Fibro Sux

Dentist

2012-01-25T20:17:00.000-08:00

The dentist visit I was dreading so much wasn't too bad. When I made the appointment, I told them about my medical situation & asked them to add some extra time. So the hygeinist was able to take her time & nothing hurt too much. I was concerned that the Flexeril may have caused gum problems. Also, I have a dry mouth during the night from the CPAP. However, the dentist said I am doing well. There wasn't much scraping to be done. I also don't have any cavities. I was so relieved.

I talked to him about my ear ringing concerns & he said for TMJ he would refer me to a dentist in Buckhead
who specializes in that. But that if I am not having clicking, popping, or pain there, to just hang in there & keep an eye on the situation.

Priorities & choices

2012-01-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

I am so sad tonight because I don't know if even some things were different, would it even make any difference? Am I just entertainment? I am so tired of a certain situation. I know the solution, but it breaks my heart and makes me sad. But I guess it has to be done. I need to stop fooling myself. A healthy life isn't just eating right & getting rest. It's also about healthy relationships. It has to be done, self. Be strong. You know what dad would say.

Health coach by phone

2011-12-28T07:20:00.001-08:00

I am so lucky. My husband's work offered a deal -- sign up for free health counseling by phone and the company would pay US $100 each!

Just that it was free was good enough, but they were going to pay us?!? Unbelievable! Of course I signed up. Husband with severe health issues like high blood pressure & diabetes is of course stubborn and refused to sign up.

I had my first phone call yesterday, & I will talk to my coach again in 2 weeks. The goal for the first couple weeks is for me to make sure I eat breakfast every day & have protein at breakfast at each 4x per week.

That is a small first goal. I'm sure they do it that way on purpose. I think the biggest help to me will be the accountability.

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T13:54:00.001-08:00

I have had some pain but it has been low enough most of the time that I can work to ignore it. I know I am lucky. When I get tired, which is easily & often, the pain gets to me more.

I have discovered that a heating pad at the middle of my back helps alleviate my pain a lot. Feels so good!

I have planned a Christmas meal that is really easy. I am spacing out the things that need to be done so I won't get overly tired. I made pies this morning.

I received a Christmas letter from a friend who has 5 kids. Not only are all the kids successful in every endeavor, but she was able to make a rhyming list of their activities, with each line starting with a letter from "M-E-R-R-Y C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" -- Oh, and she works as a teacher of children who have autism. I think she may be a saint walking among us, really! So I couldn't help but compare to my life -- I barely got 10 Christmas cards sent out. My daughter was so sweet - she said, "But Mom, she's not having pain like YOU have every day." I couldn't believe it! Somebody has a clue. That was the best Christmas present ever.

What to do if you get diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia

2011-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

This is part of a response I gave to someone in the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum of HealingWell.com (A site I HIGHLY recommend, by the way!)
------
I think a lot of your anxiety will be relieved if you do more to educate yourself. I spent (probably too much) time researching Fibromyalgia (a good bit of the reason for that was denial) but the more I read and learned, the more I could see that Fibro was what I had. It could not be denied. So acceptance has helped. I suspect CFS as well. So I plan to learn a lot more about it, too. Much of what you have - those knots - the tingling, the burning feelings, etc. are very common in Fibromyalgia.

If you knew all the weird things that are possible to happen ahead of time, I think it would really help you to take them with a grain of salt when they happen. In my case, I'm kind of like (to the symptoms) "Oh, why hello, I was expecting you to pop up at some time!" -- don't get me wrong, I'm not greeting the symptom happily, but why cause myself more stress and pain, when if I try to see it with a sense of humor, I feel better more quickly instead of making my condition worse.

The knots you have are the "trigger points"...there are about 18 in all. Some people have 11, some people have 18...I have 16 of them. I found that self massage helps a lot. Use circular movements. Look up YouTube videos about self massage for Fibromyalgia. There are also helpful tools sold on Amazon that can help you reach the knots on your back.

I finally decided I wouldn't get frustrated that there is no "cure" to completely get me back to the way I was before. I am this way now. I don't have to give in to it, but I do have to accept that I cannot do everything that I used to do before, or in the same way.

A moto-cross expert was being interviewed and asked how he was able to ride so fast between trees without hitting the trees. He said he looked for the spaces between the trees, never at the trees. That's what we should do, look for the openings...look for things we CAN do, don't focus on what we cannot.

Fone Phail

2011-12-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

I found out I had a voicemail message from someone interested in hiring me for a freelance project. I goofed & neglected to check my messages. So the message could have been there at least a couple days.

I looked up the number & it appeared to be a business, so I decided that even though today is Sunday and I do try to respect peoples' religious & family days, I would go ahead & call and leave a message of apology for my lateness.

To my surprise, the man named Joe answered the phone. Although the voicemail message was friendly & said someone had recommended me, this voice was NOT friendly & said, "Let's talk about this after the holidays."
Well, okay. So I put a reminder in my phone to call him again on Thursday, January 5th.

I don't expect him to be very friendly then, either. I think he was giving me the blow off. The thing is, if you want to give me the blow off, you can come right out & say that you're no longer interested. I am a big girl, I can take it. But if you say, "Let's talk about this after the holidays, then I will contact you after the holidays.

The project doesn't sound like something I really want to do, but I do need the work. So I'll have to stick my neck out & hope he doesn't get snippy with me on January 5th.

I will have to remember to check my messages every morning.

Tips for dealing with Fibromyalgia muscle pain

2011-12-15T16:09:00.001-08:00

This article is on a site about cancer, but this page has a lot of really good ideas about managing chronic muscle pain.

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/muscle-pain-myalgias.asp

Fibromyalgia IS real, don't roll your eyes

2011-12-15T11:00:00.001-08:00

My husband and I were out to lunch with our daughters. My daughters were talking about their fingernails. I started telling them how you can tell someone's health by their finger nails, not just that they bite their nails. The curvature of the nails and the ridges on them can tell you things, for example, ridges going across the nail are signs of very bad illness (but I don't remember what!) and the ridges that are deep that go the length of the nail are very common in people who have Fibromyalgia.

Well, a the mention of Fibromyalgia, there was eye-rolling from all.

My point is this -- if I had Cancer, and everybody in the family knew I had Cancer, just as the family knows I have Fibromyalgia, if I had said that a certain fingernail formation signaled Cancer, they would have nodded in appreciation of receipt and understanding of this knowledge. I wasn't bringing it up so I could discuss Fibromyalgia, I just thought that the fact that fingernails can signal different health issues was interesting -- and they did too, until the word FIBROMYALGIA came up.

True, Fibro's not going to kill me, but I just want some understanding of YES I have it, it's not just an imagined illness I enjoy discussing. It's not like I faked my low Vitamin D and positive ANA test. I am not lazy, I feel like SHIT, and your attitude makes me feel even worse.

Fibromyalgia is recognized as a distinct and REAL medical issue by the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization, among many others.

When will this illness be "good enough" for us all to accept it exists?

"How did your Fibromyalgia start?"

2011-12-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not exactly sure when the Fibromyalgia developed. I know when it got WORSE...but thinking back, I always had aches and pains in my fingers and toes that other people didn't seem to get. I was very active in sports when I was younger, and I just thought everybody had those aches. Over the years I've had weird things happen, like rolling over in bed and pulling a muscle really bad from that (who gets a muscle pull from rolling over in bed?!?) Nutty kinds of stuff...

A few years ago, I had the flu, and since I tend to have a pretty low body temperature, I had a theory that my low body temperature is why I was always sick with things longer than anyone else. So I decided I would just try to drink a lot of fluids but let my 104 fever "ride." What ended up happening was that I was sitting on the toilet and I felt really strange and the next thing I knew, I was looking at the shower drain. I had fainted on the toilet and tipped over into the bathtub!

Luckily the tub broke my fall so I didn't hit my head (that I realize). I did bruise my upper arm. So I've had a theory that the high temp and possibly something with my neck could have set off the worse symptoms.

But I don't know, it's all a mystery. But nobody else in my family seems to have my issues. My father used to have sciatica in his neck, but that was when he was elderly.

Little online annoyances

2011-12-11T18:07:00.001-08:00

When I'm in pain, I tend to spend time online, on my tablet. It's a cheaper version of the iPad. But it's not from Apple or Sony or whoever the heck manufactures the iPad.

I do like it a lot (the tablet, not being in pain) because I can even use it while resting in bed, like now.

It is a great distractor from pain. But sometimes the Internet adds stress, which increases pain. And some of the things that add to general stress are really stupid things. Like people complaining about their first world problems -- like, his Lexus needs to be washed (oh bummer Roderick A. Whole IV, I am so sorry - how about getting some real problems? lol).

Some of the annoyances are women talking about their "mani pedi." Extra annoyance points if they are talking about their HUSBAND'S mani pedi. I just don't know why they think anyone is interested.

Yet I posted a photo of my fireplace & nobody has commented or liked it yet. So mean. Makes me wanna get a mani pedi. Nah.

Then there is the girl who has a new boyfriend every month and each one is perfect (what?) You'd think each successive boyfriend would wonder what's up -- but I guess the photos of the other boyfriends get deleted.

There's the woman who can't stick with a job for any period of time. She's bright but can't succeed at anything because she is always grasping at straws. I guess that's not really annoying, it's just sad. The stress comes from holding back from telling her the truth, so I just don't comment, because I don't think it would do any good.

Just curious if you have some of the same situations & concerns arise from Facebook? I guess it's all part if humanity. I feel good if I can avoid posting about my health on Facebook. It's hard not to, when pain is dominating.

Pain

2011-12-11T17:43:00.001-08:00

Blogging about pain in a Fibromyalgia journal? No way! How rare must this be?

Yeah well, that was sarcastic humor. I just like to give a heads up, in case you are as tired as everyone else in my life is of hearing about my pain. Wouldn't it be nice to only listen to someone talk about pain instead of experiencing it? I know I'd be good at the job -- very empathetic and understanding. The folks in a FMS sufferer's life have no idea how lucky they are to just have to listen to some complaining and bones popping.

For two days in a row I've had to take Tramadol for pain. Only one pill per day, but I am really trying not to take those magic opioid pain bullets unless I have to.

Today my neck was sore and stiff in the morning. I thought about being proactive & taking a muscle relaxant, but I thought it might make me too sleepy so I didn't take any. I am going to trust my instincts next time. It's now past 8:30 p.m. and my neck is still stiff & hurting, with occasional pops/snaps.

The neck stiffness & pain has brought on a migraine. I took a Tramadol. I am not really feeling well enough for this post, but am posting so I can remember this body symptom & what ended up happening.

I am tired of being the saintly pill refuser. I am seriously considering a second Tramadol & 1 Flexeril.

A lot more happened today other than this pain, but I will have to tell you another time, because. . .Fibro Sux!

Guilt Trip

2011-12-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

My mom called today. She lives 4 hours away from me. She is 84 years old, will be 85 in February. [Insert long long story about how many times she has come close to moving nearer to us then backs out at the last minute after a whole bunch of representatives of independent living centers have my phone number].

Let me be frank. I love my mother. I want to go visit her. But the 4 hour long car drive is just horrible to think about. My kids and possibly the dog, all cramped up with me in the little car. A long highway with very few places to stop easily.

My mother annually sends the family a "family check" as a Christmas present. This is very, very sweet and works best for her too, because she wants to send gifts but if she does mail order, they charge a lot for shipping, plus she isn't sure what the kids would like, etc...so she sends a nice big check.

So today she called and said she mailed the check and then heavily hinted that she would love for us to be there for Christmas, even if I have to use the money to rent a car [This was to circumvent my excuse that we only have one reliable car and my husband needs to use that one for work]. I try not to use Fibromyalgia as an excuse. I'd rather blame the car. But oh my goodness I do fear sitting and driving a car for so long. I am afraid I will feel crippled with hip pain when I get there...then not be able to rest really well there because it's not my bed, my bed pad, and of course I will need to tote along my CPAP stuff. Argh.

I'm thinking negotiation. Maybe we can be there for a few days before Christmas. I know my kids would rather be home for actual Christmas...and that will take away a lot of the stress holiday drivers (maybe?) -- Have I mentioned that I don't have GPS and have a fear of getting lost?

Yeah I know, that's my problem and I should get over it.

I know that in the long run, I will look back and be glad I took the trip. The Guilt Trip.

Mess

2011-12-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Really?!?

I've been thinking about why I am so down lately. I think it's because:

1) Christmas is barreling down on me like a freight train, I feel like I don't have the energy or the money to go Christmas shopping. I'm afraid it's going to be a really crappy Christmas for my kids and that they will be disappointed.

2) I was feeling a lot better after I got the CPAP machine. I had a lot more energy. But now, I feel right back where I was, sometimes worse. I feel like the crap has been beaten out of me every day when I wake up. I have a sound machine to mask my ear ringing noise, I have a foam pad on my bed, I have a memory foam shaped pillow, and I still wake up feeling like I've been beat up? Sometimes it is hard to even move first thing in the morning. Makes me feel disappointed, like I got my hopes up that I had found the "answer," and it's not the answer, it's just an annoying thing I have to strap to my head and another thing to have to wash.

3) I have guilt that I can't do what I used to do. My husband has to nag and drag me out of bed in the mornings. I used to be a morning person...now I am angry and hurting. I snapped at my littlest one this morning. Now I'm not a morning, an afternoon, or a night time person. I am so fatigued I feel that I can't even get bare minimum of things done. I haven't been able to make the money I used to make.

4) I feel unappreciated. This is mainly my own fault...because I am probably doing this to myself. I washed, dried and folded my 18-year-old daughter's clothes and left a note on top of the stack on her bed: "These are clean. All you need to do is put them away." So imagine my dismay to find all the clothes -- and the note - dumped on the floor and the dog laying on it. The girl has no idea how much effort it took me to do that. So, she can do her own from now on. I'm scared about how my teenagers are going to make it out in the world. They don't seem to know how to take care of anything or appreciate anything. Hundreds of dollars' worth of clothing just being trampled on the floor...I guess once she has to work and buy her clothes, she might appreciate them.

Husband says its normal for a teenager's room to look like that and for a teen to not appreciate anything. He's probably right, damn it.

Bad several days and a pity party

2011-12-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

I have had a bad time for the last several days. The pain has been bad, the fog deep, the ears ringing even more than usual and the fatigue HEAVY.

I have work to do (I work at home) but it seems unconquerable. I have kept putting off communicating with clients because I feel so shitty -but I can only put off communicating for so long.

I have to either push forward now or tell clients I'm sorry I can't help them. Unfortunately for most of the things I can do to make money, it all has Christmas deadline...and I know that part of this is probably depression. Not depressed enough to harm myself, but I just want to be left alone. I have no drive to accomplish anything.

I'm trying to re-assess how I can reorganize my business so that it works for me (so my jobs will be more basic and not so involved and difficult) -- I can't handle the more difficult jobs now. At least I am able to make the changes that I need, I am trying to look at the bright side of that.

But I feel like such a loser that I cannot seem to motivate myself.

I did cry before going to sleep last night, but I can't even let myself get a good pity party of sobbing going because I know I have to put on my CPAP mask. So there is the frustration that I can't even cry like a normal person now? Sheesh!

So this morning I told my husband I was thinking about what I could do to no longer take on the difficult/complicated jobs and just do simple jobs. He made a snarky comment like "What, cuz they're cutting into your INTERNET time?!?"

Of course that hurt my feelings. I do spend time on the Internet that seems like more than normal, but I make money using the Internet (I keep some websites, I write, etc)...so when I am using the Internet I'm not playing, I am working and trying to make some money but I guess it looks to others like I am playing.

So I realized even he doesn't understand. Part of my time is spent on the Internet using my tablet -- and again that looks like playing but what I am doing is trying to distract myself from the pain. Lying in bed listening to my ears ring louder and louder doesn't help. The tablet is a good distraction.

Anyway, as usual I got myself so upset and frustrated that "Nobody will every understand me" that I cried. My husband later came over to me and put his arm around me and apologized. He said, "That was bitchy of me, wasn't it?"

I can understand his point of view, because I would probably feel that he was a lazy faker if our situations were reversed.

Trichotillomania and Fibromyalgia

2011-12-05T08:49:00.001-08:00

I have had Trichotillomania on and off for easily 30 years now. Trichotollomania is chronic hair pulling. I don't pull from my head, I pull my eyelashes and lately, my eyebrows. Yes, it's gotten worse. There are times of remission, but right now it's pretty bad, and my Fibromyalgia pain issues are pretty bad.

Well the realization hit me again today that perhaps my Trich and Fibromyalgia are related...they are both Central Nervious System issues. I know I'm not crazy, and pulling out your hair "has" to be crazy, right? Nope -- Not if it's a central nervous system issue, and so if it is, I should consider myself "crazy" for having Fibromyalgia then. Of course I haven't...but what if they are both caused by central nervous system issues? Then I have been right to never consider myself crazy for hair pulling. I've always looked at it this way -- the act of the hair pulling IS crazy, but the person pulling is not.

So now I'm researching the connection a little further than before...

ScienceDaily (Feb. 17, 2009) — Widespread body pain in fibromyalgia patients is associated with specific brain metabolite abnormalities, according to research in The Journal of Pain. Scientists at Louisiana State University examined 16 fibromyalgia patients to assess the role in fibromyalgia pain played by metabolite abnormalities in the hippocampal region of the brain.

The hippocampus is sensitive to the effects of stress exposure and can be affected in a variety of disorders, like fibromyalgia, which are associated with stressful experiences.

Fibromyalgia is considered a stress-related disorder because of the frequent onset and exacerbation of pain symptoms. Brain imaging studies have shown there are central nervous system disturbances that occur in response to pain stimulation. more>>

...brain metabolite abnormalities in premenopausal fibromyalgia patients can disrupt the hippocampus region and inhibit brain activity required for modulating stress responses.

Thankful for Fibromyalgia?

2011-11-28T20:17:00.001-08:00

I am up and down, healthwise.

But, I am learning to live with that.
"I feel like crap but Fibro won't kill me" is my mantra. It's a chronic condition, but it's not terminal. I am determined to have a good life.

I am grateful for having Fibromyalgia -- yes, grateful -- because now I have a better understanding of what it's like to have pain, of what it's like to have chronic pain, of the struggles people have even though I can't SEE it with my eyes

Fibromyalgia is helping me grow in wisdom. It is helping me express my feelings instead of bottling them. It is making me ask for help.

Fibromyalgia is helping me accept when someone doesn't do something the way I would've done it, it's still okay. Everything works out fine. I can let go of perfectionism.

Fibromyalgia is helping me not do too much for my kids, because I can no longer do everything. Because of this, my kids are getting more experience & confidence, because now I don't take things over from them.

Fibromyalgia is helping me decide what's important & what I should let go.

Thank you, Fibromyalgia. I know we have a love/hate relationship, but it will all work out.

Vitamins recommended for Fibromyalgia

2011-09-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have been doing my own research to get a lit of vitamins (and how much is needed and/or safe) to try to get some Fibromyalgia improvement.

THIS IS BY NO MEANS A COMPLETE LIST (it's just what I've learned so far).
Of course, consult a physician first. This is not to be considered medical advice.

Here's what I have so far:

Magnesium, 400 mg daily. (Best forms are citrate, chloride, aspertate). Take 200 mg 2x per day. Apparently it helps more if the dosage is divided throughout the day (better absorption perhaps). Take the magnesium with food. What Magnesium helps with : Nerve signaling, muscle contractions and is a co factor for 350 enzymes, including ATP, which is very important for energy. Magnesium is also needed in the production of serotonin.

Magnesium Malate, 1500 mg

Malic Acid 1200-2400 mg, same a malate (should see improvement within 2 days of taking this) helps repair and restore muscles. Plays a part in cells of mitochondrial. Greater stamina and endurance of muscle cells.

B2 & B3 combined, with 100 mg of elemental iodine in the form of Lugol tablets (I don't know what Lugol tablets are...more research needed)

Co-enzyme Q10 - Needed for energy production, 200-400 mg daily

Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 500 mg 2x per day for 6 weeks, then do 500 mg 1x per day , and then I can choose to keep taking it or stop, based on how it's making me feel.

Hearing Check

2011-09-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

I had my hearing test & it was normal, I was surprised because during much of the test, I couldn't tell the difference between the high pitched tones the audiologist used for testing and the tinnitis whine! The ENT said my hearing was on high end of normal. They checked my eustachian tubes & pressure & said that they are in normal limits.

Soooo, in about a month, I am going for a diagnostic test to check for acoustic neuroma (tumors or growth at the brain stem). I do not think I have that, but they have to be sure to rule it out just in case. The test will not hurt, all I'll need to do is lie back & relax.

In the meantime, my ENT wants me to pop my ears 3 times after each meal. I don't think meals have anything to do with it, but that's just a way I can remember to pop my ears 3x at a time, 3x a day.

Oxidative Stress and Fibromyalgia

2011-09-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

Just something I want to look up later on.... nothing to see here ... yet. lol

Tinnitis in Fibromyalgia - Possible Causes

2011-09-19T10:37:00.001-07:00

Ear ringing can be caused as a side effect of the muscle relaxant Flexeril.
Tinnitis can be a side effect of opioid pain reducer Tramadol (Ultram)
Advil (Ibuprofen) can also cause ringing in the ears.

Supplements -- again

2011-09-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

I have decided to start taking Zinc as well as Vitamin C. I will really have a long list of vitamins when all is said and done! The Rheumy doc said I could just take a multivitamin and I told her about how they make me feel nauseated (it's probably the binders used to stick all the vitamins together) plus, those are usually weak on magnesium because adding magnesium would make the pills too large, so the manufacturers tend to leave it out. A lot of Fibromites are low in Vitamin D and Magnesium. I know I was very low on D. I have been taking 3,000 IU of Vitamin D (my doc said 1,000 IU would be enough) and 500 mg of Magnesium.

Basically, not to insult my doctor, but the only medicine she seems interested in or knows about is big pharma medicine, and so far she's been right about Tramadol and Flexeril, but I have a feeling that one or both will fail to work for me after my body adjusts to them. I don't want to be a drug addict, so whatever I can do to decrease my dependence on drugs I will do.

Weight loss is going well, not extremely rapid, but that's okay. In June I weighed 225 and now I weigh 214. My current self-made-plan is no extra sugar (no form of sugar in any form), no artificial sweeteners, no soft drinks/carbonated beverages), no caffeine. By "no extra sugar" I mean I'm not being a freak about it -- there is some sugar in almost everything, but I'm really trying to avoid anything that has sugar in the top 5 ingredients (the list on the package) whenever possible. I'm also trying to eat more naturally, getting away from processed foods.

However, the McDonald's Cheeseburger I had today was pretty darn good...pretty...pretty...good. I drank water. I did curse myself for letting them put cheese on it though...I snorted phlegm the whole way home. I know better than that... lol

Visit to Rheumy

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

So I went to the rheumatologist today. She asked where I was hurting. I'm not doing too badly today, so I told her that's what bugs me so much -- I feel like I'm going crazy when one day I feel terrible and the next day I can feel somewhat fine. She asked about the Elavil, I reminded her that I'm no longer taking it, and explained the outbursts that I had by only taking Elavil for 3 days. She said I was right to stop taking it and explained that sometimes it takes awhile to find the drug that will help each person.

She asked me if I would be willing to try one of the drugs that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of Fibromyalgia, those being Cymbalta and Lyrica. As we discussed the medications, she said Cymbalta helped suppress appetite, and since I am trying to lose weight, I decided I would give that one a go. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone, right? She gave me a month's worth of sample of Cymbalta.

When I got home, I skimmed over the insert that comes with the medication. Of course, it's in very tiny print, but I read over the side effects. There's constipation, nausea and diarrhea in higher incidences than the test subjects who received placebo (fake medication). It doesn't take a Mensa Club member to realize that nobody wants to eat when they have diarrhea and nausea! Yes, I'd like to lose weight, but not like that!

So I'm sitting here undecided about this medication. I am going to take a few days to think about it and discuss with my husband. If I do decide to take it, I think I will wait until he is off work, that way if I'm acting weird, he'll be around more to notice it. Also, if it makes me really sleepy, he will be able to make sure the kids are picked up from school, etc.

I told the doctor about the pins/needles feeling and my arms falling asleep. She said Fibro can cause all kinds of weird sensations like that. (I'm not going to accept that answer)

I told her about the tinnitis (ringing in ears) I am experiencing. I know it's common with Fibro, but she said that sometimes medications can cause that & recommended I try going off either the Flexeril or the Tramadol for a little bit (try one at a time) to see if discontinuing either one will stop the tinnitis.

RESOURCES

Here is the official website for Cymbalta

Hip pain, frustration & tears

2011-09-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Some significant pain this afternoon in my hips -- worse than ever. I tried different stances when standing & positions when sitting or lying down, to see if it would make any difference. It didn't help. So I took 1 Ultram & it did help within 40 minutes or so, thank god. The pain was accompanied by a headache & the almost constant tinnitis. Then I felt like I needed to lie down for a bit. After I lay down, I had a bit of a pity party, but it was more of an "I'm frustrated and mad that this Fibro shit is messing up my LIFE!" party. Next thing I knew, I was having a crying jag, sobbing. My period is due soon, so it was likely a combination of pain and PMS hormones.

Update: Really bad heartburn within 2 hours of eating spaghetti. Made with lean beef & Barilla Mushroom pasta sauce

Stomach pain after eating apples

2011-09-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

I do have terrible burning stomach pain and cramping after I eat an apple. Not anything added to the apple, not a caramel apple, but just a normal apple. I noticed pectin mentioned in some articles as I've been doing my online research about Fibromyalgia. For some reason, today it hit me that I should look up stomach pains after eating apples, and I found out about Fructose Intolerance. I have been suspicious that I have food intolerances for some time now, but this is driving me to look further into it. Here's what I found -- from a doctor's notes regarding a patient who also had Fibromyalgia:

"The patient's lymphocytes have shown a deficient ability to tolerate fructose (found in table sugar, corn syrup and fruits). Fructose is metabolized differently from other sugars. A fructose load leads to accumulation of fructose-1-phosphate in cells which may partially deplete intracellular ATP levels in susceptible individuals. Decreased cellular ATP causes disturbances in protein, DNA & RNA synthesis, interferences with cyclic AMP formation, and reduced ammonia detoxification. Several forms of hereditary fructose intolerance have been described. Symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, weakness, dizziness, behavioral changes and depressed immune function. Excess intake of fructose should be avoided, rather than absolute removal of dietary fructose. Whole foods containing fructose (fruits and some vegetables) may be consumed, in order to benefit from their overall nutritional value. Foods very rich in fructose include table sugar (sucrose), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates and a large list of prepared foods containing sucrose and/or corn syrup. Reduction of excess dietary fructose intake by avoidance of foods very rich in fructose is suggested." [source]

It's a pretty good website for Fibromyalgia tips, but keep in mind the author of the website is a rep for a vitamin company, so there is some attempt to sell you products (completely fine and legal, I just thought I would let you know that right off the bat)

The Livestrong website substantiates what the doctor says about Fructose Intolerance here

Vitamins for Fibromyalgia

2011-09-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of surprised that my rheumatologist doesn't seem to believe in anything but regular medications (not that she's against vitamins, but she doesn't seem to think they will do much for me). All the vitamins I take are from my own research, not from anything my doctor has encouraged. Someone in the HealingWell forum said that endocrinologists care about vitamins, but other doctors don't. So I have been on my own to find vitamins. Most of the D3 and B vitamins I have on hand I purchased at a really low price, by taking advantage of buy-on-get-one-free sales and using coupons on top of that. Some of my D3 vitamins only cost me a dollar a bottle! But now that I'm looking further into vitamins, I may be able to find a better variety by looking online. Sherrine from healing well forum recommended Puritan's Pride online, so I am going to try them. Puritan's Pride is also listed on Ebates.com, so by going through Ebates, I'll be able to get 5% back on my vitamins. But now to figure out WHAT I need to get.

Here is a list I found online. I already take those that are in bold type. I need to also look into Malic Acid. D-Ribose is another nutritional supplement that might be helpful (but it's expensive)...I also don't want to accidentally poison myself by using the wrong amount of vitamins or decrease effectiveness by taking some vitamins together that would be better taken at different times of day or with different foods. So it's going to take more research, which is probably why a lot of doctors don't want to bother with this stuff.

Nutritional Supplements Fibromyalgia

Glucosamine & MSM -It was shown in one study that when glucosamine and chondroitin were used in combination some reduction in pain was noted in patients who demonstrated moderate to severe pain

SAMe is recommended and has been found to reduce pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, muscle aches, and moodiness in clinical studies.

Rhodiola rosea intake on physical capacity, muscle strength, speed of limb movement, reaction time, and in a study at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium study participants stated having improved endurance, and exercise capacity.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil that is rich in both EPA and docosahexaenoic acid. These compounds both provide excellent anti-inflammatory properties when taken.

Vitamin B12- Vitamin B12 has been shown to help relieve back pain in some studies, and some fibromyalgia patients report that they have less pain and tenderness try this natural supplement.

Vitamin D3- it is important to note that the amount of vitamin D that the body can produce or store in the fat cells decreases as we age, thus increasing vitamin D deficiencies. Many individuals with fibromyalgia symptoms have found relief from muscle weakness, muscle and bone pain, and claim to sleep better as well.

Magnesium and Calcium can play a pivotal role and antagonistic roles in regulating your body’s muscle function. These two supplements work in unison to help the mechanism needed for muscle contraction and relaxation of all muscles.

Medication change

2011-09-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

I stopped taking Elavil because I had angry outbursts without any warning. Normally if I get irritated, I can feel it coming on. But on Amitryptene (Elavil) I know I didn't spell that right, but I would cuss out the entire family, including generous helpings of the F-Word, in a way that is very unlike me. So I only took it 3 days, 2 of those days I had these odd outbursts, and I weaned myself off them by taking half pills for 2 days. Now I feel much better. I jut take the Flexeril and Tramadol at night.

I called the doc today to see if they want to put me on another antidepressant, but I told them I was doing okay without them.

You can't blame everything on Fibro

2011-09-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

New meds making me drowsy

2011-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Cyclobenzaprine 10 mg
Started this generic of Flexaril muscle relaxant at 2:30 p.m. yesterday. It made me groggy and I had a nap on the couch.

Amitriptyine HCL 25 mg tab
Started this generic of Elavil last night around 9:30 p.m.
It's now 1:45 pm the next day, and I still feel sleepy and a little dizzy/light-headed. This is a fairly small dosage from what I can tell, too. I only took one, but the prescription says I can take 1 or 2. Imagine if I took two! I'd probably be knocked out cold!

I feel like everything I look at is in high definition. I have also had diarrhea today, but that was after drinking a large bottle of Mountain Dew for the caffeine to get myself alert. So that could be why that happened. I don't drink carbonated drinks much anymore.

Tramadol HCL 50 mg
This is the generic for Ultram - it's a pain medication. It will probably also make me drowsy. I'm in no rush to take it, since the other medications are making me so sleepy.

On the bright side, my pain is lessened, but the best thing would to be able to have less pain and have energy too, but I guess the two things just don't go together anymore? On the other hand, I've thought that because I have been in pain so long, that this break in the pain by the medication and the sleepiness is something to roll with, because maybe my body needs to repair time.

Fibromyalgia, you bastard

2011-08-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

According to the book, Fibromyalgia for Dummies, some of the foods that can cause Fibromyalgia flares - Chocolate, citrus fruits, and alcohol ("just to name a few", the book says) also worsen IBS symptoms. So great Fibro, go ahead and take some more things I like. I have so little to enjoy now, let's just take it all away.

For IBS symptoms I should eat more vegetables.

ps I wrote the email to M. Don't know what he will say.

Neck muscle & Fibro book

2011-08-30T07:45:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning fine, but within 15 minutes of waking up, my left side of neck and shoulder hurt. I can't turn my head to the left...the muscles of my neck are very tight on that side and it's like an elastic band that runs from my neck to my collarbone/shoulder area that is very tight. I've tried moist heat, dry heat, and 2 Advils.

I was able to download Fibromyalgia for Dummies from the library's website - the full book - for free! However, I haven't been able to figure out how to put the book on my tablet so I can sit or lie down comfortably to read it. So I've been reading it on the computer. I think I am close to figuring it out, or else my tablet isn't compatible with the programs. If all else fails, maybe I can figure out how to get the info from the laptop to the micro SD card and then put the micro SD into the tablet and transfer the file that way. One of my issues is being able to stick with a task when it proves challenging, because my aches and pains and overall fatigue really make me short of the patience needed.

I asked my husband a question, and he was a bit irritated that I asked him the same question yesterday and he answered me. Oh derp. I do remember asking but I don't remember the answer. That must be the inattentiveness of fibro. Fun!

I'm trying to look at the funny side of all this. Since I can't turn left because of my neck pain, I can only walk in circles! Not really, but it's a funny thought, and the funny thoughts are keeping me going. I've had 2 times today that I just wanted to break down and cry. I am so frustrated and hurting so bad.

I saw a job opening that looked like it would be perfect for me, but I can't really see how I could do a job feeling the way I do. However, making more money would probably solve some of my stress over money. The job is full time and has no benefits though, and I have to be honest, it would be good to have a job that if I did get worse and became disabled, I would be able to have some short term or long term disability benefits.

Symptom & Pain log (I guess this will be like Captain Kirk's Stardate Log)
Pain in left side of neck radiating to left shoulder, can't turn head to the left.
Pain in right shoulder
Pain in top right hip
Ears ringing

Ringing Ears

2011-08-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ringing ears continue. Someone in the Fibro101 forum suggested taking Mucinex to drain eustachian tubes. I took only 1 Mucinex D and a glass of water. Hope it helps. Have already tried cleaning ears with peroxide to no noticeable improvement.

Sleep study

2011-08-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

My left arm fell asleep during the sleep study, I know I woke up several times. Will get results in 1-2 weeks.

Sleep study conducted Sunday August 28, 2011

Fibromyalgia notes

2011-08-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Research notes
Central Sensitivity Syndrome
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) "How you feel is what you think."
Fibromyalgia as Central Nervous System disease, not actually rheumatological.
Tricyclic drugs like Elevil work on the spinal column

See video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtc2JARVpPw

Fibromyalgia and sleep

2011-08-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Found in a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome website:

Regarding Fibromyalgia in Sleep Studies -

"Alpha wave activity inappropriately intruding into the delta waves of sleep."

Stinging Back of Throat

2011-08-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

I've had two occasions -- once last night, and just a few minutes ago, where the back of my throat started hurting -- stinging, while I was eating.

So I decided to type up the ingredients of the foods I ate to see what is the common factor.

Last night - Some chocolate cake (I don't have the frosting container anymore, but I will type down the cake mix and added ingredients)

Pillsbury Moist Supreme Devil's Food cake mix
Sugar, enrisched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), wheat starch, cocoa processed with alkali, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, baking powder (baking soda, dicalcium phosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate), contains 2% or less of propylene glycol mooesters, corn starch, natural and artificial flavor, salt, cellulose, mono and diglycerides, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, polysorbate 60, red 40, TBHQ and citric acid (antioxidants)

Contains wheat ingredients, may contain milk and soybean ingredients.

Added 1-1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 3 whole eggs to the mix.

Frosting I used was Duncan Hines Chocolate (can get ingredients list later)

Sandwich today: Peanut butter and jam.

Peanut butter: Kroger Crunchy Peanut Butter.

Ingredients: Made with roasted peanuts and sugar, contains 2% or less of molasses, fully hydrogenated vegetable oils (Rapeseed, Cottonseed and Soybean), Salt.

Welch's Concord Grape Jam
Ingredients: Grapes (Concord Grapes), Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Fruit Pectin, Citric acid, sodium citrate.

Nature's Own Whitewheat Sandwich Bread (front of package says "No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, no high fructose corn syrup")

List from the company's website:

UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), FOLIC ACID (A B VITAMIN)], WATER, SUGAR, FIBER (SOY FIBER AND/OR COTTONSEED FIBER), WHEAT GLUTEN, YEAST, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: CALCIUM SULFATE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, VEGETABLE OIL (SOYBEAN OIL OR CANOLA OIL), SALT, SOY FLOUR, DOUGH CONDITIONERS (SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, CALCIUM STEAROYL-2-LACTYLATE, MONOGLYCERIDES, CALCIUM IODATE, ETHOXYLATED MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, CALCIUM PEROXIDE,DATEM, AZODICARBONAMIDE), CULTURED WHEAT FLOUR, GUAR GUM, VINEGAR, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, YEAST FOOD (AMMONIUM SULFATE), SOY LECITHIN, 050710

Thank you to the companies for sharing the nutritional information on their websites. I'm not crazy about some of these ingredients, Azodicarbonamide being used in plastics for example (why am I eating this?!?) But I don't blame the companies, but clearly I am too sensitive to eat most of these ingredients anymore. There must be a better way to eat.

Worth Considering

2011-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

I think Dr. Ali knows what he's talking about. He says the pain of Fibromyalgia is caused by tissues wanting oxygen and that acids and toxins need to be removed. Our brains need oxygen and brain nutrients. We have not enough oxygen and too many acids. Look to the toxicity of foods and focus on natural therapies. He says many of us will show positive for mold allergies and possibly parasites. Problems with digestive and absorptive functions and sluggish stomach.

He seems to be against antidepressant and pain medication use because it can lead to dependencies. I'm really taking this to heart, as I've never been a person to just want to put a "Band Aid" on a problem, but get to the root cause of the problem, and I do know I have problems with mold and food intolerance (see today's earlier post) are definitely in play in my symptoms.

Prescriptions for Fibromyalgia

2011-08-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

My doc prescribed Ultram, Elavil, and Flexaril. I haven't gotten them filled yet, because I got the prescription on Friday and later in the day realized I need them to write the Rx for a 90 day supply to fax it into our prescription drug plan. I had all my questions/concerns written down, but when it got to the prescription, my brain was not there & I totally forgot what we had to do with my prescription. But now that I read these responses, I'm not so sure these meds are even going to help. Rheuma doc seems to think they will. I am feeling somewhat disgusted and depressed this morning. Woke up to the car having a flat tire. Great <<<--- That is sarcasm, that right there. lol

Ultram - A semi-narcotic pain reliever
Elavil - An antidepressant that is supposed to increase serotonin levels in the brain
Flexaril - A muscle relaxant

Chemical reaction?

2011-08-22T05:25:00.001-07:00

Had some chocolate cake last night. It was Pillsbury Devil's Food cake with Duncan Hines' chocolate frosting. I know this because I made it myself. After eating just a few bites, I realized my throat was burning. My daughter was also eating this cake. I asked her if it kind of stung her throat. She said "no -- and I'm sure that means you shouldn't eat it, mom!" So I stopped eating it, obviously. I thought maybe it could be the salt in the food, but if she wasn't feeling that, then it was me.

This morning, the edges of my upper lip are somewhat sore and the edge isn't defined. It's like an allergic reaction.

It could be the eggs, because I know a lot of people have egg allergies, but I've eaten eggs many times before and never had a problem, so I am leaning toward thinking it's chemical sensitivities.

If I can't eat anything with chemicals, I suppose I can count on losing weight!

Out of it in several ways lol

2011-08-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Today has been a roller coaster ride of moods. I haven't cried, but I felt low. I feel low when I'm hurting, or right after the hurting peaks. Now I'm feeling a bit better. I am alternating my time sitting with activity. It's a lot of up and down, but at least I'm not getting stiff and painful. Mainly my back is bothering me the most today, but my knee feels weak and my feet hurt. I must have been limping this morning because my daughter thought I was being goofy and asked me why I was "walking that way?" My feet hurt, but I think I am just dealing, you know? If I stop and really think about everything that's hurting, I'm going to crumble. All I can do is work to get to the kitchen like this morning for example. If it took walking funny to get to the kitchen, then that's what it takes. I think if I over analyze, I'm going to lose my mind.

Yesterday I attended a meeting and I felt sort of out of it in the sense that I was too aware of my body. It was distracting that I had to worry a bit about feeling bad while I was there. I tried to speak up with some ideas, but it seemed like someone else would talk right over me and that I was a little out of the "clique."

Maybe it was me and maybe I am too sensitive.

There were also times that I would start talking and couldn't come up with the word or the name. Names that would normally come to me in a snap. I worry that I am coming off as dumb and that is why I was "dismissed" somewhat.

I go to the rheumatologist today and I have my list of symptoms printed out, as well as a list of all the medications/vitamins I'm taking and a list of questions. I don't want to go blank when I'm there. I want the visit to be productive.

Fibromyalgia - Trichotillomania connection?

2011-08-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have Trichotillomania -- I hate to admit it, but while I'm just throwing my whole life out here, I might as well mention compulsive hair pulling. I have been pulling for at least 30 years, maybe even longer. There have been periods of time that I have not pulled, and I haven't been able to figure out why I did NOT do it then. The times I stopped weren't special times of low stress island vacations or anything. Nothing special about the times I did not pull, is what I'm trying to say here. It started with eyelashes, eventually progressed to eyebrows. I've never pulled hair from my head.

So now I'm thinking, could the Trichotillomania and the Fibromyalgia be related somehow? Maybe I have been more sensitive to the existence of my eyelashes? I do have itching, and it seems like the pulling stops that. Yes, I've been to therapists and I get told I'm not a mental case. I've been recommended to do anxiety/panic attack exercises and to get more physical exercise. Anything that reduces stress.

I don't get stressed out by the hair pulling anymore. I've accepted that it's just something that I do. I don't like it, but I won't beat myself up over it. Because it seems to chastise myself would just make everything worse. I try to be my own best friend.

I did find a support forum where the folks are discussing a connection between Fibromyalgia and Trichotillomania, and another site that discusses Sensory Processing Disorder, and that trichsters may be seeking internal soothing, and that it's about the nervous system.

In order to be able to function normally, our bodies must maintain a number of different systems in a state of balance, called homeostasis. This internal regulation affects body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and internal levels of stimulation. With an SPD child or adult, if stimulation is too great, it results in stress to the body. If too low, the child or adult falls into a state of sensory deprivation. There is scientific evidence suggesting that in order to function at an optimum level, we all need a certain level of stimulation that is neither too high nor too low. With an SPD child or adult, their nervous system seems unable to easily and automatically regulate and manage these levels. When not working properly, the individual feels compelled, not even being aware of it, to seek sensory input.

Heart burn, cold feet, flu like pain & lack of emotional support

2011-08-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last night I ate spaghetti and suffered some pretty bad heartburn-like discomfort. I had eaten some grape tomatoes for a snack earlier, and I guess that was entirely too much tomato acid for me. I think it feels unfair to get smacked down after eating something "healthy." I think the tomatoes would have been okay, but the spaghetti sauce and probably the grease in the meat was too much for me.

This morning I woke up feeling pretty okay. Nothing that could be described as 'super,' but not the worst either. I used the latex pillow which is a little higher and a little bit like memory foam. I also decided at the last minute to put some loose socks on, because my feet have been getting cold during the night (during the SUMMER. WTH?!?) but it did seem to help a lot.

The Tinnitis (ringing in the ears) has gotten worse. It used to be only noticeable when I went to bed at night, but now I am more aware of it happening in the daytime. When I say "ringing," it's not ringing like a phone. It's a high-pitched sound wave type thing like a piece of electronics might do. I just try to ignore it.

It may sound silly, but I am really motivated to vacuum the entryway, hallway, and living room (at least the open spaces) every morning. The carpet is new, and with 6 people in the house plus a dog, I think it makes sense to keep this up. I put the vacuum cleaner on a setting that isn't too difficult to push/pull. So that gives me a mild morning exercise. I do this as soon as the kids are all off to school. It's a small thing, but I do feel good knowing I've started off the day with an accomplishment, no matter how tiny it is.

Even after wearing the socks, my feet hurt this morning though. The bottoms of them felt very tender as I walked around first thing in the morning. That's not uncommon for me. My toes started hurting somewhat and the best way I can describe it is when a toe feels like it needs to be popped?

I took one Advil, but sometime after vacuuming this morning, my aches intensified. First my ankles felt really swollen and achy (but visually and touching them, they aren't swollen at all) - the urge is to raise them up on a pillow, like one would do for swollen ankles. I don't think doing that actually helps my ankles at all, but I do it, if only for the psychological benefit.

After being still for a bit like this, more aches that I had at a dull level up to that point suddenly intensified. The inner part of my elbows, my knees, my ankles, my neck, my jaw (that's a new fun one), my wrists. The pain got up to the intensity of a full-blown achy flu.

Just when I thought I was going to have a crappy day full of that kind of pain, it started tapering off. This wasn't more than 10 minutes of the heavy flu aches. You don't have to tell me twice, so I took 2 more Advils and all my vitamins. Well, not all of them, just the right quantity. lol

The hubs was wanting sex, and of course I didn't feel up to it (who would?) But his pouting was a real turn on (sarcasm). Never would he think of massaging me, talking with me and saying he hoped I'd feel better, or anything that would indear me to him. How many people want to have sex when they feel like they have flu aches?!? Anyway, I don't need the guilt trips. Showing me again that he only cares about himself is NOT a turn on in any way.

Durrrr!

Although I am still aching in the shoulders and feet, the realization has just hit me that as soon as hubs left, my pain started subsiding. I wonder if it's possible that certain people make me sick? I can't blame it on the person if that's true, because it would be MY REACTION to the person that causes it. I can't control other people, I can only control myself after all.

Thoughts?

Advil and Vitamins

2011-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally got around to buying some Advil. Tylenol doesn't seem to do me any good, and there were so many people on the Fibro 101 Forum who said they took Advil, that I decided I would give it another try. There's no use in pussy-footing it around, so when I hurt, I took 3 Advils. That's 600 mg. I know I took huge 800 mg ibuprofen pills after childbirth, so I knew a body my size could handle it.

I did wake up with my usual "feel like I've been run over - haven't slept at all" feeling, and pain in my shoulders, elbows and hands. My ankles hurt a bit now, but I have been on my feet (how dare I think I can do dishes for 15 minutes?!?) lol

Overall, I have been more productive today. Have been working on some laundry, some artwork, shot a video to advertise my art, and as I said just washed dishes.

I had a roasted turkey sandwich on white bread with mayo for lunch, some tea, and then I guess stupidity took over and I had some ice cream. IBS or milk allergy worked a number on me after that....then started the inevitable "Why can't I ever learn" self lecture. Took a Tums a little while ago.....now I feel milk burpy with Tums. Yumm-eee!

Oh, I had been taking B Complex and I looked at it yesterday after reading discussions on the Forum about B12 and lo and behold -- there is NO B12 listed on my B-Complex vitamins! Is that crazy or what? So I bought some B12 in tablet form. Now I realize I probably should have purchased the sublingual type (tabs that dissolve under the tongue) -- hard to say but I kind of think the regular tablets I bought might already be working. So hard to say, could be placebo effect.

Here's what I take now:

Nature Made Liquid Softgel E 400 IU
Vitamin B12 (time released) 1,000 MCG
Nature Made B-Complex - the one without Vitamin B12!!! Crazy, right?!? (Has Vitamin C 300 mg, Thiamin 15 mg, Riboflavin 10.2 mg, Niacin 50 mg, Vitamin B6 5 mg, Pantothenic Acid 10 mg)
Vitamin D3 1,000 IU liquid soft gels - I take 2-3 of these per day, depending on how I feel. Most days only 2 of them.
Advil as needed
Tums as needed, but usually 1 per day, gives me calcium
Simply Saline as needed when I feel sinus headache/migraine coming

UPDATE: I've since found out that some of the ingredients in my B-Complex vitamin ARE B vitamins, they just have other names, like Niacin.

Can't keep me down for long

2011-08-15T08:48:00.001-07:00

Feel pretty good physically today.

Symptoms are ankles feeling swollen when they really aren't. Some slight pain in shoulders and neck. The weather is quite a bit cooler today, and that helped. I made a quick trip to UPS Store and the grocery store.

When I got back, I had slight verbal abuse that hurt my feelings and made me mad. ("Shut the hell up, you're no help at all") Later, I lay on the floor for a little bit and cried. My dog, bless her heart, acted like a little clown to get me to cheer up. It worked.

I am getting some work done and listening to cheerful music. I can't let an asshole get me down. If other people can't control their behavior, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep them in my life, because I can't let them make me ill.

I don't need your paycheck that badly.

My Fibro Symptoms - I think

2011-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here are my symptoms that match Fibromyalgia, along with a description of what I actually feel. My words are in plain type, the bold is the description of Fibro symptoms from HealingWell.com, a great site I've just found. The forum for Fibromyalgia is very helpful! You'll notice some items are missing. They didn't apply to me, so I didn't list them here.

1. PAIN- in the muscle: often described as aching, burning, throbbing, gnawing, shooting, tingling. Almost always exacerbated by exercise and may or may not be present at rest. Can be migratory and differing from day to day.

Mine is aching and burning. Pings in the joints like when I have a bad flu.

2. FATIGUE- From feeling tired to exhausted and requiring rest periods during the day.

I just completely run out of steam from doing nothing, and have to put my head down for a little bit until it passes. Total exhaustion feeling.

3. SLEEP DISTURBANCE- not being able to fall asleep and or able to stay asleep. Unrefreshing sleep patterns " feels like I haven't slept."

I can fall asleep okay, but when I wake up I do feel like a Mack truck ran over me. Sometimes I feel worse and less refreshed than I was when I went to bed

4. PARESTHESIA- numbness or tingling. ( non dermatomal)

This started with my hands and arms falling asleep. At first when it was just one arm, I thought that maybe I had been sleeping on it and cut off the circulation. Then it started being both arms, then I would wake up on my back and have arms asleep, and I knew I hadn't been sleeping on them. Sometimes the numbness is all the way up to my elbows.

5. DEPRESSION- most often reactive as with chronic pain condition.

Only due to frustration at not being able to get things done....I feel a lack of support - like family members are thinking this is just another one of my weird phases and they just need to play along until it passes. That makes me mad! But can't blame them either.

6. ANXIETY- may include panic attacks.

The illness causes me anxiety because I get stressed out about my weird symptoms happening when I'm out and about. But not quite to a panic attack level.

8. MOOD SWINGS

I think the pain and feeling like crap make me moody. Who wouldn't be?

9. SUBJECTIVE SWELLING OF EXTREMITIES- i.e. feels swollen but no-one can find anything.

My ankles are the usual site of this problem, but sometimes my wrists. I'm surprised that my ankles aren't swelled beyond recognition, but they feel normal when I touch them.

10. HEADACHES- tension and or migraine.

Occasional migraines, but mainly I think I get headaches from being exhausted. Luckily I don't get these much.

11. COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS: calculation difficulties, memory disturbances, spatial disorientation, difficulty with concentration, short term memory loss.

Recently I was driving to meet a friend for lunch. I was driving down the road and couldn't remember where the place was we were meeting. Then, when I remembered where we were to meet, I couldn't remember where that was. I felt very spacey and it was kind of a scary feeling.

12. FREQUENT UNUSUAL NIGHTMARES- or being unable to dream.

I haven't had weird nightmares, but until I saw this on the list, I didn't realize it's been a very long time since I've remembered having any dream at all.

14. FREQUENTLY SAYING WRONG WORDS

This can get very embarrassing to me, when I say "my husband" when I meant to say "my daughter." But sometimes the word isn't even THAT related to the subject. Might say "clock" instead of "shoe." This really flusters me and how do you make an excuse for that?

15. BURNING SENSATIONS

Sometimes the burning feeling is like my muscles are searing. Sometimes the burning sensation is on the surface of my skin.

16. LIGHT HEADEDNESS- "Fibro Fog", spaced out, cloudy.

Not so much light headed as I feel spacey, can't focus on what I need to accomplish, etc.

17. MORNING STIFFNESS

Most of the time, but it's been worse than it is now.

20. NEUROGENIC INFLAMMATION- rashes, may be severe itching. NI causes the symptoms and signs of Dermatographia.

I one time had a strange 3" rash on my arm that nobody could explain. I was pregnant at the time. All they could recommend was that I drink more water to lower my internal body temperature. Maybe it was Fibromyalgia...?

22. MUSCLE WEAKNESS- variable with no "objective" abnormality to formal testing.

I'm starting to pick out which drinking glass I'll use by how heavy it is.

24. PHOTOPHOBIA- Intolerance of bright lights.

Not sure, maybe. Not sure what is normal and what is me...you know?

25. ALTERATION OF TASTE, SMELL and HEARING.
26. LOW FREQUENCY, SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS.

I'm being told I "don't listen," or that my "hearing sucks."

27. DECREASED PAINFUL SOUND THRESHOLD.

Seems like anything that sounds tinny or has raspy noises in it is uncomfortable nowadays.

28. TINNITUS- ringing in the ears.

I have this at night when I'm going to bed. Maybe I have it more often, and this is just the time everything's quiet so I can notice it best, I'm not sure.

30. CHANGES IN VISUAL ACUITY- impaired function of the smooth muscle used for focus as well as skeletal muscles for tracking.

I wear glasses and sometimes I feel like my glasses have a film on them, like they need to be cleaned.

31. INTOLERANCE OF ALCOHOL

I had a tiny bit of white wine at an art gallery opening. I didn't have more than 1/2 cup, but I remember sitting there feeling woozy and hoping nobody noticed. I would have thought I was being drugged (other than wine) except I saw the bottle being opened. Felt really really strange.

34. WEIGHT CHANGES- usually gained due to the lack of exercise through pain and or tricyclic antidepressants

I was doing taekwon do when my aches and pains got really bad. I was also walking every day for about 20-30 minutes. I had lost 18 lbs and then this problem really hit me. Before losing the weight, I gained stomach fat extremely fast but when I mentioned it as a concern to my doctor (at the time), they kind of "poo-poo'd" it as anything important. I thought it was strange how quickly it happened.

35. RESTLESS LEGS

Occasionally

36. HEIGHTENED AWARENESS- of symptoms of HYPOGLYCEMIA 9 when blood sugar falls)

I always remember being this way. I was tested a few years ago - I think it was a 6-hour test- and there was a spot during the test that my blood sugar went low, but then according to the doc my "body kicked in" and brought it back up.

38. SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (I.B.S.)
39. HEARTBURN- secondary to I.B.S.

I have this at any time. Sometimes the stomach cramps are so bad I can't stand up straight. I can have stomach cramps without diarrhea. I get nausea too.

40. SUB-NORMAL TEMPERATURE

My body temperature is always lower than what's considered "normal." Yet, sometimes I am very hot...like hot flashes. I am nearing menopause age, so I can't quite pin everything on Fibro.

41. NIGHT SWEATS.

I have hot flashes...with or without sweat, and not at night. Never had sweats wake me up.

42. SENSITIVE TO TEMPERATURE EXTREMES

Yes, get very achy.

44. BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

Thought I was having asthma, went to allergist and had breathing analyzed and they said it was normal.

45. HEART MURMUR-Mitral Valve Prolapse appears to be more symptomatic in FM than normal.

49. MUSCLE SPASM- twitching.

Happens on my back. A better bra helped for awhile. Not sure if fibro related or not.

50. NON-CARDIAC CHEST PAIN- which may simulate cardiac disorder.

I had this and reported it to my doctor some time ago. Seemed to occur most when my feelings got hurt. Happens very seldom now.

51. PELVIC PAIN.

I have had pains in my lower gut that gynecologist said could be from ovulation. Apparently as we get older, our fallopian tubes aren't as flexible, so when the egg passes, it can hurt. So, not sure if my pain is fibro in nature or not. It hardly ever happens.

55. RAYNAUD'S- like symptoms.

I have had my feet sting and watched them turn pink to purple and then back to normal. Very painful tingling. Worse than the standard foot falling asleep affect.

57. HAIR LOSS-secondary to psychological stress from FM.

Some hair loss, but it could just be my age!