Wow! Last week was bad. Hell really. One of my most intense flare-ups I have had in a while; the kind of pain and fatigue that literally distorts your facial features. The few times I bothered to look in the mirror last week and take inventory, I was amazed at how awful the stranger peering back at me looked. It was a really long week. It was nothing new. We have all been there. We will all be there again. Then why, each time I suffer that severe of a flare, does it all seem so desperate and unending? Fibromyalgia is such a bitch! Just go back and read my last post written on a good day … [Read more...]
I Am Feeling So Lucky and Supported!
Last night I had another great Fibromyalgia support group meeting. The structure of the meeting was new for the group; each of us brought books we have read that have had a positive impact on our lives in one way or another. Members brought books on topics from self-help and memoir writing to Lake Wobegon. A very clever member shared a book that has had the greatest impact on helping her with the dreaded fibro fog - a notebook! Seriously, everyone of us should have one close by at all times, and what ever you do, don't lose it like I did mine. Devastating! As each meeting does, last … [Read more...]
Gluten Intolerance: The Culprit Behind Many Chronic Illnesses
Do you ever find yourself feeling achy and fatigued for no apparent reason? Are you experiencing headaches, muscle and joint pain, irritability, bloating, or digestion problems? The symptoms you are experiencing may be an adverse reaction to the foods you eat. These are just a few of the many indicators of gluten intolerance, a condition gaining recognition as a contributing factor behind many chronic health issues. Gluten is the complex protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. For many, our bodies are unable to digest these proteins properly. That headache you experience after a … [Read more...]
It’s a Down Day
Today is what I call a "down day." You know - a recovery day, a "my brain is not working" day, a "did I remember to brush my teeth?" day, a "babe, do you mind bringing something home for dinner?" day, a "man I HURT" day. Today is the day I ignore my phone, stay off the computer and catch up on my DVR. I will try not to get stressed over my lack of productivity and just give into it, because if I do, maybe I will only feel this bad for today. Maybe tomorrow I will wake up feeling a little better. I will drink a lot of water today, even more than the A LOT that I normally drink. I have … [Read more...]
Improve Your Fibromyalgia With Laughter Yoga
There are approximately 6000 clubs around the world that practice laughter yoga as a way to improve mood, health and overall wellbeing. Here is a description of laughter yoga from the official Laughter Yoga International website: Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is fast sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout. It is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician from Mumbai who started the first laughter club in a park on 13th March 1995, with just 5 people. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more … [Read more...]