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FMS eNews 05/12/15

I can't believe it's December already.  I have been trying to prepare my Christmas message for friends and family but I can't get into the mood!  I must try harder!!  I have had one Christmas dinner this week with my fibro friends in the Horsham FM Group.  I have another with trustees of FMSSES today.  Maybe I'll soon realise it's nearly Christmas!!!
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WORDz for the WEEK

 250.  Listen to every word everyone says, but remember the words that count.


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The Holidays: It Just Got Real

 So, once again Thanksgiving has sneaked up on us and we find ourselves thrust into the full swing of the Christmas season. Are you wondering how you're going to get through the next month? Yeah, me too.
But never fear! I have a plan. I came up with it years ago, and fortunately, I wrote it down and put it on the Internet where I can't lose it. And now I'm going to share it with you! That's below, along with a few articles I've updated recently.
I hope you're resting up from the big turkey dinner and avoiding the stores at all costs. Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert
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 2 December 2015 newsletter - Latest News

 DLA To PIP To Take A Year Longer But One Quarter Still Expected To Get No Award
The DWP is now losing battles on all fronts, as the last fortnight has proved repeatedly.
Because whilst the big benefits news has been George Osborne’s massive u-turn over tax credits, there have been a host of smaller reverses for the DWP.
The forced transfer from DLA to PIP is already running into serious delays – though there has been no change so far in the estimate that a quarter of current working age DLA claimants will get no award of PIP; Maximus is failing to carry out enough work capability assessments, because not enough health professionals want to work for them, and support group numbers are rising as a result; the courts have ruled against the benefits cap for carers and mandatory work schemes are being axed as more and more big companies and charities bow to activist pressure.
On top of all that, Ken Loach is making a film about benefits sanctions. He says that the situation is now even worse than when he made ‘Cathy come home’.
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 5 Mental Shifts that Improved My Health

 The last few years have been years of very positive changes in my life. I’ve gone from so fatigued and in pain that I could barely do anything but lay on the couch and watch TV to going back to school full-time, while establishing a new career in freelance writing. But, all these positive changes weren’t just physical, in fact they didn’t even start with physical changes (like the diet changes and exercise) they started with mental changes. They started with changing my mind, with 
changing my thoughts.  These five thought shifts have made a huge difference in my life.
Find out what they were. . .
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What to Eat When You’re Broke

 The lower your income is, the more difficult it is to be particular about what you feed your family.
This probably isn't an earth-shattering revelation to anyone, but if you feel like experimenting, try to buy a week’s worth of healthy food for a family on a budget of, say, $50-75.  Food manufacturers that target lower income shoppers with more affordable products tend to include more GMOs and toxic ingredients in their offerings.
It just isn’t possible to stick to my usual food restrictions.  Generally speaking I avoid:

  • Non-organic dairy because of the hormones and antibiotics as well as the GMO feed given to the animals
  • Non-organic meat because of the hormones and antibiotics as well as the GMO feed given to the animals
  • Anything containing corn, soy, or canola in any form because it is almost certain to be GMO
  • Anything with chemical additives like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Anything that is likely to have been doused in pesticides
  • Anything containing neurotoxins like MSG, fluoride, or aspartame (along with other artificial sweeteners)

It is a matter, then, of weighing the pros and cons, and figuring out what things, for you, are the most important, while also deciding which standards can be sacrificed.  These decisions will be different for everyone, based on their personal health concerns, their genetic propensity for certain diseases, and the members of the family for whom they are buying the food.
Read on . . .
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Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS news (week of Nov. 30, 2015)

 Hi everyone! Here’s this week’s fibromyalgia and ME/CFS news roundup. Some highlights:

  •     How to save money on Cymbalta
  •     Swedish psychiatrist uses vaccine to treat ME/CFS
  •     Company pays $1 million fine after ripping off fibromyalgia sufferers
  •     More evidence that medical marijuana relieves fibro pain
  •     A new facebook group dedicated to sharing best practices for relieving fibro symptoms
  •     Applying for handicap parking if you have FM/ME/CFS
  •     How visual stress could be used to help diagnose ME/CFS
  •     Plus research news, personal stories, the Ultimate Spoonie Giveaway and more!


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We are proud to announce a joint venture has been agreed between personal trainer Adam Foster of First Call Fitness, and FMAUK to produce a fitness DVD that will be aimed at people with fibromyalgia.  This fitness DVD is near the end its production but we will let you know when it becomes available with preorders available from here: http://www.thefibroguy.com/shop/pre-order-the-invisible-monster/. It will feature people with fibromyalgia and positive techniques that have been used by members of a support group. There will also be a documentary DVD focusing on fibromyalgia.

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 Fibroduck's Christmas Update

 Duck the Halls!
A very flappy Christmas season to all our supporters. 
We'd like to thank you all for continuing to support our fund raising for a UK-based biomedical study into finding a cause, test and effective treatments for Fibromyalgia. The first half of our year was very productive, with a number of groups and individuals fund raising on our behalf (see the end of update for our thank you list)
The big news is we now need just £5k to begin the research we have planned !
So lets make 2016 the year this research finally gets underway, we’re so close now and it’s all thanks to you guys out there doing your brilliant fundraising!
Read more . . .
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 FIBRO FLARE MAGAZINE - ISSUE 20, DECEMBER 2015
Select it on the Bookcase. 
1st December - Oh yes, advent calendars, thoughts of Christmas and best of all ..... our December issue of the magazine, but we are giving you even more .... Our New Year's Honours supplement.
Take a look at the amazing people who have been nominated for our prestigious awards this year and please make your votes count.
We hope you have found the past 12 month's issues informative, inspiring and helpful and had some fun along the way. X Beth
PDF Version 
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  FFM Supplement - New Years Honours 2016

 Select it on the Bookcase.
Today is the last day for voting, but you can only vote if you are a member of the Fibro Flare Magazine Facebook Group
Some candidates may be familiar to you!  
Please vote on Facebook if you are a member..
PDF Version
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Is Perfectionism Behind Fibromyalgia?

 We all know that everyone’s personalities are extremely different. Some people are lazy, some like to go for long walks, and some enjoy reading a good book. But did you ever think that your general disposition and personality might be a causing factor for fibromyalgia?
One study looked into the ties between the personality trait of perfectionism and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia. The results were illuminating.

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Beat the Winter Blues
Slipping into a seasonal funk? The weather may not be the only reason. Here are 20 common winter habits that could be sabotaging your mood.
Let's face it: Unless you're a ski bum, winter's frigid temps and shorter days can really bring on the blues. "The cold and gray present significant challenges to all of us," says Carol Ewing Garber, PhD, an exercise physiologist and professor of movement sciences at Columbia University in New York City. But the weather outside isn't the only reason you may feel down in the dumps.
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 The Surge Protectors: the Next Big Thing in Pain Drugs?
Everyone knows that a) better pain relievers are desperately needed and b) the era of the opiates is ending. The question is what will replace them?
Perhaps the hottest entree in the pain drug stakes attempts to turn off the pain at its source. It won't be easy but if it can be done the world of pain treatment will change forever.
Check out a status report on possibly the next big thing in pain relief 
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 The Fatigue in MS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia - Is it the Same?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be REALLY fatiguing. in fact some studies suggest fatigue is the most bothersome symptom for many.
That could be good news for people with ME/CFS/FM. Since MS gets a lot more funding it conceivably could help explain the fatigue in ME/CFS/FM or even point the way to MS treatments. That's if the same kind of fatigue is found in all three diseases.
Is it? That's what I asked when a review of MS fatigue showed up. 
Check out what I found out 
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WARNING: Aspartame Has Been Renamed And Is Now Being Marketed As A “Natural” Sweetener: Amino Sweet

 The highly controversial Aspartame has been regarded by some as one of the most dangerous ingredients used in our food supply – while “official” sources continue to maintain its safety and continue not to mention the “negative” studies.
Aspartame has in fact been linked to seizures and a host of other major health issues including fatal cardiovascular events in women. Recent studies (we’ve found them!) have shown that not only does artificial sweetener intake have an association with diabetes, it also increases the risk for heart, kidney, and brain damage. . . .
It’s important to know what you are eating – and important to understand the way marketing works: In a move to cover up it’s bad reputation, aspartame may be disguised as a new name in your favorite foods – aminosweet.
Read all of this article - it's vital.
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 Still Consume White Flour? After Reading This, You Won’t
Cakes, soups, pastries and chicken nuggets – what do all of these have in common? These foods all have white flour as one of the main ingredients. Because flour is such a common ingredient, most people don’t think twice when purchasing it or purchasing food containing it.
However, regular processed white flour is one of the unhealthiest “foods” you can introduce to your body. Its nutritional content – or lack thereof – leaves so much to be desired, even with all the “fortifications” the manufacturers have added to it. The next time you add white flour to your shopping list, remember these five facts:
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 Newsletter Issue 3, December 2015

  •  Perspective: From LDNscience® Founder Moshe Rogosnitzky
  •  Interview With The Experts: Dr. Leonard Weinstock Discusses LDN for GI Disorders, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Sarcoidosis
  •  An LDN User Story: Wendy Lowe Shares Her Experience Using LDN for Multiple Sclerosis

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 Headaches: Reduce stress to prevent the pain

 Stress can make your head hurt — and a headache can really stress you out. Either way, to reduce the pain, rein in the stress. . . .
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 Recent Posts
  •  5 Benefits of green tea supplements
  •  What are the symptoms of an iodine deficiency?
  •  Why do people take Biotin for hair?
  •  5 Benefits of zinc supplements for your skin, hair and nails
  •  What are the symptoms of a calcium deficiency?
  •  5 Benefits of Aloe Vera juice for your diet

Read more about each, and more besides . . .
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The Guaifenesin Protocol for Fibromyalgia - By Karen Lee Richards
Guaifenesin, derived from the guaiac tree, has been used as medicine for centuries, although it didn't receive FDA approval until 1952. An expectorant, guaifenesin is most commonly used to treat coughs. It works by loosening the mucus in your lungs when you have chest congestion due to colds, flu or allergies.
Now you may be wondering what in the world guaifenesin could possibly have to do with the treatment of fibromyalgia. Excellent question!
The guaifenesin protocol for treating fibromyalgia was developed by Dr. R. Paul St. Amand in the early 1990s. The protocol was based on his belief that phosphate deposits throughout the body were the cause of fibromyalgia and that FM symptoms could be reversed by removing excess phosphates from the body, which he said guaifenesin would do.
Read more. . .
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 How to Improve Memory by Suzy Cohen 
You don’t get alarmed when you you lose your keys, but what if you constantly forget what you were trying to say a few seconds ago. Full blown dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is disabling and difficult on family members. Today I am offering suggestions from my Functional Medicine standpoint which should protect your brain and help you regain memory molecules. 

  •  Eliminate harmful foods. 
  •  Eliminate drugs that mess with your mind.
  •  Exercise. 

And more . . .
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 Could a sea sponge hold the key to cancer prevention?
  •     Cutting edge breakthroughs for cancer and joint pain… from the bottom of the ocean
  •     The future of nutrition – bacon flavoured seaweed!
  •     Plus a seafood that eases joint pain…

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Don't Let Fatigue & Illness Ruin Your Christmas - Boost Your Energy Levels & Combat Nutrition Deficiencies

 This is the part of the year that many people turn their attention to their health. Most of us are tired of all the year’s hard work, and some of us plan to adopt New Year's resolutions to be healthier and lose weight during the upcoming year. 21st-century living poses so many significant challenges to our ability to obtain enough nutrients to stay healthy and energetic that most people can benefit from taking a good multivitamin and multimineral supplement. 
See more . . .
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This is the view from our bedroom window on 2nd Dec 2010. Glad it wasn't like that this year!
Keep warm, in case it happens again.
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 PURPLE 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 judgements, 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.
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.


Posted by No comments:

FMS eNews 28/11/15

There is a lot (maybe more than usual) of info this week.  I hope you manage to get your head around it.  Some is quite significant.
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WORDz for the WEEK

248. It's not getting what you want; it's wanting what you've got.

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Improving Your Life, Step by Step

 Sometimes we can improve our lives by taking certain steps. Other times, it's all about how to limit our steps -- literally. This week, we start off with a look at why you should consider disabled parking, even if you feel like it's not meant for you.
After that, we'll look at good and bad habits plus some other things that can help you with day-to-day life.
Take care of yourself!
Adrienne Dellwo - Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Expert
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 Hypnosis for Back Pain

 If you have back pain, hypnosis might help. Sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy, this mind-body technique involves reaching a trance-like state of mind marked by deep relaxation and openness to suggestion. It's thought that hypnosis might help back pain sufferers to gain greater control over their condition.
Also used to help people quit smoking, ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support weight loss, hypnosis is typically induced by a practitioner.
However, many people also use self-hypnosis techniques to treat back pain and other conditions.
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Finding a Chronic Pain Specialist

 About a year ago I was referred to pain management for the second time, and for the second time I was less than impressed with this particular service. 
This office (like many from what I understand) is run almost like a factory. You are just a number, one of thousands that they see each day. They don’t know your name, they barely listen to you when they ask how you are. They hand you a prescription to tide you over until you can get in for your injection appointment months down the road.  At least that was my experience.  The injection did me no good and that was the only time I ever actually saw the doctor. He didn’t even ask me where the pain was before the injection. Then it was back to his NPs. After a years worth of these types of visits I’ve cancelled the remaining appointments in hopes of finding someone better. But, how do I do that?  I’ve done a little research into the other options in my area, and a lot of research into finding a chronic pain specialist and I want to share what I’ve learned with you. . . .
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 A Relaxing Recipe with Village Naturals
Perhaps the worst thing about traveling is that I don't get my nightly bath. Ever since the day (shortly after my Fibro diagnosis) that a therapist at my chiropractor told me about taking a bath in epson salts it has been part of my daily (or rather nightly) routine. The magnesium in epson salts is great for helping your muscles.
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THIS WEEK’S FIBROMYALGIA AND ME/CFS NEWS (WEEK OF NOV. 16) [Sorry this is late! S]

 I’ve been on my new fibromyalgia doctor’s anti-inflammatory diet for about six weeks now, and I’m learning quite a bit about how diet affects my fibro symptoms. I now know that my digestive system doesn’t respond well to gluten, and I suspect that eating nuts and tomatoes may be increasing my pain levels. If I eat a meal “off plan,” I feel it in my body the next day. I’m more tired, more achy. I ate fairly clean before this diet, but I’ve been amazed by just how much food can affect how I feel. It  definitely gives credence to the saying, “Food is medicine.”
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 THIS WEEK’S FIBROMYALGIA AND ME/CFS NEWS (WEEK OF NOV. 23, 2015)

 I’m going to keep this week’s news post short due to the holiday, but I’ve picked out the best for you, so you’re not missing out on anything that’s timely. Here goes 
Top stories …

  • Pharmaceutical company recalls duloxetine (generic Cymbalta) after the wrong medication is found in one bottle.
  • Bad news for Pfizer: Clinical trial finds Lyrica doesn’t relieve chronic nerve pain caused by traumatic accidents or surgery. (If you’ve ever been curious about how well Lyrica works for fibro, then you’ll want to check out my post, “Why Your Fibro Meds Aren’t Working.”)
  • But things are looking up: Drugmakers Pfizer and Allergan are merging to save on corporate taxes. Interesting tidbit from this story: Lyrica earned $5.17 billion in revenue last year, making it Pfizer’s top-selling drug. The company evidently wants to keep its cash cow because it’s fighting hard to prevent a generic form of Lyrica.
  • Norway clinic is successfully treating ME/CFS patients with cancer drug rituximab.
  • If the Solve ME/CFS Initiative receives 250 financial gifts of any size by Dec. 1, it will receive a generous $50,000 donation. Help them reach their goal. 
  • European study shows capsaicin pain patch works better than Lyrica.
  • Eli Lilly & Co. attorney named a 2015 Product Liability MVP by Law360.com for her three legal victories against plaintiffs who claimed they experienced withdrawal symptoms after stopping Cymbalta.
  • Yep, they went there: Take Health Rising’s sex poll. 

And more!  Links to each subject are included on Donna's website.
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 As promised, here's the latest installment in my ongoing series on the Cymbalta withdrawal lawsuits. Hope you find it informative. 

 A timeline of the Cymbalta Lawsuits

 Thousands of Cymbalta users are suing Eli Lilly & Company, claiming the company didn't fully disclose the severity of the drug's withdrawal symptoms. The plaintiffs in the cases say they experienced headaches, dizziness, nausea, nightmares, anxiety, mania, suicidal ideation, brain zaps and other symptoms after they stopped taking Cymbalta. Here's a timeline of the lawsuits.
Thousands of former Cymbalta users are suing Eli Lilly & Company, claiming the drugmaker didn’t fully disclose the severity of the drug's withdrawal symptoms. Part 3 of this ongoing series on the Cymbalta lawsuits includes a timeline of the cases that have been heard so far and their outcomes. I've included links to news stories on the cases wherever possible.
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You may also be interested in ...

 ...my new page dedicated to the Cymbalta lawsuits. You'll find all of FedUpwithFatigue.com's Cymbalta-related posts, media links, attorney information, support groups and more. 
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 ENTER THE ULTIMATE SPOONIE GIVEAWAY!

 I have a fun surprise as the holiday season officially kicks off in the U.S. today! I’m excited to join several of my fellow chronic pain bloggers – Counting My Spoons, February Stars, LiveKen, Living Incurably and The Invisible F – to host the Ultimate Spoonie Giveaway!
[If you have problems signing in try using a different browser]
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 The Project, Summarized

 The Fibromyalgia Flotation Project (FFP) has been created to document the efficacy of flotation REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) as a treatment for people suffering from fibromyalgia. The International Flotation Research Group, an informal group of scientists and entrepreneurs interested in Flotation REST, organized this research endeavor. FFP is a voluntary, international effort. No remuneration or profit is received by any of the organizers.
Find out more about it.
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 Fibromyalgia Pain And Vitamin D Supplements
Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (or FMS) typically suffer from chronic widespread pain and fatigue. In addition to the pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia patients may also suffer from sleep disorders, morning stiffness, confusion, and bouts of depression and anxiety.
There are several medications that help sufferers deal with the pain on a daily basis. Luckily, for those with low vitamin-D levels, there are ways to help alleviate constant aches and pains without taking medications. This is great because often times patients suffer from loss of employment or a withdrawal of social lives.
Although there is no one cure for fibromyalgia and most medications only treat a few symptoms at a time, there is hope for patients.
A study published in PAIN Magazine hypothesized that vitamin D supplementation might reduce the degree of chronic pain experienced by fibromyalgia suffers who already have low levels of calcifediol.
Read more . . .
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 Is There A Blood Test To Diagnose Fibromyalgia?
New research from the United Kingdom has some interesting results. The findings? There might actually be a blood test that could diagnose the common pain syndrome fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a pain condition that causes widespread muscle pain, aches, chronic fatigue, and disturbed sleep. Because fibromyalgia has no obvious cause and is not well understood, it’s very hard for doctors to diagnose and treat the condition. For years doctors weren’t even sure if fibromyalgia even existed, which was so frustrating for sufferers. Although fibromyalgia has a lot of mystery surrounding it to this day, there are luckily researchers out there who are looking for answers.
Read more . . .
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 FMS eNews added as a link on FMA UK's website

 FMA UK have added a link to this site on their website in the Links section 
It can also be found from the homepage by clicking on the Links tab on the bottom of the page. 
It is good to be acknowledged in this way.
You may like to visit FMA UK's FB page too.
Their Twitter name is @fmauk 
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 [Articles relating to RA but just as applicable to FM]
Three Things You Probably Didn't Know About Insomnia
Over the past decade insomnia has been starting to get the attention it deserves within the medical community. Science and research have shown that insomnia is indeed a very real condition which can be brought on by life changes, stress, physical or mental issues, environmental factors, and more. See more:
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How the Community Uses Creativity to Make a Better Life: #ChronicLifeClub
In the October 2015 #ChronicLifeClub we talked about how we use creativity to create a full and meaningful life with chronic illness. We received a lot of wonderful submissions showing many different ways to be creative. Here is a selection!
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Preparing for Travel with Chronic Illness
 A word that used to incite wanderlust with dreams of chilly Chilean mountains and Italian pasta wrapped artistically around a fork.  But when you live with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis, it can incite worry and fear of the ‘what ifs.’  When it feels like you can barely manage your health at home, how are you supposed to do it on the road, and potentially in front of people who don’t ‘get it’?
See more: 
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 Fibromyalgia: A Year of Treatment Trials
A recent analysis of the chronic fatigue syndrome treatment citations produced over the past three years indicated that behavioral studies, in particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) studies, dominated the ME/CFS treatment field.  Behavioral studies tended to be large, well-replicated and most emanated from two countries – the UK and the Netherlands.  Non-behavioral ME/CFS studies, on the hand, tended to be smaller, were rarely replicated, and many emanated from countries with smaller research establishments.
Fibromyalgia is similar to ME/CFS in that it receives poor funding, is controversial in some circles and often overlaps with ME/CFS. Fibromyalgia is different in that it has a home in specialty (rheumatology); its main symptom – pain – is a hot item right now, the FDA has approved three drugs for it and drug companies are interested.
Read on . . .
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Sex, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: the Sex Poll
Sex is important. When it's missing from a relationship bad things can happen but sex often doesn't have the same appeal it did when you're pain or fatigued. Pain, morning stiffness, joint problems, sensitivity to touch and fatigue can all potentially interfere with sex in ME/CFS and FM.
Reduced fitness, drug side effects, self-esteem can play a role as well. Antidepressants, in particular, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin uptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can negatively affect sexual functioning.
Shocked-Woman.jpg Increased rates of pelvic pain in FM and gynecological disorders in ME/CFS and FM add another layer to the discussion.
A study examining sexual functioning in rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); rheumatoid arthritis (RA); systemic sclerosis (SSc); antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS); and fibromyalgia (FM)) found the highest rate of sexual dysfunction in FM.
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 Weekly Top Picks
Welcome to Living With Fibromyalgia

 Is Fibromyalgia Linked to PTSD?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia and post-traumatic stress disorder are so similar that many people have wondered if one may be mistaken for the others. Studies have shown that this is rarely the case. 
Continue reading
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 Are Vulvodynia and Fibromyalgia Linked?

 So, if you’re a woman that suffers from fibromyalgia, you likely know about the vaginal pain that you feel from time to time. But in some cases, there’s an issue that is called vulvodynia, which is chronic pain that only affects the vulva, which is at the front of your vaginal region. 
Continue reading
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 Overlaps Between Hypothyroidism and Fibromyalgia

 One of the most frustrating things about having fibromyalgia is that the symptoms of the disease end up causing other problems in your body as well. On top of that, you have symptoms of both disorders that end up overlapping, sometimes making it difficult for you
Continue reading
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 How Are Weight Gain and Insulin Related to Fibromyalgia?

 Weight gain and fibromyalgia are incredibly related and intertwined. It’s pretty fair to say that they are so linked that most cases of weight gain are, in some way, related to an issue with the insulin 
Continue reading
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 Fibromyalgia Memory Loss
Training Your Brain Can Relieve Mental and Physical Symptoms
Memory loss can be annoying, frightening, or downright dangerous. In fibromyalgia sufferers, continuous memory impairment – or “fibro fog”, as it’s sometimes called – is a part of life, and can wreak havoc on daily obligations. From difficulty finding words and staying focused to long-term memory lapses, the mind tends to slow down in various ways, and that can make other symptoms of the disease more difficult to handle.
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 How Fibromyalgia Symptoms can Weaken Memory

 Three of the most common and most powerful fibromyalgia symptoms can negatively impact memory:
Find out what they are:
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 Other articles

 Using Herbs for Fibromyalgia Treatment

 Fibromyalgia and Alcohol: Is It Safe?

 9 Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

 How to Treat Tenderness and Fibromyalgia Trigger Points
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 Foods to help your digestion
Do you know which foods help feed the friendly bacteria which reside in our gut? And are you aware that fibre rich foods such as avocados may help relieve digestive discomfort and enhance overall digestive health.
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled vegetables in brine, yoghurt, buttermilk and kefir would be a great start as they help feed the friendly bacteria which reside in our gut helping them to multiply in a healthy environment.
Also

  •  Fibre rich foods
  •  Bone broth
  •  Cinnamon
  •  Mint
  •  Fennel
  •  Turmeric
  •  Healthy fats 

Read the reasons why
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 Evidence Base Lacking for Some Complementary, Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia

 A new paper tidily summarizes the systematic reviews published between 2003 and 2013 on complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies for fibromyalgia (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print]).
The analysis includes the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews rating of the quality of each of the included 25 systematic reviews. Most of the reviews were of low quality, with 17 garnering scores below 9 on the 11-point scoring system.
See more: 
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Newsletter! Nov.26th, 2015


Newsletter! Nov.28th, 2015
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Yesterday was Black Friday!  I don't know about you but I took the opportunity to buy in some of my supplements at a reduced rate.  It's good to make the money stretch a bit further.
This week I'll be having my first two Christmas dinners.  Can't believe it's almost December.
Best regards to you all
Stella
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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 PURPLE 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 judgements, 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.
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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