September 2008
183 Rainbow Dr. #8329 Livingston, TX 77399-1083
Publisher: Jerry Glein Ph. 503-440-1392 Editor: Carolyn Glein Ph. 503-440-1810
Email: glein@lupusfibro.com
Webmaster: Patrick McNeese Special Writer: Kayla Fenstamacher
Monthly Meeting held @ Providence Hospital Seaside, Oregon, 3rd Mondays
Facilitators: Carol Wamsher 503-458-6709 cwamsher@peoplepc.com
Jeanne Nordmark - 503-738-7928 nord@seasurf.
Secretary: Shelia Sanderson - 360-665-4870 ssanderson@reachone.com
Website: http://www.lupusfibro.com Bulletin Board: http://www.lupusfibro.com/phpBB/index.php
Group established in 1988 Newsletter established in March 1992
September 2008
Summer is almost over for those of us in the U.S. and winter is almost over for our members in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand areas. We may not share the same seasons, but we all share some of the same medical problems. Isn’t it nice to know that we are not the only one who understands how we feel at any given time or place? I know I am!
Had a very nice surprise in our mail box last week, we received two great magazines from our friend Marilyn in South Africa. Such a great way to learn a little bit about life in S.A. I tried to email her our thanks, but it came back telling me that my email was SPAM so it was rejected. That was different…I get a lot of SPAM in my email box, Jerry likes to eat SPAM , but never thought I’d be a Spammer myself.
We are in Tennessee and will be staying here for a couple of months. It’s time to look for a new primary care doctor; time to check on our storage unit & repack some boxes; time to trade out books for reading this coming winter; time to do some deep cleaning on this home on wheels. We’ve had a recall on our refrigerator so have to take the motorhome off to the refrigerator doctor.
Tennessee in August can be a very hot, humid, steamy place with pop-up thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the mountains. It is so very green here, lots of big leaf ivy that takes over everything, trees,and mountains. Our RV Park is up in the Great Smokey Mountains with big luscious trees surrounding us. There’s a big leaf ivy that grows here and just takes over everything. It’s truly beautiful here. We’re about 40 minutes from Pat & family which makes it nice for those family dinners.
We left Oregon behind in June, spent time in Idaho, Wyoming, and Illinois on our way here. Got to visit with my sisters in Illinois and then one of them came to Gatlinburg, TN for her vacation…we all had dinner together at the Olive Garden where cousins met for the first time.
MEETINGS start back up this month so don’t forget to mark your calendars…September 15th at 2:30 PM. Attending the meetings when you live close by is something you should do when you are able. How else are YOU going to help support someone else? YOU may be the one who needs support or YOU may end up supporting someone else. Just by attending it shows others that they are not the only one. Come share…we all have our story to tell. And don’t forget to thank your facilitators…they may be in a flare, but there they are leading a good meeting for YOU. Be gratefull.
Jerry is getting over bronchitis and I’m ending up a sinus infection with an antibiotic that I had a bad reaction too. So let’s hope you all are doing better than us!
J & C
FMS or FM…your choice!
Last newsletter I wrote that I would try to remember to use FM in place of FMS. You should know that FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) has been used here since we added fibromyalgia patients to this support group. In an article presented in the June 2008 newsletter Devin Starlanyl wrote that she would be using FM in her future articles and books. I agree that FM is a better choice. I personally do not believe that fibromyalgia is a syndrome, but possibly a disease or a chronic pain disorder, however I’m not a medical researcher.
One of our members sent me an email and asked where I received the information that officially FMS was changed to FM as she had tried to find it and was not able to do so. She also questioned calling fibromyalgia a disease. I was extremely pleased that she not only questioned what had been in our last newsletter, but let me know that she was puzzled by the statements. I hope you all feel that you can do the same.
I have noticed that many places are now using the FM designation. I do not have proof that FM is the approved usage everywhere; in fact I am sure that FMS is still used in many places, as I am certain that many physicians still do not even recognize fibromyalgia as something valid to treat.
The following definition was copied from the website of the National Fibromyalgia Organization: http://www.fmaware.org, so please note their usage of FM.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any body part can be affected. Fibromyalgia patients experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time.
The next definition was copied from the website of Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, and I ask you to note their usage of FM also.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a human disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia. While the criteria for such an entity have not yet been thoroughly developed, the recognition that fibromyalgia involves more than just pain has led to the frequent use of the term "fibromyalgia syndrome". It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed.[2] The disorder is not directly life-threatening. The degree of symptoms may vary greatly from day to day with periods of flares (severe worsening of symptoms) or remission; however, the disorder is generally perceived as non-progressive.
Dr. Robert Bennett of the OHSU Fibromyalgia Research Clinic in Portland, Oregon has written the following in a recent article (that you may find in its entirety on our website):
Pathogenesis: Fibromyalgia articles commonly begin with the admonition that "the cause of fibromyalgia is not known". This assertion is no longer justified. Impressive advances have been made in understanding the neurobiology of chronic pain. As fibromyalgia is now considered part of the spectrum of chronic pain, these advances are relevant to understanding pain in fibromyalgia patients.
I also checked the definition of the word ‘disease’ with Wikipedia and believe from my understanding that fibromyalgia could easily be considered a disease. A disease is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions, associated with specific symptoms and signs. In human beings, “disease" is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes extreme pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, and/or death to the person afflicted, or similar problems for those in contact with the person. In this broader sense, it sometimes includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, isolated symptoms, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations of structure and function, while in other contexts and for other purposes these may be considered distinguishable categories.
In the articles used here, I will not change anyone else’s use of FMS to FM, but will continue to use FM for my own personal use. I hope this clears up any questions why some are using FMS, and others FM. So many new things are being learned about fibromyalgia from chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep distress, to cognitive problems, sensitivities and much more.
Letters from one of our Members….
I heard a real good one the other day to share.
I was at the E.R. for pain, and the Doc there informed me that if you have lupus, you don’t have fibromyalgia too…you don’t have them together.
He doesn’t believe in fibro of course. He wanted to know who would possibly have told me that I had both? I informed him it was my rheumatologist. (I think he probably knows a little more than the E.R. doc) just had to share that one. I certainly got a laugh out of it.
Thanks for everything….love & hugs,
Debbie H.
ECO-Friendly medicine disposal
A recent study found that more than 40 million Americans may have traces of medicines in their water. Now, a Seattle based Group Health Cooperative, a nonprofit health-care system, is stepping in with the nation’s largest safe-disposal project. Customers can drop meds in disposal boxes at 25 pharmacies in Washington. The meds are later incinerated—the best option. (Check with local recyclers to find out if they’ll handle your medications.)
Health magazine – Health.com 2008 June
At the May Northcoast Lupus & Fibro Support Group meeting in Seaside Oregon the topic of discussion was on disposing on old medications. It was noted that often our medications are changed when we still have some left and it’s always a question of what to do about them. Carol Wamsher, facilitator had contacted many pharmacies and the local recycler in the area, but none had a way to dispose of medications.
The most common way of disposal is to flush old meds down the toilet and that may be how they eventually end up in our water systems. One pharmacist recommended that discarded meds be mixed in with old used kitty litter when placing in your garbage, to dissuade anyone from trying to use them.
It was decided at the meeting to try and institute a safe way of disposal in the state of Oregon. Member, Donna Wright volunteered to contact our state representatives to see if they would take on the problem of proper medicine disposal. There are methods of safe and proper disposal of hazardous medical waste like diabetic supplies, etc., now it’s time for safe methods of disposing old unused medications. Let me know if your area has a disposal for meds, please!
Carolyn
Fibromyalgia myths…
And the truth….
Myth: Most doctors don’t believe fibromyalgia is a real condition.
Truth: This myth may come from a misunderstanding. Since fibromyalgia is defined by a list of symptoms, claiming that fibromyalgia isn’t real is essentially saying that your symptoms aren’t real. That doesn’t make sense. Most doctors believe your symptoms are real.
The controversy comes when deciding whether fibromyalgia is a disease process that can be reversed or cured. Most doctors believe fibromyalgia is a set of symptoms that aren’t caused by an underlying disease. Most believe that symptoms can be managed, but there is no underlying disease to cure.
In some cases the doctor may not be familiar with fibromyalgia and he/she can refer you to someone who knows more about the condition.
Finding a compassionate doctor can be frustrating, but don’t give up if you haven’t found your perfect doctor. Focus on finding a doctor who is willing to listen.
Myth: Fibromyalgia damages your joints.
Truth: Though fibromyalgia pain can be severe at times, it doesn’t damage your bones, joints, or muscles. Some people worry that when pain worsens it means that fibromyalgia is progressing. But that isn’t the case While increasing fibro pain can make it difficult to go about your daily activities, it isn’t damaging your body.
Myth: You were diagnosed with fibromyalgia because your doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with you.
Truth: Fibromyalgia is a specific diagnosis based on your symptoms, not a diagnosis you’re given when there’s nothing wrong with you. The American College of Rheumatology developed a set of criteria to help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia. Diagnosing fibromyalgia often takes time.
Since there is no single test that can confirm you have fibromyalgia, your doctor will often run tests and procedures to rule out other conditions. Enduring repeated tests can be frustrating, but it’s an important part of determining whether your symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia or something else. The results will guide your treatment.
Myth: Fibromyalgia causes pain. Those other symptoms you’re experiencing must be caused by something else.
Truth: Fibromyalgia can cause symptoms in addition to pain. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Other fibromyalgia symptoms may include headaches, sensitivity to light, dizziness, memory problems, and numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. A number of other conditions commonly accompany fibromyalgia, including irritable bowel syndrome, bladder control problems and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Myth: No treatments for fibromyalgia exist, so it’s no use going to the doctor.
Truth: There’s no standard treatment for fibromyalgia, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved just one drug for treating fibromyalgia. (Carolyn has read that a 2nd one approved by the FDA and & will be out summer of 2008.) You have many options for controlling fibromyalgia including medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary and alternative treatments. Often you will need to try a few treatments in different combinations to determine what works best.
Myth: On days when you’re feeling good, you should try to do as much as you can since you may be unable to accomplish everything you want on other days.
Continued next page…
Fibro Myths & Truths continued…
Truth: Overdoing it on the good days may catch up with you. You may feel exhausted the next day and your fibromyalgia symptoms could worsen. But that doesn’t mean you should keep your activity to a minimum. Doing very little could weaken your muscles and increase your pain.
Cope with the good days and the no-so-good days by finding a balance. Pace yourself. Set goals for each day. Your goals should be reasonable. And they should include daily exercise and time for yourself, such as time to relax or listen to music.
Myth: Fibromyalgia is a life threatening disease.
Truth: Fibromyalgia is not fatal and it doesn’t damage your body. Fibromyalgia symptoms fluctuate over time, sometimes getting worse and sometimes becoming milder. Fibromyalgia pain rarely disappears completely, but you can learn to gain some control over it.
Myth: You can’t have a productive life with fibromyalgia.
Truth: Learning to control your fibromyalgia pain takes time. It is likely that the pain will never completely go away and you’ll have to accept that your life might never be the same. But that doesn’t mean your life can’t be satisfying and productive.
Work with your doctor to adapt your daily activities so that you can have time and energy for what’s important to you. Your strategy may include a number of approaches, such as setting goals, for instance, making time for relaxation exercises every day, or making lifestyle changes, such as walking most days of the week.
Mayo Clinic on Fibromyalgia Myths – March 2008 and thanks to SJ CFIDS/ME/FMS Snail Mail April 2008
Caring for Yourself
• Learn as much about lupus as possible.
• Understand that you will experience a variety of emotions, particularly when you are first diagnosed and as you adjust to the fact that you have lupus.
• Adopt a positive attitude.
• Evaluate your personal strengths and resources, such as family, friends, coworkers, and community ties.
• Determine what your needs are, then make a plan to address them.
• Don’t be afraid to set goals for yourself, but be flexible.
• Learn how to manage the physical aspects of your disease and the effects they have on other areas of your life.
• Learn to deal with stressful situations, because stress and anxiety can make your lupus symptoms worse.
• Learn to talk with your health care team, family, friends, and coworkers about lupus and the effect it has on your life.
• Don’t be afraid to seek help for yourself or your family.
• Remember that living well with lupus is possible. It is important that you take control of your illness and not allow it to take control of you. Adopting a positive attitude and striving to be happy can make a big difference in the quality of your life and that of your family and friends.
Lupus Anticoagulants
Definition
Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies against phospholipids (substances in the lining of cells) that prevent blood clotting in a test tube. Persons with these antibodies may have an abnormally high risk of blood clotting.
Causes
Lupus anticoagulants are usually found in persons with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They may also be found in persons who take certain medications, including phenothiazines, phenytoin, hydralazine, quinine, amoxicillin, and birth control pills. Persons with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), infections, and certain tumors may have lupus anticoagulants.
Some people have no risk factors for this condition. In some cases, it is linked to an increased risk of blood clots and may be the cause of recurrent miscarriages.
Symptoms
• Blood clots
• Recurrent miscarriages
There may be no symptoms.
Exams and Tests
The following tests may be done:
• Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• Thromboplastin inhibition test
• Russell viper venom time
Treatment
No treatment is required when there are no symptoms. If clots occur, your health care provider may prescribe blood thinners (heparin followed by warfarin). Higher-than-usual doses of warfarin may be needed. Steroids sometimes help lower antibody levels, but it is not clear whether this decreases clotting risk.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is usually good with appropriate therapy. Some patients have difficult-to-control clots with recurrent symptoms.
Possible Complications
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Blood clot in lungs (pulmonary embolism)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of a blood clot, which include swelling or redness in the leg, shortness of breath, or pain, numbness and pallor in an arm or leg.
Prevention
Awareness of risk factors may allow early diagnosis. Prevention may not be possible.
References
Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS, Sledge CB. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005.
Q&A With Dr. Perlman: Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Depression
Date April 25, 2008
Content provided by Revolution Health Group
Adam Perlman, M.D., M.P.H., is the executive director of the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), where he is an associate professor of medicine. In 2004, he was named the UMDNJ Endowed Professor in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
We spoke to Dr. Perlman, a Revolution Health senior medical expert, about CAM therapies and depression.
Q: What is the first step someone should take to treat depression?
Dr. Perlman: The first step is a gigantic step -- to have the conversation with your doctor. Patients are resistant to admitting that they are not feeling well emotionally. And often the response the physician has is to treat depression with medication during this first conversation. At times that can be appropriate for clinical depression. But for those who have mild to moderate depression, it's important to consider a trial of psychotherapy. In addition, it is often important to rule out conditions such as hypothyroidism, which can be potential causes of depression.
Q: What are some dietary supplements for treating depression?
Dr. Perlman: St. John's Wort can be beneficial for mild to moderate depression. Patients should be aware that this supplement has some of the same side effects that medications have, such as agitation, dizziness and dry mouth. They should also be aware of potential interactions with other medications they might be using and the importance of correct dosing in order to produce results. Patients should do their homework and check multiple sources, including their physician or pharmacist.
Other dietary supplements that can be used to treat depression are fish oil, ,folic acid and SAMe. As with any dietary supplement, there is always the possibility of side effects. Fish oil can result in fishy belching. This can be minimized or avoided by freezing the capsules, taking the supplements with food or switching brands. Fish oil also should be taken with a small amount of vitamin E because fish oil causes free radicals.
Q: Why do you think more people haven't heard or aren't using these supplements?
Dr. Perlman: Actually, depression is one of the more common reasons that people use complementary medicine in general. The reason that people may not be that familiar with these supplements is probably that their health care providers are less familiar with the evidence for these supplements as a treatment option for depression. With severe depression, you need to talk to your doctor because medication might be the best choice for you.
For less severe depression, natural supplements might be a good option for you because there are sometimes additional health benefits. For instance, fish oil is heart-healthy.
Q: What are some diet and lifestyle changes that you can make to help treat depression and maintain health?
Dr. Perlman: Some of the lifestyle changes you can make to ease symptoms of depression are maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid or limit the following: caffeine, smoking and alcohol. Also, it's important to maintain healthy relationships and to have a strong sense of spirituality, by understanding what gives your life meaning and purpose.
Q: What are other ways you can treat depression?
Dr. Perlman: Consider psychotherapy. It gives you tools that empower you to deal with what has been troubling you. In addition to that, try mind-body techniques like biofeedback or visualization. Also, massage and acupuncture can be beneficial. The key is to individualize it -- find what is going to work with you.
Biofeedback teaches you to use your mind to control responses of your body that aren't typically under your control. Through biofeedback training, you can learn to slow down your pulse or lower your blood pressure using visuals and/or auditory cues as you are getting into a more parasympathetic state or relaxed state. Eventually you'll be able to produce these responses alone.
Visualization is similar to biofeedback, but it doesn't use technology. You are simply using your imagination to move yourself into a more relaxed state. With visualization, either you are using your own memory, or someone else like a mind-body practitioner can guide you to that more relaxed state.
Acupuncture and massage can also be some of the tools that people can use for stress reduction and depression as part of a comprehensive approach. Massage can just be one of the tools that a person uses for self-care. With depression, you should come up with an overall plan for self-care, and massage can be part of your plan to take care of yourself.
Reviewed by Joseph E. Scherger, MD
4/08
©2007 Revolution Health Group, LLC. All rights reserve
Cymbalta Approved as Fibromyalgia Treatment
Monday June 16, 2008 By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide to Fibromyalgia & CFS
And then there were two! The FDA has approved Cymbalta (duloxetine) for treating fibromyalgia. Lyrica (pregabalin) was approved about a year ago.
Cymbalta is an SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), which means that it increases how much of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine are available to your brain. Levels of both neurotransmitters are generally low in people with fibromyalgia, which is believed to be partially responsible for symptoms such as pain amplification, mood swings and irritability.
Here are the highlights of 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that Cymbalta-manufacturer Eli Lilly presented to the FDA:
• Pain improved at least 30% for just over half of participants during the first week.
• About 65% of participants reported feeling better at the end of the studies.
• Cymbalta faired much better than placebo on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, which is used to gauge aspects of health and functionality.
• The drop-out rate due to adverse effects were 20% and 12%.
The most common side effects of Cymbalta in studies were:
• Nausea (29%)
• Dry mouth (18%)
• Constipation (15%)
• Decreased appetite (11%)
• Sleepiness (11%)
• Increased sweating (7%)
• Agitation (6%)
Doctors have prescribed Cymbalta as a fibromyalgia treatment for a long time. What changes with FDA approval, however, is that more doctors will be aware of it as a treatment option, and also that more insurance companies may be willing to pay for it now. We might also see more TV and magazine ads that raise public awareness of fibromyalgia.
Other drugs working toward FDA approval include: milnacipran, for which a decision is expected by the end of the year; Effirma (oral flupirtine), which has recently received the FDA's permission to start clinical trials in the U.S; and narcolopsy drug sodium oxybate (the drug in Xyrem), which is now moving into Phase III clinical trials.
Interviews by Tiffany Plate, Jun 1, 2008 12:00 PM
Brain Fog……
Brain fog is not really a medical diagnosis, but people are talking about it more and more. You may have unclear thinking or trouble concentrating, and you may appear somewhat confused or forgetful and even feel detached. You may feel depressed.
Your brain consumes about 20 percent of the body's energy, and you get energy from food. If you put the wrong fuel in your body, your body's not going to work properly.
In general, people with brain fog should avoid sugar and sugar-containing products, particularly sodas and sweets, but also white bread, pasta, and white rice, which are the most common culprits related to brain fog. These ultra-processed foods are metabolized very quickly and cause blood sugar to spike then drop, which naturally makes you tired [and results in brain fog]
Most people also need some sort of protein with every meal. [Because the body absorbs it more slowly than sugar, eating protein can balance glucose response and prevent you from crashing.]
Keep some food at your desk, like nuts, sunflower seeds, hard-boiled eggs, or natural beef jerky. Then add some carrots, celery or green peppers, and cottage cheese. When you have good things around, you won't be tempted to head to the vending machine when you're hungry.
— Marion Hauser, MS, RD, Caring Medical
Rehabilitation Services, Oak Park, Illinois;
co-author of The Hauser Diet (Beulah Land, 2007)
Neurologist
Among young, healthy people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, brain fog is rarely due to just one thing — it's usually a conspiracy of several things, with stress at the top of the list. Why? Because we're asking the brain to do more than it has ever needed to do before.
De-stress by structuring your life in a more controlled fashion. Don't take on too much responsibility, have better organizational skills, and try to delegate effectively. How foggy you feel also depends on how you react to stress. At your desk, close your eyes, and take some slow deep breaths for five minutes. Do it a couple of times a day. Yoga, meditation, and relaxation can help, as well.
Also, most people need eight or more hours of quality sleep. If you are sleep deprived for a day, your brain functions about as well as that of a person who is legally drunk.
Exercise also contributes to a sharp brain. There's now some evidence that walking at a moderate pace for 20 minutes two to three times a week can improve your memory. Other types of exercise — like aerobic, weight-training, and balance exercises — are also great de-stressers that can improve brain fog in a week. —Larry McCleary, MD, Incline Village, Nevada; author of The Brain Trust Program (Perigee Trade, 2007)
Integrative cardiologist
As a clinician, I'm seeing earlier-onset brain fog, and I suspect it's due to our toxic environment — heavy metals, phthalates, insecticides, and pesticides are everywhere. These environmental toxins are mitochondrial toxins. The mitochondria in your cells produce adenosine triphosphate, which is the main energy source of the body, giving you cognition, thought, and energy. When you destroy mitochondria, you destroy the integrity of the cell, and eventually the cell dies.
So a healthy diet is important, as is awareness that your brain is very sensitive to toxins. That's why you want to try to eat more organics. I also recommend a supplement like acetyl-L-carnitine (1-3 grams daily), which nourishes the brain, and coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily), which helps increase energy.
B vitamins are an old standby for the brain, and you can take them with new supplements like phosphatidylserine (PS, 1-2 grams daily) to beat brain fog. Another one to try is melatonin. A recent study in which participants took 10 mg of melatonin showed very significant improvement in Alzheimer's-type symptoms and relief from depression, as well as better sleep. I recommend 1-10 mg of melatonin taken at bedtime. You should see enormous improvements.
—Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, Manchester,
Connecticut; author of The Sinatra Solution
(Basic Health, 2008)
Submitted by ConnieO
Thanksgiving and Christmas!!
I know you are all saying “Not yet I am not ready”. Me either. But I figured it was a great way to start an article concerning…the season.
Autumn is about on us and the weather is going to change for the worse? Colder days and nights, snow (again), rain, and the dreaded wind. Those are the days that seem to affect me the most, and the worst. I like them for my sanity but my body seems to say ‘ouch’ more often.
With school starting soon for us, my daughter is looking at different colleges, picking her senior schedule, and of course the most important, clothes shopping. That seems like a lot for most people but for her, she could do it all in a day. Me, on the other hand has to be very careful about my day and what I do in it. The clothes shopping are done in one day at the mall, where there are a lot of benches to sit on.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday here in America (since I know this goes to more than the US), I love the food, the family being together and the best part, dessert! I have always tried to incorporate a few different family favorites. My favorite is the turkey; it always goes in the night before on really low so that it slow cooks all night and day. I try to prepare as much as I can the night before so that I don’t over-do it the day of.
Pies are made a day or two prior to Thanksgiving, along with cookies if we want them. I always make sure that my daughter is in charge of that. I like to delegate ‘chores’ for everyone to help out with the dinner. I try to do that with all our meals but it never seems to work out that way.
As for Christmas, we start shopping right after Christmas the year before. We also try to buy the ‘easy way’ to wrap things. Like instead of using wrapping paper we use decorated boxes, nice bags and tissue paper. If there is something that we need to wrap I make sure I wrap it at the table instead of leaning over something, sitting on the floor or trying to wrap it on our bed. The one great thing that we have found makes it easier for us, is to give a gift card to a favorite restaurant or store.
For the colder weather, the only advice I might be able to pass along….bundle up!...ha! Flu season is the worst; I try to remember to wash my hands often. With one child still in school she will more than likely bring home the flu. Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise. Flu shots are a must for most.
My trip to the doctor seems to revolve around the fact that the weather is about to change again. Letting him know that my pain levels will probably go up and what should I do about this? I am on Lyrica daily but know that I could up my dosage, to combat the pain.
Just a side note…CABIN FEVER!! Open up the curtains, turn on the lights and even if you need to walk around your house do it. Make it a habit that you walk around your house for just a few minutes so that you don’t get the ‘doldrums’’.
Call your friends, go out to lunch, something to get out of the house at least once a week. Maybe you enjoy a nice drive, or a crisp walk. I hope that you all enjoy the next couple of months and take a moment to relax.
Written by Kayla Fenstermacher
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The Northcoast Lupus & Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 2:30 PM in the Education Center of Providence Seaside Hospital in Seaside, Oregon. We DO NOT meet in July nor August. Our newsletter includes a wide variety of information on lupus, fibromyalgia and related syndromes. The articles are not necessarily the opinion of the group, but are those of the authors. We STRONGLY recommend that you always seek the advice of your physician before trying any new treatment. There is no charge for the newsletter but we do encourage donations which may be sent to the address on the front page. Feel free to submit an article but know that we reserve the right to edit for size and content unless previously agreed on.
