Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Yvonne

Tom Hennessey, President of RECIND, gave birth to Awareness Day in 1992. May 12th was chosen to honor the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the English army nurse who was a pioneer of the Red Cross movement. Nightingale, virtually bedridden with an illness resembling Fibromyalgia/CFS, went on to inspiring accomplishments which included helping establish the first Visiting Nurse Association and a school that became a model for modern nurses training.

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and are trying to learn all you can about the condition, you will probably come across several myths and misconceptions.

The top misconception is that fibromyalgia isn’t a real medical problem or that it is “all in your head.” It’s sometimes thought of as a “garbage-can” diagnosis; if doctors can’t find anything else wrong, they diagnose you with fibromyalgia. However, a fibromyalgia diagnosis does require that you meet specific criteria, including widespread pain in all four quadrants of your body for at least three months and painful tender points in at least 11 of 18 specific areas of the body.

The widespread muscle pain and tender points are often accompanied by numerous other health issues such as insomnia, fatigue, problems concentrating and remembering, headaches, muscle weakness, constipation and/or diarrhea, numbness, tingling sensations, dizziness, nervousness, depression, anxiety, and dry mouth. Most fibromyalgia sufferers do not have all of these issues; however, these are some of the most common.

There’s still a lot that’s unknown about fibromyalgia, but researchers have learned more about it in just the past few years. In people who have fibromyalgia, the brain and spinal cord process pain signals differently; they react more strongly to touch and pressure, with a heightened sensitivity to pain. It is a real physiological problem.

People tend to think that there is a pill or surgery for every medical problem. You go to the doctor, expecting he or she will fix whatever’s wrong with you. It’s frustrating to people with fibromyalgia because the traditional treatment approach usually isn’t effective long term. And it’s also frustrating to healthcare providers because they want to help people. But there’s no easy fix. It takes lifestyle changes and small steps toward achieving wellness. Healing is a process.

Now days, more people understand that fibromyalgia is real, often because they know someone who has it – perhaps a friend or relative. Healthcare providers are seeing that people who have fibromyalgia can improve their quality of life with lifestyle changes.

One of the most difficult aspects of having fibromyalgia is that most of the symptoms are invisible, which makes it hard for others to understand what the illness is really like. This also makes it difficult for a patient to explain what they are going through. That’s why Awareness Day is so important.

When people learn they have fibromyalgia, they often go through the stages of grief and loss – including anger and denial. They realize there are limits to what medical technology can do. There’s no magic pill that can fix this. If people with fibromyalgia believe there is no help for them, they’re going to stay stuck. However, there really are treatments that can help.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day activities are held worldwide in an effort to bring awareness to this illness, helping patients and organizations to educate the general public, healthcare professionals, government officials, and legislative bodies. The Fibromyalgia Coalition International (FCI) is one of the leading organizations calling for increased recognition and treatment of root causes of fibromyalgia instead of just treating symptoms.

The FCI’s annual Fibromyalgia Awareness conference “Freedom from Fibromyalgia” on May 5, 2012, will feature presentations by leading medical professionals. Fibromyalgia patients and healthcare providers will discover products and services, as well as treatment options for underlying causes and contributing conditions.

For further information, click “Events/Conference” at the top of the page.

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March is National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Yvonne

We’ve all heard the old adage ‘you are what you eat’, but have you ever stopped to think exactly how true that is? Put simply, healthy eating is the key to wellbeing. Even if your fibromyalgia symptoms seemed to come on overnight (perhaps after an accident, chemical exposure, emotional or physical trauma), it probably developed gradually over a period of years.

Sickness and disease doesn’t just happen, it accumulates. The accumulation of toxins compromises our immune system and wears the body down leaving us vulnerable to all sorts of maladies. Every day you are either moving toward improved health or sliding toward sickness.

The Environmental Working Group ranks 53 popular fruits and vegetables according to their total pesticide loads to help you shop smarter and eat fewer pesticides. Visit ewg.org/foodnews for the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15.”

Fighting fibromyalgia through diet

Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties, which contain some of the healthiest building blocks for a healthy body.

Focus on the healthiest veggies to build a rainbow of colors at every meal: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green and red cabbage) carrots, dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, red and green lettuce, mustard and turnip greens), *tomatoes, beans (lima, kidney, garbanzo), peas, lentils and other legumes.) asparagus, allium foods (leeks, onions, shallots, scallions, garlic), sweet potatoes and yams, *bell peppers (red, yellow, orange and green), summer and winter squash.

*Nightshades. Most fibromyalgia patients feel better if they avoid these.

Add fresh or frozen fruits to meals and snacks. Fruits are packed with all kinds of nutrients. The top 10 healthiest fruits include: apples, apricots, bananas, berries, cantaloupes, citrus fruits, kwi fruit, papapyas and red grapes.

Eating whole grains is one of the healthiest things you can do, but it makes a difference what kind of grains you choose. Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods. Your body can process 100% whole grains into fuel, whereas processed grains turn into sugar.

Caution: Many people with fibromyalgia feel much better if they avoid grains that contain gluten: wheat, barley, rye and oats. Oats do not contain gluten naturally but are contaminated during processing. Oats that are labeled “gluten free” are okay. Spelt contains gluten but is not genetically modified. Some people who are sensitive to gluten can tolerate spelt. However, spelt is not recommended for people with celiac disease.

Enjoy an array of protein each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. Be sure to choose seafood at least twice a week to protect your heart with omega-3s. And most importantly make sure you’re buying all natural and organic meats to avoid harmful hormones and antibiotics.
Cut back on sodium and sugars. A good way to do this is to avoid processed foods. If you buy packaged foods, compare sodium and sugar and choose those with lowest numbers. Season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert instead of baked goods.

Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie options. Many restaurants have their menu online, along with calories, sodium, etc. Check these. You may be surprised at what you find.

Cookbooks are available from FCI to help you along the way: “Beat Sugar Addiction Now Cookbook”, “Food That Helps Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia”,and “Pain & Inflammation Matters”. (See “Store” above).

Sources: http://ewg.org/; http://www.livestrong.com/; http://commonsensehealth.com/

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Show Some Love with Dark Chocolate

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Yvonne

By Jennifer Morganti, ND, Director of Education for NEEDS

Are you a fan of dark chocolate, but feel guilty about consuming it? We have good news to help assuage your guilt! Chocolate has become a popular subject for scientific research, proving to have a positive impact on health. As a tribute to Valentine’s Day, we’d like to highlight the benefits of chocolate to the heart.

One of the constituents in chocolate, particularly really pure, dark chocolate, with a cocoa content of at least 70%, is an antioxidant that falls under the umbrella of flavonols. Flavonols are found in a lot of plant foods, such as berries, beans and onions, but what could be more tempting than chocolate? These particular antioxidants are especially beneficial to the blood vessels, helping to reduce vascular disease and increase nitric oxide production which induces vasodilation, resulting in blood pressure reduction.

A large study in Germany evaluated the effects of regular chocolate consumption on blood pressure over a ten-year period. The fortunate folks who ate the largest amount of chocolate, averaging 7.5 grams daily, had reduced blood pressure and significantly lower risk of stroke and heart attack as compared to the group who ate the smallest quantity of chocolate (1.7 grams) daily. The top group of chocolate consumers had a 27% reduced risk of heart attack and a 48% reduced risk of stroke as compared to those in the lowest group. Some of this was attributed to the fact that the highest consuming group started with lower blood pressure, but that was presumably due to the effects of a long history of chocolate consumption.

One downside of this study is that the authors did not specify what kind of chocolate they consumed, but a random sampling of the participants found that milk chocolate was the most common, followed by dark chocolate and then a small percentage of white chocolate (which contains the least amount of flavonols). We do know that dark chocolate has significantly higher levels of flavonols as compared to other forms, so it would take smaller amounts (thus less calories) of dark chocolate as compared to the milk variety to gain the desired effects.

Consuming dark chocolate is certainly a healthy treat, but be sure not to overindulge—it still has lots of fat and calories and can lead to weight gain. And be sure to stick with the favonol-rich dark chocolate for maximum benefits and the least amount of sugar.

Reference: European Heart Journal. 2010, 31(13); 1616-1623

For more article from NEEDS, click the NEEDS link in the left column. Please use coupon code “Fibro” when ordering.

NOTE: Unfortunately, FCI was getting so many spam messages on our Comments connection that we had to discontinue a direct link from the Blog. Please click on “About Us” above and send us your comments via email.

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Are you ready for your New Year’s resolution?

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Yvonne

The New Year means new beginnings in so many ways. For many of us, it means turning a new page on our health. If you are looking for direction, or if you have a plan in mind, but need all the right tools, we at the Fibromyalgia Coalition International are here to help. Of course, staying with your goals isn’t easy, but we’re here to help you stick with it! We have all kinds of healthy solutions. From our blog to our monthly teleseminars, to our quarterly magazine, annual conference, books and CDs, we’re here for you!

Post-Holiday Strategies

Having suffered with fibromyalgia for over 13 years, I understand that when you’re in pain, nothing else seems to matter. Pain interferes with your daily life, takes away your ability to enjoy simple tasks, and even keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep. And, although you know your pain is real, it’s often hard for others to understand how you feel.

The “post-holiday blues” are as common as candy canes for Christmas and potato latkes for Hanukkah. Family and friends have returned home, and the whirlwind of social gatherings and festivities is over. In addition, it’s a cold and dreary time of year in many regions of the northern hemisphere.

No one is immune to the post-holiday letdown. But for fibromyalgia sufferers, the blues may have an extra bite. Why? Because chances are, the holidays took a toll on your physical health. Whether you experience an increase in symptoms that is mild or severe, this unwelcome holiday “gift” might leave us asking “Was that pie, cake, candy (or whatever) really worth it?”

The choices we make over the holidays often come with unwanted consequences. If you over-extended your activity level during the holidays, don’t beat yourself up; use the experience as a lesson learned for the coming year. On the other hand, if you couldn’t do all that you wanted to this holiday season, release yourself from guilt – you did the best you could at the time.

Other Post-Holiday Tips:

  • Plan some activity as soon as possible, such as a trip or household project. Maybe make plans to attend the FCI Conference/Pamper Day on May 5, 2012! (More on that later.) This will give you something to look forward to and occupy your time now that the holidays have passed.
  • Try to maintain some of the holiday activities you enjoyed, particularly those that brought you peace and happiness.
  • Consider giving yourself a post-holiday gift just for your enjoyment alone. (See the CD “Self Care is NOT Selfish” by Sue Ingbretson in the FCI store above.) It could be an intangible gift like a stroll in a beautiful place such as an art gallery, or a special time set aside for yourself.

Most of all, whether or not your experience of the holidays this year lived up to your expectations, try to hold on to some of the joy and magic of the season.

Questions and Answers

We at FCI enjoy interacting with visitors on our Facebook Fan page and answering questions from visitors. If you have a question you’d like to ask, want to enjoy the ongoing Q&A and discussion, or simply have a success story that you’d like to share about your journey to recovery from fibromyalgia, we invite you to join us!

Best wishes for the year ahead.

Yvonne Keeny

P.S. Please feel free to forward this to family and friends.

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Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and the Yeast Connection

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Yvonne

If you have read my story (see About Us above), you know that properly treating yeast overgrowth, along with following an anti-candida diet, played a huge role in my recovery from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Yeast overgrowth

  • often plays a role in chronic pain and disease;
  • is not limited to vaginal yeast infections;
  • affects men and children as well as women;
  • mutates into a fungus called candida albicans, which disturbs your intestinal tract lining, allowing allergens and toxins into your circulation and your immune system becomes too weak to handle the influx.

According to research at yeastconnection.com, his combination is one of many variables that play a role in a diverse group of seemingly unrelated health problems. These range from PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraines, fibromyalgia (FM), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and interstitial cystitis, just to name a few.

The yeast connection Web site is based on the pioneering work of Dr. William Crook, where you will find insights on how candida yeast causes problems in your body, and how to alleviate them.

Dr. Crook, who passed away in 2003, was the author of the classic book, The Yeast Connection, and other bestsellers that have helped millions of people who suffer with chronic illness. His books were instrumental in helping me recognize that there is a wide network of physicians who understand the importance of treating yeast overgrowth. I will be forever grateful for his guidance, along with others, in my journey to recovery from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are similar conditions, with a long list of symptoms for which there are a few real remedies. While they are different disorders, FM and CFS share many of the same symptoms. FM and CFS are often spoken of in the same breath because many patients have both illnesses.

The complaint of being tired and hurting all over is a common link between sufferers of FM/CFS and yeast overgrowth. So are the litany of multiple visits to numerous physicians without relief, and the laundry list of symptoms in common.

Symptoms common to both FM and CFS

include poor sleep, depression, anxiety, digestive disorders, impaired memory, concentration problems, dry eyes and mouth, numbness and tingling sensations, impaired coordination, dizziness and many others.

Even though they are so similar, fibromyalgia and CFS have some defining differences.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Only recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 1988, CFS, also called Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) in the U.S., and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in other countries, is characterized by the following:

It is estimated that more than a million men, women and children in American suffer from CFS. In addition to muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, and lack of refreshing sleep, CFS sufferers complain of:

  1. Incapacitating fatigue experienced as a profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina
  2. Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours
  3. Tender lymph nodes
  4. Periodic fevers and chills
  5. Sore throat
  6. Migraine headaches

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia involves widespread muscle pain (often described as burning, shooting or stabbing) and stiffness, tender points, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The pain and stiffness are often worse in the morning and can vary from mild to debilitating, even in the same person.

In 1990 theAmericanCollegeof Rheumatology primary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia included widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, cognitive confusion, somatic symptoms and tender points in 11 of 18 specific spots.

About 15 million people in theUnitedStatehave this common chronic pain condition, and an estimated 3 to 6 percent of the world’s population is affected. Of course, that would be according to the 1990 criteria; it remains to be seen if and how the numbers will change should the new proposed criteria be adopted.

Proposed diagnostic criteria

  • Widespread pain located in seven or more of the following areas: shoulders, upper arms, lower arms, hips, upper legs, lower legs, jaw, chest, neck, or abdomen? (Please note that if you have pain on both sides of the body—say, in both your left and right upper arms—each arm would count separately.)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, problems thinking or remembering, muscle weakness, abdominal pain or cramping, numbness or tingling, dizziness, insomnia, depression, constipation, nausea, nervousness, chest pain, fever, dry mouth, itching, frequent or painful urination, or wheezing?
  • Symptoms have been present for at least three months.
  • No other medical disorder that may otherwise explain the pain.

The evidence is that FM/CFS may also be connected to yeast overgrowth for the simple reason that a significant number of sufferers from these two syndromes find relief when they follow an anti-candida diet and other protocols to address candida albicans yeast overgrowth, including anti-fungal medication. The decided lack of interest by the scientific establishment in studying candidiasis alone or as it affects people with FM/CFS leaves a distinct gap in doctor’s ability to treat these conditions.

Yeast overgrowth is certainly not the only underlying cause or contributing condition of FM/CFS. However, in my 14 years of experience leading FM/CFS support group meetings and consulting with thousands of FM/CFS sufferers throughout the U.S. and several other countries, it is one of the six most common, and identifying and rebalancing your body’s natural relationship of good bacteria and yeast often results in pain relief and significant changes in energy level and overall health.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., who has treated thousands of FM/CFS patients, has found that 96 percent of his patients have candidiasis. He is convinced that candida needs to be treated in order for FM/CFS patients to recover. (See Store above for books and CDs by Dr. Teitelbaum.)

There are a number of self-help remedies that can be helpful, along with yeast-related treatments, in reversing the symptoms. Many people with FM/CFS are highly sensitive to drug therapy and find relief with natural nutrients and other self-help remedies.

Natural nutrients and self-help remedies include:

  • Supplements for digestive problems and nausea that often accompany FM/CFS, including probiotics, digestive enzymes and ginger
  • Supplements for depression, anxiety and sleep, such asSt. John’swort and 5-HTP
  • Supplements for muscle and joint pain, including magnesium malate and glucosamine sulphate
  • Gentle exercise such as stretching, yoga, and walking
  • Comfortably hot bath with 1 cup Epsom salt and ½ cup of baking soda before bedtime

Although many doctors tell patients suffering from FM/CFS symptoms that “it’s all in your head,” FM and CFS are not psychological disorders. However, psychological counseling can be very beneficial in helping patients deal with their situation.

FM and CFS often coexist with food allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, gluten intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and irritable bladder as well as with each other. Based on my conversation with thousands of FM/CFS sufferers I believe most are gluten intolerant, with or without celiac disease. Check with your doctor about testing for these. Food allergies and chemical sensitivities can be eliminated with NAET. Search NAET.com for a practitioner near you.

In spite of Dr. Crook’s dedicated work on the yeast connection and chronic illness, conventional medicine has not given chronic yeast sufferers any support. Perhaps it’s because conventional medicine only seems to investigate drug treatments and only uses one drug at a time in research. By continuing this one-sided approach, they may never catch up with Dr. Crook and the benefits he gave thousands of people affected with candida. Patients, for the most part, are left struggling to find answers themselves. That’s why the Fibromyalgia Coalition International was started.

For more in depth information about FM and CFS solutions, sign up as a FCI member (see “Join” above) and get the quarterly Fibromyalgia Alternative News magazine as our thank you for your contribution.

Stay tuned for more helpful information in our next blog.

Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season,

Yvonne Keeny

Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general and anecdotal and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition or disease. It is important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.

References

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Dismukes, W. E., J. S. Wade, J. Y. Lee, B. K. Dockery, and J. D. Hain. 1990. A randomized, double-blind trial of Nystatin therapy for the candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome. N. Engl. J. Med. 323:1717-1725.

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Welcome to the New FCI Blog!

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Yvonne

Launching a blog is an exciting step forward for the Fibromyalgia Coalition International as we make health information available to those that matter most—fibromyalgia/CFS patients, their healthcare providers, friends and family. However, restoring health is a worthwhile goal for anyone who has a chronic illness. Healthy living pays huge dividends—whether you want to get healthy or stay healthy.

What is Fibromyalgia Coalition International?

FCI is a nonprofit organization in Mission, Kansas. Ever since beginning the Getting Well support group meeting in January 1998, we have been offering hope and help to FM/CFS sufferers.

Approximately 10,000 people turn to the FCI each year for assistance, self-help techniques, and a list of healthcare professionals who not only believe fibromyalgia is real, but also understand how to identify and treat root causes!

For more information, click About Us above.

Why an FCI Blog?

Imagine knowing what treatments and self-help techniques work for other fibro/CFS sufferers—and having the ability to connect with them. You will gain insight into successful treatment and self-help techniques. You can also share what has helped you in the Comments section at the bottom of this message. We take a positive, proactive approach to FM/CFS. That’s what makes the FCI Blog one-of-a kind!

Over the years FCI has been privileged to provide tips, information and resources to help thousands of FM/CFS patients get their lives back. We will be sharing more of those in future issues of the FCI Blog. Also, patients and providers who have recovered will be sharing their stories.

To receive a notice when the next FCI Blog is posted email your first and last name and address to admin@fibrocoalition.org

Hope and Healing

“Hope” and “healing” aren’t typically words that spill from the lips of people with FM/CFS. That’s because this illness can be so devastating, with debilitating issues such as pain throughout the body, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, digestive issues, sensitivity to food and chemicals, and many related illnesses. This often causes sufferers to cease work as well as participation in family and community activities.

For years we’ve been told we just have to learn to live with it.

But things are changing, thanks to scientific advances that are helping untangle underlying causes and contributing conditions. A number of complementary, integrative, and alternative doctors who treat this once-mysterious illness assert that renewed hope and the possibility of healing are precisely what patients should feel.

As a former fibromyalgia/CFS sufferer, I understand the impact this illness has on people’s life. However, as someone who has had FM/CFS in remission for 14 years, I reject the idea that “you just have to live with it.”  While people with fibromyalgia once felt only frustration and fear, now there is reason for increased hope of recovery.

Pain and other symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Consider this illness a message from your body asking you to make some changes.
Now, with “hope” and “healing” in mind, you can begin to take steps to get your health back.

Tips for Success

From Linda Rector Page, ND, PhD, author of Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone

Hot and cold therapy helps open and stimulate the body’s vital healing energies. Alternating cold and hot in the shower is effective for getting the body started on a positive track toward healing. Spasmodic pain and cramping, circulation, muscle tone, bowel and bladder problems, system balance, and energy all show improvement with hydrotherapy.

Begin with a comfortably hot shower for three minutes. Follow with a sudden change to cooler water for two minutes. Repeat this cycle three times, ending with cold. Follow with a full or partial massage, or a brisk towel rub and gentle stretching exercises for best results.

Comment from Yvonne:

Alternating hot and cold in the shower was one of the remedies I used when I began my natural road to recovery. To avoid sore muscles, be sure to alternate temperature only slightly the first few times. You can vary the temperature more as your muscles become accustomed to contracting and relaxing.

You Are Not Alone – We Are Here To Help!

FCI offers assistance via a free monthly TeleSeminar (see Events above), a quarterly magazine (included with FCI membership – see Join FCI above), and NOW the new blog! You can also find awareness items, books, CDs, and various educational materials in our Store.

To receive a notice when the next FCI Blog is posted email admin@fibrocoalition.org with your name, address and phone number.

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving,

Yvonne Keeny

Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general and anecdotal and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition or disease. It is important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.

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