stamping with Maggie

Fibromyalgia Can No Longer Be Called The 'Invisible' Syndrome

Fibromyalgia Can No Longer Be Called The 'Invisible' Syndrome.

ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2008) — Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), researchers in France were able to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions in the brains of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, reinforcing the idea that symptoms of the disorder are related to a dysfunction in those parts of the brain where pain is processed.

"Fibromyalgia may be related to a global dysfunction of cerebral pain-processing," Guedj added. "This study demonstrates that these patients exhibit modifications of brain perfusion not found in healthy subjects and reinforces the idea that fibromyalgia is a 'real disease/disorder.'"

Duh..

Sleep and Fibromyalgia for Friday

Sleep deprivation is one theory for fibromyalgia. I began having sleep problems after my last child was born. I was over 40 ( surprise), and he was a fussy sleeper. He didn't sleep through the night until he was six years old. By then, I was pre - menopausal and exhausted. If I could get to sleep, I would often wake in the night, and then I couldn't go back to sleep. I knew I wasn't sleeping well, but was amazed at the difference when my doctor prescribed something to sleep. This is when I learned to play around with my computer and found the internet - the late morning hours.

Here is a cute video for sleep and Goofy

Friday Fibro - A Not So Clean house + Blog Candy

Jewel Street Designs.According to jewel Street Designs

You should keep your house clean because:

1. You might lose a small animal like a cat, a puppy, or a hamster.

2. You might find out Godzilla was just an overgrown dust bunny.

3. one of these days you will run out of clean clothes.

4. your mother in law might decide to come clean for you. (Though this could be a good thing.)

5. dishes with fur is not cool.

6. cobwebs cannot be considered art.

7. tv looks different. (I can vouch for this.)

8. things, like your keys or kids' socks, won't disappear into the abyss.

9. maybe your living room isn't such an ugly green after all.

10. eventually even the overgrown dust bunnies will revolt.

I find that I am not nearly as concerned about the appearance of my house as I used to be. Probably because I am weary with the task, and I don't want to use what little energy I have, to banish the dust bunnies. Still, I know that for the benefit of my family, I need to reach an acceptable level of cleanliness.

I have read many books on the subject, but I am still a bit of a pack rat.-  I can find potential in most everything. So de-cluttering is a top priority. I try to give it a good 15- 30 minutes a day. On a good day, i can carry out what I don't want and donate to a worthy cause. On a bad day, I sort papers, and drawers and cabinets.

An inspirational website for managing your home is Flylady.net. She has a system for arranging your house into Zones, and rotating the zones that seems less overwhelming. Be sure and visit Flylady and see what you think.

Finally, I have recently hired a great woman to come in and help me clean and organize once or twice a week. She is reasonably priced and a hard worker,so I benefit and she has extra money. This is probably the best decision I've made. She has a way of just straightening that gives me hope and encouragement.

If you are housework challenged, and energy deficient, take baby steps ( flylady) and remember stamping and scrapping is really much more eternally important than the way your house looks.

I have a book to offer  as Blog Candy. Just leave your best suggestions for simple housecleaning and organizing so that you can find more time to stamp and scrapbook, and I will draw a winner to receive this book. LEAVE Your COMMENT by clicking on the comment button

Fibro Friday - A brave woman

Arizona Trail for Fibromyalgia | 800 miles across Arizona to raise awareness for Fibromyalgia.

I  found this blog of a woman hiking across Arizona to help raise awareness of fibromyalgia. I was impressed with her courage.

It is estimated that 7 to 10 million Americans--mostly female--suffer from FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome). The median age of onset is 29 to 37 years. It can begin spontaneously or after an injury, particularly when associated with serious emotional stress. Fibromyalgia is characterized by a consistent pattern of non-restorative sleep or insomnia, widespread body pain and stiffness, chronic fatigue and varying degrees of anxiety and depression. Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating ("fibro fog"), slurred speech, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), light sensitivity, PMS, tension and migraine headaches, environmental sensitivities, TMJ, tinnitus, irritability and mood swings. FMS symptoms are aggravated by stress. Most sufferers even experience pain while resting, and the pain is most noticeable when they have used their muscles for repetitive activity. The pain can be so severe that they can no longer work or do ordinary tasks. Pain killers have little effect.

I want to share a scrapbook page I made recently. It was a kit by Dixie Pieces that I received as a door prize at a crop I attended recently. I almost just stuck it away, but I was tired and everything was already there and precut, so I gave it a try. It was so simple and beautiful when it was done. Kits can be a time and energy saver.

I loved the little details

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease.

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2008) — “Drug approved. Is disease real?”

---

“Does it really exist or is it all in women’s heads?”

“The doctors are in. The jury is out. “

The New York Times headlines rankle Barbara Keddy. For more than 40 years, she has suffered from fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. But the condition is little understood and difficult to diagnose. As borne out by the headlines, some doctors are hesitant to acknowledge it even exists.

After retiring from teaching at Dalhousie University four years ago, Dr. Keddy decided it was time for an in-depth investigation of fibromyalgia, which is much more common among women than men and so has become known as primarily “a woman’s disease.” As a nurse, medical sociologist, university professor and researcher who suffers from the condition herself, she has a unique perspective to offer.

Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of 19 other women, Dr. Keddy discusses current theories of causes and treatments in her book, Women and Fibromyalgia: Living with an Invisible Dis-ease (iUniverse Co.). She also maintains a blog (http://www.womenandfibromyalgia.com) exploring the daily difficulties faced by fibromyalgia sufferers.

“When I became affected by this (after the birth of her first child by Caesarian section), they didn’t know what to call it,” says Dr. Keddy, professor emerita with Dalhousie’s School of Nursing, who was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia 30 years after first experiencing the symptoms. “All I knew is that I was sore all over.”

Dr. Keddy believes women are more susceptible because they are caregivers, thinking about others before they think of themselves. “Some women have highly developed intuitive skills honed to such an intense stage that the nervous system becomes highly sensitive and hyper aroused,” she says. “Then, there’s a trigger, a dramatic event—perhaps the death of a loved one or an operation such as a hysterectomy—and the nervous system is pushed to the extreme.”

Dalhousie University (2008, May 14). Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 26, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/05/080513191552.htm

If only it were "just in my head"! Instead of everywhere.

Friday Fibro - Flare

It is inevitable that, with fibromyalgia, there will be flares. For no conceivable reason, the pain will increase, and the fatigue will overwhelm. During my last flare, it seemed an especially deep plunge into pain. And for the first time I noticed, a nagging little voice that wanted to know what I had done wrong. It asked, " Did you eat the wrong thing?  Did you stay up too late?  Did you do too much? Are you being negative?"  Wasn't it enough that I felt crummy ( technical term) ? Did I have to heap condemnation on my head too? Hmmmm. Every time I fall from grace, and it has to be grace from God to feel well, it is deeply disappointing. It comes unbidden, like a thief in the night, stealing my plans, my time, and my stability. I can't fight it or it burrows deeper. I can only resolve to wait it out with as much dignity as I can muster. I must leave projects undone, beg forgiveness from those I must disappoint, and accept a slower time table.
What works for me:

My husband has to remind me that I don't always feel this way. This isn't some new reality or problem, but an old one that comes and eventually goes.

Long hot baths, especially with a folded towel to sit on and an air pillow for my head. We installed a jetted tub with our remodel, and it is wonderful. Maybe a hot tub is in my future.

Massage

Comedy - A good dependable choice for me is Home Alone and Home Alone 2. I laugh every time.

Music - I've read that if you begin listening to music that reflects your mood and gradually change to bright and happy music, it can actually help your mood brighten.  I've had that happen. But calming music always helps, especially the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Hot water bottle or microwave hot packs - I am always chilled when the pain intensifies, so heat anywhere helps. I'm sure I tense more when I am chilled too.

Reading about fibromyalgia - it helps to believe I am doing something about it. To remember what it is I am fighting, and that I am not alone. I am no worse off than some, and no better than others.

What helps you? I'd love to hear about it.

My scrapbooks are a source of comfort. Here is another digital page I did for a young woman recently baptized. I used a quick page from Lindsay Jane

Lindsay Jane designs

Fibro Friday - Lyrica and online ordering

The USDA has approved a new drug specifically used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. It is made by pfizer and is called Lyrica.  Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, results from animal studies suggest that Lyrica reduces the number of electrical signals that the brain cells send to each other.

 My doctor prescribed this for me six months ago. She was very excited, and had some really great results with some of her patients who were taking this. We have concluded that it is not for me. I didn't acclimate to the side effects. I felt , well, tipsy. When I stood up, the room would spin. I felt a little more foggy, and a bit lugubrious ( Lu*gu"bri*ous\, a. [L. lugubris, fr. lugere to mourn; cf. Gr. ? sad, Skr. ruj to break.] Mournful; indicating sorrow, often ridiculously or feignedly; doleful; woful; pitiable; as, a whining tone and a lugubrious look.). I was very disappointed. Still, she has seen some patients really do well, and their pain has dropped significantly. So it might be worth a try for you.

Some of the most common side effects of LYRICA are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth, feeling "high", swelling of hands and feet, and trouble concentrating. You may have a higher chance for swelling and hives if you are also taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors so you should let your doctor know if you are taking these medications. You may have a higher chance of swelling or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes medicines.

Download ppi_lyrica.pdf

Stampin' Up has made life much more simple by offering online ordering to any customer. Be sure and check this out.  Visit my website and order directly from me anytime.

Fibro Friday -3 ideas to help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (Fibrositis) Pictures Slideshow: Photos of Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment on MedicineNet.com.

I found this site with a slideshow that was interesting.

In an article written for Medicinenet.com,  William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR suggested these three self-advocacy steps.

Self- Education - Learn as much as you can. knowing what is and isn't fibromyalgia can relieve some of the anxiety as you make life-style changes.

Stress Reduction - Inadequate sleep is felt to be the core problem with fibromyalgia pain. Reducing stress can improve non- rapid Eye movement sleep. Begin to explore a more simple lifestyle by reading and researching, and will help to make a more fulfilling life.

Exercise - nasty word, I know, but it helps with sleep, stress reduction, and muscle regeneration. Use low stress activities to start the process.

 

Isn't this the cutest idea! I made him for a make and take I did at the crop for Kids crop in Greentown Indiana. It was a fundraising activity for the children's library on world card making day. I taught this, a scrapbook page, and a paper piecing for a gift bag. I had a great time. i used Stampin' up's Big shot machine and bracket die, close to cocoa, creamy cocoa cardstock, cello bags, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1/2 inch circle punch,  and 1/4 inch circle punch. I free handed the nose. simple simple.

I love this muffin idea - Friday Fibro

 - Quick, Easy Breakfast.   This is such a great idea for muffins and breakfast. Imagine a warm, yummy muffin to entice your child to stop and eat breakfast before launching him into his school day. I know my son eats whatever he can find quick and easy, which isn't always healthy and energizing for him.  If  I make a few muffin recipes and freeze them on a good fibro day, then on a bad fibro day, I know he will have something he will love!. Mornings are more difficult for me. I have read that our cortisol production is backwards 

A team of researchers from Massachusetts found that cortisol levels are low in people with fibromyalgia. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and affects many bodily systems. Low levels of cortisol are ever present in the body but we produce more during times of stress. When the body is deficient in cortisol, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are mirrored, such as:

• fatigue
• weakness
• muscle pain
• abdominal distress
• thinking problems
• mood swings
• sleep disturbances

The research team from Massachusetts found that fibromyalgia patients produce less cortisol in response to stress than do healthy people, possibly having to do with a defect in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which controls cortisol production. It is not clear how important cortisol deficiency is in the onset or course of fibromyalgia.

Our production of cortisol is too low in the mornings to get us perking and too high at night and prevents a good's night sleep.

 

Fibro and Exercise on Fridays

So the doctor said...
More than anything else I need to exercise on a regular basis. The idea seems ridiculous, when some days getting dressed sounds like the Boston marathon. On a good day, I can't imagine spending any of my precious minutes doing something so monotonous and boring as exercise. On a bad day, I struggle to move at all.
    In her book " The Fibromyalgia relief Book" Miryam Williamson says, "The fact that aerobic exercise is repetitive may hold the key to its effectiveness in lessening the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. Low-Level, monotonous stimulation of the portion of the brain called the hypothalamus causes it to produce a brain chemical known as endorphins. Endorphins are the brain's own natural painkillers...A good workout can produce enough endorphins to last twenty-four hours or more."

A few, simple tips for exercising with fibro:

•  do small amounts first. Anything is better than nothing

• If using your legs is too fatiguing, use your arms. Use a small weight like a can of tomato paste and move up as tolerable.

•  visit a physical therapist who may help you with posture. Often we compensate in posture for our pain.

•  take a mild pain medication before starting

•  even 30- 60 second increases are increases you can be proud of making

• keep water nearby

• stop before you are too tired

• work on stretch, strengthen, and develop cardiovascular fitness

•  video tapes can be helpful

• At the most vigorous point of cardiovascular workout, you should still be able to carry on a conversation

Very simple page of my grandaughter Elisia age 2. I used black and white photos, so I wouldn't have to be careful about fixing the photo or color combos. I used Bali Breeze designer paper from Stampin' Up so that everything coordinated. P.S. Dancing would be fun exercise!

Exercise is critical for fibromyalgia patients.  It has an impact on the quality of sleep and helps to keep unaffected muscles strong to improve your quality of life.  Fibromyalgia Information Foundation has DVDs available on Aerobic Exercise, Stretching and Relaxation and Strength and Balance.   The DVDs have been developed and produced by researchers and staff at the Oregon Health and Science University and feature fibromyalgia patients.  

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