
Having said all of this, those of you who know me know that I have to say despite the "Fight Fibro Your Way" message here, that I still believe whole-heartedly that in order to Fight Fibro successfully, you must make sure your body is well armored.
Take your vitamins, eat better, exercise a little. Give your body the leg-up in the form of being full of vitamin goodness.
As always, my friends, I'm here to help, encourage, answer questions and give some head-smackings when needed...taking my own as they come as well.
You are my inspiration to keep up the 98% days, and I thank you all.
My best,
Gin
So I'm going to try to break up my thoughts a bit and stick to the basics.
Our enemy is Fibromyalgia.
The biggest problems with Fibro are:
-Fatigue
-Body Pain
-Digestive health
-Female (hormonal) issues
-Migraines
-Allergies
There are many other "sub" issues but for now, I'm sticking with this list of problems to use in my example.
I spoke last time about knowing yourself and your symptoms.
Once you know the symptoms that plague you the most you have to do a lot of research. Find out everything there is about the symptoms and what else besides Fibro they could be. Just because we have Fibro doesn't mean everything is related to it. (Although as most of us find out after a bunch of tests...it usually is "just Fibro".) We always have to error on the side of caution though.
Then you have to start your treatments. Let's take IBS for example. First you have to make sure there is nothing wrong with your intestines, your liver, your kidneys, your stomach, or your colon. Once all of that is determined in working order, you then have to start working on the treatment of IBS itself. Dramatic dieting? Pill popping before every meal? A little bit of both?Whatever works best for you. For me, my treatment was dieting. I ate a lot of zucchini bread, sour dough muffins, and chicken with rice. I couldn't step outside of that for months. If I did, I was sick again.
But one day, I treated myself for a yeast infection and my IBS started to improve. It's been over a week now and I was able to eat a hamburger and... Taco Bell!! (Not that I should have, mind you. Slipping once I showed improvement could have put me right back at the starting gate and is not a smart move. Still.. Taco Bell is my Achilles Heel and after four days of solid movements, I made a run for the border.)
Why did this work for me? Is there some link between IBS and yeast infections that come and go often with me ever since giving birth to my daughter? I don't know. I'm in full research mode to find out why my body reacted the way it did.
This is what everyone should do. The moment something starts to make you feel sick, you do research. If you stumble on something that makes you feel better...you do research.
This is KEY to knowing how Fibro affects YOU PERSONALLY.
The more research I do, the more I realize the intricate web that surrounds the deviant core of Fibromyalgia. Our conditions are as different as our fingerprints and yet the things that we feel relate so well to one another.
What does this mean?
There are too many variables for advice to be universal. What works for one person could harm another. We can learn from others and try what works for them for ourselves but we have to keep in mind that someones regimen of diet, exercise, vitamins, supplements, pharm drugs has a lottery chance of working for us.
There are other factors to Fibromyalgia that you won't find anywhere on the internet except here. The condition in which you keep your body, and the determination you have to fight it.
Those are two factors that most Fighters do not take into consideration. You can have Fibromyalgia and be seeking treatment, but if you're allowing your depression to bring you down, you're doing as much harm as good. The medications you take are locking horns with your lack of hope and depression and poor health habits.
You can take all the medications you want but they'll have little to no affect without the right attitude, the right inspiration, and the determination to get better. These factors are the key to success when learning about how to fight YOUR Fibro.
Having said all of this, those of you who know me know that I have to say despite the "Fight Fibro Your Way" message here, that I still believe whole-heartedly that in order to Fight Fibro successfully, you must make sure your body is well armored.
Take your vitamins, eat better, exercise a little. Give your body the leg-up in the form of being full of vitamin goodness.
As always, my friends, I'm here to help, encourage, answer questions and give some head-smackings when needed...taking my own as they come as well.
You are my inspiration to keep up the 98% days, and I thank you all.
My best,
Gin
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New Poll!
I'm sorry I was away for so long. It'll happen from time to time when I must edit or go to conferences or when I get "Migraine Week" about twice a year.
In my down time away from the Internet, I do a lot of reading. I've learned of some new vitamins that could really help out fibro patients that I don't already take. I'm going to be tweaking my regimen and I'm going to share it with you.
Also, an update on my war against IBS! I'm doing really, really well. I actually ate a cheeseburger for the first time in months. Not one to take advantage of feeling great, I plan to keep eating healthier...but it is nice to know I can splurge a little once in a while.
I've put a new poll up that will last until the end of the month. I'm kind of curious to find out who my readers are and where they are with their treatment. I'm doing this to make sure I'm covering material for all of my readers and not just a portion of them.
I have a few all chemical readers who must be bored to death of my constant "take vitamins" bit. If I find chemical fibro fighters are gaining in numbers here, I'll do my best to add more chemical content.
My goal is to keep everyone as informed as possible while touting the natural treatments for those of us unable or unwilling to go chemical BUT it is also just as important to make those who have no choice but to take prescription meds daily, comfortable with the conversations that go on here.
Besides, if they offered a "get rid of Fibro" pill tomorrow...I'd throw my back out jumping at them. haha!
So help me out, let me know what natural percentage you are. And for the record I'm 90%. When my headaches come around, there's not much I wouldn't do to make them go away!
I missed you all. Hope to see and hear from you soon.
As always, have a 98% day!
Gin
In my down time away from the Internet, I do a lot of reading. I've learned of some new vitamins that could really help out fibro patients that I don't already take. I'm going to be tweaking my regimen and I'm going to share it with you.
Also, an update on my war against IBS! I'm doing really, really well. I actually ate a cheeseburger for the first time in months. Not one to take advantage of feeling great, I plan to keep eating healthier...but it is nice to know I can splurge a little once in a while.
I've put a new poll up that will last until the end of the month. I'm kind of curious to find out who my readers are and where they are with their treatment. I'm doing this to make sure I'm covering material for all of my readers and not just a portion of them.
I have a few all chemical readers who must be bored to death of my constant "take vitamins" bit. If I find chemical fibro fighters are gaining in numbers here, I'll do my best to add more chemical content.
My goal is to keep everyone as informed as possible while touting the natural treatments for those of us unable or unwilling to go chemical BUT it is also just as important to make those who have no choice but to take prescription meds daily, comfortable with the conversations that go on here.
Besides, if they offered a "get rid of Fibro" pill tomorrow...I'd throw my back out jumping at them. haha!
So help me out, let me know what natural percentage you are. And for the record I'm 90%. When my headaches come around, there's not much I wouldn't do to make them go away!
I missed you all. Hope to see and hear from you soon.
As always, have a 98% day!
Gin
Friday, March 13, 2009
The poll results for the anti-depressant questionnaire were rather interesting. The majority of people who took them felt they helped their symptoms a little but left other symptoms untouched. Most of the symptoms that were missed were pain related and most who found the A-D meds to be a little helpful wouldn't want to take another one.
Sometimes the side-effects outweigh the benefits but not to everyone. And although there are many of us who had bad reactions to A-Ds and never want to try another again, I would caution everyone not to discount the advancements in medicine every year.
I know that sounds a little weird coming from me. Haha. But keep in mind, I don't plan to be the Guinea pig. Ya'll can go first and if it works for you... ::winks::
Thanks to everyone who participated in this poll. I will be putting up another one either today or within the next few days.
I'm a bit bogged down at the moment, I apologize for the erratic postings. For the next few days I'll be a smidgen busy so you may not see me. Depends on if I have internet access.
Hope everyone is having a 98% day!
All my best,
Gin
Sometimes the side-effects outweigh the benefits but not to everyone. And although there are many of us who had bad reactions to A-Ds and never want to try another again, I would caution everyone not to discount the advancements in medicine every year.
I know that sounds a little weird coming from me. Haha. But keep in mind, I don't plan to be the Guinea pig. Ya'll can go first and if it works for you... ::winks::
Thanks to everyone who participated in this poll. I will be putting up another one either today or within the next few days.
I'm a bit bogged down at the moment, I apologize for the erratic postings. For the next few days I'll be a smidgen busy so you may not see me. Depends on if I have internet access.
Hope everyone is having a 98% day!
All my best,
Gin
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