September 2009

If you have a Twitter account and want to get in on a conversation about sleep problems, join me there right now, as I’ve asked @SleepGeekPete to answer a few. He’s a Vice President, Sleep Innovation & Clinical Research for Select Comfort.

Certainly a “bed” specialist and someone we can talk to about sleep problems. I encourage you to ask your Fibromyalgia and sleep related questions on Twitter and see what kinds of answers this gentleman comes up with.

I’ve already asked him, “How do you advise people with Fibromyalgia? What sleep techniques work for them?”

His answer, “Great question! Thanks for joining! Fibro sufferers have many sleep challenges, including pain–must deal with–stay tuned!”

My latest response: “@SleepGeekPete #Fibro and #sleep problems go hand in hand. What are your tips? I posted mine today at http://www.healthmattershow.com/fibromyalgia-symptoms-sleep-problems-week-two.”

Join the discussion.

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show, “the” place to get a lot of information about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

{ 0 comments }

When a person with Fibromyalgia symptoms thinks about sleep problems, she may frown outright or make a yucky face, because being sleepy and sleep deprived can make you feel darned grumpy. Yes, sleep problems are very tough issues to deal with on a daily basis. Think tired. Think pain. Think of never catching a break!

If we’re talking about you (whether you’re male or female), your sleeping status can be classified as abnormal if you’re not getting adequate, restorative sleep in a normal sleep pattern. And, dear one, it’s a major reason why you’re staying sick with Fibromyalgia! Almost any doctor worth his salt will tell you that people don’t recover from Fibromyalgia until they conquer their sleep problems.

So exactly what are these horrible sleep problems that are interfering with your health? Well, there can be a whole host of things going wrong and interrupting your sleep night after night. Lose enough sleep over a long enough period of time and you’ll rack up a significant sleep deficit.

Here are a few of the problems and some suggestions that I hope will help you find a way to snooze away in dreamland a bit more often and not be as sleepy and tired all the time.

Physical Sleep Abnormalities: add-on conditions like sleep apnea symptoms, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.
[click to continue…]

{ 4 comments }

This is the last day in this week’s series about pain as being one of the major Fibromyalgia symptoms (your keywords to keep in mind: muscle pain, muscle cramping and muscle spasms), plus how to control and reduce the severity of your pain. Feel free to check out each blog post. Next week we begin sleep problems and your body not making enough growth hormone. The third week we’ll talk about fatigue, brain fog, and memory problems.

A. Consider lowering your anxiety and stress levels through practicing meditation, stretching, yoga, tai chi, and doing slow to moderate walking. Breathe deeply when you think about it and breathe slowly. Choose moments when you can escape and take a mental vacation. Learning how to breathe deeply and practicing it regularly are not difficult, time-consuming or extremely tiring activities. This only requires that you be mindful and purposeful.

Ah-h-h… . Feel the rush of cool air going into your lungs, nourishing and sustaining your life and health. Allow it to heal you.

These activities will help to calm overactivity of your HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis), therefore helping to lower production of the biochemicals that your body produces when you’re stressed out (eg. when you’re in so much pain). Know in your brain and in your heart how important it is to support your body by doing what you can. No matter how much pain you’re in, your body is not your enemy… .

*Dear One, this is a really important concept, if you are going to quit beating yourself up about why you’re not getting well. Your body is sacred; it was built and designed by God; it is not your enemy.

Note: If you have read all the posts this week, you’re caught up when you finish this one and points B and C. If you’ve missed anything, listen to the audio or download it to your computer or cell phone for all the information. However, you’ll need to return to the blog to get access to all of the referenced websites. There are quite a few listed.

(This audio is 25 minutes 52 seconds)
[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

During this week’s series on Fibromyalgia symptoms and Fibromyalgia pain , let’s you and I agree to be very, very positive about your chances of getting a handle on this illness and heal. Dear one, you can conquer pain. You can be victorious.

And be sure to come back this afternoon for our conclusion of Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain. Learn some good tips on handling your pain.

Now enjoy your day! ))))))))))))

{ 2 comments }

INTERESTING FACT: Fibromyalgia pain can occur at the same time as a seemingly unrelated event, such as irritable bowel syndrome or a migraine headache. If you suffer with such a symptom, don’t ignore it. Instead, address it by paying close attention. Acknowledge how you feel about the pain. Revere the feelings because each one is an important signal and body clue. Resolve to figure out what is causing all of your symptoms.

We know that pain is one of the toughest Fibromyalgia symptoms. It can become a major part of life and more geographically comprehensive than simply being confined to one area of the body. And to be totally factual, for you to be classed as having Fibromyalgia Syndrome, you must have widespread body pain.
[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

“Being happy and free of pain is a reasonable expectation of life and one worth your effort to explore and achieve.”        Cinda Crawford

Who can blame you for wanting to be free of pain? No one. And not me for sure. I know how tough Fibromyalgia is as an illness because I lived with it everyday for 15 years. Today I still fight in the trenches because I want to help you figure out how to live a better quality life. Yes, I’m right beside you, however, I’m healthy and do not suffer with muscle pain the way I used to… .

The first thing most people think of when their body has a symptom like pain is, “What is wrong with me? Why am I in pain?” What you do after that is the reaction you’ve been taught to do by your role models, which exposes the type of thinking that has been accepted for about 100 years: a) go to the doctor, b) ask him or her to figure out what’s wrong with you and c) expect him to fix the problem. (From here on out, him or her will simply be written as ‘him’.)

*Modern man has developed a habit of not thinking for himself, instead simply assuming and hoping someone else will just fix his problems. In this case, it’s allowing the medical establishment to think for you. Years ago we listened to our bodies and hearts more. We were aware of our own innate wisdom. To be healthy again, you and I will have to return to that way of living and thinking, but more about that concept much later down the road. Just remember how important this concept is for right now and let’s get back to specifically talking about how to conquer pain.

If asking your doctor to “fix” your problem worked all the time, you could simply continue to do that because it is simple and easy. Not independent, thoughtful or cost-effective over the long haul, but definitely simple. However, sooner or later, this line of reasoning doesn’t work well because the process breaks down and you’re forced to look at the problem that, in this case, pain is signalling. Your job, if you choose to accept it, is to figure out how to address it on a more comprehensive and sustainable level. No one wants to be dependent on prescription pain medicines for the rest of his life.

{ 1 comment }

Controlling Fibromyalgia symptoms is the second highest desire of people with the illness, only a bit less important than wanting to get rid of the illness for good and enjoying a healthy lifestyle again. During the next 3 weeks, we’ll be talking about some of the toughest and most prevalent symptoms. (This week it’s Fibromyalgia pain relief and we’ll begin our discussion on that explosive topic tomorrow.)

So what are the most talked about symptoms, the worst to live with and the hardest ones on your body, mind and spirit?

1. Pain, muscle cramping and charley horses
2. Sleep dysfunction and not making enough growth hormone
3. Fatigue, brain fog, memory problems and cognition

For the next 3 weeks, we’ll talk in depth about these subjects. On Friday of each week, we’ll come back to wrap up the discussion about Fibromyalgia symptoms on the Health Matters Show podcast and broadcast. We’ll talk more about the symptoms and see if we can’t come up with the best, most meaningful conclusions and suggestions, particularly the ones that you can begin using all on your own. (BTW, your input is always encouraged. Comment away. I love it, want it, need it. Plus, I’m happy to feature your suggestions if they’re really good!)

Thanks so much and be sure to be back here tomorrow when the subject is PAIN!

Cinda Crawford, your host of the Health Matters Show

PS- You don’t want to miss this series on Fibromyalgia symptoms and how to get the pain relief and symptom management that you need so desperately. So why don’t you go ahead and sign up for the RSS feed on the right side of the page? Then you can read the posts automatically in your preferred feedreader program, like Google. -OR you can subscribe to the blog via the confidential e-mail link. Click on your preference. Either way you won’t miss the information that you want, need and the specific info that can help you get a handle on managing your personal Fibromyalgia symptoms.

{ 0 comments }

Most of the time you and I hear the same ole’ things about Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Now that’s not to say that there are not discoveries being made… there are. (Example: watch yesterday’s video.) But the types of things that are happening are not affecting our lives such that the scientists, researchers and doctors are discovering the answers that can help us “really get well.” Or, in other words, help us to heal.

Can You, personally, say that you’re getting well? If you are, you’re one of a small number of people.

Are You healing from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, autoimmune problems, Osteo-arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, mycoplasmas or- (gulp) – anything?? Okay. I know that may take you a minute to think about, because the word healing implies that your health is much improved and as good as it was before you got ill.

At the Health Matters Show today, I’m suggesting that even though occasionally there is new, helpful health information, not much of it really moves illness forward in the areas of long term relief of chronic illness symptoms, improvement in people’s lives and/or how to regain a robust level of health. And, that’s the whole point, isn’t it? You want to re-claim your “good” health, enjoy it and finally feel well again! Of course you do.

(Listen to or download the audio: 8 min 20 seconds. Download it by right clicking your mouse directly over the Download MP3 hyperlink above. This will save the file to your computer or I-Pod listening device.)

Now, none of what I’ve said disputes the fact that that there are fantastic doctors, researchers and health professionals of all types working hard on the front lines everyday. They put their hearts and souls into improving the lives of their patients and clients. I count myself lucky to be involved with wonderful health professionals, both here on the Health Matters Show and through Get Well Health. Some of them are even willing to join us and contribute in various ways, if they feel they can be of real service.

{ 3 comments }

Whether you’re brand new to Fibromyalgia or you’ve lived with this health problem for awhile, it’s always good to know what the professionals are thinking about it, particularly if that is the Stanford University School of Medicine.

I encourage you to take a look at the following video which explains a lot about Fibromyalgia. Professional medical schools, doctors and researchers almost universally believe that “Fibro” is a complicated health condition, but they offer no origin or cause unless mentioning damage caused by trauma (my words: examples of trauma stem from such sources as physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual trauma.)

To get a better handle on your own Fibromyalgia, feel free to tool around this site and the various topics, catching the podcast and resource links and then head over to the Get Well Health network. I have included real health tools to help you start feeling better!

Thank you, Cinda Crawford
Host of the Health Matters Show

{ 2 comments }

If you’re sick and tired, I know it’s not from getting to much affection or too many hugs. It’s because you’re suffering from Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome! And you have every right to feel very outdone that you’re living in such a sick and tired state. No one wants to feel pain and fatigue. No one wants brain fog or any of the symptoms that go along with these illnesses. Right?

Okay, then proceed by taking a healthy, positive step forward. Do something about your situation, even if it’s only one small, teenie, tiny step in the right direction. Choose laughter; choose joy by watching the following hilarious, good-natured video about a very serious subject, hugs, and the giving and receiving thereof. You’ll feel it’s very positive affects on your body, mind and spirit!

Dear One, we humans have the magnificent characteristic of being able to share joy, energy, affection and plain ole’ hugs with those who inspire us to feel joy. I hope that listening to the Hug Song video brightens your day. None of us deserve to feel sick OR tired. Instead we deserve a life full of energy, joy, happiness and good health. (Question… but how do we get back good health… How???)
[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

When one talks or blogs about pain awareness, there is usually a response from the people who want better pain management, such as those people suffering with symptoms of Fibromyalgia pain. They want to know any new news in the arena of Fibromyalgia pain and/or how to get control of it. Plus, the month of September is an especially good time to see what’s going on regarding pain awareness because there are several activities.

Here are 4 resources for you today. I refer you to both the first and second Friday posts here at the Health Matters Show, to comments about them and to a third resource by a fellow Fibro blog, Fibro Haven.

Dear one, it’s possible to suffer with all types of pain. It may be more of a physical/ muscle pain (a.k.a cramping, stinging, burning, knife-in-the-back type of pain) or migraine headaches (like what Julianne Koritz talked about on the Health Matters Show Friday interview), or more mental-oriented or emotional-natured pain from add-on sources like depression or some type of abuse.

So you ask, “What can I do about pain management?” Well, your fourth resource is coming up now…
[click to continue…]

{ 2 comments }

As I interview Julianne Koritz, a top-notch nutritionist, for the Health Matters Show about what she sees in people who come to her with symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or similar problems, I am blown away by the reality that what we eat directly causes or is a major factor with many of our problem symptoms. Julianne confirmed this nutrition information and more– big time!

Apparently food reactions and food sensitivities are very common in people whose bodies produce unpleasant symptoms such as pain, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (a.k.a. IBS) and more. Listen to the audio below to hear Julianne and I talk about how people come to her for their pain and find the very help that they need for recurrent migraine headaches (and in a short period of time). They walk in her door with longterm symptoms of irritable bowel syndome and begin to feel better than they have in years. Now, that is good news.

Also Julianne Koritz shares an interesting perspective of how women perceive this type of chronic health problem as opposed to a man. These points of view are different and this difference can be an important factor in getting well.

This audio is 16 min 35 seconds- Click right-facing arrow to listen to the audio file here or feel free to download it.)

If you like what you hear and want to know more, then there’s the longer, second part of the interview, when Julianne Koritz really tells us what she knows. Please, get all of the fantastic health information that she is sharing so freely. The second audio file is 40 minutes, 21 seconds and is only available when you register. See below.)
[click to continue…]

{ 1 comment }

This week and this month is a great time to think more about Fibromyalgia and pain awareness. Why? Because of all the events and awareness happenings during the month of September 2009. See the references below and investigate at will.

1) Know Fibro Initiative Commemorates National Pain Awareness Month,

3) Second Annual CME Women in Pain Conference in Los Angeles, CA.

Note: there may be even more events than these. If you know of one or are attending an event, leave a comment below with details.

Dear One, know that if you have pain caused by Fibromyalgia, you are not alone. You don’t suffer alone. There are a lot of people right there with you in the trenches, who either are in pain or who are concerned about your pain. Do not despair; hope is around the corner.

Instead, I suggest that you do something positive about managing your pain and getting rid of it. When you begin to feel better and you’re not in such excruciating pain, getting well from Fibromyalgia will be much easier.

My best to you,

Cinda Crawford
Host of the Health Matters Show, founder of Get Well Health and creator of Sacred Cellular Healing

PS- On the Health Matters Show podcast later today at 3 pm EDT, I interview Julianne Koritz, a skilled nutritionist. She will talk about some the issues in managing pain! Be sure to check back in with us.

{ 3 comments }

Tomorrow on the Health Matters Show, I interview a nutritionist and dietary expert, who is really in-the-know about nutrition information, eating and where it impacts people with the illnesses Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She gave me so much nutrition information during our unique conversation, that in fact, I can’t get it all in one podcast!

So be sure to check in tomorrow at 3 pm EDT. Then plan to stick around and catch the second part of the interview where she really tells us so much more -or- you’ll have the opportunity to download it and listen to it at your leisure.

I know you’re smiling and marking this in your calendar. The podcast platform is a wonderful mechanism for picking up great health information and being able to “digest” it at your leisure. How’s that for a food analogy?

Throughout the months and years that my body/mind/spirit was in the process of healing, I did so much better, when in my eating and nutrition, I concentrated on the foods and substances that I put into my body. That’s still true today: junk in, junk out. Good stuff in, fantastic stuff out!

Plus, I think the dietary issues concerning Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or other chronic illnesses mean that you need to get a handle on what is good for your body and your immune system and what probably harms your efforts to get well. (My guest talks a lot about that.)

Without help, those are really confusing subjects. Dear one, I promise that in listening to my guest, you’ll hear nutrition information that you’ve probably never heard before as it applies to these illnesses. She is willing and capable of helping us figure out this entire perplexing problem. Finally… you have access to the help that you’ve been needing for so long.

So, let me invite you to be back here at the Health Matters Show podcast tomorrow. Join us for some vital info. Discover how you can get involved in helping yourself get well.

HINT: Every part of you needs to learn about and act on this nutrition information, especially your challenged digestive system and immune system. Dear one, ‘dietary’ is not a mere adjective… it’s a verb that requires your attention and intention if you’re going to make progress in healing!

Thanks,
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

PS- I’d appreciate you sending this blog post on to a friend with dietary issues of their own. We’ll conquer these problems when the information about how to do it really gets out there!

{ 0 comments }