I was recently asked to read and review a new book entitled Fibromyalgia and Muscle Pain, by Leon Chaitaow, ND, DO. I agreed in hopes that it would share some interesting alternative treatments, and perhaps explain the connection between Fibromyalgia and Muscle Pain. In both cases I was … [Read more...]
My experience with chronic illnesses covers several different illness.
I hope that much of what I share on this blog can be helpful to anyone living with (or without) any chronic illness. However, my experience and my posts tend to be geared towards fibromyalgia, endometriosis, migraines, and IBS and my experience with those illnesses.
In addition to sharing my personal experience, I also try to share medical studies and general information pertaining to living with these specific illnesses.
Check out the posts below for information on the variety of chronic illnesses that I cover here, including:
Study sheds light on Fibromyalgia as a nerve disorder
I love that more and more studies are coming out backing up the idea that Fibromyalgia is a nerve disorder (or neurological issue) . A couple of studies now have shown that about 50% of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also have small fiber polyneuropathy. I had the test done a while back and it … [Read more...]
When Chronic Pain Causes Shame, Practice Self-Compassion
I recently ran across the blog So Angie Writes and I was deeply touched by her writings. When she offered to write a guest post I jumped at the chance. Angie shares some important words of wisdom on practicing self-compassion when chronic pain causes shame. --- My illnesses … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and facial expressions
When I took a speech class I had points deducted several times for not showing enough emotion in my face, or not being animated enough. I've seen it in others with Fibromyalgia as well, I think we learn to hide how we feel so well that it becomes difficult to express emotions of any kind … [Read more...]
Does Napping Help Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Many of us with fibromyalgia rely on napping to give us a little extra energy to get through the day. Personally, I'm one of those that can't nap. It's a rare day that I manage to fall asleep during the daytime. I won't say it never happens, but it's not a common occurrence and most of the time when … [Read more...]
The Overlap between IBS and Fibromyalgia
I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and I wouldn't be surprised at all if you told me that you do as well. IBS and Fibromyalgia often go together, with some reports indicating that as many as 80% of those with Fibromyalgia also have IBS, and the numbers are just as bad if you have CFS (in fact … [Read more...]
Quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia
A "functional somatic symptom" is a symptom without an adequate medical explanation. When you have several of those linked together they called "functional somatic syndrome". A group of symptoms without an adequate medical explanation - Sound familiar? It should. Because if you have … [Read more...]
Dry Needling for Fibromyalgia
I've not tried dry needling yet, but I have acupuncture regularly. They are similar, yet different treatments. Dry needling uses the same needles used for acupuncture, but the locations and process are different. While acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine and focuses on meridians, dry … [Read more...]
Fibro Warrior – David – Men with Fibro
This week we are interviewing another of our men with Fibro - David E. Lentz of Macon, GA. He’s a husband, father, grandfather, and a retired corrections officer. I he was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2012, at the age of 43, but says he’s likely had it since at least 2006. Give me some … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and Brain Function
Fibromyalgia and Brain Function If you have Fibromyalgia there have likely been many times where you've experienced what we call "Fibro Fog", but you've likely also noticed other issues with your brain function, for instance you may no longer be able to multi-task, to learn game rules quickly, to … [Read more...]
