Posts from — July 2009

Hi Fibro Friends,

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

Dear Fibro Friends,

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