The role of inflammation in fibromyalgia has been the topic of debate for decades. In fact, the condition used to be called “fibrositis,” which means “fibrous-tissue inflammation.” Due to an apparent lack of inflammation, the name was replaced with fibromyalgia (fibrous tissue and muscle pain) because it was believed to be more accurate. But now many researchers are finding connections with chronic inflammation that may contribute to the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is frequently referred to as an arthritis-related condition. However, it does not cause joint damage or inflammation, as arthritis does. Nor does fibromyalgia cause damage to muscle and other tissues. Because of this, it was believed that fibromyalgia was not an inflammatory condition.

In recent years, multiple studies have revealed several markers of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia, including high levels of C-reactive protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of C-reactive protein can be measured in your blood and increases when there is inflammation in your body.

​Cytokines are proteins that are produced by cells which act as communicators in the immune system. There are both pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines promote systemic inflammation and play a key role in persistent and exaggerated pain states.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process. Without inflammation, infections and wounds would not heal. But inflammation can also be potentially harmful. There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation comes on suddenly from an injury or infection. It presents classic symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain. Acute inflammation is temporary, lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the cause of the inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is long-term inflammation that lasts for months and years. It comes about slowly and sets the stage for chronic diseases. Heart disease, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and many other conditions are linked to chronic inflammation.

The causes of chronic inflammation include poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, chronic infections, and allergens or toxins from food or the environment.

Inflammation In Fibromyalgia

For decades it was believed that fibromyalgia was not an inflammatory condition because it doesn’t appear like most inflammatory disease. Joints don’t look swollen and typical tests for inflammatory markers generally reveal normal or only slightly elevated levels in fibromyalgia. Whereas, diseases such as lupus and arthritis present high levels of inflammatory markers.

Fibromyalgia research has been focusing on the possible contribution of inflammation to disease progression, and is finding some interesting results. We now have evidence suggesting inflammation may play a role, after all.

These are some of the findings:

• Skin Cells – A study from 2010 showed elevated levels of mast cells – which release inflammatory chemicals in response to various triggers – in the skin of people with fibromyalgia.
• Fascia – Another study in 2010 suggests that it could be the fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue) that’s inflamed in fibromyalgia. The research concludes that fascial dysfunction and inflammation may be what leads to central sensitization, which is believed to be a core feature of fibromyalgia.
• Stress Response – In 2012, researchers found that there was an inflammatory state that seemed to be tied to an abnormal response to stress. They were unable to determine whether inflammation leads to stress dysfunction or stress dysfunction leads to inflammation.
• Mitrochondria – In 2013, Spanish researchers theorized that inflammation in fibromyalgia could be the result of dysfunction in the mitochondria (cells that break down nutrients to create energy).
• Brain Inflammation – Scientists have discovered that brain inflammation caused by chronic nerve pain can affect signaling in the regions of the brain associated with mood and motivation. This discovery suggests there is a mechanism that connects chronic pain with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Poor Sleep – Poor sleep quality and short sleep durations are associated with higher levels of inflammation. Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, found in a study that sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality raises inflammation.

​Fibromyalgia Inflammation Treatment Options

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) and steroids are the primary treatments for inflammation. Unfortunately, anti-inflammatory medications have been tested in people with fibromyalgia and do not improve symptoms.
The options we have to lower our inflammation are listed below:

• Massage – Manual therapies that target the fascia may be effective. That includes trigger point therapy (myofascial release) and a deep-tissue manipulation called rolfing.
• Exercise – Exercise can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In separate studies, gentle exercises such as warm-water exercise and yoga have been shown to reduce cytokines in people with fibromyalgia.
• Supplements – Anti-inflammatory supplements include:
  • Ginger
  • CoQ10
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Turmeric (curcumin)
• Diet – Many doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet for inflammatory conditions. Although we don’t have research on whether it works for fibromyalgia. I have been following an anti-inflammatory diet for the couple of years and it has helped me.

Conclusion

Although there is no visible inflammation in fibromyalgia, the inflammatory factors are there and they are measurable. Multiple studies have revealed several markers of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia. Preliminary evidence suggests excess cytokines may be responsible fibromyalgia symptoms. These findings are uncovering new possibilities for fibromyalgia causation, as well as treatment options. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, we will have more answers and treatments that actually work. -Shared by FibroDaze

Are you getting enough vitamin D? According to recent studies, there’s a good chance you aren’t. In 2009, researchers reported levels of vitamin D in the U.S. population had dropped between the years of 1988 and 1994, and then again between 2001 and 2004. Not only had average levels dropped, more than 75 percent of the people studied had inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with an increased risk for serious diseases. Reduced levels of the vitamin are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Deficiency is also linked with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, and more. That’s why it’s so import to get enough vitamin D. But identifying vitamin D deficiency can be tricky.
Our bodies don’t make vitamin D, so we have to get it from our environment. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun, but we can also get it from some foods. Lifestyle, race, age, and other factors can put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency

The truth is that it’s extremely difficult to tell whether you have a vitamin D deficiency. The only way to be absolutely sure is to take a blood test. Most people with a vitamin D deficiency won’t be aware of it. It doesn’t usually produce noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms are possible. If you are vitamin D deficient, you may experience:

• muscle/joint pain and weakness
• bone pain
• tiredness or fatigue
• depression

​Your body is designed to get the vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The part of the sun’s rays that is important is ultraviolet B (UVB). This is the most natural way to get vitamin D.

​Large amounts of vitamin D3 are made in your skin when you expose all of your body to summer sun. This happens very quickly; around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn. This could be just 15 minutes for a very fair skinned person, yet a couple of hours or more for a dark skinned person.
You don’t need to tan or to burn your skin in order to get the vitamin D you need. Exposing your skin for a short time will make all the vitamin D your body can produce in one day. In fact, your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink. You make the most vitamin D when you expose a large area of your skin, such as your back, rather than a small area such as your face or arms.

The assumption that vitamin D supplements will protect you against diseases associated with low vitamin D levels is incorrect, according to Australian researchers. The report found that vitamin D supplements are immunosuppressive and may actually make diseases worse. 

Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes, including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. According to the new study, supplemental vitamin D actually blocks VDR activation, which is the opposite effect to that of sunshine. Instead of positively impacting gene expression, vitamin D supplements appear to suppress your immune system.

Vitamin D has a remarkable role to play in your health, influencing nearly 3,000 of your 25,000 genes, and playing a critical role in your immune response. Vitamin D could rightly be described as a “miracle nutrient” for your immune system, as it enables your body to produce well over 200 antimicrobial peptides, which are indispensable in fighting off a wide range of infections.
​

I am a huge fan of history. I’ve been working on my family tree for a while now. I think it’s super important to know our roots. Similarly, I think it’s important to know the roots of our diseases. Although fibromyalgia (FM) may seem like a new syndrome or disease, it has actually been around for a very long time. It has gone through many name changes as new information about it has been discovered.

The first time it was described by doctors was in the 1800s. At that time, it was called muscular rheumatism, with symptoms including stiffness, aches, pain, fatigue, and sleep difficulties. In 1815, William Balfour, a surgeon from Scotland, first described what we now know as the “tender points” that patients with FM experience.

Around the year 1904, inflammation was thought to be the cause of FM. Thus, the term fibrositis was used by Sir William Gowers. In Latin, fibro means “connective tissue fibers,” and itis means “inflammation.” In 1913, doctor Luff wrote in the British Medical Journal that symptoms worsened when the barometric pressure lowered and when rain was on the way. The terms fibromyalgia wasn’t used until 1976. The name comes from Latin root words fibro, plus my (meaning “muscle”), al (meaning “pain”), and gia (meaning “the condition of”). In other words, fibromyalgia is a condition of pain in the muscles and connective tissues.

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology wrote the first set of guidelines for fibromyalgia diagnoses. In 2005, the American Pain Society published the first guidelines for how to treat FM. The first prescription medication for FM, Lyrica (pregabalin), was approved by the FDA for treatment of this condition in 2007. Only in recent years have we learned about the connections between FM and other illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.
​
In more recent years, we’ve recognized FM as a central nervous system disorder. Through magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) of the brain, doctors can now diagnose FM with 93 percent accuracy.
The good thing is that research is always ongoing, and while I know that answers are slow in coming, they are coming. By Robin Dix

At this point, most of you realize that fibromyalgia also makes you much more susceptible to developing other conditions. This past year, I have been experiencing quite a bit of burning in my upper abdomen.  It got to a point where my usual Tums were not working. So, off to a trip to the gerontologist I went.  After sonogram and an endoscopy, my diagnosis was GERD.  Lovely, one more symptom I must conquer.  

One of these conditions is gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease, better known as GERD. This is an extreme form of acid reflux. It can result in lots of very unpleasant signs and symptoms and could make your symptoms of fibromyalgia that much worse.

Luckily, for this condition, there are lots of very effective options for treatment to help you eliminate this.

Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is an extreme form of acid reflux. In this condition, the food and acid in your stomach backs up into your esophagus. This causes some very uncomfortable symptoms such as chest pain, heartburn, and throat sensitivity.

GERD is very similar to heartburn and is very common among those living in the United States. It is thought to affect somewhere between five to seven percent of the population.

On the other hand, unlike heartburn, the symptoms of GERD actually occur several times in a week and very often, individuals with this condition will suffer with symptoms every day. If it isn’t treated, this condition can have some serious effects on your overall health, leading to some very severe complications.

This condition is typically due to a combination of various factors including physiological and lifestyle. The majority of individuals suffering from this condition have a problem with the sphincter that is located at the bottom of their esophagus.

This sphincter is referred to as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, or LES, and, when working properly- keeps the stomach acid or food in the stomach from coming back up into the esophagus.

However, in some cases, this Lower Esophageal Sphincter becomes weak and allows foods and acid to come back up into the esophagus. Additionally, it can also have occasional periods of relaxation- typically during the night- which allows the acid and food back into your throat.

Some other things that contribute to the development of Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease are diet, weight, and even overall health.

Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease is very common and affects men, women, and even children. However, if you’re suffering from fibromyalgia, you’re at a greater risk for developing this condition. In fact, over 60 percent of individuals with fibromyalgia also suffer from GERD. The reasons behind this are not known at this time.

There are some other things that put you at risk for developing GERD:

• Smoking
• Overweight/Obesity
• Alcohol
• A diet full of spicy, fatty, or acidic foods

The signs and symptoms of this condition are numerous and will become much more severe as time goes on. Some of the symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Weight loss
• Chronic cough
• Dry mouth
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Regurgitation
• Vomiting blood

If you don’t get prompt treatment, this condition can be extremely dangerous to your overall health. When exposed to the acidic content from your stomach, it can cause your esophagus to become eroded as well as damage the enamel on your teeth.
​
This increases your chances of developing esophageal cancer as well as diseases of the mouth such as gingivitis. Additionally, the condition of GERD can cause an obstruction, called a stricture, in your esophagus.
GERD also has an effect on your sleeping patterns, which can cause your symptoms of fibromyalgia to become much worse. In fact, it has been proven that individuals suffering from GERD will wake up much more often during the night and therefore spend much less time in the states of deep sleep, which can cause an increase in daytime fatigue.

There are lots of different treatment options available to help you gain some control over your GERD symptoms. Generally, it is recommended that you use a variety of these items in order to get the best relief.

Of course, self-treatment can do wonders in helping to control your symptoms of this condition. Particularly, following a strict GERD diet can help you to eliminate both acid reflux and heartburn.
Try to avoid eating fatty or spicy foods and eat smaller meals more often rather than three large meals each day. This allows your stomach to digest what you eat quickly.

Also, try to avoid lying down or even leaning over for about three hours after a meal. This will keep your stomach acid and food where it belongs- in your stomach.

If you have a severe case of GERD, self-treatment will not likely be effective. You will need to seek medical treatment. You can find both OTC and prescription medications that can help to minimize your symptoms and offer relief. Following are the two most common types of medications used to treat GERD:

H2 Blockers

These particular medications prevent your stomach from producing acid. you can get them over the counter under the names of Pepcid AC or Zantac. If you prefer, you can speak with your physician about getting a prescription.

PPIs

PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, keep the acid in your stomach from being released into the esophagus. You can get these either over the counter or by prescription under names such as Nexium, Protonix, or Prilosec.

​The administration of Injectafer, an iron replacement therapy, was shown to safely help manage fibromyalgia symptoms when compared to a placebo in patients with iron deficiency, according to data from a Phase 2 clinical trial.

The findings were reported in the study, “A Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Iron-Deficient Patients with Fibromyalgia,” published in the journal Rheumatology and Therapy.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread, chronic pain together with several other symptoms, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stiffness. It is still unclear what causes fibromyalgia, but studies have suggested that abnormal responses by the central nervous system may contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.

A previous study revealed that fibromyalgia was a common feature presented by patients with iron-deficiency anemia and thalassemia minor. In addition, patients with low levels of iron have a 5.6 times higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. It is common for patients with fibromyalgia to have lower levels of iron compared to healthy individuals.

Taken together, these data suggest that iron could play a role in the development of fibromyalgia and that iron supplements could potentially be a therapeutic option for these patients.

Now, in a Phase 2 trial (NCT02409459), researchers tested the safety and effectiveness of iron replacement therapy with Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) for the treatment of iron deficiency in patients with fibromyalgia.

Injectafer was developed by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals to mimic the response of natural iron. It is a complex iron formulation that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in adult patients who do not respond well to oral iron or have non–dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.

The trial included 81 patients who were randomly assigned to receive infusions of 15 mg/kg of Injectafer or a placebo. All patients received two administrations of the treatment, one on the first day of the study and a second one five days later.

At day 42 post-treatment, Injectafer showed to induce greater improvements in several parameters, namely in the total scores of the revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQR), brief pain inventory (BPI), fatigue, and iron levels, compared to the placebo.

However, no difference between Injectafer and placebo treatment were seen in the scores of a sleep scale, the medical outcomes study, or MOS.

Treatment with Injectafer was found to be safe and well-tolerated. No serious adverse events related to the treatment were reported during the study. The most common adverse effects observed in the Injectafer-treated group were flushing, nausea, and dizziness.

“Compared with placebo, ferric carboxymaltose [Injectafer] improved measures of fibromyalgia severity and was well tolerated,” the researchers wrote. “The current results suggest that ferric carboxymaltose shows benefit in iron-deficient patients with concurrent fibromyalgia.”
​
The team emphasized that additional studies should be conducted to further address the beneficial therapeutic potential of Injectafer for the treatment of fibromyalgia patients with iron deficiency. - Fibromyalgia News Today

An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography.

This test is performed quite quickly and easily.  You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Most often, you will lie on your back with your arms raised above the head.Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping.

A computer creates separate images of the belly area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the belly area can be made by stacking the slices together.

You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time. The scan should take less than 30 minutes.

Your doctor may order a CAT with oral or intravenous contrast for a clearer picture. 

Oral contrast  is often used to enhance CT images of the abdomen and pelvis. There are two different types of substances used for oral CT contrast. The first, barium sulfate, is the most common oral contrast agent used in CT. The second type of contrast agent is sometimes used as a substitute for barium and is called Gastrografin.

Barium contrast looks like and has a similar consistency as a milk shake. It is mixed with water and depending on the brand used, may have different flavors (for example, strawberry or lemon). Gastrografin contrast is a water-based drink mixed with iodine and has a tinted yellow color. When given orally, gastrografin may taste bitter.
​
Patients usually need to drink at least 1000 to 1500 cc (about three to four 12 oz. drinks) to sufficiently fill the stomach and intestines with oral contrast.

My last oral contrast was ordered due to upper abdominal pain and discomfort.  As many of you, I do not do well after testing. It takes me a week or two to return to a semi-normal state.  I was a bit surprised this time when I was inundated with flank, kidney pain for over two weeks.  Knowing this was most likely attributed to the dyes i began to double my water intake.  I also did a bit of research and found the following.

Lets try and understand a few nuances about contrast-mediated kidney damage, and what you can do about it. Radiological contrast can lead to a drop in the kidney's blood supply, and this is one of the ways that contrast hurts the kidneys. This is not fully understood, but could be related to certain vasoactive mediators (chemicals that make the blood vessels contract). These chemicals include something called "adenosine", and another called "endothelin".

In addition to reducing the blood supply to the kidneys, contrast could also be directly toxic to the kidneys. This could be related to the tendency of contrast to increase the level of certain destructive substances called "free oxygen radicals". This is the second major way in which contrast hurts the kidneys. 

In spite of the above mechanisms in which contrast could possibly hurt the kidneys of a person receiving it, not everyone has the same risk of getting CIN. The rule of thumb is that the worse your baseline kidney function, the more likely are you to develop contrast nephropathy. Other factors that increase your risk are diabetes, heart failure, and certain types of cancers like myeloma. In fact, we now have a numerical risk calculator that incorporates a few of these risk factors and helps you come up with an objective number to predict the chances of your kidneys taking a hit from the contrast. 

In an overwhelming number of cases, contrast nephropathy (which will be diagnosed by abnormalities in your kidney function number, creatinine within the first three days of receiving contrast) is mild. Even if it does develop, most patients will see their kidney function bounce back and normalize by about a week. However, if you do have preexisting kidney disease (CKD) or other risk factors mentioned above, this might not necessarily happen. Worsening of kidney disease to the point where you need dialysis is rare.

If the CT scan requiring the contrast is non-emergent, certain preventive steps can be taken. These can often minimize the risk of the kidneys getting hurt. Usually your kidney doctor would prescribe a regimen of intravenous fluids, and make sure that you are not dehydrated. Medications that could hurt your kidneys, like non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for instance, should be held. A drug called "acetylcysteine" interferes with production of the above mentioned free-oxygen radicals. However, it is now falling out of favor since most medical studies have failed to prove that it works. A newer antioxidant called trimetazidine has also shown some promise in contrast nephropathy prevention. Ask your nephrologist about what strategy might work best for you.

I found after increasing my water intake, unfortunately two days too late, my kidney function became less painful and eventually went back to its normal state. But I can tell you it overwhelmed me so much that I almost went in for another scan on my kidneys in the meantime.  Always discuss options with your primary care provider before taking matters into your own hands.  

​Fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have a bidirectional association, a new population-based study in Taiwan shows.
The study, “Bidirectional association between fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disease: two population-based retrospective cohort analysis,” was published in the journal Pain.

The study’s senior author was Chia-Hung Kao, MD, a professor at the Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science and School of Medicine at the China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan.

Patients with fibromyalgia have gastrointestinal disturbances including irritable bowel syndrome and GERD, which is characterized by gastric acid entering the esophagus, oral cavity, or the lungs, causing regurgitation and heartburn.

However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear, although animal studies have suggested that acidity in the esophagus may be a critical factor.

Patients with GERD frequently use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to decrease the production of gastric acid. But the long-term use of this group of drugs may alter susceptibility to bacterial pathogens in the gut and cause vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiencies, which are regarded as potential contributors to developing fibromyalgia.

In the other direction, fibromyalgia patients on PPIs for other gastrointestinal problems may also be at risk of developing GERD.

Scientists conducted a large population-based study to assess this bidirectional association between fibromyalgia and GERD, and to determine if patients with either disease have a greater risk of developing the other condition. To do this, patients were compared with healthy individuals. For the analysis, researchers used a nationwide database from the National Health Insurance of Taiwan.

Two study groups were established: The first included 35,117 fibromyalgia patients, and the second included 34,630 GERD patients. Patients were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. The incidence of GERD in the first group and of fibromyalgia in the second was determined by the end of 2011. Controls had neither disease.
Results showed a bidirectional relationship between the two diseases. The overall incidence of GERD was 1.6-fold greater in the fibromyalgia group than in controls, after controlling for sex, age, comorbidities, and medications. Conversely, the GERD group had a 1.5-fold higher incidence of fibromyalgia than controls.

In addition, data showed that fibromyalgia patients take longer to develop GERD than GERD patients to develop fibromyalgia, which may be associated with the higher prevalence of comorbidities in the GERD group, the team said.

Furthermore, the incidence rates of either disease in the other condition’s group increased with age.
The team believes that among the possible mechanisms in fibromyalgia patients that may explain this association are psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, exhaustion and stress, and the lack of physical exercise, which may lead to mood disorders. In addition, sleep deprivation in GERD, which can exacerbate pain, may be another key factor.

Of note, GERD patients with peptic ulcer disease and those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) showed greater risk of developing fibromyalgia. This may be explained by the altered intestinal permeability in these patients.

Overall, “the present study suggests a bidirectional relationship between [fibromyalgia] and GERD,” the authors concluded. “There is a greater risk of developing GERD for [fibromyalgia] patients than developing [fibromyalgia] for GERD patients,” they added. by Jose Marques Lopez

​I'm in love!  I've been in search of a water bottle that would be safe and eco-friendly for my readers.  Despite my diligent efforts in pre reading product information, I had to send several back.  Then finally it came!  The purple Hydro Flask Acai 40 ounce, or in black,  insulated stainless steel water bottle of true luxury!  Enough to keep water ice cold for eight hours.  Yes, you heard me right, I can take this water bottle with me all day, and still have ice cubes in the container six hours after filling it from the morning!  And, get this, no water bottle sweating since it is richly coated in beautiful insulation.  I picked the larger size as I know I must drink half my weight in water to alleviate symptoms of pain.  If you need a smaller edition there is a 24 ounce container in black, purple, white or blue.  I wouldn't recommend going below those sizes as you know the importance of drinking a good amount of water each day.  For the adventurous there is the 64 ounce container for longer outings.  These can be found at most sporting good stores.  

Research has shown that people with fibromyalgia often have zinc, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies - deficiencies that can be supplemented by drinking eight to ten glasses of mineralized water a day. Although many of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia will need more than water to overcome them; drinking 
water can help you feel better, and can ease the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome  recovery and fibromyalgia remedies involve taking a hard look at what goes into your body. It even takes overturning a few rocks to discover hidden dangers that can prolong recovery. One of these dangers is bisphenol A (BPA).

New research from the US suggests that people who drink from bottles made of  polycarbonate plastic, such as that used to make hard-plastic drinking bottles  and baby bottles, have a considerably higher level of the chemical bisphenol A  (BPA) in their bodies compared to when they do not.  The finding confirms concerns expressed by consumer groups and public health experts, that polycarbonate plastic bottles are an important source of the BPA that finds its way into the human body. BPA has been shown to interfere with 
reproductive development in animals, and has been linked to cardivascular disease and diabetes in  humans, among other things.

BPA is considered an endocrine disruptor because it mimics estrogen, a natural hormone. It can trick the body into causing reactions that are unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Even trace amounts of BPA exposure have been linked to a number of health 
problems including:

Obesity
Cancer, including breast cancer
Impaired brain function
Brain and hormone development problems in fetuses and young children
Hyperactivity and impaired learning
Altered immune function
Early puberty and reproductive system abnormalities
Cardiovascular system damage
Resistance to chemotherapy
Liver abnormalities
Spontaneous miscarriages and genetic damage from chromosomal errors
Erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in men

There are days you wake up feeling slightly well wondering if you're on the road to recovery.  A recovery that possibly abates one symptom of your fibromyalgia anyway.  

Then there are days you are sure you have another underlying illness, something deadly, just waiting to grasp you in its talons and not let you go.  This is particularly due to the intense flare-ups of the illness that can affect your organs in other ways unimaginable.  

Here is a list of common symptoms of fibromyalgia on those threatening days. Of course, should you experience any new pains or others that are more intense, don't hesitate to contact your primary physician. 

​PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ recurrent flu-like illness
__ recurrent sore throats, red and injected
__ painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck
__ muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them
__ night sweats and fever
__ severe nasal and other allergies
__ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
__ weight change - usually gain
__ heart palpitations
__ mitral valve prolapse
__ severe PMS
__ yeast infections
__ rashes and itching
__ uncomfortable or frequent urination
__ interstitial bladder cystitis
__ chest pains (non-cardiac)
__ temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw)
__ hair loss
__ carpal tunnel syndrome
__ cold hands and feet
__ dry eyes and mouth
__ severe and debilitating fatigue
__ widespread pain
__ other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.)
__ numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles
__ painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck
__ GERDs (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder)
__ widespread body pain during/after physical exertion

COGNITIVE FUNCTION PROBLEMS:
__ attention deficit disorder
__ spatial disorientation
__ calculation difficulties
__ memory disturbance
__ communication difficulties (problems speaking, confusing words)

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:
__ depression
__ anxiety and panic attacks
__ personality changes, usually for the worse
__ emotional lability (mood swings)

OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS:
__ sleep disturbances
__ headaches
__ changes in visual acuity
__ numb or tingling feelings
__ burning sensations
__ light headedness
__ feeling 'spaced out'
__ desequilibrium
__ frequent unusual nightmares and disturbing dreams
__ tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
__ difficulty in moving your tongue to speak
__ severe muscle weakness
__ susceptibility to muscle, tendon, ligament injury
__ intolerance to bright lights
__ intolerance to alcohol
__ intolerance to sound
__ extreme sensitivity to medications and their side-effects
__ alteration of taste, smell, and hearing
__ insomnia
__ inability to achieve stage 4 restorative sleep
__ morning stiffness in the muscles and joints
__ restless leg syndrome
__ muscle spasms
__ muscle quakiness and shivering during/after activity or exercise
__ sleep paralysis (related to stage 4 sleep deprivation)

Another Symptoms List:

• Brain Fog difficulty concentrating - can't recall words / names - using wrong word - memory lapses - overwhelmed performing multiple tasks - low mental acuity - varies from day to day
• Pain unilateral (both left and right side) pain usually - in soft tissues - feels like "bones hurt" - generalized - radiating - gnawing aching - numbness, tingling, prickling, "pins and needles" - burning in hands, arms, feet, legs, and sometimes face / jaw - some pain always present - firm touch can cause discomfort - worse in morning, improves throughout day, worsens at night - affected by activity level, weather, sleep patterns, and stress, foods
• Stiffness worse on awakening and after prolonged sitting or standing in one position muscle tightness/ lack of flexibility, especially legs, back, shoulders
• Fatigue chronic - moderate to severe or extreme exhaustion - disabling - muscle twitching - muscle weakness - shakiness - can cause long periods of sleeping - strong need to fall asleep / a quick nap often refreshes, but fatigue returns
• Exercise Intolerance too much or wrong exercise may worsen FMS symptoms
• Weakness grip - body wide - suddenly drop objects - clumsy hands - extreme weakness all over
• Coordination impaired - can be in all areas - can't seem to pick feet up over obstacles
• Mobility forward body posture / typing, desk sitting, assembly line work can cause chest and upper body (thoracic) pain / dysfunction. unable to move body if severe
• Disequilibrium / balance[u tilting causes disorientation / nausea - dizziness - light-headedness - not able to adjust quickly
• Tenderness painful, sensitive locations on the body corresponding to branching of the arteries
• Restless Leg Syndrome periodic limb movement disorder - cannot get settled down
• Sleeptrouble falling asleep - waking at all hours - not rested when awake - easily awakened - abnormal sleep pattern
• Serotonin Reuptake anxiety - depression - obsessive compulsive - procrastination - easily irritated / dissatisfied with work, home and life in general - "negative minded", social anxiety, panic attacks
• Sensitivity over-sensitive to smell, noise, bright light, certain foods, medicines - change in weather - feel chilled or cold when others are not - feel excessively warm "paresthesia" = abnormal neurological sensations "hyperesthesia" = increased neurological sensations
• Hair thinning - dry - dull
• Fingernails and Toenails - soft and break -
• Skin itch - rash - small "ricelike" bumps - nicks bleed more easily - greasier skin - deep painful blemishes on face, torso, arms and legs - nose tender / outbreaks on the sides sub-cutaneous, painful swelling that can't open to surface
• Perspiration non-existent and insufficient are more common, but some FM's sweat profusely
• Hands/Feet numbness, tingling - not flexible - palms and soles of feet blotchy - poor hand-eye - calluses and corns on feet more painful and irritating - dry - in severe FMS hands can lose all activity and turn back toward arms, palms first
• Swelling sensation of swelling (edema) in hands and feet - ankles - throughout body
• Headaches chronic - "ice pick" - muscular (tension) and migraine headaches - severe
• Eyes problems with focus / skeletal tracking muscles of the eyes - "visual confusion" and nausea; vision not clear - like looking through Saran Wrap - frequent prescription changes - don't sparkle dry or burning
• Ears/Hearing reduced acuity - feel stuffy - tinnitus (ringing or whining in ears) - waxier - may feel damp inside
• Sinus chronic problems - closed-up feeling in nose and sinuses - sinus infections - easily catch colds and flu - chronic runny nose - non-allergic rhinitis = nasal congestion / discharge and sinus pain - post nasal drip causes throat problems
• Mouth tongue sore / swollen tastebuds - tender gums / backside of lips and roof of mouth blistered - dry - white coat on tongue like soft sand grains as tastebuds shed abnormally - excess mucus - yellow scum on teeth
• Saliva very acidic - thick - pH test may show 4.0 before treatment. Ideal body pH is 7.40
• Teeth grinding and clinching during sleep - splitting /cracking - require caps
• TMJ - Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
• Throat trouble swallowing - weak, coarse voice - choking - spasms if food too dry
• Acid Reflux often not relieved by proton pump inhibitor meds
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome alternating constipation and diarrhea - spastic colon - cramps - bloating - ulcerative gastritis
• Urination very frequent - small amounts - incontinence / leaking - urgent - typically in the absence of a bladder infection - odd odor or color
• Heart rapid or irregular heart rate - congestion can mimic heart blockage symptoms
• Neurally Mediate Hypotension  drop in BP and heart rate on standing - tilting backward can cause disorientation
• Lungs shortness of breath - wheezing - deep hard cough - Costochondralgia (costochondritis) pain where ribs meet sternum / often mistaken for heart disease 
• Neck stiff - cracks & pops - sore with movement
• Back bulged / herniated discs in lumbar - stiff - sore - back "goes out" - weakness - pain
• Axial Skeletal Pain in cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine, or low back
• Stenosis of Spine (narrowing inside spinal canal)
• Carpal Tunnel
• EMG tests will show this, but with treatment for FMS may clear up immediately
• Cartilage
• grinds down - knees, etc. noisy, rough, painful
• Weight Gain
• puffy all over - gain for no reason
• Pelvic/Female Reproductive System
• no periods - skipped periods Dysmenorrhea - difficult and painful menstruation - cramps
• Dyspareunia - painful sexual intercourse Dysuria - painful urination 
• Bladder Infection
• Endometriosis - tissue resembling uterine mucous membrane occurs in pelvic cavity
• Vulvadynia - unprovoked burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia
• Infertility
• Hysterectomy
• Libido (physical passion) - can be low or non-existent
• Vaginal lubrication - can be inadequate or non-existent
• Manifestation of Symptoms severity, presentation and location lead to separate diagnosis, although believed to be related to FMS:
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) very painful spots (trigger points) form in taut bands in muscles or other connective tissues
• Sleep Apnea
• Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)  one of the valves of the heart bulges during a heartbeat - causes click or murmur
• Raynaud's phenomenon  intermittent bilateral attacks of ischaemia (low oxygen state) of fingers, toes, ears or nose, marked by severe pallor, paraesthesia and pain. Cold or emotional stimuli triggers it / heat relieves. A circulatory problem affecting the small blood vessels of skin.
• Sicca
• dry mucous membranes, as of the eyes and mouth
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndromes
• Ulcerative Gastritis
• Ulcerated Esophagus

May be related or subset of symptoms:

• Sjogrens
• Polymalgia rheumatica
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
• Gulf War Syndrome / some cases
• Meniere's
• Peripheral Neuropathy / some cases - cannot feel heat, cold, etc, correctly in extremities
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - recent research shows deficiencies of Hyaluronan in joints
• OsteoArthritis

Often Mistaken With

• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid production)
• Systemic lupus
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Lyme disease
• Post Polio Syndrome
• Adult ADD
• Hypochondriasis - preoccupation with bodily functions / thinking something is wrong

FMS Facts

• Misnomer: "fibro" = fibrous tissues (tendons and ligaments) / "my" = muscles / "algia" = pain.
• 80% of FM's are women of working age - can affect all age groups / men / all races / worldwide.
• 33% of FM's have (TMJ) dysfunction, affecting jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
• FM has existed throughout history and the world.
• May require a predisposing factor, possibly inherited, as well as a precipitating factor: trauma, viral infection, stress, history of abuse or neglect, rear-end car accident. Having a baby, difficult surgery, etc.
• Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression. Depression can be a component of FMS.
• Not infectious, or many patient's spouses would have it, but don't.
• FM's are overly sensitive to stimuli (painful) throughout the body.
• A spouse's snoring will disturb sleep and worsen symptoms .
• A regular sleep schedule helps.

I recently found myself on a camping trip hundreds of miles away from home with a minor eye infection brewing.  Sadly, I knew with a compromised immune system, this could turn into something major overnight.

i would not try this with an inner eye infection, but this unsightly red ball was beginning to gain momentum each passing hour. What had begun the night before as an uncomfortable itch, now had a bit more steam in the morning by adding a bit of soreness every time I rubbed it.

I had some Dollar Tree anti bacterial ointment in my medicine bag and decided to apply a thin layer every two hours on the lid of my right eye.  We had to put in 400 miles of driving that day, and the last place I wanted to stop was a walk in clinic. I had scanned the internet, last night, looking for home remedies, but I found nothing that seemed to be working in the last 24 hours.

That is until the fourth hour of driving when i began to feel relief.  After only two applications, there was a bit of reprieve going on. There was still a bit of itch but the soreness that accompanied it was pleasantly gone. By the time we reached the hotel another two hours later, I found no residue of the infection.

An eye infection is a general term applied to many different conditions. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other microbiological means. Some common types of eye infections are pink eye, or conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and trachoma. These varieties of infections can spread easily and lead to larger problems including blurred vision, damage to the retina, cornea, or optic nerve, or even blindness.

Individuals who wear contact lenses are likely to contract an eye infection due to the buildup of bacteria. If the lenses are not properly cleaned and disinfected, bacteria are able to build up quickly. Other causes for mild eye infections include viruses, bacteria, fungus, allergies, and other irritants. Common causes of more serious infections include ocular histoplasmosis, sexually transmitted infections, shingles, and inflammation of the cornea.

Unfortunately, there is no specific list of symptoms for eye infections. The symptoms vary based on the cause of the infection, which part of the eye is infected, the severity, and the reaction in the individual. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, are redness, crusting of the eyelid, itching, and discharge. For viral cases of conjunctivitis, the discharge is watery or mucous-like and with bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is thicker and can be green, yellow, or white in color.

General symptoms of eye infections may include excessive tearing, redness, swelling, pain, itching, a feeling of sand in the eye, a discharge, or crusting around the eye.

Often, one can have a mild eye infection that may cause no pain or redness. These are difficult to diagnose and can damage the retina, blood vessels, or optic nerve within the eye if gone untreated.

The most important step you can take in preventing eye infections is to always wash your hands. This will kill any harmful bacteria or viruses you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you know someone has an eye infection, do not share bedding, towels, or pillows as these items may have become contaminated with the infection.

It is best to never share cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadows as they can be exposed to infectious materials easily. Once the eye infection is diagnosed, dispose of any contacts that may have been exposed to the infection in addition to any eye makeup. Do not wear contacts or eye makeup until the infection has cleared from the eye completely. Additionally, avoid swimming in chlorine when you have an eye infection. The chlorine can further irritate the eye and render medications ineffective.

An eye infection is a general term applied to many different conditions. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or other microbiological means. Some common types of eye infections are pink eye, or conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and trachoma. These varieties of infections can spread easily and lead to larger problems including blurred vision, damage to the retina, cornea, or optic nerve, or even blindness.

Individuals who wear contact lenses are likely to contract an eye infection due to the buildup of bacteria. If the lenses are not properly cleaned and disinfected, bacteria are able to build up quickly. Other causes for mild eye infections include viruses, bacteria, fungus, allergies, and other irritants. Common causes of more serious infections include ocular histoplasmosis, sexually transmitted infections, shingles, and inflammation of the cornea.

Treatment for eye infections vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Typically, eye doctors will not prescribe medications for viral eye infections unless it has progressed into a worrisome state. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for eye infections. For bacterial infections and some fungal infections of the eye, a physician may prescribe antibiotic eye ointments or drops.

Bacterial infections such as blepharitis, an inflammation surrounding the eyelid, require a topical antibiotic and a low-dosage topical corticosteroid. Styes, or small, painful lumps that occur on the upper and lower eyelid may require surgical procedures. Styes are caused by blockages of one of more of the oil-producing glands in the eyelid. An eye doctor may need to make an incision and drain the stye if treatments such as antibiotics and steroid drug injections prove to be ineffective.

Over-the-counter treatments are also available and are quite effective in treating infections caused by allergies. Antihistamines and artificial tears eye drops help to reduce debris in the eye and soothe any irritation. These over-the-counter are found at most supermarkets, drug stores, and pharmacies.

Do ask your primary care physician first before using over the counter ointments.  I can only share my experiences that prevented a costly doctor visit and a ruined vacation.