I've shared a few times here about how TENS has helped me through many chronic pain issues. I was first introduced to TENS through physical therapy for tennis elbow back in 2007. I can't recall if that was when I received my first home unit as well. Back then they were expensive and I was lucky that … [Read more...]
An Eye Doctor talks about Fibromyalgia and Eye Health
Fibromyalgia and Eye Health My optometrist is amazing. Not only is she funny and sweet and always walks into the room with a smile, she's just a damn good doctor. I knew she was a great doctor the day she said to me "I have to treat my Fibromyalgia patients more aggressively...." That … [Read more...]
Can Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Help Fibromyalgia?
Meditation is a topic that I've been interested in for a while, yet on the borderline. I'm interested and I've stuck my toe in the water a time or two using meditation apps but I've never really taken the plunge or made meditation a regular part of my life. I'm reading The Whole Health Life by … [Read more...]
What is an Oska Pulse? And, how did it change my life?
Recently, I have the opportunity to try a type of product that is totally new to me. The Oska Pulse is a wearable pain relief device that uses Pulse Electro-Magnetic Frequency to reduce, and even eliminate, pain. Back in June of 2016 a guy named Steve contacted me about his device, the … [Read more...]
The Many Shades of Hidden Illness
I have multiple hidden illnesses as do most of us. It seems much like Lays potato chips you can't have just one. My hidden illnesses include Fibromyalgia, TMJ, migraine, endometriosis, and thyroid disorder and IBS and probably one or two more that aren't coming to me at the moment. Chances are you … [Read more...]
Acting healthy takes talent
Those of us who live with chronic pain typically develop amazing acting skills. Our skills are so great that we often fool ourselves into believing the play we are putting on. Certainly those around us have no clue that we are in pain. We smile, we are happy, we laugh and not once do they see us … [Read more...]
What’s Your Worst Symptom?
Thinking back to my worst days with Fibro it was often a toss up as to whether the pain was worse or the brain fog. At the time I would have probably said it was the pain, and that I'd rather have the all-encompassing brain fog because at least then I was so out of it I didn't notice the pain as … [Read more...]
Does age affect how you cope with chronic pain?
Coping with fibromyalgia can be difficult at best. It's a learned process through trial and error. However, you can avoid a lot of trial and error by learning from others. There have been some great studies on the topic of coping with chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Previously, I've discussed … [Read more...]
Warming away the Pain with Sunbeam® Heating Pads (sponsored)
I'm not a fan of cold packs. Let's just get that out there. When I was in PT regularly it seemed like they always wanted to hook me up to a TENS machine then wrap me in cold packs. All I would do is cinch up, forcing my muscles to get even tighter than they already were, creating more pain. I … [Read more...]
How are you coping with your chronic pain?
Learning to cope with your pain can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Most anyone with pain can agree with that even if they haven't yet found a good way to cope. Early on I alternated between active and passive coping. As my attempts at active coping failed, I would return to a … [Read more...]
