Some days you can be doing everything right.  Following a new regimen that has brought added comfort to your life despite the effects of fibromyalgia.  Then, all of a sudden, you find yourself entwined in the Pain Game again wondering what is causing this additional flare-up?

Fibromyalgia suffers seem to be thwarted with stress.  It is well known that fibromyalgia attacks the central nervous system.  And, for any minute disruption in life, comes the plague of stress.  Once that stress enters, your life is turned upside down with worry that is not easily abated.  Even the smallest, trivial circumstance can become a full blown ordeal once the mind begins to tick.

Many fibromyalgia patients have a history of chronic stress, often due to overloading their schedules and taking on too much responsibility for other people such as family members. A high number of fibromyalgia patients are women who have “Type A” personalities and who lead ambitious, busy, stressful lives. Men with fibromyalgia often have worked in jobs that have resulted in physical job-related stress.

For fibromyalgia patients, stress can also make the condition worse and can trigger particular physical symptoms. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have trouble knowing their personal limitations, which can make it hard for them to know when they are in danger of overexerting themselves. When fibromyalgia patients physically overexert themselves, this can often lead to increased stress, which results in increased pain. A vicious cycle can easily develop, because the pain can lead to more stress,
which, in turn, can lead to more pain.

It is important to get stress in check immediately.  I know this is easier said than done.  Some days those emotions just get a runaway leap before you can grasp the reigns.  But if you ensure you have adequate sleep, excerise, keep a good diet, and know your limitations, there are a few other measures you can apply when life because unbearable.

*  Ask yourself this question, "Is this something I have control over?"  Fibromyalgia suffers have more stress than the average person.  We wonder if we'll be able to continue working, paying the bills, buying food. Tasks that the average individual takes for granted.  Unfortunately, the reality is that you must realize you have a condition.  Sometimes, sadly, there is NOTHING you can do, no options open for a particular event.  Realize what you have CONTROL over and what you don't.   Think, will all this worrying make things better for you?  Bring you extra money so you don't have to be so emotional?  Keep you from losing your house?  Of course not, all it will do is make you sicker.   Make a sign over your bed that says "No STRESS".  Look at it often.  Remind yourself what you have control over and what you don't. Concentrate on healing and doing something that makes you happy during these times.

"God grant me the serenity 
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I 
can;and wisdom to know the difference."
 
* Analyize your options.  It will take time, as sometimes your emotions will get the best of you, but when your mind is clear, write down your options.  It feels wonderful to know you have some control and will put things in a clearer perspective.  Take those options and run down the list until it is exhausted.  There, you've done everything you can.  When there is nothing left, take out the serenity prayer and read it often until the pain subsides.

* Work daily to grasp and rid yourself of stress before its talons grasp you.  This is a learned behavior and will take time, but with constant reinforcement, you'll get a better hand on those inuendoes of life that make us crazy.

*  Don't forget your Valerian Drops during these turbulent times.

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health benefits. Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS,
  and other auto immune illnesses. 

* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. 

* Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. 

* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

* Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

* Boosts energy and endurance.

* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. 

* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 

* Reduces inflammation. 

* Supports tissue healing and repair.

* Supports and aids immune system function.

* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS.

* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

* Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

I have adapted the use of coconut oil in my daily regimine.  By adding Fibromyalgia Smoothie Recipe into my afternoon snack, I've added the additional benefits of coconut oil


 

One of the most frustrating components to the illness is the condition of Fibro Fog.  Fibrofog is a term given to ta variety of cognitive problems that many fibromyalgia sufferers face from time to time.  Fibrofog encompasses memory loss, difficulties using language, and difficulties with learning.  These symptoms tend to descend in a haze or "fog," around the sufferer.  Fibrofogs can occur at any time and can vary in intensity when they do occur.  Fibrofogs tend to be at their most severe during flare ups. Fibrofog affects about both women and men who have fibromyalgia pain, though it tends to hit women more often.  Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to be affected by fibrofog.  Episodes of fibrofog typically last only a few days, though sometimes severe fibrofog can last for weeks or even months.

Fibro Fog Symptoms Include:

* short term memory loss
* difficulty remembering where you put things
* difficulty remembering plans
* difficulty with language, including trouble holding conversations
* difficulty finding the "right" word to use in conversation
* trouble remembering simple numbers
* transposing letters and numbers
* trouble concentrating and focusing
* trouble retaining new information

Anyway you can ease up major brain functioning during this time can be an added blessing to ward off stress. Simple lists to attack daily needs can enable a sense of confidence when the day is through.  Do be aware of how much you can physically undertake.  Making lists that are multi-tasked and loaded with a major task load should be avoided or split over several days.

When fibro fog hits, be gentle on yourself.  Don't push these days; wait for the fog to pass.  You can always make up chores on good days when you are feeling better.  Pushing yourself only leads to compound anxiety that fuels flare-ups.

One major tool I've implemented is the use of pill boxes.  No more worries if I've remembered to take that pill or supplement.  And there is nothing more that heightens anxiety than wondering if you took an extra pill, or forgot to take one.  I have a large pill box for supplements. On Sunday evening I can easily set out my vitamin supplements for a week.  Since I can't take several doses at once, I can easily take them throughout the day until my section remains empty.  Taking several doses prompts slight flare ups which I've learned to avoid.  Any medications go into a smaller pill box.  This allows me to stretch doses so that my body is not overwhelmed.  I have medicine sensitivities so I have fewer pills and don't feel comfortable mixing them with other daily supplements.

Researchers  have assessed the fact that fibromyalgia is more common in women than men and suggested that the sex hormone estrogen is involved. However, few studies have proven this to be the cause. It also has been suggested that the lower levels of testosterone in women than in men is more likely involved since testosterone is involved in building muscle strength.

Yet, with most of our bodily systems connected to adequate hormone levels, I cease to see the validity here. Hormones are the chemical messengers in the body that travel the bloodstream to the organs and tissues. They slowly work and affect many of the body's processes over time. Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones.    Hormones are dominant and it only requires a small amount of them to cause significant changes throughout the body.  And everyone knows, as hormones decrease, so does optimal body function. 

Some of the symptoms experienced during hormone imbalance are shared by both male and female.  Some of the most commonly shared symptoms include fatigue, skin problems or acne, mood swings, weight problems, diminished sex drive, and no memory (fibro fog?). If the reactions become more severe then we run into actual hormone allergy where we find a group of more serious disorders. [3] The disorders include arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and anxiety attacks. The presence of urinary tract infections, increased dryness in the mouth, eyes, genitalia, or abnormal heartbeat can also be experienced. The majority of these symptoms are experienced due to menopause.

Hence with  recent research, I've implemented a hormone replacement cream.  I've noticed direct affects to my overall pain management.  I feel more alert, rested, less pain, and above all calmer.  Emerita makes a wonderful product that is easily applicable topically.  And for men, Dr.'s Testosterone Gel.  I've recently come in contact with several men who have been fibromyalgia diagnosed and recommended this gel for added benefits. 

Lately, since following this blog rigorously, I've been sleeping pretty soundly.  There is nothing better than a good night sleep to ease those pains associated with fibromyalgia. I can't stress enough that diet is a key factor in allowing the body the right tools to heal itself correctly.  At some point, I will offer the elimination diet I followed that began immediate healing from the onset.  But should those pains crop up at night, there is one trick I use if I am awakened with light to moderate aches.  I actually stumbled upon this by accident and found it allows a quick restful sleep upon chewing.

When my condition first arose, I was confronted with costochondritis.  Severe chest pains landed me a visit in the emergency room.  Doctors confirmed it to be a panic attack, but since I had no past anxiety disorders I was skeptical. For months following, I was afflicted with heart palpitations.  My primary care physician prompted me to take baby aspirin daily.  Well, after two months on a special diet, I noticed all heart palpitations were gone, and I had these baby aspirins still sitting on my night stand. One night, I woke up in joint ache pain, and instead of taking my usual Mobic, which caused me to fall back to sleep later, I thought why not try one of these aspirin I don't use anymore?  Well, I was shocked after chewing one!  It eased my pains, and I feel back to a sound sleep quickly!  I believe this is attributed to the mild affect of aspirin rather than being  bombarded with a heavier pain killer while my body trying to heal itself through sleep. 

Taking a baby aspirin seems logical as it offers a bit of mild relief, just enough to allow you to fall back to sleep again in record time.  If you are just having a bit of dull aches that disable you from geting a full night's rest, and your body dislikes those heavy pain pills you take, try this once. Those mild to moderate arthritic, deep in the muscle and ligament aches, that cause your mind unrest in the midmorning hours.