Living with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia: Episode 1

I have been living with Fibromyalgia for 17+ yrs. now.  In the last 10 months I have found a nutritional regimen that has given me so much relief that I have been sharing with everyone that will listen, how excited I am.  I have been able to really looking forward to living again, going places and really enjoying people.  I can honestly say that I feel as though I’ve found something that has given me my LIFE back.  THAT IS AN AWESOME FEELING!! I say it, and others whom have found relief from their illness, disease and/or chronic disorder have said it but, if you never had your life turned upside down, seemingly taken from you or wished like hell it WAS taken from you because of the pain and discomfort you are in; you couldn’t really understand.

So, I decided to write about somethings that others may have experienced (ill or well) that bares a resemblance of what a Fibromyalgia Episode feels like, at least for me. 

Imagine it is a beautiful fall day.  The weather is slightly warmer than the norm but, that is because of tropical storm out on the coast (east or west, it doesn’t matter) and it is creating unseasonably warm weather.  The temperature has topped off at 75 degrees but, there is a nice breeze.  The forecast is calling for a 40% chance of rain so you make certain that when you leave the house you carry an umbrella but nothing more.  40% is barely a chance and you’ll be home before you know it.  You’re only going a few blocks to pick up a few things.  You decide to walk to enjoy this beautiful day and fresh air. As you start this walk, you decide to stroll and really take in the sights, sounds and smells of the day. You hear kids playing, music blaring and people laughing.  It’s almost like summer.  Kids are in shorts without jackets and tennis shoes without socks.  Even you have on a sundress, bolero sweater and flat sandals (sorry, guys…LOL).  You can smell rain in the air even though there isn’t a cloud in the sky.  

While in the store you purchase more than you expected but, no worries you are just a few blocks from home. Wow!  You purchased 3 bags of groceries and they’re a little heavier than you like when walking but, hey; you’re just a FEW blocks from home, right? You cash out and head home.

As you start up the slight hill, you realize the sun is completely gone and the sky is ominously dark.  The wind has picked up and these bags have taken on another 7 lbs. of heavy.  They are causing your back and arms to hurt.  Walking up this hill you think to yourself that these sandals were a bad choice.  For one, the strap between your toes is starting to irritate you and for two, if you needed to break out into a run you would not be able to.  Oh well, you’re just a FEW blocks from home.  You try to quicken your step and widen your stride but you can’t.  The wind is blowing against you causing you to really have to fight to get up this hill.  Plus, the wind is whipping this dress causing it to get your legs all caught up in it.  It is taking all of you to hold onto these bags, brace against the wind and pull your dress from between your legs. 

Suddenly, a loud clap in the sky followed by a long flash of light.  Wow!  This startled you so much you almost fall and now you know you have to hurry.  Before you can collect your thoughts and gather up your bags to a comfortable position you feel something almost hit you and crash right in front of you.  The next time you aren’t so lucky and a hail stone the size of a golf ball hit you in the head.  OMG! It has slammed into you causing a full blown headache.  You look for cover but there is none.  You are still only a few blocks from home so you just forge ahead while trying to dodge these golf balls that are ripping at you. Another loud clap followed by a flash of light and the sky opens up.  It is raining so hard, so fast that you can see the makings of a flash flood.  You are drenched because the rain is coming in sideways and the bags are preventing you from getting a good angle against it with your umbrella.  Now the wind is picking up blowing your umbrella backwards.  The temperature has dropped 40 degrees, your sandals pop and the bags are about to give way.  Your a mess and you know that you look a mess.  What are you going to do,now?

Tears are streaming down your face as you wonder WHY did you decide to come out today AND will you make it home without incident? Your body is aching, your arms are throbbing, that headache has turned into a migraine, and you’re cold, hungry and tired.  Just as you stop to take off the sandals, throw away the umbrella and tie up the bag a little better, your phone rings.  It is your best friend calling to check on you.  You let her know where you’re at and before you know it she is beeping her horn telling you to get in.

 Now, finally home; she makes you a nice hot cup of tea and starts a fire.  You get out of those wet clothes, dry off and put on your warm and comfy lounge wear.  You guys spend the rest of this stormy night, laughing and talking about old times while you each sip on a nice, hot Tardy!

While this could be a true story it is a metaphor for how, what I call a Fibromyalgia Episode, comes on.  Although, with a chronic disorder like Fibromyalgia, the aches and discomforts are always there; there are times when the aches, pains and discomforts come on like gang busters; just out of the blue.  Sometimes you can tell that it is happening from stress, weather or something else external but, there are other times when you just can’t tell or wasn’t expecting it…like with this clear blue day. There is nothing you can do and there is nothing that will relieve the discomfort.  Not even your meds, sometimes.  You just have to get through it.  All the time thinking, I’m almost there!

If you have had an episode like this or if you can relate because you know someone who has had an episode like this, please leave a “Me Too” comment, below. 

 

Win the Fight with Fatigue!!

One of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Disorders and people that work at full time demanding jobs is the FATIGUE!!  

Fatigue robs us of the ability to share quality time with our loved ones and friends.  It keeps us from WANTING to do fun things, be creative or just have a conversation.  Fatigue shuts us down and shuts us up.

Before my FMS days, when ever I had a vacation packed with adventure and action or even had weekends filled with family activities; I remember saying, " Wow! I need a vacation from my vacation or I need to take a day off to relax or Sunday is my day of rest, too!"  Can any of you relate?  It's no fun to be tired.  Some of us are sick and tired of being tired all of the time! 

Well!  HELP HAS ARRIVED!     I found these green crystals that you mix with water, juice, green tea or even a smoothie.  It turns your drink Purple but Man O Man!!  It allows you to have energy, all day long!  It is not a jerky, heart palpitation energy like some of the caffeinated energy drinks.  It's actually filled with nutrients and vitamins and the formula is such that it comes on very subtle.  Before you know it, you are moving about and doing things with purpose.  No more yawning and sluggishness.  You just have good, clean energy.  What could be better than that?  And, it is all natural!  You don't need a prescription to purchase.

 

 

 

It has nutrients in it like:

• Echinacea - restores the body, boosts the immune system, fights against the common cold
• Milk Thistle - helps to detoxify the body and enhances liver function
• Ginko Leaf - protect nerve cells, improves mood, better physical function, boosts blood circulation, wards off anxiety and improves learning
• Raspberry - weight management, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Bilberry - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Apple - good source of fiber, vitamin C, 
•  Spinach Leaves - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,bone support
• Royal Jelly - anti-inflammatory, heals digestive disorders, prevents premature aging, help in weight loss efforts, and increase circulation.
• These are just a few of the natural nutrients included 

 

This crystal formula is designed to alkalize and energize your system so that you experienced enhanced energy levels, enhanced weight management and mental clarity. Your body gets a chance to detox and cleanse while boosting it's immune system.  And, to top it off it has a premium berry flavor to make this a refreshing, sweet drink.  Go ahead, add this to your cupboard.

The next time you are feeling sluggish, drained or just plain tired; you can energize and really ENJOY your Day!!

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with me, just click here! 

Day 46 - The Secret Weapon

Today is day 46 of my 60 Day Transformation Journey Series. I have been blogging about ways to promote a healthier life and lifestyle for people like myself, who might have experienced an illness, disorder or disease, that has taken the joy out of living.  The transformation had more to do with incorporating foods and activities in their life that would promote the ability to have more energy, less aches and discomforts, ability to have restful sleep, less inflammation and etc. The transformation was basically to promote the opportunity to get on with the business of living and living more ABUNDANTLY.   However, some like myself also want(ed) to lose or gain weight, so I offered information for that as well. Along the way I have included blogs and videos.  I've discussed things like water: the different types of water and what they are used for; I've discussed foods both organic and natural, raw and cooked.  I even blogged about colonics.  I am a certified colonic therapist and I wanted everyone to know that colonics should be embraced as another way to promote good health.  There are colonics that can be done in an medical or sterile setting and there are ones that can be done at home; even if you have the therapist come to you.  I promote the home colonic because it allows you to be included in the process and they are not that aggressive.  The most important thing along this journey is to let everyone know that I am sharing information about things that I have experienced myself not just researched in a book or journal put out by someone else.  However, I am not a doctor.  I do not have a cure for anything and I am not making any medical claims.  I am only sharing information about my results and/or the information that I may have gotten out of a book and how it relates to what I experienced.

I have shared information that I think people whom, like myself, may have Fibromyalgia or some other Chronic Disorder that causes aches and discomforts, inflammation throughout the body and/or leave them not caring about life.  I have hoped this information would help ease some of the symptoms they have been experiencing on some level.  I do know that if you don't try it, it certainly can not help.

 This journey is not over as of yet, though.  You still have time to try some of the remedies I have suggested to at least feel better.

However, if you are looking to lose weight I DO want to share with you a secret weapon that I have been using that has allowed me to get some amazing results.  I have been able to lose 3 - 5 inches in my waist and flatten my stomach.  I haven't shared this information up until now because I wasn't sure it was going to help.  I also needed to research why it would work, while I was using it.  Now that I see the results of what it will do, I want you to know what it is and what it will do.  It certainly is something that you can incorporate into your daily routine and into your daily nutritional intake.

If you are interested in finding out what this is that I have incorporated into my dietary intake, you will need to msg. me on FB, email me or leave an "INFO PLEASE" comment in the section located for comments.  I will be more than happy to share the information with you.

 

FEEL LIKE A BRAND NEW YOU!!

Before I found out I had Fibromyalgia, I was diagnosed with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). My doctor called it the "Entrepreneurs's Disorder".  He mainly saw this disorder  in patients who worked long hours and had a diet high in carbohydrates, like myself.  Anyway, I was experiencing many sleepless nights, pain and severe fatigue throughout my body.

At the time I was so afraid that I had caught some "gawd awful" disease or was dying at a young age.  All I knew was that my body was under attack and I was afraid to go to the doctors to get diagnosed with a terminal illness. I had gotten my degree in Health Sciences so the next best thing for me to do was to start studying alternative medicines.   I began studying herbs and nutritional supplements. I read and studied everything from "Back to Eden" to "Juicing for Dummies".  I was making recipes to go to sleep before I knew about "sleepytime" tea even.  I had a recipe for nail and hair growth, nausea, and even one for the pain that I was experiencing.  However, nothing worked to the extent that I needed it to.  I didn't understand why.  Then I started studying the body and how the different systems worked.  I realized that one of the most important system was the excretory system - the colon to be more specific.  I realized that the colon maps the body and every disease that we have can pretty much start in this area.  So, I went and took courses and became a Home Colonic Therapist.  I knew that I had to be my first patient if I was to help someone else.  I needed to be able to tell someone what the experience was like.  

The Home Colonic is not aggressive.  It is done over a course of several days while the patient (for lack of a better word) fasts and drink/take certain nutrient to aid in the cleansing of the colon.  This type of colonic should be done 3-4 times a year if the individual is not going to have a clean diet - like lean protein, carbs that come from whole grains ,and fats that are good for you, fresh fruits, and vegetables -- six times a day in the right amounts.

I did an elimination fast.  I first started out eliminating meats, chicken, fish and turkey for the first week. The second week I eliminated caffeine.  The third week I eliminated sugar and carbohydrates and just ate vegetables and fruits. The fourth week I drank only fresh fruit juice for the first 3 days of the week and the last 4 days only water.  It was during this fourth week that the colonic took place.

I remember having to take carbon tablets to draw out all the toxins from my body.  I had to make sure to drink a lot of water during this process because the amount of toxins can be so great that if you don't drink enough water you could poison yourself. I also had to take acidophilus to promote proper probiotic  balance in the stomach and help establish a healthy colon.  I also had to drink a fibrous drink to loosen my bowel for removal during the colonic process. I would prepare my restroom by using aromatherapy, using either eucalyptus or lavender, and playing contemporary jazz.  Oh, it was great.  I wound up pulling a 17 in. worm from my colon and lost about 15 lbs. that did not come right back.

The most important thing that happened during this process is that my pain and sleepless night disappeared for a good amount of time.  I didn't suffer again for at least 2-1/2 yrs.  If you could invest in a  Ultimate Deluxe Home Colonic Board w/Matching Container, it would help you considerable with your symptoms.  But, nonetheless; it will help with the family's overall health.  This type of colonic is not aggressive so tearing the colon walls is not a possibility.  It will clean away years of bad eating habits that probably facilitated the chronic disorder in the first place.

I wanted to share this with you because it helped me considerable.  There are several books on the market that can assist you in doing this procedure properly at home: Colonic Irrigation, Colon Hydrotherapy and Colon Cleanses.: Includes facts, diet, health benefits, weight loss, cost, kits, procedures, natural cleansing, therapists and colon care and Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management. These books were just two of a sundry of books that are out there.  However, if you truly want to feel better and live better, I would start here first.  Then I would start eating clean and incorporating the vitamins and/or nutritional supplements that works best for you.  I would bet my last that you will feel like a BRAND NEW YOU!!

Are You Suffering with Fibromyalgia?

Are you suffering with Fibromyalgia or a chronic disorder of sorts that has turned your life upside down?  You are not alone.  Everyday millions of Americans suffer from some type of chronic disorder that keeps them feeling tired and fatigued, unable to focus or concentrate, in a state of discomfort from mild to severe that can be localized in the body but is typically widespread throughout the body every day, all day.  Chronic illness doesn’t just effect the person that is suffering with the illness.  It affects your family, friends, career and lifestyle.  You’re simply left feeling helpless and frustrated.  Not knowing what the next day is going to be like.

What can you do?  There a millions of products on the market that make these grandiose claims of cures and promises of relief but they just don’t deliver.  Many products are very similar but have different names.  A closer look shows that they have cheap ingredients and inadequate doses.

I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for over 17+ years.  I was first diagnosed with CFS – “The Entrepreneurs Disorder”, as I was told by my physician.  It was brought from working long hours, usually 18 hours a day and a diet that was high in sugar and carbohydrates but low in nutrients.  I had days that I could not stand up on my legs and I had seemingly good days.  Seemingly good, because I still had discomfort but I ignored it.  My CFS was exacerbated from a car accident at which time I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia that seems to get worse every year. 

9 months ago I found a product that started helping me within any hour of taking it. Every day, I find myself getting stronger and stronger.  I decided researching the ingredients in the product and what I found was amazing. 

You see the ingredients are the same ingredients that Health/Wellness Consultants and Coaches promote for those of us that suffer with a Chronic Disorder, all the time.  I found that the difference is the formula.  The formula in this product has basically a layering type of affect.  Instead of taking one or two minerals and maybe a vitamin in the morning then, cooking with some veggies and herbs for FMS one day and then not the next, this product is to be taken every day and the layering effect of the minerals and vitamins in it, strengthens the body, decreases inflammation and helps eliminate the aches and discomforts no matter how severe.  It is absolutely amazing.

Thousands of people are raving about this product and how it is helping them. I am one of those fans as well.  I’ve tried a lot of products but this is the only one that has truly helped me. There may be many more out there that can help as well but I found this one and I don’t chose to let it get away from me.  Now, it is important to say; I still have FMS.  I still must take my meds because if I don’t I will not be able to manage my discomforts.  However, this product makes it much easier to do.  It has a nutritional base of all natural ingredients which is much better for our digestive system.

I’ve studied herbs, vitamins and raw/organic foods that should be used when you have a chronic disorder and I will continue to say that a healthier diet is a must if you suffer from a disorder.  This product should be part of the arsenal.  You will no longer need to have multiple bottles of various vitamins and minerals that will help combat your symptoms.   Within 10 days you will find:

• That you are sleeping better at night. Your natural sleep patterns will return.
• That you feel more energetic and lively than ever before
• That you no longer feel fatigued in the middle of the day.
• That the mental fog has lifted and you can focus and concentrate.
• That you can read a book and comprehend.
• That you can even set goals and work towards them.
• That you have your LIFE BACK.

If you would like to know the name of this product or would like a 4 day Trial Pak, message me.  The Trial Pak is not FREE.  More importantly, just know that you do not have to suffer in silence.  There is a way to layer your nutrition so that you feel better and you need to start today.

Visit my facebook Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/LivingwithFibromyalgia and signup for my FREE Newsletter:  Getting Healthy with Kaaren.  Unleash a treasure trove of tidbits and information- recipes and food that you need to incorporate into your daily diet-that will turn your life around and allow you to live the lifestyle that you have always dreamed of.  What are you waiting for? It’s FREE.  You are not alone in this battle! So, Join me and let’s LIVE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!!

 

 

Fibro....What???

Most people who are not in a medical community, do not have a chronic illness and/or is not a caregiver do not know what Fibromyalgia is.  When they are told, “I have Fibromyalgia”, their response is usually Fibro- What?  But for those of us who have it, and that is about 8 – 10 percent of the population, it means wide spread pain and a life that is now upside down. Although, Fibromyalgia has been around for centuries (even Cleopatra was thought to have suffered from it), it is a condition that is hard to diagnose.  It actually was misunderstood and up until very recently, the American Medical Association did not recognize it as a legitimate disorder.  Some doctors still don’t believe that it is a real disorder that is treatable with meds and will scoff at their patients who are requesting something to deal with the discomfort.

Fibromyalgia is a complicated syndrome that refers to widespread pain that affects the musculoskeletal system, joints, and every bodily system there is. This disorder is not easily diagnosed.  Most patients see anywhere from 5 – 30 doctors/specialist before they pinpoint their suffering as Fibromyalgia. This amount of doctors/specialist are seen because Fibromyalgia masks itself with a sundry of symptoms.  Oftentimes, the patient is scared out of their minds that they have serious, life threatening illness.  So they are referred to specialists and go through a battery of test.  As in my case, they may even have to submit to unnecessary surgeries before a proper diagnose is given.  But, until that time the patient goes through periods of depression, born out of fear and constant pain.

The main complaint with fibromyalgia is pain. Most describe their pain as a constant ache, throbbing, a waning or burning.  There are 17 pain locations called trigger points that are found in the muscles of the neck, head, shoulders (especially between the shoulder blades), low back and hips. Many reports state that Fibromyalgia is not a progressive disorder. But more and more patients are reporting that the pain may start in one area, but over a period time it begins to involve more and more areas of the body until it has spread throughout the entire body. This widespread discomfort from the disorder and the normal discomfort from aging can sometimes be more than one can bear.  Fibromyalgia discomfort is usually not stagnant and does not stay in one place.  It moves throughout the body so that one day the pain may be in the hip, later in the day it can move to the neck or it can incorporate both the neck and hip.  The next day the pain can be found in another area.  It is for this reason alone that many doctors believed this to be more a psychological disorder than a physiological disorder leaving patients no other choice but to see so many doctors for a proper diagnose.

A serious lack of energy and body fatigue is another major complaint with fibromyalgia patients. It is a weariness in the body that can only be relieved by laying down. Poor sleep can also contribute to this problem and is another major complaint. It is not unusual for individuals with fibromyalgia to sleep as little as a couple of hours or for as much as twelve hours and still feel completely fatigued the next day. A major complaint when it comes to Fibromyalgia patients is that they can never get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.  According to some reports, this may be due to the inability of reaching REM sleep level or the level where dreams occur.

There is no stigma associated with Fibromyalgia.  It can occur in any ethnic group, any gender (although men experience it a little differently), any age group and in any culture.  However, studies show that it is more prevalent in women over 50 years old.  

Although, there is no known cure, there are ways to manage the pain. First, the patient must find a doctor who is willing to diagnose the disorder and then work with the patient to help them understand what they are going through and will go through.  There is no one test that will diagnose the disorder but, by the process of elimination the diagnosis can be made.  The most common way to determine the presence of the disorder is by testing the 17 trigger points that exist for Fibromyalgia patients.  These areas are more susceptible when applied pressure is used on them for Fibromyalgia patients than on a person who does not have the disorder.

Through the process of elimination the doctor can determine whether it is Fibromyalgia the patient is suffering from or if it is some other disorder like Thyroid abnormalities, digestive disorders or some other abnormality. There is no one thing that can cause Fibromyalgia and there is no one way to treat the disorder.  The physician can isolate symptoms and treat them but by educating the patient on managing flare ups brought on by a trigger, is one of the most important steps.  Stress plays a large role in this. Knowing what creates stress and managing those episodes is a great place to start. Many doctors do not want to treat patients with medication, especially pain meds.  However, personally I think this is unfair.  The discomfort that a patient has to endure day in and day out is the prime reason that pain medication should be dispensed.  I believe that education to prevent addiction is necessary but to abstain from administering pain medication is cruel and indecent.  The decision should be left up to the patient. While the patient is utilizing a medication regimen the doctor should incorporate a nutritional regimen that would allow the body to get stronger and possibly heal.

Light exercise, nutritional supplements, stress management and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, meditation, acupuncture and biofeedback can be helpful. However, it is important to remember that a person's lifestyle has helped to setup the problem. Dietary intake is very important to prevent, live with and/or recover from Fibromyalgia.  Individuals on high carbohydrate, low protein, low fat diets and who do not exercise are at great risk of developing the disorder and keeping it. After an individual is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, unless that individual makes a commitment to changing their former lifestyle, they will be subjected to an ever worsening condition. 

Visit My Fan Page:  http://www.facebook.com/LivingwithFibromyalgia. Like my page and then signup for Free Monthly Newsletter.  Get tips, quotes and recipes to help make your journey easier.

 

Chronic Disorder? Move Over.

It goes without saying that if you change your position, you will see things differently or at least from a different perspective/angle.  That is the premise here, try stretching and light exercise movements and you will change how you think about things and ultimately how you feel.  This is a saying that has been around for years, “Move a Muscle, Change a Thought”.  By staying in the same position all the time you basically get stuck in the way you think and in the way you feel.  There are all kinds of research, reports and scientific evidence that backs this up.  I’m am not talking about a vigorous workout, power walking or extensive weight training.  I am saying to just move, get up and change your position, stretch and/or flex your muscles.  Do something to shift your position and you’ll change your perspective.

Those of us who suffer from a chronic disorder or illness will find this to be true as well.  However, it might be hard to do since we are often in discomfort experiencing widespread aches and stiffness when we’re still let alone when we move. It is very important to try to move every day and as often as we can, throughout the day.  Although it might be challenging to even just sit up or go to the mailbox, do it any ways.  Taking the challenge and accomplishing it will do more than just change a thought.  It will encourage positive feels of self-worth. It helps us to feel as though our life is worthwhile, if to no one but ourselves.  We get a chance to feel like we are able to accomplish something no matter how small it may seem.  These moments of accomplishments will counteract the times we can’t.  The times when all we can do is endure the aches and discomfort.

Shifting your position gives your eyes an opportunity to see things from a different angle. It’s a shift in perception.  When we stay in one place or position for a long time, we begin to feel stuck.  The world seems smaller as if it is closing in on us.  Why is shifting your position so important?  Well, the movement will promote breathing and getting oxygen to the brain, it helps the blood circulate through the body and this allows us to think clearer.

I would urge you start changing or shifting your position by first learning some breathing techniques.  Learn how to breathe and get as much oxygen to the brain as possible.  You can start doing these breathing exercise as a way to assist in your own recovery.

Another thing you can do to foster a shift in your position is to have a small garden.  Maybe, two or three plants to care for.  Incorporate growing an herbal garden and kill two birds with one stone.  You will have the greenery to produce oxygen, you will move to keep your plants watered and healthy and you will have some herbs that can help cure the very disorder that has you in the position you are moving against. Plants produce oxygen, but most people don’t realize that they also produce negative ions which soothes us.  Getting outside to appreciate Mother Nature’s greenery or just talking and caring for our very own garden can change the way we see things, change our perspective and help us along on the road to recovery.  Take long deep breaths around the green stuff.  Plants use our carbon dioxide to produce oxygen.  So, in essence; plants use our waste by-product to produce the very thing we need to survive.  So, next time you are around trees, gardens or your own plant(s) be deliberate about taking a long deep breath, let the waste of your body, your mind, your breath flow out while you deliberately change your mind and decide to transform into a healthier you.

Be “on purpose” and deliberately do what you can to move and shift your position.  Seeing things from a different perspective may very well help you to make many more changes and before you know it you will be moving swiftly on the road to recovery. 

Leave a message if you would like more info on what I do to feel good.  I will send how I incorporate movement into my day and along with it, I will send a list of nutritional supplements I use to feel good and energized every day.  Sign up for my monthly newsletter.  Join me and together we can get stronger and live life more abundantly.

 

The Famlily, the Caregiver and the Chronic Disorder

There is no denying that the life of the person with a Chronic Disorder has been turned upside down and impacted in a profound way.  Most would say that they wouldn’t wish this illness on their worst enemy and they surely wouldn’t have asked for the disorders, its limitation nor the symptoms that come along with it. We know how the patient is affected but oftentimes, we overlook how the family or caregiver is affected.  When we overlook this population of people and fail to recognize the extent that they are affected, we are setting them up to be affected in a profound way.  We need to put in place information and an educational awareness program that addresses their needs and concerns so that their relationship with the patient and other family members do not suffer.

It is very clear that the person with the chronic disorder is suffering from major losses. Loss of their self-image, their independence and loss of their ability to do a lot of the things that identified them. Because of these losses they can and do experience depression, anger and anxiety to some degree. Well, these same feelings can occur in the family member/caregiver as well. A lot of times the family member/caregiver have extreme feelings of guilt.  They feeling guilty about how they feel and the thoughts they possess – They find themselves wishing the patient would stop complaining, they think the patient is pretending, they think there is nothing wrong with them because they don’t look sick, they feel overwhelmed with the responsibility and wish they did not have to be the caregiver.  The list of reasons go on and on.  The fact that they feel this way is normal.  It is what they do with these feelings that creates the concern.  It is important to express the feelings appropriately.  They cannot blow up at the person that is ill because, they are not responsible for the illness.  However, they can feel frustrated at the situation.  Especially, when the situation effect their life and normal routines.  For example, if a vacation has to be cancelled in order to provide care it would be normal to feel frustrated or angry but it is not o.k. to explode at the person who has the disorder.  It is more appropriate to seek help from an outside source like a therapist or family psychologist. These feelings of frustration, anger or sadness must be released and not push down and endured. 

People respond differently though.  Some talk to others to release, others don’t talk as much but just keep things going as to not upset “the apple cart”. Everyone reacts differently and we have to recognize and understand that.  We need to respect each other and our different styles when it comes to dealing with our issues and problems.  More importantly, we need to recognize when that outside, 3^rd party help is needed and get it.

Children have to be treated differently.  Children often do not understand what is happening and depending on their age will not comprehend the situation even if it is explained.  They often do not have the language to express how there are feeling or what they are thinking.  They also react differently depending on their age. Seek therapy or 3^rd party help if they show signs of regression like thumb sucking, bedwetting or hitting.

Family members/caregivers need to know that others are concerned about their feelings and their life.  Make certain to tell them so and express it when you can, not just in the form of a conversation but; through an act of kindness.  Take them out to dinner, give them tickets to an event or give them an overnight spa day (whatever you can afford).  They won’t feel so resentful when sacrificing their life for you and your disorder.  However, the bottom line is “Do something”!  Therapy is most helpful and effective.  It’s a good idea to talk with someone and lay everything on the table.  If you suspect trouble is brewing then the time to act is now!   Speak to someone who can tell what’s going on and can help you navigate through it.      . 

Herbs and Supplements that Aid in the Cure of Chronic Disorders

It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects more than 5,000,000 Americans, with at least 80% of this number being women. While women suffer from fibromyalgia more frequently than men, it is interesting to note that they usually experience symptoms differently. Women typically feel widespread pain throughout the body, while men usually experience pain isolated to the face or an area of the body frequently exercised during occupational or recreational activities.

No matter your gender, suffering with pain is no fun.  Well now, through a lot of research I have been able to find and put together a list of supplements and natural herbs that can help relieve many of the symptoms that come along with this disorder.

The list is far more than this but, way too many to list here.

Supplements for treating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Disorders:

• ·Antioxidants - since oxidative stress is associated with Fibromyalgia, it may be helpful to supplement with antioxidants to help counteract free radical damage from elevated levels of oxidants.

a. Vitamin C. - Is no longer used to just treat the common cold.  Now, vitamin c is used to boost the immune system, prevent depression and mental fogginess.  It also improves physical endurance.

b.Vitamin E - used for improving physical endurance, increasing energy, reducing muscle damage after exercise, and improving muscle strength.

• ·Magnesium - Is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones and the proper function of nerves, muscles and many other parts of the body.  It is used in treating FMS and CFS as it helps with leg cramps, mental fogginess and anxiety. (Do not use if you have history of Kidney Disease).

Herbs Used in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia:

• ·Cayenne Pepper -   contains capsaicin which, when prepared in a cream and applied topically, can help to reduce local pain.
• ·White Willow Bark - The main chemical that gives willow bark its therapeutic effects is salicin. Experts believe that when the body processes salicin, it turns it into salicylic acid, which is the chemical precursor to aspirin.  White Willow Bark is used as a mild pain reliever and fever reducer, or aspirin.
• ·St. John Worts - This plant has been used as an herbal remedy for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.  It also treats anxiety, depression, stomach inflammation and insomnia.

 

This is just some of the supplements and herbs that are used and are very effective in the treatment of Fibromyalgia and other Chronic Disorders.  For a more complete list, strategies and recipes Leave info in the comments below or message me on Facebook - Please send:

What ailment you’re treating:

What remedies you’re using:

Name:

Email address:

Phone number:  (Please include time zone - Only if you would like to speak with me.  Also msg. the best time to call, otherwise you can ask for my number if you prefer to call me).

 

I am looking forward to working with you.  Together we will overcome this thing and continue our journey to a better life/lifestyle.

Cure the Uncurable

In order to promote good health we first, must incorporate a better diet before we even begin to exercise. We need to “Eat on Purpose” and incorporate foods that will help cure us of what ails us. Fiber is high on that list. Fiber promotes a healthy immune system. It is the immune system that assists in fighting the battle against all illnesses. The foods that are high in fiber and that create the perfect environment for probiotic bacteria growth are whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber prevents constipation and allows the body to eliminate toxins. Processed foods do not contain fiber and therefore do not promote regular bowel movements creating an environment that is very toxic. This causes all types of illnesses and symptoms that keeps a person with a chronic illness or disorder from feeling better or getting better. One type of food good for probiotic growth is inulin rich foods. Inulin is a starchy substance found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus. Inulin is not digested or absorbed in the stomach. It goes to the colon where probiotic bacteria is able to use it to grow. Probiotic bacteria is associated with improving bowel function and general health. Inulin decreases the body's ability to make certain kinds of fats. By improving our colon, we improve our immune system. Inulin can be found in capsule form but the capsules are not a good idea to use as a dietary supplement. Too much inulin can cause bloating, cramps and pain. It is always better to get our nutrients naturally so, eating whole grains, fruits and vegetable is a better choice and allows a natural intake of inulin. When dealing with a chronic illness/disorder or some disease that is considered “incurable” it is best to start with our dietary intake and our elimination process. We see the importance of inulin and that elimination process. Inulin is a necessary supplement that should be ingested naturally, because the foods associated with inulin will not be an added substance but foods that are incorporated into the menu. If you want to feel better or cure your disorder than it is important to get started as soon as possible. Each of our bodies are different and a time frame for healing is not possible. But, the journey to healing and feeling better can be quick, that is up to you. It is in this process of “eating on purpose” that you will begin to feel better, make better choices and cure the un-curable.