Intimacy and Fibro: The nuts and bolts of the pelvic floor

A hug a day keeps the psychiatrist away, right?

There are different forms of intimacy, and as human beings we all need and crave affection.  However, for the fibromyalgia patient sexual intimacy may be altered, particularly if you have pelvic floor dysfunction, impotence, endometriosis, vulvodynia, irritable bladder or interstitial cystitis known to co-occur more frequently in FM.

Be sure to discuss any problems with your doctor.  If you have a uro-gynecologist, a gynecologist that specializes in female urology, all the better.  They can help you get treatments that will improve pelvic floor pain and enhance your feelings for intimacy.  And if you are a man with fibro, discuss your problems with intimacy with a urologist.

Myofascial trigger points, part of myofascial pain syndrome, are great peripheral pain generators to FM, can cause a great deal of pelvic pain too.  In men it can cause impotence as well as pain, and for both men and women they can cause urgency and urinary retention and the pain can also include the rectum and bowel. 

Here is a great handout from UCSF/SFSU GRADUATE PROGRAM IN

PHYSICAL THERAPY on understanding trigger points and the pelvic floor.  Please note trigger points from other locations can cause referred pain, numbness and dysfunction. http://ptrehab.medschool.ucsf.edu/conted/spring_symposium2010/Goodrich.pdf

Make sure your vaginal area is moist because dry membranes, also prevalent in FM, can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. 

If the pain is too severe, explore other ways of being intimate with your partner.

This blog also posted at Sharecare http://www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/blog/post/fc4f4e68-6b98-4e55-95ac-37357b130980

(Signature line appended, March 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.

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

KaleidoPain News, 9-11-2012

“Use what talent you possess:  

the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” 

~Henry Van Dyke, American author, poet, 1852 – 1933.

*Tips for writing your own affirmations www.thesethree.com/Key_to_Affirmations.html

*Tips on journaling www.thesethree.com/Journaling.html

CELESTE’s BLOGSPEAK

Who Should Be Prescribing Our Pills?

Demanding body, cellular strength, LGS:  Are we what we eat?

Notes:

Blogs also available at Sharecare www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/blogs

See past blog links at www.thesethree.com/Featured_Blog_Links.html

HEALTHY HABITS

Johns Hopkins Health Alert! Lifestyle Factors and Cognitive Decline: What's the Link?

Five Caffiene-Free Ways to Boost Your Energy via Kate Bartolotta 

FEATURING Q&A by Celeste at Sharecare

Can an old trauma lead to fibromyalgia?

Are there alternative treatments for fibromyalgia?

*Follow all answers by Celeste at  www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/answers

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check out the announcement on the home page of www.TheseThree.com

“Everyone challenged by chronic pain - please join us wherever you are in the world on September 16th for a day sure to enlighten, inspire, educate and empower! To watch, simply view the live stream either here,  www.forgrace.org/women/in/pain/C265/  , on the 2012 Women In Pain 

Marly Silverman is retiring and she is handing off PANDORA (Patient Alliance for NEI Disorders Organization, Research and Advocacy) to capable hands. Read the news. 

IN THE NEWS

Which Endocrine Problems Cause Fatigue And How Does Salt Affect This? - Dr. Friedman (VIDEO)

From FDA Approvals > Medscape Medical News, New Option for Constipation: FDA Approves Linaclotide by Nancy A. Melville 

Pain Misdiagnosis and CRPS Spotlighted by FOX 11 LA.

TNX-102, sublingual low dose cyclobenzaprine, for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has been unrecognized by the Social Security Administration in the listing of impairments.  Times are changing, “medically determinable impairment (MDI) of fibromyalgia (FM), “  see Social Security Ruling, SSR 12-2p; Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Fibromyalgia.

NEWS FOR YOU from Celeste

“Osteoarthritis” www.thesethree.com/Osteoarthritis.html

More “NEWS FOR YOU”  at www.TheseThree.com 

ROLFING THE RESEARCH 

This months featured research at www.thesethree.com/Featured_Research.html

BOOK REVIEWS

I just finished reading an excellent book by Anita Moorjani called "Dying to be me". It is highly recommended for us, who struggle on a daily basis to live with this FM-thingie! Her book - about her Near Death experience and the resulting healing from stage 4B Lymphoma puts it all into perspective. To say I finally made peace with my illness is an understatement.

--review by Elke Hutton

"When Movement Hurts: A Self-Help Manual for Treating Trigger Points" by Barbara Headley MS PT. It gives many of the most common trigger points. The muscle sections contain associated diagnoses, signs and symptoms, causes, management tips, and prevention hints. There is a chapter that deals with other causes of muscle pain, one on exercise, and one on repetitive stress, and one dealing with chronic postural stress. The author is an authority on trigger points and well loved by many of us in the field. Her teachers included Janet Travell and David Simons.

--Review by Devin Starlanyl, author and advocate for fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.

ABOUT OUR BOOKS  

www.thesethree.com/About_the_Books_WPCN.html

FEATURED WEBSITE OR BLOG!

The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association.  I hope you will join me by supporting the NFMCPA however you can.  They work behind the scenes, collaborate, educate, advocate, and network within political and health organizations that are striving to make a difference in our lives.  (Disclaimer, I do not work for the NFMCPA) 

How To Get Well From ME (CFS)? 10 Areas Of Treatment To Look At by GetWellFrom ME.  [Inspiring overview, Cc] 

Fantastic presentation for some patients with fatigue, with valuable information. Which Endocrine Problems Cause Fatigue And How Does Salt Affect This? - Dr. Friedman (VIDEO)

COMMENT CORNER 

This review is for: Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection (Paperback) 5.0 out of 5 stars The holistic approaches presented are great resources for anyone dealing with these conditions!, July 8, 2012 

By Lyn, Massage Therapist 

I know how debilitating these conditions can be for my clients and how important it is for them to gain control in managing their symptoms. This thoroughly researched book provides a variety of practical solutions to managing a myriad of symptoms. The science is presented in easily understandable terms; the focus on mind, body and spirit is truly integrative. Tips provided for dealing with the challenges of securing treatment in our broken health care system are not found in other books. This is an excellent resource! 

POINT TO PONDER    (Sneak Peek from our soon to be released, Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See Saw of Chronic Pain, a series beginning with “Fall Devotions”)

Do I exude the pleasures I seek in others? 

Have the KaleidoPain News delivered right to your Inbox by subscribing to the RSS feed.

The KaleidoPain newsletter is for you, join in and submit one of your inspiring moments or book review's. Make a contribution and share with others. To submit contributions put "inspiring moment" or "book review" in the subject line and email to Celeste@TheseThree.com

*This virtual newsletter is for informational purpose only and is not meant as medical advice.

Demanding body, cellular strength, LGS: Are we what we eat?

The old saying “We are what we eat,” still holds true, but the benefit versus consequences ratio is much lower than it once was. 

Our bodies rely on food for cellular and brain metabolism.  Leaky gut syndrome (LGS), has been strongly linked to autoimmune disorders.  Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system manufactures antibodies against its own tissue, are on the rise, almost at epidemic levels.

Some autoimmune disorders known to cluster with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lupus (SLE), Sjögren’s, thyroiditis, Raynaud’s disease, autoimmune dysautonomia, interstitial cystitis, chronic Lyme disease, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and possibly others depending on the individual. 

Leaky Gut Syndrome ©

The purposes of the bowel are to break down food into nutrients and eliminate waste or unwanted products. Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) causes body-wide symptoms because of holes in the intestinal barrier. Due to this breakdown, the bowel does not function normally and does not filter out some harmful substances, such as bacteria, toxic waste products, food additives, infectious agents, and inflammatory substances. These irritants initiate an immune response, causing inflammation. With this disruption to normal bowel function, the immune system leaves the gut open to infections and yeast overgrowth, causing not only gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but other feelings of ill health......

Book excerpt (Cooper and Miller, 2010)

So how do we minimize the chance of developing Leaky Gut or treat it?

There are specific tests to confirm LGS so discuss your symptoms with your doctor.  Take precautions by eliminating known irritants to the bowel, including certain foods, (Gluten if you are known to be intolerant or have Celiac disease), medications such as NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (when possible), and alcohol. 

According to Sharecare health expert Dr. Leo Galland, http://www.sharecare.com/question/how-manage-leaky-gut-syndrome , we should adopt an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern. The principles are simple to understand:

• Avoid foods with added sugar and refined starches made from white flour.
• Decrease consumption of saturated fat and most vegetable oils, using extra-virgin olive oil instead. Eat at least 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
• Eat at least 4 servings of fish per week.

He also says there are dietary supplements that help the small intestine heal and restore its functional integrity, which are readily available in health food stores. The most important of these are:

• Amino acid L-glutamine and
• Amino sugar N-acetyl-glucosamine

It is difficult to find preservative free foods these days, and even fresh vegetables can be toxic because of pesticides.  (see 9 foods likely to have pesticides at http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/the-nine-foods-most-contaminated-by-pesticides. )  There are consequences for everyone, but especially to those of us who already have a dampened or dysfunctional immune or endocrine system.  Many of the chemicals used to preserve our food, artificial flavoring and color are toxic. When in doubt, eat fresh, preferably organic.  Not everyone can afford organic, so here is a link on how to clean vegetables and fruit.  http://suite101.com/article/how-to-wash-pesticides-off-fruit-vegetables-a174074

Today the industry is big business because we need to feed the massive amount of people in the world today.  For this reason we must advocate for the food industry to find or revert to safer methods of preserving our food.  In a world where so many have nothing to eat, it is a bitter sweet reality.

Deirdre Rawlings, ND, and PhD in nutrition asked me to write a contributing chapter to her E book, Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts.  She is extremely educated in these matters and she reports on the plethora of information regarding nutrition and why we should be more concerned about eating healthy to fight the rise in autoimmune disorders.

This blog can also be found at Sharecare, http://www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/blogs

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.  www.thesethree.com

Who Should Be Prescribing Our Pills?

As with anything in the business world, medicine has its own specialties.  This is for a reason.  It is impossible for an orthopedic surgeon to do say, “open heart surgery.” The same holds true for our medications.

Certain specialists are experts at certain medications and have a greater knowledge of them.  I fear a general

practitioner, for instance, does not have the expertise for prescribing antidepressants.  Shouldn’t it be a psychiatrist prescribing these medications?  The same holds true for antiepileptic medications, which should be prescribed by a neurologist, someone who is astute at and specializes in looking for neurological clues.  I challenge anyone to get their podiatrist to prescribe something for a cold. So, why are all of these medications being thrown around as though they are candy placebos?

We now know that chronic pain of any sort requires a multimodal approach.  Shouldn’t this include specialists to prescribe medications for a particular disease or problem? 

Maybe we should ask why classifications for these drugs are what they are.  Why aren’t they classified as analgesics, if that is truly what they are made of?  Maybe we should ask our doctor what they know about the medications they are prescribing, what to watch for, and what to report. Just some points to ponder.

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.  www.thesethree.com

http://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Therapies-Fibromyalgia-Syndrome-Myofascial/dp/1594773238/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267467759&sr=8-1

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 complies by Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD

http://www.fibromyalgiainsidersecrets.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=121_0_1_59

KaleidoPain NEWS: Ever Changing Colors of Chronicity 8-25-12

Have the KaleidoPain News delivered right to your Inbox by subscribing to the RSS feed.

The KaleidoPain newsletter is for you, join in and submit one of your inspiring moments or book review's.  Make a contribution and share with others. To submit contributions put "inspiring moment" or "book review" in the subject line and email to Celeste@TheseThree.com

BALANCING THE TEETER TOTTER OF CHRONIC PAIN:

A Dose of Nature, My Marriage and Pain ©

Pain interferes with my marriage, it’s so.
I know that it will, if I don’t let go.
My marriage falls prey to struggles of pain.
The life raft is nature, says the rain.

Twenty minutes a day the experts say
So I will take my mate with me today.
Harmony the example of all that live here,
The squirrels, the leaves, flowers and deer.

Any marriage needs to feel the swift breeze,
To be nourished by nature just as the trees.
If my marriage learns to crave these things,
Worries take a backseat, even my pain.

So carry on nature, keep up the good work,
We are glad to learn from your great book.
In nature I’m able to endure pain’s course,
All of God’s creatures abhor a divorce.

This is why nature is a good place to rest,
If only a short while, it brings out the best.
Be steadfast with nature, harmony abides,
If WE take a few minutes to go outside.

Celeste Cooper,  August 18, 2012

*Tips for writing poetry in Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by Celeste Cooper, RN and Jeff Miller, PhD
*Tips for writing your own affirmations http://thesethree.com/Key_to_Affirmations.html
*Tips on journaling https://thesethree.com/Journaling.html

BLOGSPEAK BY CELESTE

A comprehensive review on the proposed and modified American College of Rheumatogy diagnostics for fibromyalgia.


What the heck is a syndrome, and are the syndromes; fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and myofascial pain different?

HEALTHY HABITS

Do vitamins really work with Dr Andrew Weil.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04474/Do-Vitamins-Really-Work.html

Nutritional expert Deirdre Rawlings speaks up on How to overcome America’s most overlooked disease. In healing, harmony and hope,  Celeste Cooper contributing author to her EBook series, Fibromyalgia Insider Secrets: 10 Top Experts
http://articles.healthrealizations.com/FoodsForFibromyalgia/2012/05/21/How-to-Overcome-Americas-Most-Overlooked-Disease.aspx

Developing Healthy Habits, Southwest Wrap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdIWlUeJcb4&feature=youtu.be

FEATURING Q and A by Celeste at Sharecare

What can I do to improve my fibromyalgia?
http://www.sharecare.com/question/what-can-do-improve-fibromyalgia

What criteria must I meet to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
http://www.sharecare.com/question/criteria-meet-diagnosed-with-fibromyalgia

How is my fibromyalgia affecting my thinking?
http://www.sharecare.com/topic/fibromyalgia-mental-effects

*Follow all answers by Celeste at  http://www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/answers

INSPIRING MOMENTS: Giving forward momentum a shove

Grieving Loss In Order To Heal

For most of us, only for a brief moment, you tell of your grief. We shed our tears for a while and then began our day. For me, its not only about where I am today, but about how long I've been here. Unlike some illness, when we speak of ours, it’s in terms of years not days or weeks. We all suffer at its hands, the loss of things undone, lives not lived, events missed and the days yet to come. 

Then there's the times when an event in our lives brings up painful memories, some taking us back to the time that we first got sick. We then feel as if we're right back there, in the thick of that early pain. It can be overpowering and scary, leaving us in a state of grief. We don't have to dwell on this grief, yet we must see it, feel it, and release it, each time it comes to the surface. Otherwise, it comes back the next time with reinforcements. Ignoring it doesn't cause it to go away. It only encourages it somehow.

My hope for us would be that through all of the grieving, we'll forgive ourselves for being in this place, not of our own making. In order to move forward, we must grieve our loss or we may find ourselves stuck within the walls of our illness. So grieve, cry, release and live the best life you can, for each day. Knowing, you're not alone in your brand of sorrow. We walk this path together, in order that the journey may be a bit lighter. Healing cannot begin until we let go.

Submitted by Clarissa Shepard at Fellow Travelers (Facebook)

IN THE NEWS

Chronic pain could be causing cognitive deficit.  NIH featured research by the NFMCPA.
http://www.fmcpaware.org/nih-mackey

Mysterious illness links teenage girls along S.A.'s I-10 corridor. KENS5.com News, San Antonio
http://www.kens5.com/news/ito-151467795.html

'Female' gene may be to blame for making women more prone to migraines
http://www.newkerala.com/news/newsplus/worldnews-33272.html

FEATURED ARTICLE

Augusts’ featured article is on Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Learn more and about its association with FM at  https://www.thesethree.com/Ankylosing_Spondylitis.html

The Dark Side of Pain: Serious Challenges We ALL Face
http://thepainjournal.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/dark-side-of-pain/#comment-90

ROLFING THE RESEARCH

July/August Research (some with comments) under Monthly Features just posted.
https://thesethree.com/Featured_Research.html

*See complete resource list from TheseThree categorized by condition and therapies 
https://thesethree.com/Resources_3379.html

BOOK REVIEW

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition [Paperback]by Clair Davies(Author), Amber Davies (Author), David G. Simons (Author)

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common comorbid condition to fibromyalgia. This book has timeless information and superb diagramming of myofascial trigger points, their specific pain and symptoms patterns as defined by Drs. Travell and Simons.  Treating peripheral myofascial trigger points is paramount in improving muscle function and minimizing input and amplification of pain found in fibromyalgia. As a patient, RN, author and fibromyalgia expert at Sharecare, I found this book to be particularly helpful and well illustrated, something that isn’t always easy to find.  It is a must for your massage therapist, physical therapist or any bodyworker who wants to understand how myofascial trigger points can affect the body.
Celeste Cooper, author, Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection.  (co-author, Jeff Miller, PhD) and fibromyalgia expert at Sharecare.

SNEAK PEEK (Cooper and Miller, Healing Arts Press: Vermont, 2010, available here  http://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Therapies-Fibromyalgia-Syndrome-Myofascial/dp/1594773238/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267467759&sr=8-1

“The ADA and the EEOC” ©

Many people with chronic pain disorders, such as FM, CFID, and CMP, attempt to remain in the workforce in spite of their pain. What statistics do not show is how many of us do not utilize available resources, in part because we are unaware of what protections exist. (Excerpt, Chapter Seven)
Helpful Links https://www.thesethree.com/Helpful_Links_WXOJ.html#Legalities_and_Red_Tape

*You can review “about the book”  including the Table of Contents of Integrative Therapies…at  About the Books http://thesethree.com/About_the_Books_WPCN.html

NEWS for YOU!

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts takes a look at: ARTHRITIS: Knee Pain: An Early Warning Sign of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 27 million people in the United States. By age 40, approximately 90 percent of us have at least some signs of osteoarthritis continue reading.
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/arthritis/Knee-Pain-Early-Warning-of-Osteoarthritis_6254-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e87942:208366a:&st=email&s=W1R_120728_001

COMMENT CORNER

Christina Tina Bonafede I refer to her book [Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain] as my new health bible. I love it, it is so enlightening.

POINT TO PONDER   

Do I plan outings when I’m able?

*Additional Help Links at TheseThree.com http://thesethree.com/Helpful_Links_WXOJ.html
“When we empower ourselves with knowledge, not even one iota of what learn
the hard way can take it away.  Hold on tight, it's going to be quite a ride.”

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

KaleidoPain NEWS: Ever Changing Colors of Chronicity 7-9-12

BALANCING THE TEETER TOTTER OF CHRONIC PAIN:


"An illness is like a journey into a far country; it sifts all one's experience and removes it to a point so remote that it appears like a vision." Sholem Asch

 I am confident I have purpose.~ Celeste

*Tips for writing your own affirmations    *Tips on journaling

BLOGSPEAK BY CELESTE

Blogspeak by Celeste, Exposing the Cover Up of Myofascial Trigger Points in Fibromyalgia, Mention in CFS/ME

*Celeste’s Blogspeak Links for April and June now available.

HEALTHY HABITS

From Frugal Living for Spoonies. Housework for Spoonies

Avoid These Foods if You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis from John Hopkins

FEATURING Q&A by Celeste at Sharecare

What if my fibromyalgia causes too much pain to exercise?

How long does it take to diagnose fibromyalgia?

*Follow all answers by Celeste here.
INSPIRING MOMENTS: Giving forward momentum a shove

What Those with Chronic Pain or Illness DON’T Want to Hear You Say
Even the well-intentioned often don’t know how to talk to the chronically ill.
by Toni Bernhard, J.D.


X Rx Blog. I am in Hawaii, treating Andrew, an 11 year old boy with severe ME from Northern Ireland who has been essentially bedridden for three years. He has been seen by the best doctors in the UK and offered no work-up or treatment. He was sent to me by an amazing group of people who have started an organization called Little Acorns to help ME children get treatment Read on….

Hope in determination

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PANDORA celebrating ten years, join us as we applaud their dedicated service to helping all people with neuroendocrineimmune disorders.
Look for PANDORA and Classy Awards

Tweet sharing now available at http://thesethree.com/

If you like what you see at my website offering featured conditions, research updates, blog links, news for you on different conditions, important articles including how to write an affirmation, about FM, CFS/ME, and MPS, helpful links, about the books, and about the authors, you can now tweet it to your friends. I hope you will check it out!

IN THE NEWS

ME/CFS Orgs Push Secretary of Health Sibelius For Strategy Meeting. by Cort on July 2, 2012. [Standing together for the greater good. Don’t miss this most important article from Phoenix Rising.

Joint Request from the ME/CFS Community for Action

Confessions of a RX Pharmaceutical Drug Pusher on You Tube

The Wall Street Journal in the Lab. How old viruses may haunt us by AMY DOCKSER MARCUS

4 genes linked to migraines found

FEATURED ARTICLE

Avoiding Lockdown

ROLFING THE RESEARCH

Chung JH, Kim SA, Choi BY, Lee HS, Lee SW, Kim YT, Lee TY, Moon HS. The association between overactive bladder and fibromyalgia syndrome: A community survey. Neurourol Urodyn. 2012 Jun 5. doi: 10.1002/nau.22277. [Epub ahead of print][The presence of myofascial trigger points in the pelvic floor, including those surrounding the urethra play a role in symptoms of urgency, AND interstitial cystitis. Cc]


Jarrell J, Giambarardino MA, Robert M et al. 2011. Bedside testing for chronic pelvic pain: discriminating visceral from somatic pain. Pain Res Treat 2011:692102. “Tests of cutaneous allodynia, myofascial trigger points, and reduced pain thresholds are easily applied and well tolerated. The tests for cutaneous allodynia appear to have the greatest likelihood of identifying a visceral source of pain compared to somatic sources of pain.”
[Well of course, CPP has been correleated with myofascial pain and trigger points, a very biological condition, Cc].

*See all featured research for July here.

BOOK REVIEW

Osler's Web: Inside the Labyrinth of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Epidemic [Paperback] by Hillary Johnson

This book is pivotal, interesting, enlightening and timeless regarding chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), now also known by many as CFS/myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue immunodysfunction.

Hillary Johnson, journalist and patient spent nine years of unremitting, scrupulous research on CFS. Osler’s Web reads like a mystery novel, as she exposes the inept attempts by the CDC to respond to epidemics and their failure to recognize the existence of what we call CFS/ME today. The mystery unwinds as she exposes the unwillingness of biomedical research to respond to the dismal picture playing out before their eyes, one of the first of many missed opportunities.

Hillary’s uncovers the medical research establishment’s breakdown in recognizing CFS/ME as a serious illness. Her account, interviews of patients, advocates, medical professionals, epidemiologist and more, covers the span of a decade, 1984 to 1994. Those who should have been protecting humankind from this unknown and little understood disease ignored the facts because they were clueless as to how to respond to such a complex disease. Today nearly two decades later, a causative agent has not been found, despite the fact that millions of people have had their lives, as they knew them, ravaged by a disease that attacks the immune system, leaving them unable to exercise or participate in activities because it makes their symptoms unbearable.

Osler’s Web gives a crucial, historic account of CFS/ME and is extraordinarily well written book. Hillary Johnson’s dedication to investigative journalism is obvious as you turn each page. If you have or suspect you have CFS/ME, "Raggedy Ann disease," or "yuppie flu," this is a book you won't want to put down. Read Hillary’s overview here.

SNEAK PEEK (Cooper & Miller, Healing Arts Press: Vermont, 2010, available here.
“Brain Fog—Symptoms of Blowout before a Power Failure” ©

Stress is often blamed for many things, and rightly so. Does this mean that if we control the stress in our lives, we will be rid of the cognitive difficulties some of us suffer? According to what I’ve read about our conditions, probably not. However, learning to recognize stress stimuli and work through the experience will help us control our reactions. (Excerpt, Chapter Six)

Chapter 6 Dealing with Circuit Overload 294

Brain Fog—Symptoms of Blowout before a Power Failure 295
Time Management—An Exercise in Energy Conservation 302
Crisis Management—Dealing with Major Life Events 307
Chapter Conclusion 309
Summary Exercise: Unloading the Gray Matter 309

Also See Brainfog at http://thesethree.com/Brainfog.html
*You can review “about the book” including the Table of Contents of Integrative Therapies…at About the Books

FEATURED WEBSITE OR BLOG!

Why Are So Many People Getting Thyroid Disease?  By Mary Shomon

NEWS for YOU!

Seventeen year old CFS/ME writes a letter to President Obama, July 2, 2012.

Doc Talk: Filling the Information Gap Between CFS Clinicians and Patients, by Lucinda Bateman MD, Founder, Fatigue Consultation Clinic

COMMENT CORNER

Nancy Likespizza Celeste, I love u. You're a beauty soul. Than you. Been reading more of yr book this week. Such a good reference when sick. Bless u.

POINT TO PONDER

Is there something I can do to improve my bedtime ritual?

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT ME

Sharecare. Q&A Health Site created by Jeff Arnold (Web MD), Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Studios, SONY Pictures Television, and Discovery Communications

PANDORA
National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association
FibroLIFE
Chronic Intractable Pain and You
FibroMadness
Dr. John Whiteside
Dr. Mark Guariglia
Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD
Devin Starlanyl, author/researcher
Bill Douglas, author, T’ai Chi expert for Dr. Andrew Weil, book endorsement for Integrative Therapies
Jeff Miller, PhD, co-author

and

The many others who share information, support our books, and promote the philosophies of this newsletter.
*Additional Help Links 

“When we empower ourselves with knowledge, not even one iota of what learn

the hard way can take it away. Hold on tight, it's going to be quite a ride.”

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

KaleidoPain NEWS: Ever Changing Colors of Chronicity 7-1-12

 

BALANCING THE TEETER TOTTER OF CHRONIC PAIN:

"A feeling of aversion or attachment toward something is your clue that there's work to be done."
-Ram Dass

 “It’s my personal obligation to see prospects for improvement when I’m faced with hardship.” ~ Celeste

 *Tips for writing your own affirmations http://thesethree.com/Key_to_Affirmations.html

 *Tips on journaling https://thesethree.com/Journaling.html

BLOGSPEAK BY CELESTE

Website’s Featured Article for July 2012 - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
https://www.thesethree.com/Lupus__SLE_.html
June 2012 Blogs

• Are your drains clogged? – Lymphatic Massage (here)
• Thyroid, what have you done to me now? (here)
• A Thief in the Night: Is pain robbing you of love? (here)
• Plumping up our prunes, sinusitis in Fibro and CFID. (here)

*Celeste’s Blogspeak Links for April and June now available. (here) 

 

HEALTHY HABITS

The Benefits of Gardening with Dr Weil

Breathing with Dr. Weil

 

FEATURING Q&A by Celeste at Sharecare 

• How do I manage fibromyalgia on a daily basis? (here)
• Can pregnancy cause fibromyalgia? (here)
• Is Fibromyalgia Related to Restless Leg Syndrome? (here)

*Follow all answers by Celeste at http://www.sharecare.com/user/celeste-cooper/answers

INSPIRING MOMENTS: Giving forward momentum a shove

 

Eight Things I learned from Pain via Kate Bartolotta (here)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

P-A-N-D-O-R-A making a difference for you. June 11, 2012

DSM-5 Task Force American Psychiatric Association

1000 Wilson Boulevard Suite 1825

Arlington, VA 22209

Members of the DSM-5 Task Force, view letter here

Look for PANDORA and "Classy Awards" (here)

 

Interesting patient comments on the CFSAC committee meeting at the Phoenix Rising forum. 

IN THE NEWS

 

Researcher Calls For Expansion Of Programs To Identify Potential Drug Abusers And Protect Pain Patients. (here)

Interstitial cystitis: A current guide 
to diagnosis and treatment. Lindsey A. Miller, MSBS, PA-C. (here)

 

FEATURED ARTICLE

July’s http://thesethree.com/ website feature Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

 

ROLFING THE RESEARCH

 

Chang CM, Warren JL, Engels EA. Chronic fatigue syndrome and subsequent risk of cancer among elderly US adults. Cancer. 2012 May 30. doi: 10.1002/cncr.27612.[This study suggests a correlation in cellular immune dysfunction and cancer, which may only include a subset of CFS patients. Cc]

 

Häuser W, Jung E, Erbslöh-Möller B, Gesmann M, Kühn-Becker H, Petermann F, Langhorst J, Weiss T, Winkelmann A, Wolfe F. Validation of the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire within a Cross-Sectional Survey. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37504. Epub 2012 May 25. Further validation studies of the FSQ in clinical and general population settings are necessary. [Germans testing the validity of the Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for diagnosing Fibromyalgia.  I have concerns regarding not addressing some unresolved concerns.  More testing of this tool is indicated, and of course, I would like to see someone address the plethora of research that suggests the comorbidity of myofascial pain syndrome. Cc] 

*See all featured research for July at https://thesethree.com/Featured_Research.html 

BOOK REVIEW

 

Breaking Thru the Fibro Fog: Scientific Proof Fibromyalgia is Real by Kevin White, MD, PhD

Dr. Kevin White does a magnificent job providing scientific fact that fibromyalgia is a very real and disabling disorder. He speaks to two audiences the patient and the healthcare community. Though he is a clinician and researcher you wouldn't believe he didn't have fibromyalgia himself. To have such insight as a practitioner is a gift to those for whom he advocates. He has an innate ability to make the reader anxious to hear more about science, which is usually pretty boring reading. No difficulty keeping me tuned in, other than my own disparity of the side effects of having fibromyalgia.

 

SNEAK PEEK (Find the book here Cooper & Miller, Healing Arts Press: Vermont, 2010 )   

“The Blues” © 

This could be a reaction to an event, a death of someone not extremely close, a loss, or bad news, such as an unwelcome diagnosis or test results. If you’ve ever lost a beloved pet, you understand this completely. (Excerpt, Chapter Five)

*You can review “about the book” including the Table of Contents of Integrative Therapies…(here)  

FEATURED WEBSITE OR BLOG!

My dear friend and mentor, who so kindly wrote the foreword to our book now has a group on Facebook. She will offer invaluable support. In healing, harmony and hope, Celeste

Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction

Utube on CFS

 

NEWS for YOU!

Can where you live affect joint pain from Dr. Mehmet Oz. (here)

COMMENT CORNER

 

Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection is recommended reading by author Devin Starlanyl,  http://homepages.sover.net/~devstar/bibcopin.htm

 

POINT TO PONDER

 

What motivates me?

 

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT ME

Sharecare Q&A Health Site created by Jeff Arnold (Web MD), Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Studios, SONY Television, and Discovery Communications
P-A-N-D-O-R-A
National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association
FibroLIFE
Chronic Intractable Pain and You
FibroMadness
Dr. John Whiteside, Australia
Kevin White, MD, PhD, Canada
Dr. Mark Guariglia 
Deirdre Rawlings, ND, PhD
Devin Starlanyl, author/researcher who wrote the forward to Integrative Therapies....
Bill Douglas, author, T’ai Chi expert for Dr. Andrew Weil, book endorsement for Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection.
Jeff Miller, PhD, co-author
and
The many others who share information, support our books, and promote the philosophies of this newsletter.
*Additional Help Links at TheseThree.com http://thesethree.com/Helpful_Links_WXOJ.html
 

“When we empower ourselves with knowledge, not even one iota of what learn

 the hard way can take it away. Hold on tight, it's going to be quite a ride.”