It's Thanksgiving and I'm prompted to list all the areas of my life that deserve thanks.  I begin with friends, family, and the daily blessing bestowed my way each day.  For some reason, this year, I am stuck on the cross I must bear every waking minute, fibromyalgia.  I wonder in deep retrospect, is there any blessing offered from this illness?  I know it may seem crazy, but I am reminded of the old Biblical saying, "When God closes a door he opens a window."  What window could that be in my life at this moment?

I sat in prayer for some time this morning staring at my ceiling. Watching the blades on the fan propelling around above I couldn't help but think how it applies to my life at the moment. How much it's changed, at times rotating in circles beyond my control. There are days I work from one task to the next not completing the initial assignment, conveniently forgetting (or so it seems) to follow through. Days like these are frustrating and at times begin to run together offering no end in sight. So do the areas of pain on my body. At times I feel rejuvenated, ready to tackle some unforeseen force as it tries to engulf my body. Other times, I'd rather retrieve to the bedroom with a good book, and good will tidings to those I love as they attemp to complete what I am unable to do.

So I can't help but wonder in prayer, where is the silver lining to fibromyalgia?  Where is that window that should be opening? In that split second of prayer I was teleported to all the positive changes I've made in my life in the last two years.  In the beginning when the illness first reared its ugly head, I was bedridden for months wondering if I'd ever get out to a store again.  But, slowly through diet changes, exercise, and life changes I was able to strut again.  From there many other blessings began to manifest in my life.  

At one time, many eons ago, I multitasked surviving from day to day trying to fulfill a dream I felt belonged to me. Actually, this vision never belonged to me, rather it belonged to all those who needed me. My needs were never a first priority on my list because my dream would have become reality. Rather, I was at the beck and call of all those members I loved the most. Trying to do my duty as provider, I felt lost, spiraling out of control meeting anyone else's desires but my own. Furthermore, my work environment offered no reprive.  I had staff members that relied on a paycheck to meet the needs of their own families. All these situational occurrences of life left me drain, fighting for a fresh breath of air, and unable to sleep well most evenings.

This illness put my own needs first plain and simple.  After all, how could I take care of others if I was unable to get out of my own bed?  I had to begin my own self recovery before I was able to help anyone else who depended on me.  This brought about some amazing blessings.  First of all, I began to take stock in the things I enjoyed.  I found by transforming my thoughts to pleasurable ones, my body began to heal.  In doing so, I found many new desirable activities that I  incorporated into my life each day.  I began writing blogs.  I found that if I wrote when I first woke, my pain seemed to vanish.  I was immersed in and activity that was truly enjoyable to me.  From this writing I am able to secure a second income that looks more appealing than being in a stress filled job each day.  And, furthermore, I love what I'm doing now! 

Look at how many individuals out there who NEVER take care of their own inner child.  How many people do you know who exist from day to day checking off their to do lists only to lay exhausted each night in bed wondering if they fulfilled their quota?  My days are no longer full of check lists.  I make lists, but they are list that are attainable and full of joy for me.  I am always on the constant look out as to what I can do that day that will bring me pleasure which will stop my pain.  Oh, this didn't come about in days or months of my illness, it took years of training.  Training that TRAINED me to think of me first.  Once I began thinking of me first, I was able to help others.

I found my silver lining in life.  "Do what you enjoy and don't feel pressured about the things that truly don't matter."  My days are filled with contentment.  Something that was unattainable before now matter how hard I looked.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.  MRI's are usually ordered to show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet. The  magnetic field is then initiated and radio waves begin to create detailed images of the body on a computer.  Scientifically stated, this is one of the most in evasive procedures that could be ordered.  For an individual with hypersensitivity or nerve pain it could be a recipe for disaster.

I recently went to an ordered MRI a bit under the weather.  I had a sleepless night previously and was uncertain if I should proceed with the test.  After informing the specialist of my dilemma, she prompted me to at least try it and said, "We'll see what happens." Famous last words of those who do not understand this syndrome.

I was a bit tired and concerned of falling asleep once I entered the Open MRI.  After all, I had these before and experienced no ill effects so there were no anxious feelings of that contraption.  That was of course BEFORE I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  Once the radio waves kicked in I felt my nerves stand on end.  My heart began to beat at an uncomfortable pace, and the top of my spine began shooting those well-known late night spasms.  I immediately squeezed the oblong bubble for help.  I explained it may be good to reschedule due to lack of sleep.  I received the barrage of "maybe your anxious" cliches and was told that this machine could not be possibly producing those side effects.  Off I went to attain a better night's sleep in hopes of battling this once more.

Two days later I was in the imaging machine again.  I was not anxious, but a bit concerned over what happened previously.  The machine started its whooshing effect and I was drawn into its warmth as it began to create a shroud of my neck.  I closed my eyes feeling the soft vibrations making note that the previous episode must have been caused  due to lack of sleep.  The imaging proceeded and shut off intermittently as the radio images were being sent.  I did notice some intermittent spasms in various points of my body, but not tremors.  By the third wave, my nerves stood up on end.  My upper spine hurt enormously and waves of electronic pain shot down my arms.  To make matters worse, my heart began doing flip flops as the waves produced deep pain that reached my inner core. 

I tried to relax and breathe going deeper into mediation trying to calm down my body from this hypersensitivity.  Within seconds, my heart began racing again, and a headache intialized that felt full of rising blood pressure.  I beeped the specialist again explaining that I may not be a good candidate for this imaging.  For the remainder of the day I felt severe spine pain, elusiveness, dizziness, and various joint pain.

After devouring the Web once again, I came up with the following information:

Electrical Sensitivity as an Emerging Illness 

What is electrical sensitivity? Perhaps you are already familiar  with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) whereby the patient develops symptoms  from exposure to ordinary levels of synthetic chemicals in common use such as  perfumes,
pesticides, and household cleaning products. Electrical sensitivity  (ES), another environmentally triggered illness, produces symptoms in the  patient exposed to common levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from electrical 
sources in the environment: power lines, motors, computers, etc. ES patients often are also MCS patients. Other at-risk groups for developing ES seem to be chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and those experiencing mercury toxicity 
from dental amalgams.1 Because the nervous system is a primary site impacted by both chemicals and electromagnetic fields, those with nervous system damage from toxic exposures seem more susceptible to becoming ES 
too.2,3 Also, overexposure to EMF can singularly bring on ES, independent of other illness. Historically, ES was known as radiowave illness or microwave sickness.

In a recent ES survey, the five most common symptoms experienced  when EMF exposed were skin itch/rash/flushing/burning and/or tingling,  confusion/poor concentration and/or memory loss, fatigue/weakness,
headache, and  chest pain/heart problems. Skin problems and memory  difficulties tied for first place among the overall symptoms. Less commonly  reported symptoms included nausea, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures,
ear  pain/ringing in the ears, feeling a vibration, paralysis, and dizziness. Some ES  patients experience only one symptom when EMF exposed, but often more than one  symptom is apparent.

The importance of being aware of electrical sensitivity in the health care setting becomes clear when you realize that a patient may be suffering symptoms from electromagnetic exposures similar to the way a cardiac pacemaker may malfunction when exposed to certain EMF exposures. The typical doctor's office is a minefield of EMF exposures such as computers, fluorescent lights (particularly energy-efficient lighting), and medical tests that require exposure to electromagnetic or ultrasound sources. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been especially troublesome for some ES.

Once a patient realizes that proximity to electrical sources is the  triggering event that leads to their symptoms, they find EMF avoidance most  helpful for reducing reactions. Unfortunately, with the advent of increasing  wireless
technology, such as cellular phone service and paging systems, EMF  avoidance is becoming very difficult for the ES, creating more suffering and  leading to life-threatening consequences for the severely ill. The chemical  sensitivity
equivalent of this wireless technology might be aerial pesticide  sprayings, a life-threatening event for many MCS patients.

In the past, if daily computer use at work caused, for example,  a skin rash and headache, a cause and effect relationship could be determined by  noticing that these symptoms abated evenings and weekends and intensified at  work. It would become clear that the workplace, at least, was responsible for  the development of the symptoms. Whether the computer was the source could be  checked by using that computer or other computers in other locations to see if  symptoms would then reappear. If not, it may be a "sick building" problem in the  workplace instead, due to chemical exposures. 

For the newly ES, it will now be more difficult to pinpoint the  cause of their symptoms if they are also reacting to the ambient EMF exposure  from various wireless services. The new digital cellular is particularly  troublesome for
some ES; the prior analog cellular - a lower frequency - was  much less of a problem. http://www.tldp.com/issue/179/emf179.htm

This article stuck a cord with me.  One thing I remember respectively was the onset of my illness.  For the first year I could not be exposed longer then 1-2 hours at a computer.  I would experience all the above symptoms once I passed that threshold.  I asked my doctor what it could possibly could be, but at that time he had no answer.  After this last imaging fiasco, I now wonder if I have had ES as one of my noted symptoms.

Yum!  Adorning your local grocery shelves should be a plethora of fall delicacies in the form of apples.  Not a day goes by in fall that I don't have my afternoon snack of an apple and a handful of raw almonds.  I have long noted, despite recent research of incorporating more raw foods into the Fibromyalgia diet, that I've felt more alive when I eat foods that are not dead.  Dead foods are the ones we cook sustainably on our stovetops or microwave.  In fact, I try to keep my diet 50% raw to reduce the inevitable flare-ups that pass by some days.

By consuming an apple each day, you get approximately 88 mg. of malic acid.  Malic acid has numerous benefits for digestion, detoxification and to support aerobic metabolic functions.  In addition to these benefits, malic acid may also assist cellular detoxification of toxic metals, particularly aluminum and strontium.  Malic acid appears to be beneficial to fibromyalgia patients, not as a pain reliever, but to boost muscular performance. Eating apples is a great way to incorporate more of this vital nutrient into your system.  Malic acid may also be consumed by drinking juice from tart fruit and apple cider vinegar.

So, folks, small meals, and incorporating luscious foods such as apples into your afternoon snack will offer you that aliv
 

If you've become a healthy whole foods advocate from reading this blog and purchasing Phase I or Phase II diet plans, you've definitely reaped the benefits of healthy eating.  There is numerous research supporting the fact that a healthy diet can jump start your system and begin the precious opportunity of healing.  Battling Fibromyalgia can be a lifelong threat, but with optimal nutrition, you can begin earning a happier lifestyle.

With this new found knowledge concerning the importance of diet, it is no doubt you have ventured off alone seeking other healthy alternatives listening to what the medical community deems healthful.  I know I have personally stumbled upon dark chocolate seeking relief from the depilating effects of fatigue and work exhaustion when they hit.  After all, let's take a look at the top six benefits of dark chocolate.

Health Benefits

1) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart - Lowers blood pressure and increases flow.
2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain - Contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which makes you feel good.
3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar - Low on the glycemic index.
4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants - Keeps your body free of free radicals.
5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine - Hardens tooth enamel.
6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals - Contains potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron.

So if you've been craving a little chocolate after a long day, it's no wonder your body feels a connection with this luscious food when the incapacitating fatigue hits.  I found myself munching on a good size portion after an extremely stressful week at work.  And certainly, after consuming a bit, I had a boost of energy that would allow me to complete my nightly duties. But then I began noting it followed me to the bedroom when I retired.  Moreover, my body would literally collapse after an hour of fitful turning only to awaken several times and then finally at 5:30 am unable to attain a few added hours despite my day off.  This went on all weekend making me wonder what was driving me up so often and so frequently.  

What I found was various percentages of dark chocolate do have caffeine.  The darker the chocolate the more caffeine it contains.  Now, if you were once one of those sleepless fibromaniacs dying to get a full night rest and gave up caffeine, this can be a noxious poison adding sleep deprivation and renewed flare-ups to your list.

Amounts of Caffeine in Chocolate as per 5 oz. serving:

Regular Chocolate - 60 mg.
Semi Sweet - 77 mg.
Semi Sweet 60% - 119 mg.
Semi Sweet 70% - 139 mg.
Semi Sweet 80% - 159 mg.
Semit Sweet 90% - 179 mg.
Coffee 8 oz. - 107.5 mg.

So, my consumption of the usual 70% dark chocolate was like having a cup of coffee and dusk.  No wonder I was unable to rest adequately. Should you give up chocolate?  Well, that depends on your levels of anxiety and added energy upon consumption.  But, food for thought - do consume early in the day if you want to enable your body to gain a more restful sleep.

Lately I've become a night walking junkie.  I know it is hard to believe with such a condition, but honestly, once you begin your body begins to crave it especially if you have a set time each evening.  For me that time is 7 pm, there I grab the dogs and my son and set out for a leisurely stroll to the end of my road.  Yes, it is dark, but I have a chance to wonder at the stars, unraveling my mind, and take deep cleansing breaths of the night's cool air.

It is here for 20 minutes I find the peace that touches my soul.  The day could have been plagued with occurrences that caused havoc, yet here it begins to dissolve.  It is on this weather beaten path that muscles unwind leaving a sense of well-being that welcomes sleep.  Yes, it is due to this simple endeavor that my body unravels allowing a welcomed fatigue to replenish my body with a night's rest.  For it is sleepless nights that can cause the most pain for fibromyalgia sufferers and the most fear.

Since beginning my own walking club, sleepless nights have become less frequent.  At times I am graced with a night of such deep sleep that I can barely rise from my bed when dawn comes.  Other times I am blessed with only awakening twice and greeted with sweet fatigue that allows me to slumber quickly once more.  These small trinkets to others are such great gifts for those who suffer with fibromyalgia.

When beginning your own routine do be sure that you exercise at least two hours before retiring at bedtime.  This will allow your body time to unwind from that added boost of energy walking brings.

Benefits of Walking

1. Boosts your immune system
2. Helps you sleep better by reducing stress
3. Keeps joints lubricated promoting less flare-ups
4. Keeps you be mentally sharp
5. Slims you down
6. Changes your RealAge
7. Dims your chances of diabetes
8. Fends off heart attacks and stroke
9. Increased production of endorphins that improve mental and physical health
10. Strengthens nervous system and reflexes

If you are having a set back and need a couple of hours of down time then this is a great movie for an evening getaway even if it is just in your bedroom.  Flight starring Denzel Washington will leave you with no time to reminisce about a painful flare-up.  You'll be engaged the moment the film begins and before you know it, time for bed will be underway with a refreshed body from rest. 

In this action-packed mystery thriller, Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on
board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane?

Excitotoxins are a class of chemicals (usually amino acids) that overstimulate neuron receptors. Neuron receptors allow brain cells to communicate with each other, but when they’re exposed to excitotoxins, they fire impulses at such a rapid rate that they become exhausted. Several hours later, these depleted
neurons die. Scientists have noted this effect particularly in the hypothalamus and temporal lobes the parts of the brain that control behavior, emotions, onset of puberty, sleep cycles and immunity.

Excitotoxin substances have long been used by food manufacturers to pump up the flavor of their products, and food manufacturers continue to insist they are safe. But in recent years, many health experts have regarded both excitotoxins and manufacturers’ assurances with increasing concern.

Small amounts of MSG are found naturally in many common foods such as seaweed, mushrooms, whole grains, carrots, meat, nuts and cheese. In its natural state, however, MSG is slowly assimilated by the human body and broken down so that the levels of concentration are kept low. The MSG in processed foods, on
the other hand, is highly concentrated. And when people eat these foods, they unwittingly bombard their brain cells with excitotoxins in large enough quantities to cause real trouble.

One of the many things that's blamed for symptoms of fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), especially pain and mood symptoms, is an over-excited brain.  In studies, FMS and ME/CFS brain scans light up like crazy in the areas that deal with pain and emotion.  It's a bit ironic that those of
us with the least energy are actually hyperactive in certain small areas.

What's going on, research suggests, is that  amino acids called excitotoxins are in there at high levels.  Their job is to stimulate neurons -- the cells that send and receive electrical messages -- and in the proper amount
they're a good thing.   However, at high levels, they cease to be good.  As many of us experience
every day, high concentrations make the receptors on your neurons misfire, amplifying pain signals, or creating uncontrollable anxiety and irritability.

Some people who are especially sensitive will feel the effects of food-based excitotoxins immediately, but for most of us they're much slower and more subtle.  It may be worth eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks to see if it helps your symptoms.

Other foods that mimic the effect of excitotoxins are worth elminating also.  Have you found you've recently had a sleepless night due to some unforseen circumstance?  Check your diet to see if one of the following foods was the culprit.  These foods can excite the hypothalamus causing and over active brain "tossing and turning all-nighter".

Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Caffeine
Large amounts of sugary foods and drinks
Hot chillis
Fried foods
Acid forming foods
Large amounts of dairy