The FM/a® Blood Test and Participation in Fibromyalgia Vaccine Study

The FM/a® Test is making a huge impact on the way fibromyalgia is diagnosed and now it is being used for very important research.

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In November of 2017, I wrote about the exciting research that focuses on finding the cause and developing a treatment for fibromyalgia. (1) February of this year, I reported that genetic studies on fibromyalgia are well underway – with the assistance of the University of California, UCLA, and University of Illinois at Chicago. (2) In April of 2017, “Breaking News" included information relative to this announcement. (3)

Under contract with researchers from both UCLA and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Campaign 250 will conduct Whole-Exome genetic testing on up to 250,000 patients who have received a positive FM/a® fibromyalgia diagnosis…

Based upon the findings of this testing and once treatment protocols have received regulatory and institutional approvals, FM/a® Test positive patients will be invited to participate in a fibromyalgia-specific vaccine clinical trial to reverse the biology of fibromyalgia…

I am excited to report that the long-term reduction in hyperglycemia in advanced type 1 diabetes using BCG vaccine found that after year 3, BCG lowered hemoglobin A1c (a blood test to monitor blood sugars over a period of time) to near normal levels for the next 5 years. That is a significant result. This same vaccine was reported in the above "Breaking News" statement. This is important because this old vaccine for tuberculosis now shows promise as treatment for numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

BCG = attenuated Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) strain.

Professor Denise Faustman, specialist in immunology who is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Massacheusetts General Hospital, was a lead researcher in the vaccine study for diabetes and she will lead the vaccine study for fibromyalgia. The only qualification to participate in this exciting research is to have tested positive with the FM/a Test.

“FM/a® is a multi-biomarker-based test which concerns immune system white blood chemokine and cytokine patterns. Patients with fibromyalgia have a significantly dysregulated pattern regarding these proteins.

Will you join me?

PLEASE VISIT

https://fmtest.com 

The blood test is now covered by most insurance, including CHAMPVA and Medicare.

Resources:

(1) The FM/a® Blood Test and Participation in Fibromyalgia Vaccine Study

(2) Update: Fibromyalgia FM/a Blood Test and EpicGenetics Landmark Clinical Research Efforts

(3) EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches

Additional Information:

·        Peer-reviewed Medical Publications

·        Researchers Seek to Find Cause of Fibromyalgia via Genetic Testing

·        Learn More, including taking the first steps, information about the FM/a® Test and Frequently Asked Questions.   

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others. 

12 Months and 14 Fibro Musings by The Pained Ink Slayer

As fibromyalgia awareness month winds down, I am reminded of all the wonderful work of advocates and fellow bloggers. However, this month is a difficult one for me personally, because I also have chronic migraine; and the unstable atmosphere of spring weather is a trigger I cannot control. Fibromyalgia and its partners can be more than a physical challenge. For instance, a special PAINS-KC meeting I looked forward to attending was side railed because of what would end up being a 14-day status migrainosus. And, I can’t remember doing an interview for May awareness that I did not have migraine. Unintentionally, this introduction is also a segue to June headache and migraine awareness month, stay tuned.

What I write is rooted in my personal quest for help. I have learned to forgive myself for the things I can’t control and to embrace adversity. I realize that good days for others are spectacular to me. I hope you find something that is helpful for you.

Note: For future reference, archived blogs are in the right column of this page, Celeste’s freelance articles are in the header tab Celeste’s Publications, and this particular blog will be linked in the header tab Fibro Musings.

  

Just published! 7 Tips for Reclaiming Control over Fibromyalgia

Ways we can manage the effects of fibromyalgia on our central, autonomic, metabolic, and immune systems…

9 Reasons Tai Chi Reduces Pain and Promotes Health

Explore the types and benefits and practices tai chi, dubbed “medication in motion” for those of us living with chronic pain…

Fibro-mates, GI Disturbance, and Hypnosis

There is a well-documented bidirectional pathway between the brain and gut. Read about fibro-mates, IBS and GERD, and evidence on supportive therapies of the mind…

​Pitfalls and Pleasures of Therapeutic Massage for Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain

Determining the most beneficial type of therapeutic massage or bodywork relies on our understanding of the differences between fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. What massage techniques can help?...

Science, Fibromyalgia, and Exercise

What type of movement is showing promise for managing our fibromyalgia? You might be surprised to see the recent evidence…

Does Rare Disease—EDS—Plague Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia and EDS (hEDS = EDS hypermobile type) share connections you might not have considered…

3 Tips for Reducing Stress in Fibromyalgia

What you may not know about your symptoms, stressors, and management tools…

Myofascial Pelvic Pain in Men and Women with Fibromyalgia

About the male and female fibromyalgia pelvis, pain and the myofascia, diagnosis to treatment…

Update: Fibromyalgia FM/a Blood Test and EpicGenetics Landmark Clinical Research

Genetic studies on fibromyalgia are underway with the assistance of the University of California, UCLA, and University of Illinois at Chicago using the FM/a blood test to identify participants.

Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid problems can co-exist with and/or sometimes mimic fibromyalgia, the science, medicine, and awareness...

Lymphatic Massage, Clogged Drains and Fibromyalgia Pain

To understand why manual lymphatic massage is beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia, we must first understand how it works.

The Lessons of Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Why does myofascial pain become chronic? What causes the chronic pain of fibromyalgia? Does myofascial pain sustain fibromyalgia pain? Difference between a trigger point and tender point, and more...

Casting Light on the Shadow of Fibromyalgia: Finding the cause

The FDA "Voice of the Patient", getting unstuck, the biology of body matter, immune cells, and noteworthy news...

It’s a Battlefield: Bruising and Fibromyalgia

Are your arms and legs like battlefield magnets? Do your extremities look like a world atlas? For those of us with fibro, there might be an explanation to why that is.

Criteria and Chaos: Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Disparity, agreements, 2016 Revisions to the 2010/2011 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria appear to address previous concerns, and now conclude...

Don’t miss:

The Pain Advocate’s Corner: How to Raise Your Voice

(also permalinked in the header tab of The Pained Ink Slayer).

“To unleash victory, I must have an open mind and willing heart,

judge not, embrace change, and be a steadfast observer of self.”

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others. 

The FM/a® Blood Test and Campaign 250: Participation in Fibromyalgia Exome and Treatment Study

The FM/a® Test, is real, and it is making a huge impact on the way fibromyalgia is diagnosed. So, what is it? And, how might it affect you?

My July 2016 blog, FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results, has been trending on social media and my fibro-friends have told me they have found it very helpful. The following is one excerpt from that blog that sums it up.

“FM/a® is a multi-biomarker-based test which concerns immune system white blood chemokine and cytokine patterns. Patients with fibromyalgia have a significantly dysregulated pattern regarding these proteins.

I am often asked why I had the blood test done. Wasn’t I afraid the results might be negative? Of course I had concerns, but for me it was worth the risk since, like all of us, I have suffered the physical and emotional agony of living with an invisible illness. If there was a blood test that would confirm my symptoms were not all in my head, I wanted it. It was worth it, because now I have affirmation that I have a biological test that confirms I have fibromyalgia, and I can participate in important research, making a difference in the lives of people worldwide.

I am happy to share other important news that might influence your decision.

“The FM/a® Test is a recognized diagnostic tool that provides an objective diagnosis of fibromyalgia for Gulf War veterans with this disorder who are seeking to qualify for disability coverage. Additionally, the FM/a® Test is now covered for veterans by CHAMPVA insurance, as well as Medicare and most PPO insurance plans.” (Business Wire, accessed November 21, 2017)

In my April 2017 blog, I shared “Breaking News" regarding sequencing of exomes (fibromyalgia disease-specific gene markers) that will improve the diagnosis of fibromyalgia through the application of the FM/a® Test. (Press release). In that blog, I also shared the announcement of “Campaign 250”. Following is an excerpt.

Breaking News

Under contract with researchers from both UCLA and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Campaign 250 will conduct Whole-Exome genetic testing on up to 250,000 patients who have received a positive FM/a® fibromyalgia diagnosis… Based upon the findings of this testing and once treatment protocols have received regulatory and institutional approvals, FM/a® Test positive patients will be invited to participate in a fibromyalgia-specific vaccine clinical trial to reverse the biology of fibromyalgia…

That time is NOW!

I am honored to say, “I am officially a participant in Campaign 250”. I signed the consent form, which is straightforward, and I submitted my blood, one tube is all it takes. The only qualification is to have tested positive with the FM/a Test. The genomics draw test kit came with detailed instructions. 

I am also happy to share that FM/a® testing is now offered to patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Turkey, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

Would you like to participate?

 PLEASE VISIT

https://fmtest.com  

The website provides information you can share with others and your healthcare providers. You will find answers to frequently asked questions, a brochure to download, personal testimonies, access to peer-reviewed medical publications, and a scrolling list of insurance companies known to cover the test (at the bottom of the page). In addition, there are videos to guide you through the process, such as why me, how to get the test, how can I be sure, how can I join, exploring effective treatment, how to get the FM/a blood test, and more. If you have more questions, you are encouraged to give their staff a call.

"From what we get, we can make a living;

what we give, however, makes a life."

~Arthur Ashe

Follow @TheFMTest on Facebook

Additional Information:

FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” – for a detailed account of the process

Blood Test for Fibromyalgia: FM/a Test ® Is Real, Q&A

EpicGenetics Announces Major Clinical Study to Locate Genetic Markers Unique to People with Fibromyalgia and Explore New Treatment Approaches

 (Signature line appended July 2018)

In healing,

Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://www.CelesteCooper.com

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.