Category Archives: Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia research links 2010

fibro1I am a fibromyalgia sufferer who relies on alternative and complementary medicine, rather than pharmaceuticals.  This is because I have multiple food, chemical and drug allergies and decided years ago that suffering through side effects was not for me. I keep watch on all the research that’s done every year and when treatment options don’t include pharmaceuticals I try them to see if they will provide relief from the inflammation and pain.  I also keep watch for alternative and complementary medicine research pertaining to the many associated conditions.

Causes of fibromyalgia are not known

The condition produces vague symptoms that may be associated with diminished blood flow to certain parts of the brain and increased amounts of substance P, which is thought to be a sensory neurotransmitter involved in the communication of pain, touch, and temperature from the body to the brain. Researchers have identified several other possible fibromyalgia causes, including the following:

  • Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
  • Chronic sleep disorders
  • Emotional stress or trauma
  • Immune or endocrine system dysfunction
  • Upper spinal cord injury
  • Viral or bacterial infection

Alternative therapies and treatments work to heal your total being, which is why some fibromyalgia patients opt for them in treating their widespread symptoms. A variety of alternative options may ease your fibromyalgia pain—from acupuncture and biofeedback to herbal supplements and massage to yoga and meditation.

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from fibromyalgia, you should be aware of the new research developments involving your disorder. The more you know about fibromyalgia, the better equipped you’ll be to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Fibromyalgia research links 2010

High Rate of Restless Legs Syndrome Found in Adults With Fibromyalgia
October 15, 2010:  A new study finds that adults with fibromyalgia had a much higher prevalence and risk of restless legs syndrome than healthy controls. The study suggests that treating RLS may improve sleep and may improve sleep and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Yoga Can Counteract Fibromyalgia, Study Suggests
October 14, 2010 — Yoga exercises may have the power to combat the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia — a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain. The research is being published in the November 10 online edition of the journal Pain and will appear online on Oct. 14.

Adolescents With Fibromyalgia Who Are Physically Active Report Lower Levels of Pain and Disability
September 19, 2010: Adolescents with fibromyalgia who are physically active report lower levels of pain and disability,

How Badly Does It Hurt? Research Examines the Biomedical Diagnosis of Pain
August 28, 2010:  Sociology research investigates the challenges of patients experiencing pain symptoms that don’t visibly turn up on any tests. Research out of the University of Cincinnati is examining the diagnosis of pain that evades scientific testing, and the additional emotional suffering that can result for the patient.

New Principle Discovered for How Muscle Pain Is Signaled
July 19, 2010:  Chronic muscular pain may be linked to a previously unknown principle for how pain signals are transmitted in the human body.

Obesity Associated With Increased Risk of Fibromyalgia
May 4, 2010:  Researchers in Norway have found an association between the level of leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. The research team also identified BMI as an independent risk factor for fibromyalgia.

New Reliable Method Based on Patients’ Gait Helps to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
April 30, 2010:  A researcher from Spain has designed a reliable method that — combined with the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Reumathology — helps to diagnose fibromyalgia on the basis of of patients’ walk parameters, i.e. their gait.

Study Highlights New Way to Diagnose Fibromyalgia
May 27, 2010: To test the new criteria, the researchers conducted a multi-center study of 829 people who had fibromyalgia and a control group of people who had other pain disorders. The researchers found that the combination of the pain index, number of symptoms, and severity of symptoms provided the most accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis. The researchers reported that the new criteria will correctly diagnose more than 88% of people with fibromyalgia—and that’s without a tender point examination. — The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity

Fibromyalgia Affects Mental Health of Those Diagnosed and Their Spouses, Study Finds
April 30, 2010 — Researchers are examining how the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can affect marriages. Initial findings reveal that diagnosed spouses have considerably higher levels of depressive symptoms and pain and report more marital instability and anger than their spouses. For both spouses, the symptoms can trigger increased emotional withdrawal and mental strain.

Exercise Reduces Pain Perceptions in Fibromyalgia Patients
April 1, 2010:  People with fibromyalgia can experience debilitating pain—and that can erase any motivation to exercise. But what this study shows is that 30 minutes a day of moderate activity can make a difference in how you perceive pain. –  Effects of lifestyle physical activity on perceived symptoms and physical function in adults with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized trial

Cannabis-based Drug Improves Sleep in Fibromyalgia Patients
February 24, 2010: Sleep problems are common in people with chronic pain disorders—and fibromyalgia is no exception. There are a number of medications that may treat sleep problems associated with fibromyalgia, and anti-depressants are among the most common. But new study findings may change that—a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone (marketed as Cesamet) relieved sleep disturbances better than the anti-depressant amitriptyline (Elavil).  – The Effects of Nabilone on Sleep in Fibromyalgia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Savella Gets Good Marks for Treating Fibromyalgia
February 22, 2010: In both studies, 52% of patients taking 100 mg of Savella and 56% of those taking 200 mg of Savella reported a reduction in pain. This is compared with 40% to 42% of the participants taking a placebo. Overall, the patients in the Savella group experienced better pain control, compared to the placebo group.–  AAPM: Drug for Fibromyalgia Boosts Multiple Outcomes

Fibromyalgia Pain Relief: Is It All in Your Lungs?
February 1, 2010: This is important because it highlights the link between emotional pain and physical pain. Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from depression and anxiety, which only exacerbates their physical pain. On the other hand, this study also shows that a positive mental state helps stave off physical pain. — The effects of slow breathing on affective responses to pain stimuli: An experimental study

Yoga, Aging, Intimacy & Sexuality

thekissTouching is a vital human need and an essential ingredient for healthy relationships. Studies have shown that without touching, many animals – including humans – will die in childhood. Being caressed also lowers blood pressure and releases natural opiates in the brain, as well as the chemical oxytocin, which is essential for human pair-bonding.

Sexuality and Intimacy

A lack of sexual intimacy can destroy a couple, and if you value your relationship,  focusing on creating deeper intimacy with your partner could be the best investment you ever make in your relationship. In successful relationships, couples learn to adapt and change together. They accept that change is an inevitable part of human life and support each other. Change due to illness and aging can provide opportunities for growth and intimacy.  It may mean adjusting to a new way of thinking, letting go of things that have been familiar and safe, and adopting a new approach.

Sexuality and aging

Middle-aged and older adults no longer accept such myths as “Sex is only for young people” and “Sex isn’t important to older adults.” A study conducted by AARP, “Sexuality at Midlife and Beyond,” illustrates this. These are some of the findings:

  • Five out of six of the respondents disagreed with the statement that “Sex is only for younger people.”
  • Six out of 10 people stated that sexual activity was a crucial part of a good relationship.
  • Only 10% of adults reported that they don’t particularly enjoy sex, and just 12% agreed that they would be quite happy never having sex again.  Source:  Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond

Greater experience, fewer inhibitions, and a deeper understanding of your needs and those of your partner can more than compensate for the consequences of aging. The physical changes of aging can provide an impetus for developing a new and satisfying style of lovemaking. When partners harmonize their breath and bodies, an effortless sense of intimacy is established.

Sexuality and Yoga

Yoga through its various asanas and breathing techniques help one relieve stress and relax and revitalize one’s body.  Selected yoga asanas increase flexibility and stamina and the regular practice of them can redefine your sex life at any age.  Unlike the western focus on single orgasms,  tantric  sex focuses on the benefits of prolonging the sex act for more intimacy, more and better orgasms,  and for health benefits.

Aside from the obvious physical benefits Arthur Jeon, author of Sex, Love and Dharma: Finding Love Without Losing Your Way maintains that a regular yoga practice adds to your sex life in a variety of ways.  Yoga can enhance your connection to the muladhara (root) chakra at the perineum and the base of the spine, and the svadisthana chakra of the hips, sacrum, and genitals, a connection that makes you more receptive and stimulates your libido.

Related post: Kegel Exercises are Sexy

Sleep better and improve your sex life with yoga -  a 2004 clinical study at Harvard Medical School showed that just eight weeks of a simple at-home yoga practice significantly improved sleep quality for the toughest audience — chronic insomniacs.  It’s a simple exercise to connect the dots — practice yoga, sleep better, have more sex and better orgasms. Recommended asanas – Upavista Konasana (Wide Straddle Forward Bend) and Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose, also known as Cobbler’s Pose).

In a small preliminary study published in Journal of Sexual Medicine, Feb. 2010, women ages 22 to 55 who were enrolled in a 12-week yoga program experienced improvements in several aspects of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. For one hour a day, the women practiced 22 yoga postures (asanas) believed to have positive effects on abdominal and pelvic muscle tone, digestion, joint function, and mood. The specific asanas used in the study are listed in the chart below.

Yoga postures (asanas) breathing  exercises  & bandhas
Sanskrit name Also known as
kapalabhati -cleansing exercise cleansing breath
vajrasana diamond throne
yoga mudra symbol of yoga
marjariasana cat’s posture
pavanmuktasana hanging in the air
viparita karani mudra legs up the wall
matsyasana fish posture
halasana plow posture
ardha matsyendrasana half spinal twist
paschimottanasana back stretching posture
parvatasana mountain posture
bhujangasana snake posture
shalabhasana locust posture
naukasana boat posture
dhanurasana bow posture
bhushirasana preliminary headstand
hamsasana swan posture
chakrasana wheel posture
trikonasana triangle posture
uddiyana bandha -energetic lock abdominal lock
pranayama -breathing exercise breath control
shavaisana dead posture

In Sexy Yoga: 40 Poses for Mindblowing Sex and Greater Intimacy, Ellen Barrett, popular author and instructor for New York’s Crunch studios, offers the modern yoga student a specific program designed to transform and heighten sexual pleasure and lovemaking.

Barrett’s program includes a series of asanas (postures) that use yoga’s combination of movement, breathing, and focus to release sexual power. Sensual, erotic, and guaranteed to improve sexual performance, the poses are also designed to improve one’s ability to navigate both the physical and emotional demands of intimacy. Rooted in the rich tradition of yoga but far from an esoteric Indian practice, the program in this book is suitable for everyone from new students to experienced yoga practitioners.

Love is a Rose

woodviolets It was an overcast, cool and breezy morning when MrT took me out walking today. I have been trying to further the time and distance I established in my spring conditioning program but I’m not making much progress.  I haven’t been sleeping well.  I’m experiencing severe joint pain, and spasms in my legs that ZING! me wide awake every couple of hours. Walking seems to help a little but not as much as I had hoped for, and I found myself sitting in the ditch and resting while the spasms passed.

buttercupsWhile down at that level I had a chance to  get in touch with the wild roses, wood violets and buttercups.   That closeness to them evoked sweet memories, memories  of my now departed friend and I singing and  laughing and chatting as we collected the same species  for our flower pressing just a year ago. Once the first memory appeared more followed like a slide show, and special moments from many years of collecting walks  as well as  hours spent making cards and bookmarks and decorating gift boxes with them appeared and departed.

wild rosesI was in a sober and somber mood which was both a reflection of the weather and also of the state of mind I was in when I returned home. As I placed my tiny bright colored treasures between sheets of photographic blotter paper I suddenly realized that I was now the owner of two flower presses. The second press was my friend’s and it was one of the sentimental items I rescued from clutter in a  cardboard box and placed in my wicker basket.  I won’t be giving it away because I have strong feeling that some day soon I’ll meet someone else who I will share flower pressing experiences with.

And yet, perhaps this is one way to finally overcome our grief and sense of loss; that in the end, what will matter more is not their departure from our lives, but the impact, the difference, they’ve made to it. That’s not to say the pain would be any less or difficult; rather, that perhaps this may be that light at the end of the tunnel that allows us to make peace with this loss. –Saying goodbye to loved ones

Life is a precious gift and the legacy we leave behind is the gift that keeps on giving – memories.

Another thing my friend and I shared was the love of singing.  The Rose by Bette Middler was a song we loved to sing in harmony.

♫ The Rose ♫ by Bianca Ryan

Overcoming Chronic Illness and Stress

absract with rose Over the course of 3 years I have avoided becoming too personal in this blog, lest I become maudlin and repel readers. Today I’m choosing to share my experiences as a  person withinvisible disabilities (fibromylagia, chronic fatigue,  multiple food and drug allergies) and how I have learned to take care of myself.  Hopefully, my readers will share what they do to take care of themselves in return.

According to the  “Stress in America” study from the American Psychology Association the top stresses included work and money, and I doubt the situation is much different for Canadians.  We live in stressful times  and stress causes a stronger physical reaction for some of us than it does for others. I am among those who are very sensitive to stress and profoundly effected by it.

While short term stress can trigger chemicals that can improve memory, increase energy, stimulating alertness and productivity, the same cannot be said of long term stress.  Chronic stress can have a profoundly negative impact on the body. Are you aware of these facts?

  • Two-thirds (66 percent) of adults living in the U.S. have been told by a health care provider that they have one or more chronic conditions, most commonly high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
  • The vast majority of adults indicated that their health care provider recommended lifestyle and behavior changes (70 percent).
  • Few adults reported that their health care provider offered support to help them make lasting changes: only 46 percent were given an explanation for the recommendation; only 35 percent were offered advice or shown techniques to help make changes; and only 5-10 percent were referred to another health care provider to support the adoption of lifestyle changes.
  • Further, only 48 percent of adults reported that their health care providers followed up with them to check on their progress in making lifestyle and behavior changes — such as quitting smoking, getting more sleep, reducing stress, exercising, losing weight and choosing healthier foods.
  • In general, people cited a number of barriers in their efforts to make lasting lifestyle and behavior changes — lack of willpower (33 percent); not enough time (20 percent); and lack of confidence (14 percent).
  • More than one in ten people cited stress as the barrier preventing them from making lifestyle and behavior changes (14 percent of adults reported they are too stressed to make these changes).

The APA offers the following tips on how to manage your stress:  Identify your sources of stress; Learn your own stress signals; Recognize how you deal with stress; Find healthy ways to manage stress; Take care of yourself; Reach out for support.

My experience

In recent years my health has been so compromised that I have been unable to work full time. I had to make a complete lifestyle change from being fit and outdoorsy person, who made a good income and was active in the community to one who leads a semi-sedentary indoor life. My inability to earn a living and a downturn in business compelled my husband and I to assess what changes we could make that resulted in spending less. We were already frugal but we learned how do well on even less.

Gratitude adjustment

I’m sure you have heard the phrase “the attitude of gratitude” many times as professional speakers use it frequently. Well, prior to the shift to mobilizing  I made an attitude adjustment. I accepted the fact I was not going to become magically cured of my ailments. I recognized if I didn’t act to counter the self talk in my head I would become depressed so I made it a goal not to complain about my health and my life. Instead, I decided to accentuate the positive.

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. — Albert Schweitzer

I began to let people near and dear to me know that I appreciated them and was grateful that they were part of my life.  At the same time I began distance myself from people who were I felt were sucking energy out of me.

Happiness is a choice

Being happy is a choice we make minute by minute,  hour by hour, and sometimes day by day. You can choose not to let other people’s misery effect your  level of joy.  If you are stressed out  need a few minutes of peace,  let the phone ring. If you don’t want to listen to the negative talk then leave the room or if you are online log out and get some fresh air,  or spend some time in solitude, or seek better company.

Clearly, you are  not responsible for anyone’s choice to be happy or miserable; you are only responsible for your own choices.  Empower yourself so you can ignore emotionally draining people and  remain happy. Choose to be free of  negativity today and decide to be happy tomorrow, no matter what may happen.

If you are are standing at a crossroads in your life then you realize deep inside that if you choose this new direction, your life will never be the same again. The most difficult thing to do is be honest with yourself but once you have done that you can begin to set goals and achieve them.

Lessons learned

I recognized that being informed of current events and aware of how they may impact my life was sensible.  I also recognized that media has a powerful impact on my mental state, so decided to limit my exposure to negative information that gave rise to worry and anxiety. I also implemented  stress reduction strategies and began practicing aromatherapy.

I turned my focus inward and reexamined my core values and replaced those that were plain wrong or no longer useful with healthy ones.  I learned how to love myself. My best friend and I have all the essential ingredients for enduring  long term relationship and little things do mean lots.

I developed constructive approaches for conquering fear of rejection. (See also: Smash fear, Learn anything. )  I  learned how to cope with fibromylagia and the other health challenges I face, and I discovered that  the more gratitude I expressed the less fear I felt.

Mindfulness

Instead of fixating  on what was beyond my control I decided to use all my yoga training and my Buddhist training and focus positively on what I had and make more changes from the inside out.  I practiced mindfulness and gratitude. I learned I could choose to be happy in the now moment, and I determined to habituate myself to making that choice over and over again.

Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, described a time when his mentor, named Socrates, challenged Dan to sit out on a large, flat stone until he had “something of value” to share. …

Finally, Dan had an insight that he knew was something of value. When Dan shared this insight, Socrates looked up, smiled, and welcomed Dan back inside. The “something of value” that Dan had realized was this: “There are no ordinary moments.” This is the essence of gratitude. No moment, nothing in life, should be taken for granted.

In developing gratitude for every moment — for the simple joys, and even for the challenging times in our lives — we come to truly enjoy and appreciate life. Then we are able to see the magic that surrounds us every second of every minute of every day. — Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude… Even on a Bad Day

Taking care of me

Without doubt the quality of my life experience is influenced by my attitude.  I can choose to cope with my circumstances rather than choosing to rant about them or to sink into depression.   Better still I can look for opportunities for growth and change even when times are tough and I am feeling ill and stressed out.

I choose to take care of myself by

  1. starting the day in silence
  2. eating a healthy diet (primarily organic food)
  3. affirmations and inspirational reading
  4. breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
  5. mindfulness practice
  6. meditation and positive imagery
  7. exercising every day (yoga and walking)
  8. container gardening
  9. listening to and singing spiritual music
  10. dancing and having fun
  11. spending time with those I love, including my dogs
  12. allowing more unassigned time for rest and relaxation
  13. shamanic journeys and spiritual workshops
  14. daydreaming and journaling my night time dreams
  15. painting
  16. physiotherapy
  17. massage - essential carrier oils for massage
  18. hot bubblebaths
  19. aromatherapy — essential oils for treating fatigue; essential oils for treating stress
  20. getting a good night’s sleep

Discussion Question

What do you do to take care of yourself?