Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Protocol

Discover a structured Fibromyalgia protocol to manage symptoms effectively, including treatment plans, therapies, and lifestyle strategies for improved quality of life.

Can I Get a Tattoo Even Though I Have Fibromyalgia?
Question: I really want to get a tattoo, but I’m worried that it’d be a really bad idea because I have fibromyalgia. That makes me really afraid of how painful it might be. I’ve never had one before. Is this a really stupid idea or can I have the tattoo I really want in spite of my condition? Will it make me worse for a long time?

Answer: It’s smart to think about this before just going in and having some ink done.

The first thing you should know is that, yes, fibromyalgia will make the tattooing process more painful. Our bodies don’t respond to pain signals as other people’s do; our brains and our nerves overreact and amplify the signals so that we feel more pain than we should. That’s called hyperalgesia, and it’s one of the central features of this illness.

Beyond the pain, though, is the question of aggravation. Some people say the vibration and noise of a tattoo machine, combined with the pain, can really set their nerves on edge. If you get anxiety attacks and have problems with sensory overload because of your fibromyalgia, you need to be aware that tattooing may trigger those symptoms as well.

Then again, you can find plenty of people with fibromyalgia who get tattoos. Some even say that it’s soothing to them and distracts them from their typical pains. In fact, a Google search turns up a lot of fibromyalgia-themed tattoos.

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So, really, it’s a very individual thing.

You can also find reports that our skin takes longer to heal.

It might be a good idea to talk to a reputable tattoo artist about your concerns. Also talk to him or her about the placement, because where you get the work done has a lot to do with how much it hurts.

Ask about body position, as well. You’ll have to hold still for a long time, and if it’s a painful position for you, it’ll be a lot harder.

Keep in mind that a small, simple design will be a lot easier on you than a large and/or complex one. Be sure to ask if your condition(s) require a doctor’s note. Some do.

As you research artists, try to ask around about which ones have an especially light or heavy touch. Some artists cause more pain than others! You want to find someone who is empathetic and patient, as well, since you may need to take extra breaks.

Also, consider the timing. The average person can have a tattoo and go to work just fine the next day, but we are not average people! You might want to make sure you have a few low-key days afterward in case you need some recovery time.

If you do decide to go through with it, you might need to schedule shorter sessions than other people and make sure you’ve got plenty of pain medication. Ask your artist about the cancellation policy as well, in case you’re having a flare and can’t make a session.

Be sure you have a ride home, too, in case you have a symptom flare or need pain meds and it’s not safe for you to drive.

Tattoo artists recommend certain things for anyone getting a tattoo, such as:
- stay hydrated, before and after
- don’t drink alcohol for two days ahead of time
- be well rested
- don’t come in sick
- eat a meal before going in
- don’t take aspirin or consume a lot of caffeine before going in (it can thin the blood)
- communicate about how you’re feeling throughout the process, and before it becomes a problem
- plan to get extra rest afterward
Make sure you follow the artist’s instructions for preparation and recovery and that you get prompt treatment for any problems, such as infection, that may come up afterward.

You know your symptoms best, so in the end, you’re the only one who can decide whether a tattoo is worth the possible consequences.

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References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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12/12/2023
My mom has fibromyalgia. Reading this made me cry for her

Chronic pain is increasingly rampant today.
However, chronic pain and chronic diseases are often invisible. In many cases, there are no plasters, visible rashes, or nasal discharge involved.
Those who suffer from chronic pain often appear “normal”, perhaps a little more fragile or sad than average.
I suffered from chronic headaches for four and a half years and chronic hip pain for two and a half years.
He often seemed depressed, disinterested and angry, when I was simply in pain.
There were many days that I could not get out of bed. After a conversation, it became difficult at times.
I lost a job because of my pain. I canceled plans and ignored friends.
I felt misunderstood and alone. I was suffering. I know the answer was there and finally, I cured myself.
However, at the moment I wanted to scream from the top of my lungs all the things that all chronic pain sufferers want me to know:
1. Just because you can not see it, does not mean that I am not in pain.
2. It’s not all in my head.
3. It’s not just the flu. It will not disappear in a week.
4. Please, never say, “Just do not think about it.” Being in constant pain is impossible.
5. Hugs can do magic. So they are good messages. I need to know you’re here for me.
6. Thank you for sharing the “magic cure” you have read online. Trust me, I’ve heard about it, and if it was relevant, I’ve tried it.

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7. I am trying very hard to live a normal life.
8. I try my damned best not to cancel plans and never cancel plans if I had a choice.
9. I can not get out of it.
10. Some days are better, some days are worse. Some days I can even feel close to normal, other days I can not even get out of bed.
11. I worry about you. I want to know about your life and dreams. I want you to be happy and healthy.
12. My chronic pain is different from other people’s chronic pain. All diseases and pain symptoms are unique. Our experiences may differ, but we are all in pain and can relate to each other.
13. Please do not try to convince me to drink and “live a little”. All I want is to live a little, in fact, live a lot. A drink, however, is the last thing on my mind.
14. If I look depressed or bored, it means that I am really in tremendous pain and doing everything possible to look happy and normal.
15. I can not explain how chronic pain feels. However, I can not say, “You will know once you have it” because I would never want someone to feel so much suffering.
16. I need a lot of sleep. But sleep can be difficult with so much pain and often it still leaves me exhausted.
17. Just because I have chronic pain does not mean that I know how to handle it or live with it.
18. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a prison, living someone else’s life.
19. I still have interests, passions, goals, and dreams.
20. I do not want you to forget me. I do not want you to give up on me.
21. I have not given up on healing yet. Deep down I know there is (or will be) an answer out there.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

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12/12/2023
How Dare You Judge my Handicap Sticker
Having to go to appointments with my doctor here in Rhode Island, so we can again fill out the form for the state to confirm that I still qualify for a handicap sticker for me, causes a humiliating and heartbreaking feeling to have to be reminded that I have two incurable conditions. And yet, I have to get that signature to confirm that I am still dealing with this future.

And then, when I am not in a wheelchair, thus appearing normal, I also have to deal with those of you out there who feel so free to judge people like me, despite possessing no knowledge of conditions that require the need for this. So many jump to the conclusion that I probably do not deserve any special compensation.

So what has brought this judgment by others towards those of us with the handicap placard? It reminds me of the unpleasant memories back in elementary school where one classmate would do something stupid, the teacher would ask who was responsible, not one would rat on that person nor would the person give themselves up.

The result would be the entire class had to face the punishment. It always stuck with me that punishing the many for the sins of a few as being overly punitive and unfair, and here we are now as grown-ups still facing that type of attitude. Thanks to those few out there, that have abused a handicap placard, you have given the green light for other people to assume that if we look normal, then we must have no need for these limited privileges.

I think most of the abuse comes from individuals somehow obtaining a family member’s card and using it like their own. I agree that is wrong but it should not reflect on the legitimacy of those of us who need this capacity to park close to stores or businesses in which walking a significant distance presents an obstacle. It doesn’t delete the majority of us that truly need this ability to park close to be able to enter a store.

Also, some states make it much easier to abuse the placard. Talking with people from other states, I realize that each state has different requirements to obtain a handicap placard. For instance in California, all you need is a note from your doctor and when it expires, you just reapply.

So we clearly need to make the process of obtaining the placard more uniform across the country and also seriously consider two types – one that doesn’t expire for those of us with permanent incurable conditions and another type that would be a temporary situation for need. And both should require a visit to the doctor confirming either situation.

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So, let me share just a few stories of disabled people that have been approached with judgment and what they are facing daily with their conditions:
- A person living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a painful incurable connective tissue defect you are born with. This individual endured over twenty surgeries, many on the legs, to only be judged as they walked into a store, for the first time, instead of using the wheelchair they lived in for four years thanks to numerous surgical leg repairs and long hours of physical therapy. Instead of the joy of this hard earned accomplishment, this person was judged from using a placard by a person that didn’t see a wheelchair so therefore there must be no need for a sticker?
- An MS patient returning to their car, walking proudly but with tremendous strength and caution to then being reamed for taking the space away from a “real person” needing this help. Would someone like to walk in their shoes to the terror and horror this condition can cause to their lives and body?
- The cancer patient that comes to the car to a note on the windshield that they are being rude for taking up a space. This person is terminal, lost their hair and facing frequent chemo treatments leaving them weak. And someone else gets to judge their need instead of their doctor?
- Then there is the woman with Turner’s syndrome gets approached in a parking lot of a mall for “abusing her placard” – this woman faces daily issues with hearing loss, fatigue and the threat of an aortic dissection and then gets judged like this?
- Or how about a woman not able to walk far due to her medical issues that wrote to me: “Truly, I have put off getting my plaque because i don’t have the patience to be nice when a complete stranger comes up to me to berate me. And, i just don’t want that experience.” How sad is that that judgement being done by others is going far enough to prevent this person, who deserves this help, to not want to go through the process for fear of the possible judgement. You may say, why would she do that to herself, but trust me, when you live with a life altering disability, you don’t always have the determination and strength to keep fighting the injustices you face. It can take all the starch you have in your body to just get through your day.
- And just reported today, a young college woman, upon arriving to campus parking, was interrogated by a security guard. He asked her whether she was using a placard that “belonged to someone else, or it’s not your grandmother’s, right? And if I look up your information, I’m going to find YOUR name?” She responded “yes, it’s my placard. I have chronic illnesses” Walking away from this insult, she was almost late for class and on the verge of unnecessary stress overload. This young woman lives with a life in an out of a wheelchair, tubes, pump bags, copes with not only chronic pain and fatigue from CRPS, joint hypermobility syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysautonomia. And here that one day she was able to attend without the wheelchair, she had to face and be confronted by this cruel judgement!
Tips for Those that Tend to Judge Others:
- You should never judge a book by its cover, ever!
- Don’t approach someone with rude comments – you are most likely attacking the person that truly needs this card. It is threatening and emotionally hurtful. You have no idea what they have been through and am going to continue to go through. Believe me, you don’t dream of having this card hanging on your car to look cool!
- Just because someone doesn’t look handicapped, does not mean they are not dealing with a difficult condition. The words Invisible are used for a reason – you and I can’t see inside someone to truly understand what they are facing.
- Your lack of understanding makes you a discriminating person who needs to learn to have an open mind when it comes to people living with disabilities. Just because you can’t see what is wrong doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
- Do you realize all you do in life is being observed by your children or even grandchildren. We should be teaching our children to never judge others and be accepting of others, no matter their race, religion or disability! Where do you fit in?
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Tips for those that need to use a handicap sticker:
- Although it is terribly hurtful to be approach, try hard to be the bigger person and try to see if you can use this uncomfortable moment to educate them, although you owe them nothing.
- Consider putting a small list of some of the things you face with your condition on the windshield to be read while you are not there to educate them.
- Consider having in the car a small card about your condition you can hand to them and then walk away if talking is not in order
- Do not get into it with them and if need be, report them either to the store staff or even the police if you feel you are not safe.
- Remember, as much as it hurts and angers you, try to remember they are the people with problems – they are hurtful, discriminating and setting a terrible example of humanity and I bet you would rather deal with what you are facing then live in their shoes and be that person.
- If you get lucky with your health and no longer need the placard, then be the better person and return it to help keep the need appropriate and not abused!
The intent of this article is to inform and educate in an effort to attempt to begin a process of examining our collective attitudes toward the handicapped with the goal of increased public understanding of the challenges faced by the truly handicapped. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Many people live with invisible illnesses. Why not turn this around and believe what a person tells you, trust first, instead of jumping to judgment. With my condition Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I can be walking a short distance one day and then be back to a wheelchair for some days, depending on sub luxing of the hips, tibia, and fibula. It is heartbreaking when things slip backward, and then to have to add your judgment too?

Let’s try to be kinder, more tolerant, and work towards becoming an understanding society.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

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12/12/2023
Daith Piercing & Fibromyalgia – Does it Help Migraine Pain?

If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance you experience migraines too. They can be quite debilitating. Mine sent me to the ER once, but not because of pain. It’s because the migraine effects were mimicking a seizure in many ways. And migraines can hit you whether you have fibromyalgia or not. So what can you do about them? Well, there are medications, of course. You can also just ride them out. Or you can try alternative methods like acupuncture which has proved highly effective at relieving migraines. Many people are turning to a seemingly related alternative called a Daith piercing.

A daith (pronounced “doth,” but apparently “daith” like “faith” is acceptable too) piercing goes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold. It’s kind of close to a tragus piercing. Many people swear by them for alleviating migraines. Others say they are useless. Most seem to think to pierce that location on the ear is related to acupuncture’s use of pressure points. So what exactly is the deal? And does it really work or not? More importantly, should you get one?

Daith Piercing: Is it Like Acupuncture?

When we talk about acupuncture and pressure points, we are essentially talking about what is usually referred to as Chinese Medicine. There are traditional forms, classical forms, and many others. I am not an expert in this field. But I have studied a number of books, documentaries, and other resources about or related to Chinese medicine. I’ve even written about it in academic settings. I also have a spouse who has completed nearly half the training required just to understand Chinese medicine, not even to practice yet. Thus, I can tell you with absolute certainty: it is based on a highly complex system that is literally thousands of years old. And it’s definitely effective, no question there!

Chinese medicine (sometimes called Eastern medicine) is rooted in a much different understanding of the body than Western medicine. Here in the West, we tend to focus on alleviating symptoms, rather than looking at the system as a whole. Chinese medicine looks not just at the main organs, but their delivery systems, energy channels that run all throughout, and much more. Acupuncture uses very specific points on the body that target highly specified organ systems and functions, all of which are connected. Have you been to an acupuncturist or at least seen the needles they use? They are ultra-fine and bend easily. But they are just the right size because the targets are so small.

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About that Earring….

Think about how thick a traditional earring is compared to one of those needles. Now, an acupuncturist is trained to hit the exact spot on your ear to relieve migraine pain. Thus, if a piercer who has never been trained in Chinese medicine pierces your ear in that innermost cartilage fold, what are the odds that they will hit the very spot to relieve migraines? Pretty slim, don’t you think? I mean, it’s hit or misses, right?

Does that help you understand a possible (and highly likely!) reason why some people say that Daith piercings work great to relieve their migraines, but others say it does nothing?

Is Daith Piercing Safe?

A Daith piercing is just that: a piercing. It’s as safe as most piercings are, which means it still has the same risk factors as other piercings too. Most notably, infection. Other than that, there’s one other risk factor that is noteworthy but based entirely on the individual: pain threshold. While the ear cartilage is not necessarily dangerous for piercing, it can definitely hurt. And if you suffer from fibromyalgia, then you are already abnormally sensitive to pain.

So the ultimate question is: should I do it? If you want to relieve migraines through a Daith piercing, the chances of it being effective are about 50/50 according to anecdotal reports. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that there is not a lot of research on migraines. But there are a lot of people out there who have gotten a Daith piercing in an attempt to relieve their migraines. Check out their stories before making your decision.

A Few Words of Caution

Let’s reiterate: it may or may not work. If you have fibromyalgia or a heightened sensitivity to pain, then I would advise against this piercing. Because even those folks with several piercings and a high threshold for pain tend to agree – this is a particularly painful spot. But if you want to do it regardless, just because it looks good, then go for it. Note that it can get infected and often hurts for a while during the healing process. Also, be cautious because some people have adverse reactions or allergies to certain metals. This could be related to an excess of- or some sort of- toxicity in your body. At any rate, it is something to keep in mind.

If you are looking for ways to relieve your migraines, I highly recommend finding a quality acupuncturist before trying the Daith piercing. And if you have fibromyalgia too, tell the practitioner. They need to know about pain sensitivities because they can modify their plans according to what they can handle. Talk with them about getting a Daith piercing to treat your migraines. You might find that they choose other points on the body to treat your migraines much more effectively than that one spot on your ear.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

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12/12/2023
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis | Is Fibromyalgia Genetic? How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?
People with fibromyalgia often ask, “Is fibromyalgia genetic?” It’s a hard question to answer, especially when little is known about how fibromyalgia works. But it’s something that could be relevant to getting the best possible treatment. So let’s look at the evidence.

Is fibromyalgia genetic?

If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance that you know someone in your family who also has it. According to research, fibromyalgia does tend to run in families. And that implies that there is a genetic component to the disease.

The fact that fibromyalgia might be genetic means that the genes that are responsible for so much about the way your body works are passing along fibromyalgia.

But that also means that if someone in your family has fibromyalgia, then you are also likely to develop fibromyalgia.

What does that mean for you?

Because we know that fibromyalgia is genetic, we know that having a relative with fibromyalgia is a red flag when it comes to the possibility of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. So if someone in your family has the disease, you should keep on guard for the signs that you are also developing it.

Fibromyalgia can’t be cured, but it can be treated. And there’s no reason to spend years suffering without any treatment at all from mysterious aches and pains because you didn’t realize you had the disease.

After all, many people with fibromyalgia can go years before finding out that the cause of their pain is in fact, fibromyalgia.

So with your knowledge of the fact that fibromyalgia is genetic, you can have a better chance of catching it early.

How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?

There are a few warning signs of fibromyalgia that you should watch out for:
If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Tell them if fibromyalgia runs in your family. This will alert them to the possibility that you have fibromyalgia and they should begin tests.

Just remember that the best way to deal with fibromyalgia is to be proactive about managing your symptoms. And get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Fibromyalgia is a difficult disease to live with. It causes chronic fatigue and pain all over the body. And people who have fibromyalgia often find it hard to find a treatment that works for them. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis early so you can get effective treatment as soon as possible. There are a few early signs of fibromyalgia that you should look for to tell if you have fibromyalgia.

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What Are The Early Signs Of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. And in the early stages, the first signs of fibromyalgia can be very different for different people. One of the best symptoms to look for early on is chronic fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often feel like they can’t seem to get a good rest no matter how much they sleep. And to make things worse, sleeping can be very difficult by itself.

Just feeling tired all the time is probably worth a trip to your doctor, as chronic fatigue is a symptom of many different conditions.

In addition, the most obvious symptom, and the one that doctors use to diagnose you is widespread pain. Fibromyalgia pain is located along 18 different points on the body. These are usually in the joints of the limbs and back. A doctor will test you to see if you have pain in 11 of these points, which is sufficient to prove that you have fibromyalgia.

This pain is typically what causes fibromyalgia patients to visit a doctor, as it is difficult to manage.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Fibromyalgia?

If you have these early signs of fibromyalgia, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If possible, it’s best to see a doctor who specializes in fibromyalgia. You can contact the National Fibromyalgia Research Association for a list of fibromyalgia specialists in your area. And a doctor who treats fibromyalgia regularly will be more aware of the early signs of fibromyalgia and better equipped to recommend an effective treatment.

Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms as it will help the doctor make the best diagnosis possible.

What Are Some Treatments For Fibromyalgia?

There are a number of drugs that doctors prescribe to treat fibromyalgia. Often these are anti-depressants, like Lyrica and Cymbalta, that increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin helps calm the nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia.

But there are also other drugs that are new when it comes to treating fibromyalgia but show promise. Drugs like naltrexone offer new hope to people with treatment-resistant fibromyalgia.

And doctors are rapidly testing new drugs and making advancements in the study of what causes fibromyalgia. Meanwhile, many find that the standard treatments are at least partially effective.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store
12/12/2023
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis | Discovery Of New Tests & Causes For Fibromyalgia Could Offer Relief To Millions Of Sufferers

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is often given when doctors are unable to find another cause for chronic widespread body pain. But many fibromyalgias suffers are often told the pain is all in their heads. Now, discoveries about the potential cause of fibromyalgia, along with a new test to diagnose fibromyalgia, could offer relief to millions — the vast majority of whom are women. If you have fibromyalgia, you’ve likely experienced frustration when trying to find a treatment that works to alleviate body pain, fatigue, brain fog, and more. And, you might experience the additional blow of family, friends, and even doctors telling you that your symptoms are psychosomatic.

“Fibromyalgia patients tend to be stressed, tense, anxious, ambitious, and sometimes depressed. Some fibromyalgia sufferers describe themselves as perfectionists,” Stanford Medicine reported. “They may also suffer from symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or migraine or tension headaches. Physicians who dismiss their patient’s complaints as being ‘all in the head’ can also make symptoms worse.”

More and more evidence has emerged about how the body and brain work together, and how a communication breakdown between these two systems can contribute to chronic pain conditions. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified an underlying condition that could play a role in illnesses like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome, according to a study published in the journal Current Pain and Headache Reports. Additionally, another study published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice reported that a new test could more effectively differentiate fibromyalgia from other chronic pain conditions.

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New Screening Can Effectively Diagnose Fibromyalgia

The study from the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice was conducted to help primary-care physicians become more skilled at correctly identifying fibromyalgia. According to the study, half of all primary-care providers from the U.S., Asia, and Europe did not know how to diagnose fibromyalgia. The screening method, which involves using Achilles tendon pressuring in tandem with an inquiry about widespread body pain, can help doctors determine if a chronic pain patient might have fibromyalgia in less than one minute.

Being able to get a fast and accurate diagnosis can save chronic pain suffers years of tests and uncertainty. “Because of the many different symptoms it may present, fibromyalgia can be challenging to diagnose,” Fibromyalgia News Today reported. “The process often takes two to three years and three to four evaluations by different medical teams to reach a correct diagnosis.”

If you’ve seen Gaga: Five Foot Two, then you know that Lady Gaga did not receive her fibromyalgia diagnosis for five years. This new screening method is meant to speed up that process. According to Fibromyalgia News Today the study used three clinical measures — blood pressure (BP) cuff‐evoked pain, digital palpation evoked pain, and a single question about “persistent deep aching” — to indicate fibromyalgia.

“The study found that patients with fibromyalgia showed significantly greater sensitivity to digital pressure and BP-evoked pressure pain compared to patients with chronic pain but no fibromyalgia,” Fibromyalgia News Today noted. “When questioned about deep ache, more fibromyalgia patients responded positively than the other groups of participants. Additional analysis showed that patients who had right Achilles tenderness and who endorsed the deep-aching question had an 11 times greater chance of having fibromyalgia.”

The study concluded that patients who receive a positive diagnosis need a follow-up exam to confirm whether or not they have fibromyalgia.

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Half Diagnosed With Fibro Might Have SFPN

The Massachusetts General study found that something called small-fiber polyneuropathy — the impairment of small nerve fibers — is present in a variety of different diseases and often results in symptoms of burning and shooting pain. Fox 25 in Boston spoke to Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, who was involved in the study and said that those who suffer from diseases like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome might actually have a disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy, or SFPN, a disorder in which nerve cells found under the skin are attacked by the body’s immune system. One of the reasons it’s so hard to diagnose is that even though patients suffer from widespread pain, no one can see it — but that’s now changing.

She discovered that drugs called immunomodulators — medications used to help regulate or normalize the immune system — can be effectively used to treat SFPN in some patients, which is offering relief to long-time sufferers. “It’s pretty routine that I have patients who break down and cry when they get an answer for the first time to something that’s been disabling them for years or decades,” Oaklander said, adding that SFPN is diagnosable by biopsy.

The study described symptoms of SFPN, and they’re pretty on point with what many people with fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic fatigue, and undiagnosed chronic pain report. “Many individuals report the gradual onset of distal symptoms that include vague disturbances of sensation in the feet. These symptoms may include the feeling of a wrinkle in a sock that cannot be removed or of small pebbles or sand in the shoe. Others may report a cold-like pain, tingling or a pins and needles sensation,” the study detailed.

Other, more severe, symptoms include persistent burning pain and transient electric shock-like pain with symptoms worsening during periods of rest and at night. Additionally, “Patients with small fiber neuropathy frequently complain that the bedsheets are exquisitely painful, and therefore, wear socks or use ‘foot tents’ to keep the sheets from making physical contact with the feet.”

Harvard’s newspaper, the Harvard Gazette, reported that as many as half of all people diagnosed with fibromyalgia may actually have SFPN, which could be good news because, unlike fibromyalgia, SFPN is treatable with immunomodulators. Because the two diseases are so similar, it can be difficult to tell them apart. And, while not everyone who has fibromyalgia has SFPN, those who do may find some relief with medication. What’s more, because SFPN can be diagnosed with a biopsy, patients can finally find out one way or the other if they have it.

Overall, these two discoveries offer hope for chronic pain sufferers who often feel like they’re fighting an invisible war. Having more options to diagnose and treat chronic pain is a positive step on the road to healing.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

12/12/2023
Fibromyalgia Flares | 5 Common Causes of Fibromyalgia Flares

As anyone with fibromyalgia knows, there are times when symptoms are more acute and intense than normal. These times are commonly known as fibromyalgia flares (or flare-ups).

Fibromyalgia flares can last anywhere from one day to several weeks at a time and often have a trigger associated with them. Understanding the common triggers of fibromyalgia flares can help sufferers develop a strategy to lessen the number of occurrences in the future.

#1 – Weather Changes

Many fibromyalgia sufferers have told us that their flares are triggered by changes in the weather.

Weather factors that tend to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse include

(1) shifts from warm to cold weather,

(2) rapid drops in barometric pressure (often as a result of precipitation or wind), and

(3) low absolute humidity.

#2 – Stress

Stress weakens the body of anyone who experiences it. For those suffering from fibromyalgia, stress can make a bad situation even worse.

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Reducing stress from one’s life is not an easy task but doing so is likely to result in fewer flare-ups over time. Making lifestyle changes such as taking time to relax, starting yoga classes, and making your health a priority is among the suggestions that we often hear.

#3 – Over-Exertion

On bad days, it can be hard to just get out of bed. On good days, fibromyalgia sufferers often push themselves to catch up on tasks and responsibilities that they have been unable to tackle.

But this can result in physical over-exertion that will trigger a fibromyalgia flare. For this reason, we recommend pacing of physical activities even on good days.

#4 – Lack of Adequate Sleep

Sleeping problems are very common among those with fibromyalgia. Many reports waking up every day feeling exhausted as if they hadn’t slept at all.

Lack of sleep or changes to normal sleep patterns can definitely trigger a flare. Finding ways to ensure that you get truly restful and restorative sleep can be an important step to reducing the number of flares over time.

#5 – Changes in Medications

Fibromyalgia sufferers often change medications over time in their quest to find relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms. Changes caused by new medications can sometimes trigger a flare.

Ideally, you have a supportive doctor who can recommend alternative medications when necessary and also mitigate any unfavorable effects of making changes to your treatment protocol. If you don’t, it might be time to find a new doctor.

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References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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11/28/2023
Fibromyalgia Protocol | 10 Clothing Brands People With Chronic Pain Recommend

During a pain flare, feeling anything touch your body can be excruciating. On those days, you’ll likely reach for soft, comfortable clothes that don’t add to your pain. Hello leggings, goodbye tailored pants.

While you could just throw on an old T-shirt, wearing something that’s fashionable and comfortable can help boost your mood and make you feel more confident if you have to run out to the pharmacy or go to work. Luckily, there are many brands out there that offer a variety of comfortable and fashionable options.

1. LuLaRoe

LuLaRoe bills itself as “where fashion meets comfort,” and indeed, the company offers a selection of loose-fitting tops and T-shirts, stretch-knit dresses, A-line skirts, and leggings (their most popular item). Unlike many clothing collections designed for comfort, these pieces come in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns. A pair of leggings usually retails for $25.

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“In the past few weeks, I’ve been buying more and more LuLaRoe clothing,” Samantha Carter told The Mighty. “The leggings provide the support that isn’t constricting when I’m dealing with an interstitial cystitis flare or muscle spasms relating to other pelvic issues, and the tops and dresses are loose and flowy, so they don’t irritate my skin when my nerves start going bonkers from my fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome — even when everything else I wear feels like it’s constantly scratching a sunburn I don’t really have.”

2. Hanes

A bad pain day sometimes means all you can tolerate is the basics — T-shirt, underwear, and maybe leggings or sweatpants. Hanes offers wardrobe staples in soft and comfortable cotton and jersey. As an added bonus, many of their shirts are tagless. Most items cost between $3.99 and $20.

3. Motherhood Maternity

Not all women like the idea of wearing maternity clothes when they’re not pregnant (especially those struggling with infertility). But if you’re OK with it, maternity clothes can provide comfort to those dealing with chronic pain, weight fluctuations, skin sensitivity, and bloating. Motherhood Maternity offers tunic tops (retailing for around $30), maxi skirts ($35), and jeans with stretch waistbands ($50).

“Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Belly Jeans. I started wearing them during pregnancy and still love them because they don’t bother my back, actually the belly band puts slight pressure on my lower back which helps ease some pain,” Kristina Bentle told The Mighty. “Plus I love that they help with my hypersensitivity, they don’t dig into you like normal jeans. And I’m not running around in leggings 24/7.”

4. Sketchers

For the days when you’re able to put on a pair of shoes, you’ll likely want a brand that offers support but doesn’t constrain any part of your foot. “[Sketchers] is the only brand that doesn’t pinch my Achilles’ tendon or put shock into my kneecaps,” Jaime Robeson told The Mighty. Most pairs retail for around $50 to $70.

5. And1

And1 is a men’s athletic brand that offers basketball shoes, shorts, sweatpants, and hoodies. Just because it’s a men’s brand doesn’t mean women can’t wear it, too. “I can buy oversized sweatpants, hoodies, shirts. Really cozy and keep me warm when I’m super cold,” Nicole Tyrrell shared. Most items retail for around $10 to $20.

Torrid features funky, trendy styles up to a size 30. Their leggings come in a variety of fun prints, including Disney and Harry Potter, and most of their tops and dresses feature a loose fit. Leggings cost about $25 to $30, dresses go for about $60, and tops are about $28 to $50.

“Yes, I am bigger, but not all Torrid’s line is large. They are edgy which is nice for me, they have leggings like LuLaRoe in funky colors and schemes. Pair the two and I feel comfortable and punk again,” Rebecca Stormcrowe said.

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7. Old Navy

Old Navy combines classic items like T-shirts and jeans with natural fabrics and forgiving cuts. Most items come in a rainbow of colors and low prices (most pieces are less than $50, with some shirts as low as $6). “I shop a lot at Old Navy because so many of their clothes are cotton. Cotton and rayon are my go-to’s.” Amanda Coleman said.

8. Victoria’s Secret PINK

PINK is Victoria’s Secret’s apparel collection and offers sweatshirts, leggings, sweatpants, and shorts with stretchy waistbands, as well as oversized shirts and tanks in feminine prints and colors. Most items sell for between $30 and $60. “I wear a lot of PINK clothing as it can be very loose and soft,” Kerri Donchez told The Mighty.

Chico’s blouses and dresses could easily be worn to work or out running errands on the days you’re able to leave home. Nancy Lea Martine Koontz gave The Mighty a tip and recommended shoppers go up a size since Chico’s sizing system is “weird.”

“The clothing is comfy, and even ordering a size larger still fits well, and isn’t uncomfortable as far as bottoms and tops go. They are a little pricey, however, you can get an app, Poshmark, which is a wonderful site that sells many name brand clothing at a discount (it’s kind of like an online consignment store),” Koontz said.

9. Yours

Yours offers a huge selection of everything from wraps to tunic dresses to knitwear, all in sizes 16 to 36. The styles are ideal for those who prefer looser clothing over more structured pieces. Dresses range from $20 to $100, blouses from $30 to $40, and pants around $30.

“Lots of roomy long T-shirts and batwing tops, jeggings. I don’t feel comfortable in clingy, tight-fitting clothes,” Libby Listens Bassnett told The Mighty.

https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

Fibromyalgia Stores

Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

11/25/2023
Chronic Pain | Trying the Feldenkrais Method for Chronic Pain

After two hourlong sessions focused first on body awareness and then on movement retraining at the Feldenkrais Institute of New York, I understood what it meant to experience an incredible lightness of being. Having, temporarily at least, released the muscle tension that aggravates my back and hip pain, I felt like I was walking on air.

I had long refrained from writing about this method of countering pain because I thought it was some sort of New Age gobbledygook with no scientific basis. Boy, was I wrong!

The Feldenkrais method is one of several increasingly popular movement techniques, similar to the Alexander technique, that attempt to better integrate the connections between mind and body. By becoming aware of how one’s body interacts with its surroundings and learning how to behave in less stressful ways, it becomes possible to relinquish habitual movement patterns that cause or contribute to chronic pain.

The method was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist, mechanical engineer, and expert in martial arts after a knee injury threatened to leave him unable to walk. Relying on his expert knowledge of gravity and the mechanics of motion, he developed exercises to help teach the body easier, more efficient ways to move.

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I went to the institute at the urging of Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, author of the recently published book “Crooked” which details the nature and results of virtually every current approach to treating back pain, a problem that has plagued me on and off (now mostly on) for decades. Having benefited from Feldenkrais lessons herself, Ms. Ramin had good reason to believe they would help me.

In her book, she recounts the experience of Courtney King, who first experienced crippling back spasms in her late 20s. Ms. King was taking several dance classes a week and practicing yoga, and she thought the stress of these activities might be causing the pain in her tight, inflexible back. But after a number of Feldenkrais sessions, she told Ms. Ramin, “I realized that the pain had more to do with the way I carried myself every day.”

Even after just one session, I understood what she meant. When I make a point of walking upright and fluid, sitting straight, even cooking relaxed and unhurried, I have no pain. The slow, gentle, repetitive movements I practiced in a Feldenkrais group class helped foster an awareness of how I use my body in relation to my environment, and awareness is the first step to changing one’s behavior.

One common problem of which I’m often guilty is using small muscles to accomplish tasks meant for large, heavy-duty ones, resulting in undue fatigue and pain.

The group class, called Awareness Through Movement, was followed by an individual session called Functional Integration with a therapist that helped to free tight muscles and joints that were limiting my motion and increasing my discomfort. Using gentle manipulation and passive movements, the therapist individualized his approach to my particular needs.

The ultimate goal of both sessions is, in effect, to retrain the brain – to establish new neural pathways that result in easy, simple movements that are physiologically effective and comfortable. Although the Feldenkrais method was developed in the mid-20th century, neurophysiologists have since demonstrated the plasticity of the brain, its ability to form new cells, reorganize itself, and, in effect, learn new ways to do things.

The beauty of Feldenkrais lessons is that they are both relatively low-cost (group classes average $15 to $25, individual sessions $100 to $200) and potentially accessible to nearly everyone. There are more than 7,000 teachers and practitioners working in 18 countries, including large numbers in the United States. You can be any age, strength, fitness level, and state of well-being to participate. The exercises are slow, gentle, and adjustable to whatever might ail you. Their calming effect counters the stress that results in contracted muscles, tightness, and pain.

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Many Feldenkrais practitioners, like Marek Wyszynski, director of the New York center, start professional life as physical therapists, although many other practitioners begin with no medical background. They then undergo three and a half years of training to become certified in the Feldenkrais Method.

Mr. Wyszynski explained that he starts by observing how patients are using their skeletons – how they sit, stand, and walk-in ways that may cause or contribute to their pathology, be it spinal disc disease, arthritis, shoulder pain, or damaged knee joints. In accordance with Dr. Feldenkrais’s astute observation, “If you don’t know what you are doing, you can’t do what you want,” patients are then given a clear sensory experience of how their posture and behavior contribute to their pain and physical limitations.

For example, some people may use excessive force, clench their teeth, hold their breath, or rush, causing undue muscle tension and skeletal stress. Years ago, I realized that my frequent headaches resulted from an unconscious habit of clenching my jaw when I concentrated intently on a task like sewing or cooking. Feldenkrais teachers do not give formulas for a proper way of behaving; rather, they rely on their patients’ ability to self-discover and self-correct.

Once aware of their counterproductive habits, students are given the opportunity to experience alternative movements, postures, and behaviors and, through practice, create new habits that are less likely to cause pain.

Mr. Wyszynski told me that there are more than 1,000 distinct Feldenkrais lessons currently available, most of which involve everyday actions like reaching, getting up from a chair, turning, bending, and walking.

As a mechanical engineer and physicist, Dr. Feldenkrais understood that the job of the human skeleton was to accommodate the effects of gravity in order to remain upright. And he wanted people to achieve this in the most efficient way possible.

Using two tall foam cylinders, one perched on top of the other, Mr. Wyszynski demonstrated a guiding principle of the Feldenkrais Method. When the top cylinder was centered on the bottom one, it stood in place without assistance. But when it was off-center, perched near the edge of the bottom cylinder, it tipped over. If instead of cylinders these were someone’s skeletal parts that were askew, tightened muscles would have to keep the patient from falling over.

As Mr. Wyszynski explained, “Good posture allows the skeleton to hold up and support the body without expending unnecessary energy despite the pull of gravity. However, with poor posture, the muscles are doing part of the job of the bones, and with poor skeletal support, the muscles have to remain contracted to prevent the body from falling.”

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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11/19/2023
Fibromyalgia Treatments | Hyperbaric Oxygen Tanks Found To Treat Fibromyalgia

Throughout the history of Fibromyalgia, this disease has been strangely hard to identify and analyze on the grounds that it shows up, at first look, to be something else. Perhaps its symptoms including musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood swings, and memory loss, are genuinely common.
To give some point of view 1 in 70 people, almost ladies, in the US really have fibromyalgia.

However, there is stunning news for all of us. For those who have this horrible condition, hyperbaric oxygen treatment has made some diversion changing ground in medicine. Women who attempted hyperbaric oxygen treatments were able to reduce or completely wipe out their requirements for pain medication, found by the Researchers from Tel Aviv University.

As per beliefs of Researchers, the primary cause of fibromyalgia is a disturbance of brain mechanisms that are responsible for processing pain.

“For me, as a physician, the most important finding is that 70 percent of the patients could recuperate from their fibromyalgia symptoms. For the world of research, the most amazing finding, however, is that we were able to map the malfunctioning brain regions responsible for the syndrome… The intake of [the pain medication they were taking] facilitated the pain but did not reverse the condition. But hyperbaric oxygen treatments actually reverse the condition…

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are designed to address the actual reason for fibromyalgia – the brain pathology in charge of the syndrome.

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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

References:

Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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Fibromyalgia Stores

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11/18/2023