Thursday, May 17, 2012

Is FM and ME/CFS barking up the same tree?

There are many overlapping symptoms between fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), but that is where the similarities end. The diagnostic criteria between the two are very different, as discussed in our book, Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain.




There is no cookie cutter answer. For instance there is thought to be a disruption in the HPA axis in both disorders, however, how the HPA axis behaves is different between FM and CFS/ME. Some of the earlier research was tainted in my opinion because of the word "fatigue,” which seriously skews the study results and leads everyone on a goose chase.   Read on at


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Is the Only CAM in Your Car? Exploring the Compliments

There are preconceived notions regarding chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) being a fatigue only condition and fibromyalgia (FM) being a muscle pain only condition, but we know there is more far reaching implications and complications. As research evolves, we are learning more about CFS/ME and FM. We understand that CFS/ME is a biological disease that also includes immune deregulation, hemodynamic instability, and HPA axis deregulation; CFS/ME is exacerbated, maintained, and possibly caused by a viral or immune event.



We know that FM is most likely due to the pain impulse bombardment from myofascial periphery, which hyper-sensitizes an already fragile central nervous system. This interferes with the brain’s ability to orchestrate responses of the autonomic, immune, and endocrine systems, and disrupts normal function of pain pathways and nociception.


Because we don’t have all the answers and traditional medicine isn’t able to give us what we need, many of us flock to alternative therapies in hopes we will find some relief. And some do help.

Read on at my Sharecare Blog.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Seeing Opportunity in Adversity: Who is WHO and why does it matter to you?

Marly Silverman, founder of PANDORA and Celeste Cooper, RN, author & FM Expert at Sharecare, teamed up for the article for May’s FM, CFS/ME and other NEI awareness, which gets to the grass roots of our future. You won’t want to miss and share this one. Use your voice by giving support of our concerns regarding changes that are to occur in the International Classifications of Diseases (ICD) and our grave concerns regarding the implementation of ICD-10CM, which is the United States revision of ICD-10.

Seeing Opportunity in Adversity: Who is WHO and why does it matter to you? http://thesethree.com/May_Awareness_Feature.html

The article answers questions and raises concerns, such as:

* Why is understanding classification of disease important to us, the patient?
* Could our diagnosis and treatment be affected?
* What are ICD codes?
* What is the DMS-5 and why does it matter to us?
* What is the CSSD (Complex Somatic Symptom Disorder Criteria)?
* Update on CSSD to SSD (Simple Somatic Symptom Disorder) is there really much of a difference?
* Wrapping it up: Why should we be concerned?
* Can we take three steps forward and ten steps back?
 * What can we do?
* Who are the advocates who have been vocal on the issue?

Please follow this link, http://thesethree.com/May_Awareness_Feature.htmlto learn more about supporting those that support us is important. It’s just a click away.

In healing, harmony and hope, Celeste All blogs, posts and answers are based on the work in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN, and Jeff Miller, PhD. 2010, Vermont: Healing Arts press and are not meant to replace medical advice. http://www.thesethree.com/

Author of Chapter Five, Living with and Coping Effectively Through Fibromyalgia: Detecting Barriers, Understanding the Clues, in Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts, 2nd Ed. Ebook complied by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD

Fibromyalgia Expert at Sharecare.

Celeste's Website

Celeste's Website
Click on the picture