Fibromyalgia Pain Relief » Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Coping With Fibromyalgia? Why You Should Take a Tape Recorder to Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:17:41 +0000

Coping With fibromyalgia? Why You Should Take a Tape Recorder to Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Coping with fibromyalgia is hard enough without having to deal with the insult of cognitive impairment that many sufferers experience. This symptom, not-so-affectionately dubbed “fibro fog” by many who deal with it daily, can wreak havoc with your work life, your relationships, your self-esteem — and, if you’re not careful, with your medical care.

One way to adjust to a symptom like fibro fog is to avoid its impact altogether. That is why I often advise fibromyalgia patients to bring one of two things with them to each and every doctor’s appointment: a tape recorder, or a good friend. Of the two choices, I recommend a tape recorder most of all, since a friend can’t always be with you when you need to recall a key piece of advice.

Another benefit of recording your doctor’s visits is that it leaves you free to concentrate on the conversation, instead of struggling to keep up with your doctor’s advice and make notes at the same time.

Such task-juggling will invariably cause you to forget a key question, a new symptom, or some other crucial piece of information you needed to bring to your doctor’s attention.

Small cassette recorders can be purchased from most office supply stores for under . You don’t need a fancy digital version — the regular kind that take small cassettes will do nicely. Simply load a fresh cassette before your appointment, and press “record.”

It’s always a good idea to ask the doctor’s permission before recording the visit. The vast majority of physicians will have no problem at all with you recording their words and your conversation, especially if you explain that you have trouble remembering details on occasion, and this will help you implement their advice more effectively.

Once you leave the doctor’s office, remember to label your cassette with the date and name of your doctor (especially if you see more than one physician for your medical care, as many of us with fibromyalgia do).

Then review the tape when it’s still fresh in your mind. Now you can make notes, pausing the tape as necessary to give yourself time to jot items down completely.

Sherrie Sisk

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Giving and Getting Respect – How to Improve Your Relationship With Your Fibro-Treating Doctor

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Giving and Getting Respect – How to Improve Your Relationship With Your Fibro-Treating Doctor

fibromyalgia patients are unfortunately facing an increasingly vocal minority of suspicion and disbelief about their very-real illness. Most often this message comes from anonymous or faceless “scientists” or “researchers” questioned by the media, which reports on the “controversy” with breathless intrigue and florid language. Such “doubts” are easy for most of us to dismiss — they don’t affect us as individuals, our lives, our symptoms, or our pain management and treatment options.

But there’s a more insidious form of opposition we can sometimes face. It can happen to anybody with any chronic illness, and fibromyalgia sufferers are not immune. This opposition comes in the form of a difficult doctor.

Many of us have had experience with arrogant physicians and surgeons. Often, the reputation is warranted but just as often, a relationship with a medical provider goes south because both parties come into it with preconceived ideas and suspicions about the other.

When the ”difficult doctor” happens to be your primary treating physician, then that’s a problem. Fortunately, it’s one that can often be solved with a little effort.

Respect Your Doctor’s Education and Experience

When your relationship with your doctor has grown sour because of his or her arrogance, whether it’s truly arrogance or your perception of behavior that’s caused by other factors, the last thing you want to hear is “respect your doctor.”

Nor do I advocate blind obedience to the almighty M.D. Such faith might have been the norm in days gone by, but today’s it’s rather silly to abdicate all responsibility for your health. Most responsible physicians want their patients to be involved in their health care.

(If yours doesn’t, that’s a big clue that you should perhaps start looking for a new doctor.)

What I am suggesting is this: mutual respect is required for any healthy working relationship. In order to expect it from your doctor, you’ll have to offer it first.

If you find it difficult to respect your doctor personally, then consider respecting the education, time, and effort she has put in to becoming a physician. Your doctor went to school for a long time before he was even allowed to call himself a doctor. That was followed by years of interning and residency, and possibly a long board certification process as well.

No, doctors are not “gods” — no matter what some may secretly believe! But they are human beings with a certain amount of expertise, and thus entitled to a modicum of respect, at the very least.

Then, too, consider this: how would you react if someone began an argument with you in a confrontational, accusatory tone? When that person began dismissing your opinions and getting very defensive, how do you think you’d feel about continuing the discussion with him or her?

Be Aware of What You’re Teaching Your Physician About You

While it’s important to keep your cool when speaking with your doctor, and to use a courteous, respectful tone, it’s also important not to inadvertently teach your doctor to abuse your good nature. If things get out of hand – if the doctor says something inappropriate, for instance, or begins to dismiss you before the discussion is through – you’re going to have to speak up.

For some folks, this is no problem. But for many of us, speaking up in this situation is downright scary. If you feel you might want to run and hide, or avoid the conflict altogether, it’s best to spend some time with a friend or family member roleplaying this scenario before the doctor’s visit. This will give you some practice thinking on your feet, and simultaneously getting comfortable standing up for yourself in difficult situations.

Then, if the worst does happen, you can pull yourself up straighter, adopt your “I’m serious and you’d best listen” face, and say:

“Respectfully, doctor, if you cannot take my symptoms seriously, I will be forced to take my medical files and find a physician who is more equipped to treat my case.”
“Doctor, I have no problem having a healthy discussion, even if we disagree. But I will not be spoken to condescendingly, and I will not be dismissed. If it happens again, I will leave and I will take my files with me to find a doctor who knows how to communicate respectfully with patients.”
“Excuse me, I’m not finished yet. I’d prefer to discuss these concerns with you now.”

One word of caution: if you issue an ultimatum (as the first two examples do), you must be prepared to follow through with it.

The bottom line is this: It’s your body, your money, and your life. You are entitled to be treated with respect and to have your concerns taken seriously by your treating physician. You owe him nothing more than respect and payment for services rendered. That’s it. If he isn’t willing to live up to his end of the bargain, you have no choice but to find a more honorable doctor.

Sherrie Sisk
Author/Coach — The Tramadol Diaries (http://thetramadoldiaries.com)

Fibromyalgia Diet

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:39:19 +0000

fibromyalgia Diet
fibromyalgia is a syndrome that has a wide collection of symptoms including intense muscle pain, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, among others. There is no known cause or an established treatment to this disorder, but there have been several techniques that researchers say could alleviate or suppress its symptoms.

One of the methods that many people turn to in order to relieve its symptoms is avoiding intake of food that may aggravate its effects. However, there really is no exact formula or diet that has been proven to effectively counter the effects of fibromyalgia for all fibromyalgia patients. People may respond to this technique differently. What may work for one might not work for another; this is because fibromyalgia is a complex condition and may be accompanied by secondary condition such as gluten intolerance, gout, and restless legs syndrome. Eating a diet that would inhibit the development of a possible secondary condition would then relieve the pain and fatigue that fibromyalgia brings.

Several studies have shown that there are certain types of food that a person suffering from this disorder should avoid. While there really is no guarantee that this will truly work for you, the success that a significant number of people have had with this method will make it at least worth considering.

Some of the foods that should be avoided are aspartame a food sweetener that is said to increase pain, as it stimulates the nerve pathways in our nervous system that acts as a pain receptor. Food additives such as MSG or monosodium glutamate, which is found in many processed foods, can also intensify pain and has the same effects as aspartame. Caffeine, which is present in coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate actually adds to the fatigue that fibromyalgia causes, as it has a long and deep sedative effect.

Avoiding the foods mentioned above may help many people cope with this disorder, but it is also good to exercise regularly in order to strengthen your muscles and keep them healthy. This will also go a long way in battling fibromyalgia as you will have a stronger immune system and a boost of energy that naturally comes with light, low pressure exercise.

Keeping a positive outlook is definitely better than moping around and feeling helpless. Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating illness that may change completely, but its effects can be lessened. There are many self help techniques and books written by sufferers themselves that will help you cope with the changes and will teach you the ways of overcoming this obstacle, and living a full and active life.

My world fell apart when I developed fibromyalgia, but in developing a way to recover from it I created an amazing career helping others. My methods also aided my recovery when I had a pancreatic tumour, and a malignant melanoma. Having suffered from fibromyalgia symptoms my aim is to help others recover and put the pieces of their life back together only better than it was before.

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Natural Treatments For Fibromyalgia

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:15:36 +0000

Natural Treatments For fibromyalgia

fibromyalgia is a condition that can cause aches and pains all over the body from head to toe. It mainly causes pain in joints and bones, but it can also cause pain in the muscles. fibromyalgia can effects both men in women mainly above the age of 50, but it can also effect in younger years if server trauma was present

Or possibly even illness. People living with fibromyalgia do not have to live in pain or take prescription drugs to help treat their condition if they do not want to. There are several natural remedies out there that can help treat and ease the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia.

One of the very best natural treatments to use to help alternatively treat fibromyalia is a proper diet consisting of a lot fresh veggies and fruits. Veggies and fruits contain antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fluids that help hydrated, nourish, and protect our joints, muscles, organs, and whole entire body from illness, inflammation, and pain both inside and out. It is also important to drink lots of water each day to keep our bodies well hydrated so they do not become achy and in great pain.

Another great alternative way to treat fibromyalgia is by doing low impact exercise such as yoga. Yoga helps relieve stress and inflammation in the body which also helps reduce pain and body aches. Yoga helps stretch out the muscles, joints, tissues, and ligaments in our bodies gently and effectively. Stretching out body’s helps keep our bodies lose and pain free instead of all tight, stiff, and achy. It also helps keep our immune systems working their best so they can fight off illnesses and infections that might be causing the fibromyalgia in the first place. Simply doing yoga also helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps our blood flowing properly so we can have good circulation throughout our bodies. If our blood isn’t flowing properly in our bodies they can become cold and stiff causing aches and pains all over our body.

Another important way to naturally treat fibromyalgia is getting a good nights rest. If our bodies don’t get the proper rest they need they tend to become weak, achy, ill, and fatigued. If you seem to have trouble falling asleep at night become your health condition is keeping you up trying taking an herbal remedy called valerian root. It is a natural sedative that helps naturally relaxing the body and mind so you can fall asleep easily and comfortably. Another herbal remedy to use when trying to get to sleep is chamomile tea. Chamomile tea is very relaxing and soothing to sip on before bedtime and it helps calm the mind and the body right down while hydrating it so it doesn’t become dehydrated causing your body to be in even more pain.

One of the best ways to relieve immediate fibromyalgia pain is by using and massaging arnica gel right into the area of your body that hurts, or better yet find a massage therapy place that will use arnica gel or oil on you during a massage. The arnica gel or oil helps relieve joint, muscles, and ligament aches and pains while relieving the inflammation because it contains thymol which is a derivative. Arnica gel can even help speed the healing of bruises, wounds, sprains, and broken bones.

The other way I know of to treat and relieve fibromyalgia is by soaking in hot sea salt baths. Warm sea salt baths help relax the muscles, joints, tissues, and ligaments in the body naturally. They even help relieve stress and calm your mind so you can simply relax. Warm sea salt baths help relieve pain and body aches. They can even relieve body chills which can sometimes cause pains all over the body. A simple 30 minute or hour bath can do the trick when it comes to relieving your fibromyalgia.

There are many alternative ways out there to treat fibromayalgia pain, but at least you have a handful of them now too try. I hope those of you suffering from fibromyalgia can find some relief with some of these natural treats.

Written by SoleilRobins
Freelance Writer/Artist

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How to Overcome Fatigue And Restore Performance

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:29:14 +0000

How to Overcome Fatigue And Restore Performance

Training your body is not an easy task. It needs skills, attitude and perseverance. And in order for you to keep on track, you need to overcome fatigue and build strong endurance.

Take for example the 2011 CrossFit Games. The game involves ten tough fitness domains. Thus, CrossFit athletes have to train so hard and do intensive workouts just to keep up with the grueling competition in the game.

This is why many of our CrossFit athletes prefer to take Nutrient Enhanced Sports Beverages. These drinks aim to help the athlete maintain electrolyte balance and to rehydrate. Some of these beverages include Isostar, Powerade, and of course – Gatorade.

But did you know that there’s another great and refreshing way to restore performance?

It’s called “PROGENEX Recovery”.

Manufactured by Progenex Dairy Bioactives, the health drink can help athletes achieve their training goals. But not only does this product helps restore performance, it also have a great taste!

PROGENEX Recovery consists of a concentrated bioactive sequence. This formula resets the cause of muscle fatigue at the cellular levels in hours. That is why many elite athletes consider Recovery as one of their most valuable “Trade Secrets”.

But unlike other sports beverages, the real key to Recovery’s effectiveness is Promorphogen. This ingredient is a high quality whey growth factor extract that has been hydrolyzed through a proprietary enzymatic process. With Promorphogen, protein substances can be easily absorbed inside the body thereby promoting a much faster recovery.

So if you are into CrossFit or any other sport game, PROGENEX Recovery will definitely help you lead the way!

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cfs) – Getting Diagnosed With it

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:21:22 +0000

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cfs) – Getting Diagnosed With it

This is part 2 in my series about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In my last article, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cfs) – What? Is That Even a Real Disease? Read more: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/445760_chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs-what-is-that-even-a-real-disease#ixzz1Cb2DoPjK, I explored my unfortunate introduction to CFS.

CFS is a strange disease. It has no apparent bias towards one or two symptoms, but instead is happy to take over your body in many ways, making you a stranger in your own skin. Not only does it affect your body, but it affects your mind as well. Mine came on with so many symptoms and at such a rapid pace I never even saw it coming.

Looking back my biggest worry was that I would lose my job. Since that ship has now sailed, I can see many ways I wish I had approached things differently.

I was having so much trouble staying awake and focusing that I kept going to the doctor. I had so many symptoms I didn’t even know which ones were important to talk about. Here is a summary of the things I was experiencing:

Extreme fatigue (funny – there is no word to adequately describe the fatigue… extreme, overwhelming, all consuming… even these attempts don’t do it justice)

Dizziness

Memory problems

Inability to focus

Trouble sleeping (talk about cruel, you are so exhausted but can’t seem to sleep?)

Strange problems with my vision

Discomfort

Depression

Trouble staying warm

Menstrual problems

Bowel problems

Allergies

I had a battery of tests done but it wasn’t until the test for Epstein Barr virus came back with a really high positive that my doctor finally seemed to understand maybe something was really wrong. There are multiple EBV tests that can be done: one test shows past infections, another shows current infections, and the third shows upcoming infections. Anything above a 0.9 is a positive, and mine came up over 5.0 with current infections. It was my third visit, and it took three weeks after the test to finally get an appointment.

My doctor finally brought up the words “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and I was shocked. She scheduled me to go see an Infectious Disease doctor. I was so scared – infectious disease? Could I have given something to my family or friends? Those words struck fear in me I can’t explain. I was afraid to tell people because they might not want to be around me. The Infectious disease doctor explained to my doctor that they didn’t see people for EBV. The suggestion was testing for a battery of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). More blood tests and a couple of weeks later, it was confirmed that it was not an STD. Talk about a horrific waiting period. I was imagining everything bad in the world, and spent hours researching EBV and STD’s. So far my experience was frightening and consisted of a lot of waiting

In my research information was conflicting whether EBV and CFS are associated. Medical doctors seem to be of the opinion they are not related, and naturopathic doctors feel it is. Needless to say my doctor still didn’t know what to do with me.

I had taken a leave of absence from work at this point and the time clock was ticking. Time was not on my side to figure out what was wrong and get it “fixed” before my FMLA leave was going to run out – so I tried changing doctors to someone who would get test results back to me faster. This was a BIG MISTAKE! If you have someone who is willing to work with you, research the illness, and believes in CFS you should hold on to them like the biggest strike of gold in the world!

I was referred to an allergist who confirmed allergies, but thought the rest was in my head. I was sent to a psychologist. The psychologist had a three month waiting period. I couldn’t sit back for three months and do nothing so I went back to the computer to do more research.

I ended up asking my doctor to send me to a Rheumatologist (I had researched what doctors in Washington State would help with CFS, and the help there was bleak. The best I could find was to see a Rheumatologist… so that was where we started). I waited the three weeks to see the specialist my doctor referred me to, only to find out they didn’t work with CFS. Another referral later, and I ended up with a specialist who didn’t really work with it, or even believe in it, but he was willing to see me. He spent the time trying to convince me that it wasn’t CFS because I didn’t have constant fevers. He sent me to an ENT because it must be problems with my ears. My ears came back just fine, and I told him nothing in my research said a lack of fevers ruled out CFS. He was furious that I questioned him. We agreed to part ways as patient and doctor. I needed a partner in this journey, not a dictator.

I went to a CFS clinic, the only one I could find in WA, but they didn’t take insurance and the cost was prohibitive. I was not able to go back. CFS was confirmed. I went to another Rheumy recommended by a friend who had fibromyalgia. I didn’t think I had fibro because I had misconceptions about what that meant. It was at this time that I received a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This doctor did not have expertise in CFS either, but explained to me that many people who have one have both. Although he didn’t have a lot of knowledge about it, he wasn’t averse to working with someone who had it and was willing to try and work with me. We got along well and finally I felt like I was not alone in this, but had someone to help me in this journey. I was started on medications to treat the fibromyalgia.

The three months had passed and I finally go to my appointment with the Psychologist. Unfortunately, he said that once a Rheumy was involved, he didn’t have much to offer (that was an expensive waste of time!)

I got a referral from another friend to a naturopath (ND) who confirmed they had experience working with patients who have CFS and Fibro. I can’t express how many times I wanted to give up. I can’t convey the feeling of failure, hopelessness, and frustration over trying to get someone, anyone, to help me. Being told it was in my head, when I was already so afraid that could be true. Being told CFS didn’t exist, being told the many things I was told. A person struggling with this demon is already so beaten down and defeated, isolated and exhausted, unsure and insecure – it is horrible that it is so difficult to find help. I made an appointment with the ND and still see her today.

I still don’t have a medical doctor that specializes in chronic fatigue syndrome. I can’t find anyone who in my area who does. I’m just lucky enough to have kept fighting and advocating for myself until I found someone willing to try and help me. Now I have a team of doctors, and we are all playing on the same team, because we work together; my rheumatologist, my regular doctor, and my naturopath. When able, I also get counseling because the depression that comes and goes is so overwhelming.

I leave this installment repeating one thought: You have to be your own advocate. You have to remember that medicine is not cut and dry, and doctors are learning as well. Advocate for yourself. Educate your providers and make sure you only work with people who treat you as their partner. Don’t give up. Look for support groups online, or in your area. http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome/support-group is a place I found to help me.

In my next segment, I will talk about the different treatment options I’ve tried, been through and am still trying.

Written by AprilP

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Ten Health Mysteries of Female Breasts

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:21:44 +0000

Ten Health Mysteries of Female Breasts

From ancient days, there has been a certain degree of luring mystery associated with female breasts which have an important role in female sexuality. Poets have sung paeans in praise of these delicate organs. Psychologists and physicians have made innumerous researches, studying how they affect normal human life. Sexologists say that female breasts have clustered some of the sweetest memories and the purest practices of mankind.

Health problems of female breasts

In maintaining female health, breasts have an important part. It is surprising that women are not aware of some common ailments that affect their breasts. There are so many differences in the size, range and shape of the breasts that cause problems in their life. Some breasts are small, some are large and some women have unequal breasts. Its development depends on the supply of hormones. The structure and function of the breasts are regulated by endocrinal glands like pituitary, adrenals and thyroid. An interesting fact about female breast is that it is never static and changes with age, nutrition, pregnancy, nursing and menopause.

Ten health mysteries of female breasts

1) Breast cancer

Nowadays this is an increasing problem in women. It has become one of the most dreaded conditions of female breast and an important cause morbidity and mortality. Though this disease increases at the age 40-50, the chances of its starting are there throughout life. Number risk factors such as delayed child-bearing, genetic abnormalities, early menarche, diet and late menopause are incriminated. Alcohol habit increases the risk. Hence women must have medical check up periodically. Self-examination is the easiest method to detect in time. Mammography is a reliable method of detecting breast cancer.

2) Small breasts

Many women deplore that heir breast is small since large beasts are considered to be associated with sexuality. It is a common problem that causes mental stress in women. The size of breasts is governed by a numbers of factors such as genetic, nutritional, hormonal, etc. Yet it can be enhanced by exercises that tone up pectoral muscles. It can also be augmented by treatment.

3) Large size of breasts

If the breasts are very large and pendulous they cause much embarrassment. If the weight of the breasts becomes uncomfortable it is better to g for reduction and mastopexy which can give the breast uplift.

4) Breast pain

This is also a very common occurrence among women. Pain in the breast is often related to hormone variation. Breasts are sensitive before menstruation and this sensitivity decreases once menstruation begins. Stress can worsen their pain. Other causes in the chest also may reasons for breast pain.

5) Breast infections

This health problem is common among child-bearing and breast-feeding women. A crack or fissure in the nipple may cause infection. While breast-feeding, a duct may get blocked with milk obstructing the milk flow. Moreover, the sucking baby can cause infection by biting, etc. If the infection is severe, there may be inflammation of the large ducts and abscess may form. Sometimes a surgery may be needed to remove it.

6) Lump near the nipple

This is called fibro-adenoma which is a non-malignant lump commonly seen. This is a small, rounded and smooth lump found near the nipple but can be found anywhere in the breast tissue. It can move freely. One need not worry about this; yet it is advisable to have a check up for cancer. Most of these lumps are clear on mammogram and ultrasound.

7) Fibro-cystic disease

This is a kind of lumpy feeling in the breast commonly found among women in the age group of 30-50.There may be multiple cysts which are filled with fluid and re surrounded by fibrous tissue. Their size varies with menstrual cycle. In many women discomfort occurs during the premenstrual phase. Though there is nothing to be worried about these cysts, there are chances of developing brest cancer.

Haematoma

This occurs commonly due to an inadvertent injury to the breast which may cause swelling. There may be appearances of bruises on the breast. A diagnosis by a physician can clear things.

9) Intra-duct growth in nipples

This is a small wart-like growth in a duct near the nipple which may occur in women in their 40s. There may be a discharge from the nipple which sometimes may be blood-stained. These may be cancerous and should be removed surgically.

10) Obesity

Obesity and breast health are interlinked. The size of the breast depends upon the food habits. If the person is obese, breasts normally increase in size and look ugly. If there is lack of nutrition and weight loss, the shape of the breast also suffers.

Written by Paulose

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The Need-To-Know About Fibromyalgia Symptoms Medication

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:14:48 +0000

The Need-To-Know About fibromyalgia Symptoms Medication

Millions of people around the world are affected by the complex condition called fibromyalgia. There are a lot of research going on in the field of fibromyalgia medication even without a defined test for testing it and overlapping symptoms that usually result to misdiagnosis. Most of the has the objective of understanding the conditions hence, to help them develop the right and accurate ways for diagnosis and treatment for fibromyalgia. The research for fibromyalgia medication is conducted in some fields of research, such as to understand why patients with fibromyalgia are so hypersensitive to heart breaking pain. This research for medication is also being done to know if there is any particular gene that makes patients to be predisposed to these conditions which appears to run in a family lineage.

There are, at present, continuous on why various fibromyalgia patients respond in a variety of ways to treatment and pain. The determined scientists will know from the results of this research how to divide the patients with this disease and determine the form and type of treatment each group requires. Some researchers conducting studies for fibromyalgia medication want to establish the cause of erratic sleep patterns of patients suffering from this condition. They are also trying to have a wider scope in their research in knowing the link between fibromyalgia and other disorders such as mood disorders and arthritis.

A combination of wide-spectrum pain medications and specified symptoms medication for fibromyalgia-related symptoms is known as . There are such a wide range of symptoms that may accompany fibromyalgia like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, fatigue, deep muscle pain, and other life-disrupting symptoms that usually cannot be treated by one medication for fibromyalgia symptoms. If you want medication for a wider range of symptoms for fibromyalgia, it should include hydrocodone, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. These medications for fibromyalgia symptoms, however, can later on result to adverse effects in patients, and many of them have not found relief through these medicines. Discussion with doctors can prevent or limit these effects due to fibromyalgia medication, and can help the patient in finding the right pain management medication for them. Also prescribed as medication for symptoms such as overall pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness are antidepressants.

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Antidepressants are found to significantly reduce the severity and duration of many patients’ symptoms as well as improve the quality of their sleep. It also is due to the fact that fibromyalgia is often associated with depression, a combination of antidepressants and pain management medication can often contribute to a greater quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. This can also add sleep aids and muscle relaxants for those with insomnia night time symptoms. There are a lot of patients find this successful for them as these types of medications allow a restful sleep, and this can result to a significant reduction of the amount of fatigue felt during the day. These types however, can produce adverse effects and make functioning in the morning even more difficult because fibromyalgia can often cause morning stiffness and difficulty getting out of bed.

for sleep should therefore be closely monitored by a doctor, with the patient with open communication of any sleep difficulties or problems. This medication for fibromyalgia symptoms should be viewed as a treatment system for an overall condition with several differing aspects. Not one medicine can cure all symptoms of fibromyalgia. The patient should have an honest communication with the doctor and settle on the system of medications for their symptoms of fibromyalgia that works best for them.

Want to know more about Fibromyalgia Medication Research? Visit Michael Harrah’s page, http://www.fibromyalgiamedication.net/

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Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection
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The Fibromyalgia Handbook: A 7-Step Program to Halt and Even Reverse Fibromyalgia, 3rd Edition
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Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:15:48 +0000

fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes

fibromyalgia is a muscle and joint disease that affects approximately two to four percent of the population, fibromyalgia is predominantly diagnosed in women between 20 and 50, although it can affect men and even children. It’s estimated some twenty million Americans suffer from this disorder. Fibromyalgia is said to be the most common arthritis related condition after osteoarthritis.

The cause of fibromyalgia is not clearly understood. Some researchers theorize decreased levels of serotonin contribute, while others think there’s a genetic or environmental component. Some researchers feel there is even a link between childhood abuse and the propensity to develop fibromyalgia. Many practicing physicians don’t even recognize fibromyalgia as a true diagnosis but most rheumatologists do. It can be difficult to find a medical practitioner sympathetic to the condition and familiar with its treatment.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia is very difficult. It’s been called the great imitator because it’s often misdiagnosed as arthritis, Lyme disease and other disorders. The diagnosis is primarily made by ruling out other diseases and by symptoms reported by the patient.

Symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness lasting more than three months, sore throat, swollen glands and painful tissue with normal blood work, poor sleep and fatigue in the mornings. In addition, there are specific trigger points that are generally inflamed and tender. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be aggravated by stress, cold, humidity, over exertion, lack of sleep and infections. Allergies to certain foods and things may also serve as triggers to cause an acute flare up of symptoms. Some research has suggested diet changes; including switching to a vegetarian lifestyle may be very helpful. Pain is the overriding symptom of fibromyalgia and as in many chronic pain disorders the risk of developing secondary addiction problems is high. A pain management doctor may be recommended. It may even be in the fibromyalgia suffers best interest to ask for a pain management referral as the FDA frowns on family doctors and internist prescribing chronic pain medication.

Treatment is a combination of modalities. Therapy to learn better coping mechanisms and decrease stress, finding medications and practices that improve sleep, changes in diet, gentle exercise and physical therapy have all proved to be of benefit. Various medications including serotonin reuptake inhibitors such Prozac, Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, muscle relaxants such as Flexeril, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and Cymbalta. Some physicians will order trigger point injections with some success in pain relief.

Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition both to diagnose and treat. Research is continuing in an attempt to develop better diagnostic and treatment options. At the present time treatment has only about a fifty percent success rate, however this can be improved by a combination approach that includes all the treatment modalities available.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128122416.htm

http://chronicfatigueandfibromyalgia.com/

http://www.fibromyalghttp://chronicfatigueandfibromyalgia.com/ia.com/pain_diary_excerpt.htm

Written by wrywatchertoo

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Handling Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue and Pain

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:29:28 +0000

Handling Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue and Pain

Everyone has experienced muscle soreness or fatigue associated with exercise. For some, this may act as a deterrent from working out or participating in physical activity, but understanding how to prevent and treat those aches and pains can be the key to enjoying exercise and staying motivated in an exercise routine.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, muscle fatigue and soreness, which occur a day or two after an activity, results from microscopic muscle or connective tissue damage. These aches and pains should be minor, and are simply an indication that the muscles are adapting to your fitness regimen. “Health and fitness professionals are the first line of defense for people misinformed about exercise,” said Carol Torgan, Ph.D., FACSM. “It’s really important they have the background knowledge to describe initial muscle pain and soreness so the person doesn’t treat it as an obstacle to exercise.”

According to Torgan, exercisers should not interpret muscle fatigue and soreness as being sorely out of shape. “Some people think they have no business exercising because exercise is painful,” she said. “The soreness is there simply because your muscle is learning something new, and the benefits of exercise far outweigh any initial discomfort.”

It’s also important to keep in mind that gentle stretching helps to restore some flexibility. Massage may also offer some pain relief. Applications of creams and balms, such as AcheAway, as well as the use of ice and warm water can also provide relief. Products containing ibuprofen may also help to lessen the discomfort. It’s a good idea to take it easy for a few days while your body adapts.

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However, do not avoid physical activity because of muscle soreness. In fact, it’s important to keep the muscles in motion with light exercise, which can also be beneficial as it helps to keep the muscles flexible and warm. If the pain persists, or if you have additional concerns, talk to your health care provider or fitness instructor for more information or advice.

Muscle cramps, intense, involuntary contractions of the muscle, often occur toward the end of a long workout or competition. Cramps are thought to stem from dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. But this is not always the case.

While athletes and exercisers often experience painful cramps, they are not the only ones. “Musicians often get cramps, but they do not have a large sweat loss,” said Torgan. “Cramping is likely the results of using a muscle repetitively so that it becomes fatigued.” This repetitive use may trigger abnormal neural activity that causes involuntary muscle contractions. While some unknown factors regarding muscle cramps remain, researchers believe that the main cause of muscle cramps is muscle fatigue.

There exists no real cure for muscle cramps. Still, there are things one can do to help alleviate the problem. Stretching regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and staying hydrated can assist exercisers in being conditioned for exercise. When cramping does occur, it helps to hold the muscle in a stretched position until the cramp subsides. Although considered an urban-legend remedy, some athletes swear that drinking pickle juice or pinching the upper lip or nostril are an effective in alleviating muscle cramps.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to stop exercising immediately and seek the treatment of your physician:

1. Sudden, severe pain

2. Swelling

3. Inability to place weight on leg or foot

4. Extreme muscle fatigue or weakness

5. Inability to move a joint through its full range of motion

6. Visible dislocation or broken bone

7. Numbness or tingling – a possible sign of nerve compression

For any muscle pain or fatigue, the R.I.C.E. method, recommended by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, can help reduce damage and speed healing:

R – Rest: Stop what you are doing that is causing the pain. Rest the sore muscle group for a day.

I – Ice: Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and the risk of further damage it can cause. Wrap ice, or an ice pack, in a towel and apply it indirectly to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day.

C – Compress: Wrapping the injured limb in a snug elastic bandage can help to reduce swelling.

E – Elevate: Raise the injured limb above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.

Acheaway is now available for home use to soothe the aches and pains associated with arthritis, psoriasis, tired joints and sore muscles from an active lifestyle. Thousands have benefited from the pain relieving power of these safe, natural, non-prescription treatments.