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FMS eNews 30/01/2016

This week we look at technology developments useful to us, more about treatments and  pain relief, dangers of drugs addiction and side effects. Your help is needed in assessing the accessibility of assessment centres and your views on post operative pain relief.  And of course there's loads more for your edification!

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WORDz for the WEEK

257.  The measure of man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Opiates; Magnesium; Muscle Spasms

Many of us take opiate pain relievers like Vicodin, even though the medical community is largely against that. See what evidence makes doctors doubt their effectiveness as well as why some of us do get relief from them, below.
Also this week, a look at an important supplement for us, why our muscles spasm and what to do about it, and some other articles that have been updated with new information.
Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert

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Inflammation in Fibromyalgia - What is Its Role?

The role of inflammation in fibromyalgia has been the topic of research and debate for decades. In fact, the condition used to be called "fibrositis," which means "fibrous-tissue inflammation." The medical community came to use fibromyalgia ("fibrous-tissue and muscle pain") instead, believing it was more accurate due to an apparent lack of inflammation.
However, we now have a growing body of work suggesting inflammation may play a role, after all.
This line of inquiry could lead to a better understanding of the illness as well as expanded treatment options.
Why the Confusion?
Find out . . .

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27 January 2016 newsletter

In this edition we have the first results of our request for information about Atos personal independence payment (PIP) face-to-face assessment centres.
So, if you’re assuming that you’ll be able to get into the building without difficulty when you attend for your medical.
Or that the examination room will be on the ground floor, rather than the sixth floor.
Or that there will be accessible toilets you can use after a very long journey and possibly a further wait to be seen.
Then you may want to read what members have told us so far.
But there’s still over a hundred centres that we don’t have any information on.
So please use the links below this article to tell us anything you can about the assessment centre you attended, if you have already had an Atos PIP medical.
Knowing what they are up against in advance could make someone else’s face-to-face a lot less distressing.
Read the rest of B&W newsletter

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The controversies surrounding Prozac for fibromyalgia pain

Prozac as a drug and the historical use thereof is a controversy all on its own. Books have been written about it. Because of what they have to endure, even on the best of days, men and women who suffer from fibromyalgia are still using the drug. 

Find out more . . .

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If Fibro is the most Googled condition (see last week's item ) "The UK's most searched illnesses", I wonder why so many medical people either don’t know about it or choose to ignore it? During the last six months I have had a stroke ( fortunately not having much in the way of long term effects ) and an operation on an eye. When going for various tests and examinations I have also mentioned that I have Fibro but on no occasion have the doctor/nurse commented upon this or suggested that it might make any difference to the treatment I received. We all know that Fibro people feel pain more than most others yet the need for extra pain relieving medication was not suggested ( not until I explained my need during the operation ) When I received an “all over” check after the stroke the doctor brushed aside my answer to one of her questions that Fibro made the problem worse.
No way I am I suggesting that I received anything other than excellent treatment but I wonder whether this resonates with other Fibro friends?
My reply was "I guess it's the patients not the medics who are doing the googling, mainly because the medics are not coming up with any answers.  Sorry you had poor responses.  They need to be made aware, - but how!!! 
With your permission I will put you message in next week's eNews.  Have just finished this week and am about to post. Glad to know you got good treatment."
Has anyone anything else they could add to this subject? Your comments are welcome.  Use the 'Post a Comment' box at the bottom or email me fmsstella@gmail.com

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Fibro Warriors Under 40 – Kristin Sciarappa

Following Bailey’s interview, I was contacted by Kristin Sciarappa, another young Fibro Warrior who wanted to share her story. She also wanted to share how she has decided to reach out to younger Fibro Warriors with her new blog, My Fibro Journey, and a Facebook Group – Fibro Warriors Under 40.  Kristin, who will be 30 in March, 2016, was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at the age of 28 and lives in Milford CT.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m 29 years old (the big 3-0 in March!) and I’ve been married for a little over a year to my other half, Jim. I don’t have any children, but I have a cat named Kit Kat who I treat as if she were my child! I work full-time as a pharmacy technician. I enjoy baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox, listening to music, watching my favorite TV shows and spending time with my husband (which doesn’t happen as often as I’d like).
Continue reading . . .

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The Ways Technology Is Aiding Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Those living with invisible illnesses can often find themselves in difficult situations. Living with an invisible illness such as Fibromyalgia can create a lot of stress and pressure. Thankfully a number of technologies have been developed that can help.

  • Magnetic Stimulation Technology
  • Cloud Healthcare Technology
  • Health Trackers
  • Mobile Applications
  • The Internet and Online Communication

Find out more about each of them . . .

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Deep Breathing for Fibromyalgia (Guest Post)

The title of this post sounds bizarre, doesn’t it? As unconscious breathers, we don’t have to think about breathing we just do it. It’s something we take for granted and we often don’t think about the impact that breathing can have on our bodies. Interestingly, when you have fibromyalgia or chronic pain, consciously thinking about how you breath might actually help you to improve your life with chronic illness.
Continue reading . . .

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7 things you need to let go of to feel better

Sometimes we hold on so tightly to things that we don’t need. I think that when we live with chronic illness we hold on even tighter. Illness strips so much away from us that we can feel it necessary to hold onto anything that’s left, even if what we are holding onto isn’t at all good for us.  Yet, there are many things we are holding onto that we need to let go of, and letting go of those things will allow us to feel better mentally, spiritually, and maybe even physically.

 1. Let go of your anger. 
 2. Let go of worrying about what others are doing.
 3. Let go of thinking that others are “better than you.”
 4. Let go of false ideas. 
 5. Let go of the need to avoid problems. 
 6. Let go of thinking that no one wants to be around you.
 7. Let go of the little things that annoy you.
Find out more about each of them . . .

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Severe Muscle Cramping and Drugs

Anyone with fibromyalgia is familiar with the muscle spasms and cramping.  It’s the most pervasive symptom of fibromyalgia and it’s one of the primary ways for doctors to determine a diagnosis.  However, not every symptom you experience is due to fibromyalgia.  It can trigger other conditions or those conditions can be exasperated or the other way around.
But sometimes the problem isn’t coming from a condition, but rather from a treatment.  Drugs in particular.  Medications often have a long list of side-effects and severe muscle cramping is one that several list.
Read more . . .

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WEEK OF JAN. 25, 2016 FIBROMYALGIA AND ME/CFS NEWS

Top stories …
Three lots of Lyrica have been recalled due to heat damage.
It’s an epidemic: Chronic fatigue syndrome affects 1 in 50 teenagers, reports Newsweek.
Another new fibromyalgia drug is in the works. Biotech research company Premier Biomedical has filed a provisional patent on a new drug to treat fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, MS symptoms and alcohol/chemical addiction. According to the company’s news release, “This new drug is in addition to Premier’s existing Feldetrex® drug, to compete in this segment of the health care market representing an opportunity of $16B annually.”
From Vice.com: “The withdrawal I experienced after quitting Cymbalta was worse than my depression.” (Want to know more about Cymbalta’s withdrawal symptoms? Visit my Cymbalta withdrawal lawsuits page.)
The National Drug Treatment Centre in Ireland says the misuse of Lyrica by drug addicts “is a serious emerging issue which should be monitored carefully.”
Fibromyalgia makes this list of the most frequently searched for conditions in the U.K.
See these stories in detail plus more information . . .

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FM Awareness N Ireland

WAYS WE ‘FAKE’ OUR CHRONIC ILLNESS SYMPTOMS

We fake our Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) symptoms all the time.
Every day.
For as long as we can remember.
It is second nature; it’s why we are so good at it.
Now I don’t mean we are faking the actual symptoms of our condition, making them up or exaggerating them. They are very real to us, and they are ever-present in our lives. Quite the opposite, in fact — because of the invisibility of Fibromyalgia, 
We have become a master at faking being “normal.” 
Here are some of the ways we have learned to conceal our illness on a daily basis and to blend with the masses — to appear to be “normal.”
Find out what they are . . .

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7 Best Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is an illness that stumps doctors while patients look for relief. The mainstream medical community has only a relatively small group of treatments for fibromyalgia, most of which provide only incomplete relief from chronic pain or have a long list of unpleasant side effects. Consider instead some of these natural alternatives that may provide some comfort without unwanted effects.

  •  Acupuncture
  •  Vitamin D
  •  S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
  •  Yoga
  •  5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
  •  Regular Exercise
  •  Adequate Sleep


Read about them all  . . .

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Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex and poorly understood disease. People with fibromyalgia experience fatigue and muscle pain. The goals of treatment for fibromyalgia are to reduce muscle pain and stiffness, improve sleep, and teach patients to recognize and reduce stress. There are alternative treatments that show promise, but the results of studies are mixed and there is still a need for high-quality research to be done.
However, many people have had success in using alternative treatments for many conditions, including fibromyalgia. Before trying any alternative treatments, you should check with your doctor to be sure that the methods are safe and right for you.

  •  Acupuncture and Acupressure
  •  Chiropractic Care
  •  Mindfulness Meditation
  •  Herbs and Supplements

Read more about each treatment . . .

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NIH Sends Top Central Nervous Infection Specialist To Speak at CDC ME/CFS Meeting

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is going to be the subject of a Grand Rounds presentations at the CDC in February. Grand Rounds presentations are talks given by experts on medical topics of interest. According to the CDC this one will be seen by thousands of providers in and outside the U.S. It's a moment of increased visibility for ME/CFS.
Except for the last (and most intriguing) one, this one, consisting of four talks over an hour, will be lead by familiar faces:
Dr. Lapp: "The Clinical Presentation of ME/CFS",
Dr. Unger: The "Public Health Approach to ME/CFS"
Dr. Komaroff: “Lessons from the Institute of Medicine and NIH Pathways to Prevention Reports”
The Central Nervous System Infection Specialist
We may have heard much of what the first three presenters will say but then comes a new face: Dr. Avindra Nath. Nath is the Chief of the section on Infections of the Nervous System at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) and the intramural clinical director of the NIH's huge Clinical Center. 

The Grand Rounds Presentation
The presentation will be webcast "to thousands of providers, researchers, and the public." Details and previous programs can be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/cdcgrandrounds/
The presentation will be archived and viewable after 48 hours. The CDC gave this link for those wanting to watch the presentation live. 

CDC’s Public Health Grand Rounds Presents:
“Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Advancing Research and Clinical Education”
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ETtre] 
Read the full story . . .

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What is The Matrix Assessment Profile, or The MAP?

Matrix Assessment Profile MAP KitThe MAP is an evaluation process — a test done right from your own home — that looks into your biochemistry revealing imbalances at the cellular level that are at the root cause of any number of chronic, unresolved symptoms.
The MAP pinpoints why you feel the way you do and answers the questions:

  • “Why can’t my doctor tell me what’s wrong?”
  • “Why do I continue to feel the way I do?”
  • “How can I get more energy and perform better?”
  • “Are there signs in my biochemistry that point to future health concerns?”

The MAP looks at factors in your biochemistry that conventional medicine doesn’t; and it does so in ways that traditional lab work done by your doctor overlooks.
Continue reading . . .

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Government told to restrict gabapentin and pregabalin availability

The prescription drugs gabapentin and pregabalin could soon be more tightly regulated in the UK, after Government advisors called for them to be classed as controlled drugs.
The plan – which would see gabapentin and pregabalin categorised as ‘Class C’ drugs and placed under schedule 3 prescribing regulations – would mean the drugs cannot be repeat dispensed and prescriptions will only be valid for one month.
The move comes after increasing concerns over recreational use of the drugs, particularly amongst the opioid abusing population, and a rise in deaths related to their misuse.
Read on . . .

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A good motto!  I hope there is something in this edition that gives YOU hope.
Stella

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or leave your comments below under 'Post a Comment'

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N.B. The links on this my FMS eNews blog are in the BROWN text, usually in the title of each article but occasionally elsewhere too. Some titles have no links in which case the title is in GREEN like the dividers.  This blog gives just a taster of each article which can be viewed in full through its link.  If you have any navigation problems, let me know. 
I would like to point out to you that the information in my FMS eNews blog is passed on to you mainly from other sources. Links are given to the original articles. I take no responsibility for their accuracy but freely give them publicity if I think they might be of interest to my readership. Sites I refer you to are for information only. They might conflict in their opinions, they might not even be medically sound, but I merely offer them for you to peruse and make your own judgments, accept or reject as you will. Only by reading widely can we get an overall picture of fibromyalgia syndrome and how we can deal with its symptoms, learn to cope with them and still have a life. Any advice or recommendation of a medical or legal nature should always be discussed with a qualified professional.
I also include various awareness items, benefits issues, as well as general health considerations. Anyone wishing to reproduce any of the included items in printed form should seek permission from the originators.
Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr. who died in May 2011.
This eNews is my personal offering to fibromyalgia sufferers and their carers and is not related to any other organisation or charity although I do work in conjunction with other bloggers and Facebook groups.
If you don’t already get reminders when each new FMS eNews is posted, please send an email to fmsstella@gmail.com and you will be added to the emailing list.

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FMS eNews 23/01/2016


  • I think that news of the week is that Tarragona, a city in Spain, is developing a specific support programme for people with CSS (Central Sensitivity Syndrome) which includes FM, and their families.  You can read about it in 'Seriously Sensitive to Pollution' below.  
  • The penny has dropped that 'approved' drugs for FM are not working.
  • FibroFlare Magazine has produced necklaces for FM Awareness.
  • FollyPogs has funded a survey produced by Sheffield Hallam University.

All the above are expanded below - and much more besides FYI.
Enjoy!


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WORDz for the WEEK

256.  May your trails be crooked, winding, risky and dangerous, leading you to the most amazing view.  May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.


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Making Healthy Changes to Your Life


This is about the time most of us start giving up on resolutions, no matter how well-intentioned we were when we made them. Whether you made some or not, it's always good to look at what healthy changes you can make.
To boost those efforts, I've included a selection of articles about healthy changes that just might help you manage life with a chronic illness a little better.
Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert


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The effect of health goals on health outcomes (study)


There are two types of people – internals and externals. Internals take the blame for everything because they feel that they are in control of the world around them, of how they react, how they behave, and even what happens to them.  Externals look to the world around them for answers, when things aren’t working they blame others. The truth isn’t really so black and white as most of us are actually somewhere in the gray area – internals in some parts of our lives and externals in others.
The question is are you an internal or an external when it comes to your health?
Do you believe you can have an effect on your health through changes you make? Or, are you simply relying on (and waiting for) doctors to have the answers?
Which category/cluster are you in?  Find out!


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2015 Juice Cleanse


Four years ago I completed my first juice fast. As I’ve thought back to that time I would have sworn that it was a seven-day juice cleanse, but reading back through my blog has shown me I was wrong. It was only a five-day juice cleanse.  This last year I’ve found my diet slipping in a lot of ways. Mainly, I’ve been eating less and less fruits and veggies as my stomach has complained more and more about them. I’ve also not been juicing regularly the last six months or so. I wanted to change that. I wanted to get my energy back up and reset my taste buds. So, I set out to do a seven-day juice cleanse to start this year off right.
Find out how it went . . .


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You are Possible Despite Chronic Illness #IAmPossible


This week a new book will be released, a book that I’m proud to be a part of. This book, The i’Mpossible Project: Reengaging With Life, Creating a New You, shares the stories of 50 individuals who have overcome adversity in some form to create a new life. There are stories (like mine) of chronic illness, stories of loss, stories of those who have overcome mental health issues, suicides averted, abuse, coming out of the closet, and so much more. This is a book about reminding us all that You are Possible, despite whatever you’ve had to deal with in life.
We all have a story to share. We have all overcome something and come out the other side.  Some of us are still fighting through, and some of us will be fighting for the rest of our lives. Each day that we choose to keep fighting we are overcoming. We are winning.
Tell the world why you are possible with the hashtag #IAMPOSSIBLE


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Canadian researchers say gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) aren’t very effective as a treatment for chronic pain and are way overprescribed.
Speaking of which … The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in the U.K. recommends pregabalin (Lyrica) and gabapentin (Neurontin) be rescheduled as Class C controlled substances amid abuse concerns.
Cort Johnson from Health Rising compiles a fantastic resource page for people with fibromyalgia and/or ME/CFS who are struggling with sleep. You’ll find links to research, treatments and other helpful resources. This one is definitely worth the click!
Looking for a change of scenery? Then you might want to consider moving to this Spanish city, which has become the first municipality to adopt a plan in support of people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and other central sensitivity syndromes.
And more besides . . .


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Awareness Ribbons Necklaces

Pre Order and pay by 20th February to guarantee delivery before May 12th. 

£5 + 63p P&P UK postage.  Overseas, extra postage as applicable.

Paypal: fibroflaremag1@outlook.com

See Feb issue of the magazine for more details (due out 1st Feb). 



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5 Supplements Every Fibromyalgia Sufferer Should Take


A wise physician and biochemist once noted, “For every drug that benefits a patient, there is a natural substance that can achieve the same effect.”  For many ailments, the key to addressing the underlying cause and restoring some level of peace can be found through natural options like vitamins, minerals or herbs. The same holds true for chronic pain.
There are natural nutrients that can help alleviate many of the symptoms of a chronic illness like fibromyalgia. Studies have shown the potential of these nutrients to help attack the root cause of chronic pain and lower the frequency and intensity of pain – as well as that of other symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. Lets take a look at five of the most effective natural substances for fighting the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
What are the five?


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When It’s Not All ME/CFS/FM: How a Sleep Study Turned One Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patient’s Life Around


Not sleeping well? Experiencing a lot of daytime sleepiness? Not thinking clearly? These symptoms are all common to chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) but they don’t always entirely derive from it… not even in people with ME/CFS/FM.
If the experience of one person with chronic fatigue syndrome is at all representative, thinking that all your symptoms come from ME/CFS or FM could be costing you dearly in energy and health.
Find out more . . .


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Are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Related to Parkinson’s Disease?


The Chronic Pain Connection
From “hand-warmers” to ion channel blockers to magnetic field generators more and more different approaches to get at the basis of chronic pain are being tried. Now comes an entirely different approach.
First, studies indicated that in rodents, chronic pain neurons thought to be associated with negative emotions showed increased activity after the onset of the pain. Those neuron’s connections to other parts of the brain associated with depression, also increased. The neuronal activity was associated with a drop in dopamine levels.
Combining a Parkinson’s drug called L-dopa with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug completely eliminated any signs that an animal model was feeling pain. A clinical trial in humans is underway.
Find out more . . .


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Fibromyalgia: A Very Different Disease


Rheumatologists, the specialists many people with fibromyalgia see, treat people with diseases of the joints and muscles and immune problems. These diseases run the gamut from many types of arthritic disorders to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Sjogren's syndrome to gout and hard to classify disorders such as fibromyalgia (FM).
A recent survey of symptom patterns in rheumatological patients seen over a year at an Israeli hospital provided an opportunity to see where FM patients fit into this mix.
The mixture included some heavy duty illnesses - some of which can kill and many of which are painful, as well as"little" fibromyalgia - a disease that still gets little respect from the NIH and many rheumatologists. Let's see how FM stacked up against some heavyweights.
Read The Study


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Next Level Living Episode 1: Why Do We Sleep?

This Is Why Sleep Is So Important
We're excited to announce our new 10-part HuffPost Originals video series called Next Level Living,  which will explore the science that underpins our lifestyle choices. It'll cover topics around issues of wellness featuring smart breakdowns from experts to make us more knowledgeable about how our own bodies function. The project explores the science behind our habits, from why we need rest to why we crave social connections. Based on current research, each video will also offer tips on how to improve well-being. Think of it as a guide to hacking your life through science.
Our first episode covers sleep -- because getting the right amount of sleep is not only crucial to our well-being, it's also paramount to our survival. 
Next Level Living Episode 1: Why Do We Sleep?  


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Folly Pogs/Sheffield Hallam University Research Survey for Fibromyalgia


Nice to have some good news. I am pleased to tell you that the delegates, the volunteer team, and the Conference raised enough money in 2015 for us to support our first Folly Pogs Fibromyalgia Research project. 
Working with Dr. Kim Lawson and Dr. Simon Ashe from Sheffield Hallam University and their research team, they have put together a survey with our funding.  
NOW WE NEED YOUR CO-OPERATION PLEASE.  Will you read the information booklet that follows, and complete the survey, clicking the right button at the end?  This must be completed by March 31st the very latest. Thank you.
We hope this will lead to a step in the fibromyalgia direction to improve lives one way or another. 
We are hoping to hear the results and prospects for this research, at the next Fibromyalgia Conference April 15/18 2016… in a few weeks time. So pat yourself on the back if you came last year. Having raised money for the survey, we hope YOU are now completing this survey to make an improvement in our lives. 
Read on . . .
Link to the actual survey 


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Top 10 NLO|Fibromyalgia Articles of 2015

10. Coping with Fibromyalgia Back Pain 
9. The Danger of Saying ‘It’s Probably My Fibro’  
8. 10 Things Not to Say to Someone with Fibromyalgia 
7. Trying Cannabis for Fibromyalgia Pain  
6. Fibro Sensitivity and Pain  
5. Managing Fibromyalgia Night Sweats and Hot Flashes 
4. Fibromyalgia and Emotional Sensitivity  
3. Fibromyalgia Numbness: Causes and Coping 
2. Fibromyalgia and Noise Sensitivity  
1. Fibromyalgia and Cognitive Problems  


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Aching for Pain Relief? 


Pain is an ever-present problem for people who suffer from a number of chronic illnesses. It is the primary symptom in diseases like fibromyalgia, lupus, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; and it may be a secondary, nonetheless significant, symptom in illnesses such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis and many others. . . . . In an effort to help provide some relief, ProHealth has developed Fibro Soothe, a specialized formulation of natural herbs and other nutrients specifically designed to support a healthy inflammation response while also addressing joint and muscle discomfort.
Read about it . . .
(Not sure whether free shipping is available outsite USA. S)


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First Municipal Government Adopts Life Saving Plan for People With MCS/ES, CFS/ME, and FM

RESCUE PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH CENTRAL SENSITIVITY SYNDROMES:
THE CITY OF TARRAGONA (CATALONIA, SPAIN) IS THE FIRST MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT THAT IMPLEMENTS IT!
The first municipal government that has stepped forward to implement this plan, is the City of Tarragona Municipal Government (Tarragona is a major city 100 kilometres south of Barcelona). In the plenary session held last November 30th, the “Institutional Declaration of support for people with Central Sensitivity Syndromes” was approved, which consists of a concrete programme of measures. This is a historical step.
In part, the agreement includes:
FIRST. Create and develop a specific support programme for people with CSS and their families in the City of Tarragona, in which the representatives of those affected have to be involved and which will include:
Find out what . . .
(Full marks and three cheers for the Tarragona Municipal Government. What a wonderful, understanding, caring, educated and sympathetic scheme. Here's hoping its ethics and administration spread throughout Spain and elsewhere. 
Read the full article. It is a non-perfect translation, but good enough to understand! I take my hat off to them! S)


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This has been a somewhat stressful week.  My husband suffered a TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack/mini stroke) on Sunday, so has to take life slowly!  No ill effects on me, so far.
Hope you are keeping positive.
Fondest wishes
Stella


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or leave your comments below under 'Post a Comment'

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N.B. The links on this my FMS eNews blog are in the BROWN text, usually in the title of each article but occasionally elsewhere too. Some titles have no links in which case the title is in GREEN like the dividers.  This blog gives just a taster of each article which can be viewed in full through its link.  If you have any navigation problems, let me know. 
I would like to point out to you that the information in my FMS eNews blog is passed on to you mainly from other sources. Links are given to the original articles. I take no responsibility for their accuracy but freely give them publicity if I think they might be of interest to my readership. Sites I refer you to are for information only. They might conflict in their opinions, they might not even be medically sound, but I merely offer them for you to peruse and make your own judgments, accept or reject as you will. Only by reading widely can we get an overall picture of fibromyalgia syndrome and how we can deal with its symptoms, learn to cope with them and still have a life. Any advice or recommendation of a medical or legal nature should always be discussed with a qualified professional.
I also include various awareness items, benefits issues, as well as general health considerations. Anyone wishing to reproduce any of the included items in printed form should seek permission from the originators.
Wordz for the Week are from ‘Wordz for the Day’ by Donnie Kuhn, Sr. who died in May 2011.
This eNews is my personal offering to fibromyalgia sufferers and their carers and is not related to any other organisation or charity although I do work in conjunction with other bloggers and Facebook groups.
If you don’t already get reminders when each new FMS eNews is posted, please send an email to fmsstella@gmail.com and you will be added to the emailing list.

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