Esophageal Manometry to diagnose IBS symptoms In mid-May, 2015 I was subjected to every GI patient's favorite things - an upper and lower endoscopy. This was at least my third (probably my fourth) time going through this prep and it was by far the easiest. I don't know if it was because of … [Read more...]
Medical Studies
These posts review various medical studies related to the treatment and diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses.
Fibromyalgia and Working Memory
The Effect of Fibromyalgia and Working Memory Do you struggle to remember a phone number for the 30 seconds it takes to dial it? Is it difficult to switch from one task to another? Working memory is just what it sounds like it’s the memory you can work with at any given time, it allows you to … [Read more...]
Frequency of Migraines in Fibromyalgia Patients #MAHM
Every so often a study comes out that just leaves me saying "well duh!" and I'm sure I'm not alone. This week I read one of those studies. I thought it was common knowledge that there was higher frequency of migraines in Fibromyalgia patients, that Migraine is a co-morbidity of Fibromyalgia. … [Read more...]
Altered brain activity related to fibro fog
Brain fog (also known as fibro fog) is a common issue for those dealing with fibromyalgia - as well as many other chronic illnesses. There's often a question of how much of it is the illness and how much a result of depression, or a side effects of medications. One thing that isn't in doubt, is that … [Read more...]
The Stigma of Mental Illness – #StoptheStigma
The Stigma of Mental Illness Last fall (2014) I took Experimental Psychology and one of the projects we worked on was related to mental illness stigma. I've wanted to share a part of the paper I wrote for that and thought that since May is Mental Illness Awareness Month now would be ideal. Before … [Read more...]
Temperature sensitivity and Fibromyalgia
Temperature sensitivity and Fibromyalgia Habituation is basically when you get used to something. The tag in the back of your shirt might drive you insane when you first put it on, but after a few minutes you don’t notice it. However, that may not be the case for those who suffer from … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and Personality
Fibromyalgia and Personality How many times have you heard that Fibromyalgia is associated with Type A personality? I know I hear it all the time. I wondered if there was actually any research to confirm a personality relationship to Fibromyalgia or even chronic pain. I’ve also wondered more and … [Read more...]
Legalization of Medical Marijuana and Opioid Overdose
As of 2010, 13 states had legalized medical marijuana at some level. A study published in Sept of 2014 examined the relationship between the legalization of medical marijuana and opioid overdose deaths in those states. If you listen to the news there is a huge opioid problem in this country, … [Read more...]
Low dose naltrexone for fibromyalgia
Low dose Naltrexone for fibromyalgia Dr. Jarred Younger has been researching the potential use of Naltrexone for Fibromyalgia pain relief since 2009. One of his earliest studies examined the effect of 50mg of Naltrexone on Fibromyalgia patients and found no significant results. That same year he … [Read more...]
Fibromyalgia and Sense of Smell
Fibromyalgia and Sense of Smell A study out of Tel Aviv indicates that those with fibromyalgia suffer from a diminished sense of smell. Yet, many with fibromyalgia report a heightened sense of smell. There has been much research showing that those with fibromyalgia have overactive heightened … [Read more...]
