happyfibrofamily

A Doctor’s Approach to Pain

My mother-in-law recently gave me a book called Pain Free 123! by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.  I haven’t finished reading it, yet, but it has some interesting points.

Dr. Teitelbaum was practicing as a medical resident when he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. 

The book begins with some basic principles for pain relief: optimal nutrition, 8-9 hours of deep sleep each night, and hormonal balance.  Dr Teitelbaum states that unless these areas are addressed, chronic pain can not go away.  After these three areas are fixed, then environmental toxins and stresses (including infections and abnormal tissue) should be addressed. 

I’ll let you know as I find other useful bits of information, but the book is very easy to read.  It follows a question-answer format that allows for skimming or in-depth study, depending on your specific interest. 

Pet Ownership - A Key to Good Health? 

After doing a little research, I have found some great articles on the connection between good health and pet ownership. No matter your illness or challenges, pets can be beneficial in many ways. Click here and here to find two more articles devoted to this topic. If you are interested in discovering more about the benefits of having a pet when you have fibromyalgia, you must check out this article entitled Fibro and Fido - The Healing Power of Pets. Here are a couple of points stated in the article from Bella Online.

“The presence of a companion animal in the home, particularly a dog, has a beneficial impact on a fibromyalgia patient. Surprisingly, the majority of fibro sufferers do not find owning pets a burden, but rather a method of helping them to keep in touch with the outside world.”

“They claim their pets have a soothing effect when they are anxious, depressed or experiencing pain.”

“Studies show that having a dog can strengthen the heart, improve circulation and slow loss of bone tissue. Dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting can help lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels and can release mood-altering chemicals into the bloodstream.”

“Walking slowly, or at a quick pace outdoors is also a great way to keep active. Fibromyalgia patients can get very depressed if housebound, and not able to interact with other people. It’s very hard to ignore the world when you have a dog that wants to say “hello” to every passerby.”

Be Prepared - Get Certified

Today was very intense.  While preparing lunch for my children, I heard a heliocopter flying overhead.  Suddenly I realized it was really close - too close - and ran outside to see if there was problem. 

As I ran to see it land outside our friends’ house, I immediately started praying that the husband (who has had heart trouble) was okay.  Yet the men inside the heliocopter were already on the run, passing me as they entered my other neighbor’s house, not where the heliocopter landed.

I watched in shock as multiple emergency vehicles (at least 9) arrived on the scene within minutes and our neighbors’ small toddler was rushed into a nearby ambulance.  One of the officers said, “It’s out!”  and they left for the hospital. 

So, today, I want to give kudos to our local officers who saved this boy’s life.  I also want to remind parents of the need to know CPR and rescue techniques and make sure that your babysitters are trained, as well.  The more the merrier on this type of training, because you never know who is going to be “on the scene”.

Choking is an accident that occurs without notice and it could have just as easily been at my house with one of our children or their friends.  Sometimes it takes an accident like this to remind us all of how precious life is.  Our little friend is doing well, although he did need to stay for observation tonight.  His parents are very grateful to be sitting at his bedside, I’m sure.  They’ll be in my prayers tonight. 

I love playing with words. I really enjoy seeing funny stickers, t-shirts, and signs.  I especially like funny sayings when they have a deeper meaning.  I was searching online today and came across Zazzle, a print shop where you can create your own slogan or choose from what other people have created.  On a lark, I searched “fibromyalgia” and came up with 747 designs.  Can you believe it???  This shirt is my favorite, it reads, “I am in pain all the time.  I can handle it, Can you?”

What a way to create awareness!  What’s more is that the designs are not limited to t-shirts, but include mugs, bags, bumper stickers, and buttons.  There were even buttons that stated the mood or feeling being experienced that day.  Seeing those was entertaining, but also a very real description of living with fibromyalgia.  Here’s another shirt I thought would make you laugh.  Enjoy!

Trials - Clinical & Technical

I share a lot of things with my family - knowledge, food, fun, and viruses, to name a few.   However one thing that is OFF LIMITS to family members is my laptop.  I love my laptop.  I even grumble when my husband tries to use it.

It’s my source for communication to the outside world, my calendar, my recipe inspiration, my quick fix for any type of publication, my handy dandy notebook, my scrapbook and journal, my radio and movie player, my instant reference, and my toy.  I take and use it everywhere - on vacations, the library, Starbucks, friend’s houses, Mommy errands, and so many other places.  As I said before, I love my laptop.

Well, over the holiday, a sad thing happened.  While getting my daughters’ hair “just right” for their show, our 15 month old toddler climbed unto a table and sat on my laptop screen.  The baby is fine, my laptop is not. 

The screen in cracked from behind so all I can view is a tiny square in the left hand corner.  I’ve found that if I minimize my screen and adjust the settings so that the type is really small, I can use it.  It’s difficult, though, so I’m hoping to get it fixed tomorrow.

Until then, I wanted to make you aware of some clinical trials for fibromyalgia that are currently open.  It was advertised in our local paper and you need to be able to have access to UCLA.  There is compensation for these studies, as well.  Click here for more information.

This post is for Californians and for anyone who may be traveling to our sunny state any time in the future.  This was in my inbox today and considering the trauma it has caused in CA and since laughter is the considered the best medicine, I had to share it with you…

According to a new California law that went into effect July 1, 2008, you will no longer be able to use a cell phone while driving unless you have a ‘hands free’ adapter.  I went to Circuit City and they wanted $50 for a headset with a microphone for my cell phone.  Having a friend in the cell phone business, I talked with him and was able to come up with an alternative, working through Office Depot.   

These kits are compatible with any mobile phone and one size fits all.  I paid him $0.08 each because he bought in quantity. Then we tried it with Motorola, Sprint, Verizon and Nokia units and they worked perfectly.   

A photo is attached so scroll down & take a look and let me know if you want one. Also, forward this to anyone you know, who has a cell phone, and who may want one!  

 

I can hear you laughing. I thought you could use a laugh.

WE  ALL NEED TO LAUGH MORE……HAVE A GREAT DAY

*** Yes, I know it’s Latex.  I won’t be using this device. ***