In past posts, I’ve written about feeling ill-equipped to handle the role of spouse, the (still ongoing) process of learning that I can’t fix everything, and just being there for my loved one. Those are all key components of becoming the best you can be as a partner, spouse, relative, or friend of a loved one who suffers from a chronic illness such as Fibromyalgia.
However, some days are just tough…
tough to watch your loved one suffer a Fibro flare
tough to watch your loved one have a good Fibro day but is sick with a cold, the flu, etc.
tough to watch your loved one deal with a separate health issue unrelated to Fibro (i.e. back and/or neck problems, migraines, etc.)
If my loved one has managed to avoid a Fibro flare by doing everything “just right” I feel it is a tragedy if she gets socked with another health issue that sours an otherwise good day. THOSE ARE THE DAYS THAT REALLY FRUSTRATE ME!!
This is a time to put worry and anxiety to bed. One thing I need to remember in these instances, and I encourage you to do so as well, is that worry is essentially pointless. I am a HUGE worrier, so this is something that I struggle with on a minute-to-minute basis.
Worry is trying to control the uncontrollable. Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and other conditions that afflict our loved ones are often, if not always, out of our control. As caregivers and helpers, we need to only tackle the things within our control that can be beneficial for our loved ones.
What are some of the things that are in our control?
Cooking (meals that are conducive to our loved one’s dietary needs, not ours; that means using ingredients that will NOT cause a flair)
Reassuring and supporting
Sacrificing (putting many things second to our loved one)
We’re all human. I know that changing our way of thinking, our way of eating, our way of living life…for the benefit of someone else…is very difficult!
No matter how hard it seems, after all, some days are just tough, we have to remember that we’re called to love one another, and the well-being of our most special lovedone(s) should be a concern that rivals none other.
Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, 75-90% of people with the condition are women. The exact root cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however, it is well-known that the majority of women receive their diagnosis between the ages of 40 and 55 years old, with symptoms starting at any time between the ages of 20 and 55. This coincides with menopause, which is something many fibromyalgia sufferers, unfortunately, face alongside their condition and, as a result, experience worsened symptoms and increased discomfort. In this blog post, we discuss this topic in further detail to better understand how fibromyalgia and menopause are linked and what can be done to treat the symptoms of each. To find out more, continue reading.
According to the NHS, menopause usually occurs in women aged between 45 and 55 years old. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51. It is a natural part of aging, however, is extremely uncomfortable. Common symptoms can begin months or years before your last period and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer. Common symptoms include:
During the course of menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline before hitting rock bottom. In postmenopausal women, the production of estrogen levels declines by 40%, which can lead to further symptoms, such as depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Hormonal changessuch as these are known to also trigger moodiness, soreness, and crankiness, which are further aggravated by sleepless nights, causing a vicious cycle.
Symptoms presented in menopause are extremely similar to those of fibromyalgia. When combined, the two conditions can make the symptoms of each feel much worse. Although further research is required to better understand the connection between the two, there is some research to indicate that fibromyalgia symptomsworsen post-menopause, compared to women who are still menstruating.
If you are going through menopause and experiencing worsened symptoms as a result, then we would recommend that you visit your doctor or local GP, as they may be able to recommend a form of treatment, such as estrogen or hormone replacement therapy, which can be used to ease your menopausal symptoms. Once your menopausal symptoms ease, it is likely that you will not experience the impact of your fibromyalgia symptoms as much, although this is not guaranteed.
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle is something you can do to improve your overall well-being. This involves taking part in regular exercise, eating healthily, not smoking, managing your weight, and limiting your alcohol intake. While healthy living may not specifically target menopause or fibromyalgia, it can still work to improve your bone strength and cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enhance other aspects of your health.
Cannabis for fibromyalgia patients can be life-changing. At least it was for me! As a neuroscientist diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I tried all the traditional treatments, but nothing worked and the side effects were awful. Cannabis and CBD are helpful for fibro patients because they treat some of the root causes of fibromyalgia instead of just covering up symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It is often diagnosed by pressing on tender points throughout the body that results in pain upon light touching. Fibromyalgia flares occur when symptoms rapidly increase in severity or number; these flares may last for days or weeks and are often dependent on stress levels or triggers like a poor diet.
Approximately 10 million patients in the United States have fibromyalgia, and 75-90% are women. While the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, infections, physical or emotional trauma, and genetics appear to play a role in onset. Patients with lupus, osteoarthritis, and or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.
In Canada, 30% of patients with fibromyalgia are on disability, whereas in the United States, the percentage is unclear because disability, as well as a fibromyalgia diagnosis, is harder for patients to obtain. In a survey conducted by the National Fibromyalgia Association in 2003, 99% of the respondents who were currently disabled because of fibromyalgia said that they would return to work immediately if they could find some relief for their pain.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle pain and tenderness, muscle spasms, joint pain, bone pain, neurological pain, pelvic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety or depression, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive issues including memory problems.
Common treatments of fibromyalgia include anti-inflammatories such as Aleve (naproxen), Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), aspirin, and meloxicam, pain relievers Tylenol (acetaminophen), morphine (MScontin), and Percocet (oxycodone), and anti-anxiety medications including Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). Anti-depressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), selective norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Savella (milnacipran), and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are also used.
Anti-seizure drug Lyrica (pregabalin) is most well-known for fibromyalgia because of the constant commercials played in the United States; Neurontin (gabapentin) is another anticonvulsant used to treat fibromyalgia. Finally, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, myofascial therapy, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and cognitive therapy are also used to treat fibromyalgia.
Cannabis helps fibromyalgia by reducing neuropathic pain, pelvic pain, and other forms of pain. It reduces spasms, headaches, inflammation, anxiety, and stress that may trigger or worsen flares. It can improve mood and depression that often comes with having a painful chronic disease with no cure. Finally, cannabis may improve serotonin or other neurotransmitter imbalances in fibromyalgia.
No genetic causes of fibromyalgia have been found yet, and a blood test for diagnosis was only recently developed and is not widely used or covered by most health insurance plans. It is possible that mutations in genes that regulate the endocannabinoid system could be involved in its development, but no study has looked at that.
There is limited clinical research on cannabis and fibromyalgia because of its Schedule 1 nature in the United States and limited funding on the medical benefits of cannabis. However, a survey by the National Pain Report found cannabis was more effective than standard treatments for fibromyalgia including Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella, and fibromyalgia patients prefer it. No research has suggested harm from using cannabis in fibromyalgia patients.
Patients are already using cannabis, partly due to tightening restrictions on opioid use in the United States. The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association completed a survey on the impact on patients of changing hydrocodone from Schedule 3 to Schedule 2. The survey found 17% of fibromyalgia patients who were no longer able to fill their hydrocodone prescription shifted to medical marijuana, and 13% moved to alcohol to treat pain, a much less desirable outcome. Another study published in 2012 found 13% of fibromyalgia patients used cannabis, with 80% using smoked marijuana and 24% using prescription cannabinoids.
In a pilot study of nine patients, THC in doses of 2.5-15 mg per day for three months significantly reduced subjective pain in the four patients that completed the study. In a study of 40 patients with fibromyalgia, four weeks of 1 mg of nabilone, a synthetic THC-like drug that binds strongly to the CB1 receptor improved insomnia but has little impact on pain, mood, or quality of life.
Twenty-eight fibromyalgia patients using cannabis had significantly reduced pain and stiffness and increased feelings of well-being, relaxation, and sleepiness two hours after use in another study. Finally, a survey of fibromyalgia patients in Israel found 50% of patients stopped using all prescriptions medications for fibromyalgia when they began using cannabis, and there were significant improvements in all quality of life and symptom scores on the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR).
A type of spa therapy has been found to be a safe and effective way of reducing pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
Balneotherapy is a type of spa therapy, which has been used by humans for thousands of years, including the ancient Greeks and Romans, to treat diseases naturally. Not to be confused with hydrotherapy, balneotherapy is a form of therapeutic bathing whereby the restorative properties of water are used to rejuvenate the body. In the past, there have been many studies to showcase how balneotherapy can provide pain relief in fibromyalgia patients. In this blog post, we discuss balneotherapy in further detail and explain the theory behind it.
First of all, we will explain the difference between hydrotherapy and balneotherapy, as they are very different. While hydrotherapy is similar to physical therapy to increase the range of motion and strength, balneotherapy focuses on the temperature and mineral content of the water in order to increase relaxation effects. Common minerals added to water for balneotherapy include salt, sulfur, and magnesium.
Over the years, there have been many studies to determine whether or not balneotherapy is successful in reducing pain for fibromyalgia sufferers. Many of the results were positive, showing that this type of therapy can definitely play a part in reducing pain, tenderness, depression, and anxiety while increasing a patient’s quality of life.
If you are a fibromyalgia sufferer contemplating whether or not balneotherapy is right for you, this section of our blog will be useful for you, as it explains what you should expect from the session should you wish to go ahead with the treatment.
Depending on the kind of balneotherapy, there may or may not be a therapist present throughout the duration of your session. Some treatments may also involve massage during the bathing stage. Typically, balneotherapy sessions last around 20 to 25 minutes, however, this time can be more or less depending on the treatment you are receiving.
Appropriate clothing must be worn during your session. While a swimsuit may be permitted for some treatments, you may need to be naked for others. Once you have changed, a bath will be prepared for you, complete with essential oils, seaweed, mud, or other therapeutic agents, which have been added for your relaxation and comfort. You will then be left to soak in the water for a predetermined length of time.
Once your session is over, you will then exit the bath carefully. Afterward, you may feel dizzy or drowsy, which is completely normal, so do not panic. To help and allow you to rehydrate, you will be offered a drink of water by the therapist or staff members present at the therapy session.
As well as helping to ease fibromyalgia pain, balneotherapy also offers a whole host of additional benefits, including the following:
Although balneotherapy has proven to be extremely effective for some people, it is not suitable for everyone, including those who have pre-existing health problems or are pregnant. If you meet the criteria of any of the below, then you will need to get in touch with your GP to discover whether or not it is safe for you to take part in balneotherapy treatment.
Have open cuts, sores, and/ or wounds or a recent injury
Overall, balneotherapy is a great tool to assist in the battle against fibromyalgia. When combined with other treatments, balneotherapy has been proven to improve the quality of life for many fibromyalgia patients. Almost everyone has access to water and a bathtub, which means many fibromyalgia sufferers would be able to enjoy a relaxing, soothing therapeutic bath for themselves. As experienced fibromyalgia lawyers, we understand how painful fibromyalgia can be for sufferers, therefore, hope this form of treatment can provide some relief to our followers. Have you ever tried balneotherapy? If so, we would love to hear from you to understand your thoughts and experiences.
It’s been 5 years since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 12 years since I got my Ph.D. in Neuroscience in the Department of Molecular Psychiatry.
To be honest, I’ve never met another neuroscientist who has fibromyalgia. And maybe that’s why my approach to treating fibromyalgia is so different than most clinicians.
When it came to treating my fibromyalgia, I let the professionals take the reins at first. I went through the typical medications like opioids, Lyrica, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and hormone pills.
When all I got was dependence on opioids, and side effects like weight gain, nausea, and more pain, the scientist in me said there has to be a better way.
As a neuroscientist, I understand the brain, how both emotional and physical pain is processed, how pharmaceutical drugs impact brain chemistry, and how disease harms it.
I also know how to research solutions to complex problems, compare weak versus strong evidence, test hypotheses, communicate my findings, and teach students.
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that requires a personalized medicine approach and no two cases are the same. It’s a disease that is worsened by stress, and the mind-body connection must be respected.
I did my research. Part reading the clinical research, part talking to alternative medicine experts and caregivers, and part playing guinea pig on myself and other patients.
I have a unique protocol that uses cannabis, kratom, and magic mushrooms to rewire the brain and heal the emotional and physical pain underlying fibromyalgia.
I’m sharing my secret sauce to how I ditched all my pills, got out of my walker, back to work, got my executive MBA, and wrote multiple books, all when my fibromyalgia doctor told me my best case scenario was to accept my illness and collect disability checks.
10 million patients in the United States with fibromyalgia, 75-90% are women. While the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, infections, physical or emotional trauma, and genetics appear to play a role in onset. Patients with lupus, osteoarthritis, and or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle pain and tenderness, muscle spasms, joint pain, bone pain, neurological pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety or depression, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive issues including issues with memory.
Common prescription or OTC treatments for fibromyalgia include anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs including gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), the first drug to be FDA approved for fibromyalgia. Massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, diet change from going gluten-free, and cognitive therapy have also provided relief for patients but are not widely adopted nor covered by health insurance.
In Canada, 30% of patients with fibromyalgia are on disability, whereas in the United States, the percentage is unclear because disability as a well as a fibromyalgia diagnosis is harder for patients to obtain. In a survey conducted by the National Fibromyalgia Association in 2003, 99 % of the respondents who were currently disabled because of fibromyalgia said that they would return to work immediately if they could find some relief for their pain.
There has been a lot of clinical research on cannabis for fibromyalgia in the last 10 years. We’ve transitioned from fibromyalgia being a medical condition linked to endocannabinoid deficiency based on Dr. Ethan Russo’s research, to anecdotal evidence that over 90% of fibromyalgia patients benefit from cannabis, to clear clinical trials showing evidence that cannabis works.
The holiday season is fast approaching. Traveling when able-bodied has its fair share of challenges but, if you suffer from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), it can seem like a passport to problems.
The Government recently announced new proposals for disabled flyers but the implications of these will not be known until early 2019. So, in this blog, we offer some useful tips on how to make traveling with CRPS less daunting now. Read on to find out more.
You might be planning on taking a holiday but unfortunately, CRPS will not be taking a break from you. The likelihood is, you will be in pain but, if you prepare and plan well in advance, the trip you are looking forward to should not turn into one you end up regretting.
First and foremost, ensure you pack your pain relief medication. If you are traveling abroad, you should not encounter any problems if you approach this in the right way.
Some medicines such as Tramadol, Morphine, and Oxycodone are referred to as controlled drugs and subject to stricter controls to prevent potential misuse.
For all prescription medication, but particularly for controlled drugs, ask your GP for a letter outlining why you need the medication, the daily dosage, and the amount you need to travel with. Keep this close to hand for inspection by sea or airport staff and officials and make sure it includes your full name – as it appears on your passport – address, date of birth, and dates of travel.
Check the requirements and regulations of the destination you are traveling to in case there are any restrictions. You can usually do this on the country’s Embassy website, which tends to be very informative and helpful. Keep your medication in your hand luggage but, if it is in fluid form, check with the airline or provider you are traveling with about whether 100ml restrictions apply and, if necessary, ask your pharmacist to dispense accordingly.
Inform your air or cruise line well in advance of your condition and any assistance you may require. Read the special requirements page on your travel provider’s website for more information about procedures.
You should be able to ask for and receive assistance from when you arrive at the airport through customs and security to your boarding gate. Once on board, you should expect help stowing cabin luggage in the overhead locker.
At your destination, you should be assisted off the plane, to the point where you leave the airport, including retrieving your luggage and any mobility equipment you may have. However, it is advisable never to presume this will happen but to double-check with the individual provider you have chosen to travel with.
Be aware – cabin pressure on an aircraft can exacerbate CRPS. Not everyone is affected and some only mildly, but others experience a significant increase in pain and swelling during a flight.
It may be helpful to carry an inflatable pillow to ease discomfort and perhaps a lightweight blanket or shawl, as planes are notoriously chilly.
Whatever mode of transport you are using on your journey, factor in time to take comfort breaks and to stretch your legs. If sitting for a long period of time, try to extend your arms, legs, and neck, and wriggle your ankles and wrists on a regular basis to encourage blood circulation.
Rest as often as you can. Even a five-minute cat nap can do wonders for positive mental health and well-being and stop you from becoming anxious about the travel time remaining.
The raft of new measures proposed by the Government will dramatically improve travel for the less-able bodied if given the go-ahead. They include limiting the time passengers must wait for help with boarding and disembarking and ensuring they get their own wheelchairs back quickly by creating priority storage for wheelchairs.
Ministers are also looking at whether airlines should be made to remove seats to allow wheelchairs in the cabin – a measure long campaigned for.
Having CRPS and having a great holiday are not mutually exclusive. Managing your trip as well as your condition will hopefully leave you with a sense of well-being as well as many happy memories.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is difficult to diagnose and harder to treat. As a neuroscientist and health coach with fibromyalgia, Dr. Ross has combined modern science with ancient plant wisdom to not only stop the pain but also heal emotional and physical trauma from the disorder.
Approximately 10 million patients in the United States have fibromyalgia, and 75-90% are women. While the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, infections, physical or emotional trauma, and genetics appear to play a role in onset. Patients with lupus, osteoarthritis, and or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Cannabis helps fibromyalgia by reducing neuropathic pain, pelvic pain, and other forms of pain. It reduces spasms, headaches, inflammation, anxiety, and stress that may trigger or worsen flares. It can improve mood and depression that often comes with having a painful chronic disease with no cure. Finally, cannabis may improve serotonin or other neurotransmitter imbalances in fibromyalgia.
There are 1000s of cannabis strains and CBD products that can improve the quality of life with fibromyalgia. If cannabis isn’t right for you, some people prefer microdosing magic mushrooms, while others prefer calming strains of kratom. Your plant medicine guide will go over the pros and cons of each plant medicine and help you decide which one is right for you.
The plant-based health revolution is here! I’m your guide to understanding cannabis, mushrooms, and other healing plants so you live a life free of pain.
My name is Dr. Michele Ross and my mission is to empower patients with the knowledge and use of plant-based medicine so they can live their healthiest and happiest lives.
“Dr. Ross is so knowledgeable about the hottest topic right, CBD, and her passion for using it to heal people is amazing. Her energy, humor, and relatability are refreshing and inviting. The type of wisdom and warmth that you’d want if your health journey should include CBD.”
“Dr. Ross will open your mind to so many new ideas about holistic health. WHY are we not taking care of ourselves as our instincts direct us? Well, the law has not been on the side of cannabis users for most of history. Now, things are changing and it’s up to us to reclaim our health.”
It is no secret that extreme weather can worsen symptoms of CRPS. As well as cold weather, hot weather can also have a negative impact on the well-being of sufferers. Read this blog to find out more and learn how to cope.
Recently, a heatwave swept across the UK, bringing temperatures of 20 degrees celsius and over. Extreme weather conditions can worsen symptoms for CRPS sufferers. In past blogs, we have discussed the ways in which cold weather can affect CRPS sufferers. In this blog, we are focusing on the topic of hot weather, the symptoms it causes, and tips to educate you on how you can better cope when the temperatures begin to soar.
On hot days, it is very hard to avoid the heat. Even inside, there is very little relief unless you have an air-conditioning system installed, which is rare for homes within the UK. As a result, it is unfortunately very likely that CRPS sufferers will experience some or all of the symptoms listed below.
The slightest difference in weather can set any of the above severe symptoms off. The reason still remains a mystery but it is suspected to be associated with atmospheric changes, as well as changes in air pressure.
So, whether you are heading on a summer holiday with your family or you just want to know how to protect yourself from experiencing further pain during the summer months in the UK, take note of our tips on how to cope listed below.
Stay indoors or in the shade. If you are in the UK and the temperature begins to rise, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Only venture outside if necessary; inside, you will be out of the sun and much cooler. Naturally, if you are vacationing, the last thing you will want to do is stay inside. However, when outside, make sure to stay in the shade. Take a chair in the shade and ensure you have an umbrella handy while relaxing around the pool.
Remember to refuel.Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and keep your energy level up with healthy snacks and meals. Try to stay away from sugar and salt, as this will dehydrate you further in the heat. Opt for fresh fruit and enjoy your meals with plenty of vegetables to ensure you get the nutrients you need to battle the heat.
Dress appropriately.It goes without saying that to stay cool, you need to dress cool. Avoid layers and dark colors, such as black and navy, as they will absorb the heat and make you feel much hotter. Stay cool by wearing light colors, particularly white, and loose-fitting clothing.
Give cooling products a try. Invest in something to keep yourself cool whilst on the go, such as a mini fan or facial water spray.
Distract yourself.This tip will be easier if you are holidaying but it is important to distract yourself from thinking too much about how hot you are. Have a stash of DVDs or a new TV series at the ready.
Keep moving. Without overdoing it, make sure you continue moving as much as possible to prevent stiff, painful joints. Be gentle and don’t strain yourself; instead, take part in light movements or exercises such as yoga or meditation.
The effects of hot weather can be particularly problematic for CRPS sufferers. By following the above steps, extreme symptoms can be alleviated and in some cases avoided completely. If you are reading this blog and have been diagnosed with CRPS, it is important for you to remember that we are not medical experts and therefore cannot provide medical advice. However, if you are experiencing worsened pain and symptoms as a result of changes in the weather, then we would recommend consulting with your doctor.
This is something I have been working on for a long time.
As a neuroscientist with fibromyalgia, I’ve worked for years to test the available treatments and debunk fibro myths.
I’ve come up with a protocol that has helped me cure my fibromyalgia naturally (putting it into recovery mode) and has helped so many of my patients.
And I want to share it with you.
Here’s what Ashley R. says about my work:
“Dr. Ross is so knowledgeable about the hottest topic right now, CBD, and her passion for using it to heal people is amazing. Her energy, humor, and relatability are refreshing and inviting. The type of wisdom and warmth that you’d want if your health journey should include CBD.”
Many of you know me from my turn as the first scientist to star in a reality TV series, Big Brother 11 on CBS, where I was a beast at winning competitions and almost won the whole game. There’s another part to my story, one that includes the struggle of getting a fibromyalgiadiagnosis.
Several years ago I used a cane and even a walker to move around. I had no energy, had permanent brain fog, and barely could sit up to work on my laptop at home for an hour or two before having to take a nap. I was prescribed Lyrica, morphine, and a laundry list of other prescriptions to manage severe pain, spasms, and depression. And I wanted to die.
I got off all my prescriptions using cannabis, and today, I’m healthy enough that I work full time and travel all over the world teaching doctors and patients about cannabis medicine.
Fibromyalgia isn’t stopping me from living my best life anymore. Now it’s your turn.
I created the Fibro University Membership to help patients design a life that supports their progress to cure fibromyalgia naturally – so you can feel connected, supported, and motivated every day.
Each month I deliver you brand-new content that’s easy to access on your computer, phone or tablet.
But this deal will not last forever. In fact, the lifetime membership disappears Saturday, July 25th, 2020 & the price goes up for an annual membership.
Are you ready to invest in your health today, for less than 10 cents a day?
