Best advice is to stay indoors when the temperature drops below freezing. But alas, we are social beings and do venture into the tundra during the Winter, especially during the holiday season.

Sooo… keep your face covered! Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or face mask.  I cannot emphasize enough how important this small practice is!

Lungs, skin, sinus sytem can be compromised when freezing air is breathed in. Sure the air is warmed internally but allergy, sinus or asthma issues may arise instantly and send you to bed for the remainder of the day or night, even keep you low the following day.  It’s not worth the risk showing off our lovely face in this weather.  I know. Every Winter I’m covered head to toe when I travel outdoors.  I dress appropriately. It makes a difference!  Try it yourself and see if you notice a change.  Hope this tip helps you.

You Friend,

Cheryl

Dr. Mike Swierczynski is back explaining a bit about a great tool that has had success with chronic pain suffer’s. Hope this information helps your November to end on a high note!

Low-Level Laser Therapy

This is how LLLT works:  low-level lasers supply energy to the body in the form of non-thermal or non-heat photons of light.  This light is transmitted through the skin’s layers at all wavelengths in the visible range.  It is the light waves in the near infrared ranges that penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum.  When low level laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune responses of our blood.  This has both an anti-inflammatory and an immuno-stimulant effect. 

Unlike surgical lasers, low level laser therapy does not produce heat or damage tissues thus, the name cold laser therapy.  Typically when the device is placed on the skin or body part, the person receiving the treatment does not feel anything.  If the unit is placed directly over a superficial nerve, one might feel a slight tingling sensation. 

The possible benefits of low-level laser therapy include:

·           Relief of acute or chronic pain (pain management)

·            Increased blood flow to an injured or painful area

·            Reduced inflammation or swelling

·            Promotes faster healing

·           Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue

Until next Tip,

Your Friend,

Cheryl

Today I am interacting with you special individuals and will begin to call you Friends. Not Fibro Friends! But Friends.  The reason for this change in terminology is quite important.  If we are to succeed in eliminating this syndrome from our bodies we MUST make a clear distinction that Fibromyalgia is NOT US. It is it’s own entity and We are not IT!  Fibromyalgia, for reasons unknown to the medical community, is simply passing through our bodies. If we claim it as our own we perform a disservice to ourselves and give the syndrome power.  We may even begin to use the malady as a benefit to have folks wait on us or not take the needed action to eliminate Fibromyalgia from our bodies completely!  The extreme can lead to depression or seriously enhance a disorder we are already challenged with.

We must take action to eliminate Fibromyalgia and restore our healthy immune system! The action taken may be different from another person and must be followed diligently.  Read some of my past blogs comments for helpful information to enhance the quality of your life and rid yourself of Fibromyalgia.

Your Friend,

Cheryl

As of today this blog will provide massive support for Fibromyalgia only.  I care so very much for CFS sufferers but I am unable to give you the attention you deserve on this blog.  My intention when I originally created this site was to provide successful benefits for readers.  Providing Fibromyalgia aid will maintain the integrity of this site as a number One Fibromyalgia blog on the Internet.  Thank you loyal readers.

Dr. Mike Swierczynski is back with the following important detoxification information to help fibromyalgia sufferer’s clean their bodies of toxins. I have followed this plan and have not only felt better but also eliminated some weight as well!  Thank you Dr. Mike! You are sooo caring!

As I mentioned earlier, there are many different types of detox programs available on the market but, if the program is too complicated or too long, most people have a difficult time following it or sticking to it.  If you decide not to try a “formal” program, you can incorporate your own detox program by following these simple guidelines:

·        Eat as “clean” as possible.  Cut out all junk type foods such as any packaged snacks.

·        You should increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains (but limit the amount of grains you eat).

·        Increase your intake of water.  The typical recommendation is to drink 8 glasses of water per day but if you are detoxing, I would increase to around 10 or so.

·        Eat more natural foods. 

·        If you don’t exercise, begin a gentle but consistent walking program for the week.  If you do exercise, keep doing so.

·        You should limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, to one to two small serving per day. I like to recommend consuming only around 4 - 5 ounces.

·        Cut back on your protein (eggs, meat) intake. Protein contains ammonia, which must be filtered by the liver and with this detox, we are trying to “clean out” the liver.

·        Add a fiber product such as psyllium husk into your diet.   

·        Avoid refined sugars should be avoided, including cookies, crackers and other foods in a bag or box to decrease stimulation of insulin secretion during the detox. Also, stay away from artificial sweeteners and MSG, a common additive, and any other ingredients that do not occur naturally in foods to avoid additional stress on the liver.

·        Avoid processed foods – such as luncheon/deli meats, white bread and most cheeses.

·        Avoid soft drinks (soda / cola) – soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar and phosphoric acid which can affect the pH balance in our digestive tract.   Soft drinks (even sugar-free) also leach calcium from our bodies.  

·        Avoid fruit juices because they too usually contain a large amount of sugar. 

·        Avoid hydrogenated oils or Trans fats.  

These are just some of the suggestion you can implement to help detox your body whether you try a “formal” program or just your own detox.  For overall health, many of these recommendations should be followed anyway, regardless if you are detoxing or not.  

Dr. Mike Swierczynski

For starters, thank goodness clinical information regarding Fibromyalgia medical research is readily available!  In my opinion this equates to “so many people are suffering with this condition researchers are finally being provided funding to spend the necessary time and energy for testing, surveys, physician reports, studies from universities and miscellaneous facilities etc.”

What you and I and our families must keep in mind is not all Fibromyalgia information in print is reliable or completely accurate.  Many articles printed in well known blogs and articles are vague about where the research was performed or who provided the information. Was it pulled from under someone’s white gown?  We must, as this condition dictates much of our daily routine, be careful not to believe everything we read. We need to understand how our own bodies are affected by Fibromyalgia.

I recently read an article that Fibromyalgia sufferers do not experience bodily swelling.  I for one can only wonder why my fingers become tight and stiff in cold or humidity.  Why the glass drops from my hand suddenly without explanation! Some physicians are still promoting it’s either an immune

system disorder or all in the head!  

As mentioned, we must understand how our own bodies are affected by Fibromyalgia!  We must be responsible for own health improvements!  

Currently the tide has changed to the belief Fibromyalgia stems from a Central Nervous System disorder and not included in the Rheumatoid Arthritis category.  I tend to follow this theory. But in no way will this diagnosis change the methods that work to improve my daily quality of life.  I know my body! I understand what relieves pain (even if it’s just a little)!  I know if I eat particular food or beverages how my body will react with Fibromyalgia.

If anything can be said to help relieve you from some of your suffering is “TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR BODY”.   If Caffeine causes your Fibromyalgia to act up, stop using Caffeine!  If elevating your head at night helps relieve dizziness, headache or neck pain, elevate your head!  If one muscle relaxer can do the trick, talk with your physician and take only one instead of the 3 a day prescribed.  It will help you be more functional during the day.  Please do not rely on your physician, chiropractor or other healthcare professional to cure your Fibromyalgia!  Yes, receive treatment that aids you. But train yourself to be aware of what triggers your worse episodes and try to

combine treatment and your own bodily knowledge to become a Fibromyalgia Survivor! 

Your Fibro Friend,

Cheryl

It’s July! It’s summer! One would think the stiffness from Fibromyalgia

would be less painful with the warmer weather! Think again.  Numerous Fibro

sufferers feel as though their limbs are swollen. The body part actually turns red!

We still do not understand why. But I can tell you without hesitation stretching

the limb or your entire body WILL help you to become more flexible and in doing so Will lessen your pain!

Our bodies were created to move!  Stretching helps the blood flow into your limbs, increasing circulation. This is a good thing!  If you keep up on your stretching your body will thank you! Your flexibility will improve!  The walk to opposite side of the house will become easier.

Stretch Gently and Slowly.  No body building endurance exercises needed.  Be Positive! Yes it will hurt. 

But you will increase your ability to move again!    

Upon completion of your stretches, reward yourself with a cool drink.  I mix cran-raspberry and orange juices together for a delightful fresh thirst quenching beverage.  As always Water is the beverage of choice. Drink a cold one J  Good luck to you!

Your Fibro Friend,

Cheryl

Dr. Mike is back with an outstanding article explaining the use of Cold Therapy Treatment for Fibromyalgia trigger points!  Thank you Dr. Mike!  We sincerely appreciate your Fibromyalgia articles. You certainly are a caring leading edge physcian!

Fibro Tender Points and Cold Laser Therapy

As a fibromyalgia sufferer, you know how painful fibromyalgia tender points can be.  As a treating fibromyalgia physician, I can tell you that administering to fibromyalgia tender points can be quite challenging.  In my private practice, one of the most successful “weapons” for treating fibromyalgia tender points in some FMS sufferers is what is called; cold laser therapy or low light laser therapy (LLLT).  This type of therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation in the tender points and the surrounding area.

Low light laser therapy (specifically the one I use) is non-thermal.  Non-thermal means it does not produce heat (thus the name, cold laser).  The light penetrates through the skin into the tender point tissue.  This penetration of the light helps speed up cellular repair by increasing the lymphatic and vascular systems.  By increasing the vascular system, more blood is brought to the area, which promotes more oxygen to the area and more nutrients to nourish the muscles.  Often times, this leads to a reduction in pain.

When the laser (which looks like a small flashlight) is applied, the patient typically feels nothing, making this type of therapy very comfortable.  This type of treatment does not help in every situation but a high percentage of fibro sufferers get at least some relief.  Seeing that cold laser therapy or LLLT is non-invasive and comfortable over the tender points, it is definitely worth trying. 

Dr. Mike Swierczynski, DC, MS

Readers: Please ask your questions and/or add suggestions regarding this treatment in the comments section of this blog. 

Thank goodness summer is here! 

For Fibromyalgia/CFS sufferer’s it could be a blessing or a curse.  I do realize summer is not a Fibro or CFS’s  best friend.  Follow a few easy tips and help your daily quality of life improve:

- Turn on your air conditioner when the humidity arrives.  It will entail a higher electric bill but also heighten your good spirits!  Feel better and don’t feel guilty. You are important!

- Slide into a slightly warm pool or bathtub.  If the water is to cool it may likely exasperate burning and itching. If it is to warm the same is true. 

- If your daily activity will involve being outdoors for a few hours bring along a

thermos filled with ice chips.  Your improved heat tolerance will be worth it!

- Water is the best beverage you can drink and pour over your burning throbbing feet if you will be spending time outdoors during the day OR evening.

 - If you have delicate eyes that are extra sensitive to light like I do, Sunglasses are a must for Fibromyalgia and CFS sufferers.  Make sure they block the UVA rays. This applies to prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Cheap sunglasses may cost you less. But you will pay much more with your discomfort and pain.

I hope these tips will start your summer off  with a higher daily quality of life.

Your Fibro Friend,

Cheryl 

As Memorial Day kicks off the first phase of Summer, hopefully this article may be of use to someone kicking off your first Fibromyalgia information.  It’s very simple get to first base Fibromyalgia basics:

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that has been studied from as early as the 1800s. It has been referred by various names in different medical literatures like rheumatism and fibrositis. There are various symptoms that point out to the fact that the patient might be suffering from this disease. It includes the following:

• Chronic and wide spread pain that spreads throughout the body. The body becomes very sensitive and the patient feels pain even when touched.
• There is constant fatigue and lack of stamina in the patients.
• Patients suffering from this condition might also suffer from allodynia i.e. they feel extreme pain even when they are touched (skin becomes hypersensitive).
• Tingling of the skin, a constant ache in the muscles followed by spasms is a common fixture.
• Patients also complain about weakness in limbs and severe nerve pain. They may also develop severe muscle spasms frequently.
• Patients suffer from sleep disturbances where their deep sleep is punctuated with sudden phases of wakefulness. Chronic sleep disturbances are very common among patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
• Under extreme situations, patients find it hard to concentrate on any particular activity; some of them also suffer from short term memory loss. This is caused by the disturbances in sleep and that makes the patient even more fatigued.
• The aforesaid symptoms seem to get aggravated or rather heightened when the patient falls sick to certain other illness. Changes of weather can also trigger off these reactions.
• Increased psychosocial stress can also trigger off or may aggravate the condition in the patients. Other factors include changes in barometric pressure and humidity. Excessive physical exertion can also lead to the reappearance of the symptoms.

So what are the causes or rather the factors behind this disease? The answer is debated among doctors and researchers working in this field. Most researchers are of this opinion that this is a type of comorbid disease. A comorbid disease is a kind of illness that occurs in tandem with some other illness. So fibromyalgia is believed to occur in combination with some other disorder of the human body. There is a lot of speculation among the scientists regarding the type of disease that triggers fibromyalgia. One possible triggering disease is the irritability of bowel.

Most of the researchers in this field have found that people suffering from fibromyalgia have been or are suffering from irritability of bowel for a long time. Most of the researchers are also of the opinion that some other disorder occurs first, and fibromyalgia follows as a consequence of the other disorder. Most of the times the original disorder may get cured by clinical treatment but the condition of fibromyalgia persist. For example people who suffer from surgery related trauma acquire fibromyalgia as well. Although the trauma of surgery may abate after a few months, the condition of fibromyalgia still persists.

There is no universally acclaimed cure to this disease but there are a plethora of complementary and alternative drugs available that claim to provide temporary relief. There are pain relief tablets and pills that give temporary relief but no medicine provides long term benefit and cure.

Read my other posts for more indepth and helpful info to aid in improving your daily  quality of life.

Your fibro/cfs Friend,

Cheryl