The fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue resource book and life planner workbook
Dawn Hughes, Author The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Resource Book
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Dedication
My father, Ben Johns and his wife Jean, for
My son, Christian Hughes and his wife Andrea.
Special Thanks To:
Dr. Thomas D. Geppert M.D. for finding “My Answer”.
To All Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Patients, Researchers
Together We Will Find A Cure Thank you to: Anne-Marie Vidal Article: Why Me, Why Anyone? Article: Life Changes Anne-Marie Vidal worked as a systems analyst for 20 years. She was Director Management Information Services for two providers of health care which prompted an interest in delivery of health care in the US. She earned a Masters in Public Administration with distinction specializing in Health Administration from Long Island University. Ms. Vidal was a community activist regarding health, municipal and other services in Brooklyn. When the combination of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia limited her ability to work full time she became an adjunct professor at several colleges in New York City. The courses she taught included: Understanding Health Insurance, Medical Office Practices, and Introduction to Microcomputers. Although Anne-Marie writes and advocates on issues related to invisible disabilities, Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, she and her wonderful, supportive husband Dennis live in Brooklyn, NY, where they provide a home for their 4 cats. She encourages you write to her at: E-mail: shadeofjoy@erols.com. Bek Oberin Article: Letters To Normals Who Don’t Have FMS/CFS Bek is a 26 year old living in Melbourne, Australia. She battles with several chronic illnesses and plans never to give up. She has written several articles for CFS and runs several mailing lists. Email: gossamer@tertius.net.au Website: http://www.tertius.net.au/foothold/ Sandra Moore Book Cover Design and Inside Illustrations Sandra teaches beginning and intermediate Paint Shop Pro classes at egroups. Her studio, PSP Home Studio, is located in Arizona. For information on internet classes contact Sandra at: E-mail: homestudio@home.com TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 - The Syndromes 1 What Is Fibromyalgia (FMS) Syndrome?
What Is Chronic Fatigue (CFS/ME) Syndrome?
What Causes Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
How Are Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Diagnosed?
Tenderpoints 4 Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms
Chapter 2 - The Resources 25 Where To Purchase Books Online
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Books
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Booklets and Packets
Professional Medical Journals and Articles
Chapter 3 - The Support 66 FMS and CFS Associations - Canada
Internet: Physician and Patient Communications
Internet: Social Security and Disability
An Important Day For Those With FMS/CFS - May 12th 109 Advocacy: How To Locate Government Officials Worldwide
Advocacy: How To Locate Government Officials U.S.A.
Advocacy: Keep Up To Date and Stay Informed
Chapter 4 - The Life Planner 114 The Diagnosis
Emotional Support Through Family and Friends
Letters To Normals Who Don’t Have FMS/CFS
Patients Responsibility To Family and Friends
Family and Friends Responsibility To Patient
Telecommuting 180 Telecommuting Job Sites
Telecommuting and Flex Friendly Companies
Chapter 1 - THE SYNDROMES
Although CFS and FMS are differently defined syndromes, it is likely that patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have the same underlying disease. What Is Fibromyalgia (FMS) Syndrome? Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Over 6 million Americans (alone), 90% of them women in the prime of their life, suffer from FMS. Symptoms usually appear between 20-55 years of age, but children and men are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome. Fibromyalgia is not deforming, degenerative, or life threatening. It is not a progressive disorder like multiple sclerosis and it is not a mental disorder. Fibromyalgia means pain in the bodies soft tissues ( bursa, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons). This soft tissue pain is often described as aching, stabbing or burning. Severity of symptoms fluctuate from person to person, but chronic pain is the main symptom. FMS patients may have up to 3 times the normal amount of substance P in their spinal fluid. Substance P tells the body how much pain it feels. Patients also have more pain receptors resulting in hypersensitivity to everything. In addition to pain, the sufferer feels fatigue and general malaise or “flu-like” symptoms on a daily basis. Fibromyalgia pain can be manageable one moment and incapacitating the next, therefore, treatment relies heavily on pain management and stress reduction therapies as well as patient and family education to support the emotional needs for living with a chronic illness. What Is Chronic Fatigue (CFS/ME) Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. The core symptoms are general pain, mental fogginess and fatigue. The degree of severity differs with each patient and will also vary from day to day. The exhaustion
experienced with chronic fatigue can be completely disabling. Another common name for chronic fatigue syndrome is ME or “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis”, meaning inflammation of the central nervous system and muscles. Many people feel ME more accurately describes the severity of this chronic and debilitating illness.
What Causes Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
While the cause remain unknown, research studies support that that FMS/CFS may be hereditary or trauma induced. FMS/CFS may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe these syndromes may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified. Medical research has produced the following list of possible causes that might play a role: Environmental Environmental factors may play a role in developing and/or prolonging the illness. Genetics Several studies support the theory that FMS/CFS is an inherited condition. Like other illnesses, it may skip generations or surface in every one. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis Multiple laboratory studies have suggested that the central nervous system may play an important role. Medical studies also show hormonal and pain mechanism abnormalities in patients. Infectious Agents Due in part to its similarity to chronic mononucleosis, FMS/CFS was initially thought to be caused by a virus infection, most probably Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is now clear that FMS/CFS is not caused by EBV. It is unlikely the cause is exclusively from any single recognized infectious disease agent including: Human retroviruses, herpesvirus6, rubella, candida, mycoplasma or other bornaviruses. However, the possibility remains that FMS/CFS may
have multiple causes which means some infectious agents might play a contributory role. Immunology It has been proposed that FMS/CFS may be caused by an immunologic dysfunction, for example inappropriate production of cytokines, such as interleukin-1, or altered capacity of certain immune functions. Neurally Mediated Hypotension Many FMS/CFS patients experience lightheadedness or worsened fatigue when they stand for prolonged periods or when in warm places, such as in a hot shower, possibly from autonomic regulation of blood pressure and pulse . Non-Restorative Sleep Lack of non-restorative deep sleep. Patients rarely reach a deep stage 4 sleep. This is the sleep stage where our bodies heal and release growth hormones which repair muscles and tissues. Trauma Statistics show many sufferers experienced a trauma (like a car accident) right before their symptoms surfaced. Whether the gene was latent and the trauma caused the syndrome to surface is unknown. How Are Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Diagnosed?
FMS and CFS are difficult to diagnose, because there are no blood test results to show the illness has taken hold. CFS is diagnosed when a patient has severe prolonged fatigue for a period of six months or longer. In fibromyalgia, pain wanders to different parts of the body which often causes people to visit many doctors for the “seemingly” different ailments that they feel. Often, with the onset of muscle and/or joint pain, a sufferer will make an appointment with a Rheumatologist (or other physician) who will make a diagnoses by process of elimination. Tenderpoints Tenderpoints are very sore and painful nodes that can be located in the muscles, soft tissues, tendons and ligaments. Tenderpoints are found in specific areas and it takes someone very knowledgeable in anatomy to be able to locate them accurately. Sometimes pressing on these tenderpoints causes pain or tingling to be felt in different areas of the body. When this occurs, these points are then called triggerpoints. The radiating symptoms seem to be coming from a different location. Tenderpoint pain may not be obvious to the patient of fibromyalgia until the syndrome reaches an advanced stage. This is another reason why this illness can go undiagnosed for so long. Location of Tenderpoints The “signature” 18 tenderpoints are located in 9 areas (both sides) of the body. They Include: 1. The back of the head where the neck muscles connect to the
2. The muscles along the neck. 3. Trapezius muscle. The broad muscle that extends from the
4. Supraspinatus muscle. The broad muscle at the top of the
5. The second rib. This area right below the collarbone. 6. Lateral epicondyle. The area frequently referred to as the
“tennis elbow” area, located in the upper forearm.
7. Gluteus maximus. The buttock muscle. 8. Greater Trochanter. The part of the thigh bone just below the
9. Medial Knee. The tender area above the inside of the knee.
Diagram of Tenderpoints Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Central Nervous System Symptoms Brainfog Inability to think clearly. FMS and CFS
Chronic Headaches Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 50% of patients. FMS and CFS Decreased Libido CFS Dizziness and Fainting FMS and CFS Muscle Twitching FMS and CFS Sensory Alterations Hyper or hypersensitivity in smell, taste and hearing. FMS and CFS Numbness and Tingling in extremities FMS and CFS Ringing in ears ( tinnitus) FMS and CFS Vision Changes Prescription changes frequently. FMS and CFS Emotional Symptoms Anxiety FMS and CFS Appetite Increase or decrease. FMS and CFS Depression Any condition which causes chronic pain usually has depression as a symptom. Depression medications are often prescribed. FMS and CFS Frequent Crying FMS and CFS Mood Swings FMS and CFS Suicidal Thoughts FMS and CFS Equilibrium Symptoms Balance Problems Staggering and clumsy walking. FMS and CFS Dropping Things FMS and CFS Perception Distance perception and not being able to clearly see what you are looking at. FMS and CFS Vertigo FMS and CFS General Symptoms Allergies FMS and CFS Canker Sores CFS Cough CFS Dry Eyes and Mouth FMS Fatigue This symptom can be mild in some patients and incapacitating in others. FMS and CFS Flu Like Symptoms FMS and CFS Frequent Urination CFS General Malaise FMS and CFS Hair Loss CFS Increased Thirst FMS and CFS Irritable Bowel Syndrome Alternating constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, bloating and abdominal gas. FMS Low Blood Pressure CFS Low Grade Fever CFS Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP). MVP is a condition where one of the heart valves bulge out during a heartbeat. This may cause an abnormal heart rhythm, but is no indication of heart trouble or disease. This valve is mostly connective tissue, which may be affected by fibromyalgia. FMS Morning Stiffness FMS and CFS Nightsweats CFS Shortness of Breath CFS Soar Throat CFS Temperature Sensitivity Feeling hot or cold no matter what the temperature is. Extreme hot or cold weather can worsen symptoms. Also sensitivity to cold, damp or humid conditions. CFS Tender Lymph Nodes In the neck or armpit. CFS Thyroid Inflammation CFS TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJD, causes tremendous face and head pain in one quarter of fibromyalgia patients. Symptoms with this condition may be related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint and not necessarily the joint itself. FMS and CFS Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome Sensitivities to bright lights, foods, noise and medications. FMS and CFS Pain Symptoms Abdominal Pain FMS and CFS Chest Pain FMS and CFS Chronic Pain FMS Feeling like arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks FMS General Body Pain FMS and CFS Joint Pain Without redness or swelling. FMS and CFS Muscle Pain and Weakness FMS and CFS Tenderpoint(and triggerpoint pain or tenderness) FMS Sleep Symptoms
Poor sleep is a hallmark for these syndromes. Most patients have an associated sleep disorder that prevents them from reaching a deep (stage 4) sleep level. Stage 4 sleep is when our body releases growth hormones that chemically replenish and repair body tissues. It should be noted that most patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome have the same alpha-EEG sleep pattern as some fibromyalgia-diagnosed patients. Sleeping aids are a normal course of action for treatment. FMS and CFS Abnormal Brain Activity In Stage 4 Sleep FMS and CFS Alternating Sleep and Waking Patterns FMS and CFS Difficulty Falling Asleep FMS and CFS Excessive Sleeping FMS and CFS Non-Restorative Sleep FMS and CFS Restless Leg Syndrome FMS and CFS Treatments
The goal in the treatment for FMS/CFS patients is to lead the most pain free lifestyle possible. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes that teach stress and pain relief are essential to minimize pain and fatigue. Many physical activities can cause flare ups and pain. In FMS, moderate activity becomes strenuous, and is likely to result in increased pain. Any body movement that causes the muscles to have a “sustained contraction” will result in pain. Everyday activities that cause sustained contraction include: Changing a light bulb, computer work, lifting, putting groceries away and virtually any stance that requires reaching up with your arms. Your doctor may recommend therapeutic exercises to improve your physical condition. Occupational Therapy Activities of daily living are more difficult. Occupational Therapy helps one become as independent as possible by teaching new ways to perform tasks that minimize pain. Research shows patients take up to 30% longer to complete a daily living task. Daily activities like house cleaning, dressing, and bathing can be performed to better suit the limitations caused by this illness. It is important to remember that changing personal habits and the way daily activities are performed requires repetition and practice. A therapist can help the individual plan goals to build strength, coordination, endurance and cognitive function through activities which are part of his or her daily routine. Physical Therapy Patient education usually includes Physical Therapy. Improper exercise will increase pain and cause unnecessary discomfort. Learning how to exercise properly is crucial to pain management. FMS patients have decreased oxygen supply to their muscles, so when muscles contract, less energy is available to sustain these contractions. The combination of decreased oxygen and energy lead to muscle pain. Therapy is designed to condition the muscles and reduce pain. Physical Therapy teaches a wide variety of appropriate exercise treatments including mobility and low impact water exercises. A physical therapist can explain other therapeutic options like massage and hot and cold therapy for patient comfort. Sleep Treatments Treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and sleeping aids are commonly prescribed. It is believed that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers never reach a deep level of sleep. Because deep level (stage 4) sleep is so crucial for many body functions, such as tissue repair and antibody production, providing the best sleep possible is a priority in the treatment of these syndromes. Warm Water Therapy FMS/CFS patients find water means “freedom”. Body weight is buoyed and this reduces stress on muscles and joints. Exercising in water improves the fitness of your heart and lungs, tones the body and reduces fat. The water must be warm, as cold water creates discomfort. You can incorporate every kind of exercise in water therapy: aerobic, flexibility, range of motion and strengthening. Alternative Therapies Alternative therapy means an approach to solving a health problem that's different from those used by conventional practitioners of western medicine. It would be more accurate to call some of these therapies complementary, since they complement - rather than replace - conventional medical practice. Following are complementary therapeutic options that promote general wellbeing, mentally, emotionally and/or physically. Many people with chronic pain seek alternative therapies to obtain relief from their pain, in their effort to lead the most comfortable life possible. Acupuncture Is a Chinese medicine. Most people picture acupuncture as a therapy that uses thin needles, but there are several different methods that can be used to stimulate the more than 300 acupuncture points that lie along the meridians. Some methods used include : Heat, herbs, magnets, pressure and laser. Acupuncture treats pain, and maintains health by stimulating points located on channels of energy running along the body (meridians).
Each channel carries Chi (life force) and is linked to a specific organ and different emotion. If these channels become blocked or stagnated then pain and disease occurs. The stimulation used, unblocks the meridians and restore the flow of Chi. Patients are treated as a whole with the understanding that all symptoms and signs within one person interrelate and influence each other. Chiropractic Care Is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including: Structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships. Chiropractic treatment is geared toward, dietary changes, nutritional enhancement, postural changes, physical therapies (heat, ice, light massage, etc.), spinal manipulation and stress management. Massage Therapy Massage relaxes muscles which improve circulation and decrease pain. Massage stretches muscle fibers and increases flexibility. It is one of the most soothing and comforting treatments for mental and physical relief. Common Medications Antidepressants
Imitrex (sumatriptan) Maxalt Midrin calcium Migranol NSAIDS Tylenol Irritable bladder Tricyclics Urised Irritable bowel syndrome Bentyl Librax Muscle Relaxants Cyclobenzaprine Cycloflex Flexeril Zanaflex Pain Relief COX-2 Inhibitors Hydrocodone Soma-carisoprodol Ultram Restless legs Klonopin Sleep Tricyclics: Elavil Flexeril Sinequan Soma Trazodone Sedative/Anxiolytic Medications: Ambien Buspar Support Of Chronic Pain Medications Pain is a personal experience which means it can not be measured. Pain can be emotionally crippling and is also the cause of many psychological problems, such as feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, hopelessness and low self-esteem. While concern for
the long term effects of daily intakes of pain medications is valid, it is also important to understand that chronic pain sufferers have to manage life in a much different way then a person without daily pain. Medications are a personal decision between the patient and doctor, for some, unrelieved pain has many other negative health consequences including, but not limited to: Blood clotting, decreased mobility, delayed healing, increased stress, hormonal imbalances, impaired immune system and gastrointestinal functioning, loss of appetite, nonrestorative sleep, water retention, and needless suffering. Chronic Pain Medication Resources ABC News Website: http://archive.abcnews.go.com/sections/newsuse/nl_stadol_narc/ Chronic Pain Relief Coalition (CPRC) Website: http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/hibiscus/152/index2.html MARRTC The only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country. Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center 130 A P Green, DC330.00 One Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65212 E-mail: marrtc@health.missouri.edu Website: http://www.muhealth.org/~arthritis/marrtc.html Mayo Clinic Reassessing the role of morphine and other narcotics. Call for the location nearest you. 4500 San Pablo Road Jacksonville, FL 32224 Phone: 904-953-2000 Website: http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9710/htm/morphine.htm The Painful Dilemma The Use of Narcotics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Website: http://mojo.calyx.net/~schaffer/asap/dilemma.html WebMD Website: http://onhealth.webmd.com/conditions/in- depth/item/item%2C46864_1_1.asp Prescription Drug Resources Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs It has been a long-standing tradition for pharmaceutical companies to provide prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines. This website provides a list of pharmaceutical companies that participate in programs. Website: http://www.phrma.org/patients Prescription Website Guide Online guide to more than 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). Website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html Prescription Drug Handbook Published by The Association of American Retired Persons. AARP has recently revised its Prescription Drug Handbook, which is a guide to medications frequently prescribed for older people. The handbook describes nearly 1,000 brand name and generic drugs, over-the-counter medications and vitamins. AARP 601 E St. NW Washington, DC 20049 Phone: 800-424-3410 Phone: 800-456-2277 E-mail: member@aarp.org Prescription Drug Programs
Free Medication Program (for low income patients).
The Medicine Program Phone: 573-996-7300 Website:http://chronicfatigue.about.com/health/chronicfatigue/gi/dy namic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themedicineprogra m.com%2F American Pharmaceutical Association - Pharmacy and You - Online Information resource on pharmacists, medication and drug interactions. American Pharmaceutical Association 2215 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037-2985 Phone: 202-628-4410 Fax: 202-783-2351 E-mail: webmaster@mail.aphanet.org Website: http://www.pharmacyandyou.org The American Pharmaceutical Association's Guide to Prescription Drugs Author: Donald Sullivan, Ph.D., RPH Are the prescription drugs you're taking safe? Written in clear, easy-to-understand language, this book provides the most up-to- date information you need to know about the most commonly prescribed drugs.
The Medical Letter The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics is an independent, peer-reviewed, non-profit publication that offers unbiased critical evaluations of drugs - with special emphasis on new drugs - to physicians and other members of the health professions. Occasionally, the Medical Letter publishes an article on an entire class of drugs, a new non-drug treatment or a new diagnostic aid. The Medical Letter 1000 Main Street New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801-7537 Phone: 800-211-2769 Phone: 914-235-0500 Fax: 914-632-1733 Website: http://www.medletter.com ME-NET: International Drug and Pharmacy Resources Dr. Marc-Alexander Fluks de Bosch Kemperpad 136 1054 PM Amsterdam The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)20-6189095 Fax: +31 (0)20-7782300 Website: http://www.dds.nl/~me-net/meweb/web3.3.html Research
Researchers have several theories about what triggers these syndromes including, central nervous system injury, changes in muscle metabolism, or an infectious virus agent. Support of fundamental research is extremely important, because it is impossible to know which area will produce the next important discovery. Discoveries can come from research funded in a variety of areas. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports pain research at different levels--from the cell, gene, molecule, and organ to the human organism itself. Since not all the outcomes can be anticipated, and it is hard to know where scientific advances will come from, NIAMS strives to support and maintain a diverse research portfolio. This is especially important in fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue, where many areas are being developed simultaneously. Contact FMS/CFS Associations to make research contributions.
Intractable Epilepsy: The Invisible Disability W. McIntyre Burnham WHAT YOU WILL LEARN The nature of intractable epilepsy The cognitive, psychiatric, behavioral and reproductive problems associated with The resources available for people with epilepsy WHAT ARE THE EPILEPSIES? Definitions The “epilepsies” are a group of neurological disorders, characteri
Sublingual therapy for cobalamindeficiency as an alternative to oraland parenteral cobalaminsupplementation Georges Delpre, Pinhas Stark, Yaron Niv Effectiveness of sublingual cobalamin-replacement therapy wasstudied in 18 people with cobalamin deficiency. Administrationwas efficacious and convenient, and compliance was high. The traditional treatment of cobalamin (vitamin B )deficiency, incl