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. 

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain — 3rd Issue

© http://www.celestecooper.com/ 

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain honors the collaborative spirit of fellow bloggers, advocates, and the many friends who share this journey. Your encouragement is an inspiration to me.

SATURDAY SALUTES

The Mighty: How I Combat Fibromyalgia Fatigue

Comment: Fibro fatigue, unlike being tired, is debilitating, says Melissa Swanson founder of Fibro Warrior ~ Living Life

Pain News Network: DEA Raids Dr. Forest Tennant’s Pain Clinic

Comment:  Isn’t this the definition of witch-hunt?

CELESTE’S TOP TRENDING PUBLICATIONS

Celeste’s Blog: FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results

Health Central: Pelvic Pain is real for men and women

CelesteCooper.com: Exercise, pain, movement, and the forgotten lymph

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

*Celeste on Health Central

*Fibromyalgia at ProHealth

PREVIOUS SATURDAY SALUTES

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain – Maiden Issue

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain – 2nd Issue

Thank you guests and fellow pain survivors

October 2017 blog visits - 13,269   website visits – 14,820

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

11-24-2017 Announcement Oska® Wellness Holiday Special and Contest – Today through Cyber Monday

As you know, I have become an advocate for Oska® Wellness, a decision I shared in my blog Update Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing. And now I am happy to announce Oska Wellness is running a holiday promotion.

THE PROMOTION

The promotion is for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, running today, Friday, November 24 through Monday, November 27. During these four days, the Oska Pulse will be discounted to $299! And, you may be eligible to enter an awesome contest.

Apply my referral code, CCRN60, at check out and

be entered to win your money back on one Oska Pulse purchase.

A winner will be chosen at random on December 1, 2017.

CONTEST TERMS

·            Contest valid November 24-27, 2017, 11:59pm PST

·            Purchase valid in store or online at www.oskawellness.com (3rd party sites are not included)

·            Advocate’s code, CCRN60, or referral link must be used at check out

·            Purchase must be paid in full, does not apply to 3 Easy Payments method

The winner chosen on December 1 will receive 100% reimbursement on one device!

“Oska Pulse, with proprietary eTec™ Pulse Technology, safely optimizes Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapeutic technology, a therapy trusted by medical practitioners to help people live a more active, pain-free and drug-free lifestyle. By assisting the release of the body's natural endorphins, Oska Pulse can reduce pain and also promote increased range of motion. Oska Pulse can help dilate blood vessels, which may reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and release the body's natural endorphins.”  Oska Wellness

Additional Reading:

An introduction to electromagnetic field therapy and immune function: a brief history and current status, 2013

Update Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing

Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing

 In healing,,Celeste

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain, 2nd Issue

Graphic© http://www.celestecooper.com/

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain honors the collaborative spirit of fellow bloggers, advocates, and the many friends who share this journey. Your encouragement is an inspiration to me.

In healing,,Celeste

SATURDAY SALUTES

Healthline: America Is Losing the War on Chronic Pain

Comment: Fair and balanced reality

Pain Network News: Senators Pressed DEA to Cut Rx Opioid Supply

Comment: Decisions at the top are being made by special interest. Make no mistake.

IndyStar: They live with chronic pain. They're treated like addicts.

Comment: "We are relief Seekers."

Fibro Warrior Living Life: That was Then…This is Now Life with Fibromyalgia

Comment:  An honest account is necessary to turn trials into triumph.

CELESTE’S TOP TRENDING PUBLICATIONS

ProHealth - Pitfalls and Pleasures of Therapeutic Massage for Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

*Celeste on Health Central

*Fibromyalgia at ProHealth

PREVIOUS SATURDAY SALUTES

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain – Maiden Issue

Thank you guests and fellow pain survivors

October 2017 blog visits - 13,269   website visits – 14,820

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain

Graphic© http://www.celestecooper.com/

In 2012 and early 2013 I published KaleidoPain News: Changing Colors of Chronicity, a monthly blog newsletter that highlighted articles of particular interest to me. I started the newsletter because I believe in the power of collaboration, I believe our perceptions are based on what we know and that considering other points of view can motivate and educate. I believe embracing change sustains relevance. So change it is.

Thanks to the collaborative spirit shared by fellow bloggers and advocates who share my work, I was motivated to create Celeste’s Saturday Salutes to Chronic Pain.

 In healing,,Celeste

SATURDAY SALUTES

Chicago Tribune Commentary: The opioid crackdown is making life untenable for chronic pain patients like me

Health Rising @CortJohnson: Cellular Energy Production Takes Big Hit in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Study

Pain News Network: The Secret Role of Insurers in Medicare Opioid Policy

Sarah Anne Shockley @ThPainCompanion: Why Loving in Little Ways is Big in a Chronic Life

NFMCPA @FibroAndPain: Lady GAGA Fibromyalgia Announcement Gives Voice to Millions of Patients

CELESTE’S TOP TRENDING BLOGS

FM/a® Blood Test – “How To” and My Results

Update Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing

Chronic Pain Disease and the Opioid Crisis: Myra Christopher Changing the Narrative

Commanding Language, Conquering Dialogue: Perceptions and Pain

THANK YOU TO MY GUESTS AND FELLOW PAIN SURVIVORS

October 2017 blog visits - 13,269

October 2017 website visits – 14,820

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Update Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing

In May of this year (2017), I posted the following blog on my review of the Oska® Pulse Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) device. You will find a plethora of information in that blog, too.

Since that time, a lot has happened for Oska Wellness and for me.

I have seen continued improvement in my pain and I am committed to using Oska every day! I learned the value in this when my pain started to escalate again this summer. As always, I asked myself, “what am I doing, or not doing?” It didn’t take long to find the answer. I was busy because my pain was better and I THOUGHT I could decrease the frequency of using Oska, wrong. I have come to accept that I happen to be one of the folks who are more resistant, most likely because of the many years I have lived with chronic pain from multiple sources. So, I got back to my previous routine and my pain diminished significantly. That is when I made the decision to become an advocate for Oska®.

I will not say anything outlandish or misleading. Oska works by helping our body heal itself and we are all different. But, I will say it is valuable tool for me. I shared my experience with my 91-year-old father; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to spinal disease. He was eager to try it for his own back pain. On MRI, his lumbar spine looks like a spiral staircase. I was blown away when he told me he has significant improvement in his pain and mobilization in a short period of time. In my experience, I have no doubt, Oska Wellness PEMF technology works!

I am not surprised that Oska Wellness is one of the fastest growing startup tech companies for developing a PEMF device that can be used directly by consumers, or that Consumer Technology named Oska Wellness as one of three tech startups that are “changing the world”. The technology has been used in the medical field for years, and now we have a device that works and we can use it at home.  

The folks at Oska Wellness focus on consumer satisfaction. Use Oska Pulse for 30 days and if you’re not completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund. If you have questions, you can contact them online or by phone.

Should you decide to try Oska, you will get $55 discount if you apply my code, CCRN60 at checkout.

 

My readers know I promote integrative care, and I am so excited that I can share this with you. 

Blog review May 18, 2018

 Oska® Pulse – PEMF for Chronic Pain and Cellular Healing

"I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company."

After reading the testimonies of others about how well Oska® Pulse was working for them,  I was excited when my device arrived.

I had already gotten some background information and this is what I found. Peer reviewed studies show pulsed electro-magnetic field (PEMF) therapy works for a plethora of conditions. And, since I used to write for Sharecare, I was glad to see Dr. Oz  say, “PEMF therapy is FDA-approved to fuse bones and has been cleared in certain devices to reduce swelling and joint pain.”  

How does it work?

The Oska Pulse is a PEMF devise that acts by massaging inflammatory cells causing them to dissipate. It doesn't move and there isn't an electrical current like that of a TENS unit. 

Features

An important feature of the device is that it turns off in 30 minutes after it completes four cycles of different pulse electromagnetic frequencies. You don't have to think about it. When it turns off, it will make three short beeps. You can’t feel it so if you don't hear the beeps, you know its off when the pulsing light it emits during operation is off too. If you find the light distracting, you can put it in a sock. Skin-to-skin contact is not necessary for it to work. 

The shape and size is perfect. It fits nicely in the palm of your hand or cradled on the neck, or if you prefer to set it next to you, put it on the flat side. It works in an eight inch radius of the device, period. 

It comes with instructions on how to use it and illustrations of how to use the strap so you can wear it.

The device has a rechargeable battery, so all you have to do is charge it like you would your cell phone. 

My experience

After three weeks, I noticed for the first time in a long time, I didn't wake up in pain from rolling onto my left shoulder. But, there is more.

I have experienced restless leg syndrome for many years. I even had a sleep study that confirmed significant periodic limb movement (PLM). And while my sleep study results was proof for my husband that I wasn’t purposefully kicking him during the night in retaliation for his snoring and it was a confirmation that I have a contributing factor to non-restorative sleep, this information did not solve my problem. And, neither did the medications to specifically treat PLM; I did not tolerate the side effects. But, that was about to change.

About one month in, I “awakened” with the PEMF device still sitting (unattached) on my left shoulder where I had left it the night before. I hadn't moved one inch! No covers in disarray, no complaints from the spouse. I had not changed a thing in my routine or in my medical treatment. The only thing different was Oska Pulse!

Compliance

The most important thing is using it enough. It won’t work if it stays in the nifty box it came in.

Reduction in inflammation and pain might be immediate. But, if a problem has been long standing, your body may take longer to respond. Many things can contribute to the way our body reacts. As an example, we have different reasons for experiencing chronic pain, or we may have another health problem that contributes to how our body heals. 

It's important to know that you might feel worse at first. This is because the Oska Pulse PEMF device works to release cellular toxins that have accumulated around inflamed areas, so don’t give up. Do as the instructions say and drink plenty of water, just like you would after a massage. 

The literature says the majority of people see significant improvement in 3 - 4 weeks and difficult cases respond in about 4 - 6 weeks. I am still on my healing journey, but there is a noticeable difference in my shoulder pain and joint range of motion. My periodic limb movement has greatly improved, an effect that was totally unexpected.  I consider myself a more difficult case because I have significant arthritis throughout my body. Knowing this and already seeing improvement, I expect it to get even better with time. 

• Read about how Oska Pulse works, news, science, reviews and more at OskaWellness.com
• Follow Oska Pulse on Facebook @OskaWellness or https://www.facebook.com/OskaWellness/ 
• Meet Oska Pulse on You Tube by clicking here. 

I give my friend, Oska Pulse, five stars. 

  In healing,,Celeste

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Chronic Pain Disease and the Opioid Crisis: Myra Christopher Changing the Narrative

If you are like me, you are upset by the reporting of the opioid crisis by mainstream media. I have found myself screaming at the television because of the skewed reporting. Make no mistake, there is an opioid crisis and it breaks my heart, but how in the world will we ever get those addicted the right treatment if we don’t look at the problem with eyes wide open? How can we blame and abandon people living with incurable diseases that keep the body at constant war with homeostasis because of the disease process that potentiates the disease of chronic pain?

“We must have balanced policy—policy that addresses two public health issues—untreated and inappropriately treated chronic pain and the opioid crisis—without unintentionally harming one patient population or the other. To get there, we MUST also have balanced media coverage.”

~Myra Christopher, Director of the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy (PAINS, an initiative of the Center of Practical Bioethics)

Maybe you have read some of my blogs or visited my website where I share information on my personal opportunities as participant in PAINS and PAINS-KC. One of the pleasures of my own advocacy is getting to know and meet with Myra Christopher and the many other advocates and chronic pain citizens who share my journey. Following is Myra’s voice published in the PAINS Member Update, October 17, 2017.

Changing the public narrative about chronic pain as a disease

By Myra Christopher

Sunday night, I watched 60 Minutes on CBS as they interviewed Joe Rannazzisi, former Deputy Director over Diversion at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Rannazzisi was portrayed as a “whistleblower,” and he blamed drug distributers, unscrupulous physicians, and members of Congress for fueling the opioid crisis. The week before, NBC did a week-long series on the opioid crisis, and the week before PBS did one also.  I could go on—week by week by week—there is not a major news outlet (print, blog, television, radio, or web) that I could not list as well.

Before proceeding, I need to make two disclosures:

·        I have met and worked with Joe Rannazzisi.

·        We have worked with the DEA closely in the past—with Rannazzisi’s predecessor and colleagues at the DEA for whom I have great respect.

In 2008, we worked with the DEA, the National Association of Attorneys General, and the Federation of State Medical Boards to measure the impact of physicians diverting prescription pain medication. That study was published in the journal Pain Medicine (Vol. 9, No.6). I tell readers this to assure you that PAINS is very concerned about the opioid crisis and respects the role of law enforcement in protecting the US population from illicit drugs AND assuring that an adequate supply of medications is available to maintain the health and well-being of all Americans. My concern is about the irrefutable lack of media coverage of a related but separate public health issue, i.e., inappropriate and untreated chronic pain management.

On Friday, October 13, PAINS hosted a roundtable in Washington, DC, that included top officials in the federal government, leading pain care providers, people living with chronic pain and their advocates, academics and a handful of media representatives to discuss the need for more and better reporting on the “chronic pain epidemic” and the unintended consequences that pain sufferers are experiencing related to federal policy attempting to contain the opioid epidemic and the media frenzy around it. This is critically important because it is our view that media shape public perception and public perception leads to votes, which leads to public health policy – interestingly the foundation of the argument made by Joe Rannazzisi in his 60 Minutes interview.

·        For years, PAINS and others advocating for better chronic pain care have called for “balanced policy.” More than a year ago, PAINS decided to move upstream with our No Longer Silent initiative that led to last week’s meeting in DC. We must have balanced policy—policy that addresses two public health issues—untreated and inappropriately treated chronic pain and the opioid crisis—without unintentionally harming one patient population or the other. To get there, we MUST also have balanced media coverage.

“If it bleeds, it leads!” is an adage often repeated about media coverage. Granted, the chronic pain crisis is not as “sexy” as the opioid epidemic. However, both of these issues are critically important to our society’s health and well-being.

I will be honest that there are many days I feel pretty discouraged about ever accomplishing our goals, then I see a report like this one that appeared on the front page of the Worcester, Massachusetts paper which highlights the plight of Lauren Deluca and quotes PAINS Advisory Committee Member, Cindy Steinberg, who also lives with chronic pain. I encourage you to read this article and ask you to share it with your friends and colleagues via social media, email, carrier pigeon!

[Insert from Telegram.com, Worchester, Massacusetts]

“Ms. Steinberg noted that legitimately prescribed painkillers weren’t the main source of the opioid crisis. The majority of fatal overdoses were associated with illegally obtained substances.”

SHARE

Many with chronic illness denied prescriptions in fight against opioids 

by Susan Spencer 

http://www.telegram.com/news/20170923/many-with-chronic-illness-denied-prescriptions-in-fight-against-opioids

We will ask you to do the same with the report from last week’s No Longer Silent meeting when it is published in mid to late November. Until then, let me share just a few “take-aways” from that meeting:

Improving chronic pain care in America will require culture change. More specifically:

·        Changing the public narrative about chronic pain as a disease

·        Removing the stigmatization of those who live with chronic pain and those who care for them

·        Better education of physicians, nurses AND patients

·        Reimbursement models that support comprehensive chronic pain care, not just prescription opioids, interventional procedures and surgeries

·        Better data and more research

It’s a tall order but what one of my colleagues calls “worthy work.”

Comprehensive chronic pain care will improve the lives of millions of Americans, save billions of dollars and reduce opioid prescribing.

My conclusion

Will people be left to chew off their limbs like wild animals to escape pain? Will we continue to read about suicides because of untreated or undertreated pain? Will the public continue to blindly trust those in authority who have a political agenda? Can we make informed decisions based on unfair, unbalanced reporting? Are we ready for the consequences of staying silent? Your voice is only a click away.  Please join the PAINS Project initiative...

No Longer Silent!

Additional Reading:

About Myra Christopher

Patient Powered Research Network Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy in Kansas City (PAINS-KC)

The Symposium "Patients as Teachers," "Clinicians as Learners," a Synopsis

In healing,,Celeste 

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.