Cosmos

My new favourite spot

2009-11-11T00:04:00.000Z

During the day he still spends his time permanently burrowed under the bedcovers, but this is where Balu now parks his floofy arse for the couple of hours between dinner and supper [1] - in other words, as close as he can get to me, just to make sure I don't forget his food.

It's worth mentioning that this multi-cushion cat-platform on my bed is now the only means by which I can manage to sit up for any length of time and even then, not for many hours. My back and neck become too painful within 10 minutes if I don't support them and I already often have to use an additional cushion in the small of my back, a lumbar support belt and a neck cushion too.

Bed is where I spend almost all my time now, not because I want to - nor as my mother *so kindly* told the neighbours, because I "lay around" - but because the alternatives are too painful.

That doesn't mean I'm not still in pain, because I am, constantly, even having made myself as comfortable as possible. Hell, it even hurts me to move to adjust the bloody cushions!

I can no longer even sit up in a chair, because literally within seconds of doing so, I get pains in my lower legs - quite severe - ankles and feet and my ankles swell. When that happens, guess what? I'm advised to keep my feet up, so it seems to make more sense to me to prevent it from happening (and prevent any other damage or complications) in the first place.

All this "laying around" in bed might seem like a wonderful life, if you were a cat.

[1] That is, when the munchkins aren't diving up and down the hallway and in and out of their Cat Play Fun Crinkle Tunnel. I wasn't at all sure about purple camouflage, but the cats don't seem to mind that and I mention it only because I wasn't expecting already 8 year old cats who really aren't used to toys to be at all interested, but I decided to take the chance. (They had a whole valley full of open space, rabbits, birds, lizards and more in Tenerife, what did they need with toys?) Games start as soon as I get this out and the frequent crinkling sounds suggest that they like it. Money well spent.

Compulsory Viewing

2009-11-10T17:09:00.001Z

I've already put these two videos into the blog's sidebar so that future visitors can find them easily, but I really do think that as many people as possible need to watch them and become a little better informed. They are beautifully written and presented, as well as being true and profoundly disturbing in the way they highlight the cruelty and injustice shown to ME patients in the UK.

Incidentally, I've read in various places recently that some people in the US think that CFS is still called ME in the UK. It isn't: the UK has also adopted this stupid and demeaning "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" label too now and, in fact - as well as fibromyalgia - that is what it is called on the letter from my rheumatologist with my diagnosis. Despite this, I use myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) when I refer to my own illness, mainly because I can clearly pinpoint viral causes and / or catalysts for my illness and I certainly meet all the symptom criteria for the Canadian Expert Consensus Panel Clinical Case Definition for ME/CFS. My doctors were initially even reluctant to apply the term fibromyalgia - as they now appear to consider this all one and the same [imaginary?] thing - but I pushed my case for the distinctions between the two and why I "qualify" for both.

Via: WAMCARE blog

Sleep Through the Night Without Joints Pain

2009-11-10T00:55:00.000Z

Do you have trouble sleeping at night due to joints pain? You are not alone. Many people just chalk this up to the aging process and let the process continue its journey through their bodies. We now know that there are things that can be done about this joints pain. You don't have to just accept it like your grandparents did. You can start combating this problem by taking a daily supplement that will support your aging joints with added glucosamine compounds, chondroitin sulfate and MSM just to name a few. These substances are necessary for the proper functioning of our joints. As we age, we loss some of these things. They simply have to be replaced.

By replacing some of the missing or low level substances you will be able to fall asleep and get a better night's sleep and get up in the morning feeling more rested and refreshed. You should get daily exercise even if it is simply taking a 45 minute walk. Exercising will help you keep joints pain from returning later on. You will also get the added benefit of feeling better. The exercise will help your brain produce the feel good enzymes to raise your mood and help you feel positive about life.

If you don't do these things and instead remain more dormant, your joints pain will continue to get worse until you will not be able to move at all. This is why so many older people can only get around using a wheel chair and someone else to get them around. You don't have to accept this as your future.

Start taking joint supplements and exercising so that you can remain independent for the rest of your life. This is something that is within your control.

James Falcon is a joints pain specialist and the director of the popular website JointPainTreatmentInfo.com. He provides honest information and recommendations on matters like joint pain management and much more. For FREE tips on joint pain relief, check out the website today!

[NB: I also note that, "Many fibromyalgia sufferers report that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help to relieve some of their fibromyalgia symptoms." Worth a try?]

Oh look, the perfect t-shirt ...

2009-11-09T11:04:00.001Z

... for Twitter fans who suffer from IBS-C (constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome!)

Yes, such things really are newsworthy events to us, although, sometimes we do actually do slightly more interesting things.

Really!

(T-shirt is available for purchase here.)

Hip Bone Pain

2009-11-08T00:37:00.000Z

To understand some of the possible causes of hip bone pain it's important to understand how the hip bone is constructed. The thigh bone (femur) leads the to the pelvis and at the very end the bone is shaped like a ball. The pelvis has a recessed area (socket) that accommodates the ball on the femur. Hence, the term ball and socket joint. This ball and socket arrangement allows the joint a great deal of flexibility and is protected against dislocation by a combination of extremely strong ligaments and layers of muscle surrounding the joint.

Causes of hip bone pain

The ball part of the femur is significantly narrower than the rest of the bone, which means that it is a point of failure. When you hear about people breaking a hip, it is typically this part of the bone that has broken. Obviously, a broken bone is a significant cause of pain.
The ball of the joint is surrounded by layers of muscle that protect it. Unfortunately, this leads to a problem with blood supply. The ball has a single small artery that supplies it, if for some reason this actually becomes blocked the ball will start to decay.
Gout, although this typically affects the toes and ankle joints it can also impact the hips.
Infection, the bursa (membranes that surround the joint) can become infected (bursitis)
Rheumatoid arthritis can also target the hips and specifically injure the joint.

Hip bone pain is commonly felt in other parts of the body. It can be felt down the legs above the knees or even in the groin. This can make it politically difficult to diagnose especially as the joint is located deep beneath the muscles surrounding the thigh and pelvis making it difficult to examine manually.

At the first sign of pain, there are a few things you can do to prevent the situation worsening. Stop doing the activity that causes the pain, use a cane or crutches to relieve the stress on the joint, and make sure to sleep in a firm bed in a position that does not cause you pain. Once the pain is decreased, you can start with some gentle exercising and stretching; start slowly, go easy on yourself and will listen to your body and pain messages it is sending you.

By Andrew Ainsworth. Andy is an Engineer, serial entrepreneur, marketing guru and family man.
Hip Bone Pain, Hip Joint Pain, Article Source

Not just for hoomans ...

2009-11-07T22:36:00.001Z

moar funny pictures

Via: perpetualspiral

6 Ways to Beat Brain Fog Caused by Adrenal Fatigue

2009-11-06T18:57:00.001Z

Low stamina, poor digestion, slow to recover from injury or illness, non-refreshing sleep, and extreme sensitivity to cold are just some of the symptoms that people with adrenal fatigue experience.

When we often find ourselves under stress, our adrenal glands stop working properly and don't produce enough of the necessary hormones needed to constantly release a healthy dose of energy - resulting in us feeling tired and exhausted.

If you are mentally in a constant fog, constantly feel tired, or have a tough time focusing, you could be suffering from what is generally referred to as adrenal fatigue. Here are six ways to help decrease brain fog caused by the disorder:

1. Take in 'well-spaced' meals. If you tend to skip meals, then you ought to know that you are doing more harm than good for your body. This is especially true when talking about breakfast; not taking it is a surefire way to gain - not lose - weight. For most people with adrenal fatigue, they should eat closer to 5-6 meals a day as opposed to 3.

When you're hungry, your blood sugar drops, making you feel light-headed and tired. You would also notice that this is when you have short attention span and inability to focus on what you're doing. Have a good breakfast and follow it up with well-spaced meals. This will help sustain your energy throughout the day.

2. Stock up on protein. Hand in hand with the frequency of your meals is the kind of food that you actually take in. Make sure to eat those that are rich in protein; they will help boost your energy and keep you focused. On the other hand, it's a good idea for you to do away with junk foods and those that have a lot of sugar.

3. No to caffeine. You should keep in mind that coffee doesn't make you energized; it just gives you an illusion of boosting your energy. In reality, caffeine actually deprives you of B vitamins - decreasing your energy and making you feel even more tired. More caffeine doesn't not help with brain fog or adrenal fatigue, it makes it worse.

4. Do relaxing exercises. Instead of rigorous exercises like aerobics, opt for those that will stimulate the body but will also be relaxing. You can try yoga, deep breathing, meditation, or even something as simple as walking and stretching regularly.

5. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Even if you don't have adrenal fatigue, you should smoke and drink in moderation - but even more so if you are experiencing this disorder. Alcohol and tobacco make your glands function even badly, so don't make your body grow weaker by drinking and smoking.

6. Reduce stress. We all experience stress every day, but try to reduce it by learning to relax. Try going for short walks or taking breathers every few hours.

About the Author

Gerry Geneva is a personal energy coach and expert. He specializes in beating adrenal fatigue through energy management techniques, proper nutrition and adrenal fatigue supplements.

Remember, Remember ...

2009-11-05T19:39:00.001Z

... the fifth of November.

Silly me, I forgot again - 'til I heard the bangs. Just not used to these "quaint British customs"!

Mostly because I don't want to get used to them.

Given the popularity (NOT) of thieving politicians these days, doesn't it seem a a bit contrary for sheeple to still be celebrating the saving of the Houses of Parliament? Just thinking out loud.

A Prayer for the Stressed

2009-11-02T20:35:00.001Z

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot accept and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those I had to kill today because they got on my nerves.

Help me to be careful of the toes I step on as these may be connected to the feet I have to kiss tomorrow.

And help me to remember – when I am having a bad day and it seems that people are trying to wind me up – it takes 42 muscles to frown, 28 to smile and only 4 to extend my arm and smack someone in the mouth.

- Amen

Committed to what's left of my memory, thanks to Colin Davis

Patients' 'right' to private care

2009-10-31T20:30:00.001Z

"Patients in England will be guaranteed NHS treatment within 18 weeks, with the legal right to private care paid for by the state if that deadline is missed.", report the BBC.

OMFG! They have truly gone nuts this time.

It sounds excellent, of course, but I cannot, honestly, imagine a more worrying piece of news for the sick in this country, other than, perhaps the reintroduction of the workhouse.

On the surface, we're guaranteed not to have to wait for treatment - which is fine until you realise this is NOT done for your personal comfort, but just to get you back into the workforce. A.S.A.P. and, by any means. Just look at NHS food to understand their attitude to cost cutting.

And the Gestapo you have to deal with in order to prove you're ill and get benefits.

Now, suddenly, we're promised all that super-duper royal treatment in private hospitals ...

No, really? Do they honestly think we're that daft as to fall for it?

See where they say, "this will give greater incentive to those within the NHS to deliver on their responsibilities". That's mumbo-jumbo speak for there will be ever more impossibly stringent targets that medical staff have to meet. This is not a carrot for patients: it's a bloody great stick for doctors, whose very jobs will depend on treating unsuspecting patients within the time limits, so as to avoid those extra costs. Even if that means measures like bringing in the dubiously qualified to deal with backlogs and treating us no better than cattle on a milking conveyor belt.

"Patient power" my arse! It's all spin; all image and no substance. And typical.

Today's pain menu

2009-10-31T20:25:00.001Z

Laying awake this morning (hungry cats staring at me earnestly), for ages I couldn't move because my limbs felt as if they were made of lead, however, if you're looking for pain in any of the following areas, I haz dem:

Head - that sort of feverish fluey headache.
Sore throat.
Neck - still, again, ad nauseum.
Shoulder - joints stiff, achy and clunky.
Upper arms - burning ache and heaviness.
Lower arms and wrists - carpal tunnel.
Hands - stabbing pain in palms like crucifixion.
Upper back beneath shoulder blades - dull ache.
Lower back - just excruciating pain.
Both hip joints - gnawing pain like toothache. The right is the one I fell on 8 1/2 years ago. Pain in the left is a new development.
Thigh muscles - cold, contracted, solid and yet burning.
Knees - tear-inducingly painful and more so to put weight on.
Shins - feel like they've been bruised and beaten with a baseball bat.
Ankles - clunking, sore, achy joints.
Feet - all manner of aches, pains, sores and burning.

Let me reiterate that this was the selection of symptoms I could already feel when I woke up and was still lying in my comfortable bed (thanks to this natural latex mattress.) I hadn't even had the chance to get up and hurt myself and, this general selection is nothing at all unusual.

When I do get up, I feel fluey, weak, lightheaded and my legs start to give way, so for most of the day, yet again (as in 6 days out of 7), I could do no more than an impression of the dog pictured!

Interesting aside: When my mother was waiting at her outpatients appointment the other day, she said she sat next to a man who was going "Oh and ah" in pain. The nurses, you know medically trained professionals, she said, had asked him if he was alright - they could obviously see for themselves that he was in pain - and asked him if he wanted any painkillers.

He declined the drugs, saying that, mostly, they didn't work.

Whenever I've been to any of the many hospital appointments recently, even when I don't notice it myself, doctors, nurses, radiologists, etc., alike all notice that I am breathless and showing visible signs of being in pain. They always ask me if I'm OK and if I need anything too. Mostly this takes me by surprise and I just tell them I have fibromyalgia and ME and that it's "normal" for me.

This man had fibromyalgia too. So mother asks him, "Where does it hurt?"

And (unsurprisingly) his reply was, "Tell me where it doesn't hurt!"

I keep stressing this to her: fibromyalgia hurts anywhere and everywhere.

And that it is possible to tell when someone is in pain.

And that drugs do not kill fibromyalgia pain.

It's like beating my head against a brick wall, because she seems to understand the words, but has no concept of their meaning and implications. Learning what fibromyalgia is and knowing that I have it, provokes no reaction. It's like, "the lights are on, but nobody's home."

(No, she isn't stupid, she totally lacks empathy and is far too engrossed in herself. And yes, my critics will be foaming at the mouth now. The difference is, she just says what she thinks about me. I can back my comments up with solid research, written evidence and witnesses.)

The doctors apparently want this man to lose weight. They do this to me too. First fact, the ONLY reason I have put on this much weight (it's been many years since I was able to do an impression of a stick insect, if I ever did and the fibromyalgia itself caused some increase, but not all) in the first place is because the first thing I was prescribed was 'effin Amitriptyline (for every one person this has helped, I've read 1000 reports of people who would rather die than take it.)

One of the known side-effects for this drug is excessive weight gain.

But it's cheap, so the NHS pops it out like Smarties.

Then they bitch at us about getting exercise and losing weight - when you can hardly move, let alone exercise and with ME/CFS too, shouldn't do so. I know there's no cure, but you'd think there was something they could offer us (other than pseudo-psychology) and this broken record!

I'm Not Overweight, I'm Undertall

2009-10-30T19:47:00.001Z

What's a healthy weight for me?

Your weight range is 113 to 141 pounds.

But it's 176 lbs (80 kilos / 12.5 stone, a.k.a. obese.) This would, of course, be OK if I were 5 ft 11 in tall, so, since losing weight doesn't seem to be working, I need to find someone who can stretch me by about 8 inches.

I'm Not Overweight, I'm Undertall

A right royal pain in the neck

2009-10-30T18:05:00.001Z

One of the many, many reasons I had to give up driving a few years ago was the pain and loss of movement in my neck (this was also noted and confirmed by my Rheumatologist.) For one thing, I could no longer look over my shoulder for merging into traffic. Secondly, if I tried to do so, the pain and spasms were too much to bear and could easily have caused me to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

This is something that's been affecting me, to some degree, for years, since I suffered a whiplash injury in a head-on collision in the 80s (I was only a passenger), but like all my other symptoms has grown with the fibromyalgia and, has worsened several-fold since I've been forced to put up with conditions in the UK. For a while this year, I had it under some control, but coinciding roughly with the onset of autumn this month, the pain came back again with a vengeance.

Apart from the restricted movement and the pain - movement itself is painful - the worst of it is a horrible bone-on-bone grinding noise in my cervical vertebra whenever I move my head.

What started it off again was something so seemingly innocuous too: I went to the monthly self-help meeting of our local pain group (ironically). Previously, we've sat around a circular table, so one can see and interact with most of the people quite easily. This time, a long rectangular arrangement had been set out using two tables and so, to talk to people to my left and right, required a good degree of movement. I was only there for an hour or so and, I was careful to move my whole torso and not just my neck as often as I could, but the damage was done.

There was about a week or so before my next outing (this time to the gynaecologist), so I set to work to try to relieve it as best I could. I have special neck pillows, a TENS machine (which I'll be laying off for a while), specific exercises I learned at pilates class, relaxation techniques and a Neck Warmer Wrap Lavender Fleece Wheat Bag Heat Pack. (Which is great, but only affords temporary relief.)

The pain had just subsided enough to get below the category of *excruciating* the day before I was due to go out again and, taking the bus rather than walk the mile + to the station, the second the bus moved, I heard the "crack" in my neck and was in agony again. A week later I had to go back to the same hospital (same floor too and no, they couldn't do it on the same day) and the day before, I'd merely leaned on the kitchen work surface (because I was having trouble standing unaided) and looked up everso slightly. Bang, crack, agony in my neck once more, not helped by outing. Now the pain seems to have taken up (probably winter) residence.

Unrecognised ramblings

2009-10-30T15:52:00.001Z

Since I was feeling pretty crap yesterday (understatement), but wanted to make a note of what had happened - if only because I shall need to recount it all to my GP in case there is a problem with my heart and to talk to them about how I get urgent help if I should need it - I thought I'd give Windows Vista Speech Recognition another try.

Because of the terrible pain I've been getting, specifically in my wrists, but also in my neck, shoulders and back and, difficulty sitting up for any length of time anyway in the last year or so, I'd had a couple of goes at this tool before, but I just can't get on with it.

For a start, brain fog is preventing me from memorizing the list of commands. If I try to get it to control the computer, it generally runs amok. In any case, talking at it - constantly repeating the word "cancel" - makes me cough, gives me a sore throat and generally drives me barmy.

Yesterday, I tried to get it to take dictation. I don't think it gets my accent either:

For "TENS machine" it typed "tries to eat the machine."

Anyone got any tips for taming it?

Return of the chest pains

2009-10-30T15:09:00.001Z

Whether this was exacerbated by the other day's increase in brain fog and this is part of the crash I was suspecting might occur, I don't know, but on Wednesday night, after not having used it for some time, I used my TENS machine as I'd been having a lot of extra pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulders over the last couple of weeks (another long story for later).

On a few occasions before, I've had chest pains after using the TENS machine, but when one gets chest pains regularly and they're part of the fibromyalgia anyway and are only one of far too many other aches and pains to count, one never quite knows what is causing them, or whether to worry. Instinctively, I probably should.

Immediately after using the machine I felt a tightness in my chest. Shortly after that I went to sleep, but yesterday morning I woke up with notable tightness around my chest, pain and numbness down my left arm and a feeling like I'd been kicked and winded in the centre of my back between my shoulder blades. My throat and chest tightened more if I tried to take a deep breath.

Nevertheless, I dragged my sorry fat arse out of bed to feed the hungry cats then get my own breakfast. I'd got as far as getting myself water for taking medication, had warmed up my wheat bag in the microwave to hopefully help with the neck and shoulder pain and made my coffee, so I took the drinks to the bedroom while my porridge was cooking in the microwave.

On the way back to the kitchen, I was waylaid by the furball formerly known as "the baby who refuses to be put down", weaving in front of me and shaking his ample butt and tail in my direction, whilst looking up at me with sad eyes and crying plaintively. So I picked him up and snuggled him, turning on the baby talk - this quickly embarrasses him into shutting up - put him down, made my way back to the kitchen (this is all of a few paces): in all, hardly major exertions.

On my way up the kitchen towards the microwave, I grabbed a spoon from the draw with which to eat my boring breakfast gruel, but I only got half way there when I suddenly felt as if I'd been kicked by a mule in the solar plexus - so severely that my legs involuntarily buckled and twisted beneath me. It completely winded me and the pain around my chest increased 1000-fold. I grabbed hold of the work surface and slid myself down onto the floor to sit with my back against the wall.

There was also the incident with the nicotine patches when I gave up smoking 2 years ago and yesterday morning's episode was startlingly similar. So repeating myself based on my qualification as a first-aider, "... I put myself in the recommended half-sitting position with knees bent, tried not to panic and eventually the pain and constriction subsided and breathing became easier."

And yes, once again, it was bloody scary for a while there.

But that's not the end of the story ...

So, there I am, writhing on the kitchen floor - not something I do frequently, just for "fun" - trying to regain control of my basic functions, clearly having trouble breathing. I'm certain any reasonably compus-mentis person would have assumed from my appearance that I was in severe pain and in need of help. I couldn't even speak. Once I could speak, it was in breathless panting.

Meanwhile, mother was waiting for her lift to take her to a hospital outpatients checkup. She was hovering around the kitchen door, so there's a chance she saw the whole incident, but she could certainly see me in trouble on the floor. All I could hear, while I'm down there thinking there's a chance I could die here, was "I hope this woman [the lift] hasn't forgotten me."

Ignoring me, mother went outside to look, came back in, then she thought / worried other things out loud, then she called the woman up to see if she was coming, then she announces she doesn't know what she was going to do. Still completely failing to acknowledge my predicament - I couldn't see her, but I knew she was approaching the kitchen - she asks, "What am I going to do?"

By this time, I could, just, wheeze out a few words. I told her she would have to call herself a taxi.

Well, actually, first I told her not to worry, because I might need an ambulance first, then I told her to get the 'kin taxi and get out of my sight, because I really could not believe that she was wittering on about her own non-urgent needs while I was laying on the floor in trouble.

Know what she said? In whining tone, "Well, I can't lift you. I can't do anything."

So the first is true. The second NEVER is and, even if it were, deciding to ignore the problem and pretend it isn't there, definitely is not the answer. Not if you're ~~sane~~ human anyway.

And this is, by no means, an isolated incident.

By that time I could feel my heart pounding in my chest like it was hammering on my sternum to be let out. Involuntarily, I pushed my hand against my chest to *hold* it in. Even without my hand there, I could feel my pulse thudding up through my esophagus, throat, neck and left arm, but I wasn't really sure what was causing it most; the original problem, or utter rage that my own mother could so totally, seemingly knowingly and willfully, absolutely fail to react in any way to a genuine emergency. If I hadn't been there myself, I really would not have believed this had happened.

(And, no doubt there will be people who still don't believe me and will probably try to bully me into silence again because they think I shouldn't tell the truth publicly. They will be the same ones who do believe my mother portraying herself as the "victim". They don't know the half.)

Mother got her taxi, I stayed down until I got my breath back, then I crawled to bed and stayed there most of the day. I did my best to switch my brain off and relax and even managed to sleep on and off, but the pounding pulse didn't subside until evening. Mother got me some water, only because I asked, but otherwise left me (without food) all day. I still had to do most of the work to cook dinner later, even though I could bearly stand up. The severity of the chest pains has subsided now, but they return to some degree every time I get up today. I feel like I've done 10 rounds with Ali, been kicked and punched all over and feel absolutely washed out with zero energy.

It used to concern me a bit about having such an emergency when I lived on my own out in the wilds of Tenerife, but clearly, those circumstances did not increase the danger at all and, as usual, by the time I would have been capable of getting to a phone to get help myself, the emergency didn't seem so pressing, but I shall bring all of this up with my doctors at the next visit.

Factors: viral heart damage could be linked to me/cfs. Warnings: "Before you use any brand of nicotine patch, make sure your doctor knows if you have, or have ever had, any of the following: chest pain from a heart condition (angina); ~~diabetes requiring insulin injections~~; heart attack; high blood pressure (severe); irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia); kidney disease; liver disease; overactive thyroid; skin disease; ulcers; or any other serious illness." (And more). In addition, although TENS machines are supposedly virtually side-effect free, they should not be used by people with "... certain types of heart disease." Given all of those, one has to wonder.

Annette Whittemore's CFSAC Testimony

2009-10-30T10:06:00.000Z

Via: ME/CFS Warrior

Another foggy day

2009-10-28T20:31:00.001Z

You know, with fibromyalgia, some days the pain is the worst symptom, other days it's the fatigue and on yet others, it's the fogginess.

Each and every one on it's own is enough to hamper functioning as a human being and I really couldn't say which is the worst, but the fog certainly gets top marks for frustration.

All day today, I've found myself - more than usual - going to another room and forgetting why I was there. I've had real problems concentrating on anything. And despite knowing I'm doing this, I've been unable to shake it.

Worse yet, I'll be doing something in one tab of the browser, switch tabs and wonder WFT I went there for! I'll be doing something like saving a link and a nano-second later, I can't remember if I have saved it yet or not. I'll think of the next thing I want to do, click through to my bookmarks or startpage or wherever from where I can access it directly (and do so regularly) and, once again, in the split second it took me to click there, have forgotten what the hell I wanted to do!

The sheer frustration of having to backtrack and search the brain cells for such simple information, so frequently, is so hard to describe. Wanting to do something that should be super easy, but not being able to will myself forward towards achieving it is immense.

Yet I'm doing most of what's recommended on this list already - or at least all that I can.

What worries me is that when I've had frustrating bouts like this before, just as overdoing physical exercise does not gradually increase tolerance but causes me to hit the brick wall earlier and harder, so trying to think beyond the fog's limited visibility tends to cause a brain crash, where thinking ceases up. I hope this does not imply an impending bad crash / relapse.

Foggy Day Horses Wallpapers

Wind breakers

2009-10-28T19:37:00.001Z

Of course, I've forgotten what / where it was now but I read / watched something not long ago that claimed pigs fart 50 times per day.

Now whether it's the accountant in me, or a more worrying mental affliction, but the calculation ran through my head that if said pig were awake for 12.5 hours per day (conservatively), then that's 4 times per hour, or in other words, roughly once every 15 minutes.

That doesn't sound so improbable really, does it?

What I was also absolutely certain of, given that long interval - with the serious amount of gas and bloating I suffer with IBS - is that I could out-fart yer average pig any day of the week. :)

And yet, for all his letting rip, ol' piggy there only emits a mere 1.5 kg of methane per year, compared to the stunning total of 120 kg coming from your average western cow.

And I always wondered why I felt right at home at those animal fair fiestas in Tenerife.

Feed the Birds Day

2009-10-24T00:55:00.000+01:00

The RSPB's Feed the Birds Day, across the UK over the weekend of 24-25 October, reminds us about all the things we can do to help birds and other garden wildlife through the winter.

Feed the Birds Day

Turmeric Capsules

2009-10-20T17:05:00.001+01:00

Given the choice, I would much rather find natural remedies that may be able to help my symptoms, instead of loading myself up with yet more chemical drugs. To this end, I have been researching and trying various things lately, among them turmeric. If you read the various claims online, you'd believe that this spice is the magic cure for all ills. In particular turmeric has been implicated in relieving muscular pain in fibromyalgia (in my experience, it doesn't) and in treating the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, where I have found it helpful in reducing (not curing, sadly) abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence.

Most people who feel at home in the kitchen with the assorted spices from around the world know perfectly well what turmeric is. They know how constructive it is when assembling a curry recipe and of its widespread use in Indian cuisine. If you are not so familiar with it please let me introduce you to turmeric at this time.

Turmeric is a yellow color spice which is predominantly used in the creation of curry and mustard recipes. It is widely employed within the Indian Ayurvedic medicine for use as a cleansing tonic. Those areas of India that consist of diets high in Turmeric use appear to have significantly reduced incidents of breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. This close relative of ginger root is considered to be an effective agent towards dispelling arthritis and its associated inflammation. All this new research and interest in this herb is providing some very interesting scientific data to herb's already vast storehouse of health benefits.

In Houston at the Andrews Cancer Center turmeric was recently cited in a released report which stated that it was instrumental in stopping the metastasis associated with breast cancer progression, benefits relating to ones lungs and finally those progressive improvements found within the lymph nodes. The herbal doctor and writer Andrew Weil has stated that those people whose diet is extremely rich in the use of turmeric generally have the lower rate found of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers. He further states that the herbal remedy is an excellent product for any inflammatory disorder and improves one immune system greatly. He is a firm believer that there are potential benefits for those patients who are currently suffering from Alzheimer's.

Curcumin which is the active ingredient of turmeric has been proclaimed by researchers in Japan as a wide spectrum anticancer agent. They insinuate that the herbs ability to produce detoxifying enzymes seems to indicate its possible value as a protection generating agent against any sort of chemical carcinogenesis. One can easily realize and appreciate the significance of these particular results.

If you are considering the use of turmeric capsules as a health additive there are several hints that you should follow closely. You will want to ensure that you are obtaining a pure turmeric capsule. You don't want one which is plastered with fillers or unnecessary additives. You want one that is merely pure and quality tested. In the event that you are of the Jewish faith you can readily find some of the capsules that are certified as Kosher as well as those which are created from organically grown herbs.

Within a short time of taking these capsules you will experience many healthful changes occurring within your system. The capsules are geared towards people who may be suffering from diverse diseases and conditions such as arthritis, pain associated with Alzheimer's disease, inflammation or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as several forms of cancer. This list could go on and on as we recount such benefits as liver protection or bile stimulation within the human body. Various digestion difficulties are also addressed by this herb such as intestinal gas reduction and gallbladder simulation. It is truly a beneficial herb al capsule that will improve your overall health tremendously.

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What is Fibro Fog?

2009-10-19T00:41:00.000+01:00

While the most predominant symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain and persistent fatigue, the resulting cognitive impairment of this condition may be its most maddening.

Commonly referred to as fibro fog, this symptom is a conglomeration of cognitive challenges. Fibro fog is understood to be a physical symptom of fibromyalgia, not a psychological one. While research on fibro fog is scarce, experts agree that it is not the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other brain function deterioration condition. Of utmost importance is recognizing that fibro fog can be managed and with the reduction of fibromyalgia’s other symptoms, the cloud of fibro fog will also fade away.

Symptoms of Fibro Fog

Just as no two individuals experience fibromyalgia in the same way, fibro fog also has a varying range of indications, including:

· Mental confusion
· Fuzzy thinking
· Short-term memory loss
· Inability to concentrate or pay attention
· Language lapses

Fibro Fog Causes

The same lack of information as to fibromyalgia’s origin also surrounds fibro fog. While a variety of causes have been proposed, including depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, and changes to the Central Nervous System (CNS), most experts agree that sleep deprivation is the primary culprit of fibro fog.

Occurring at the deepest level of the sleep cycle, individuals with fibromyalgia typically lack sufficient restorative sleep. We know that at the deeper levels of sleep, called delta wave sleep, a person’s mind conducts internal housekeeping. During delta wave sleep, newly acquired information is assimilated and integrated into the brain. The inability to get sufficient delta wave sleep impairs the ability to recall information and operate at a normal level of mental efficiency.

Physical Link

Temporal lobe brain abnormalities appear to mimic the presentation of fibro fog.

According to Dr. Jay Seastrunk, a psychiatrist specializing in fibromyalgia, if the temporal lobes are mismatched, there will be trouble with memory, recall and concentration. “Cognitive dysfunction is a right temporal lobe phenomena. Multiple mood swings, trouble sleeping are all temporal lobe abnormalities. Temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, retrieving and restoring our memories even though the patient may feel they have difficulty with their memory. The problem is actually the retrieval of this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or blocking, is a left temporal lobe phenomena.”

Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, a leading chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia researcher, suggests that SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), PET (positron emission tomography) and BEAM (brain electrical activity mapping) scans of the brain demonstrate that fibro fog is a physical anomaly. According to Dr. Yunus, “Cerebral blood flow imaging by SPECT, PET and BEAM have been reported to be abnormal in a large majority of patients with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), showing a pattern different from normal controls and those with depression. Results of SPECT, PET or BEAM studies specifically in fibromyalgia have not been reported, but a good number of patients with CFS who had these tests carried out with abnormal results also had fibromyalgia.”

When considering both Dr. Seastrunk and Dr. Yunus’ contributions, it is clear that fibro fog is represented by physically visible brain variances.

Managing fibro fog

Since fibro fog is believed to be directly related to non-restorative sleep, putting all of one’s resources into getting good, quality sleep is crucial. In addition to seeking professional assistance (and possible physician-prescribed sleep medications), the following suggestions may be conducive to getting a quality night’s sleep:

· Adhering to a regular sleep routine – going to sleep and waking at the same time each day
· Providing a relaxing atmosphere prior to and during sleep
· Limiting caffeine and food consumption near bedtime
· Listening to white noise prior to and during sleep
· Sleeping on a high quality mattress
· For pain reduction, using pillows in bed to cushion any sore spots
· Using natural sleep aids (always consult your physician)

In addition to focusing on getting restorative sleep, The Arthritis Foundation® shares nine tips to minimize fibro fog’s impact during the day:

1. Repeat yourself. Repeat things to yourself over and over again. Repetition will keep thoughts fresh in your mind.

2. Write it down. Whether you write in a calendar, in a notebook or on sticky notes, if you’re afraid you won’t remember something, putting pen to paper can help.

3. Pick your best time. If there is something you need to do that requires concentration and memory, such as balancing your checkbook or following a recipe, pick your best time to do it. Many people with fibromyalgia say they perform best early in the day.

4. Get treated. Depression, pain and sleep deprivation can influence your ability to concentrate and remember. Getting your medical problems treated may indirectly help your memory.

5. Engage yourself. Reading a book, seeing a play, or working a complex crossword or jigsaw puzzle can stimulate your brain and your memory.

6. Stay active. Physical activity, in moderation, can increase your energy and help lift your fibro fog. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist about an exercise program that is right for you.

7. Explain yourself. Explain your memory difficulties to family members and close friends. Memory problems often result from stress. Getting a little understanding from the ones you love may help.

8. Keep it quiet. A radio blasting from the next room, a TV competing for your attention, or background conversation can distract your attention from the task at hand. If possible, move to a quiet place and minimize distractions when you are trying to remember.

9. Go slowly. Sometimes memory problems can result from trying to do too much in too short a period of time. Break up tasks, and don’t take on more than you can handle at once. Stress and fatigue will only make the situation worse.

Fibro Fog Hope

As one of fibromyalgia’s most frustrating components, there is hope for fibro fog sufferers. Understanding the following about fibro fog will allay many accompanying fears:

· You are not alone in suffering with fibro fog
· Fibro fog is not a psychological condition
· Fibro fog is likely a result of non-restorative sleep disturbances
· Improving sleep can reduce fibro fog
· There are many ways to reduce fibro fog’s prominence in your life

The best news of all is that many individuals report that being committed to managing their fibromyalgia (by integrating western medicine, alternative medicine and lifestyle changes), has resulted in their fibro fog fading away.

References:

Yunus, MD, Muhammad B., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Similarities and Differences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois.
www.arthritis.org, Clearing the Fog, Arthritis Foundation, 2006.
www.disabilitysecrets.com, Fibromyalgia and Brain Fog or Fibro, disabilitysecrets.com, 2006.
www.drlamb.com, Clearing the Brain-Fog of Fibromyalgia, The Pain Reliever Corporation, 2006.
www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/8173/neurology.html, Neurological Effects of FM and CFS.
web.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/brainfog.htm, What is Brainfog and how significant is it?, Marilyn J. Kerr, RN, 2001.
www.suite101.com, Fibromyalgia: Fighting Fibro-Fog, Tamara Peters.

This article was prepared for FibroManage.com. Source: EzineArticles.com

The 7 Menopausal Dwarfs

2009-10-18T12:13:00.001+01:00

ROFLMAO! Oh boy, do I know these women well! Of course I never know whether it's climate change or the change of life, fibromyalgia or the wind direction causing my symptoms, but tick all of the above.

Itchy? A flea-bitten moggy scratches less that I do and as for sweaty (also being enhanced by the medication), I like being too hot better than being too cold, but there's a limit, which is definitely exceeded when I'm drowning in a river of sweat despite having stripped down to a strappy top, outdoors, in October, in the UK.

If I go anywhere now, I get so hot that by the time I get home, I have to peel my soggy clothes off and dash for the shower ... and I'm glad of the sweat, because without, I'd worry I might spontaneously combust.

At the moment, these symptoms - especially the hot flushes - are making me feel so ill that travelling anywhere is becoming more and more difficult and unpleasant. I truly don't like going anywhere on my own any more, because, as soon as I do, I get hot flushes and along with them extreme nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness and general spaced-outiness.

On Thursday afternoon, I was coming home from the hospital in Southampton on the train and in near panic - because I honestly didn't know if I was going to make it without either being sick or passing out - was desperately clawing through my travelling pharmacy (a.k.a. backpack) for sea sickness bands, wet wipes, Migrastick and whatever, to try to calm it all and hang on.

The nice gynaecologist I saw at the hospital asked me a slew of questions about menopause symptoms too. On the one hand, I was glad someone cared enough to ask. On the other, as the first question he asked me was my age, it thought it a bit indelicate to sort of take it for granted.

Then again, he could hardly miss Bloaty, Bitchy and Psycho coming his way, I guess! :-)

Sleepy nodded off, involuntarily, no less than three times yesterday, but then that could be the menopause, the fibromyalgia, the CFS, or any number of other reasons.

They could have called Forgetful, Foggy! We [sometimes] remember her, don't we?

Still, if these symptoms do have anything to do with the menopause too, at least there's hope that they might diminish a bit in future. And the sooner, the better. Please.

Image via: A Veg*n For Dinner: Let's Talk About Menopause!

Some relief for eye irritation

2009-10-14T16:55:00.001+01:00

Amongst the worst of the 1001 symptoms I have to put up with on a daily basis are those relating to my eyes - I think for obvious reasons as sight is so precious.

My eyesight has been changing rapidly and dramatically over the last few years - I'm sure some of that is to do with age - and my prescription for glasses along with it, that I can no longer justify the cost of having it filled.

Currently I'm making do with the cheap reading glasses that can be found all over the high street (which leads me to believe that many people do this in the UK) as in only the last year, I've needed to upgrade from 2x to 3x magnification - which is one of the highest. This is not really the ideal solution, but it's an economic necessity. When the 3x magnification is no longer strong enough, then I shall be well and truly in the proverbial brown and sticky stuff.

At my last eye test here in the UK (at least that was free), glaucoma was ruled out, but I failed the peripheral vision test miserably. My night vision went completely AWOL years ago.

Now I technically need (I don't have) glasses for distance too. TV has become mostly just a moving blur (which I'd say renders it fairly pointless, except I think most of it's fairly pointless anyway) and I would not be able to drive without correction (I don't drive for many, many other reasons.)

In addition to this, however, some days everything remains blurred, even with glasses.

Now I can only read for a certain length of time - which varies daily from a few minutes to a few hours, though the latter is rare - and then only if the light is right. I find reading on screen a lot easier than reading a book. In fact, I've only read three books in the last 15 years because I find it so difficult to find the right light, print size, wind direction, "R" in the month, etc. And, in any case, I find it generally too painful to hold a book for long enough, because of wrist pain.

Then there are the days when any light or moving things (even a scrolling screen) makes me dizzy and nauseous. If that gets as far as a full-blown migraine headache, then I can only lie flat in a darkened, quiet room until it subsides - which can take days.

Other times, I can manage to listen to music or the TV, as long as my eyes are closed.

And on top of this, I often wake up with gritty eyes and my eyes often feel dry and burning - this is made worse by "overwork" (which can mean as little as 15 minutes) - and at some point in every single day (all day, if things are bad), I suffer such pain and discomfort in my eyes that I constantly, involuntarily blink and squint in response to the sensation of a "foreign body" in either or both.

Sufficient quantity and quality of restful sleep - you know how rare that is for us - is probably the best antidote to these symptoms and, wearing sunglasses, avoiding bright light, taking breaks from computer and TV screens ... all help to mitigate their length and severity.

Previously, eye drops made no real improvement to the gritty, dry, painful part of the problem, however, I am pleased to report that these new, thicker consistency Dry & Tired Eyes Lubricant drops from Murine do offer temporary relief. They are available from Amazon.co.uk.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disability Scale

2009-10-13T22:58:00.001+01:00

This is an adaptation of the National Health Service Disability Scale, of which is used throughout the medical profession.

You may have seen this scale ‘the other way around’ with 0% referring to severe symptoms, and 100% as fit and well. However this scale is shown in Living with M.E.: The Chronic, Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome By Dr. Charles Shepherd ISBN: 0091816793.

O% - FIT AND WELL FOR AT LEAST THE PAST THREE MONTHS.

No symptoms at rest or following activity. Capable of full-time employment.

10% - GENERALLY WELL.

No symptoms at rest. Occasionally mild symptoms may follow activity. Capable of most forms of full-time employment.

20% - OCCASIONAL MILD SYMPTOMS AT REST.

More noticeable symptoms following activity. Some restriction of capabilities which require physical exertion. Able to work full-time but difficulty with work that requires physical exertion.

30% - MILD SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Limited ability to carry out some tasks which require physical exertion. May be able to work full-time.

40% - MILD OR MODERATE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Variable ability to carry out tasks associated with normal daily activity. Unable to work part-time in a job involving frequent physical exertion. May be able to work part-time in other types of employment.

50% - MILD TO MODERATE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Moderate to more severe exacerbation of symptoms following physical and/ or mental exertion. Unable to carry out any strenuous physical tasks. Able to perform light duties or deskwork for several hours a day provided adequate rest periods are provided.

60% - MODERATE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Moderate to severe symptoms following any form of physical or mental exertion. Unable to carry out any strenuous duties. Able to carry out light duties/ deskwork for one to three hours per day. Generally not confined to the house.

70% - MODERATE TO SEVERE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Severe symptoms follow any physical or mental activity. Able to perform deskwork or light duties for one or two hours during the day. Often confined to the house and may require wheelchair assistance at times.

80% - MODERATE TO SEVERE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

May only be able to carry out a very minimal range of physical activities relating to personal care (e.g. washing, bathing). Frequently unable to leave the house and may even be confined to wheelchair or bed for much of the day. Unable to concentrate more than short periods of time.

90% - SEVERE SYMPTOMS AT REST.

Bedridden and housebound for much of the time. Experiences considerable difficulties with many aspects of personal care. Marked problems with mental function (e.g. memory, concentration). Requires a great deal of practical support.

100% - SEVERE SYMPTOMS ON A CONTINUAL BASIS.

Bedridden and incapable of living independently. Requires a great deal of practical social support.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disability Scale

[ Source: M.E. Support ]

Top Antiviral Herbs

2009-10-13T22:57:00.001+01:00

Whether we are heading into a new school year or into the cold & flu season or right smack in the middle of the holiday season, the question of preventing & treating viruses naturally becomes an important issue.

It would be nice if we could start to lessen the chances of contracting these nasty viruses. Luckily, using natural herbs that are easy to incorporate into our diets is an effective way to dodge or treat the common viruses.

Other added benefits to using natural antiviral herbs: no side effects, low cost, safe for children & elderly.

Before getting into specific anti viral herbal remedies, a few words on viruses.
Viruses are infinitesimally small particles that do nothing more than reproduce.
They are the agents that lead to all kinds of health problems including cold, flu & herpes.
Viruses are different from bacteria though the two can be confused by the general public. Medicine has antibiotics which can be effective against bacteria but not against viruses.

However, there are few medications that deal with viruses. Two of the popular ones are acyclovir for herpes & AZT for AIDS. Luckily, there are many good antiviral herbs. The rest of this page discusses anti viral herbs that have general effects against any number of viruses.

Best natural antiviral herbal remedies

* Echinacea may be the best general herbal remedy against viruses. Echinacea works by destroying viruses & boosting the immune system so that your own body can then eliminate the virus. Especially good for flu viruses. Take supplements as directed, especially right before flu & cold season. Take in cycles of 6 weeks on & 6 weeks off as needed.

* Hypoxis Rooper (African Potato) improves the immune system according to research.

* Astragalus is also one of the valuable antiviral herbs due to its ability to boost the immune system. Take as directed when needed.

* Agathosma Betulina (buchu) is a natural antiviral that has antioxidant & antiseptic activity & helps the body rid itself of toxins. Good as a preventive.

* Mentha peperita better known as peppermint supports the body’s immune system. Scientific studies show peppermint’s is one of the anti viral herbs that shows a good effect on tuberculosis. Using peppermint essential oil or drinking lots of peppermint tea are pleasant, economical ways of using peppermint.

* Dragon’s blood is a lesser known herbal remedy for viruses. Especially useful against herpes virus. May be available in pill form. Take as directed.

* Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) is one of the traditional antiviral herbs, used for hundreds of years. It seems to increase the ability of the body to fight infections.

* What could you say about garlic, an herb that has so many beneficial effects that it is treated with a reverence by many peoples of the world. Most people find garlic to be delicious too. This natural antiviral can be used for flu, cold & any number of viruses. Consume it raw or lightly cooked in any number of dishes including salads, stir frys, soups etc. Take supplements as directed making sure that supplement has active ingredients.

* Onions are also an anti viral herb though not as effective as garlic. Certainly you could come up with many dishes that contain garlic & onion which go together very well.

* Schizandra Sinesis is a powerful Chinese herb, an herbal remedy against viruses that protects against toxins and cell damage.

* Goldenseal is also an immune stimulant. Many supplements pair goldenseal with with other antiviral herbs like echinacea for a 1 - 2 punch against viruses.

* Olea Europea (from olive leaf) is a very valuable herb & natural antiviral. It helps fight numerous germs. The positive effects of Olive leaf have recently been proven in a variety of clinical studies. Olive leaf also stimulates the immune system. It may also help stop the production of enzymes that a retrovirus, such as HIV, needs in order to change the RNA of a healthy cell. I’ve used it in place of root canal surgery to good effect. Take supplements as directed but you may need to double or triple dose the first day you are symptomatic.

* Juniper is also an excellent anti viral herbal remedy, excellent against flu & cold virus. Makes a good cold season tea that could be sipped throughout the day.

* Lemon balm also makes a good anti viral herbal tea & is especially valued as anti-herpes.

* Licorice is yet another herb that makes an excellent tea. Effective anti viral herb against many viruses. Take supplement or make a tea out of licorice root.

* Shiitake mushroom is also one of our favorite antiviral herbs. Consume in various dishes or use supplements as directed.

* Ginger, like garlic is a superb herb with numerous health benefits including its natural antiviral effects. Use as a tea or in numerous dishes. Juice a small slice along with fruits like apples, carrots, celery, [parsley - to taste for a wonderfully healthy concoction.

Other natural anti viral herbs

Some other herbal remedies against viruses are not as well known for that purpose but have been cited as antiviral. They include:

* Boneset

* Cat’s claw

* Chamomile

* Cinnamon

* Ginseng

* St. John’s wort

Salvator Giustra is a NYC Teaching Fellow, health researcher, clinical psychotherapist & computer scientist. He currently runs three websites (Healthy World) that advance the idea that good health is based on simple, traditional, commonsense knowledge which research tends to support repeatedly. For info on how water affects health, visit: Healthy Water For info on using herbal remedies, visit: Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com