Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: chronic illness

Raise awareness about chronic illnesses by understanding their impact, symptoms, and the importance of support and education.

  • How to Avoid Leg/Foot Cramps in Bed

    A leg cramp is a pain that comes from a muscle in the leg. It is due to a muscle spasm which is when a muscle contracts too hard. It usually occurs in one of the calf muscles, below and behind a knee, but painful spasms can occur in the ankles, shins, and quads (the big muscles of the thigh). The small muscles of the feet are sometimes affected, usually starting with curling your toes toward your heel. These steps may help alleviate this painful condition.

    Part 1 Cramps and your health status

    1. Think about your general condition. Do you have a medical condition, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathy which may make you more prone to cramps? Are you taking any medications? Some can cause cramps, or make them worse.

    2. Be sure you are being treated properly for any condition you may have. Nocturnal leg cramps become more frequent as one age, but they can also be precipitated by a host of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and fibromyalgia. Getting the proper treatment and medications for these can alleviate some of the tendency to have spasms.

    3. Tell your doctor about your cramps. Look over any prescriptions you are taking together. Some medications may be causing leg cramps or making them recur more often. Alternative medicines may be available. Also, if you have other symptoms apart from cramps, see your doctor who may examine you or do some checks to rule out a secondary cause for the cramps.

    4. Talk to your doctor about muscle relaxants. There are many prescription drugs that are available, which help relax tense muscles and keep them from going into painful spasms. Be aware that some cause dependency, and ask your doctor how to avoid becoming hooked.

    Part 2 Stretching and positioning

    1. Try stretching exercises. Stretching exercises are commonly advised. Some doctors swear by these exercises to relieve nocturnal cramps, others aren’t sold. Either way, stretching will not hurt you, so if you try them and find they help you, that’s a good thing. Stretch your hamstrings, inner thigh muscles, and quadriceps, but stretch gently and don’t overdo. There are lots of instructions with pictures available on the internet for each exercise.

    2. Position your legs properly. This is strongly advised. Positions that prevent the calf muscle from shortening when you are asleep may help. The following are not proven treatments (from research studies), but some experts believe that they help to prevent cramps.

    • Positioning your feet is helpful. If you can “trap” your toes against your sheets, it can keep your foot from turning down and allowing your calf muscles to seize.

    3. Walk. If you do get a cramp, stand up and walk around. This loosens the muscle in your leg, thus relieving the cramp.

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    Part 3 Warmth

    1. Stay warm. Cold muscles are much more likely to cramp. Even if it is a warm night, as you sleep, you become more sensitive to cool drafts. A light sheet will help reflect some of your body heat back to you, and warm muscles are much less likely to cramp.

    • In winter, use a covered hot water bottle to place near the area of your legs that cramps most often.
    • Try a warm shower if mid-cramp. It might help ease the pain.
    • Very hot water can get rid of cramps if you stay in it for a while. Your cramps will be less likely come back. Just be sure to use water that is hot but not burning.

    Part 4 Diet and supplements

    1. Ensure your diet is supported through good nutrition. Prefer foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

    2. Take potassium, calcium, and/or magnesium supplements after getting your doctor’s advice. These supplements are available at most pharmacies or health food stores. Be careful not to take too much; ask your doctor what the right amount is for you, as well as the right form (for example, magnesium citrate versus magnesium gluconate). The deficiency of any of these minerals can cause leg cramps.

    Do not use quinine. Serious safety concerns, including fatalities, associated with quinine are well-documented. Quinine can cause tinnitus, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, visual changes, and auditory deficits. There is also evidence that quinine causes serious cardiac arrhythmias.

    Serious adverse reactions associated with quinine use also include severe skin reactions, thrombocytopenia (a decrease in blood platelets that can cause hemorrhage or clotting problems), and other serious hematological events, permanent visual and hearing disturbances, hypoglycemia, kidney failure, and generalized anaphylaxis.

    Tips

    • If you sense an imminent cramp, try putting your shoes on before you go to sleep. It sounds weird, and you will wake up with sore heels because of the unfamiliar pressure. Still, your shoes will keep your toes from curling under, which is often the way a spasm starts – as the muscles on the bottom of your feet contract, your foot turns down, which in turn causes the muscles on your calf to shorten, resulting in a painful Charley Horse. Wearing your shoes is not cozy and comfy, but it’s better than a leg cramp.
    • Rub in cream such as emu oil, Pain Away or Dencorub. Keep active the following morning by exercising the muscles.
    • Other medicines and supplements have been suggested as possible treatments for leg cramps. These include: Quellitall, naftidrofuryl, vitamin E, verapamil, diltiazem, methocarbamol, Flexeril, painkillers, aspirin, orphenadrine, magnesium, calcium, and sodium chloride. TENS machines have also been suggested as a possible treatment.Some of these treatments work better than others. Your doctor can help you decide if one is right for you.
    • Don’t worry if you have leg cramps. They are painful and can leave you sore for days, but usually they aren’t damaging in any major way. They hurt but it’s not like a heart attack.
    • The moment you feel a leg cramp, stretch both arms up while still in the lying position for one minute. You will feel the pain is slipping away slowly as blood is flowing into your legs.

    Warnings

    • Don’t overexert yourself. Little to no activity will cause you to have cramps if you’re prone to them, but too much activity can trigger them, too. Keep exercise gentle and moderate – not too much, not too little.

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  • Can Fibromyalgia Lead to Glomerulonephritis? What is Glomerulonephritis?

    We know that fibromyalgia seems to be closely linked to autoimmune disease, which is a condition when the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy tissue. An autoimmune disease can sometimes be deadly due to a condition called glomerulonephritis. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the possibility of developing autoimmune conditions when you have fibromyalgia and be aware of how to manage them.

    So, what exactly is glomerulonephritis? Can fibromyalgia lead to it? And what can you do to treat it?

    What Is Glomerulonephritis?

    Glomerulonephritis is a complication of autoimmune disease that can lead to a loss of kidney function. Essentially, your body’s immune system begins sending antibodies to attack your healthy tissue instead of the bacteria and viruses it usually targets. As a result, the tissue becomes inflamed and damaged. This is the root of conditions like lupus. And when in cases of glomerulonephritis, this inflammation occurs in the kidneys.

    Over time, the inflammation begins to damage your kidneys and leads to the build of scar tissue. This makes it difficult for the kidneys to perform their usual function of filtering out toxins in the blood. And eventually, it can be fatal.

    The first signs of this damage typically show up in urine. Your urine may be pink or dark due to the build of red blood cells in the kidneys. Or it may be frothy due to an excess of protein. In addition, you may notice swelling in the face or limbs as your body begins to retain water that can’t be passed through the kidneys.

    It’s important to see a doctor immediately if you show any of these signs. Early detection is vital in preventing further damage. And if you have fibromyalgia, you should be aware that you have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases that can damage the kidneys.

    Can Fibromyalgia Cause It?

    We know that people with fibromyalgia tend to develop autoimmune conditions at a higher rate than other people. Many people have speculated that this means that fibromyalgia itself may be an autoimmune condition. But there are a few reasons to think that this might not be the case.

    First, people with fibromyalgia don’t have the elevated levels of antibodies in the blood that usually comes with autoimmune conditions. This suggests that the condition isn’t related to the immune system.

    Secondly, fibromyalgia doesn’t lead to the same kind of inflammation that autoimmune conditions do. This means that someone with fibromyalgia isn’t going to develop glomerulonephritis spontaneously. But they are still at risk of developing an autoimmune disease that can cause it.

    We don’t know for sure why this is the case, but it might have something to do with the mental stress that people with fibromyalgia are under. Fibromyalgia leads to chronic stress and depression. And we know that this kind of mental anguish increases your risk of developing autoimmune conditions. So, finding ways to cope with the depression of fibromyalgia can help prevent the development of autoimmune disease.

    But if you already suffer from glomerulonephritis from an autoimmune condition, there are things you can do.

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    How Can You Treat It?

    The first step in treating this condition is to limit inflammation that can lead to further damage. There are a few different medications that doctors usually use to do this.

    The first is a type of drug called non-steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. This type of drug includes things like aspirin and ibuprofen. They work by blocking the production of enzymes that cause inflammation. And they can also help limit pain.

    The second type is corticosteroids. Corticosteroid is a hormone that the body produces naturally in response to inflammation. But your doctor can also prescribe synthetic corticosteroids to help if the natural production isn’t enough.

    Finally, you might be prescribed a type of drug called an immunosuppressant. These drugs work by limiting the production of antibodies that attack your tissue.

    But if the damage to your kidneys is too advanced, you may have to go on dialysis. A dialysis machine works by filtering your blood and putting it back in your body, thus performing the same function as the kidneys. But you will likely have to be on dialysis for the rest of your life unless you receive a kidney transplant. This procedure involves having a compatible donor kidney being transplanted to replace your damaged kidney and is obviously a last resort treatment.

    So, do you suffer from an autoimmune disease? Do you think it’s related to your fibromyalgia? Let us know in the comments.

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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

  • Heavy Sweating in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    “I have a problem—unexplained excessive sweating, like just stepping out of the shower, hair dripping wet, clothes soaked! … It has put a big damper on my lifestyle.”

    “My limbs get so cold and painful … and yet my face will be sweating from the heat inside.”

    “What exactly causes the excessive sweating? … I don’t bother to wear makeup in the summer because there is no point—it just melts off.”

    These are all comments made by people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

    Excessive sweating is one of those bizarre symptoms that rarely make it onto symptoms lists or grab the attention of researchers.

    That’s understandable since we have much bigger problems. Still, it can have a major impact on your life.

    While doctors and researchers have noted that excessive sweating can be a symptom of these conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor about complex regional pain syndrome. It has similar symptoms and some research suggests excessive sweating may be more common in that condition.

    What Causes Excessive Sweating?

    Several factors could be responsible for our sweating, either on their own or in combination. They include:

    The only cause that’s “curable” is the medication side effect, and that may not be an attractive option to you if the drug is doing more good than harm.
    Your doctor may have ideas about medications that help control sweating.

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    Living With Excessive Sweating

    If you do have to live with this symptom, you may want to keep some items on hand to keep it from being obvious and embarrassing.

    • Loose powders: Powder on your face may help absorb sweat before you even know it’s there. You can also apply it after drying sweat off of your skin to keep from being shiny.

    You may find that you need to keep a stash of extra clothing in your car, purse, locker, desk, or another convenient place.

    Preventing Excessive Sweating

    If your sweating isn’t tied to any particular stimulus, you might not be able to keep it from happening. However, if it’s tied to heat—and especially our tendency to become overheated—you may find that some of these things reduce the problem.

    • Extra antiperspirant, re-applied a few times during the day, and applied to non-typical places where you tend to sweat a lot may help.
    • Taking cooler baths or showers, or running cooler water over your body before you get out, may keep you from getting overheated and sweating more.
    • Especially if you tend to be cold a lot, you may frequently find yourself dressed too warmly for the environment. Dressing in layers gives you more temperature-control options.
    • Choosing cold drinks over hot ones and avoiding hot foods can help.

    ​Once sweating starts, it may be difficult to stop. You’re better off trying to prevent it in the first place.

    Dehydration From Excessive Sweating

    One important thing about excessive sweating is making sure you stay hydrated. It’s important to replace both the water and the electrolytes you sweat out.

    Electrolytes are minerals, including:

    If you think you need to replace electrolytes but don’t have a sports drink handy, you can get them via supplements or through food.

    It can be hard for us to tell when we’re dehydrated because the symptoms can be similar to some we already have.

    You should make sure to know the symptoms of dehydration.

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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

  • Fibromyalgia Can Mask Chronic Inflammatory Disease of the Spine and Pelvis, Study Suggests

    Fibromyalgia symptoms can mask the presence of chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints of the pelvis and spine, according to new research.

    The study, titled “Prevalence of Axial Spondyloarthritis Among Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study With Application of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Classification Criteria,” was published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. It highlights the importance of vigilant management of fibromyalgia symptoms by doctors and patients, taking into account the possible underlying presence of inflammatory disorders.

    Unlike other rheumatologic diseases, fibromyalgia is non–inflammatory in nature, and recent reports suggest that it is caused by uncontrolled hyper-activation of the pain-associated nervous response.

    Fibromyalgia patients can present a broad spectrum of symptoms, including chronic nocturnal back pain, morning stiffness, and disturbed sleep. However, these are also symptoms of an inflammatory condition called axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).

    The spA is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the spine, pelvis, and surrounding joints. Although SpA and fibromyalgia are very different diseases, they can overlap and share similar symptoms.

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    Aiming to determine the incidence of SpA among fibromyalgia patients, a total of 99 patients with fibromyalgia underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation for the identification of structural alterations common in SpA chronic inflammation1, such as bone erosion and spine deformations (sclerosis).

    About 8% of patients presented symptoms of inflammation in pelvic joints, while 17% and 25% presented bone erosion and sclerosis, respectively. Despite the frequency of these symptoms, only 10% of fibromyalgia patients were positively SpA diagnosed, according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria.

    “When approaching the clinical conundrum of differentiating between ‘pure’ fibromyalgia and those cases with an unsuspected underlying inflammatory disease, the physician must attempt to rely [on] on clinical judgment and on available diagnostic tools,” the study’s authors, from medical centers in Tel Aviv, Israel, wrote.

    Through blood tests that evaluate levels of a protein associated with inflammation, known as CRP, the authors found that the diagnosis of SpA was positively associated with increased CRP levels and physical function limitation. This result suggests that CRP could be used as a diagnostic tool for SpA among fibromyalgia patients.

    “These results underscore the importance of recognizing the overlap between inflammatory and centralized pain in each patient and call for increased clinical vigilance in the process of differential diagnosis,” the authors concluded.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
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    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    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

  • How Urinary Incontinence and Fibromyalgia are Connected

    Urinary incontinence is a term that basically describes any condition that makes it hard to control your bladder. Obviously, it’s not an easy thing to live with. It’s embarrassing, obviously. But many conditions that cause incontinence are very painful as well.

    And if you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance that you’ve struggled with bladder issues at some point. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people with fibromyalgia struggle with bladder control issues and pelvic pain.

    So, what is the link between bladder issues and fibromyalgia? And what can you do about it?

    Urinary Incontinence and Fibromyalgia

    We usually imagine urinary incontinence as something that makes you suddenly urinate, or “wet your pants,” so to speak. But that’s not exactly accurate. More often, urinary incontinence is more like a weakened control over the muscles that control your bladder.

    While sometimes it is difficult to get to a bathroom in time, more often an episode of incontinence causes urine to leak out slowly in small amounts. And there are actually a few different kinds of incontinence.

    For instance, there’s something called stress incontinence. It’s caused by a sudden event, like a sneeze or laugh, that causes you to lose control of your bladder. Something similar is urge incontinence. Urge incontinence occurs when you suddenly have an intense need to urinate and you suddenly lose control over the bladder, allowing a small stream of urine to escape.

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    Urge incontinence is actually the most common type that people with fibromyalgia struggle with. Essentially, it occurs when you have a sudden, powerful need to urinate along with a minor leak. Although we aren’t sure what causes it, many people with fibromyalgia report having frequent urges to urinate. They usually occur at night, which can mean interrupting sleep to attend to the need to use the bathroom. As you can imagine, this isn’t the type of symptom you want to struggle with when you have a condition that causes chronic fatigue.

    In addition, many people with fibromyalgia report chronic pain in their pelvis, along with frequent urges to urinate. This is a condition known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS). PBS is actually not one condition, but several. Any condition that causes these symptoms is considered to fall under the umbrella of PBS.

    When it comes to fibromyalgia, the best explanation for PBS symptoms may be neurological. Fibromyalgia seems to affect the nervous system. And we know that other neurological conditions can cause urge incontinence by triggering the nerves that control the bladder. But until we understand more about the condition, we can’t say for sure why fibromyalgia leads to bladder problems.

    Luckily, there are a few things you can do to manage the condition.

    What Can You Do To Manage It?

    Obviously, if you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, you want to see a doctor and find a way to treat it. More importantly, it can sometimes be a sign of more serious health problems, so getting it checked out by a professional is always a good idea. Your doctor may also be able to find out what’s causing your condition. Just because you have fibromyalgia doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s causing your bladder problems. You might actually have one of a wide range of other conditions.

    As far as managing the condition goes, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make that will help limit the urge to urinate. There are many different foods and drinks that act to stimulate the bladder and make urges worse. Anything with caffeine, for instance, works as a diuretic and triggers your bladder. So do alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and even chocolate.

    Limiting your consumption of these things can help reduce the amount of urine you produce and help manage your bladder. And maintaining a healthy weight takes the pressure off your bladder, which can also help. Finally, smoking increases the amount of bladder trouble you will have, so quitting can help.

    Doctors recommend a number of treatments to help control the need to urinate. They may instruct you in some pelvic control exercises that strengthen the muscles that control the bladder. This can help you hold in your urine more effectively.

    In addition, you can actually strengthen your control over your bladder by waiting a few extra minutes every time you need to use the bathroom. This trains your body to hold urine in more effectively.

    Finally, “double voiding,” or using the bathroom than trying again in a few minutes, can help empty your bladder more thoroughly and prevent the need to urinate.

    So, have you ever experienced bladder problems with fibromyalgia? What did you do to treat it? Let us know in the comments.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    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

  • How Chronic Pain Killed My Husband

    So much has been written about the opioid epidemic, but so little seems to be out there about what living with true chronic pain is like. My husband, the Jay, lived and died in incredible pain at the age of 58.  As his wife, I lived that journey with him.

    Jay is no longer here to tell his story, but I want the world to see what I saw.  I want you to know how he went from working 60 hours a week doing hard physical labor until his pain grew worse and he could not even get out of a chair on his own.

    I want you to know the deterioration Jay went through over the last ten years. I want you to know what a good day and a bad day are like when you live with chronic pain.  I want you to know exactly what happened when the doctor decreased his pain medication. And I want you to know how my husband finally made the decision to commit suicide.

    I want people to understand that when chronic pain runs your life, eventually you just want the pain to stop.

    First a bit of history.  I met Jay in 2005 when we both stopped drinking.  Two years later, Jay began to lose feeling in his legs and started having fallen, as a result of compressed nerves in his spine. The pain was so bad Jay had to stop working and go on disability, which started his depressive episodes.

    Jay had a series of lower back and neck fusion surgeries.  This was when he has first prescribed painkillers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.  From 2008 to 2011, Jay tried various treatments to control the pain that lingered even after third back surgery.  These included steroid shots, nerve blocks, and a spinal cord stimulator.  Ultimately he had a drug pump implanted that delivered morphine, in addition to the pain pills he was being prescribed.

    In 2012, Jay was diagnosed with trauma-induced dementia.  I believe that diagnosis was right, based on his symptoms, but not all of the doctors agreed.  Some believed the confusion was due to high doses of morphine and/or his sleep apnea.

    By 2016, Jay’s confusion and memory issues were increasing. He was on a steady dose of 120mg morphine daily, in addition to the medication he was receiving from his pain pump.

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    Jay’s depression seemed to come and go, depending on the day and his pain levels.  He was weaned down on his Xanax to 2mg a day to help him sleep. He was aware of the risks of combining Xanax and morphine.

    Let me tell you what a good day was like before they changed his medications. I worked a full-time job from 2 pm to 10 pm five days a week. I would get home, and Jay would have my coffee ready for me at night.  We would stay up and watch TV until 2 or so.  When it was time for sleep, I went to bed and he slept in his recliner.

    We started sleeping apart after his first surgery in 2007. He was more comfortable sitting up in the chair, but could never sleep more than three hours at a time.  He knew sleeping in bed would just keep me awake.

    A good day always meant it was not cold or raining.  On a good morning, he would be up first and get the coffee started.  He would take our two miniature pinchers outside in the yard on their leash for potty time.

    We usually had at least one appointment a week, but if not we could have a nice quiet morning.  That meant coffee in front of the TV.  After a couple of hours of that, he might switch over to playing his computer games, but he was never far from his chair.

    A typical adventure for us would involve going to Walmart.  Jay was not able to walk through the store, but he hated using the handicapped carts. I could always see a look on his face when he had to do it.  After going to the store, we might have lunch or an early dinner at Steak n Shake or Cracker Barrel.  It always needed to be someplace familiar and comfortable for him.  More than once we sat, ordered, and then took our food home because he was in too much pain.

    In the summer we might walk the dogs after dinner. Just a quick two-block walk, but a lot of times he would have to stop halfway and go back home.  A couple of times I had to go get the car and pick him up because his legs just would not support him anymore.

    A bad day was awful for me to watch, and absolutely horrible for Jay to live. It meant no real sleep, just catnaps in the chair whenever he could.  He always made coffee for us, but on a bad day he would forget to add coffee to the coffee maker and we would just have hot water.  The pain was so much he was just distracted.

    On many bad days, I would look over and see tears just running down his face because he was in so much pain.  It also made Jay’s depression worse.  We spent many cold winter nights talking about how much pain would be too much and would make life not worth living.  It is the most horrible feeling in this whole world to hear the person you love most talk about ending their life.

    In January 2017 Jay’s pain clinic decided they could no longer prescribe the high doses of morphine he was on.  In addition, they were not going to continue seeing him if he decided to stay on Xanax.  The Xanax was prescribed by another doctor, but they did not care.

    I begged the pain doctor — yes, literally begged — for some other option. The doctor said that if Jay continued the Xanax he would no longer see him.  He would not give another option for medications, and at one point even said that most of his patients with pain were “making it up.”

    The last thing the doctor said to us will stick with me forever.  He said, “My patient’s quality of life is not worth losing my practice over.”

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    When we left that day, we were barely in the car and I knew what Jay was going to say to me.  I will never forget how sad his voice was when he told me this was it for him. He was not going to continue to live like this.

    Through the month of February, as Jay’s medication was decreased, we spent time doing things we did not normally do.  We went out on Valentine’s Day, he bought me the first jewelry he had bought since my engagement ring, and we went out to a fancy restaurant for dinner.  Jay tried to cram in as many good memories as he could into that last month, but I knew it was costing him.

    Jay’s next doctor’s appointment was scheduled for March 2, and we knew they were going to decrease his medications again.  The night before, he woke me up to tell me it was time.  I knew what that meant, but I tried to be strong for his sake.  We talked all night long about what it meant, and how it should be.  It was the saddest, strangest, longest night of my life.

    Jay knew he did not have enough pills to kill himself.  He also knew that if he were to try and purchase a gun, they would not sell it to him.  It would have been almost obvious what he was going to use it for.

    In the end, I bought the gun that Jay used — and yes, we talked about the ramifications of that action.  We went to the park where we had renewed our vows in 2015.  We talked in the car for a while, and then we sat in the same place we had cut our wedding cake.  I was holding his hand when he pulled the trigger.

    Through the shock and horror, my immediate feeling was one of relief for Jay. To know that he was finally out of pain was a weight lifted off both of us.

    Because I purchased the gun that Jay used to end his life, I was charged under our state’s assisted suicide law.  This charge was later reduced to reckless endangerment, and I am currently on probation. People close to me want me to be quiet about my role in Jay’s death, and I was at first. But I cannot continue that way.

    I know Jay wanted me to put his story out there.  I know he wanted people to know what it was like to live with the pain he lived with daily. When the doctor took away Jay’s medications, they took away his quality of life. That was what led to his decision. Jay fought hard to live with his pain for a long time, but in the end, fighting just was not enough.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    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

  • Why You Might Have a Nerve Block For Chronic Pain

    Why You Might Have a Nerve Block For Chronic Pain

    If you’re experiencing chronic pain, a doctor may recommend that you have a nerve block, a temporary or permanent procedure that disrupts specific nerve activity. It can help diagnose or treat certain types of neuropathic pain, or pain caused by nerve dysfunction or damage. Nerve blocks may be performed by injecting chemicals or anesthetics to the area or by deliberately cutting or damaging certain parts of the nerve.

    Many people receive nerve blocks without even knowing it. For example, dentists commonly use nerve-blocking agents such as novocaine to numb the mouth during potentially painful procedures.

    Why You Might Have a Nerve Block

    If your doctor is trying to diagnose a chronic pain condition caused by nerve dysfunction, he may use a nerve block to pinpoint the exact problem area. In addition to a nerve block, he may also perform an electromyography (EMG) and/or a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test to narrow down the exact cause of your chronic nerve pain.

    Nerve blocks can also treat chronic neuropathic pain, such as pain caused by nerve damage or compression. They are regularly used to treat back and neck pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Nerve blocks may be used to control pain temporarily or permanently, depending on the procedure used.

    Common Types of Nerve Blocks

    A local nerve block is performed by injecting or applying local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, to a certain area.

    An epidural is a local nerve block that involves injecting steroids or analgesics into the area that surrounds the spinal cord. Though common during childbirth, an epidural may be also be used to treat chronic neck or back pain caused by a compressed spinal nerve. Local nerve blocks are usually temporary, although some may be repeated over time.

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    A neurolytic block uses alcohol, phenol, or thermal agents, such as cryogenic freezing, to treat chronic nerve pain. These procedures actually cause damage to certain areas of the nerve pathway. This means a neurolytic block is usually appropriate only in severe chronic pain cases, such as cancer pain or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

    A surgical nerve block is performed by a neurosurgeon and involves surgically removing or selectively damaging certain areas of the nerve. Like a neurolytic block, a surgical nerve block is usually reserved for severe pain cases, such as cancer pain or trigeminal neuralgia. Most surgical nerve blocks are permanent.

    Risks Associated With Nerve Blocks

    Even a temporary nerve block such as an epidural carries a risk of permanent nerve damage. Because nerves are extremely sensitive and regenerate slowly, even a tiny error in calculation can cause devastating side effects. These include muscle paralysis, weakness, or lasting numbness. In some rare cases, nerve blocks may actually irritate the nerve further, causing an increase in pain.

    Fortunately, skilled and licensed health practitioners, such as dentists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists, perform these delicate procedures.

     While there is always a risk of nerve damage during these procedures, most nerve blocks successfully reduce chronic nerve pain.

    What to Expect After a Nerve Block

    You may feel temporarily numb or sore after your nerve block, and you may notice some redness or irritation to the area. This is usually not permanent and should fade with time. If you have had a surgical block, you may be asked to rest for a certain period of time after your procedure. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may have to spend a few days recovering in the hospital.

    Some pain may persist after your nerve block, but that doesn’t mean the procedure wasn’t effective.

    Additionally, some nerve blocks may cause swelling, which compresses the nerve and requires time to subside. If you find the side effects of your nerve block are lasting longer than expected, contact your doctor.

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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  • Effects of Trigger Point Injections on Fibromyalgia

    In some cases of fibromyalgia, the pain is so severe that people have to seek out alternative treatments in order to reduce or stop the pain that they are dealing with. One treatment that has been getting a lot of attention lately is trigger point injections. What is this treatment? What can it do to help reduce or eliminate all of the different health issues that happen with fibromyalgia? Let’s take a look here.

    What Are Trigger Point Injections?

    Trigger point injections, in short, are treatments that are injected into the areas in your muscles that cause you to feel the most pain and pressure from your fibromyalgia (or other health issues that are related to muscle pain and stiffness).

    These injections actually play a significant role in helping a lot of people, because what they do is that they are put into those areas of the body and, as the injection goes into it, it allows the muscle to become loose and more flexible, thus reducing the amount of pain that you are feeling and giving you a larger range of motion as well. The medications used in the injection are either corticoids or anesthetics, both of which allow the body to relax.

    There are two major types of trigger point injections that you may consider if you are trying to reduce the pain and stiffness that come with fibromyalgia. One of the types of injections is directed right into the trigger points, allowing the medication to get in there and deal with it immediately. Of course, this can be really difficult, because it’s not necessarily easy to find where the trigger point is located.

    It takes a bit of searching and message in order to find the spots, but the time they take can end up making the treatment more effective than if they just arbitrarily injected the medicine into your body. The other type of trigger injection uses imaging in order to try and help the doctor find the trigger areas.

    This type is definitely more accurate because the imaging shows the doctor exactly where the problem is, thus allowing them to put the medicine right into the affected area. While both methods work, imaging has been shown to be more effective in the long run.

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    How Do Trigger Point Injections Affect Those With Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

    Okay, so now that we have a better understanding of how trigger points work, it’s time for us to take a look at exactly what these treatments can do for those who are fending off fibromyalgia symptoms on a regular basis. As we mentioned in the introduction, these types of treatments have been a lot more popular in recent years, and doctors are starting to become more comfortable with suggesting trigger point injections as part of an overall treatment plan for their fibromyalgia patients.

    First off, one of the immediate things that we notice is that the pain that fibromyalgia patients feel is greatly reduced. Stress, anxiety, and pain make our muscles tense up, and in fibromyalgia patients, it’s that much worse. So, with the use of trigger point injections, patients find that these symptoms are greatly reduced.

    Finally, a way to allow their muscles to relax; and that’s something that doesn’t happen very often with those who are fending off fibromyalgia problems. The great part, as well, is that it’s immediate. Other forms of treatment may take a while to set in, but with a trigger point injection, you start to feel at least some of the relief right away.

    Trigger point injections can also play another important role in helping fibromyalgia patients, many of them dealing with the secondary issues that come with fibromyalgia. As you likely know, fatigue is a huge part of dealing with fibromyalgia, and there are lots of different ways that doctors will recommend to help reduce the fatigue. But trigger point injections can actually play a huge role in helping the fatigue to go away. Why?

    Mainly, because you aren’t feeling as much pain as you did. Carrying pain all of the time can make it hard for you to sleep, thus making you feel more tired. By dealing with the pain in such a quick manner, you can get back to a regular sleeping schedule, and you can feel a lot less fatigue than you would have otherwise. Stiffness and inflexibility are also positively affected by trigger point injections

    Last but not least, it’s important for us to note that, unlike other forms of therapy and treatment, trigger point injections actually pose one of the lowest threats of “lost time.” What do we mean by this? Some treatments, including surgery and physical therapy, can cause your body to feel sore for a couple of days (but then, in the long run, allow for long-term recovery). Trigger point treatment doesn’t have that issue.

    The amount of recovery time that a person with fibromyalgia has to deal with is a lot less than it would be for other types of treatments. Because of that, doctors are really starting to feel a lot more comfortable allowing trigger point injections as part of treatment. Put that together with the fact that you can get it done in a few minutes at your specialist’s office, and you’ve got a pretty quick and effective way to deal with that pain for the long term.

    Trigger point injections can actually play a huge role in helping to reduce the pain and suffering that you are dealing with. What we’ve discussed here is just the beginning of how it can help you to cope with your current symptoms. If you are interested in the possible effects that this can have on your fibromyalgia and you want to learn more about it, you can discuss it with your specialist. They will be able to give you a better idea as to whether or not it’s the right way for you to go with your treatment plan.

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    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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  • The New Cannabis Capsule Is So Powerful It Can Replace Any Pain Killer

    People around the world are becoming increasingly aware of natural remedies and alternative medicine.

    However, this does not change the attitude of Big Pharma to enforce their drugs on an open-mouthed public despite their numerous and well-documented, harsh side-effects.

    The almighty health benefits of cannabis are becoming increasingly accepted in mainstream society and are being bolstered by numerous recent studies.

    The Foria Relief Company has even invented a vaginal suppository, based on aromatic cocoa butter, which is a perfect substitution for Vicodin, Midol, and Ibuprofen. It effectively treats menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles. Additionally, it does not lead to psychotropic properties.

    It is produced from pesticide and additive-free cannabis. Therefore, their active ingredients are used in a process without microbials and are combined with exact doses; 60 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 10 mg of cannabidiol (CBD).

    The pain is blocked by the THC, which inhabits the pleasure areas of the brain’s cannabinoid system. CBD relaxes the muscles, treats the spasms, and has a favorable effect on inflammatory mechanisms within the body.

    According to a woman who tried the vaginal suppository, it relaxed her clenched and cramped muscles and soothed the pain in her midriff. She explained that she felt the area below the waist to the thighs “as if floating in some other galaxy”.

    Yet, this amazing remedy is only sold in California and is still not approved by the FDA. However, if you decide to use it, make sure you consult your doctor beforehand, even though there have been no complaints from people who have tried it.

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  • Thetford woman fundraising to see specialist about her fibromyalgia hopes it could help to rebuild her life

    A woman who has spent the past eight years in constant pain is hoping the specialist treatment will help her to rebuild her life.

    In 2016 Emma Parslow Cope was diagnosed with the long-term condition fibromyalgia which causes an increased sensitivity to pain, exhaustion, headaches and problems with mental processes.

    The 27-year-old, who lives in Thetford, said the condition has had an enormous impact on her life. She has had to leave her job and it has put a strain on her relationships with family and friends.

    Miss Parslow Cope describes the pain throughout her body as like a “burning sensation” and she suffers from fatigue and has trouble sleeping.

    As a result of her condition she has developed anxiety and depression.

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    She is now hoping to raise £10,000 to cover the costs of seeing a specialist at the Fibro Clinic in London and any treatment, medication and accommodation needed.

    Miss Parslow Cope said: “I am desperate to get help so I can get myself in a state of managing so I can then do some volunteer work to build my life up.

    “The specialist should be able to put me on a programme and understand me as a person. I hope they should be able to give me treatment to help me get some sort of proactive life back.”

    A keen sportswoman, in 2010 Miss Parslow Cope hurt her hip during a college football match.

    She believes it was this injury which led to the fibromyalgia but she was not diagnosed for six years.

    On December 31 last year the former West Suffolk College student said she tried to take an overdose because of the condition.

    “I just did not want to be here anymore,” said Miss Parslow Cope who attends the Fibromyalgia Bury St Edmunds support group run by fellow fibromyalgia suffer Brett Robertson. “It just takes over your head.”

    She is now hoping to help raise awareness of the condition – which her twin sister Louise was also diagnosed with this year – which she says is misunderstood.

    She said: “I want people to be behind fibromyalgia suffers. I want people to understand and the more people who are aware of it and understand it the better.

    “I am tired of people saying it is not real because I am living with something which is severe and nasty 24 hours a day.”

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

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    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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